4D3N Phuket, Thailand Itinerary (2012)

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Phuket, Thailand last year for 4 days and 3 nights.

Day 1 (5th January 2012)

Sawatdee Phuket & Loveli Boutique Guesthouse


Cashew Nut Factory, Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Promthep Cape & Seafood Dinner

The rate charge for 6 hours tour is 1,500 baht and one car can accommodate up to 4 people whereas for 9 hours tour would be 1,800 baht and this including fuel and driver fee but excluded parking and admission fees. 

Phuket Simon Cabaret - The Ladyboy Show

- Available in the evening, with three showtime; 6.00 pm, 7.45 pm and 9.30 pm
- 700 baht for regular seat whereas 800 baht for VIP seat (including shuttle transfer)

Day 2 (6th January 2012)

Patong Beach, Popular Beach of Phuket


Phuket Fantasea, The Ultimate Cultural Theme Park

A package of 1,550 baht including for the "Fantasy of Kingdom" show, dinner buffet and shuttle transfer.

Day 3 (7th January 2012)

Phi Phi Island Day Trip

A tour package of 1,100 baht to Viking Cave, Phileh Lagoon, Maya Beach, Monkey Island, Phi Phi Don Island, Loh Samah Bay and Khai Island. Lunch buffet and shuttle transfer are included as well.

Phuket Weekend Night Market

This weekend market is runs on every Saturday and Sunday and is start from 4:00pm until 10:00pm.

Day 4 (8th January 2012)

Last Day in Phuket


Extra Features:

• 2012 Phuket, Thailand (Sneak Peek)
• Jungceylon, Phuket's Shopping Destination
• Travel Haul & Expenses  

All my travel packages were booked through this tour company, Phuket Travel Company. The prices quoted were incredibly cheap and affordable and they delivered their services with excellent and attentive. It's absolutely highly recommended travel's agent in Phuket. 

And once again, this post concluded the final travelogue of my Phuket trip which marked as my first ever and opening trip for the year 2012. Wondering what's will be my next travelogue? Do check out my blog.

For more of my travel updates, follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

My Travel Haul & Expenses of Phuket, Thailand (2012)

Most of the time when I travelled, I bought souvenirs was either specially for my family, Boyfie and closest friends. I am not those type will shop until I drop. But for country like Thailand, it's hard for me to resist myself from shopping there, which including Phuket too. I wouldn't shopping so much if we didn't went to the weekend night market. Now let me reveal what did I bought when I was in Phuket for 4 days and 3 nights.

#1: My shopping and food hauls from Phuket

#2: Food hauls especially for my family & Boyfie. Most of them bought from 7-Eleven. Hard to resist especially on the Lay's Potato Chips.

#3: Not just for myself, but for Boyfie too.

#4:Frame bought from Phi Phi Island trip.

#5: For friends - Small pouch, keychains, fridge magnets and for myself, cute hair accessories.

 
(The rate as at the time I change; RM1 : 9.71 baht)

NOTE:

1. Stayed for 3 nights. For more information about this hotel, click HERE 
2. One trip which fit up to max of 4 people is 600 baht whereas for return trip will be 1,000 baht. This is only applies when both trips is with same driver.
3. Rate for 6 hours per day including the fuel but excluded the parking and entrance fees. Fit up to max of 4 people per vehicle.
4. The rate for regular seat including shuttle transfer - post here.
5. The package is including the "Fantasy of Kingdom" show, dinner buffet and shuttle transfer. - post here.
6. A package including to the world-famous Maya Beach, Phi Phi Island and more and also comes with lunch buffet and shuttle transfer - post here.
7. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps I bought in Phuket.
8. Taking photo with the ladyboy is not free but I think it's really worth. It's not like I always got the chance to take photo with them especially dress up in elegant and stylish one.

Day 4 in Phuket & It's Our Last Day

Date of Visit: 8 January 2012

We had to face it that our happy moments in Phuket ended real fast. It's seems like 4 days in Phuket is seriously not enough for us. This trip can be consider as my gathering trip with my besties and so many things we not managed to catch up on each other. But it's ok cause I believe someday we will have another besties trip again.

Since our flight was in evening, therefore we tried to do "some" last minute things before heading to the airport. We woke up quite late as all of us were so exhausted and tired with the island hopping yesterday (Phi Phi Island Day Trip). After done with final packing, we went down and had our breakfast at the food court above the Banzaan Market, which located just few steps away from our guesthouse.

#1: Banzaan Market - fresh foods on the ground floor whereas on the 1st floor, this is where foods court located together with some fashion stores.

#2: Oh look what I noticed on their notice board?! - Condom babe!

Banzaar Market is runs as early from 6am until 9pm daily. It is located just behind Jungceylon Shopping Mall. You can find all sorts of fresh and great quality of foods here, ranging from fruits, veggies to seafoods, raw meats and more.

#3: This is our last minute thing - Final shopping at stall nearby the guesthouse

#4: 7-Eleven of Phuket, Thailand. Just take a look at their wide selection of foods

I think besides those in East Asia countries such as in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand turn out to be my favourite spot to visit. My friends and I never missed every of our single day to visit 7-Eleven; when we woke up and even before we went to the bed. One of the plus point we chosen Loveli Boutique Guesthouse was 7-Eleven located just underneath. We even grabbed and bought many kind of foods in 7-Eleven before leaving Phuket especially the Lays potato chips. Hard for me to resist. We even asked our taxi driver to wait for us while doing our "shopping" inside. Crazy bunch of ladies!

After almost an hour ride, finally we reached Phuket International Airport (HKT). Kinda sad to leave this place cause frankly speaking, I tends to prefer Phuket than Bali and wish to come back again someday for another island hopping.

#5: Phuket seems to be famous holiday spot especially for the Caucasians.

Phuket International Airport is not as big as what you can imagine. It has only two floors; the ground floor for arrival area whereas the first floor is for departure area. It is advisable to reach the airport at least 3 hours before your flight cause it was crowded and full with hundreds foreign tourists almost everyday.

#6: Souvenir stores in Phuket International Airport

If you didn't managed to buy any souvenirs for your friends and family, fear not cause you can find in Phuket International Airport. And of course, don't say I never warn you on the price tag.  

#7: Coffee corners, jewellery shop and foot massage & spa

One thing I like to share with you guys before I end my this Phuket Travelogue. I always tend to lazy went and queue up with the rest when the announcement for boarding had made. Waited for the queue to be shorter, then I will go on the board. But for this Phuket trip, I realised I might miss out my flight even I on board on time. We were surprised that one or two Caucasians being asked to wait for the next flight cause of "OVERBOOKED". Had anyone of you came across this? Overbooked, man and it's only happened for AirAsia. I guess Malaysia Boleh, AirAsia also Boleh. Therefore, our flight back to Kuala Lumpur on that day was delayed for almost an hour due to overbooked and to solve the luggage of that two passengers being requested for the next flight. I'm not sure whether they will get compensate or not but I believe they should. It's unfair, is it? So the next time, make sure be on the plane earlier than anyone else. That's what I am doing recently cause afraid I might be requested waiting for the next flight.

Phuket Weekend Nightmarket

Date of Visit: 7th January 2012

We never know about this night market in Phuket until we were being told by our driver and also the guesthouse's coordinator. Guess we were lucky cause this night market only happen on every weekend. You will know how much I love to visit this especially when comes to night market.

This weekend market is runs on every Saturday and Sunday and is start from 4:00pm until 10:00pm. We hired the taxi driver through our guesthouse and he charged approximately 800 baht for both return trip to and from nightmarket. The taxi driver gave us 2 and half hour to wander around the night market.

There are literally hundreds of stalls and each selling their own unique style of wares; from foods to clothings, accessories, souvenirs and more.

#1: Our saliva drooled when we saw this - Mango Sticky Rice and instantly bought this

#2: Another sort of Thai famous desssert 

#3: The first few stalls we came across were mostly on foods. How can you resist on these huge grilled squids?

Sometimes the reason behind I love to visit the night market was because I could find something unique and yet cheaper than what being offered in the shopping malls - especially on clothings and fashion accessories.

#4: Clothing sections

Majority of stalls here are selling more towards on women's goods - clothings, shoes, handbags, accessories, jewellery. But for the guys, fear not, cause there are still plenty of men's clothing shops available here. I managed to find and bought a cool and beautiful design T-shirt that cost for 200 baht only.

#5: I ♥ Phuket T-shirt anyone?

#6: Ladies shoes for just 100 baht. Absolutely great bargain and look how cute were these shoes?

#7: T-shirt for the little one

#8: Looking for souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keychains and local made items, here is the right place.

#9: Stumbled upon another food sections. Gosh! Looks at the seductive wide selection of cakes and sushi.

#10: These fruits juice is so refreshing and rejuvenating and they cost 20 baht only per bottle.

#11: Another foods temptation. Sinful but they are absolutely tasty

Although this market is not as huge and large as Bangkok's famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, but for me, it is still can consider pretty large because eventhough we were given 2 and half hours, we still unable to cover at least all. Generally speaking, the floor is mostly cemented over so you won’t get muddy underfoot like at other local markets.

#12: Haul from night market and photo frame from Phi Phi Island trip

Except for the pink dress and my Boyfie's white T-shirt on the right side cost 200 baht each, the rest cost 100 baht each and for the hair clip cost roughly around 20-50 baht.

[Credit To: Into Phuket, Phuket.com]

Phi Phi Island Day Trip

Date of Visit: 7th January 2012

Like they said, if you didn't visited any islands of Phuket, means you never been to Phuket before. Phuket is renowned for its island studded bay of haunting natural beauty. Whether you travel to Phuket or even Krabi, the ultimate reason to touchdown in either Phuket or Krabi or even both is to visit the surrounding spectacular islands. And among of them, the most popular hopping island tours which mostly offered especially for the first time visit would be Phi Phi Island and Phang-Nga. I really wish to cover both but because of time constraint and also due to some of my friends are limited in their budget, hence we chosen the Phi Phi Island Tour.

Just when we decided for Phi Phi Island Tour, we were so surprised that actually this hopping island tour came with many different kind of packages. And of course, the price would be vary as well. We almost got chocked when we saw the pricelist printed on the brochures given by our guesthouse. Thank goodness, we got a very good deal with just 1,100 baht for a day trip to Phi Phi Island including lunch buffet. 

As usual, the package we bought included shuttle transfer and we ready for the pick-up at 7am. Once we arrived the pier, briefing on safety especially were given by a guide which he claimed himself as a "ladyboy". Besides briefing, he suggested to buy breads which are not just for feeding the fishes and the monkeys, but also to feed ourself when hungry. What a funny tour guide!

As for this hopping island tour, there are 7 pit stops:

Viking Cave

#1: Our first pit stop - Viking Cave

The name of Viking Cave is given due to the painted on the walls are ancient colour paintings resembling Viking boats. According to the tour guide, Viking Cave is filled with bird's nest. For some unknown reason, we were not allowed to enter this cave and most of the boats were allowed to stop nearby for photo opportunity only.

#2: Absolutely stunning view around Viking Cave

Phileh Lagoon

#3: Phileh Lagoon with huge limestone rocks as background

#4: Enjoy Phileh Lagoon view

Maya Beach

#5: Clear blue waters with hills and blue sky as backdrop in Maya Beach

Maya Beach is known to be one of the world's most beautiful beaches and best place to relax in with silky soft white sand, underwater colourful coral and exotic fish exceptionally crystal-clear water. In addition to all, this beach got the world-wide attention when one of Hollywood movie, "The Beach" which starred by Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here back in 1999. Doesn't know who is Leonardo DiCaprio? He is the young boy famous for the movie "Titanic".

#6: Long boats at the port of Maya Beach

#7: This is what happens when it became a famous spot - Overcrowded and too comercialised

We were given a very short period in this beach. Kinda disappointed with that cause didn't get to spend much time here. But among all of the stops, Maya Beach is my favourite as it makes me felt like I was in paradise - especially stepping on the silky soft white sands and surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs and stunning sunlit crystal water, only if this place is not overcrowded with tourists I could wish.

Monkey Beach

#8: Photo opportunity with the monkeys

No doubt that the name of this beach were so called as you can see clearly that the monkeys were everywhere. These monkeys were not shy and scare of human, hence beware of not getting too close with them as one of my friend's hair being pulled from behind by one of big and fierce monkey.

Phi Phi Don Island

#9: Stop at Phi Phi Don Island

Before move on to the next stop, it's time for lunch buffet at the Phi Phi Don Island. You can request for vegetarian food if you are and for those who is Muslim, don't worry cause all the foods are halal.

#10: The lunch buffet comes with rice, spaghetti, meats, seafoods, vegetables, fresh fruits and even soups. 

After the lunch, we were given longer period break to enjoy the beach here. Although it's not as stunning and beauty than Maya Beach, but we saw many of the tourists were doing sunbathing. It's time for eye-washing. There are even souvenir store located here but of course, it's tends to be more expensive.

#11

Loh Samah Bay

#12: Snorkelling time

The boat stopped at Loh Samah Bay for some snorkelling time. It's been a while that I didn't snorkeling in the deep water after my Lang Tengah Island trip with my college friends. Most of the time when I went island hopping in Kota Kinabalu, I just snorkelling somewhere nearby the island. The life jacket and snorkelling gear is free of charge and if wanna attract more fishes, please do bring some breads, like what the "ladyboy" guide said before. We didn't brought nor neither bought the breads, but one of the guides given us the breads for free.

#13: More and more fished surrounding us

Khai Island

# 14: Quiet and peaceful little island

This island seems to be less comercialised and crowded compared to the others. Or probrably because we arrived quite late. Nothing to shout about this island but we had a great and sweet time to swim around and quenched our thirst with sweet and fresh coconut juice before going back to the pier.

#15: The sunnies, the benches, the sea

Well, if more time were given, I wish to go back to Maya Beach again but what can I ask for more when my friends and I had experienced another kind of amazing and stunning island hopping in our life. 

Phuket Fantasea, The Ultimate Cultural Theme Park

Date of Visit: 6th January 2012

Talking about nightlife in Phuket, it offers more than what you can ever think. You don't have to worry that you might get bored when the day turns to night cause there are plenty of things you can do and see. You can either watch Simon Cabaret, the lady boy entertainment show (click HERE), Muay Thai Boxing or even party all night long in the hot spots such as Soi Bangla. Since the first night we had watched the Simon Cabaret, therefore on the second night we opted for Phuket Fantasea, which claimed to be the biggest show in the island.   

We booked the package from our guesthouse which cost 1,550 baht for both of the show and also the buffet dinner. The buffet dinner is optional but my friends and I thought that why don't we give a try, since it is kinda cheap and plus, we won't need to think what should we had for that night.

The package included shuttle transfer from our guesthouse to Phuket Fantasea. It's located in Kamala beach and the journey seems to be quite long, roughly an hour ride. Upon reaching, we went to the counter tickets to redeem our tickets using the voucher given by the guesthouse.

#1: Welcoming all the guests with smile

#2: Another photo of "I was here"

#3: Vibrant and colourful "Welcome" sign

#4: Palace of the Elephants - the theater show

 #5: Picture of us in front of the Palace of the Elephants

Just like Simon Cabaret show, all type of cameras and even including those handphone which have camera and video are strictly prohibited from entering the theater. They were quite strict with that and you have to deposit them in the counter and collect after the show done. No worries, cause they will calculate exactly how many camera, recording devices and gadgets before you pass to them.

Exactly at 9pm, the "Fantasy of Kingdom" kicks off in grand and huge stage. Well, to be exact, my friends and I didn't even understand what was the storyline about. Kinda confusing for us but we were thrilled and entertained with so many animals featured on the dazzling stage especially starring a row of huge elephants, trapeze artists where they swing high up in the sky wearing glow-in-the-dark costumes, and even blast with fireworks at the end of the show. One thing that amaze me during the show was the part where the chicken running in line on the stage without getting lost. How did they managed to do so?

Source

Once the show ended, we then proceeded to the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant for the buffet dinner.  No worry of the seats unavailable as this dining hall can accommodate up to 4,000 diners at a time. Although, there were two long buffet counters served wide spread of a mix of Thai, western and international foods but these can't overcome the long and slow queue. Overall, the foods were so-so only but at least we managed to fill up our hungry tummy due to the late dinner.

#6: The foods and the hall of Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restauran

Besides the show and buffet dinner, Phuket Fantasea is one great place for phototaking. All the shops and grand buildings inside Phuket Fantasea such as souvenirs shop, arcade, jewellery were beautifully built and decorated. Most of them were heavily influenced by Thai culture and architecture making them look so majestic and impressive.

#7: Photo with Thai golden boat

#8: Some of the amazing and colourful shops and grand buildings

If you are going to Phuket, you should visit this mesmering Phuket Fantasea at least once as it is can be consider a pretty good attraction spot and offer tons of attractions especially for the kids.

[Credit To: Phuket 101, Phuket.com, Jamie's Phuket Blog]