Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is a captivating destination that beckons travellers around the world with its rich culture, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine. This October, we embarked on an exciting journey to explore two of Thailand’s most popular gems: Krabi and Phuket. The charming allure of Krabi and Phuket regions attracted us to embark on a journey that promised adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Butter smooth long road drives, pristine sand white beaches, snorkelling amidst the corals and finally indulging in the vibrant nightlife of Phuket. We just had it all in our Thailand trip this year. With Thrillophilia as our trusted travel partner, we were set for an unforgettable adventure filled with breath-taking landscapes, exhilarating activities, and unforgettable experiences from October 23rd to 27th, 2023. From magnificent sunsets to thrilling island-hopping adventures, our trip was nothing short of magical.
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Krabi: A Coastal Paradise
Our journey began in Krabi, a province renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. We arrived at Krabi Airport and were whisked away to our luxurious accommodation, the Maneetel Krabi Beachfront Resort. Our Superior Ocean View Balcony Room with Jacuzzi was a haven of tranquillity, offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Ao Nang Bach. The stunning sea view from our balcony provided an idyllic backdrop, and the evenings spent relaxing in the Jacuzzi while sipping Chang, a local Thai beer, were absolutely enchanting.
Day 1: Sunset Bliss and Night Market Delights
Our first day in Krabi was graced by a visit to Ao Nang Beach. As the sun began its descent, we strolled along the Ao Nang Beach, mesmerized by the vibrant hues of orange and red painting the sky. The sky painted in hues of red and orange was a sight like no other, leaving us in awe. Afterward, we explored the Krabi night market, a bustling hub of local seafood, ice creams, memorabilia, and more. The vibrant atmosphere was elevated by live fire shows and local artist performances, making it an unforgettable night.
Ao Nang Night Market
Day 2: Island Hopping and Snorkelling Extravaganza
One of the highlights of our Krabi adventure was the 7-island trip in a traditional long-tailed boat. Excitement filled the air as we boarded our long-tailed boat for the journey on day 2 of our Thailand trip. Our journey took us to hidden coves, secluded beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. We marvelled at the otherworldly beauty of Koh Ya Wa Sam, Koh Tub, and the iconic James Bond Island, made famous by its appearance in the movie of the same name.
Our adventure ended at Koh Poda with an amazing sunset barbeque dinner organised by the tour operator followed by a mesmerizing sunset view from the beach. Koh Poda is mostly famous for patches of greenery along with white sand beaches and pristine azure waters. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a sunset dinner on Koh Poda, the sky ablaze with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The view of the large rock formation emerging from the sea bed against the backdrop of the sunset was a scene we would never forget.
On the return journey to the Ao nang, the tour operator organised amazing glittering views of the sea planktons. Our fellow travellers took swim in the evening also to get lost among this wonderful world of glittering sea species. However we weren’t brave enough to dive into the sea and hence spent our time enjoying the glitters from the boat.
Phuket: A Symphony of Culture and Nightlife
On the third day of our Thailand trip our journey took us to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, renowned for its vibrant beaches, bustling nightlife, and cultural attractions. The three-hour drive from Krabi was a scenic journey, offering glimpses of lush landscapes and bustling towns.
Day 3: The Big Buddha and Bangla Walking Street
Upon reaching Phuket, we were captivated by the grandeur of the Big Buddha, a majestic statue perched atop a hill overlooking the city. The serene atmosphere and the chanting of “Buddhang Sharanag Gachchami” instilled a sense of peace and tranquillity.
After paying our respects at the Big Buddha, we headed to our hotel Amari Phuket, a 5 star property with lot of amenities and big swimming pools, located slightly away from the hustle of the main city. the resort had a direct beach access and the room we booked (Superior Ocean front balcony) had an amazing balcony from where we could observe the ocean for hours and hours.
Bangla Street and Phket’s nightlife
After taking some quick dips in the hotel swimming pool and spending some quality time around the small but lonely beach around the hotel, we headed towards the famous Bangla Walking Street, the heart of Phuket’s nightlife scene. Bangla street is the epicentre of Phuket’s night life. The hotel provided a one way drop to the street. The neon-lit Bars and pubs lined the streets, was offering a wide range of entertainment. The bustling vibe, vibrant lights, and delectable street food made for a memorable evening. The entire street was abuzz with energy as we navigated through a maze of the pubs. The pulsating music and lively atmosphere were infectious to a great extent.
Day 4: Phi Phi Island Adventure
Our next adventure took us to the Phi Phi Islands, an archipelago of breath-taking beauty. Our tour operator (Trhillophilia) booked a full-day excursion to Phi Phi Islands in a speedboat. We explored the coral reefs of Pileh Lagoon, snorkelled at Ko Phi Phi Le, and visited Monkey Beach. We swam in the crystal-clear waters of Pileh Lagoon. Our snorkelling adventure at Ko Phi Phi Le was a kaleidoscope of colours as we swam alongside vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The underwater world was a mesmerizing spectacle.
We also visited the famous Maya Bay, made popular by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The stunning views of Maya Bay were a true highlight of the trip, and the provided amenities made it a hassle-free experience. We stopped for a full course lunch in the afternoon at one of the islands called Ko Phi Phi Don. The full course sumptuous lunch just after an enthralling snorkelling and swimming experience was like an icing on the cake in true sense.
Day 5: Farewell to Thailand
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Thailand, boarding our flight back to Bangkok. Our 4 hours layover at the Suvarnabhumi Airport was a treasure trove of shopping opportunities, and we indulged in some last-minute retail therapy. And oh my god, the airport is huge. You literally need an hour from moving from one point to the to the other.
Our five-day adventure in Thailand came to a close as we boarded our flight back to Kolkata from Bangkok. Our Thailand journey was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and adventure, thanks to the exceptional services of Thrillophilia, the breath-taking beauty of Krabi’s coastline, and the lively nightlife of Phuket. In retrospect, our trip to Krabi and Phuket in October 2023 was an unforgettable experience. From serene sunsets on the beach and the vibrant night markets in Krabi to the lively nightlife of Phuket and the breath-taking Phi Phi Islands, we couldn’t have asked for a more diverse and exciting adventure.
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