2.5 weeks in Southeast Asia- part 3
Can you believe it's already the end of April? Happy Easter by the way! This year is flying by, sorry it has taken me so long to post the final part of our Southeast Asia trip. But here is finally is, Thailand. We spent about a week in Thailand, mainly around various places in Phuket, along with two days in Bangkok before our flight back to Germany.
Thailand
With an easy hour flight from KL we made it to Phuket. And on arrival, the first downside... getting around the island is terrible! Expensive taxis and busses filled with tourists, it seemed like a transportation monopoly. Definitely the worst part of the trip. We took a taxi to Phuket town, and on arrival we asked the driver to drop us off for food and, he took us to McDonalds- then we asked him again for Thai food, and he said go around the corner. I guess they are so used to trying to accommodate to western tourists. So we went around the corner and ran into a small street food marked with only local people in sight. That was one of our best dinners in Thailand, away from the crowds, authentic, friendly service, and good food.
We went further south to Panwa beach and the amazing Crowne Plaza hotel. (Thank you L for the hotel points!) This place was amazing, the Sunday brunch is expensive but sooo worth it, especially if you spend a few hours (3-4 hrs) just relaxing on the terrace like we did. This hotel was so relaxing, it had the most amazing views, two pools and was located on a small beach. It was paradise, and just what we needed to relax and calm down with after the city tours we were previously on. I don't think I've ever been so relaxed.
After that we met up with some of L's friends at one of the "main" beaches in Phuket- Patong. Let's just say, I never need to go back here again. Sure one day for the experience, and if you are into partying and under the age of 27 or over the age of 50 then this place might be for you. :-/. We did do a day trip from here to a not so secret beach off the main tourist drag, I can't remember the name of it, but definitely worth it to get out of the main areas when you are here, I have a feeling there are a lot of gems around Phuket.
We then headed up the northwest coast to Mai Khao beach. If you are looking for unspoiled beaches with barely any people, this is definitely the place. In my opinion one of the best beaches we saw and it just kept going and going. The only downside, the water is a bit rougher than other parts we were at.
Last on the trip was Bangkok, which was a big contrast to Phuket. We arrived at the airport and took local train into the city. And I mean true local transit- I think we paid 10 Baht total for the trip and pretty sure we were the only tourists. It's experiences like that that really make traveling exciting and memorable. We stayed at the lovely Hotel Indigo, did a self guided walking tour to the temple with the largest reclining Buddha (can't remember the name), got caught in a massive downpour, swam above the skyline in a rooftop pool, and ate more street food. Incredibly, we weren't sick at all on this trip, despite eating everything we wanted including from street vendors.
Rooftop bar/restaurant in Bangkok right on the river.
Overall this trip was a good intro to Asia for me packed with a lot of different sights and experiences. Some good, some not so good, but thats part of traveling I guess. Hey and if you can survive 17 days with your partner on a long trip and not kill each other, thats a pretty good sign for long term sustainability in the relationship right??!
Thailand
With an easy hour flight from KL we made it to Phuket. And on arrival, the first downside... getting around the island is terrible! Expensive taxis and busses filled with tourists, it seemed like a transportation monopoly. Definitely the worst part of the trip. We took a taxi to Phuket town, and on arrival we asked the driver to drop us off for food and, he took us to McDonalds- then we asked him again for Thai food, and he said go around the corner. I guess they are so used to trying to accommodate to western tourists. So we went around the corner and ran into a small street food marked with only local people in sight. That was one of our best dinners in Thailand, away from the crowds, authentic, friendly service, and good food.
food stall Phuket town
view of welcome fruit and view from the balcony onto Panwa Beach
Sunday brunch
jumping
We then headed up the northwest coast to Mai Khao beach. If you are looking for unspoiled beaches with barely any people, this is definitely the place. In my opinion one of the best beaches we saw and it just kept going and going. The only downside, the water is a bit rougher than other parts we were at.
Thank you IHG points
Rooftop bar/restaurant in Bangkok right on the river.
Saying goodbye-off to the airport.
Overall this trip was a good intro to Asia for me packed with a lot of different sights and experiences. Some good, some not so good, but thats part of traveling I guess. Hey and if you can survive 17 days with your partner on a long trip and not kill each other, thats a pretty good sign for long term sustainability in the relationship right??!
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