Travel to Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is an idyllic utopia that captivates the senses. If you assume that Thailand is heaven solely for nightlife and spa culture, you are gravely mistaken. If you are looking for a peaceful and serene vacation, Phuket has many options extending beyond the bustling party scene. Phuket is famous for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife. As the largest island in southern Thailand, Phuket hosts a multifaceted array of activities and attractions.

I organized a trip to Thailand with two of my schoolmates. We secured our tickets six months in advance to ensure that our dream expedition would not be canceled. Unfortunately, one of my companions had to withdraw from the trip due to pressing work commitments. I had already booked accommodations for three individuals at an affordable rate during the new year season. However, we decided to continue with the journey, and thus, had to rebook all of our lodgings for two people. Although our trip began with a minor setback, it culminated in extraordinary experiences that I am eager to share with you.

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PHI PHI ISLAND

Phi Phi Island is a small archipelago located in the Andaman Sea, about 48 km off the coast of Thailand. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Phi Phi Island is an all-encompassing day-long excursion. We reserved a one-day package for the Phi Phi Island tour, which covers everything from transportation to meals. The tour company provides pick-up service from your hotel and serves breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks. Our journey commenced early in the morning, with the taxi arriving at 6:30 am and dropping us off at our hotel at 7:30 pm.

If you’re seeking adventure, Phi Phi Island is the place to be! You can enjoy activities like scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. The island’s breathtaking coral reefs create an ideal setting for thrilling underwater adventures.

Lots of beaches would be covered like Loh Sama Bay, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Koh Khai Nok, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay. It is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Phi Phi Island Village, which offers visitors a glimpse into traditional island life, and the Phi Phi Island Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of the island.

We indulged in a delectable lunch at a beachside resort and were given ample time to unwind on the beach. The lunch was truly exceptional, especially for those with a penchant for meat. We were allotted approximately one hour to enjoy our meal and take a break.

We were accompanied by an English-speaking guide on our journey. Koh Phi Phi Island is renowned for its stunning beauty and is one of the most celebrated islands situated off the Andaman coast of Thailand. Our itinerary included several stops, such as the picturesque Nui Bay, the Monkey Beach, where the friendly primates roam freely, the Viking Caves, adorned with painted ships, and the Pilah Lagoon, boasting emerald-green waters.

And the Finale? You will visit Maya Bay, now restored and back to being one of the most beautiful places in the world. And you will get to enjoy a perfect sunset. That’s quite a lot you get in a single-day trip.

MAYA BAY

Phi Phi Island is a haven for beach enthusiasts! Exploring its gorgeous beaches is an essential activity. Maya Bay is famous for its role in the movie “The Beach,” which is delightful! Its white sandy shores and crystal-clear aqua waters will leave you in awe!

Maya Bay Beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Phuket! Maya Bay is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It’s truly the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and revel in the sheer magnificence of one of the most stunning beaches in the world.

I reserved this package through an agent, and you can find numerous travel agencies within walking distance. I discovered an agent just 500 meters away from my hotel. There is no need to book online, as you can book the tour one day before your desired date, and the price is negotiable.

PATONG BEACH BANGLA WALKING STREET

Patong Beach is a famous and crowded beach on Phuket Island. Rather than being a tranquil beach, it’s more of a vibrant and lively area filled with a plethora of entertainment options. You’ll find a bustling beach road lined with restaurants, hotels, clubs, and even adult shows. It’s a place for those seeking energy and excitement!

Bangla Road is kinda like a Walking street in Pattaya. It’s the absolute hub of tourism on the island, offering an extensive array of entertainment and activities. You’ll find countless bars, clubs, pubs, discos, go-go bars, and so much more. If you come to Phuket to “have fun,” then Bangla walking street is a good place to start.

Once you cross the walking street, you will come across a stunning beach that is known for its popularity. The beach offers an array of adventure activities, including banana rides, surfboats, parasailing, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and more. Do not forget to purchase a beer from 7-Eleven and enjoy the sound of the beach waves.

JAMES BOND ISLAND

James Bond Island, also known as Khao Phing Kan, is a popular tourist attraction located in Phang Nga Bay in Thailand. It is named after the famous spy movie “The Man with the Golden Gun,” which was filmed in the area.

The primary highlight of James Bond Island is its one-of-a-kind rock formation, resembling colossal limestone karsts emerging from the water. The island is encompassed by resplendent emerald-green waters, ideal for indulging in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Tourists can also discover the nearby caves and lagoons, which are home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.

In addition to its natural beauty, James Bond Island is also home to a variety of activities and attractions. Visitors can take a boat tour of the surrounding islands, which offer stunning views of the limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

We reserved this tour package similar to the Phi Phi Island tour. All the services provided were identical, including hotel pickup and drop-off, free breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks. Although both Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island  possess their unique charm, the former is renowned for its stunning beaches, while the latter is known for its magnificent caves. It is highly recommended to explore both islands to experience their distinct beauty.

Embark on a serene cruise along the picturesque Phang Nga Bay and pause for sightseeing at Panak Island, celebrated for its emerald lagoons and profound caves. Delight in the breathtaking stalactite formations and towering limestone cliffs that surround you.

You will witness stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Stalagmites are elongated forms of various minerals deposited from solution by slowly dripping water. A stalactite hangs like an icicle from the ceiling or sides of a cavern. Stalactites grow down from the cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the cave’s floor. 

Flowstones are sheetlike deposits of calcite or other carbonate minerals, formed where water flows down the walls or along the floor of a cave. You will experience boating inside the caves and see amazing structures and corals.

At last, we seized the opportunity to visit the floating Muslim village of Panyee Island. We savored a scrumptious buffet lunch and strolled around the village. The island is home to a population of approximately 2000 people, all of whom are Thai Muslims. We had an hour to relish our lunch and explore the island’s sights.

Embark on a Visit to the legendary James Bond Island, also known as Khao Ping Kan. Observed the kid in the photograph, isn’t she stunning? She took my place and requested me to snap her picture. Her parents were also present and seemed to be her personal photographers.

The grand finale is Panya Beach – a beautiful beach that boasts a plethora of exquisite restaurants and bars. As our final island destination, it was incredibly peaceful due to the relatively low number of visitors. I relished my time on this beach, and the view was truly outstanding.

Various games were being played on the beach, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. We indulged in activities such as the Flobo Floating Disk and Active Flyer. After spending an hour on the beach, the sun began to set, signaling the end of our delightful island trip. It was time to bid farewell to this beautiful destination.

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TRAVEL PLANS AND VISA

The peak tourist season in Phuket lasts from November to February, during the cool and dry season. From then until May, the weather is considerably hot. To fully explore the city, visitors are recommended to stay at least 4 to 5 days. The main attractions include the Phi Phi Island tour, the James Bond Island tour, the Krabi Island tour, Patong Beach, and Bangla Road.

How to reach Phuket –  Phuket boasts an international airport with direct flights from India. However, there are no metro or railway services from the airport. To get around, visitors can opt for taxis, buses, or shuttles. It is worth noting that transportation services in Phuket  are more expensive than those in Bangkok.

Visa process – To obtain a Thailand visa, one can apply via the VFS Global Embassy or through an online E-visa via VFS. The simplest option, however, is to apply for an on-arrival visa upon arriving at the Thailand airport.

No Thai pass is required for a tourist visa now.

Documents needed for the on-arrival visa – 

1. Passport 

2. Both sides confirmed Flight tickets

3. Visa application form 

4. Two colored photographs, white background, Size 4*6 cm

5. Hotel reservation

6. 10,000 Thai cash

7. Full vaccination

8. Travel insurance (optional)

The above four points are mandatory for the on-arrival visa.

If you want to apply for a visa from VFS, the documents required may differ. 

Day 1 – Upon arrival in Phuket, take in the city’s charm by visiting Chillva Market, Naka weekend market, and leisure on Patong Beach.

Day 2 – Transfer to Phi Phi Island for a full-day tour of what is widely considered the most beautiful islands, where you can indulge in various water sports. 

Day 3 – Transfer to James Bond Island for a full-day tour. For both tours, guests will be picked up and dropped off at their hotel. It is also possible to book the tour online.

Day 4 – Visit old Phuket town, Wat Chaithararam, The Big Buddha, Jui Tui Shrine, and Phuket Thai Hua Museum. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife on Bangla Road and grab a beer from 7-Eleven while relaxing on Patong Beach.

Day 5 – If you have extra time, consider exploring Krabi Island.

Note–  

1. Although both Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island possess their unique charm. It is highly recommended to explore both islands to experience their distinct beauty. But if you are tight on time then go for a Phi Phi Island.

2. You can stay at Phi Phi Island and you will get hotels/hostels and amazing nightlife.

Taste of Phuket – Pad Thai, Som Tam, Pancake, Kai Yang, Seafoods.