Return to Thailand 2016 for our 7th wedding anniversary
We arrived at Phuket airport via Dubai airport after a flying time of around 13 hours 20 minutes.Transitting via Dubai very easy, just a change of gates plus screening of hand luggage. We were greeted with long queues once we arrived at Phuket as it's a busy time with lots of flights coming in the morning.
After clearing customs and immigration, we had a private transfer arranged to Phi Phi island by speed boat. Transfer from airport to port journey time was 30 minutes. Once we arrived at the port there is a private lounge with soft drinks, tea and coffee. Journey time with speed boat around 90 minutes. A tip - take sea sickness tablets if you don’t travel well with the seas and make sure you are not wearing your best clothes.
Once we arrived at Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort we were greeted with a cold drink and cold towel. The check in service was good - our room wasn’t ready but we were given complimentary hors d'oeuvres whilst we waited. The room was lovely with all facilities - we stayed in a Deluxe Garden Bungalow inclusive of breakfast. The breakfast was good with a good selection of choices.
Within a 5 minutes’ walk of the hotel there are lots of shops, bars and restuarants. We stayed for 3 nights - wished we stayed longer. Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is like paradise chilled out beach destination, with its own beach which is not crowded. Phi Phi Island is great for scuba diving - my wife tried it as she is a scuba diver.
This hotel is great for honeymooners, families and couples.
Hotel facts 4.5 star resort Private 800 metre stretch of pristine white sand beach Four restaurants and three bars 201 rooms comprising 189 traditional Thai style bungalows and 12 private Hillside Pool Villas
After our stay at Phi Phi Island village beach resort, we took the public ferry back to Phuket via Tonsai pier on long boat. A tip - make sure you allow enough time to transfer between long boat and public ferry and also check the timetable before you leave and pre-book your ferry and long boat. I prefer this option even though it can be crowded on the ferry. The crossing was smoother but it depends on the weather.
Taxis were available when we arrived at Rassada Pier in Phuket. We took a taxi to our next hotel where we stayed at Kalima Resort & Spa in Phuket for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis in a Deluxe Sea View Room. The first night we had a lovely dinner at the hotel - steak and chips plus starter together with a drink.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus to the town with a journey time of 20 minutes depending on traffic. We love this hotel for its great views and modern facilities in the room. The bathroom was lovely and spacious. The room was modern and funky, and the staff are very friendly and helpful.
We had a chance to meet the general manager and his assistant showed us around the hotel. We managed to see the private pool villa plus other room types. We would love to stay at this hotel again. It's a great location as it's away from busy nightlife of Phuket but you can use the complimentary shuttle if you want nightlife or for shopping and eating.
Hotel facts 4 star hotel Spa Swimming pool Fitness centre Kids club Mini Golf Artificial sand beach 2 restaurants and 2 bars
After 2 nights in Phuket we flew with Bangkok Airways to Bangkok with a flying time of 1 hour 25 minutes. With Bangkok Airways all customers get free lounge access where tea, coffee, soft drinks plus food is served. During your flight free meals and drinks are served too.
Once we arrived in Bangkok we tried the new airport rail link. In the past we always went on the bus or taxi. The airport is much faster and quicker to the city. Transitting between Airport rail link and sky train/subway with suitcases can be tricky as there are long walk ways and lots of stairs.
We stayed at Rembrandt Hotel and Towers in Bangkok in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis for 3 nights. Asoke Sky Train is only 10 minutes’ walk away from the hotel. The breakfast was good with lots of choices although iit was busy with not many spaces available. On the way to the sky train station there are a few massage parlours. The hotel is off Sukhumvit main road so away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
The hotel is a great location for shopping and restaurants all around 10 minutes’ walk. We also experienced Chatuchak Weekend Market which was good but very busy. You need a map to get around the weekend market - it opens from Saturday - Sunday but check with hotel reception for opening times and closing times. The best way to get there is taking the subway or sky train station - the stop is Chatuchak.This is world's largest weekend markets, covering an area of 70 rai (27 Acres) altogether divided into 27 Sections. It contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a very popular shopping centre to Thais and has become a popular place to tourists and foreigners who stay in Bangkok, with over 200,000 visitors each day. Almost everything can be found here at a bargaining local price (not a tourist price), and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, local souvenirs from every parts of Thailand, Buddhist amulets, wooden furniture, handmade decorated flowers, plants, ceramic wares, dolls, Thai Bejarong, Chinese wares, garden decorated plants, stones, trendy fashions, silk, hill-tribe outfits, fluffy dogs and more miscellaneousi items.
Another place we visited was MBK shopping centre. It has 7 floors of shops covering everything from food, clothes, electronics, jewelry, souvenirs - it is massive. The nearest sky train station is National Stadium for MBK.
We also visited Patong night market. Here you will find souvenirs, clothes and other items. This area is more suitable for couples rather than families, due to its proximity to adult entertainment nightlife. The nearest sky train station is Silom.
A must visit is the Grand Temple, Bridge of the River Kwai and the floating market. We visited these places on our previous visits to Thailand. I still love Thailand and will continue to come here. I agree it’s the land of smiles. We love the food and the people are friendly. I always think of Thailand as my second home.
Hotel facts 4 star hotel Sanctuary Wellness and Spa, fully equipped Fitness Center 2 Bars and 5 Restaurants Swimming pool Business center.
We'd like to thank Thai Tourism for arranging this wonderful trip for me. It was good to go back to Thailand after we got married as we have seen so many changes for the better.
My tip - change your money in Thailand as you get a better rate of exchange on your money. Also book bed and breakfast basis as there are many restaurants to be found to sample the different cuisine and flavours.