Beach and Islands Holiday in Phuket

Just days after coming back from Tokyo vacation, hubby asked me if I was interested in a short weekend getaway, out of the blue. He would never be the one who initiate of having a vacation, as far as I am concerned he is a hopeless workaholic! Of course I agreed within seconds and immediately did my research for an island or beach getaway preferably around neighbouring countries. I was in a dilemma whether to choose between Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi.

At the end, I chose Phuket, as the flight timing was more appropriate to our schedule. Last minute flight booking is not encouraged as it's always more expensive, but due to hubby's tight working schedule, we could only book our flight a few days before the actual departure. Coincidentally, on the day of departure, Singapore was facing a serious haze woe, a havoc created by a neighbouring country, Indonesia. PSI was around 300, hitting 400! The top picture as you can see was taken at Changi International Airport when our aircraft was going to take off. I would say the visibility could be less than 20 feet. The usual bright shiny sun looked more like a fiery red fire ball.

Our flight was in the morning. It took us 1 hour and 50 minutes from Singapore to Phuket. Upon touching down Phuket, I could see many small islands scatter around the vast blue ocean. Ahhh.....blue sky, mysterious looking islands and beautiful beach...I was muttering to myself.

Arrival, Day 1 - 22 June 2013

After clearing the custom, we walked towards the airport taxi service counter, and got ourselves a taxi to our hotel which was located at Rawai for 900 THB. However the earliest hotel check-in time was 2 p.m. and we arrived at Phuket around 9.20 a.m. FYI, Phuket is 1 hour behind Singapore time. Instead of going to our hotel, we requested our driver to detour. First, we would stop at the Big Buddha for a short visit, followed by a seafood lunch at Kan Eang @ Pier, and drop off at our hotel. All these with another extra 600 THB.

The Big Buddha which sits high and tall on Nakkerd Hills. I was given a piece of sarong to cover myself before entering the sacred temple.

Monks were seen sitting in a row, chanting and praying.

We didn't stay long at the Big Buddha, as our driver gave us only 2 to 3 hours before he dropped us at our hotel. Next, we went to Kan Eang @ Pier for lunch. The restaurant was only 10 minutes drive from our hotel. The moment we stepped in, a friendly waiter greeted us and we had al fresco dining with beautiful seaview coupled with warm afternoon breeze.

Fresh oysters for starter. What is Thai cuisine without the famous papaya salad served with generous serving of toasted dried shrimp alongside with some other raw greens like sliced cucumber, long beans and cabbages eaten with pound green chilli paste, fried onion, sliced garlic and limes.

Seriously can anyone teach us how to eat the salad the right way with the condiments served in front of us? We had 2 soups, first the mussels soup with basil and lime leaves.

Second, which we would never miss out...tom yam seafood clear soup.

Steamed garoupa ala Thai style with lime and coriander. It was very thoughtful of them to serve us an extra bowl of additional stock, and it was really tasty and went very well with our steamed white rice.

Baked lobster with garlic white wine sauce. It was huge, creamy and most importantly very fresh though the price could be hefty. The whole course cost 4762 THB which is around SGD 195. Still reasonable, if looking at the food served and the ambience, needless to say.

After a heavy lunch, we took a leisurely stroll along the bridge near the pier.

We were driven to our hotel after lunch. We stayed at Serenity Resort and Residences Phuket for 2 nights. They boast a 5-star rating and from the reviews found in the web, most raved that they had a wonderful stay here. So, I decided to give it a go.

Our room where the bed was beautifully scattered with rose petals and folded towels of 2 lovey dovey swans. It was more like a room for honeymooners..lol

The pool overlooking the beachfront facing the Chalong Bay. Next to the pool was the chic and trendy East 88 Beach Lounge.

This place is more serene if compared to Patong Beach. You can rest and relax or simply basking under the sun, with modern songs being played from the lounge.

The East 88 Beach Lounge. They serve list of both local and international cuisine. You can order cocktails and beverage and chill throughout the lazy afternoon. We had some drinks with local famous dessert of mango glutinous rice served with separate warm coconut milk.

At around 6.30 pm., we hailed a taxi just outside our hotel for 600 THB and headed to Chaofa Weekend Night Market. It opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 pm to 10 pm, located at the outskirt of Phuket Town. If you are looking for either cheap buys, ranging from clothing, pirated CDs, jewelleries, footwear and crafts, or to tease your tastebuds on the local eat and snacks, this is the place you should not miss out.

We walked and combed the area rows after rows, hoping to find some steal. But to my disappointment, the goods sold here were not to my liking. So I ended up going back to hotel empty handed. But we did savoured some of the local eats.

Me with a 'dwarf' pineapple. Sweet and juicy though...

 

Cooked flower crabs on sale...

I was being turned away for snapping this photo. The girl told me I had to pay tips for doing so. It was actually a stall selling deep fried creepy crawlies.....and I realized that was the only stall selling exotic insects bites.

There were stalls selling Japanese sushi, but I dare not to take the risk as I have rather a weak stomach.

Found this stall selling shoecrab roe. No gut to try either. If I was in Japan, I would definitely go all out for it, but somehow not in Thailand. Sorry to say that.

Snacks for sweet-toothies.....

I tried this deep fried Thai fish cake.....a packet which came in 8 pieces....in small bites, served with crunchy curry leaves, sliced cucumber , cilantro and some chilli sauce.

We quickly found ourselves a table at a food stall, and ordered a plate of Thai fried rice and pad thai. Both dishes were not up to our expectation. The fried rice was tasteless with no ingredients in sight, whereas the pad thai was a bit soggy and sweet. We had a bowl of tom yam goong too but with only 3 small shrimps inside the bowl of soup with hint of sweetness, personally I think sugar was added into it.

I didn't finish up my food, stopped after few bites, but surprisingly I slurped down this bowl of flat rice noodle soup served with mixed pork organs and meat. Skipped that stick of grilled squid too, coz it was undercooked. I might be a bit too paranoid but I did have my own experience to share. I am a seafood lover, but I fell into food poisoning trap a few times just because of stale or undercooked seafoods.

Although the Chaofa Weekend Market didn't fancy me much, but it's still an eyeopener. I saw many foreigners thronged the place, in search for good bargain. They were very good in their bargaining skills, coz I suck in it! LOL....

Spending the rest of the night, chilling and sipping my cocktail at hotel lounge before calling it a day...

Day 2 - 23 June 2013

Woke up early the next morning, had a quick breakfast at the hotel cafe lounge. Our island tour transport would pick us up at the lobby at 7.15 am. I did my booking online a few days before for the Full Day Phi Phi Island Tour by Phi Phi Cruiser, at a promotional price of 900 THB per person. The usual price was 1500 THB. You can search for their other available tours from www.phuket.com.

Had our brekkie moment just after sunrise...with serene sea view.

Other than us, the van picked up some other passengers before proceed to Phuket Rassada Port.

Got onboard the Phi Phi Cruiser. This was the top deck where it was open completely, for those who wished to get some nice sun kissed tan.

It took almost 2 hours to get to Phi Phi Island from the port. While on the cruise, we enjoyed the crystal blue sea water, and cloudless blue sky. Majestic view of limestone formations were seen rising above the horizon. Bought some snacks, fruits and drinks on the board too.

Finally we arrived at Phi Phi Ley, the cruise slowed down so that we could captured memorable pictures. Picture below was Maya Bay, which is famous for its stunningly beautiful crystal clear turquoise blue sea water and silky soft white sand. It has been a main tourist attraction after the filming of The Beach in 1999.

Viking Cave which is popular for its bird's nest industry. Birds could be seen flying in and out around the cave.

 

We arrived at Phi Phi Don around 10.30 am, where the cruise made a brief stop at the Phi Phi Pier. Some passengers alighted to get to their hotels, while some like us continue with our snorkelling activity at Coral Bay. We got on to a smaller boat. Snorkelling and diving gears were well equipped on board.  We rented flippers or fins for 80 THB per pair to avoid sharp edges of corals or sea urchins...the rest were provided in the package.

Upon reaching the Coral Bay, we were given an hour to snorkel around the bay.  Saw many colourful fishes, including clown fish. I bought a one-time use waterproof camera, and did snap pictures. But due to the cloudy water, most shots turned out blur...:(

Hubby and me, posing to the camera. 

At Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Pier, for 1.5 hours lunch break. We had to endure hours of uneasiness from the extreme salty sea water after snorkelling. No place to wash up properly. I could feel fine flakes of sea salt after drying up, especially my hair!

We were directed to Phi Phi Hotel for lunch. Quite a spread though, consisting mainly local Thai dishes like Tom Yam seafood soup, mixed veg, fried drumlets, onion rings, spicy sour fish, chicken with cashew nuts, and spaghetti bolognese. Oh....and fruits for dessert.

After lunch, we wandered a bit around Phi Phi Don. Bought ice-cream to cool ourselves from mid-noon heat.

Long tail boats moored at Tonsai Bay. Not only long tail boats are cheaper budget of transportation compared to speed boat, it's also an ideal way of reaching hidden, secluded beaches and coves.

Phi Phi Don was the last stop for this trip, where after that we departed from Phi Phi back to Phuket. Arrived at Rassada Port at around 4.30 pm. and driven back to our hotel with others staying nearby Rawai. At last reached hotel at 6 pm, the first thing I did was to hog the bathroom and had a good wash up!

We called up Kan Eang to make dinner reservation at 7.15 pm. Yes that was our second time dining here. Furthermore, it's near to our hotel too. We spent 200 THB to get to Kan Eang from our hotel.

Live seafood in Kan Eang @ Pier.

Japanese cuisine corner where you can get your sashimi and teppanyaki.

Step into a wine cellar, and take your time choosing your best favourite wine to go along with a romantic dinner for two.

The pier at night...

Had Thai sweet coconut juice and stir fried clams with garlic and basil.

Spicy and creamy tom yam goong in coconut milk. This was more kick than the tom yam clear soup version.

Thai fried rice with eggs....tasteless, but then I realized this dish must be eaten with chopped small green chilli padi with minced garlic and fish sauce.

BBQ king prawns.

Tenderloin teppanyaki, medium well doneness....arranged in a flower pattern, with some asparagus and fresh straw mushrooms.

BBQ cuttlefish.

Steamed blue crabs.

Self shot picture, with timer. Not bad eh...:)

Next, we moved on to Patong Beach, Bangla Road to experience its vibrant nightlife.

Bangla Road is the heart of Phuket nightlife and its worth the money spent on cab to just have a look around. The place was lined with discotheques, pubs, and cafes, many which offered ping pong shows, live sex shows, and sexy girls dancing on poles.

 

Ladyboys, trying to get some tips from passers-by who wished to have a picture with them.

They were so desperate to have pictures with us, asking me to hold their long legs and busty boobs while posing. While I was a bit shy but I obeyed. Look how I was being sandwiched in between these two ladyboys, though the one on my left (with green costume) was quite 'pretty'.

The New Tiger complex is currently a hit and nightlife partying scene in Phuket. It spans 3 floors with high ceilings, colourful blasting lights.

We wanted to have drinks but not at places offering ping pong shows though hubby wanted to. :( I heard about scams and how people being ripped off.  Instead we had foot massage for an hour, and we chanced upon the Hard Rock Cafe for couple of cocktail mix and warm brownie with vanilla ice-cream. The ambience was quite happening, with people dancing and prancing to Gangnam Style. 

Day 3 - 24 June 2013

On the last day, we had another island tour, 4 in 1 Full day Tour James Bond Island Sea Canoe, booked from www.phuketeasytour.com. at promotional price of 1600 THB per person. The usual price was 2800 THB. We had to pay additional 400 THB for round trip transfer from Rawai. So the total was 3600 THB.

Pick up by a comfortable air conditioned mini van at 8 am. Dropped off at Ao Por Pier. Weather was bright and sunny. We had to walk for 10 to 15 minutes from the gathering point near the pier, and was then guided to our cruise, under scorching hot sun.

Embarked on the cruise to Phang Nga Bay.

Couldn't resist to take a picture of this super cute little Korean girl, with rosy cheeks. She was so stylish and insisted her mother to buy her 2 small tubs of ice-cream, due to super hot weather. Our guide was friendly and very sociable. He offered to help everyone to take pictures with the aid of his own made heart-shaped wood block....so heart warming...

An hour later or so, we reached James Bond Island, which is the most popular island and also a landmark of Phang Nga Bay.

We were ferried in a long tail boat from the cruise to James Bond Island. One hour free time was given to us to admire the scenic surrounding and take pictures before we returned back to the long tail boat to get to the cruise again.

Caves, amazing rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites......

...and of course the most photographed James Bond Island....

Wonderful nature creation inside a cave...

Water dripping off the roof cave, forming stalactites and stalagmites.

Hubby rented a waterproof sling bag for 100 THB, as we would have many water activities later like canoeing. Had lunch buffet on board.

Stopped at Panak Island, and it's our first stop where we experienced guided canoe ride. We discovered the Mut Cave and beautiful rock formations around.

Hubby had a taste of self paddling the canoe. He was good in it. And our canoe moved fast forward...hahaaa. Both of us agreed that canoeing was the most fun part in this tour.

Canoeing into a cave during low tide.

But beware your head. Most of the caves that we went in had sharp roof and edges. The wall could be sometimes narrow. The best was to lie low and flat like these foreigners did in the picture below.

We cruised and stopped at another island, Hong Island, the second canoeing spot. Hong in Thai means hidden lagoon. Yes, here we were, canoeing around a lagoon. It was a total serene sight with only chirping of birds could be heard as if we were at the Amazon Rainforest or something. Echoing sound of people talking and laughing excitedly, suddenly broke the tranquility atmosphere.

Naka Island was the last stop, where we were allowed to dive from board into 3 metres deep sea. After which they swam to a nearby beach, then made a return back to the cruise. I skipped this though hubby continued with his dive and swim, without life jacket! Picture below was the youngest and bravest little girl from Australia, jumping into the sea from the cruise.

We returned back to the pier by 5.30 pm. Was in a rush to get to the Phuket Airport as we needed to check-in by 8 pm. Our flight was at 10 pm. The journey from our hotel to airport took an hour. We requested at the hotel lobby counter to have a shower in their SPA house before leaving. I really had a quickie, and hubby teased that it was my fastest speed ever in having my bath @___@  and I agreed! Left the hotel in a cab at 7.10 pm. Bye bye...that's our hotel, Serenity Resort and Residences Phuket.

We had simple burger and sandwich for dinner, coz we couldn't find something better than this...sigh. Anyway I didn't eat much the whole day, due to tummy upset. This basically rounds up our short weekend getaway of 3 days and 2 nights in Phuket.