PHUKET
The perfect place because every season is suitable !!!!!!!!
It is finally the 1st of September 19:30 and my friend and I are departing O R Tambo after planning this trip for 10months. We managed to get a black friday special from STA Travel which my friend and former colleague Chervelle helped facilitate – you can contact her on 0614606463 tell her I sent you – she’s an awesome travel agent.
We flew from Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi with Etihad airways which is the 2nd largest airline in the UAE – and has a home base of Abu Dhabi. After 16+ hour flight we landed in Phuket and all we needed was our passport and no other paperwork. We each purchased a travelers sim card which worked for 8day of our 10day vacation. I recommend booking all your airport transfers prior to arriving just to limit costs when you get there. We spent R1200 each for four transfers to and from all the airports. We also paid travel insurance with STA travel and getting it was very smooth.
Currency:
Thai Baht 1 = 0.50 South African Rands
I would recommend carrying cash (Rands – R5000+-) and exchanging the rands at the airport once you land – this way you avoid the commission charged when swiping or withdrawing from ATM’s. Phuket is the land of cash – I only swiped at restaurants but used cash for everything else. TIP: Inform your bank that you’ll be traveling just to avoid any inconveniences.
Thai Dish:
- Pad Thai: This is a must try – easy on the pallet and very hard to hate.
Our Itinerary:
I personally had a budget of R1000 a day but went over budget and have absolutely no regrets about that because deep down I like things and am willing to pay for a once in a lifetime experience. This was my second trip that I fully funded but my first BIG trip so now I know better when it comes to budgeting for activities.
- 31st of of August Sunday: Travel Day (Overnight flights are the best thing to ever happen to me) – carry travel tablets and drink lots of liquids (water + soda water) when on a long flight, try to walk around every 3hours.
- 1st of September Monday: Arrived and went straight to Bangla Road – There are drinks specials EVERYWHERE – spent around R350 including transport.
- 2nd of September Tuesday: Phuket Island tour (includes Big Buddah, old phuket town and any other inclusion you want) – make sure to negotiate with a cab / ask questions and have fun & Drinks at Marina Hotel (By the way there are entrance fees to hotel pool areas if you are not a guest there)= R1500
- 3rd September Wednesday: Banana Beach & Racha isaland / Snorkling / kayaking = R1200 – All inclusive (Transport to and from our hotel and food) we booked this with STA Travel.
- 4th of September Thursday: Patong Beach for Paragliding & Jet Skies = R1200 combined
- 5th of September Friday: Cafe Del Mar Beach Club & Illusion night club = R1500
- 6th of September Saturday: Phi Phi Island Tour and overnight glamping at Roost = R1000
- 7th of September Sunday: Roost Glamping / Beach and pool day
- 8th of September Monday: Travel day – Flew to Bangkok and visited the night market (not much was spent) max R200
There’s so much to do in Phuket that you can’t do it all over 7days – I literally have to return. We chose not to do any animal related activities just to preserve and ensure that we are not contributing to the suffering of animals. No we didn’t visit elephant sanctuary, no we didn’t go see the tigers and no we didn’t go to a snake show. etc.
Where to eat:
(Above Pic: Pad Thai)
Transport options:
- Tuk Tuk: Last resort lol
- Motorbikes: Favorite
- Cabs: Only great for long distance commuting
Passport / Visa requirements:
- Visa Free for South Africans.
Travel agent:
- Chervelle Fuller: STA Travel – 0614606463
I personally wouldn’t use a travel agent again but if you want the peace of mind that comes with having a trained professional assisting and advising you then I would definitely recommend getting one. Agents are great as a starting point and for booking flights.
Estimate of how much to budget for activities:
R5000+ over 7days: make sure to negotiate negotiate negotiate
Where to stay:
Kata / Karon Beach
Thailand has so many beautiful options – theres something beautiful for every budget. You really are spoilt for choice on this island – I didn’t like our hotel (I need a window in my bathroom) but it was central and we only went there to sleep and shower. I would compare it to staying at Garden Court Marine parade in South beach Durban. I wouldn’t return or recommend it – the staff members are amazing and very very helpful.
XO
Cway
Happy to answer any further questions you have.
