To conclude our Thailand adventure, we flew south to Phuket – the country’s most popular tourist destination. After taking a taxi from the airport to Patong, we found this loud, bustling beach town wasn’t ideal for travelers seeking peace. After an hour of searching, we settled into a decent hotel run by two Scandinavians, then enjoyed our first swim in the warm Andaman Sea – absolutely magical!
After a delicious Thai dinner, we explored Bangla Road – Patong’s infamous nightlife strip. As darkness falls, the area transforms with go-go bars, street performers, and colorful ladyboys creating an adults-only carnival atmosphere.
The next morning, we took a ferry to the car-free Phi Phi Islands. I slept through most of the scenic journey on the upper deck. These postcard-perfect islands operate on “island time” – with luggage carts (shouted warnings of “pi pi!”) replacing taxis. While undeniably touristy, Phi Phi offers stunning accommodations ranging from budget rooms to hillside bungalows with panoramic ocean views.
Dining options ranged from local eateries (hearty meals under $5) to upscale restaurants where we splurged $20 on lobster – beautiful presentation, though flavor didn’t quite match the price.
Beach relaxation alternated with adventure. Long Beach’s powdery sand and turquoise water provided perfect respite, though the coral reefs require boat access. Our most memorable day featured sea kayaking to Phi Phi Leh – the filming location for “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Paddling through limestone karsts was exhilarating, if exhausting!
Evenings found us sampling laid-back beach bars (mostly quiet) and the obligatory crowded Irish pub. As our Southern Thailand journey ended, we reflected on perfect contrasts – from Patong’s neon chaos to Phi Phi’s natural splendor.
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