Phuket
A quick trip to Thailand before flying back to India. Not having time to spend on the beaches of Philippines, we planned Phuket as this is both our first time to visit the island. We stayed in Rawai and rented a bike to see around. Here are the places we visited and things we did at this beautiful Island.
Big Buddha
Met the Big Buddha that measures 45 meter high. This gigantic structure is made up of white marble and if you wish to take a photo of it or with it, better keep a distance from the Buddha to capture the whole look of it or wide angle lense is a good option. It is located in Mount Nagakerd, Karon Phuket.
Besides being overwhelmed with the size of the Buddha, or learning the history of it, this place is also perfect spot for an overlooking view of Phuket.
Opening Time: 6:00AM to 7:30PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Wat Chalong Temple
More or less a 10 kilometers drive from south of Phuket lies Wat Chalong Temple. The largest temple and the place where sacred relic of Buddha’s bone is kept. One of the most historic temples in Thailand.
Tourist are welcome. However, Buddhist people come here not to take photos or whatsoever, but to pay respect by lighting candle, offering flowers and pray for blessings.
Opening Time: 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Phuket Old Town
Our favorite street in Thailand so far! With its instagram-worthy wall murals, and cute cafes. Spent the afternoon eating pre-lunch, lunch and post lunch at different restaurants within the town.
The whole street is just amazing. The colorful buildings and shops were just vitamins to the eyes.
Karon View Point
Went higher to see the panoramic view of the ocean at Karon View Point, or known as Kata Viewpoint by the locals. It is also known in Thai as “ Kho Sam Haad, meaning Hill of the Three Beaches.- Karon, Kata Noi and Promthep Cape.
When planning to visit this place, never leave your camera for because it has the best spots to take photos of the colors of nature.
Opening Time: Open all the time
Entrance Fee: FREE
Promthep Cape
When we travel, sunset is always in the itinerary, and during the trip in Phuket, locals suggested us to witness the beautiful sunset from Promthep Cape. With our spontaneous trips, never knew that it is going to be a sort of trek. Reaching there on a bike was fast, but that’s not it, we walked all the way to the end of the area, rocky and grassy wearing flip flops was challenging. But nothing can stop us when it comes to sunset view.
Reached our spot around 4:00PM so we still have few more hours before Mr. Sunset shows up. As the sun slowly goes down, crowd was also slowly increasing. It was an amazing experience for a change, taking photos of the sunset with numbers of locals and tourists.
Opening Time: Open all the time ( but best during sunset)
Entrance Fee: FREE
Rawai Beach
Morning walk at Rawai Beach to catch beautiful sunrise reflecting the beach. As they say, early bird catches worm, for us when travelling, we always try to get up early and check spots for sunrise. And this Rawai beach bridge is just perfect. Fishing boats and long tail boats are docked nearby, as well as locals spend their morning here for some stretching and jogging routine. It is always great to have some time with locals.
Opening Time: Open all the time ( but best during sunset and sunrise)
Entrance Fee: FREE
Phi Phi Island Tour
We were picked up by a Van around 7:00 in the morning and travelled to Chalong Pier to board the speedboat with other guests. Once we reached with the agency’s office, we were given instructions and tips for the whole island tour then took off on a speedboat. Water and fruits were included as well as a hype-tour guide.
Our first stop was Snorkeling in Phi Phi Island. That was so much fun despite it was our first time, it was such a great experience and addictive.
“The Beach” Movie by Leonardo di Caprio made Maya Bay popular and as seen online photos, the water and the view is really captivating. No doubt the beach is very clear, however, this is one of the “ expectation versus reality” places due to the crowd all over the island. Just enjoy and scenery and ignore the crowd, find a spot to take photos that does not include the crowd, then done. One island down. As of June 1, 2018, it has been reported that the island is closed for rehabilitation project.
So, this sounds fun as the island is called Monkey Island. We thought of King Kong’s babies island? Well, hope not, so after Snorkeling, off to Monkey Island.
Before we reached there, the guide warned us not to feed them or be gentle because they can be aggressive a times. Otherwise, they are happy to be clicked or have a selfie with you. Better not carry something hanging or eatable, they will really grab it!
Phi Phi Don
Lunch Buffet is served at Long Beach of Phi Phi Don Island. Food preparation is prepared by boat. Varieties were served, as well as vegan dishes, but these are only served for those who pre-ordered or specified during their booking. The island is not only lunch buffet stop, but it has also local few restaurant if you feel like eating separately, souvenir shops and beach beds ( for rental per hour). There are also locals selling fruits and ice cream.
Khai Nai Island
After lunch, off to our last island for the day. The Khai Nai Island. This island is perfect for chilling, drinking and unwinding. We went swimming and fruits were served by the guide. We didn’t get so much time to spend and enjoy this island since we need to be back to our boat immediately with other guests. However, if you wish not to go with them, we believe you can arrange a boat for you to drop back to Chalong Pier just to spend more hours in this beautiful and chill island.
Reached back at Chalong Pier, made friends from different country, then headed to our Van, and off to our respective hotels. It was an amazing island hopping, witnessing the beauty of Phuket Islands. The first time we visited Thailand, we promised not to go back again instead visit another country, however, it seems that this country will just make you come back for more!
