An advertisement of Air Asia to fly round trip from Kolkata (India) to Bangkok (Thailand) with just ₹6,784 ($104) inspired us to visit Gateway of Southeast Asia as a tourist. So within 2 days, we made a solo travel plan to visit Thailand with our 4 (Husband, Wife and 2 adult sons) family members.
First of all, we booked (on 28 October 2016) our outbound journey flight tickets from Kolkata to Bangkok for 5th February 2017. Then started searching places of attraction in Thailand to plan our tour itinerary. I had a plan to visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia, built between roughly A.D. 1113 and 1150, and encompassing an area of about 500 acres (200 hectares), Angkor Wat is one of the largest Hindu religious monuments ever constructed. The plan was not successful due to time constraints; total tour requires minimum 20 days. If you have sufficient time then It is always better to do a round trip from Thailand to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Cruise Ha Long Bay, explore incredible Angkor Wat, interact with local families, and taste some of the world’s best street food at the night markets of Chiang Mai. Soak up the richness of this corner of the globe so steeped in tradition.
Some useful information about Thailand:
Currency: Thai Baht (THB) (current exchange rate).
Electricity: 220V/50Hz (North American plug and two-prong round)
Primary Airports: Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) International Airport (for Low Cost Carriers), Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT).
Both Bangkok airports have mandatory 50฿ Airport tax/surcharge for Taxi. It will be added to the metered fare at the end of the journey. In addition, if taking the toll way, passengers are required to pay the toll way fee. Don Mueang airport expressway toll charges are 110฿ and Suvarnabhumi expressway 75฿.
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Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's main airport has an underground train station at the basement level for Airport Rail Link (ARL) line. The ARL City Line makes eight stops (Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai) and takes 26 minutes. The City Line departs every 10 (peak) to 15 (off-peak) minutes. The last train departs the airport at 00:02. At Phraya Thai, you can easily transfer to the BTS Sky-train via the short pedestrian link
Both Bangkok airports have mandatory 50฿ Airport tax/surcharge for Taxi. It will be added to the metered fare at the end of the journey. In addition, if taking the toll way, passengers are required to pay the toll way fee. Don Mueang airport expressway toll charges are 110฿ and Suvarnabhumi expressway 75฿.
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Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's main airport has an underground train station at the basement level for Airport Rail Link (ARL) line. The ARL City Line makes eight stops (Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai) and takes 26 minutes. The City Line departs every 10 (peak) to 15 (off-peak) minutes. The last train departs the airport at 00:02. At Phraya Thai, you can easily transfer to the BTS Sky-train via the short pedestrian link
Water: Not safe. But the water served at restaurants in jugs is always filtered. Especially in rural areas, use a SteriPen or LifeStraw if you can’t drink bottled water.
Internet Situation: Thai internet is pretty reliable. It’s not the fastest in the world but it works, and most cities can promise good up time too. If your hotel internet doesn’t work, then you can find a dozen or more cafes in the city with good speeds.
Visas: Generally, the U.S., UK, and EU passports are given a free 30-days as a tourist if you enter by air, and 15 days if you enter overland. Check your visa requirements here.
Visas: Generally, the U.S., UK, and EU passports are given a free 30-days as a tourist if you enter by air, and 15 days if you enter overland. Check your visa requirements here.
Festivals of Note: Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai in the late fall is remarkable. Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Chiang Mai (January). The Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February). Songkran Water Festival (April), Hua Hin Jazz Festival (June), Vegetarian Festival, Phuket & Bangkok (September/October).
Safety: Southeast Asia on the whole is a pretty safe region of the world. It’s actually one of the first places I recommend for solo and new travelers. Thailand has the most developed tourism network in the region and is usually the hub for backpacking trips in SEA. Opportunistic crimes like theft and pick-pocketing will surely happen if you’re not cautious, but violent crime against tourists is pretty rare. There are also scams (see the “possible issues” section). Traffic accidents are the biggest threat here, not crime. Anything can happen on the road.
Food Considerations: Thailand has amazing food options for travelers of every ilk. You can find vegetarian food pretty easily with just a few words under your belt. If you’re a meat-eater, Mark’s site is about the best guide possible for eating in Thailand. Also, you should absolutely plan on eating street food options, so follow these food safety principles. The individual city guides have additional restaurant recs for vegetarian travelers.
Local SIM: Getting service for your phone is a cinch, and it’s cheap to boot. Read this SIM card guide for tips on how to get one, how to top up, and what that whole process will look like.
Accommodation: While the links in city guides below go to a hotel booking site. When you’re in Southeast Asia, Booking.com or Agoda is pretty much the best booking site. While they offer accommodation around the world, their coverage and reviews are best in SEA. Backpackers can also use Hostelworld, although consider that accommodation is often cheap enough that you can swing for a budget guesthouse and private room.
Budget: Once you are on the ground (so excluding flights), backpackers seem to universally average about USD $30 a day, this is both as solo and couple travellers. Each day fluctuates a bit. It’s cheaper in the north compared to the Thai islands, but overall the bare basic budget if you plan to travel around is about $30. That’s if you’re truly going backpacker style. You can get a lot of bang for your buck on about $40-50 per day average. This means some nicer digs (perhaps with A/C), and definitely if you plan to eat more than street food every day. If you’re looking to make Thailand a base, here’s a detailed look at the cost of living.
Possible Issues: Be very aware of the scams in Bangkok, there are many and the scams primarily center on the tourist areas of town. Please, please read up on these: here, here, and here. Even experienced travellers have fallen victim to these scams.
According to tour itinerary, we booked hotels via Booking.com website using VISA or Master card number. This card is required only for authentication. You have to pay to the hotel only after you report to the hotel. All bookings are with free cancellation charges up to a certain date.
Our Thailand VISA:
The Royal Thai consulate general has announced that Tourist Visa (Single Entry) fee exemption (Zero visa fee) and the decrease of Visa on arrival fee from 2000 THB to 1000 THB. It was effective from 01 December 2016 to 28 February 2017 and it was extended up t0 31 August 2017. So collected our visa before journey from authorized VISA agency (fee paid only Rs.300 each) of the Royal Thai consulate.
We purchased Fifty thousand Thai Baht (THB) before our departure for 4 persons for food and lodging. Also, we carried VISA international card with microchip enabled for any unexpected expenses.
Bangkok DMK Airport to Pattaya travel option by road:
There is no direct bus from Don Muang (DM) Airport to Pattaya. You can go by Taxi @1500 to 2000 B.
(i) Bus service from Ekkami to Pattaya:
Take the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station. Leave the station from Exit No. 2 and you will be at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. There are buses to Pattaya every 30-60 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm. Just go to the ticket booth and buy your ticket. There is no need to pre-book your bus, even during weekends and holidays, because there are so many services frequently leaving for Pattaya, and also minibuses are available as an alternative.
(ii) Minibus to Pattaya: Earlier Minibuses used to leave from Victory Monument, but due to lot of traffic problems they have stopped plying now. The minibuses from Bangkok to Pattaya leave from the Ekkamai Bus Terminal, the same place where the big buses leave as well. No matter which minibus you take, it will cost no more than 130 Baht which is quite a good deal considering that’s like a taxi ride. The trip takes around two hours. The vans are air-conditioned and have comfortable seats but not much space for heavy luggage. If you carry more than a small backpack, then you may have to pay for a second seat. According to travellers “it is a mess to travel from Ekkami to Pattaya” for DM passengers.
(iii) Bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pattaya
Alternatively, one can take taxi or bus no. A1 from Don Muang to Mo Chit Bus Terminal and take an A.C nonstop shuttle bus to Pattaya. This Pattaya bus service is available from 4.20 AM to 10 PM and costs 117 or 133 THB per person depending on the route the bus takes. Heavy luggage will not be a problem there. Go to the ticket counter of “Mo Chit 2” bus terminal and collect ticket (117B) of bus number 48 for Pattaya North Bus Station (160Km, 2h 30m). Sometimes, an agent or a tout at Mochit Bus Terminal may try to lead you to a mini van service to Pattaya. Just keep in mind that this is a fraud sort of mini van service. They charge 140 THB but drop you in Pattaya at some unknown place from where tuk-tuk or motor bike taxi drivers will try to charge too much to take you to your hotel. You will have to pay what they want because you will not know where you are in Pattaya. So just be sure, if you are going to Mo Chit Bus Terminal, just take a bus to Pattaya.
From Gate No. 6 of DM Airport, Shuttle Buses are available for Mo Chit Bus terminus every 5 minutes. Ticket fare is 30THB per adult. Heavy luggage will be a problem in these Buses.
Our Thailand tour itinerary:
5 February 2017:
6:40 AM - Arrived at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. There is an option of VISA on Arrival which takes more time and money. So, already we had collected our VISA from Kolkata.
8:00 AM – We cleared our immigration process and made our VISA stamped. We were thirsty but no drinking water facility was available on Arrival terminal of Airport, so we bought a 60ml water bottle for 25THB. At the airport, SIM card from AIS or DTAC or TRUEMOVE is available which works all over Thailand. Cost of AIS traveller SIM with free unlimited internet and 100 Baht Credit (local call charge 1 Baht/minute)- a) 299THB for 8 days (max speed up to 2.5GB) and b) 599THB for 15 days (max speed up to 6GB). All top up packages of AIS of 49THB for 7 days, free super-WiFi and free 15 Baht Credit with 30 days validity. Already we had a SIM of AIS, collected from my friend who completed his guided tour of Thailand one month ago. So we bought a top-up package for 7 days. Already we had booked our hotels using Booking.com with free WiFi facilities.
Booking.com
8:30 AM - We had a plan to go to Pattaya by non-stop A/c Bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminus of Bangkok. So we moved to gate no. 6 of the airport to get the A1 bus for Chatuchak Park MRT Station (to visit weekly whole-sell market), just one stop before the Mo Chit bus terminus. Our hotel at Pattaya was booked from 1 PM.
Booking.com
8:30 AM - We had a plan to go to Pattaya by non-stop A/c Bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminus of Bangkok. So we moved to gate no. 6 of the airport to get the A1 bus for Chatuchak Park MRT Station (to visit weekly whole-sell market), just one stop before the Mo Chit bus terminus. Our hotel at Pattaya was booked from 1 PM.
9:00 AM – Went ahead and visited Chatuchak Weekly whole-sell Market and took our breakfast there. Then went to Pattaya Bus Terminus by A.C. nonstop Bus (ticket price 124 TBH per head). Heavy luggage was not a problem there.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is very popular shopping center for Thais and has become a popular place to tourists and foreigners who stay in Bangkok, has over 200,000 visitors each day(SAT-SUN) 30% is foreign. There are 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, plant, ceramic wares, dolls, Thai Benjarong, Chinese wares, garden decorated plants, stones, trendy fashions, silk, hill-tribe outfits, fluffy dogs and more miscellaneous, etc. This is one of the world's largest weekend markets covers an area of 70 rai (27 Acres) altogether divided into 27 Sections, contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. We bought various dry fruits. We also choose some materials which will be bought at next Saturday for our family and friends like fruit scented and shaped local soaps, wooden cookware, dresses etc.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is very popular shopping center for Thais and has become a popular place to tourists and foreigners who stay in Bangkok, has over 200,000 visitors each day(SAT-SUN) 30% is foreign. There are 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, plant, ceramic wares, dolls, Thai Benjarong, Chinese wares, garden decorated plants, stones, trendy fashions, silk, hill-tribe outfits, fluffy dogs and more miscellaneous, etc. This is one of the world's largest weekend markets covers an area of 70 rai (27 Acres) altogether divided into 27 Sections, contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. We bought various dry fruits. We also choose some materials which will be bought at next Saturday for our family and friends like fruit scented and shaped local soaps, wooden cookware, dresses etc.
BANGKOK to PATTAYA TOUR
11:00 AM: Moved to Mo Chit BST by taxi (50 THB) and purchased bus ticket of Pattaya. We started at 11:30 AM from counter number 48.
1:30 PM: Moved to our already booked family room of President Apartment Hotel at South Pattaya from North Pattaya Bus terminus by Song-Taew share Jeep (Bathbus, 10B/head, 5Km, 8m) and took our lunch at 2 PM. We went to the Pattaya beach in the evening. Then we visited Alcazar Cabaret show. The show is approximately for 70 minutes.
At 7 PM we moved towards Walking Street (red-light area) which is probably the most exciting street in the world if you like to have fun. Here you will find all kinds of entertainment, from bars, discos, gogo-bars, cabaret shows and much much more. Walking Street is effectively a part of Pattaya Beach Road, a full kilometer one-way road from its high-tech gateway at the Beach Road end to the Bali Hai Pier, and the famous Pattaya City sign. There were lots of police monitoring the street right at the entrance and vehicles are not allowed from 18:00 to 02:00.
This type of fun is made for singles and couples but not for family, so we walked, tastes some street foods and came back to the hotel at 10 PM when the street actually woke up for fun lovers.
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| An evening in Pattaya, Thailand |
This type of fun is made for singles and couples but not for family, so we walked, tastes some street foods and came back to the hotel at 10 PM when the street actually woke up for fun lovers.
6 February 2017:
In the morning at 7 am we went to the Bali Hai Pier by Tuk-Tuk to visit Twain Beach on Koh Larn (coral) Island by ferry boat (7.5km). Since the island is not so far away, visitors can easily go there in the morning, stay for several hours and enjoy parasailing and speedboat riding, jet skiing, banana boat riding and, of course, swimming. One can hire a sit under the umbrella by 100THB on the beach to take rest and enjoy the beauty. We purchased snorkeling kit by 175BHT and enjoyed bathed with snorkeling, scenic beauty at the beach and returned to Pattaya via Naban Port of the Island.
After taking lunch we checked out from the hotel, took a taxi and went to North Pattaya Bus Terminus to go to Mo-Chit BST. Then moved to Don Mueang Airport to travel Phuket at night 7:55 PM. Better and cheaper option is to take a flight at Don Mueang (DM) airport from Pattaya (if time is no concern): Take a bus from Jomtien (South Pattaya) to Suvarnabhumi airport and from there avail free shuttle bus to DM airport. You will have to show your departure flight ticket from DM to avail that bus.
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| Naban Port of Kho Larn (Coral Island) via Pattaya, Thailand |
BANGKOK to PHUKET TOUR
We had a plan of full-day Phi-Phi island tour next day but we didn't have any previous booking. Arrived Phuket at 9:15 PM and enquired about Phi-Phi full day tour in a tourist counter at Arrival Zone of Phuket Airport, but no booking was available for the next day trip. Unlike in Bangkok, ordinary metered taxis are surprisingly difficult to find in Phuket. So we booked a taxi in advance (price as per meter record plus surcharge 100THB) through an online portal to travel from airport to our already booked hotel through website beside Phuket city Bus Terminus. It was one hour journey by taxi, at that time driver asked about our next day tour program. He told us that he will take us to Pier for Phi-Phi next day trip and we may call him any time to travel to Phuket.
We checked in our Ban Nai Inn Guesthouse and paid our advance booking charge by cash and enter into our 4 bedded family room 11 PM.
7 February 2017:
Full day trip to Phi-Phi Island by luxury boat conducted by several Tour operators.
About Phi-Phi Tour: Phi Phi Don
The largest of the two main islands, Phi Phi Don is like two islands separated by a thin stretch of beach land, quite stunning! Originally a backpacker's paradise, the space between the two bays are now filled with small restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. Immerse in tropical serenity or take a 15-minute walk, 186 meters up to the viewpoint to witness a view of the whole island and sunset never to forget!
Phi Phi Leh
Uninhabited by man, Phi Phi Leh is a treasured national park with bays and pristine waters that make a wonderful snorkeling environment. Visit Phaya Naak Cave, decorated with prehistoric sketches. Or Maya Bay, surely the most beautiful beach of the Phi Phi collection. Here you can find a cliff with a perfect jump spot - you can climb and dive into the sea from 20 meters high
Maya Bay on the island of Phi Phi Leh was the setting for the acclaimed movie "The Beach", starring Leonardo Di Caprio in 2000, based on a novel. Maya Bay is simple, a couple of authentic wood huts serving small snacks and drinks is all you'll find. Shielded by 100 meter cliffs on three sides and washed by crystal clear waters, this is snorkeling paradise!
About Phi-Phi Tour: Phi Phi Don
The largest of the two main islands, Phi Phi Don is like two islands separated by a thin stretch of beach land, quite stunning! Originally a backpacker's paradise, the space between the two bays are now filled with small restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. Immerse in tropical serenity or take a 15-minute walk, 186 meters up to the viewpoint to witness a view of the whole island and sunset never to forget!
Phi Phi Leh
Uninhabited by man, Phi Phi Leh is a treasured national park with bays and pristine waters that make a wonderful snorkeling environment. Visit Phaya Naak Cave, decorated with prehistoric sketches. Or Maya Bay, surely the most beautiful beach of the Phi Phi collection. Here you can find a cliff with a perfect jump spot - you can climb and dive into the sea from 20 meters high
Maya Bay on the island of Phi Phi Leh was the setting for the acclaimed movie "The Beach", starring Leonardo Di Caprio in 2000, based on a novel. Maya Bay is simple, a couple of authentic wood huts serving small snacks and drinks is all you'll find. Shielded by 100 meter cliffs on three sides and washed by crystal clear waters, this is snorkeling paradise!
Phuket - Phi Phi daily Ferry Schedule (2 hours journey):
Departure from Phuket - 08:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:00
Departure from Phi-Phi Don - 09:00, 14:00 and 14:30
Our Tour - We took our complimentary coffee and snacks from the hotel and waited for the taxi driver to go to Rassada Pier (3.5 km). He came at 7:30 PM, took 100THB (fixed) as taxi fare and handed us a tout of travel agent at Pier. There were several touts moving around and our tout took us at a booking counter and we paid 900THB per traveler round trip without pick-up and drop and without free buffet lunch. Ferry boat staff issued destination/tour sticker that we need to wear for the entirety of our boat trip. After that we realized, if we had directly contacted any tour operator/agent the previous day then with the same price they could provide free hotel pick-up, drop and Lunch. Ferry travel is especially popular between Phi Phi Island and Phuket Island. It is the coolest experience of Phi Phi's natural beauty as 300-400 passengers ferry boat which approaches in the deep blue waters. Journey started at 8:50 AM, fruits, tea-coffee, soft drinks and beer selling counter was there inside. We Reached Ao Tonsai Pier of Koh Phi-Phi at 10:50 AM and went to Loh Dalum beach (opposite side) by 5 minutes walking. Several speedboats were available there to visit different beaches in Phi-Phi and local sightseeing. We bathed and enjoyed snorkeling there. After lunch in a restaurent near Tonsai pier we visited local shops and boarded our cruise to return to Phuket. Back to the city at 5 PM and enjoyed the evening city tour. Next day we had a plan to Visit several beaches at Phuket.
In the evening at 7PM one of us was walking in the main road of Phuket Bus terminus and suddenly noticed a travel agency house and enquired about different full day tours. They supplied some booklets with some discounts for next day. As per the pictures and tour itinerary we choosed "4 on 1 Canoe in Phang-Nga", the i) James Bond Island, ii) Koh Hong, iii) Koh Panak and iii) Swim & Relax. Cost per head 3900TBH as per the printed booklet. After bargaining and few telephonic conversations with tour operator, they offered 1350TBH per head that was unexpected for us. Then and then we booked 4 tickets for next day (8 February 2017) tour. The guided package tour included 1) Pickup and Drop to Hotel, 2) Roundtrip Ao Por Pier transfer, 3) Life jacket, 4) Canoe equipment with professional canoe paddler, 5) Seasonal fruits, soft-drink, Coffee and tea, 6) Buffet lunch on board, 7) Attentive guide, 8) Life insurance. Tour operator was Phuket Patri Tour Co., Ltd. 10/326 Jomthong Thanee, Vichit Muang Phuket 83000, Tel 076-263558.
8 February 2017:
We planned to Visit several beaches at Phuket but it does not happened like that.
We were so fortunate that we had spend our most exciting full-day tour of Phuket Canoeing Tour of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.
Tentative itinerary of the full-day Phang Nga Bay Tour:
07:30 Hrs : Pick up from your hotel by air conditioned vehicle to transfer to Ao Po pier; enjoy complimentary tea/coffee/desert services. Ao Po (20 Km from Phuket city) is on the east side of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay.
09:45 Hrs: Depart to Phang Nga Bay National Park by luxury boat and admire Thailand’s stunning scenery.
11:30 Visit James Bond Island to discover the famous movie location “The man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Here enjoy a leisurely time walking and take nice photos.
12:40 Hrs : Enjoy a delicious Lunch on-board.
13:40 Hrs : VisitedHong Island (Phang Nga) and enjoyed kayaking.
14:10 Hrs : Departed from Hong Island and arrived Panak Island (Phang Nga) to enjoy Bat Cave or Mangrove Cave.
15:00 Hrs : On the way back stop for swimming or floating by yourself from the boat at Lawa island.
16:00 Hrs : Arrive at Ao Por Pier to return back for Phuket.
We had left Phuket at 10:10 PM at night. Arrived Bangkok at 23:30 and went to the hotel near the airport.
Our exciting experience:
We were so fortunate that we had spend our most exciting full-day tour of Phuket Canoeing Tour of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.
Tentative itinerary of the full-day Phang Nga Bay Tour:
07:30 Hrs : Pick up from your hotel by air conditioned vehicle to transfer to Ao Po pier; enjoy complimentary tea/coffee/desert services. Ao Po (20 Km from Phuket city) is on the east side of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay.
09:45 Hrs: Depart to Phang Nga Bay National Park by luxury boat and admire Thailand’s stunning scenery.
11:30 Visit James Bond Island to discover the famous movie location “The man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Here enjoy a leisurely time walking and take nice photos.
12:40 Hrs : Enjoy a delicious Lunch on-board.
13:40 Hrs : VisitedHong Island (Phang Nga) and enjoyed kayaking.
14:10 Hrs : Departed from Hong Island and arrived Panak Island (Phang Nga) to enjoy Bat Cave or Mangrove Cave.
15:00 Hrs : On the way back stop for swimming or floating by yourself from the boat at Lawa island.
16:00 Hrs : Arrive at Ao Por Pier to return back for Phuket.
We had left Phuket at 10:10 PM at night. Arrived Bangkok at 23:30 and went to the hotel near the airport.
Our exciting experience:
A 10 seater AC car picked up from our hotel at 7:30 AM and picked other 3 couples from different hotels. We arrived Ao Po Pier at 9:30 AM and took complementary buffet i.e. snacks with coffee, boarded to luxury boat and departed from Pier at 9:45 AM. On the way first crossed Ao Po Grand Marina, number one pick of all the marinas in Thailand. Now a 300 berth marina with 10m wide walkways on the north and east docks. Dockside has shore power to a max of 400 amps, clean water due to a high-tech reverse osmosis system and, nearby a deep water, high capacity fuel dock for managed boat owners. Then crossed several islands including Panak Island, Hong Island and arrived James Bond island. On the way cold bottled water and soft drink was served and two guides continuously described about our journey and history of Phuket with few island (Total more than 2000 islands are there in Thailand) through microphone.
There was no pier (jetty) for big boats in James Bond island, so our boat was anchored in deep-sea beside the island. We were transferred to island via small boat for 50 minutes tour. We moved from the multiple rows of identical souvenir shops who surprisingly don't sell much in the way of James Bond merchandise or keepsakes. At first we went to see a beautiful limestone cave on the extreme left of the dock. The caves were like a hanging gallery to watch beautiful environment of sea. The island cluster that tourists actually visit and walk around on is named as "Koh Khao Ping Kan" in the Thai language which roughly translates as "Island with Hills Leaning Together".
Then we moved down and around to the beach area next to the bay where "James Bond Island Rock" is located. The tall vertical rock that stands out in the middle of the bay of Koh Khao Ping Kan is known as "Koh Tapu" which means Nail Island or Spike Island in Thai due to the unique stature of the rock island which Scaramanga had turned into a laser based weapon of mass destruction in the Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun". The bottom part of the rock was nail shaped.
We departed from the James Bond Island by small boat and were transferred to our big boat. Enjoyed great Thai Lunch (buffet) on the boat including sea food cooked on board while travelling towards the "Hong Island". Our boat stopped and we further hopped onto kayaks with guide which took us closer to the island. It was one of the most beautiful experiences you can imagine. An untouched world, created by nature through millions of years. We kayaked through the first Hong and around the lagoon. That was a limestone island, completely surrounded by cliff walls. One Island was also there like James Bond Island, but the bottom part was not so narrow. Our guides paddled to explore hidden caves & lagoons and transferred to big boat to move towards Koh Panak with all kayaks and paddlers (guides).
We were transferred again via kayaking to Koh Panak was a wonderful scenery island, the cliffs and strange beautiful limestone stalactites where few monkeys were playing. Our guide escorted us into a long tunnel cave filled with knee depth sea water called Mangrove Cave. We crossed the tunnel cave by feet without any daylight, a torch light mounted on the head of each kayak paddlers (guide) and reached an open area with mangroves and rocks. That was very exiting and thrilling experience. If sufficient water remains in the tunnel then you may enjoy canoeing. Our guide took a mangrove leaf and cut the middle of the leaf as heart shaped. Then he took few snaps of us through the heart shaped hole of the leaf and also impressed us. After visiting this nice cave island we transferred our big boat via kayak and told our kayak guides 'Bye Bye" with tips. Then we moved towards Lawa Island. This island comes at the end and the swim is a rather relaxing break with soft-drinks or bear (not complementary). We two enjoyed swimming with life saving jacket and lifesaving ring with rope. After that we took a fresh water bath in the boat.
There was no pier (jetty) for big boats in James Bond island, so our boat was anchored in deep-sea beside the island. We were transferred to island via small boat for 50 minutes tour. We moved from the multiple rows of identical souvenir shops who surprisingly don't sell much in the way of James Bond merchandise or keepsakes. At first we went to see a beautiful limestone cave on the extreme left of the dock. The caves were like a hanging gallery to watch beautiful environment of sea. The island cluster that tourists actually visit and walk around on is named as "Koh Khao Ping Kan" in the Thai language which roughly translates as "Island with Hills Leaning Together".
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| James Bond Island - Exciting Phuket tour. |
We departed from the James Bond Island by small boat and were transferred to our big boat. Enjoyed great Thai Lunch (buffet) on the boat including sea food cooked on board while travelling towards the "Hong Island". Our boat stopped and we further hopped onto kayaks with guide which took us closer to the island. It was one of the most beautiful experiences you can imagine. An untouched world, created by nature through millions of years. We kayaked through the first Hong and around the lagoon. That was a limestone island, completely surrounded by cliff walls. One Island was also there like James Bond Island, but the bottom part was not so narrow. Our guides paddled to explore hidden caves & lagoons and transferred to big boat to move towards Koh Panak with all kayaks and paddlers (guides).
We were transferred again via kayaking to Koh Panak was a wonderful scenery island, the cliffs and strange beautiful limestone stalactites where few monkeys were playing. Our guide escorted us into a long tunnel cave filled with knee depth sea water called Mangrove Cave. We crossed the tunnel cave by feet without any daylight, a torch light mounted on the head of each kayak paddlers (guide) and reached an open area with mangroves and rocks. That was very exiting and thrilling experience. If sufficient water remains in the tunnel then you may enjoy canoeing. Our guide took a mangrove leaf and cut the middle of the leaf as heart shaped. Then he took few snaps of us through the heart shaped hole of the leaf and also impressed us. After visiting this nice cave island we transferred our big boat via kayak and told our kayak guides 'Bye Bye" with tips. Then we moved towards Lawa Island. This island comes at the end and the swim is a rather relaxing break with soft-drinks or bear (not complementary). We two enjoyed swimming with life saving jacket and lifesaving ring with rope. After that we took a fresh water bath in the boat.  |
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| Swimming relax at Lawa Island | Phuket City to Airport bus ticket |
The crew on board is so personable and charismatic - you can tell they are passionate about beautiful Phang Nga Bay. The staff on the trip were fantastic with nothing too much trouble, and plenty of time was spent at each of the 4 locations. It was really good experience for us. The tour operator dropped us by car via Ao Po Pier and we finished our Phuket tour. We had completed our checkout process from our hotel room in the morning and deposited our baggage in reception counter.
Our hotel was beside Phuket city bus terminus, so we collected our baggage and move to terminus for Phuket Airport bus. One bus came and we collected our tickets by 100฿ for each in booking counter and take our seats. Before starting the bus many tourists came and travelled 1.5 hours journey without seats. Our AirAsia flight started in time at 10:10PM and landed bangkok at 11:30PM. We watched beautiful Bangkok city night lights through windows. Our online pre-reserved guesthouse The Nine Backpacker was near Don Mueang airport and was informed that we want late check-In. So we received phone call from hotel receptionist with walking direction. She was also waiting for us and she came forward. She received us on the road and transferred us to hotel, because she was hurried to return her home.
Our hotel was beside Phuket city bus terminus, so we collected our baggage and move to terminus for Phuket Airport bus. One bus came and we collected our tickets by 100฿ for each in booking counter and take our seats. Before starting the bus many tourists came and travelled 1.5 hours journey without seats. Our AirAsia flight started in time at 10:10PM and landed bangkok at 11:30PM. We watched beautiful Bangkok city night lights through windows. Our online pre-reserved guesthouse The Nine Backpacker was near Don Mueang airport and was informed that we want late check-In. So we received phone call from hotel receptionist with walking direction. She was also waiting for us and she came forward. She received us on the road and transferred us to hotel, because she was hurried to return her home.
BANGKOK CITY TOUR
Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. The Chao Phraya river has been the heart, soul and gut of the City of Angels (Krung Thep), Bangkok.
9 February 2017:
Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. The Chao Phraya river has been the heart, soul and gut of the City of Angels (Krung Thep), Bangkok.
9 February 2017:
After breakfast we took a taxi at 9AM that was dropped us near ferry service station. We wanted to visit several temples, Grand Palace beside the Chao Phraya river by the Chao Phraya Express ferries that was available all day, crammed with commuters, school kids, monks and visitors. The driver of the taxi dropped us on Wat Soi Thong Temple.
The Soi Thong temple is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in northern Bangkok along the regular route of the Chao Phraya river boats all the way to Nonthaburi province. We passed the beautiful temple pier to take a river cruise. This temple built in 1851 in the reign of King Rama IV, this temple which means "golden necklace" was built by the descendants of a Thai nobleman, Chao Phraya Sri Phipat. We were purchased our tickets from the ferry counter to go to Tha Chang Pier number 9 to visit Grand Palace. After a few minutes a ferry boat arrived on the pier which was not full of passengers and we got seats. The river journey was beautiful. On the way we visited few temples beside river like Wat Kaew Fah Chulamanee, Wat Thepakorn, Wat Rachathiwat, Wat Brown Mongkhon etc. We finished the beautiful boat ride crossing many important Temples, Buildings, Bridge etc. and we came down from the boat at Tha Chang Pier. This is very busy pier, about a 10 minute walk from the entry gate of Grand Palace. After crossing many souvenir and food shops and street hawkers we found the surrounding road on the boundary of Grand Palace. Bangkok is always hot so we wearied light colour clothing. There is a dress code in grand palace, below the knee and 3/4 sleeves for female. Main entrance was in other side of river and we walked with coconut ice-cream and purchased one local print Pajama. Umbrella or cap helped us in walking from one structure to the next one.
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.
Inside the palace there is a beautiful temple called Wat Phra Kaew or “Temple of the Emerald Buddha” is one of Thailand’s most sacred places. The small Buddha image is believed to be more than 2000 years old and was created in India.
Wat Pho (the temple of reclining Buddha) in between river and Grand Palace is the must see place for 1st time visitor.
Night view from river is fantastic.
The Soi Thong temple is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in northern Bangkok along the regular route of the Chao Phraya river boats all the way to Nonthaburi province. We passed the beautiful temple pier to take a river cruise. This temple built in 1851 in the reign of King Rama IV, this temple which means "golden necklace" was built by the descendants of a Thai nobleman, Chao Phraya Sri Phipat. We were purchased our tickets from the ferry counter to go to Tha Chang Pier number 9 to visit Grand Palace. After a few minutes a ferry boat arrived on the pier which was not full of passengers and we got seats. The river journey was beautiful. On the way we visited few temples beside river like Wat Kaew Fah Chulamanee, Wat Thepakorn, Wat Rachathiwat, Wat Brown Mongkhon etc. We finished the beautiful boat ride crossing many important Temples, Buildings, Bridge etc. and we came down from the boat at Tha Chang Pier. This is very busy pier, about a 10 minute walk from the entry gate of Grand Palace. After crossing many souvenir and food shops and street hawkers we found the surrounding road on the boundary of Grand Palace. Bangkok is always hot so we wearied light colour clothing. There is a dress code in grand palace, below the knee and 3/4 sleeves for female. Main entrance was in other side of river and we walked with coconut ice-cream and purchased one local print Pajama. Umbrella or cap helped us in walking from one structure to the next one.
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.
Inside the palace there is a beautiful temple called Wat Phra Kaew or “Temple of the Emerald Buddha” is one of Thailand’s most sacred places. The small Buddha image is believed to be more than 2000 years old and was created in India.
Wat Pho (the temple of reclining Buddha) in between river and Grand Palace is the must see place for 1st time visitor.
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| Entry ticket 100 THB |
10 February 2017:
Visited Safari World (full day trip) or SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World (half day Marine aquarium tour), then move to Don Mueang airport at nigh.
You may buy entry tickets online in advance to save 10% off admission to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World which is not available on the spot.
You may buy entry tickets online in advance to save 10% off admission to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World which is not available on the spot.
11 February 2017:
Departed at 12:05 AM night from Bangkok and arrived Kolkata.
