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ahmeddawn · 9 months ago

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The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

Best Things to See in Phuket (3 to 5 Days in Phuket, Thailand)

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a paradise for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. With stunning coastlines, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks, Phuket offers something for everyone. This guide will help you create your perfect 3 to 5 day itinerary, packed with the best things to see and do in Phuket.

Getting to Phuket

From Bangkok:

Phuket boasts its own international airport (HKT) offering direct flights from Bangkok (both BKK and DMK) in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Prices are comparable between airports, but like Krabi, DMK might offer more flight options and convenient departure times. Choose based on your location and preference.

From Krabi:

Ferries operate daily between Krabi and Phuket, offering scenic journeys across the Andaman Sea. Travel time can range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ferry type. Consider the convenience and cost when making your choice.

From Your Arrival Point to Your Hotel:

Taxis, metered taxis, airport shuttles, Grab (ride-hailing app), and pre-booked private transfers are all available to whisk you from the airport to your hotel. For a hassle-free arrival, consider booking a private transfer online beforehand.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Patong Beach:

For vibrant nightlife, a vast selection of restaurants, and lively markets, Patong Beach is the ideal base. This bustling area offers easy access to jet-skiing, parasailing, and other water activities. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.

Kata Beach & Karon Beach:

These beautiful beaches offer a good balance between lively experiences and relaxation. They provide a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Patong.

Surin Beach & Kamala Beach:

For a tranquil getaway with stunning scenery, consider the northern beaches like Surin and Kamala. These areas offer luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and a slower pace of life.

Choosing Your Base:

Phuket caters to various travel styles. Consider your preferences for nightlife, relaxation, and budget when picking your perfect location.

The Ultimate Phuket Itinerary & Best Things to See in Phuket

Instead of a rigid day-by-day itinerary, this guide highlights must-do activities in Phuket, allowing you to craft your ideal itinerary based on your interests.

Island Hopping Adventures (Optional):

Phuket offers numerous island tours, but consider these top picks:

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: Explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands, famous for Maya Bay (the filming location of "The Beach") and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

James Bond Island Tour: Visit Khao Phing Kan, the iconic island featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

Phang Nga Bay Tour: Discover the mesmerizing Phang Nga Bay, dotted with towering limestone karsts and hidden coves. Kayak through secret lagoons and marvel at the iconic James Bond Island.

Pro Tip: Book these tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can also take these tours from neighboring Krabi, so compare prices and choose the most convenient option.

Top Things You Must Not Miss in Phuket:

Beaches:

Patong Beach: Lively atmosphere, water sports, restaurants, and nightlife.

Kata Beach and Karon Beach: Stunning scenery, good swimming conditions, and a variety of resorts.

Freedom Beach: Secluded beach with a laid-back vibe, accessible by boat or longtail taxi.

Nai Harn Beach: Picturesque beach with calm waters, ideal for families.

Activities:

Big Buddha: A majestic Buddha statue atop Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.

Old Phuket Town: Explore the historical Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street markets.

Wat Chalong: Phuket's most revered temple, showcasing intricate Buddhist architecture.

Elephant Sanctuary Tour: Opt for a responsible sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare over exploitative practices.

Phuket FantaSea: A cultural theme park with extravagant shows, parades, and a variety of entertainment options.

Thrilling Activities:

White Water Rafting: Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the lush jungles of Phuket.

Surf's Up!: Catch some waves at Phuket's west coast beaches like Kata Noi and Surin during the monsoon season (May-October).

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine life.

Nightlife:

Patong Beach: Bars, clubs, and live music venues for every taste.

Bangla Road (Patong): Notorious nightlife district with a mix of bars, discos, and adult entertainment.

Kata and Karon Beaches: Offer a more relaxed nightlife scene with beach bars and restaurants.

Night Markets: Experience the local night markets and sample authentic Thai cuisine.

Pro Tip: Some activities might be included in your booked tours. Check beforehand to avoid redundancy.

Embrace the flexibility of this guide to create your dream Phuket itinerary. Choose the experiences that resonate most with you and create lasting memories on this incredible island.

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sofiahotelhuahin · 2 years ago

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Thailand's Ultimate Island-Hopping Guide || SofiaHotelHuahin

Whether you want to stay for a week or spend a long time seeing the country, Thailand is a fantastic location with a lot to offer tourists. The islands of Thailand are renowned for their gorgeous beaches, carefree atmosphere, and fantastic activities like scuba diving. When compared to other tropical island chains, Thailand is affordable; in 2011, I was able to get by on as little as $20 per day. Island hopping is a fantastic way to see this beautiful region of the country if you travel at the proper time of year. So, in order to help you plan your next trip, I've put up a list of the top islands in Thailand.

Traveling from Phuket to Bangkok

Most visitors to Thailand will fly into Bangkok and begin their island-hopping cycle in Phuket, as I did. There are a number of methods to travel from Bangkok to Phuket, and while buses are typically the cheapest, costing about $20, they can take up to thirteen hours and are frequently rather crowded.

While a flight is the fastest option and typically costs around the equivalent of $50 USD if booked in advance, using the train and then a shorter bus will typically take about six hours and cost about $30. Even though an aircraft is undoubtedly the fastest option, a trip by train or bus offers more scenic views and is better for the environment.

Top Places to Visit on Your Vacation

Phuket

Although Patong Beach's massive backpacker party scene made Phuket my least favorite place I visited on my vacation, it is definitely worthwhile renting a private home in a more rural area. There is a fantastic weekend night market at Patong Beach that I highly recommend visiting!

Koh Phi Phi

After departing Phuket, this is the obvious next destination on your island-hopping experience because there is a regular boat service offered between the two islands by a number of different firms. Individual Phi Phi islands (including the well-known "Beach" movie scene) and spectacular dive locations are available.

Koh Samui.

After visiting Koh Phi Phi, the majority of visitors will travel to Krabi on the mainland, where they will board a bus to Koh Samui. Here, you may find idyllic beaches like Lipa Noi and engage in a variety of activities like day trips to places like Big Buddha Temple and Na Muang Waterfall.

Koh Pha Ngan

The Full Moon Party, a monthly celebration that brings thousands of visitors from all over the world to the beach for a renowned dance party, is what makes Koh Pha Ngan famous.

Koh Tao.

From Ko Pha Ngan, a quick and inexpensive ferry voyage to Koh Tao lasts around an hour and a half. You can really connect with nature on this island by taking scuba diving lessons or helping with sea turtle rehabilitation.

How to Stay Safe While Exploring Thailand's Islands

When island-hopping, you need to exercise caution because, despite being very cheap, the boats between each island don't always have the finest safety records. Before boarding, make sure to examine the ferry to make sure it has enough lifeboats and isn't too packed. If you have any reservations, it might be advisable to choose a different ferry company. Although the majority of Thai people are kind, earning the moniker "The Land of Smiles," always use caution. Don't risk it because Thai drug laws are likewise extremely stringent.

Choose from the best Thailand hotels and discover why a vacation here is an unforgettable experience. Get all the information you require about the hotel for your vacation.

To reach us out in offline mode do not forget to visit

Sofia Hotel Huahin

100 / 3 - 6 Poonsuk Road Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our website — https://sofiahotelhuahin.com/

#Thailand hotels

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travools · 2 years ago

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What is special about Phuket to Krabi by ferry?

Phuket to Krabi by ferry is one of the most popular ways to travel between these two popular destinations in Thailand. The journey takes around two hours by ferry and is a great way to see the stunning scenery of the Thai coastline. Ferries depart from Phuket International Airport and arrive at Krabi International Airport, making it easy to connect to your onward flight or transfer. Once you arrive in Krabi, you'll be able to explore all the wonderful beaches and islands that the area has to offer. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel, and it is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak season. The ferry terminal in Phuket is located at Rassada Pier, and the terminal in Krabi is located at Ao Nang Pier. Tickets can be bought online or at the ferry terminal. There are also many islands to stop at along the way, so it's a great way to see some of the stunning scenery in this part of Thailand. There are many ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi, but one of the most popular is by ferry. The ferries are comfortable and offer a great view of the Andaman Sea. The Phuket to Krabi ferry price is available at the travools website, so curious visitors can visit the website and compare its costs. For more information please visit here.

How to get to know about Phuket to Krabi ferry price?

Various travel agencies offer Phuket to Krabi by ferry price, so interested people who want to know about can visit those websites and compare their costs. The Phuket to Krabi ferry cost will vary depending on the company you choose and the time of year you travel. Generally speaking, the cost will be between 700 and 1,000 THB per person. There are a few different companies that offer this service, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. Travools also offers Phuket to Krabi by ferry at budget cost so it is much more suitable for every pocket size. The cost of a ferry ride from Phuket to Krabi offered by travools is just 600 THB per person, so curious visitors book Phuket to Krabi by ferry with hotel trip transfer by simply visiting the travools website, filling out the registration form, choose the payment option, and make the payment. When payment is done the ticket for the boat from Phuket to Krabi is in your hand in no time. This is a great option if you want to stay in Krabi for a few days. The transfer will take you to your hotel in Krabi and you can relax and enjoy your stay. The best way to travel between Phuket and Krabi is by ferry. This is a great way to see the beautiful coastline and islands of Thailand. The trip takes about 2 hours and there are several ferries to choose from. You can also add a hotel trip transfer to your ferry ticket.

Do you want to know Phuket to Krabi distance by ferry?

The Phuket to Krabi distance by ferry is approximately 80 kilometers. The ferry ride takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are several companies that operate ferries between these two points, so be sure to check schedules and fares in advance. Krabi is a beautiful province in southern Thailand and is well-known for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, nightlife, and seafood. The transfer from Phuket to Krabi by ferry is the best way to get from Phuket to Krabi. Ferries run regularly between the two cities and the journey takes just over an hour. The ferry terminal in Phuket is located in the old town, while the ferry terminal in Krabi is located in the Ao Nang area. The Krabi to Phuket ferry is a popular way to travel between these two popular tourist destinations in Thailand. The journey by ferry takes around two hours, and there are a number of companies that operate services between the two cities. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day of travel, and it is recommended to book ahead during the high season. The ferry terminal in Krabi is located close to the town center, and in Phuket, it is situated just a short walk from the main tourist area. So what are you waiting for guys? Tag your loved ones, planned the trip, grab your luggage, and check out this much-happening destination with your loved ones and make your journey immortal for your diaries of lifetime memories.

#phuketto krabibyferry #phukettokrabi #phuketkrabibyferry #ferryphuketkrabi #krabiphuketbyferry #Phuket to Krabi by ferry with hotel trip transfer #transfer from Phuket to Krabi by ferry #Phuket to Krabi distance by ferry #Krabi to Phuket ferry #boat from Phuket to Krabi #Phuket to Krabi by ferry #Phuket to Krabi ferry cost #Phuket to Krabi by ferry price

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calummorgan · 5 years ago

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Days 1 to 10 - Phuket to Taiping

Distance covered: 200 miles

Welcome to the Jungle

I'm writing to you from our jungle hideout, posted up in the Malaysian mountains coming off a 100km ride today where we survived a mini monsoon. We got soaked but our spirit hasn't been dampened.

And what have we learnt so far? Mainly that cycling in this part of the world is brutal. It's summer in Thailand and it only takes a few minutes in the sun to realise the error of your ways and leave you secretly hoping someone will steal your bike next time you leave it somewhere, so that you can hop on an air conditioned coach.

But what a week it's been. In short it's all about the bikes, booze, burns, boats and bungee cord related mishaps.

So here's a breakdown of the trip so far...

Day's 1-2 - Phuking Around

After landing in Phuket we quickly rendezvoused with our Harpenden Hombres and had a good old catch up over some dirt cheap cocktails. After reeling off the highlights, conversation quickly turned to the ladyboys - just asking for a mate obvs - since they were crawling all over the place and over us in some cases. And let's put it this way, it would take detective skills akin to Coleen Rooney to sort out the lady from the ladyboys. Luckily some local knowledge meant we avoided any awkward encounters.

With the wind in our sails, we traipsed back to our host's where the first-night-holiday-excitement got the better of us and we ended up plastered at 6am, murdering an Elton John classic on karaoke (as you do).

The next day was a more sedate affair as we spent the afternoon lounging on Karon Beach, nursing some sore heads. The night was more of the same, just a few local bars and sampling some Thai cuisine - not too shabby was the general verdict.

Day 3 - The Boat to Nowhere

We planned to liaise with Tim and Will in Krabi Town and set off on the bikes from there. However, a spanner was thrown in the works when the boat to Krabi was cancelled. Unfortunately this was not before our host had driven us to the pier and it meant we had to be driven onwards two hours to Krabi where we spent the evening wining and dining our host to thank him for going above and beyond. We retired to our hotel for the night, wondering whether we'd ever get on the bikes.

Day 4 - The Bike Ride That Never Was

With the boys staying 10 miles away, we set out on our inaugural Thai bike ride to grab some breakfast and plan our first adventure. What we didnt account for was a fatal gear change that snapped my rear mech and derailleur, which in turn broke the chain. This left us with a 10km walk just to meet the others. The mid-morning sun was sapping our spirit and by the time we'd met the others, eaten breakfast and found a bike shop who could provide the new parts, we'd lost the morning and a coach to Traing was our least worst option. We drowned our sorrows later that night at the local market which brought some welcome respite. It was also nice being treated like gods as most locals and bar staff we encountered asked us for a selfie - they heard we were a big deal around these parts. But alas, four days in and the sum total of 10km cycled. Some cycling holiday this was turning out to be.

Day 5 & 6 - Lift Off

Determined to get moving, we set our alarms early and peeled off 100km in one morning, arriving at Mu Ko Phetra National Park by mid-afternoon.

A quiet place with a heavy Muslim influence meant boozing was not on the cards and an early night was the order of the day with the prospect of another 120km ahead of us.

Day six started off on the wrong foot. Two personal punctures in quick succession and a loose bungee chord that got wrapped round my rear wheel resulted in a well deserved bollocking from my old man that would make Gordon Ramsay blush. The word "Donkey!" was liberally used.

Not to be deterred by a good ear rattling, we pushed on through Satun where I suffered another puncture and we were out of inner tubes, meaning a trip to bike shop was necessary. A fix and a customary selfie with the locals later, we arrived at Tammalang Pier. I somehow contrived to wrap my bungee chord round my wheel again, earning myself another tongue lashing from big L.

A short ferry ride took us over the border to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Exhausted from all the riding we had done up to this point 🤭, we decided we deserved two days of relaxation.

Day 7 & 8 - Langkawi Lounging

This meant we had the licence to chill and we duly made the most of it. Beer towers, football, fire eating shows, beach bars, more sitting on the beach and visiting the local aquarium were just a snapshot of what we got up to on the laid back island of Langkawi. Our beach visit was somewhat dampened by Tim losing his shades and us all getting stung by jellyfish.

Happily, both nights culminated with us getting boozy in the hostel, playing games, blasting a range of 80s hits and watching naff tv shows from the 70s (see Nuts in May).

Day 9 - More Boatz

An early ferry from Langkawi to the port town of Penang meant cycling would have to wait another day. This was not before we had cycled five minutes off the ferry and stopped for food at the local mall. But upon returning we found our bikes chained up and called a number to solve the problem. Weirdly, we paid no fine and a very nice gentleman unlocked the chain without even a warning. What a great place to be! We made up for this by taking a leisurely walk through the town, stopping at various bars and taking in the street art and British Colonial architecture #culture. It is also known as the food capital of Malaysia and it didn't disappoint on that front.

We also cast our eyes on the Quantum of the Seas, a behemoth of a cruise ship and a feat of engineering at that. It can only be described as a floating building and we later found out it cost $1 billion and featured a basketball court, indoor sky-diving tunnel and an observation crane. Tim was like a child in a sweet shop.

Day 10 - Back to Bikes

Another early start was in order and after fuelling up on a McDonald's breakfast, we cruised another 100km from Penang to Taiping. The route was not without event as we encountered a huge monitor lizard in the middle of the road as well as some monkey's scratching their butts (Tim's words not mine). The day ended with a monsoon and as I write this we're trapped in our hotel watching Bollywood TV as there's no English channels and contemplating how to escape the room.

Next stop Kuala Lumpur.

Until next time.

Cal

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travelsketchbymaitri · 6 years ago

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Phuket

Thailand is a well-known country, to some the city life is comfortable and some are attracted by beaches. Every person is different and has various likes & dislikes. Well, for me it’s beaches. Hence decided to visit the most beautiful islands of Thailand.

Often known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea with scenic beauty and natural iconic movie effects, it makes my heart skip a breath. An astonishing island with all the colors in the sky and sea gives you a seamless painting. And when put yourself in the painting, you get a perfect picture.

Phuket is one of the islands in Thailand and offers you a perfect spectrum of rainbow colors with shining sunrises and incredible sunsets.

It is the largest island of Thailand and is surrounded by many small islands. Phuket not only offers the most beautiful beaches, but also have a lively and trendy nightlife.

Phuket draws a lot of tourists and the crowd, if you want silent & peaceful vacation you need to get off the main spots.

This travel guide will help you to visit the best places in Phuket with cost effective tips.

How to reach Phuket & travelling internally

Where to stay in Phuket

Things to See and Do

Important Tips

Since it is a tropical region so Phuket does not have the cold weather. Best and peak season is from November to February. Later till May it is hot there in Phuket Mid May starts the rainy season which goes until October. So, if you wish to visit in the off season when you get good deals on flights and hotels you can plan your trip in September and October. However, do expect some drizzling and humidity. If you are more of a person who enjoys weather, you can plan in November & February. This way you will avoid the overcrowded beaches in Dec & Jan. I visited in late September, weather was fine neither too hot nor very pleasant.

How to reach Phuket & travelling internally-

Phuket has its own international airport. So, it makes quite easy to directly visit Phuket from mostly all the major countries. Phuket town has a main bus terminal that connects it from all the major cities of Thailand. Phuket to Krabi one can use the ferry, but please make sure to check on the days as it only operates 3 days a week.

From Phuket airport, you can take mini vans instead of taxi. This would save you a hefty amount. Mini vans take around 10-12 people and would drop you at your hotel doorstep. They will charge you around 200 TBH per person.

For travelling internally in Phuket, the best way is to rent a bike. One can use tuk-tuk as well but that does not give you the freedom of exploring nook & corner of the city.

A tuk tuk would typically charge you in between 20-25 TBH for shorter rides and can goes up to 300 TBH for 2-3 kms. A bike would cost around 300 TBH for a day in which they also provide you with a full tank of fuel and 2 helmets. Renting a car can cost you around 1000 TBH a day.

Where to Stay in Phuket-

Patong beach is the busiest and most famous beach of Phuket. Since it has the main market area near it and Bangla road is just 5 mins walk. All cuisine restaurants are walking distance and shopping is quite handy in the area. In the market, you can easily book your taxis, rent a bike or booking of island hopping and cabaret shows are easily accessible.

However, if you like a silent and peaceful vacation, Patong is not the area for you. You can explore a nice resort or hotel at Kamala beach, Kata beach and Karron beach. They are easily accessible by local transport to Patong, you can also explore with rented bikes. Some hotels do provide with free shuttles. But shuttles have particular timings and therefore it becomes more of school experience rather than vacation.

Hotels of all budgets are spread all over Phuket, one can take hotels starting from 350 TBH. Another budgeted options are hostels, you might even get it in 130 TBH. One just needs to explore more.

If you are visiting in the off season and pre-booking it few months prior to your visit, you may end up saving a lot of money and staying at a very good resort.

I booked my resort 3 months prior and got a deal for 5-star property by the name Patong Resort in just 1200 TBH.

Things to See and Do-

Island Hopping::

This is one of the major attractions in Phuket. As it is surrounded by various small islands, one can explore different islands. There are tour operators which take you through those islands and it is an entire day trip. They provide you with lunch and water bottles too. One can easily get the tickets from the main market in the city centre at different corners. You can explore at different shops for the booking and don’t forget to negotiate with them. You can get the bookings done from your own hotel but that would be comparatively costly. Just roam in the streets of the city and you will get a good deal out of your efforts. Major island hopping is James bond and Phi Phi Island. Both will be covered in different tours. You can also have one day trip to Krabi from here, but would suggest to stay in Krabi at least a night to enjoy the nature. You can read about which island is better Phuket or Krabi here.

For Phi Phi or James bond island a day’s trip would cost you around 1500 TBH.

Major city attractions::

Big Buddha is one the most iconic landmarks of Phuket. It sits in between the Chalong Temple and Kata, and it offers some panoramic views of Phuket town as well as the beaches. There are no charges for Big Buddha.

Wat Chalong is the largest temple of Phuket. This colourful building is elaborately decorated with numerous images of the Buddha, along with imagery from Thai and Buddhist mythology. Again, no fees or tickets to Wat Chalong temple.

Khao Sok National Park is an outdoor adventure where you can get the full jungle experience–complete with elephants, lazy rivers, and tree-house lodgings. This area is said to be one of the oldest rain forests in the world, and it’s certainly one of the most scenic, with its magnificent cascading waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations. The entrance fee would cost you around 300 TBH.

Phuket Trick Eye Museum- If you need something else for a change, then how about a visit to a museum? Not just any museum, but the Phuket Trick Eye Museum in Phuket Town! The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the entrance fee is 500 baht per person. If you book the ticket online, it’s only 400 Baht per person.

Night Life in Phuket::

Bangla Road- If you like to party and you enjoy the night life, Bangla road is the place for you. It’s 5 mins walking distance from Patong beach. It is probably the most famous red light district in Thailand.

There are not only the ping pong shows and lady bars, you can get the plenty of bars with live music and decent place to sit. However, they do not serve anything to eat, but just the booze.

However, you can even get decent bars at Kata & Kamala beach.

Simon Cabaret- Located near Patong Beach, the Simon Cabaret hosts the most respected lady boy shows in Phuket, and is an attraction in Phuket in its own right. The show features some impressive sets, even more dazzling costumes, and some of the most glamorous performers in the industry, so it’s not difficult to see why it’s become one of Phuket’s main attractions. One of the acts displayed a dance on a Bollywood number of Ranbir Kapoor- Delhi wali girlfriend 😊. One-person ticket is around 600 TBH but is definitely a must visit experience.

Phuket FantaSea- For a family night out, head to the Phuket FantaSea Show, which sits in its own theme park complex. This iconic nighttime attraction features exotic animals that help tell a traditional Thai story infused with modern technology. This large complex also houses carnival games, a shopping village, and a place to enjoy a buffet dinner. A Ticket to this would range from standard tickets 1700 TBH to Gold tickets upto 3300 TBH. Some of the deals would include transfers from the hotels and dinner as well.

Important Tips

Explore street food, you will get good seafood.

Meal at an Indian restaurant can cost around 500-700 TBH.

You can buy your booze from 7-Eleven stores, it would cost you a lot.

Visit Phuket in the off season to save cost.

Currency exchange shops are easily available in the city center.

Do remember to negotiate in the local markets, bring out your bargaining skills. The rule of thumb is, the more you buy, the cheaper the prices will be.

Rent a bike to roam around the city but do carry license and helmets as police is quite active and you can get a ticket too.

Phuket alone would need 4 days if you want to spend a day in leisure just on the beach.

#phuket #thailand #travelgoals

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shannrussell-blog1 · 6 years ago

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Travelling to Thailand is a cultural norm for many Australians. But the experience of Thailand doesn’t have to be limited to Phi Phi Island, Krabi and Phuket. If you want to take the path less travelled, divulge in traditional Buddhist culture, camp on the world’s most beautiful beaches and experience the remote areas of Thailand, then cycle touring is for you.

My partner and I are cycle tourists and have been travelling from Malaysia to Europe by bicycle. Thailand was our second country of “residence” and we still reminisce the beautiful smiles, beaches, food, temples and endless one-dollar coffees.

You might think cycle touring is difficult, but it is very easy in Thailand with its endless flat plains, food stalls every few kilometres and free camping everywhere. All you need to do is start pedalling!

Thailand is the perfect country to cycle tour in.

The basic south to north route

We took a route from the southern city of Satun, near the Malaysia border, to the northeast Laos border crossing in Chiang Khong. This is a simple south to north route where you will pass many key attractions and cities.

Our route took us through the east coast of southern Thailand towards Bangkok. We caught a ferry in Surat Thani to the Island of Koh Tao before re-entering the mainland at Chumphon. Through these areas, we were able to camp often on the beach and have leisurely swims during the day.

In the north, we cycled through some of the more remote farmland communities on small dirt roads, visiting many famous temples and national parks.

We took a simple south to north route.

Alternate routes

It is common for cyclists to fly into Bangkok or enter Thailand from one of the northern land borders. From there you can choose to head in any direction depending on what you would like to achieve. For example, the beaches in the south, animals in the north, or travel east towards Laos or Cambodia.

Many cyclists travel part of the east coast before crossing west towards Phuket and Krabi or they will head into Myanmar. Other routes might include hugging the southeastern coastline around Pattaya City to head towards Cambodia, or, there is an option to go northeast towards Vientiane in Laos.

Our advice for planning is not to think too much about it and just start riding! A great experience will follow.

Plan your route by what you want to experience.

Climate

The climate in Thailand is basically separated by the northern and southern regions. However, in both regions, the climate consists of a dry season and a wet season. The daytime temperatures are usually between mid-20 degrees to mid-30 degrees year around.

The best time to cycle-tour Thailand south to north is between February and early May. However, it’s very easy to travel to Thailand in the wet season too (May to October or September/December in the east coast of south Thailand), as we did.

The rain usually lasts one or two hours each day and the rest of the time it’s hot and humid. It is also hot in the dry season but a little less humid.

The weather is quite warm in Thailand.

Food

One of the best things about exploring Thailand by bicycle or backpacking is the food. Even better is that as a cycle tourist, you will have an endless appetite to eat as much of the amazing, spice-covered, carb-loaded and mind-blowing taste explosions the Thai’s serve up.

The food in Thailand is always spicy, particularly in the local areas. Be prepared to have spicy food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As you are outside of the tourist areas, make sure you mention that you only want a small amount of spice because the food is hotter than in any other country we have cycled through.

You will be lucky enough to experience a range of local foods varying from boiled pork soup for breakfast, to spicy green papaya salad, the classic pad Thai or a range of noodles and curries. One of our favourite things in Thailand was their traditional stir-fried basil pork (Pat Krapao Moo Sap), which is usually very cheap (A$1 or $2) for a huge cyclist sized portion and incredibly tasty.

Additionally, if you are a vegan or vegetarian then Thai people can cook nearly all their meals to fit with your diet choices.

It’s easier and a whole lot tastier to eat locally instead of cooking.

Learning the language

There will always be a Thai person in proximity to you that speaks English, even if it’s just a little. However, we would recommend that you learn some basic words because every country appreciates travellers who do this. Otherwise, it’s down to using your best hand gestures which will always get a laugh.

Note: in tourist areas, you will likely have to barter for prices in the market but outside of these areas we wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Try to learn a bit of the local language to help you get by.

Attractions

Thailand is one of the most tourist-driven economies in the world and there is something for everyone. You can experience diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, animal encounters, massages, full moon parties, Buddhist culture or beers and cocktails after a hard day of cycling. As a cycle tourist, you can be lucky enough to experience most of the big attractions and a few lesser known ones only accessible to the adventurous.

The southern regions of Thailand are famous for the tropical Islands, beaches and full moon parties but most of all diving. The islands and towns of the west coast are the most well known such as Phuket and Krabi. However, as a cycle tourist, you may be inclined to experience the slightly less tourist populated east coast.

Scuba and free diving are just a couple of the fun things to learn.

These areas are some of the most famous dive spots in the world and close to the cheapest place to obtain your diving tickets. We spent 7-days on the island of Koh Tao learning to both scuba dive and free-dive. We loved free-diving a little more because of the personal challenge and after two days we were able to dive down to twenty meters on a single breath!

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all” but honestly, we loved each one we visited. Each temple is designed by a different artist or a collaboration of artists, who bring their own flair to the place, or there are also ancient temples in the old capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Thailand has some of the most famous diving spots in the world.

Our recommended top five temples to see in Thailand are:

Wat Arun, (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok

Wat (Temple of the largest Reclining Buddha), Bangkok

Wat Chaiwatthanaram (Temple of long reign and glorious era), Ayutthaya

Wat Mahathat (Buddha temple head in a banyan tree), Ayutthaya, and

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Chiang Rai northern Thailand

The northern regions are famous for their artists, hill tribes, temples, mountains, hot springs, jungles, mountain trekking or jungle flying fox adventures and animals such as tigers, cobras and elephants. We didn’t visit the animal attractions for personal reasons and would urge you to do good research if you wish to visit any of the animal attractions to ensure they’re appropriately managed.

Finally, you must have regular Thai massages to relax those sore, tired muscles after long days of cycling. You can get a massage in most villages and they are usually very cheap outside of the tourist spots.

The temples of Thailand are a must visit when you’re there.

Required gear

We travelled with more gear than required because we were on a long-term cycle touring trip. If you are only travelling to Thailand or South-East Asia, then you can travel very light as it’s warm and the food and the accommodation is very affordable.

Our recommendations for a basic bicycle touring (not an extended tour) list would include:

Camping

A lightweight tent, swag or just a good quality Sleeping mat and a lightweight sleeping bag.

An air or compressible Head torch

Toiletries

Medical kit

A gas or multi-fuel stove (if you really want to cook, then you will need the below items too).

One chopping knife

Utensils

Small chopping board

buff

The length of your trip will determine how much gear you’ll need.

Electronics

Smart-phone for mapping

Small battery pack in-case you couldn’t find a powerpoint (unlikely though)

Camera or GoPro or both

Universal adaptor

Various cords and charging ports for electronics

Bicycle gear

A multitool

Spare spokes or a Kevlar universal spoke

A hand bicycle pump

Tyre repair kit

Small tyre levers

Spare inner tube

Chain lube

To carry your gear, you’ll need pannier racks and panniers.

Extras

A book or tablet with e-books

A travel diary

Playing cards

Water bottles x2

Chocolate

Obviously, you will need a bike with pannier racks and panniers to carry your gear. If you try and pack light you might be able to get away with two back panniers only.

Costs may differ depending on how touristy the area is.

Costs

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht which, at the time of our trip, was at A$1 to 20 Baht. Thailand is still one of the cheapest countries to travel to in the world, particularly when you are outside of the tourist hotspots.

Generally, we spent for two people between A$10 to $20 per day when we were able to camp and $13 to $30 per day when we paid for accommodation. It was about double that price in the tourist areas and on the Islands.

For food, you can get meals between 20 Baht to 60 Baht (A$1 to $3) with beer/wine/soft drinks/coffee costing between 10 Baht and 100 Baht (50 cents to $5) depending on where you are. We only cooked once or twice and then realised it was so cheap and time effective to eat out.

Accommodation varies significantly but we were able to find cheap, basic accommodation in most villages between 60 Baht ($3) and up to 300 Baht ($15). However, be aware that it can increase significantly in tourist areas so it’s worth researching and comparing prices beforehand.

Thailand is such an affordable place to visit.

Camping/accommodation

Depending on your trip and budget, you can camp or find very cheap accommodation. In Thailand, you have the opportunity to camp nearly anywhere you like. We put up our tent on beaches, in temples and our favourite was camping at the friendly police stations. All these spots offer a rich experience and it’s usually worth braving the hot overnight temperatures for that beachfront sunrise or sunset.

If you can’t handle the heat at night, then there take up shelter in an air-conditioned/fan room or bungalow for just a few dollars. Accommodation can be found in any village and usually, it is very affordable.

If you are lucky you might be invited in by a family to share a meal and stories.

If you are staying in a bigger city, the accommodation will cost more.

Visas

Australians obtain a 15-day visa free on arrival in Thailand at any of the land or sea ports or 30 days at any airport. If you need a longer stay you can apply for a visa at an embassy in another country or in Australia a month before you leave which can give you either 60-days single entry or 60-days multiple entries. It usually only takes about 2-5 business days to process this visa.

Safety

Some people worry about thievery but in our experience, the risk is usually low if you take some simple precautions such as locking your bike up at night. We were always very cautious about our valuables in tourist areas and in busy marketplaces.

The wonderful people we met was what made our trip so amazing.

Favourite experience in Thailand

The Thai people were our favourite experience. As in most countries, the people you meet can make or break your trip.

Towards the end of our trip, before the border crossing at Chiang Khong into Laos, we stayed at our last temple. The monks here spoke a little bit of English and we decided to give them some Australian small lightweight souvenirs that we gave to our friends we met along the way. This was to say thank you to all the kind monks that had let us stay in Thailand. However, in return, they gave us two books in English that detailed the story of Buddha and two buddha pendants that can be worn on a necklace or bracelet.

This last stay at a temple summed up the mentality of the Thai people we met while travelling. Always giving and always kind.

Have you ever been on an overseas cycling trip?

The post Cycle Touring Guide to Thailand appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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travellerfufi-blog · 6 years ago

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Unique Way to Experience a Ferry to Phi Phi From Krabi

Phuket is a concealed island in Andaman Sea water on Thailand s Indian Ocean coastline It is found eight hundred and sixty-two kilometers south of Bangkok The island got its riches from tin and elastic previously It was one of the real exchanging courses among India and China These days Phuket has turned into a traveler goal which is fulfilling making it Thailand s wealthiest territory It has turned into a mainstream vacationer goal with most shorelines being on the west coast Phuket Town toward the southeast and the air terminal toward the north

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Going by ship is conservative helpful agreeable and you get the opportunity to see the lovely islands in the Andaman ocean A ship to Phi from Phuket is well known and it gives you the best experience when heading out to Phi previous article

#ferry #phi phi #krabi

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vidovicart · 6 years ago

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How to Get Around Thailand on the Cheap in 2019

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25, 2019

Thailand is one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Southeast Asia.

It’s also my favorite.

Of course, I’m biased.

Thailand was where I decided to quit my job and travel the world. I lived there for two years. I ran tours there. I speak the language. I feel at home there.

But that aside, Thailand remains popular some thirty years after the first hippies arrived on the “banana pancake trail” for a simple reason: it’s awesome.

The succulent food, the warm people, the postcard-perfect beaches, the lush jungles, the hot weather — Thailand is simply a wonderful place.

That said, Thailand is also a pretty big country.

What’s the best way to get around Thailand?

Well, how you will get around Thailand depend greatly on how long you’re staying. You have options!

So what should you do?

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel around Thailand (including travel times) regardless of budget or the length of your stay in the country:

Table of Contents

Getting Around Thailand By Flying

Getting Around Thailand By Train

Getting Around Thailand By Bus

Getting Around Thailand By Car

Getting Around Thailand By Ferry

Distance/Times for Getting Around

The Bottom Line on Getting Around Thailand

Getting Around Thailand By Flying

Flying is obviously the most expensive but quickest way to get around. You can get pretty much anywhere in the country in two hours or less, making flying the perfect choice for people who are rushed for time.

Thai Airways is the largest (and costliest) carrier, but there are numerous budget airlines, like Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion, AirAsia, and Nok Air. But avoid some of the smaller budget airlines like Orient Thai, as their safety records are pretty spotty.

Flights around Thailand generally cost 1,400-6,600 THB ($44-200 USD). Flights to the islands tend to be costlier than those between large cities like Bangkok and Phuket. Flights to Ko Samui are always more expensive than anywhere else, thanks to monopoly pricing by Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.

Here are some sample fares (as of February 2019) so you can get an idea of how much flights cost:

Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 780 THB/$25 USD (one way), 1,560 THB/$50 USD (round-trip)

Bangkok to Phuket – 735 THB/$30 USD (one way), 1,311 THB/$42 USD (round-trip)

Bangkok to Koh Samui – 3,715 THB/$119 USD (one way), 7,274 THB/$233 USD (round-trip)

Chiang Mai to Phuket – 1,561 THB/$50 USD (one way), 2,997 THB/$96 USD (round-trip)

If you book early, you can save on fares as the budget carriers usually offer around 30-50% off tickets when they have sales — and they always have sales (especially Air Asia).

Keep in mind that each airline has different baggage fees and policies – budget airlines typically charge extra for like credit card processing (the stupidest of all fees), baggage fees, and preferred seating.

Getting Around Thailand By Train

Thailand is one of the few countries in the region with a decent rail network. It covers 2,796 miles and is one of the best and cheapest ways to get around the country.

There are three classes of travel: first class is the most expensive and is available only on night trains. Second class is quite comfortable and has softer seats, as well as air-conditioned cars. Third class is bare-bones cars, with hard seats and no A/C. However, these are the cheapest seats around! (I actually like third class, though, as you meet more interesting people and there are always vendors coming on and off selling delicious and cheap food.)

Trains here move very, very slowly. The Chiang Mai-to-Bangkok night train — a distance of only 430 miles — takes 12 hours.

Day trains are even worse, as there are frequent stops and waiting at stations for reasons I’ve never figured out.

There’s no high-speed train in this country so don’t be in a rush if you’re traveling Thailand by train!

That said, I love traveling by train in Thailand if I’m not in a rush. The trains are spacious, there’s always food and drinks available, most of the cars have A/C, vendors get on and off at each stop to sell meals, fruit, or drinks, and the scenery as you cruise through the tropical countryside is out of this world.

It’s also crazy cheap, especially if you take the day train. Heck, even the night train is super cheap! Here are some example fares for both day and night trains:

Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 890 THB/$28 USD (day train), 1,011 THB/$32 USD (night train)

Bangkok to Chumphon – 550 THB/$17 USD (day train), 920 THB/$28 USD (night train)

Bangkok to Surat Thani – 858 THB/$26 USD (day train), 1,058 THB/$33 USD (night train)

Bangkok to Ayutthaya – 30 THB/$1 USD (day train)

Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai – 866 THB/$27 USD (day train), 1,131 THB/$35 USD (night train)

Ayutthaya to Lopburi – 30 THB/$1 USD (day train)

Bangkok to Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) – 425 THB/$13.50 USD (day train), 1,010 THB/$32 USD (night train)

Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) to Surin – 300 THB/$9.50 (day train)

Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) to Ubon Ratchathani – 243 THB/$7.75 USD (day train), 593 THB/$19 USD (night train)

You can see train schedules and ticket prices on the State Railway of Thailand website (railway.co.th).

You can buy train tickets through a travel agent (there’s a slight upcharge) or directly at the train station. You can buy tickets the day of travel — there’s always space, especially on the day trains. That said, if you are looking for a bed on the night train, I would book at least three days in advance to ensure you have a reservation, especially during high season.

Getting Around Thailand By Bus

As trains don’t go everywhere in Thailand, taking the bus is your second-best option. Actually, buses are the widest form of transportation here. You can go anywhere in Thailand by bus. Though they often show bad Thai movies with the sound turned up too loud and blast the A/C, they are a comfortable and spacious ride.

If you’re taking a day bus, note that they often stop in multiple towns along the way to pick people up and drop them off, and they also pick up people by the side of the road. Don’t expect to move in an efficient or quick manner. They aren’t in a rush.

Be sure to tell them exactly where you want to go, because often there are no signs when you pull into bus stations.

There are also “tourist buses” that, while more expensive, are usually a lot more convenient. They are usually best for long distances (they tend to travel at night), and when combined with island ferry tickets (say, Bangkok to Ko Phi Phi). They are more expensive than local buses, but they are more direct, and you don’t have to worry about where you are or if it’s your stop. They usually pick up in the tourist area and drop you off in the tourist area of the next place — plus there’s no stopping to pick up other people along the way.

You can book these via the many travel agents that line the tourist areas of town.

Here are some sample fares for bus routes in Thailand:

Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 534 THB/$17 USD (day bus), 830 THB/$26 USD (night bus)

Chiang Mai to Pai – 150 THB/$5 USD (day bus)

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – 229 THB/$7 USD (day bus), 312 THB/$10 USD (night bus)

Lampang to Chiang Rai – 237 THB/$7.50 USD (day bus)

Bangkok to Phuket City – 643 THB/$20 USD (day bus), 998 THB/$31 USD (night bus)

Bangkok to Chumphon – 373 THB/$12 USD (day bus), 427 THB/$13 USD (night bus)

Bangkok to Surat Thani – 858 THB/$27 USD (day bus), 1,058 THB/$33 USD (night bus)

Bangkok to Hua Hin – 289 THB/$9 USD (day bus), 400 THB/$12 USD (night bus)

Bangkok to Trat – 350 THB/$11 USD (day bus), 390 THB/$12 USD (night bus)

Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) to Surin – 291 THB/$10 USD (day bus)

Surin to Ubon Ratchathani – 200 THB/$7 USD (day bus)

Getting Around Thailand By Car

Don’t rent a car in Thailand. They are expensive, and the roads in Thailand are crazy.

It’s much better to rent a motorbike and ride across the country. It’s quite a common thing to do. This is a good article to help you plan a trip.

Getting Around Thailand By Ferry

While you won’t be using the ferry to get around Thailand, it will definitely be an important mode of transportation when you’re exploring the islands. Due to the well-established travel trail, booking your ferry ride is simple and straightforward – you can often book tickets online or just show up. Most hostels and hotels will be able to help you with this if you need assistance. They will also have the most up-to-date schedules.

Here are some example routes and fares to help you plan your trip:

Koh Tao to Koh Samui – 500 THB/$16 (one way)

Surat Thani to Koh Phangan – 625 THB/$20 (one way)

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi – 780 THB/$25 (one way)

Krabi to Koh Lanta – 550 THB/$17 (one way)

How Long Does It Take to Get Around Thailand?

Trying to figure out how long it will take you to get from point A to point B? Here is a distance and time chart so you can get an idea of how long it takes to get from place to place.

Route

Distance (km/miles)

Air (hrs)

Bus (hrs)

Rail (hrs)

Bangkok – Chiang Mai

230/115

1:15

Bangkok – Phuket City

840/525