Hello Everyone!
Part Two of my Thailand Travel Series is finally here! Following on from my last travel blog post which was all about Bangkok, this blog post covers everything from things to do and see in Phuket to island hopping, snorkeling and canoeing through bat caves. I’ve been working on this one for a while so have a read through and let me know what you think. If you’ve already booked a trip to Thailand and have anymore questions that aren’t answered below feel free to drop me a message! <3
Phuket – An Absolute Must!
Phuket has so many amazing things to do, whether you are looking to relax by the beach or pool, or if you’re looking to go island hopping and soak up the breath-taking views . Temples, night markets, unforgettable views, a few too many selfies and a historic town awaits. Between hikes to the marble Buddha that overlooks Southern Phuket and canoes through bat caves any visitor will consider themselves lucky to be able to experience this place. I have chosen just a few of the amazing things to do while you are in Phuket.
Where I Stayed – The Kee Resort & Spa
I stayed in the Kee Resort and Spa for 10 nights, they had some great deals when I was over and I honestly have no complaints to make about this place. I would highly recommend it for couples and groups of friends. The Kee Resort is a 2-minute walk from Patong Beach, it is right beside a shopping plaza and is just a 5 minute walk from the nightlife of Bangla Road aka party-central.
It was very hot when I was in Phuket so thankfully they had fantastic air conditioning in our room. There’s a very cool cocktail bar on the roof with unbelievable views (and the most amazing cocktails), and a swim-up bar in a lagoon-style pool, plus a spa and a fitness center. You can book almost any tour from the hotel which was an added bonus – this is a lot safer than booking tours off the side of the street.
Tip: I would book a few months in advance to ensure you get the best rates and deals.
Explore Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay was just one of the highlights of my trip to Thailand. You can book a full day tour with your hotel that includes loads of activities along the way, food, snorkeling and canoeing (through) bat caves on Panak Island.
The tours include speed boats and long tail boats to the famous James Bond Island as well as stopping off at Koh Talu and visiting the fishing village Ko Panyi.
The most amazing thing about Phang Nga Bay is the scenery – it is jaw dropping. From the limestone cliffs that rise vertically out of the water to the emerald green water; this place is the perfect backdrop for photos. There are a number of different ways to explore Phang Nga Bay but by canoe is the best way if you ask me.
I got to travel through rock caves that look like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, have lunch on a deserted island and swim in the crystal clear water.
Climb to the Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is a well-known landmark in Phuket and can be seen from almost everywhere in the south. The 45m tall Buddha is layered with beautiful white marble. Although the Buddha has been under construction for the past 10 years and still has a good few years to go; this impressive statue is a true symbol of peace and hope. What makes this Buddha even better is the climb up and the views along the way.
Once you reach the top you can see Chalong Bay, Phang Nga Bay, Kata Bay and Kata Noi Bay. Make sure you don’t forget your camera – I look about 100 in the space of an hour! (Photo-addict) The Big Buddha and its enormity are definitely appreciated when you are standing next to it after an epic trek up the hill.
Night out in Patong Beach
Patongs crazy nightlife is something you don’t want to miss out on. Soi Bangla (or Bangla Road) is definitely a place I won’t forget in a hurry – the heart of the bar scene where neon lights and ‘cray’ music keep you going until all hours. There are at least a hundred bars along Bangla – I would definitely recommend a night out here.
Snorkel the Clear Waters
The area of Phuket has some insane snorkeling conditions. Not all beaches are suitable for snorkeling and some of them are quite overcrowded with tourists but if you can find a beach with the right conditions; you will never want to get out of the water.
Banana Beach is a great spot for snorkeling in crystal clear waters along with large palm trees and bright yellow sand. Ao Sane Beach is another beach hidden away that not only offers great snorkeling but has a dive shop on site where you can rent equipment and even take a lesson or two. It is divided into three coves creating an underwater paradise for marine life. Finally, not forgetting the Similan Islands which by far offer the clearest water and some of the world’s greatest snorkeling. Pick a beach, grab your snorkel gear and head out to view some seriously tropical fish!
Tour Old Phuket Town
The town is located away from the beaches. It consisted of five roads and several smaller streets and is full of fabulous architecture, Chinese temples, and of course culture. I would suggest exploring this area on foot and join a walking tour if you can.
Make sure to visit the Shrine of the Serene Light and Thalang Road. A fresh food market, a Chinese shrine and the Thai Hua Museum can all be found throughout these roads. There are also a good few shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you going along the way so a trip to the Old Town is well worth it.
Visit Wat Chalong
I’ve been told that this is the most important temple of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket so it is definitely worth a visit. I took so many photos of this temple and its surroundings, it is amazing in its beauty and meaning. If you do visit any temples remember to dress appropriately by covering up. I bought two pairs of over-sized Thai trousers and two tops that covered my shoulders – these kept me going!
This temple had so much detailing and colour inside and out and especially along the staircases and the ceilings. Make sure to see the famous Poh Than Jao Wat statue located in the old hall of the temple. This temple was definitely one of my favourites!
Visit the Night Markets
If you are a foodie and a shopaholic like myself then this is a must! Night markets consist of hundreds of stalls full of clothes, shoes, crafts and everything Thai; the night markets are a nice break from souvenir shops and will give you a chance to haggle with shop owners.
The food is to die for at the market – be sure to try the exotic fruits. I wasn’t brave enough to try any deep-fried insects but this has been recommended by a few of my friends so by all means chew away! 😛 There is plenty to see and plenty to buy in the Night Markets in Phuket Town. A quieter night out in Phuket compared to Bangla Road but definitely a worthwhile one.
Visit a Viewpoint in Time for the Sunset
Karon Viewpoint is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket. From here, it is possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches. It is located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint was busy enough when I was there but I would definitely recommend going for the views.
There are a good few lookout points in Phuket but the most popular viewpoint is Laem Phromthep because it offers one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. The lighthouse at the top will give you a view away from the majority of the people. You can watch as the sky turns all shades of red, pink and gold. Such a beautiful place!
Visit the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are between the large island of Pluket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. They are part of Krabi province. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the most populated island of the group.
Ko Phi Phi Lee are visited by many tourists as well. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island are pretty much just rocks jutting out of the sea but they are just as beautiful so I would still recommend stopping by one if not all of them. You can get to the islands by speedboats or Long-tail boats most often from Krabi Town or from various piers in the Phuket Province.
Catch a Speed Boat to Maya Bay
Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that’s sheltered by high cliffs on three sides. This place was by far the highlight of my trip! Inside the bay there are several breath-taking beaches. The main one has soft white sand, underwater colourful coral and exotic fish in clear blue water; the whole bay is one big reef. Tip: Don’t forget your selfie stick! Maya Bay is my idea of heaven! If I could live here I would!
Maya Bay is now the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed there in 1999. It was always very popular before the film but now people around the world who haven’t even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.
PS. Keep an eye out for elephants and monkeys!
Well there you have it! It has taken me a few weeks to write but i’ve finally finished Part Two of my Thailand Travel Series! I wanted to include as much as I could so I decided to take my time with this one. There are a good few tips and hot spots that you should definitely take into consideration if you are planning a trip over soon.
I will be working on the third and final part of my Thailand Travel Series next so if you are planning on going to a full moon or half moon party keep an eye out! 🙂 Ps. If you are stopping off in Bangkok check out my last travel blog post here.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time…
Roll on the next adventure…
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