When it comes to Thai islands – it may be pretty hard to pick which one to visit. Phuket and Krabi both are famous for their stunning beaches. If you’re looking for a laid back place, outstanding Thai hospitality and uncrowded beaches with breathtaking sunsets – look no further than Phuket & Krabi. Even if you’re limited by time, four days on Phuket & Krabi may very well be a great start of your Thai island adventure and a great connection point to the stunning Islands.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest and best-known island, is a tropical dream destination for everyone to discover. It is, in fact, relatively easy to cover: 48 km north to south, 21 km west to east, but is blessed with more than 40 sandy beaches, tropical islands, majestic landscapes and fantastic Thai food. The vast bay between Phuket and Krabi is home to hundreds of exotic islands. Phi Phi Island is, of course, the best known, but there are other gems such as Racha Island, Coral Island, Rang Yai and Koh Yao, to name a few. Island hopping is very easy to organise for an unforgettable day trip.

Krabi is like one of those tropical paradise islands we usually get to see only on postcards. Pristine white beaches, the crystal clear and turquoise Andaman Sea, lush jungles and luxury resorts are basically everything this island has to offer. Being just an hour and a half by car from the island of Phuket, many travelers decide to stay a few days in Krabi. Your two days on Krabi will be filled with island hopping, great snorkeling, romantic walks on the beach, a spectacular sunset and the intimate island atmosphere.

Like most of the country, Phuket experiences mostly two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to April, while the rainy season starts in May and ends in December. Even though the low season (May-October) brings lower prices and a reduced number of tourists, the island activities are limited and most of the places shut down. Rough sea conditions, monsoon winds and heavy rain during that period can ruin most of the fun and beach activities. Therefore, the ideal time to visit would be November to April, with the exception of Christmas and New Year holidays. If you can choose, pick February.

Day 1

Our flight Singapore Airlines SQ 517 departed Kolkata at 11:55 pm and reached Singapore at 6:40 am, connecting flight to Phuket, Silkair MI 752 departed Singapore at 8:36 am and reached Phuket City by 9:33 am (Dinner & Breakfast served on flights). Gourmets Travel Guide’s philosophy is ‘A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and who does not travel does not know the value of Life and if there is no surprise in your travel plan it’s doesn’t called traveling’.

After a meet and greet with our driver Nattapong Oat Poreekaew at Phuket Airport we started our half day sightseeing tour of Phuket.

Wat Khao Rang (Click for More) – Wat Khao Rang has the first golden sitting Buddha in Phuket and was founded by the famous monk called Luang Pu Supha. Monk Luang Pu Supha born more than 100 years ago in a rural area of Issan, he is also known as ‘The Living Monk’ as he has lived through the reigns of five Thai Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, from King Rama V to the current King, King Rama IX.

Cashew Nut Factory – The Sri Bhurapa Orchid was the first cashew factory in Phuket which developed from a small business in 1943. We taste the juice of the cashew nut which is known as Cashewy and it is used to treat inflammation and infections of the respiratory tract. A visit to the cashew nut factory will provide an insight into the processing of cashew nuts and to see how painstakingly these treasured fragrant nuts are extracted and baked.

Big Bee Farm – The Big Bee Honey farm is a place that sells all honey products. People get to see the bees and how they make the honey and all honey-related products. In all honesty, it is quite expensive to be in Thailand but I bet you that it is all organic and really good quality. Besides honey, you can buy chocolate, tea, coffee, facial cream, alcohol and much more. You do not pay for samples and the store has a lot to sample.

Lunch Time (We all started feeling hungry as its almost noon)

Kan-Eang 2 Seafood Restaurant (Click for More) – Kan Eang 2 Restaurant emits the tantalizing fragrances of Thai culture. Seafood lovers — make a stop at this famous spot at Chalong for delicious seafood dishes. You will love the variety of dishes cooked in traditional Thai style. Kan Eang translates as ‘relaxed’ in English and this is definitely an apt name for this large beachside restaurant just north of Chalong on Phuket’s east coast. Breezy and shady, most of Kan Eang’s seating is outdoors, set under tropical almond trees, although there is an indoors section. Very popular with groups and families, the restaurant normally gets busy in the evenings but at lunchtime and during the afternoon it’s a veritable haven of peace and quiet.

Wat Chalong (Click for More) – The Wat Chalong temple is the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. The temple complex was built in its current location in 1837. Some remains of older structures have been found, however it is unknown exactly how old they are. The large grounds of Wat Chalong that is officially named Wat Chaithararam contains a viharn, a mondop, a ubosot, a chedi containing a secret relic, a sala and a crematorium.

Big Buddha (Click for More) – The Phuket Big Buddha is a 45-metre-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket with jaw-dropping and breathtaking panoramic views. Phuket Big Buddha is one of the main highlights of the island, providing you with an incredible experience through the tinkling of small bells and the fluttering yellow Buddhist flags. A soft background dharma music plays all day to suck you into the sacred and lively moment within the temple. The Phuket Big Buddha is accompanied by a smaller Buddha statue, gold in color and made of 20 tons of brass.

Check-in at our Hotel Lub d – Patong (official Check-in time was 3:00 pm) which features its own outdoor pool, free WiFi in all areas and various shared lounging spots. Surrounded by eateries, this cool, 4 star property is just 2-minute walk from Patong Beach. Guests of Lub d Patong may approach staff at the 24-hour front desk for luggage storage service. Interesting excursion trips can be arranged at the on-site tour desk. Self-service laundry service facilities are also available. The co-working space and games room awaits guests looking for a relaxing afternoon indoors. A good Muay Thai workout session can also be enjoyed at the full-size boxing ring right in the lobby.

After check-in we all got freshen up and left for Karon view point & Windmill Viewpoint for watching sunset.

Karon Viewpoint (Click for More) – Karon view point is also known locally as ‘Khao Saam Haad’ which literally means the Hills of three beaches, and there is a reason why! Basically from the view point you get to see the three most beautiful beaches of Phuket namely Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon. Although it is known as Karon view point – this place is located a little afar from the Karon beaches. And actually located near to the Kata Beach. Travelers come here to appreciate the picture of perfect beauty from the top of the hill.

Windmill Viewpoint for Sunset (Click for More) – On the top of the hill above Nai Harn Beach, it is possible to find many little windmills, completely white, which dominate the hill and give this viewpoint an extraordinary charm. Windmill Viewpoint is located between Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches in south Phuket. Coming on top of the hill will allow you to spread the gaze on the Andaman Sea, looking down on the boats that seem like little points on the sea, or you can admire the sunset, when nature seems on fire. The Windmill Viewpoint in Phuket is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the whole country: so don’t miss it!

Novotel Vintage Seafood Buffet Dinner (Click for More) – Calling all seafood lovers! Plan your next seafood buffet indulgence to The Square for an ocean-fresh buffet spread that would have you staggering home. This Oriental restaurant on the basement of Novotel Phuket Vintage Park ought to be the next place to bring your date — the space is cozy enough to keep a conversation going, service is impeccable and the buffet spread is as extensive as it gets. From giant lobster to king crab legs to half shell scallops and poached prawns, the extravagant seafood selection just begs that you dig in without abandon. The extremely extensive spread of high quality dishes is enough to justify the price tag.

Bangla Road (Click for More) – Bangla Road is now mostly known as Bangla Walking Street or even Thanon Bangla, and for many decades has been the notorious heart of all Phuket nightlife. This is the island’s party zone and like all night owls, Bangla Road awakens only after the sun sets. The battle for night supremacy is raging every single night between beer bars, live music bars, rooftop bars, night clubs and, of course, those famous go-go bars. Almost all bars are outdoors and music from each mixes in with the other to create a unique but deafening symphony.

Day 2

Morning starts with a delicious complimentary breakfast of Lub d. Breakfast combo with refreshing drinks can be sampled at the hostel’s Splash Bar and Bite which opens daily from 06:30am.

Jems Bond Island tour (Big Cruise Boat) – The cab picked us from the hotel and dropped at Ao Por Pier (Click for More) where a Big Cruise Boat was waiting for us for the James Bond Island tour.

Panak Island (Click for More) – Panak island is the one of the traditional place at Phang Nga bay to travel in a canoe, in which about 9 interconnected lagoons with many caves (Bat cave, Mangrove cave, Mud cave, Ice Cream cave, Shell cave and Pirate cave) and tunnels. Huge in size, the laced lagoons, both underwater and above it. If you are lucky, and with low tide you can see natural reseeding canoeing in Panak island cave for 150 meters and in the end will see a huge, beautiful mangrove lagoon.

Hong Island (Click for More) – The Andaman Sea is dotted with hundreds of small limestone islands, called karsts, of various sizes. making them really quite unique. The karsts have been formed over millions of years as softer rock around the limestone is eroded creating gigantic pillars of stone. Belonging to the National Marine Park, the four islands of the Koh Hong Archipelago are set against the spectacular backdrop of Phang Nga Bay with its rocky outcrops.

Buffet lunch on board.

James Bond Island (Click for More) – James Bond Island is the most popular landmark in Phang Nga Bay. It first found its way onto the international tourist map when it was chosen as the site of Scaramanga’s lair in the James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. Before that 1974 Bond movie starring Roger Moore and Christopher Lee no one knew about this island. A distinctive trait of this famous bay is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island had a local name : Koh Tapu, meaning ‘Nail Island’ for the pointy rock, and Koh Phi Khan for the island surrounding it, meaning “hills leaning against each other”.

After James Bond Island, the boat stopped for swimming and relaxing at Naka and Lawa Island. Then in the evening return to the pier and transfer back to our hotel. Phuket Island Tour included – Unlimited water, soft drinks and fresh fruits on board, full insurance of passengers, canoeing with professional paddler, buffet Lunch, individual Life Jacket and English-speaking tour guide.

After coming back in evening we all got freshen up and left for Chillva Night Market & Malin Plaza Night Market tour.

Chillva Night Market – Chillva is one of the most hip and happening night markets in Phuket because it has a somewhat hippy vibe with its colorful containers. Chillva Market Phuket is one of the best weekday night markets on the island. Everyone seems to love them, Thai teenagers, more than everyone else. Chillva Market has a young and fun vibe. Many items on sale are original stuff and local creations. It is distinctive and hard to miss because of the vibrant look and bustling crowds found here. Prices are reasonable, and bargaining is okay. You can find delicious food, and regular night market goods like clothes, jewelry, shoes and various trendy gadgets.

Malin Plaza Night Market – Enjoy the delights of an authentic Phuket night markets offering a wide range of souvenirs and trinkets. Malin Plaza is one of the busiest markets in town, but it’s cool environment and cheap food stalls make it stand out from the rest. Malin Plaza is a trendy night market at the southern end of Patong Beach, and it succeeded because it kept in mind that food is the magnet that makes people come in the first place. Offering a good balance of fun shopping, good cheap food and drinks, and a casual tropical atmosphere is what many travelers want to experience in Thailand.

Day 3

Morning starts with a delicious complimentary breakfast of Lub d. Breakfast combo with refreshing drinks can be sampled at the hostel’s Splash Bar and Bite which opens daily from 06:30am.

Patong Beach (Click for More) – Patong is Phuket’s most popular and famous beach holiday destination with its long white sandy beach. The beach is 3 kilometres long and often crowded in the middle part during high season. Patong is where the tourism boom in Phuket started, and the beach itself is stunning. So don’t expect to have this wide white-sandy beach to yourself. It gets particularly crowded around sunset. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, get a tan, go for a swim in the sea, do water sports, and watch people watching.

We reached Krabi around 12:30 pm and checked-in at Buri Tara Resort – Krabi (159/1 Moo 3 Aonang Krabi, 81000, Thailand, Phone: +66 75 638 277). This 4 star property is just a 2-minute walk from Aonang Beach.

Lunch at Buri Tara Resort – Tara Thai Restaurant (Click for More)

Buri Tara Resort is a great place to grab a quick bite if you find yourself in the Ao Nang Beach neighbourhood. It’s a 4 star resort that serves authentic Thai food that always hits the spot. You can’t and won’t go wrong ordering the classic Thai dishes here. Buri Tara Resort is conveniently located on the beautiful Ao Nang Beach Area, just only 150 meters away from the stunning Nopparattara Beach.

After lunch we went for Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour and our cab drop us at Ao Nammao Pier (Click for More).

 

Koh Tup & Koh Mor (Click for More) – One of the most famous offshore islands around Krabi, this stunning island is also known as Tub Island, Koh Tap or Koh Thap. Koh Tup and Koh Mor are two islands located in the Krabi archipelago and they are accessible to each other just by walking across a sandbar. It is also called a Miracle beach because at low tide a sandbar that resembles the letter Y emerges from the water linking it to 2 other Islands. The mesmerizing vibes of the parting of the sea are something that makes this place all the more popular among tourists from all over the world.

Chicken Island (Click for More) – Based on the southern part of Poda and Tup islands, Kai Island is also popularly known as Poda Nuk Island or Hua Khawan Island. The rooster shaped rock on the island is a symbol of the beautiful Krabi Sea. The pleasant climate and the harmonious ambiance, fascinating coral reefs and white sandy beaches are key attractions of this island.

Poda Island (Click for More) – Koh Poda is one the most popular islands in the Krabi archipelago. Situated about 6 kilometres from the mainland beach of Ao Nang, Koh Poda is only accessible by boat. Koh Poda — a beautiful island that’s almost completely undeveloped, with only clear seas and soft white sand to keep you busy. Most popular way to see the island is as part of an island tour. Island tours usually take in Poda island, Koh Gai — which is shaped like a chicken, hence its name, as “gai” means chicken in Thai — Railay beach and four or five other islands depending on the tour itself.

Phra Nang Cave (Click for More) – With soft sand and clear shallow water that’s just perfect for swimming, Phra Nang beach is just the type of beach you would want to relax in when you want to get away from the crowd. A stone’s throw away from the islands of Koh Rang Nok and Khai Nai, Phra Nang beach is set against a backdrop of picturesque limestone cliffs and offers a stunning view of Krabi.

BBQ Seafood Buffet Dinner at Railay Beach

After Dark Snorkeling – Stop in certain open water spots and see the phosphorescent plankton light up in the water all around you as you swim. Complete the evening with a refreshing swim amidst the bio-luminescent phosphor of the sea around you.

Fire Show – A spectacular fire show was arranged on the beach by the locals. We witness amazing fire performances by professional Thai fire dancers for our evening entertainment. Ao Nang’s nightlife scene is not as earth shattering as Pattaya, Phuket or Bangkok’s but it offers enough options to satisfy most.

08.00-08.30 pm Return to the pier and transfer back to hotel by 9:30 pm.

Krabi 7 Island Tour included : Unlimited water, soft drinks and fresh fruits on board, full insurance of passengers, Snorkel Equipment, buffet dinner, individual Life Jacket and English-speaking tour guide..

Day 4

Morning starts with a delicious complimentary breakfast at Buri Tara Resort. Breakfast buffet with refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the hostel’s Tara Thai Restaurant which opens daily from 06:30 am.

Exact 8:30 am Transport came to pick us up for the Phi Phi Island trip.

1) Bamboo Island – Relax on the white soft sand or swim in the clear waters.

2) Viking Cave – Sightseeing in this enchanted and sacred cave.

3) Loh Samah Bay – Snorkeling point with an abundance of species of colourful fish.

4) Pileh Bay – A breathtaking blue lagoon surrounded by green limestone mountains.

5) Maya Bay – Spectacular views and surreal scenery from the movie “The Beach”.

6) Monkey Beach – Up close with the monkeys on a small deserted island, with coral reef,

7) Phi Phi Don – Enjoy buffet lunch on the beach, swim snorkel, relax.

8) Hin Klang – Open sea snorkeling [Surprise sightseeing point as it’s not added in general list]

04.00-04.30 pm Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Ao Nang Cliff View Resort, Exclusive Dinner Event for Members [7 PM – 9 PM]

3) Hotel [10:00 PM]

Day 5

6:30 am to 8:00 am you all have to complete your breakfast at Hotel.

Exact 8:15 am Transport will come to pick up us for Phuket Airport.

Reach Phuket Airport by 12:30 pm.

Our flight Silkair MI 753 depart Phuket City on 2:55 pm and reach Singapore on 5:40 pm. Lunch will be served in Flight.

3 Hour halt at Singapore (You can do duty free shopping in airport)

Our flight Singapore Airlines SQ 516 will leave Singapore on 8:55 pm and reach Kolkata by 10:40 pm. Dinner will be served in Flight.

 

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