Have you ever been to Phuket? Have you ever been to Phuket on a budget? I'll answer myself and say that I have been to Phuket.

Despite never saving any money, I always end up broke after every trip to Phuket. (Haha...) However, whenever someone invites me to go to Phuket, I always say yes without hesitation. After all, the Pearl of the Andaman is both beautiful and charming.

After saving up for a while, and with summer just around the corner, my partner suggested a trip to Phuket. (I've been there many times, but she hasn't had the chance yet.) So, we decided to make it happen. We booked flights and a hotel without hesitation.

This trip was unplanned. I simply flew there, rented a motorbike, and decided what to do next as I went along, which is typical of my spontaneous travel style. As a result, the trip unfolded as you see it here.

Day 1

  • Arrive at the airport >>> Rent a motorbike from Uncle Chaow >>> Nai Yang Beach >>> Mai Khao Beach >>> Hop Inn Hotel >>> Phuket Walking Street, Lard Yai

Day 2 Itinerary:

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Roti near the water
  • Scenic Viewpoint: Khao Khad Viewpoint
  • Educational Visit: Phuket Aquarium

Afternoon:

  • Religious Landmark: Big Buddha
  • Relaxation: Kata Beach
  • Panoramic Views: Three Bay Viewpoint

Evening:

  • Sunset Spot: Promthep Cape
  • Dinner: Khao Tom Haeng Go Benz

Day 3 Itinerary:

  • Morning: Enjoy a delicious breakfast of Mee Sapam at Yai Jier's restaurant.
  • Mid-morning: Relax on the pristine sands of Surin Beach.
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic Kamala Beach.
  • Late afternoon: Indulge in a refreshing coffee break at iBreeq Coffee in Patong.
  • Evening: Witness the breathtaking sunset at Laem Katong.

#Day4 Racha Island - He Island Trip >>> Return Motorcycle >>> Fly Back

A word of advice for those who want to rent a motorbike to travel around Phuket:

Phuket, although an island, is as large as a province. The roads are steep and winding, with many uphill sections. Traffic is also very dense. Therefore, riding a motorbike should only be considered by those who are experienced riders and have a good understanding of traffic rules. If you think you can just rent a motorbike and cruise around like you would in other places, be prepared for a rude awakening.

The total cost of our trip was approximately 15,000-16,000 baht. This included 5,000 baht for travel, 4,000 baht for island tours, 2,000 baht for hotels, 1,000 baht for motorbike rental and fuel, and 3,000-4,000 baht for food and entertainment. As always, our wallets took a hit from our trip to the southern islands.

However, as I said, I'm not easily discouraged. Once I run out of money this time, I'll just save up again and melt away in the Andaman Sea (laughs...).

Day 1 Arrive at the airport >>> Rent a motorbike from Uncle Chaow >>> Nai Yang Beach >>> Mai Khao Beach >>> Hop Inn Hotel >>> Phuket Walking Street, Lard Yai

Uncle Chaow's Motorcycle Rental

As soon as I landed in the morning, I needed to find a motorbike to rent. For convenience, I chose a shop near the airport. I found a recommended shop online, just a short walk away. After exiting the airport and turning right, I walked about 400-500 meters until I reached Lotus Express. Looking across the street, I saw a shop with a sign that read "Swiss Bungalow, House and Motorbike Rentals."

The owner, Uncle Chaow, is very kind. You can call him in advance to arrange a time to pick up the car at 0817194349. Both automatic and manual transmission cars are available for 200 baht per day. No deposit is required, just leave your ID card.

The condition of the car is normal for its age and usage. I rented a Honda Dream for four days and it performed flawlessly throughout my trip.

Nai Yang Beach

Note: The original text only contained the name of the beach in Thai. I have provided the English translation.

We got the car and started our trip right away. We headed straight to Nai Yang Beach because it was the closest to the airport. It's a beach in Sirinat National Park, so the atmosphere is very natural and shady with pine trees. It's completely different from the popular tourist beaches like Karon, Kata, and Patong. Plus, the wind was calm during our visit, so the beach was clean and inviting.

This is a national park, so there is a checkpoint to collect fees. However, the fees are collected inconsistently. When I went with another person, the officer only charged us twenty baht each, even though the posted sign said forty baht. They also didn't charge for motorcycles. It seems like they mainly focus on collecting fees from foreigners.

Mai Khao Beach

Next is Mai Khao Beach, another beach located within the national park, situated north of Nai Yang Beach. The easiest way to access it is by driving through Soi Mai Khao 6.

This is my first visit here in many years, back when social media wasn't as influential. It was practically a deserted beach, incredibly peaceful. Now, everyone flocks here to take pictures of airplanes landing. From a tourism perspective, it's definitely a positive development.

Fortunately, the weather today was perfect, and the plane landed on the beach side (if the wind had come from a different direction, it would have landed on the other side). This allowed us to capture some fantastic photos with our cameras. Both Thais and foreigners had a great time taking pictures.

Hop Inn Phuket

There are many affordable accommodations in Phuket, especially in the city center. If there is a Hop Inn nearby, I usually choose to stay there because I am familiar with its standards of comfort and safety. This time, I booked three nights through Agoda for 650 baht per night, which is the usual rate.

Hop Inn Phuket is very easy to find. It is located on Thepkasattri Road, on the outbound side, just before entering Phuket Old Town. With a motorbike, the location is perfect.

After checking into the hotel in the late afternoon, I decided to take a nap to rest from the journey. Sightseeing can wait (haha...).

Phuket Walking Street, Lardyai

On a cool Sunday evening, instead of watching the sunset, she requested to go for a walk at the Phuket Walking Street, also known as Lhad Yai, which takes place every Sunday on Thalang Road in the Old Town from 4 pm to 10 pm.

The food and merchandise offered at this modern walking street are typical of such venues. A notable feature is the live music performances on multiple stages, featuring a wide range of ages, from student bands to older musicians.

It is recommended to bring plenty of money when visiting this place, as there are many tempting and delicious items to try.

Day 2 Itinerary:

  • Breakfast: Roti near the water
  • Morning: Scenic viewpoint at Khao Khad
  • Mid-morning: Phuket Aquarium
  • Afternoon: Big Buddha statue
  • Late afternoon: Kata Beach
  • Evening: Three Bay Viewpoint
  • Sunset: Promthep Cape
  • Dinner: Khao Tom Haeng Go Benz (dry rice porridge)

Roti near the water

Phuket's Culinary Delights: A Morning Exploration of Roti

Phuket is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering a plethora of delectable options for breakfast. Among the most popular choices are dim sum, rice noodles, and the iconic Muslim roti. This morning, we embarked on a culinary adventure to sample the famed roti, a crispy flatbread often served with savory fillings.

Having previously enjoyed the offerings of Arun Bhochana on Thalang Road, we opted for a different establishment this time. Following a quick online search, we settled on a roti stall located near the water, conveniently situated close to the Honda Phuket Namsang building at the intersection.

Roti sai, a southern Thai flatbread, is typically served with curries such as beef, chicken, and massaman. In Phuket, locals have developed a unique way of ordering roti using a formula: 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, or 2-2. The first number represents the number of roti pieces, and the second number represents the number of fried eggs. Roti costs ten baht per piece, fried eggs cost ten baht each, and curries cost forty baht per bowl.

When asked if it was delicious, I would say it was quite good. If you're in Phuket, it's worth a try. However, in my personal opinion, the best roti with curry is in Ranong. That's the ultimate for me.

This shop is open from around 6 am to around noon. If you come in the afternoon, you won't be able to eat.

Khao Khad Viewpoint

After a satisfying meal, she expressed a desire to visit the Phuket Aquarium. I readily agreed, and we set off. On the way, we made a brief stop at the Khao Khad Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of southern Ao Chalong Bay.

There are two viewpoints. The first is a small pavilion by the roadside, and the second is the Khao Khad Viewpoint Tower, which is a little further away. Unfortunately, the trees on the tower are quite tall now, and the view is not as clear as it was before.

Phuket Aquarium

Located at Laem Panwa, adjacent to the Sri Panwa Hotel, the aquarium charges an entrance fee of 50 baht for Thai adults. While not a luxurious or grand establishment, it offers a pleasant and engaging experience. We spent a considerable amount of time exploring the exhibits and enjoyed the fish feeding show. By the time we left, it was well past noon.

The Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

After a simple lunch, I rode my motorbike from Laem Panwa towards Ao Chalong, en route to Laem Phromthep. Along the way, I spotted a large Buddha statue perched atop a high hill and couldn't resist turning my bike uphill. This was the Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakkiri, a significant tourist attraction in Phuket, especially for foreign visitors.

Those who have visited the Big Buddha will have noticed that the landscaping is constantly being adjusted and new structures are being built. It seems that the construction is never-ending. I visited six years ago, and it is still under construction.

Kata Beach

Emerging from the Big Buddha statue on a motorbike, we found ourselves at Kata Beach, a bustling area teeming with activity. We decided to take a stroll along the beach, immersing ourselves in the authentic Phuket experience that tourists often seek. (Laughter) If you enjoy lively atmospheres, this is the place to stay. Patong, Kata, and Karon are renowned for their vibrant nightlife and energetic ambiance.

Three Bays Viewpoint

This is a concise and accurate translation of the Thai phrase "จุดชมวิวสามอ่าว" into English. It maintains the original meaning while using simple and formal language, suitable for an academic context.

The scenic route from Kata Beach to Promthep Cape passes the Karon Municipality Viewpoint, also known as the Three Bay Viewpoint due to its panoramic vista. This viewpoint offers stunning views of Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach, making it a popular landmark in Phuket. Its convenient location along the main road ensures easy access for visitors.

Promthep Cape

There is no need to describe the beauty of Laem Phromthep. It is a sight to behold.

Kobe Beef Dry Rice Porridge

As dusk approached, we departed from Laem Phromthep and headed back to the city. My companion suggested we have dinner at Khao Tom Haeng Go Benz, another renowned restaurant in Phuket's Old Town. Located at the intersection of Wichit Songkram and Patiphat Roads, it is easily accessible via Google Maps.

The popularity of this restaurant is evident from the long queues of customers waiting to be seated. Despite the large crowds, the wait time is minimal. The must-try dishes include the dry rice porridge and the bone marrow soup, both of which are highly recommended. The prices are reasonable, with a standard portion costing 50 baht and a special portion costing 60 baht.

While the rice porridge here is delicious, I still prefer the dry rice porridge near Maeklong, Samut Songkhram, or Damnoen Saduak. The porridge here is very delicious, while the porridge there is incredibly delicious (laughs...). The truth is that dry rice porridge is my favorite dish. I enjoy it wherever I eat it.

This is a late-night establishment that opens at 9 pm and closes at 3 am.

Day 3 Mee Sapam Yai Jeaw >>> Surin Beach >>> Kamala Beach >>> iBreeq Coffee Patong >>> Laem Katong

Grandma Jier's Mee Sa-Pum

Hokkien noodles are another must-try dish in Phuket. While there are many restaurants in the old town, my wife insisted on trying the one owned by Grandma Jea. So, it was my duty to take her there. The restaurant opens from 9 am to 5 pm, so we decided to wait until it opened before leaving the hotel.

To understand the name "Mee Sa-Pam," it's important to know that "Sa-Pam" is the name of a village in Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang District. "Mee Sa-Pam" is essentially Hokkien-style stir-fried noodles. However, since Grandma Jea used to sell them in Sa-Pam village, the locals started calling them "Mee Sa-Pam" out of convenience. (Hope that makes sense... haha)

Nestled along the outbound lane of Thep Krasattri Road, just before reaching the city center from the airport, lies the venerable establishment of Ya Yai Jea. Boasting over five decades of culinary heritage, the restaurant has undergone a modern renovation, offering a spacious and comfortable dining experience with impeccable cleanliness.

One dry noodle with pork, one dry noodle with seafood, one fresh spring roll with roast pork, and one steamed fish in banana leaf. In summary, the food was delicious, but don't eat too much of the stir-fried noodles as it can get greasy. It's best to order a regular bowl and share it with other appetizers.

Surin Beach

Now that I'm back in Ban Saphan, I'd like to take a walk on the beach. The closest option is Surin Beach, so I'll head there.

This beach, in my opinion, is a blend of Thai and Western influences. The atmosphere is distinctly Thai, with food vendors lining the path down to the beach. However, it is a popular destination for Western tourists, with relatively few Thai visitors. Overall, I believe this is one of the most relaxing beaches in Phuket.

Kamala Beach

Another beach I enjoy is located south of Surin Beach. The atmosphere is quite different, as the beachfront promenade is lined with Western restaurants, resorts, and small pubs. However, there are also lush rows of coconut trees, a beautiful beach, and a higher concentration of tourists compared to Surin Beach.

iBreeq Coffee Patong

From Kamala Beach to Patong, we stopped for lunch and then looked for a place to sit and get out of the sun. We found a cute coffee shop on Phra Barami Road called iBreeq Coffee. It's a Muslim-owned shop, but it's decorated in a super cool and cute way. As far as I could see, customers mostly ordered burgers, and they seemed to be mostly Thai customers. I guess it must be pretty popular, but since we had just finished eating, we only ordered an iced mocha and a blended lemon lime. The flavors were excellent, and the prices were between 60-80 baht.

Cape Krathing

This evening, I plan to watch the sunset at Laem Katting, a popular viewpoint in Phuket. According to reviews, the best way to get there is to head towards Nai Han Beach (near Laem Phromthep) and enter the Baan Katting Resort. Park your car in front of the resort, leave your ID card at the security guard post, and walk down to the beach. Follow the rocky cliff for about half an hour to reach the viewpoint.

Reviews are accurate, I followed them precisely. Just a small reminder, if you set your GPS to Baan Kratin Resort, choose the English name. The Thai name has the wrong coordinates. Of course, I know because I was misled. (laughs...)

The hike along the cliff was a bit tiring, but it was definitely worth it. Before I came, I wondered if it would be as beautiful as in the pictures. After experiencing it myself, I have to say that it is. The pictures I took are as beautiful as the real thing. I fell in love with this place.

Day 4: Racha Island & Koh Hey Trip >>> Motorcycle Return >>> Flight Back

Racha Island - Hey Island Trip

The last day before returning, I bought a trip to the island. You must be wondering if anyone does this. In reality, shouldn't I have gone yesterday? The answer is yes, I should have gone yesterday. However, the price of the trip to Racha Island and He Island was so high that I hesitated. I only decided yesterday afternoon that since I was already here, I would pay for it.

We opted for a trip with Banana Beach, priced at 2,000 baht per person. This package covered two islands: Racha Yai and Koh Hey. We chose this company because they own Banana Beach on Koh Hey, allowing us to enjoy the beach there without incurring additional costs. In contrast, other companies or private speedboat rentals often charge extra fees for using sunbeds or restrooms.

They offer a free shuttle service from all areas of Phuket. The van will pick you up at 8:00 AM and it takes about 40 minutes to reach Ao Chalong Pier. Check in at the restaurant, which is owned by the same company as Banana Beach and Hanuman World. Coffee, fruits, and sandwiches are provided for a light breakfast.

Racha Island

At ten in the morning, as scheduled, the speedboat took us away from the shore. Our group consisted of, um, four people. It was almost unbelievable that there were so few people. The guide told us that this was the smallest group he had seen in six months. There were two of us and another Chinese-Singaporean couple. But even with only four people, the boat set off. I have to give them credit for that.

A 40-minute speedboat ride brought us to Racha Yai Island, where we immediately jumped into the water to explore the underwater world. While the coral formations weren't particularly abundant or impressive, which wasn't unexpected as Racha Yai isn't renowned for its coral reefs, the crystal-clear water more than compensated for this. Even at high tide, the visibility was exceptional, allowing us to see the seabed with remarkable clarity.

After swimming for 45 minutes, we went ashore at Hat Pa Tok, a beach belonging to The Racha Resort. Using the beach umbrellas or restrooms here incurs a fee of 100 baht each.

The crystal-clear waters of Hat Patok were a sight to behold, even with the constant flow of boats coming and going. We spent the morning swimming, taking photos, and soaking up the sun until 12:30 pm, when we boarded the boat to continue our journey.

Banana Beach, Koh Hey

After a half-hour boat ride from Koh Racha Yai, we arrived back at Koh Hey. We disembarked at Banana Beach, where our package included a twenty-minute clear kayak or transparent kayak experience. We immediately took advantage of this opportunity, as there was a slight breeze that day and we wanted to enjoy it before it got too strong.

After finishing the paddle, it was time for a hearty lunch. Each group had their own table, and the menu included chicken, shrimp, and fish, depending on what we had chosen before the trip.

After that, it was time to relax on the island. There were canvas beds reserved for us, so we could just go and use them. Other activities, such as banana boat rides, regular kayaking, or ziplining, had additional costs, which we discussed. For us, just playing in the water and taking pictures with the beautiful beach and clear sea was more than enough.

This area is also home to a large flock of Oriental Pied Hornbills, the smallest hornbill species found in Thailand.

After washing up on the island, we boarded a boat back to Ao Chalong at 4 pm. The journey took only 15 minutes. A van was waiting to take us to Hop Inn. We then rode a motorbike back to the airport, returned the motorbike to Uncle Chaow, and boarded a 9:30 pm flight to Don Mueang.

This is a trip to Phuket for four days and three nights, two people, one car. As I mentioned, the total cost of everything is not small, around 15,000-16,000 baht. We ate to our heart's content without holding back. But if you ask if I'm tired of it or scared of spending so much money, I'd say not at all.

The trip was expensive, but the joy and fun I experienced were equally substantial. Such trips are rare throughout the year. If I need to spend this much money again for happiness in Phuket, I am willing to save up and wait for that moment.

Despite repeated warnings about running out of money, they remain unfazed. (Laughter...)

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#phuket#sea#thailand#motorcycle rental
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