Phuket, Thailand

View from the runway at HKT

This is 100% one of those thrips where I messed up so you don't have to. I flew to Phuket from Bangkok and immediately realized my mistake. I did not carve out enough time. I allotted a day in Phuket and thats not possible. I flew in on Thai Airway's, one to test the airline and two it offered the most oneway options to Phuket.

Landed in Phuket and took the transportation to the hotel. I stayed at the Courtyard Patong Beach Resort and transportation was worked out with the hotel using points. There is also a minibus with standard rates depending on where you stay in Phuket.

Once I got there I realized most of the tours to Krabi and the Phi Phi islands left in the morning and I would technically loose out on that endeavor. I am not all that disappointed because it just means I get to return to Thailand. Tours can be set up directly at desks at the airport and trust me the prices are more favorable than anything you see online.

Resort Map at Courtyard Phuket

The drive to the hotel was roughly an hour and once there, I planned to make the most of the stort stay. The hotel itself comprises of seven buildings for guest-rooms as well as a host of other buildings. I stayed in Building 2 which was technically away from most of the noise. I then changed into my swim trunks and headed for the beach.

Patong beach was full this afternoon as there was a Norwegian cruise ship in the bay. The popular thing to do here is Jet skis and paragliding but all I wanted to do was relax. After soaking up enough sun on the beach, I took the party poolside where I rested for a bit.

On Tuesdays, the hotel has an all you can eat buffet for 800 baht (24USD) which is a great bang for your buck.

May Thai Sample Event

After dinner freshen up and hit the Patong Beach as the nightlife is epic. First you want to head to Bangala Boxing Stadium to watch a Muay Thai fight. It's a great experience for the area and then walk down to the many bars on Patong Beach. I would tell you all I experience on the beach but it's' truly one of those places you have to see it to believe it.

With very little sleep, I had hotel breakfast before taking transportation back to the airport. Although short, I enjoyed the time here and hope I can visit again in the future.

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