I'm back!!! This is not my first post, and it won't be my last. Please don't get tired of me yet.
I apologize to my friends in advance because this post will not have any bikinis, six-packs, or eight-packs. But it will have... something. Stay tuned to find out ^_^
So, a guy invited me to the beach... Guess what I said? I'm a lady, a decent girl, after all. Okay, enough pretending... Let's go, what are we waiting for!!!
Similan Islands, the sea of my dreams ..... I've heard my mother say since I was a child that this place is very beautiful, the sand is very white, it's like a dream city. So I decided to do it myself. Find information, book accommodation, book tours, book flights..... Wait!! My boyfriend invited me to the sea.... But I prepared everything myself! It's like..... I don't want to be stubborn and waste time. So let's get started.
Ps. ….. Please give me some encouragement.
Based on the knowledge we have accumulated from Pantip and Google, combined with the very little coolness we have, we have chosen to stay on Patong Beach. We want a cool room, no need for ceremony, no need for a swimming pool, no need for a million stars, and it must not be expensive! Just two things... clean and good service.
The day of our trip arrived as quickly as 4G in Thailand. We flew with Nok Air to Phuket International Airport. This was my second time visiting the Pearl of the Andaman (the first time was twelve years ago, a long time ago!).
Fly over the city.....
And then flew over the island…..
As soon as we got off the plane, we looked for a shuttle bus to Patong Beach. We bought tickets for 180 baht each (I heard that a taxi would cost 900 baht, so I didn't want to pay that). I have to say that we walked around looking for the shuttle bus for about two rounds before we decided to ask someone nearby... It turned out to be a van!! Oh, if you had just said van, we would have found it a long time ago (I blame them again).
We waited for about 15 minutes before we got on the van. It smelled musty, like cigarettes. I looked to my left and saw a sign on the van that said "No Smoking." I understand that the driver didn't smoke in the van, but it must have been smoked in for a long time. Honestly, I wasn't very impressed with the van to Patong. I felt like I was taking advantage of them (but we paid, you know...). People here drive very fast. It must be normal for them. We're just not used to it.
We finally arrived at our accommodation safely. The van or shuttle bus will drop us off right in front of the hotel, but make sure you give them the correct coordinates. If you get off at the wrong spot, you'll have to find your own way in, which will cost you extra money.
After struggling to breathe for almost two hours, we were warmly welcomed by this accommodation. At this point, I would like to commend the excellent service provided by the staff. It's like a small guesthouse, not grand or flashy, but it touched our hearts deeply.... Most importantly, it only costs 600 baht per night!! "The Artist House" even offers snacks upon arrival.
"Stop! Don't eat so much, it'll make you fat!" said P'Nian.
After paying, we went up to the room together.... Follow me, I'll show you where we'll be sleeping for the next two nights. Hehe.
Regarding the accommodation, the service, and the cleanliness, compared to the price of 600, it's... a pass!!! Put away your things, rest, take three deep breaths, and then it's time to move on... Where should we start, captain!!
Despite taking a scenic plane ride to get here, I couldn't resist renting a motorbike for my adventurous spirit. The accommodation charged 200 baht for the rental (including fuel, yay!). With the bike secured, I wasted no time and headed straight to Promthep Cape, a Phuket landmark. The 30 km journey had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if I'd make it in time for the sunset.
We tried our best, but with the torque of the Click 125 and a heavy rider like me, it turned out like this. Almost... almost made it.
Tell the people on that boat that I'm so jealous!!!
Laem Phromthep at sunset (already set)
On the way back from Laem Phromthep... the car's tire went flat. It was the front tire... not related to the passenger. But we managed to find a repair shop and rode back to find food safely.
Speaking of food, let me tell you a little secret... Patong's food is very expensive! I mean, you have to ask the price before you order anything, or you might not have enough money. Haha! First, we stopped by Jungceylon, another landmark in Patong, to see the pirate ship.
This place is crowded with tourists, and the prices are quite high. So we went to eat at this restaurant, "Krab Kluay". We can confirm that the prices are reasonable and the food is delicious! The staff at our accommodation recommended it, and we were not disappointed. If you go to Patong and want to eat delicious food at a reasonable price, please come here.
Three people ate three dishes and paid 500 baht in total. The price, quantity, and taste of the food were all good. The two of us couldn't even finish the three dishes, which was a bit of a shame.
I won't be wandering the beach tonight... because I have a tour at 6:30 am tomorrow. Don't be late. I'd better go to bed and get some rest.
Waking up bright and early, ready to welcome a day of diving. Similan Islands, here we come! We'll finally meet.
This trip we went with a tour from Love Andaman. The price was 1,899 baht per person (plus an additional 300 baht per person for transportation if picked up from Patong). Breakfast, lunch and diving equipment were provided. If you are picked up from Patong, you will need to wake up early to catch the bus to the pier in Phang Nga.
Right on time!!! The van picked us up and dropped us off at the boat.
Upon arrival, we registered and received wristbands according to our group. We were assigned to the Big White group, and the guide gave us a brief overview of the places we would be visiting.
And then the team took a speedboat to the action...
This is the first time I've been on a speedboat for this long, about an hour and a half. We arrived at the first point, Koh 4. There are tents and houses here. I told myself that if I have the chance to come again, I will definitely sleep on the island!
In addition to the Love Andaman guides, we also have a private guide led by the formidable Captain Pirate!!!
This way, guys! Follow the human footprints.
When it comes to the sea, trust the captain.
Similan is as beautiful as my mother said.
The rocky cliffs and white sand complement each other perfectly. ^_^
Here comes the wave!!
If you fall, you will laugh out loud. I told you, but you wouldn't listen....
Still trying to act cute... You can't beat Nien anyway.
Come to the sea... Don't be stubborn with me, okay!
After walking for only thirty minutes, we returned to the boat to eat lunch at the island. This island is called Donald Duck Bay by foreigners because there is a rock that looks like a duck's mouth. However, Thai people see it as a shoe... It's up to you to imagine. Another landmark is the sailboat rock, which is located on the top of that hill....
Zoom in a little more.
The first thing we have to do when we arrive at this island is to have lunch. The tour has arranged a buffet for each person, which means that each person will get one plate. You can choose whatever you want to eat.
After a satisfying meal, it's time to stretch your legs... Hike up to the Sail Rock viewpoint.
Along the way, there will be rest stops with scenic views at intervals.
Standing at the landmark, Hin Reua Boran, looking down at the view... The Thai sea is so beautiful.
Are you pretty?
The view from above is really good.
A kind person took a picture of us together... Thank you.
After getting tired of the hot sand, it was finally time to board the boat. I stood waiting at the edge of the beach, the sand incredibly white.
No matter which angle you look at it, it's beautiful.
Do you see me in your eyes? Hehe
If the boat doesn't come, I'm going to go swimming.
The low tide prevented the boat from docking near the beach. Now what?
Let's go with the flow. I'm not worried about myself... I'm worried about the camera! Haha
Next, we'll go diving to our heart's content. I'll tell you a secret: before I went to sleep last night, I prayed that.....
"Amen. I hope I can see a live sea turtle on this dive..." As soon as I remembered, I immediately asked the guide, "Guide, do you think we'll see a turtle today?"
The guide nonchalantly replied, "Turtles? Haven't seen any for a while. Let's look at something else." I felt a pang of disappointment, but I refused to believe the guide. We must have hope!
Jump!!!
Let's go see the underwater view together.
Friends, do you think we'll see a turtle today? ... Follow me.
Oops, what kind of fish is that?
The coral is more beautiful than when we went diving in Krabi. It's a pleasure to watch.
A school of small fish came swimming by....
Fish in the right corner.... Not related, haha
Still haven't found the turtle.....
Note. Some pictures are not clear because they were captured from video files. ^_^ After a while…. We lifted our faces above the water. The guide, who was about five meters away, signaled us to dive down. What's up?
Hey guys.... Turtle!!! A real turtle! Oh my god!!! Our wish has come true!!! At this point, I'm so happy.
Here comes my hero....
I don't know why, but the turtle looks the same as the one in the pond, but it looks so beautiful in the sea like this.
Honestly, I really want to put on my black fins and take a closer look right now. The only problem is... I don't know how to swim with fins. (If anyone knows where to learn how to swim with fins, please let me know. The guide wouldn't let me wear them, saying that if I haven't done it before, I'll get cramps.) So all I could do was watch the guide dive down.
No problem, we're happy with just this ^_^ We're back on shore now.... Not tired at all (forced smile)
Here, they are kind enough to offer cold water and snacks before you leave. The best part is this menu item...
Fresh coconut ice cream... I secretly whispered that we had two light cones, it was really delicious, I want you to try it, haha, the uncle who scooped the ice cream was very kind, told us to come and get some more, it felt like Children's Day.
There you go... No sooner had she finished speaking than she went to queue for the second round. Haha.
As soon as I got back to my accommodation, I rushed to take a shower and get dressed to go paragliding again....
I'm hungry, I'm hungry! I ended up at a small restaurant behind Jungceylon Mall, as usual... Patong food is very expensive! What to eat, let's ask first. I almost ordered a five-hundred-gram crab (750 baht, I was confused), but I didn't order it. I pulled myself together before I did. The person who recommended the food spoke Thai in a way that I didn't understand very well. It didn't sound like Thai, more like Malay. In the end, we ate crab and clams instead.
The second day passed in a daze, so fast. I have to go back tomorrow….. I'm going to be a little cranky.
The next morning.... at Patong Beach
Take Panian to enjoy the morning sea breeze.
When you're in Patong, you have to visit the beach! I started my day by chilling out and having breakfast with sticky rice and grilled pork on the beach. At first, I was going to rent a mat, but when I asked the price, I was shocked. "The mat rental is 200 baht," the man said. Wait a minute, you're renting it? Just for half an hour? "Yes, little sister, the mat rental is 200 baht."
Oh! The price hurts my heart so much..... So we sacrificed our beloved blanket, spread it on the sand and sat stylishly for now.
Uh... Are you serious, sir?! Haha
After eating our fill, we went for a walk.
I feel like there's something on my head???
Morning exercise.... Let's twist!!!
Born into this world, we must create our own footprints... Walk to reach our destination.
Or... would you like to walk with us?
I'm not comfortable with that, ma'am.
A little further down from Patong Beach, you'll find "Kalim" Beach. The sand here is not as fine as Patong, and there are more rocks. It seems our friends will like it.
Ah... the sea breeze
Oops... the waves hit (Be careful!!)
After taking a deep breath of the salty sea air, we went back to shower and check out, getting ready to return to Bangkok. We asked the hotel staff to call and book a car to take us from Patong back to the airport. The return trip cost 200 baht per person. While waiting, we saw a tea shop nearby, so we decided to stop by and try it out.
And then I came back to sit and wait in the air conditioning… It's too hot outside, haha.
Finally, the van picked us up and took us to Phuket Airport - Similan Islands are beautiful and easy to travel to. You can even backpack on your own, but the islands are closed now. They closed today, May 15, 2016.
Those who want to travel, please follow the announcement again in November. I would like my friends to travel to Thailand a lot. Our country is as beautiful as any other country.
Be careful of the cars here, they drive very fast. Also, be aware of the prices of food, which are higher for foreigners. Other than that, I was really impressed with everything.
Today, Nien has to say goodbye to Phuket for now... See you again when Nien wants to!!! Bye.
Please note that the translation of the sentence "ปล. คนโสดไม่ว่ากันเนาะ รักกันไว้เถิด เราเกิดร่วมแดนไทย…. อิอิ" is as follows:
"P.S. Don't mind the single people, let's love each other, we were born in the same land of Thailand…. Hehe"
Thank you everyone for reading until the end. I will take you on another trip, even though some of you may be tired of me, haha.
Meiji May
Friday, September 27, 2024 10:05 AM