Thaication Top Tips-Phuket & Koh Phi Phi

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Imagine a golden sand beach, lined with palm trees that cast a refreshing shadow over your head as you sip away from a fresh, green coconut (with a bamboo straw of course). Simultaneously looking into the distance at jungle-covered karst limestone pillars rising high above the gentle blue waters of the Andaman Sea. All the while, a group of monkeys entertains you from the distance and a fellow local gives a good wash to a herd of elephants. This is Thailand!

Now picture a full moon night; a gentle sound of waves, a vibrant fan of colourful neons right in front of your eyes. The deep bass of music in the distance. Crowds of people having the time of their lives. The unforgettable smell of oriental cuisine hanging in the air! Visualise rays of sunshine falling at your face and the wind in your hair as you zoom past deserted islands, crashing through the waves. A shoal of gigantic whale sharks just overboard. You jump and find yourself in a completely different world, filled with calmness and serenity. The abundance of marine life in the foreground contrasting the sculptures of coral in the back.

When I think of a perfect holiday abroad, I think of these memories especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only one country pops to my mind. A country so vivid to human senses as the description above. Thailand. The food, friendliness, vibrancy, culture, history, adventures, tropical climate, coconuts, turquoise waters, pristine beaches are but a few buzz words I relate directly to that perfect vacation.  If you won’t settle for any less than that a “thaication” is in order! And where better to be in Thailand than the exotic region of Phuket and the nearby Phi Phi islands.

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Phuket

Phuket is located where the jade-hued waves hit golden and white sands. The exotic south-west, encircled by the Andaman Sea. The biggest of Thailand’s islands and the biggest traveller’s destination in the country, Phuket has it all. In fact, it is said that eventually everyone visits Phuket. For all the good reasons and some very bad (sex industry, drugs), the region is renowned world-wide and it is rather easy to mistaken it for a paradise when one is to venture out of the hotspots.

Accommodation

When it comes to a holiday, putting aside the location and activities the next important thing is the accommodation. Everyone is a happy camper here! The abundance of places to stay makes it extremely easy to fit it in your budget. Private villas, luxurious hotels, apartments, and hostels can all be found here. To top it all they are all relatively cheap if you book early! $10 USD a night will definitely land you a nice private room in a hostel or a small hotel. On the other end of a scale, $90 to $300 USD will land you a private villa.

TIP – Stay away from the hotspots like Patong Beach. Your accommodation will be nicer, cheaper and closer to the genuine Phuket experiences.

Transport In Thailand

Not much to say here. Use Tuk Tuks! They are super affordable, can be found everywhere and will take up to 5 people making it great if you travel with a group. Getting to and from the airport in Phuket is also a piece of cake. Regular buses run around the island. Just ask someone for directions.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The peak travel months are January and February so if you rather avoid crowds these months are a no go. If you ask any local, they’ll tell you April through October is the prime time to visit Phuket and the rest of Thailand in general.

7 Top Thailand Tips & Experiences

Here are but a few insane experiences on the island which will make your trip whole! Not that I am trying to persuade to book that next getaway to Phuket… but I kind of am.

1. Watch some magical sunsets

Having travelled far and wide across most of Asia, with a hand on my heart I can say that Thai sunsets are close to none. Your smile will be as golden as the glittering sun on the horizon. The ultimate look out is without a doubt the Phromthep Cape. Just look at the picture below!

2. Relax under palm trees

These tropical trees are everywhere making this task a child’s play. I guarantee you that some time under the palm with a coconut or a cocktail in your hand and a beautiful beach in front will revive you.

3. Play with elephants

When people think of Thailand, they think of the majestic creatures the elephants are. Heavy tourism always brings a lot of bad things as well as good things with it. Elephants can be hence mistreated. As much as you would like to play with this big fella keep in mind what you’re contributing to, so don’t just go to the first man with an elephant. Elephant sanctuaries can be found all around the island. The guys at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, in particular, do exceptional work and contribute to the well being of their animals. Definitely go and check them out to learn about the elephants, help to bathe them and feed them!

4. Find a hidden beach

As much as you might think this sounds impossible, I guarantee you hidden beaches are still around! They are kept secret by locals to keep them pristine and well… local. Get to know the people, have a chat, and perhaps they will share their secret with you. It sure worked for me!

5. Take a ride in a Tuk Tuk

No trip to Thailand is complete without hopping on a Tuk Tuk. Will keep it nice and short, do it!

6. Go island hopping

Thailand is famed for its picturesque islands. Just a short boat ride away you will find the Phang Nga Bay and James Bond island (yes James Bond was filmed here). Similan and Surin islands are diverse in marine life. Koh Phi Phi is simply beautiful but more about these later.

7. Scuba Dive

Surrounded by Andaman Sea, Phuket and its surrounding regions offer top tier scuba diving expeditions. Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, and the Anemone Reef are prime for spotting lionfish, eels, wrasses, frog fish and… drum roll please, the unbelievable leopard sharks. Racha Yai and Noi Islands should also be on your scuba list! Is around $80 USD worth spending? I say definitely!!! Just look at my unforgettable memories below. A real paradise, isn’t it?

Koh Phi Phi

Speaking of paradise. As breath-taking as Phuket is, the nearby Phi Phi Islands MUST not go unnoticed!!! A 45-min speedboat trip away, these postcard islands are waiting to be experienced. If Phuket is too busy or too loud for you, look no further. Koh Phi Phi is the definition of the ultimate tropical getaway. Look, if Leonardo di Caprio thinks they are, who are we to argue with this legend. The Beach, a super-duper famous movie was filmed right here, in the Maya Bay, featuring the man himself! Tropical beaches, rock formations, jungles, turquoise waters teeming with life, just take me back already!

The two largest of the six islands are the Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The first, largest of the two is where the accommodation, food and bars are. The second is uninhabited and due to its natural beauty and tranquillity attracts everyone.

TIP – visit the Phi Phi’s off season, just so you can get that real Robinson Crusoe feels. Needless to say, when around, rent a boat for the day and be free!  

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There is nothing more to add, other than that you WILL NOT be disappointed with your trip to Phuket and the Koh Phi Phi. Live as luxuriously as you wish, or backpack your way across the region. The choice is yours and yours alone. Thailand awaits!!!

Travel, Dream, Live the Thai adventure!

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