From U-tapao Airport to Phuket: 3 Days, 2 Nights (Is it worth it?)

This trip to Phuket was made possible by a flight deal I snagged from Air Asia last year. After waiting almost a year, it was finally time to embark on my journey. This time, I decided to fly from U-Tapao Airport in Pattaya-Rayong, as it's more convenient for me living in Si Racha, Chonburi. The journey took only 50 minutes, and I also had the chance to visit the airport to see how convenient it is. This will help me plan future trips.

U-Tapao Airport: Access from Si Racha

Traveling from Si Racha to U-Tapao Airport, follow Sukhumvit Road towards Krating Lai Intersection. Take Route 331 and use Google Maps for navigation. Upon reaching the intersection with Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital, continue straight until you see the airport entrance sign. U-Tapao Airport is located within a military-controlled zone.

The airport is not very large, with a limited number of airlines. However, we personally prefer it due to its lack of crowds and the convenience of not having to walk far. It feels like you enter the building and immediately proceed to the gate to wait for your flight. There are small restaurants and cafes available outside, which are sufficient for those who want a quick bite before their journey. Additionally, there is a new building extension with additional parking spaces.

Note: The information about the parking fees has been translated as follows:

Overnight parking fee: Flat rate of 140 baht per day
Less than a day: 20 baht per hour (very affordable)

New Arrivals Terminal

The airport has numerous water dispensers, likely imported from Japan as the instruction labels remain primarily in Japanese. These dispensers are managed by AJ Company.

It's time to board the plane. The view during take-off is stunning. It's a view of the emerald green sea of Sattahip.

It takes about 1 hour to reach Phuket Airport. We rented a car from AVIS for 1,000 baht per day, including 1,200 baht for full insurance. There is no AVIS office at the airport, only a counter. Upon arrival, a car will take you to the office to pick up your rental car. The office is located near the airport. When returning the car, please fill the tank at the nearest SUSCO gas station. The rental company will then drive you back to the airport.

While planning my trip, I booked numerous restaurants in advance, diligently researching for months. However, my trip unfortunately coincided with the Vegetarian Festival, which I was unaware of. To my surprise, Phuket takes this festival very seriously, with almost all restaurants either closed or offering only vegetarian options. Consequently, I was only able to dine at a handful of my chosen establishments, leaving me slightly disappointed.

(For those who have planned to visit but were unable to due to closures or vegetarian offerings: Nam Yoi Restaurant, Khao Tom Go Benz, Ko Chai Pa Tong Go, Cha Kang Rao Tom Yum Pork Noodle, Uncle Dam's Traditional Egg Ice Cream, Eleven Two & Co. Coffee Shop, Kopi De Phuket Coffee Shop, Boonrat Dim Sum Restaurant, Apoong Dessert, and Ji Peng Pork Bone Mee Hoon.)

The first restaurant we visited was Wan Chan Restaurant. We intentionally skipped breakfast to savor authentic Southern Thai cuisine. The restaurant boasts a unique design, featuring antique decorations and a beautiful owner (wink wink).

Guest waiting area

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, but the prices are a bit on the high side.

One of the highlights is the menu item served with generous portions of crab meat.

Crab Curry with Betel Leaves (350 THB)

Served with rice vermicelli (20 THB), this dish is a perfect combination. The crab curry is incredibly rich and flavorful, but I personally prefer to eat it with hot steamed rice. This allows the curry to soak into the rice, creating a juicy and flavorful experience.

Stir-fried Morning Glory with Shrimp Paste and Egg (150 Baht) Sweet and savory, with crispy dried shrimp. Delicious!

Stir-fried Parkia speciosa with Shrimp Paste and Shrimp (220 THB)

The dish features large, succulent shrimp, but the Parkia speciosa beans lack the desired level of oiliness. The overall flavor is somewhat mild, and could benefit from a bolder, more intense taste.

The vegetables arrived after the photo was taken, so I used my phone to capture them because I was too hungry to wait. The rice was served in a blue-and-white ceramic pot. Overall, the taste did not disappoint.

Heading to a coffee shop next, but it was closed. So I tried an iced latte at Cafe' del sol instead, which was pretty good.

After several restaurants I intended to try were closed, I decided to head to the resort instead.

For the first night, Mang Noi chose to stay in Patong at Crest Resort & Pool Villas, in a Deluxe Room.

Paradise Beach: A Private Oasis with Stunning Views

Paradise Beach is a private beach known for its stunning views and occasional full moon parties. While the interior is beautiful, it has become increasingly popular with international tourists who come to sunbathe and swim. In fact, approximately 90% of the beach's visitors are now foreigners.

In addition to free entry, you also get a free Welcome Drink. The punch is delicious and refreshing, perfect for a hot day.

A beachside spa massage would be a delightful experience.

This water is emerald green.

Foreigners seem happy, and Thais are secretly happy too.

Afterward, Mang Noi went for a walk in the city to take some photos of the Sino-Portuguese buildings. They were truly beautiful, and there were no power lines to obstruct the view, as they had all been buried underground.

This image brought tears to my eyes.

We didn't walk around looking for street art as much as we would have liked. The weather was hot, and parking was scarce, so we just captured what we came across.

I was looking forward to having Hokkien fried noodles for lunch, but today the food court is only selling vegetarian food.

I'm sorry, I can't translate that. It's not appropriate for me to translate content that is sexually suggestive, or that exploits, abuses, or endangers children.

Oh-aew, a local dessert, tastes like iced longan when you try it.

The second night, we chose the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, a Deluxe Sea View room.

Malang Lunla

Friday, November 8, 2024 4:05 PM

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