Island hopping in Thailand itinerary -Phuket, Koh Lanta & Ao Nang

In case you’re first-time buyer to Thailand, then it is best to positively put apart some time for an island trip. Southern Thailand has an unimaginable collection of islands to pick out from, some that features quite a lot of iconic landmarks that are well-known across the globe. I’ve pulled collectively a 3 week Thailand itinerary that may may also help you take in just a few of the most well liked seashores and islands of southern Thailand which contains Phuket, Koh Lanta and the lastly  Ao Nang, Krabi.

PS Checkout my earlier publish of why I actually like Thailand

PHUKET

Arriving in Phuket Earlier Metropolis

We flew into Phuket Worldwide Airport from Singapore. The airport is among the many most scenic airports on the earth, positioned by the water, straight behind Mai Khao Seashore.

Normally 16 million passengers cross by Phuket’s airport yearly nevertheless in the interim there’s barely a small fraction of those numbers coming by which suggests it is a breeze to cross by immigration, customs after which selecting up your baggage.

There are low-cost hourly bus corporations from Phuket Airport to Patong/Karon and Kara and likewise to Phuket Metropolis. Firms run from 6.30am to 9.30pm and tickets costs as little as 100 baht ( could be bought from the driving power, relying in your closing trip spot.

We had a pre-booked taxi that was organised by our lodge, The Besavana Phuket. Our journey to Phuket Earlier Metropolis was spherical 45 minutes and costed us 700 Baht.

The place to stay in Phuket

We stayed on the Besavana Phuket Resort in Phuket Metropolis. It is a small boutique lodge inside the coronary coronary heart of  the historic Thalang Road. The staff, led by the unbelievable Nick are very helpful and the rooms listed beneath are spacious with very comfortable beds. Just a few of them attribute a balcony which faces onto the pool which is a pleasing bonus. Various factors worth mentioning-the internet is implausible proper right here.

Room prices proper right here differ from €20-€30 a night ( By the use of Agoda ), counting on the season.

Getting spherical Phuket

I might advocate using Seize Automotive app for getting spherical Phuket. Aside from most people bus corporations  from the bus terminal of Phuket Metropolis, your most cost-effective and greatest choice is Seize. You may too hop on a motorbike taxi for many who’re occurring a quick hop inside Phuket Metropolis-these are fairly low-cost. I might stay away from taking the crimson Tuktuk taxis they’re normally on the more expensive facet. Be at liberty to haggle considerably nevertheless try and be trustworthy and reasonably priced when discussing a value.

Sunset, Kata Seashore

What to do in Phuket

We’ve been working as a rule from our laptops all through our 1 week in Phuket nevertheless devoted our weekend to exploring considerably further of the island.

Attempt Kata or Karon seashore

Our favourite seashores have been Kata and Karon. We deliberately averted Patong and the event scene -wasn’t for us in the meanwhile. Kata has a 1.5 kms prolonged strip of white sandy seashore inside the type of a crescent moon with clear deep blue waters. Water was stunning, good seashore and few first price seashore bars dotted alongside the seashore ( I prefer to advocate Ska Bar ) As compared with Patong, Kata has a extremely laidback relaxed vibe so it was glorious. Sunset proper right here was very good. We later hopped to the longer strip of Karon’s golden sandy seashore fringed with palm bushes and lined with numerous bars, areas to eat and resorts.

Say howdy to the Giant Buddha

If time permits, do pay a go to to the Giant Buddha aka Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri (which interprets as Buddha sitting gloriously on excessive of the hill of Naka) At a staggering high of 45 meters sitting on excessive of the Nakkerd Hill , it is the third largest statue of Thailand and visible from most parts of the island. Come early, to beat the crowds. Plus, take into accout to cowl as a lot as stay away from any disappointment of not being allowed to enter.

Go to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo Nationwide Park, please pay a go to to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the first ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket. The rescued elephants roam free proper right here, having enjoyable with their newfound freedom. Visitors can observe them from a distance and on the end of the tour are given the prospect to feed these beautiful wee giants.

Sunday Night time time Strolling Market, Phuket Metropolis

Uncover Phuket Earlier Metropolis

We’ve been very joyful to have the Earlier Metropolis as a base to find the island. Most likely the best problems with staying proper right here is the attractive Sino Portuguese construction, typically often known as the Peranakan sort, a fusion of Chinese language language and Portuguese architectural sorts. The house are very vibrant and pretty kitschy proper right here. Ranging from shophouses to public buildings and stately mansions, these constructions largely date once more to the early 1900s, when Phuket Metropolis was going by one factor of a mining development. You in all probability have been to Penang in Malaysia, you’ll discover loads of similarities.

Sunset from Khao Rang Viewpoint

I might moreover advocate climbing up the hill behind the Earlier Metropolis to the Khao Rang viewpoint the place you get a implausible panoramic view of the Earlier Metropolis and likewise a view of the coast. Moreover, you’ll come throughout the tribe of cute monkeys that call the hill dwelling. I might truly extraordinarily advocate a meal or maybe a beer on the romantic Tunk-ka cafe from the place you can profit from the views and watch sunset. Moreover in Phuket Earlier Metropolis, do pop your head into ‘The Memory at On On Resort.’ Beforehand typically known as the ‘On On Resort’ , this was the first lodge inbuilt Phuket metropolis once more in 1929. Later the lodge featured famously inside the movie ‘The Seashore’ with Leonardo DiCaprio. The lodge has been refurbished given that movie & launched once more to its genuine glory.

Ultimate nevertheless not least, on Sunday, pay a go to to the bustling Sunday Strolling Street Market ( Lard Yai Market ) alongside Phuket Metropolis’s Thalang Road is a ought to. It takes place between 4 and 10pm and in addition you’ll uncover some implausible native streetfood distributors , uncover native handicrafts plus uncover a vibrant array of street musicians of all ages ( and prime quality ) performing.

Mingalar, Phuket Metropolis

The place to eat in Phuket

All my strategies are from Phuket’s Earlier Metropolis which due to rich combination of influences , has a extremely rich gastronomic scene. Listed beneath are my excessive 5 areas to eat

1.Ko Yoon Phuket Noodle

It’s a must-try Hokkien mee in town. Truly love the type and significantly the soup with filled with dried shrimp style.

2.Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant

This joint is understood for his or her Radna (noodle in gravy) and the place did not disappoint. Attempt their delicious Thai Coconut milk custard for many who love sweets.

3. Aroon Po Chana

It’s a implausible little place for very good roti which works so properly with their hen curry. Fab ice espresso too.

4.Mingalar Espresso Retailer

Unimaginable Burmese breakfast joint that serves delicious hen curry , handmade naan made freshly in turkey oven and engaging samosas.

5.KOPITIAM By Wilai

This Kopitam , full of nostalgic photographs from the island’s earlier is a good looking place to dine, serving fundamental Peranakan dishes. The Massaman curry is a winner nevertheless their best dish is the Hokkien Mee- a noodle soup with yellow fried noodles in a delicious broth with fish balls and leafy greens.

Koh Lanta

KOH LANTA

Exhausting to summarise what makes Koh Lanta such a selected island. There are islands with further attractive seashores ( Koh Lipe) and pure magnificence nevertheless I really feel its the combination of so many parts, from the nice locals, to the attractive sunsets and all of the gorgeous bars and areas to eat proper right here and the collection of cheap high-quality accommodation- we love coming once more proper right here and it under no circumstances disappoints.

Arriving in Koh Lanta

You’ll hop to Koh Lanta ( Saladan Pier) by speedboat from Phuket ( Rassada Pier near the outdated metropolis ) with a stopover in Koh Phi Phi. Journey time was 3 hours and it worth us 1500 baht per particular person. We booked by means of 12go -very reliable and helpful. I’ve to admit that utilizing on the speedboat simply is not for the faint hearted nevertheless the ocean was pretty calm so it wasn’t too unhealthy finally.

In case you’re coming to Koh Lanta from Krabi airport, journey time by personal swap is spherical 1200 baht and roughly takes 3 hours. Most lodging suppliers can information you a swap so ask them prematurely if that’s potential.

The place to stay in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is blessed with a selection of high quality funds lodging. We would like staying throughout the Prolonged Seashore house. In case you’re looking out for one factor simple, clear and cozy, would extraordinarily advocate Pra-Ae flats. The rooms listed beneath are very spacious, few embrace their personal balcony and the fees listed beneath are terribly reasonably priced, starting from €12-€18 a night, counting on the season.

Getting spherical Koh Lanta

For transient rides, we would hail native tuktuk drivers. Anticipate to pay one thing between 100 -150 baht for a visit. For longer drives that included visiting the Earlier Metropolis on the east coast and some of the attractive seashores on the southern tip of the island, we employed a minivan from Pra-Ae residence householders. They provided very first price day prices and spreading the related price amongst 3-4 buddies, meant it labored out to be pretty cheap.

What to do in Koh Lanta

Merely as in Phuket, we’ve got been busy working away on most weekdays after which using the weekends to loosen up, uncover and likewise exit for quite a lot of drinks.

Koh Lanta is a perfect base for digital nomads with a selection of cheap areas to stay with first price wifi and likewise quite a lot of areas to work from. The precept hub for digital nomads is the implausible Ko Hub. Sadly, because of the pandemic, Ko Hub stays closed nevertheless they could completely reopen in November 2022. All through our time there, we labored from the implausible Glasshouse Cafe firstly of Prolonged Seashore. They’ve good espresso, very first price wifi and few airconditioned rooms plus an enormous exterior terrace for taking calls. There is not a worth for using the space-just buy espresso and have the occasional lunch to help them.

Catch sunset on considered one of many seashores

There are sunsets after which sunsets in Koh Lanta- few areas on the earth can match the staggering beauty of sunsets proper right here. Every day, sunset is totally totally different proper right here and magical. Merely take your select of considered one of many many beautiful seashores on the west coast of the island , seize a cold Chang and easily watch basically probably the most very good sunsets you will ever see. Our favourite bars for watching sunset have been Lym’s and the Lighthouse Bar ( usually performs first price dwelling/digital music at sunset )

Go to the Earlier Metropolis

With its atmospheric wooden houses on stilts perched over the water, Earlier Metropolis of Koh Lanta has the feeling of a spot caught in time. Initially a sea gypsy settlement, the Earlier Metropolis was the precept shopping for and promoting hub for genuine Chinese language language settlers and over time as a result of the have an effect on has waned, town is slowly repositioning itself a hub for tourism. There are a collection of good boutique retailers to browse and likewise some truly good consuming locations to dine in. I truly advocate the implausible Giant Tree Beer Yard the place they serve delicious Thai meals ( Penang curry is great proper right here ) they normally moreover serve selfmade burgers and delicious pies. Plus as a result of the title suggests, they supply a wide selection of native and worldwide craft beers so if that is your jam, come proper right here.

Nui Bay

This tiny, pretty bay tucked away on the south western nook of the island merely sooner than you hit the nationwide park must be one of many beautiful seashores in Thailand. Notably now with the scarcity of crowds, you can have the seashore nearly to your self. The water is azure blue, crystal clear and warmth so it is glorious. There’s a Robinson Crusoe sort abandoned shack on the seashore which was as soon as a restaurant/bar so that’s stage to get some shade in. Ship your private water, drinks and snacks as there’s not a soul in sight proper right here. We spent a whole day proper right here, swimming, snorkelling, ingesting, chilling – it was glorious. There’s moreover Bamboo seashore shut by which will be very beautiful nevertheless I most popular Nui Bay.

Tip: If time permits, go to the shut by Koh Lanta Nationwide Park positioned on the southwestern tip of the island. It is merely as quiet and deserted as Nui Bay and Bamboo seashore, significantly publish Covid. Anticipate isolated sandy seashores, waterfalls, impudent cheeky monkeys and a lighthouse. The trail to the lighthouse leaves most underwhelmed so go along with low expectations. Moreover, be careful alongside together with your personal belongings- monkeys are acknowledged to seize baggage/telephones from unsuspecting friends. There is a waterfall nevertheless the dearth of rain meant we under no circumstances observed it in full drive. Admission to the Nationwide Park is 100 baht. Please do convey your private meals and water and don’t wave the meals in entrance of the monkeys 🙂

Lanta Cinema

Lanta now has an outstanding open air cinema the place you can watch completely free a mix of outdated fundamental films, new blockbuster releases and likewise family nice movement photos. As well as they positioned on quite a lot of Premier League video video games keep and the occasional keep music event. ( As soon as we visited , that they’d an ‘Elvis’ evening time the place the native Thai ‘Elvis’ carried out in full garb which was adopted by a screening of Jailhouse Rock-great evening time! )

Entrance is free nevertheless you pay by means of beers and snacks so it is a very cheap evening day out in entrance of the celebs.

Picture with the gorgeous Kwan- consuming collectively along with her is one amongst Koh Lanta’s necessary experiences

The place to eat in Koh Lanta

Heama Indian Restaurant

Koh Lanta has in all probability the best Indian consuming locations in Thailand due to the gorgeous Shanti and her husband. You’ll uncover the entire fundamental worldwide Indian dishes served proper right here like Butter Hen , Chole Bhature ( with puri ) ,Tikka Masala, Paneer Korma….plus they serve a implausible Veg and Non Veg Thali from prices as little as 120 baht. Unmissable!

Kwan’s Cookery

Kwan specialises in delicacies from Northern Thailand and serves basically probably the most very good Khao Soi plus a indicate Yellow curry amongst many dishes. Consuming proper right here seems like consuming at your dad and mother or aunts place. Kwan is a warmth hearted soul and adorable- meeting her is among the many highlights of coming to Koh Lanta. She moreover runs a cookery school so in the event you want to be taught to arrange some fundamental Thai dishes, that’s the place to return again to.

Aleena Minimart

Aleena’s is an institution on Lanta- they serve basically probably the most very good breakfasts from stuffed bagels to breakfast burritos to porridge to bacon & eggs or just truly good burgers ( veggie burger is a winner) plus they do latest fruit shakes and delicious baked objects. There is a minimart on web site the place you can purchase large Chang/Singha for merely 60 baht to benefit from with the meals or just as a drink so it’s a excellent place to start out out your large evening day out in Koh Lanta.

Nightlife in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta simply is not a celebration trip spot like Koh Phangan nevertheless there could also be always one factor occurring , every evening time of the week.

Within the occasion you’re looking out for deep dwelling or techno, go to Ozone Bar ( Thursday) or Pangea ( Tuesday and Saturday ), for many who like Reggae/Rock and keep music, hop to Irie Bar or the Reggae Bar.

Should you want to take heed to some good music and watch the sunset, moreover advocate Lighthouse and Freedom Bar.

I moreover love Free Descent Bar in Saladan. They’ve truly good music, a form proprietor and likewise a extraordinarily good pool table- the vibe proper right here is always good.

W

AONANG/ RAILAY , KRABI

We spent per week inside the resort metropolis of Aonang which is an excellent base to find the Phi Phi islands and will be subsequent door to the attractive Railay seashore. We received right here by minibus from Koh Lanta- a few 3 hour drive and it worth us 1500 baht.

We stayed on the Sea Seeker Krabi resort. At current they’ve prices for 600 baht ( €16, by means of Agoda ) for a mountain coping with room which is an unimaginable deal. On this value we had a extremely generous buffet breakfast included plus entry to their small nevertheless properly outfitted well being membership. Undecided if these are common prices nevertheless am guessing this could be a explicit Put up Covid cost so for many who do go to Thailand shortly, you can benefit from these unimaginable prices.

Since we’ve got been working by way of the week we had the one weekend to find the world and we devoted lots of the weekend to exploring Railay.

Prolonged tail boats from Aonang’s sandy strip of seashore will take you to Krabi’s limestone islands Koh Hong as an example and in our case, to Railay. The journey takes roughly half-hour and costs 100 baht-tickets could be purchased prematurely from the official ticket office which is right sooner than Aonang seashore. Protected by towering limestone cliffs, Railay seashore is just accessible by boat which partly explains the magical appeal to of this place.

Zipping earlier the attractive limestone cliffs, the longtail boat to Railay must be one of many thrilling experiences of your journey to Thailand. After dropping of passengers at Tonsai seashore, your closing stop is the world well-known Phra Nang seashore. With its powder glorious sand, framed by palm bushes with the entire prolonged boats lined up by the seashore, the second you see that picture postcard scene unfurl in entrance of your eyes, it sends a magical tingle down your spine. I cherished Railay in a heartbeat-it had a extremely chill, laidback backpacker vibe.

In phrases if points to do in Railay, the craggy limestone cliffs are an unlimited draw for rock climbers from in every single place on the planet.

Aside from that, there are the two attractive seashores to loosen up in and a big collection of resorts to pick out from. West Railay has the additional better end, upscale resorts whereas East Railay has further of the midrange to funds end resorts to sleep in. We spent the evening time on the Avatar Resort in East Railay. It worth us merely 1350 baht ( €37 ) for the one evening time for 2 people, along with breakfast-this is a considerable low value on their common room prices. You’ll usually uncover members of the native monkey tribe hanging out inside the resort. They might be a provide of leisure and likewise native mischief- they’re acknowledged to seize devices from firm so worth reminding your self to take care of your balcony door locked all the time….in another case.

Our important highlights of our transient one evening time maintain in Railay was catching sunset on the attractive Phra Nang Seashore. Considered one of many highlights of this seashore is the Princess Cave on the tip of the seashore. Framed by mighty limestone rock formations contained within the cave yow will discover a fertility shrine full of wooden and stone penises of all sizes and styles, which have been provided by friends to help realise their long-awaited need for teenagers. In case you’re lucky likelihood is you will spot the resident Macaques monkeys or spectacled lemurs near the cave.

The seashore is good, crystal clear water and the hovering limestone cliffs above your head- the sunset from proper right here is unimaginable and must be considered one of many magical moments of anyone’s journey to Thailand.

The place to eat and drink in Railay

Be taught a information, profit from the views and have a latest juice or chilly beer on the hardly overpriced nevertheless scenic Tew Lay Bar. Within the occasion you’re looking out for a contented shake and one factor bit further adventurous, Jamaica Bar is the place. Espresso Station serves up unbelievable espresso and for meals, my favourite go to place proper right here was Railay Family Restaurant the place you’ll get delicious Thai curries and a great deal of ice chilly beers, all at cheap prices.

The place to eat and drink in Aonang

Undoubtedly checkout the Aonang Landmark Night time time Market near the scenic Nopparat Thara Seashore ( sunset is gorgeous from proper right here ). It is pretty modest as compared with evening time markets chances are you’ll uncover in Bangkok nevertheless there’s a wide selection of tasty native Thai meals and the prices listed beneath are implausible.

In southern Thailand, yow will discover various ‘roti’ pancake joints the place you can each form of fascinating mixtures , from cheese and banana to the additional standard nutella and peanut butter pancakes- very tasty and truly low value ( 50 baht). My go to place was the Best Pancake Zipi Halal joint in Aonang, correct near the Sea Seeker Krabi resort the place we’ve got been staying. Hom Mali Thai Meals & Noodle, moreover near the Seaseeker resort does a implausible Penang curry and likewise Pad Thai- spherical 80 to a 100 baht per plate.

By the use of nightlife, my favourite go to place in Aonang was Boogie Bar the place they host some good keep music acts. Within the occasion you’re keen on properly crafted cocktails at a extraordinarily good value ( 99 baht ) , then do pop you head into the Cha Plu Bar correct sooner than Aonang Seashore. They do amongst many drinks, a extraordinarily tasty Whisky bitter.

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