Thailand- Dont miss out on this incredible location!
Thailand is a stunning country with welcoming people, but I am a sucker for white beaches and turquoise waters. From picture postcard beaches to exciting adventure activities and everything in between, Phuket has something special to offer to every traveller. I will try to cover TOP FIVE REASONS TO VISIT PHUKET AND KRABI IN THAILAND. This is the reason millions of travelers pack their bags and head to Krabi and Phuket (pronounced Puuu-get) every year. Phuket is in southern Thailand and is the largest island suspended from the tip of Phang Na province and facing Andaman Sea on the west coastline. Krabi is a gorgeous sea side town to the east of Phuket and is about 3.5 hours drive by road .
Phuket’s laid back island atmosphere, stunning weather and luxurious resorts keep people returning again and again. Tourists rarely spend much time in the Phuket town, heading off to the amazing coastline and sea.
Below are the top five reasons why Phuket and Krabi should be on your top global destinations.
World class beaches in Phuket
The astounding beaches that Phuket has to offer are one of the main reasons that many people return to the island time and time again. Sweeping stretches of white sand look out across clear turquoise waters where jagged rocks rise high into the sky.
Patong beach on the West coast is where you’ll find the most lively atmosphere and it’s lined with resorts and beach bars catering to the fun-loving crowds. If you’re after something a bit more secluded then you should head further South where the beaches are quieter and more secluded. Krabi boasts of having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Top 7 places to visit in Phuket and Krabi
Delicious Food
Thai food is hands down some of the most fragrant, flavor packed, fresh and delicious food ! There are plenty of places on Phuket serving authentic dishes. From sweet and sour soups and spicy noodle dishes to coconut flavoured curries and simple grilled meat and rice plates, the range of flavours is mind-blowing.
Delight your palate by trying out some of the local restaurants and street food in Phuket Town where you’ll find many of the best around. Seafood is so fresh and the seafood tom yum soup below was unlike we have tasted anywhere in the world.
Amazing Accommodation
A little known fact about Phuket is that it’s not just a single land mass. Though the name is often used to refer to Thailand’s largest island, it’s also the title of the local province which encompasses the 32 other smaller islands lying off of its surrounding coastline.
You will spoilt for choice at the options for luxurious stay. We stayed at the Laguna Beach resort in Phuket, which is a magnificent beach front property. The resort has now been renovated and is called Outrigger Laguna Phuket beach.
If you’re looking to be pampered there’s a spa offering a wide variety of relaxing treatment packages, as well as a sauna, steam room at the Angsana day spa. There is also a 18 hole championship golf course, chapel and over 30 restaurants in the resort complex. Below is a picture of the infinity pool at the Laguna Phuket Beach resort.
Turquoise Waters
The water around Phuket and Krabi is renowned for being some of the clearest and most beautiful you’ll find in all of Southeast Asia. Along with being perfect for swimming in, it also makes for great photos which will instantly brighten up your social media feeds! The warm temperatures mean the ocean is inviting for swimming at any time of the day, and you’ll struggle to drag yourself away from the perfect waves.
Awesome Adventure
Phuket is one of the adventure capitals of Thailand and whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first time thrill seeker you’ll find plenty of activities to get your blood pumping. Snorkelling and scuba diving are both popular here because of the amazing visibility the clear water provides. In addition, quad biking, white water rafting, kayaking and zip line runs are all available to do on the island.
HOW DID WE GET TO PHUKET ? –
We flew into Phuket International airport from Singapore with Tiger Airlines which is a budget airlines operating in parts of Asia. We paid $49 round trip to phuket so we could not have asked for a better deal. The flight duration from Singapore was 1 hour 45 minutes. US Citizens do not need a visa to enter Thailand and will get a entry permit of 30 days upon arrival.
Upon reaching the airport we picked up a rental car used it for the next 8 days and traversed a total distance of over 800 kms around the southern coast of Thailand. Having a car gave us a great amount of flexibility and we were surprised at the excellent quality of the roads in Thailand. Driving and navigating was relatively easy. For a significant part of the trip we were based in Phuket. Route map of our Phuket trip is as below.
TIPs for your travel to Phuket and Krabi:
1.Pick up a rental car if you are comfortable driving. You will see more- at your own pace and save money too.
2. Sign up a private speed boat if you are a party of 6 or more planning to go to Phi Phi, Simian and other islands ,else team up with another guest. You will have the flexibility to visit quiet and deserted islands and will not be rushed to follow general schedules of the public ferry.
3. Weather – Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate and is warm all the year round. April to May and September to October is also wettest due to monsoons. Plan to travel during the cool months – December to March.