We have always known that Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise. But it is much more than just that. For nature lovers, this is a picturesque location. It is not necessary that you must have Piscean traits or must be a water sign to love all the water around. But it will appeal to people all and sundry.
Recently, I returned with my family from Bangkok, traveling to three different regions of the country, namely, Phuket, Krabi, and back to the capital city. Although I have traveled with my better half before, this was the first time my eight-year old son was with us. All these years, he was anxious and excited and had innumerable questions about the trip.
So, let me embark upon this trip again in this small write-up. I will take you through the areas we have covered. Hopefully, the information I have furnished here might help should you plan a trip with your loved ones, in case you are visiting the Asian countries.
Planning Phase
Once, you have zeroed in on the destination, Bangkok, and the adjoining islands, planning becomes crucial.
- Start with the number of days you want to plan the trip for.
- Pick out the locations- here we chose Phuket, Krabi, and Bangkok.
- Then, decide how many days you would prefer to spend at each location.
- In the planning phase, you must decide on the airlines you want to fly with.
- Next comes accommodation. When you choose accommodation, you must decide whether you would like to stay in the city center or away from the hustle and bustle of it.
Hotels and Accommodation
- Most of the hotels offers complimentary breakfast. You can either opt for La-Carte lunch or dinner. Buffet lunch and dinner are available as well.
- Insist on a sea-facing room that will allow you to enjoy the Andaman Sea’s aquamarine water and white sandy beaches.
Passport and Visa
If you have a valid passport, you must apply for a visa. There is a provision for a visa on arrival as well. But we bought our visas before leaving the country to be on the safe side.
Remember, your passport must have a validity of at least six months from the date of traveling.
In case your passport is about to expire, apply for the same.
All you must do is visit the regional passport office before you book an appointment from their website. You will need to carry with you documents related to your educational qualification. Just keep aside a day for the process. You will receive the new passport at your postal address.
Air Tickets
- It is best to book your tickets well beforehand to enjoy favorable prices.
- The cost of the ticket will depend on a few factors. These include whether or not you are flying non-stop, the number of adults and children, and the airline you travel with.
- Produce your passport to get your tickets booked.
Currency
Next comes how much money you are planning to carry. It is always better to carry Thai Baht from your hometown. You will come across many that prefer to carry US dollars and then convert to Thai Baht on arriving in Bangkok. However, you lose some amount of money in the exchange rate. Also, there are certain norms related to the amount you can carry for each one of the family.
Getting currency changed into Thai Baht is easy, and you can approach any travel agent that deals with the same. You may also compare the rates and settle for the one where you get the best rate.
Our Journey begins….
We traveled first to Phuket, then to Krabi, followed by Bangkok.
Phuket
Airlines and flight: We started our journey by Go First from Kolkata to Phuket after the immigration formalities. A flight departs at 8.20 am and arrives at Phuket at 13.05 hours (Thai time). Remember, India is behind by almost one and a half hours from Thailand.
Baggage Allowance in Go First
The Baggage allowance is 20 kg per person, aside from the cabin baggage you will carry.
Hotel at Phuket
One of the best hotels in Phuket, a little away from Patong Beach, is Oceanfront. Star rating – 5 Star. Address- 320 2 Phrabaramee Rd, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 Thailand.
We had a vehicle at our disposal, so we were received at the Phuket International Airport and reached our hotel after almost one and a half drive.
Traffic Jams
Traffic jams are common in Phuket. This happens especially during the festive season as there are tourists from all over the world. The pubs and hotels are brimming, and the streets are flooded with people. There is a lot of vibrancy in the coastal areas. It was Christmas time and New Year celebrations were just around the corner.
Places of Interest in Phuket
While in Phuket, you can visit the following places. Most of the places can be visited by adults and children alike. However, there are a few areas where children are restricted, and you must avoid taking them to these places.
Things to do
- Kamala Beach
- Karon Beach
- Patong Beach
- The Big Buddha
- Phuket Fantasea Show
- Surin Beach
- Kata Beach
- Freedom Beach
- Bang-Tao Beach
- Wat Chaithararam
- Tiger Kingdom
- Kata Noi Beach
- Kalim Beach
- Simon Cabaret Phuket.
- Phi Phi Island Trip
Cuisine
Thailand is a paradise for fruits. If you are a fruit lover, you will enjoy your stay even more. Although seafood is abundant, and different cuisines, Thai cuisine, and seafood dominate the scenario, Indian restaurants are also available.
Departmental Store- 7/11
If you have been to Thailand, you must have heard about Seven-Eleven. For most tourists, this is the go-to shop. From mobile iPhone and Android chargers to water and pre-cooked food, you will find everything here.
Phi Phi Island
While in Phuket, your trip is incomplete if you do not travel to Phi Phi Island. There are huge cruise ships that sail to and fro at frequent intervals, and it takes around 2.5 hours from Phuket to reach Phi Phi Island. This island is spotted with huge Rocky Mountains, the water is pristine and clear, and the white sand looks amazingly inviting. You can opt for small-speed or long-tailed boats to venture out into the sea and get closer to the Rocky Mountains or the crevices between the rocks.
While in Thailand, you will get to see many transgender. The cruise crew comprised only transgenders, and we found them to be very helpful. They went out of their way to help me when my son was throwing up.
From giving instructions to making passengers understand the place’s uniqueness, they were excellent at serving food at the buffet after reaching Phuket.
Note
The sea can cause motion sickness for many. My son fell sick due to the motion of the cruise ship, it causes nausea, and passengers usually throw up. Stay equipped with plastic bags that are available from the cruise crew.
To prevent nausea and throw-up, taking an anti-vomiting pill is best before you board the cruise. Most importantly, eat light.
Phuket to Krabi
Although cruise ships are the main means of transport that most travelers avail to move from Phuket to Krabi Island, you can also book a van. We booked a van at our disposal, and it was a drive of about four hours from Phuket to Krabi.
Hotel at Krabi
Maneetel Krabi Beachfront. 225, Ao Nang Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand.
Star rating- 4
Things to do
- Railey Beach
- Ao Nang Beach
- Phra Nang Cave Beach
- Ko Poda Island
- Wat Tham Suea
- Hat Nappharat Thara
- Pai Plong Beach
- Chicken Island or Ko Kai
- Ko Hong
- Ao Nam Mao Beach
If you have been waiting to shop for souvenirs for your loved ones back home, this is the best place. The Ao Nang Market is a shoppers’ delight.
What can you Buy?
You can check out the following stuff as gifts or buy for yourself.
ü Thai silk, which is quite famous. You get stoles that are very soft and comfortable to wear
ü Thai silverware
ü Keychains
ü Fridge magnets
ü Chocolates
ü Cookies
ü Scarfs
ü Slippers
ü Sneakers (branded fake or real) it is difficult to say
ü Electronic goods
ü Bags
ü Cosmetics
ü Sunglasses
ü Hats
ü Dresses
ü Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and the list can go on.
There is the famous Watson here. You can check out the cosmetics galore.
Krabi to Bangkok
We had our seats booked on Thai Smile, a sister airline of Thai Airways. The flight time is one hour and twenty minutes. And you will be in Bangkok, the capital city.
Hotel at Bangkok
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok. 2074 Charoen Krung Rd,.Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
Star rating- 5
A Little about Bangkok
After enjoying the picturesque locations of the islands you leave behind, Bangkok is just the reverse. Concrete skyscrapers jungle. Flyovers, sky trains, tuk-tuks, taxis, private vehicles, Tesla, McLaren, and many other car brands.
We were located just above the Chao Phraya River, with an excellent view of the water body.
Things to do
There are innumerable things you can enjoy in Bangkok. However, covering every tourist destination will take a lot of time. So, to name the main ones. Here is the list.
- Wat Arun Ratchawararam
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Chetuphon
- Asiatic The Riverfront
- Lumphini Park
- Jim Thompson House Museum
- Golden Mount Temple
- Wat Traimit
- Chatuchak Weekend market
- Indra Square (another shoppers’ paradise)
- MBK center
- Ocean World-Siam Paragon
- Floating Market
Ramada Plaza’s ferry service will take you to the other side of Chao Phraya at frequent intervals.
Covid Outbreak
When we were in Thailand, China’s surge in Covid cases had already peaked. As such, any traveler reaching India from January 1st, 2023, was supposed to undergo a Covid-19 test, and the report must be negative. The four other countries from where the Indian government has made it mandatory for a Covid test include China, Hongkong, South Korea, and Singapore.
Although we reached India on the 31st, it was just for a few hours that we were not required to undergo the test.
Across the International airports at Krabi and Bangkok, there are RT-PCR test centers. The test charges range from 150 Thai Baht to 250/300 Thai Baht, and you must furnish your passport.
We were ushered into India by Thai Airways into the immigration procedures. From there on, we collected our baggage from the belts and returned home with sweet memories.
