But one thing’s for sure, if it isn’t already you’ll want to add it to your Bucket List.

BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel and Apartments Phuket

Let’s start with our amazing hotel. I know, right? I have to give credit to my Roydio for most of these hotel bookings. He’s a master at research although I can hold my own in that department…

“…it has everything but the kitchen sink.”

This place has a balcony to enjoy the view of what is happening out on the street, it’s walking distance to the beach… so beautiful and it has everything but the kitchen sink.

Wait, it DOES have a kitchen sink! And a kitchen and a microwave oven, dishes, glasses, dishwasher, refrigerator stocked with water and drinks for two and even fresh fruit to welcome you. 

Again, what a find. BYD Lofts. Just make a note for when you go to Phuket. I’ve given you more details down below in my “tips.”

I don’t want to be remiss in giving a shout out to the staff here. They make you feel like kings and queens, greeting you with a refreshing drink and cool towel and escorting you to your room. Click here to check out BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel.

So I feel like I need to clear something up before I go any further.

“…I travel on my own dime…”

I am not one of those travel bloggers who gets paid to travel, stays in four and five star hotels and writes about it!  I wish! I travel on my own dime. And before you start thinking that I must be made of money staying in all of these amazing hotels, just know that my goal is to always get the most for my money. 

Most of the places I stay at are affordable, you can afford them too. And by doing your own (serious) research you too can find incredible deals. This particular trip to Southeast Asia we are celebrating a very special occasion so we did splurge a bit more than usual.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way let’s take first things first: unwind from my flight into town and then unpack. That’s not difficult to do with my packing cubes all ready to be laid out! Have you heard of them? Have you tried them? I swear by them and will never travel without them again. Once you experience packing cubes, you won’t either I promise. I’ve given you more details about them in my “tips” below.

You’re welcome!

Patong Beach

Hey, I’m in Phuket, I’ve got to see the beach. Let’s go! 

After leaving one destination for another and after everything it takes to get there it can be exhausting. There’s just something about a beautiful, serene beach at which to relax when you’re all wound up, right? And Patong Beach surely didn’t disappoint.

The only noise you’ll hear is vendors selling their handmade souvenirs and drinks and snacks. I would totally have gone for something but the water was calling my name. Well actually it was calling “Roydio!!” HA! And when the water calls him, he listens, then dives right in! 

Me, I am happy to just get some sand between my toes, relax, close my eyes and hear nothing. but. the. ocean. waves. rocking back and forth. Can you hear it?

Thai massage

I guess any trip to Thailand without getting a massage would just be wrong. So of course one is ordered up. Roydio volunteered for the job. HA! And I get to watch.

According to him, it is brutal. From my vantage point it doesn’t look brutal. But he insisted it is one of the best massages he’s ever had. I’ll take his word for it.

Bangla Road

If you’ve read anything on Phuket you know about Bangla Road. Again, walking distance from our place. How can I describe it? Well, let’s start with the fact that nearly every online reviewer seems to rate Bangla Road as either the #1 or #2 thing to do in Phuket.

“…it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas.”

I’m going to reserve my comments and let you be the judge for yourself when you visit. Suffice it to say that it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas. On Steroids. If you’ve ever been to Vegas you know what I’m talking about. But next to a beach. A dichotomy.

There are a lot of great places to eat in the little alleys off the main drag of this pedestrian-only street where I had dinner (NO I did not try the scorpions on a stick). 

When it gets dark everything turns… NEON. Check out the pics of Bangla Road at night. Lots of nightclubs and beer bars. And I’ll leave out the R- and X-rated stuff, k?

Did you see the tricked out tuk-tuk? They look like regular tuk-tuks during the day (remember the one you saw me riding in in Bangkok?), then at night all the neon lights come on and they turn into disco drivers. It’s a hoot!

Do I dare post a video of what Phuket is like after dark?

Tell you what, I’ll give you a taste of the environment at the “Beer Garden” where we had dinner.

The stage at the Beer Garden features several different acts. These fire dancers are cool. Then the go-go dancers and “other” things happen on that stage. But again, I’ll skip that part and leave you to discover all that for yourself. 

Before heading back I stopped to order and watch the making of their well-known ice cream rolls. It was really tasty, not sweet like American ice cream. Real yummy!

I then took the path along the beach back to the apartment. All in all it was a fun night. Tomorrow would start early…

Island Hopping Tour

This is my very favorite part of my time in Phuket:  an all-day speedboat trip to and around the Phi Phi Islands. We took off from the Royal Phuket Marina and had an amazing adventure on the water.

Let me just introduce you to the Phi Phi Islands, a small archipelago of 6 islands about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. The islands consist of classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations and vivid turquoise waters filled with colorful marine life. A true tropical paradise. We visited two of the islands and made several stops.

Phi Phi Leh

Our first stop was the world famous Maya Bay on the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh. Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the movie “The Beach” which was filmed here in 2000. Maya Bay is the main beach on Phi Phi Leh, sheltered on three sides by 100-metre high limestone cliffs and greenery. We didn’t go ashore but believe me when I say it is absolutely breathtaking.

We also went to Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon to snorkel. 

We stopped at Viking Cave to check out where the Birds’ Nest producing swallows dwell. That was really interesting to see. These birds’ nests are used to make a Chinese soup and are one of the most expensive foods on the planet. I had no idea. I’ll bet you didn’t know about it either, did you?

I’d never see the Birds’ Nests prepared before so when I saw some in a store I made sure to take a picture for you. Click here to read more about why this food is so expensive and what it’s used for.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited of these islands but it has no roads. 

On this island is where you find Monkey Bay. We didn’t stop but “lingered” just long enough to see the monkeys in this rather steep limestone cliff, the vegetation of which offer the monkeys a comfortable place to dwell.

Then we went to snorkel the Great Coral Reef. This has to be my favorite part of this tour. The clear, warm water is just Un. Believable.

After all the snorkeling it was time for lunch. They brought us to a private beach called Phi Phi Natural Resort to enjoy a wonderful lunch with our new friends from Russia, Australia and South Africa. We were the only Americans on this tour so we did our best to represent. The company was awesome and the lunch was quite good for “tour” food.

Bamboo Island

Almost shaped like a heart, this island is entirely surrounded by a strip of soft, white sand. We spent some time on the beach here just relaxing and soaking up that gorgeous sun. 

The day went by too quickly. We were all pretty tired when we got back to the Royal Phuket Marina. The guides were great, giving us just enough time at each stop. I would highly recommend this speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Or maybe someone can just drop me off on Phi Phi Don and I’ll just stay in the water all day. That might be the perfect day for me.

Our final night and morning

After a short nap at our apartment wouldn’t you know it we found ourselves back at Bangla Road. I have to admit the food was pretty delicious so a great reason to “tough through” another night of pamphlet-pushing, half-naked girls seeking the attention of anyone who would look their way. (Oh, did I leave those details out earlier?) Ugh.

Dinner and a leisurely stroll past the seafood vendors was a perfecting ending to this incredible day.

In the morning we had breakfast at a cute little place around the corner. 

Do you see now why I said in my opening statement that Phuket is a dichotomy? It is action-packed and it is laid-back. It is eventful and it is relaxing. It is pristine and it is raw. It was quiet and it is loud. You can have it all or you can have nothing. But any way you have it put it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it.

Thailand has been an experience I’ll never forget. Hopefully one day I’ll get back there to explore more of the islands. I think I’d like to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don and spend my entire time there snorkeling and swimming and boating. I think that would be my ideal trip there…

Goodbye beautiful Phuket, I’ll surely be back to visit you again.

Tips just for you ::

1. I have two words for you. Packing Cubes. They are game-changers.  They save me so much time! I’m organized, at a moment’s notice I can find what I’m looking for and there is no unpacking them. Just unzip and lay them in the drawers. Done! You can find them online here.
2. BYD Lofts in Phuket is located at 5/28 Haad Patong, Patong, Kathu. They have several buildings located 5 minutes’ walking distance from the beach. Check them out: Click here!
3. Ping Pong is not a game in Phuket. It is big business. Consider yourself warned.

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How to See Bangkok in 3 Days

Why Not Have Your Destination Birthday in Bali

My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

The post Phuket: Where the Action is… and Not appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

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My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50

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Phuket :: Where The Action is … and Not

How to See Bangkok in 3 Days

Bali is the perfect setting for a much-needed getaway from every day life. It’s a great destination for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or just a really great vacation. Consider Bali for your next getaway! Fly into the main city of Denpasar in Bali and travel around this amazing island!

The post Bali :: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Go appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

#10 :: Rif Fort

Rif Fort is part of the historic center of Willemstad that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and a part of the Renaissance complex on the west bank. The beautiful old walls of the fort built in 1828 have been preserved. Definitely worth a visit.

Nestled inside the fort are shops and restaurants. One shop in particular offers a large selection of Delft Blue, very popular and exclusive hand-made pottery from The Netherlands. From the inside of the fort you can climb the stone steps to the second level to experience the beautiful scenery of the waterfront and views of the Pontoon Bridge.

I think it is an ingenious way to preserve the past to be enjoyed by everyone who comes to visit.

#9 :: Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo

A visit to Chobolobo is a journey. Chobolobo is one of the few publicly accessible mansions in the country. The mansion was built early 19th century and since 1947 used for the production of the Senior liqueur. 

Did you know that a true Curacao Liqueur has to be made with the Laraha orange? And that this orange only grows here? And how come it’s blue?

Around the year 1500 when the Spaniards arrived on the island they brought along Valencia oranges. Due to the arid climate and the soil of Curacao the orange mutated into a green version. This orange is called the Laraha + is indigenous to the island. The Laraha is inedible. However the dried orange peels are perfect for the production of this unique liqueur and provide a unique taste. The liqueur itself has no color but they just add food coloring to make it blue. Anti-climactic, I know. Boo.

Since 1896 Senior is the only brand in the world that uses Laraha to make the blue liqueur. Senior also produces other liqueurs such as a chocolate liqueur and tamarind liqueur. 

You will learn all about the Curacao liqueur by taking the tour at Chololobo but also other really interesting facts about the history of the island itself. Of course the experience wouldn’t be complete without tasting the various liqueurs for yourself and by enjoying a delicious cocktail made by the experienced bartenders in their cute bar area.

#8 :: Landhuis Bloemhof

Landhuis Bloemhof is one of the smaller country estates on the island. The main building dates back to 1735. Exhibitions, lectures and creative workshops are ongoing here.

The former coach house was transformed in the 1950’s when it became May Henriquez’ sculpture studio. Frozen in time it now displays a permanent exhibition of her artistic work.

In Dutch the name Bloemhof means ‘flower garden,’ a perfect name for it as you will find indigenous plants and trees throughout in the garden. Here nestled in a grove you will discover the bathhouse with its two stone bathtubs. Originally fed by an aqueduct from the adjoining well this lovely spot recalls what must have been pure luxury in this serene environment back in the day.

#7 :: Plasa Bieu “Old Market”

By now you are well aware of my love for markets around the world and how I love interacting with the local people. Plasa Bieu is the perfect place for both, situated in the heart of Willemstad. Here you will find six different stands offering a wide range of local dishes of krioyo soul cooking.

The ingredients are fresh daily. Some of the popular dishes are :: stewed salted pork tails, bòkel [salted mackerel], kabes ku higra [head and liver stew], kadushi [cactus soup], bonchi kòra [red kidney bean soup] and Iguana soup. Dishes are served with rice and beans, funchi [polenta], mashed potatoes or french fries. Beware :: the food can be pika pika [spicy]! Feel free to wander around and ask for their specialities and enjoy the aromas. The people are so friendly and will gladly even let you sample the taste before buying.

Plasa Bieu is open daily during lunchtime. Closed on Sundays.

 #6 :: Serena’s Art Factory

“Where Love Comes in All Colors”

Serena’s is a unique experience for young + old.

You can treat yourself to a great variety of colorful, handmade Chichis® and souvenirs or paint your own souvenir during a lively workshop.

Visit Serena’s Art Factory free of charge and experience how the famous + colorful Chichi® sculptures are made by Serena and her team. These sculptures are made out of paper mache and hand painted by over 60 local women. With help and guidance from Serena these women produce the most spectacular sculptures.

**Where Love Comes in All Colors**

#5 :: Curacao Ostrich Farm

Experience the feel of South Africa for a day! Book a fun-filled quad tour to explore the beautiful Santa Catharina area. The Ostrich Farm offers guaranteed fun for the whole family!

Led by a team of enthusiastic people who will go to great lengths to make sure you have a great time will share their knowledge and make your experience unforgettable. If you’re willing you’ll even get to feed an ostrich and stand on one of their eggs! I never realized how strong the ostrich shell is!

The grounds of the Ostrich Farm also has a restaurant “Zambezi,” children’s playground and a souvenir shop.

#4 :: Kura Hulanda Museum

Kurá Hulanda Museum, situated on the site of a former slave yard, has the largest African collection in the Caribbean. It is an anthropological museum that focuses on the predominant cultures of the island. It offers a world-class chronicle of the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. So interesting!

A UNESCO World Heritage site the Kurá Hulanda Museum is comprised of 15 buildings + spans more than 16,000 square feet.

Its mission is to acquire + exhibit collections related to the cultural identity of the people of Curacao, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Rim.

#3 :: Cathedral of Thorns in Landaus Bloemhof

On our visit to Landhuis Bloemhof we were so fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with the designer + artist of this magnificent artwork himself :: Herman van Bergen.

As of 2015 the Cathedral of Thorns has been his ongoing project comprised completely of thorns from the local plant Acacia Tortuosa or “sumpiñas” as it is locally known. For decades Herman had been experimenting with sumpiñas creating lamps, sculptures and installations. The Cathedral of Thorns is his most daring endeavor, a monumental artistic creation measuring 4300 square feet, 26 feet high.

Herman explained to us that the construction is designed in the form of a labyrinth as a symbol for spirituality and a path to enlightenment. The outline of the top is inspired by the local rock formation ‘El Indjan’ as an hommage to the Indians as original inhabitants of the island. 

On the whole the project pays tribute to the history + people of Curacao. It is pretty remarkable and I would highly recommend you go see it. Cathedral of Thorns is located within and behind Landhuis Bloemhof so you’ll be able to see two of my recommendations in one visit. There is no entrance fee.

#2 :: Curacao Sea Aquarium

The Curacao Sea Aquarium is my #2 pick for things to do in Curacao because it belongs to one of the most unique aquaria in the world, having managed to create natural habitats for all its marine creatures without using sophisticated technical equipment.

Since 1984 the aquarium has operated on the principle of providing an environment that mimics the natural living conditions of every creature in its care. This goal is accomplished by employing all the available natural sources and resources surrounding the aquarium.

This is without a doubt the most incredible aquarium I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I highly recommend it as my #2 pick of things to do in Curaçao. I think you will be as impressed as I was.

Click here to be directed to the Curacao Sea Aquarium website for more information.

#1 :: Mermaid Tour to Klein Curacao

Klein Curacao Island is my #1 pick of things to do in Curacao :: a remote, uninhabited coral island, eight miles and 2 hours off the southeast coast with white sand beaches, crystal clear water, a spectacular reef and colorful sea life. Having the longest and whitest beach in all of Curacao. The northeastern side routinely has calm water with gentle waves.

In the distance you can see Klein Curacao’s landmark lighthouse and a shipwreck that was lodged on the beach many years ago. As the boat approaches the coast, you’ll see an endless beach of white sand awaiting your arrival. The water is warm and crystal clear, perfect for relaxing + great for snorkeling.

Be careful when you walk out to where the old lighthouse stands [which is still lit by solar power] and also the shipwreck. I was only wearing my flip flops and tripped on the rocks. Ouch!

There are a few little huts with picnic tables under them strewn about but they are quickly taken up by guests on the tour.

Tip: grab a hut quickly if you don’t want to sit in the sun all day long because there is really no other shade

Apparently there are also coral and underwater caves there but I don’t do scuba :: what a shame. Klein Curacao is a mecca for divers, snorkelers and sunbathers. If you are certified and bring your own diving equipment, the diving is free. If not, there is a charge to rent the equipment.

The Mermaid Boat Tour to Klein Curacao is my #1 pick for things to do in Curaçao because all in all this was an incredible day on an incredible beach with incredible weather. From the boat trip to the food they served…

…to the beautiful island, sand and water to the old lighthouse… it all was absolutely perfect. It just doesn’t get better than this.

Again, with so many choices of things to do in Curacao, this is my short list. Seriously consider visiting Curacao because it holds something for everyone and her list of captivating attractions is endless.

Read more ::

15 Curacao Beaches in Photos

Top 5 Beaches in Curacao

The post Curacao :: Top 10 Things to do appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Curacao is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the Southern Caribbean and one with more breath-taking beaches than almost any other island I’ve been to. Well, you can judge for yourself :: check out these amazing beaches ::

Curaçao beaches :: you took my breath away

Having stopped in Curaçao before on one of our cruises we decided to go back and stay for 3 weeks on this amazing island. We visited all of these 15 beaches but I think if we’d stayed longer we would have found more. Each is different with its own personality and charm.

When I return I will plant myself on a different beach every day and snorkel all day long. A regular snorkel mask never worked for me and it seemed I was always discouraged. I am thankful to have finally invested in this great full-face mask that makes snorkeling so much better for me. Now I can breathe normally and enjoy the incredible sea life before my eyes.

Not every full-face snorkel mask is the same. I chose this one for its safety rating and comfort and I highly recommend it. Snorkeling in the beaches around the world for me will never be the same again. If you want to check out some of my other favorite travel products CLICK HERE.

I’ve written more in detail about Curaçao so ….

Read also ::

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Curacao

Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao

Top 5 Beaches in Curacao

Tours and Attractions in Curacao ::

Accommodations in Curacao

For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS IN CURACAO. Please consider booking your Curacao accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

The post 15 Curacao Beaches in Photos appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

The criteria for my favorite beach has more to do with the overall accessibility, amenities + comfort. Snorkeling + diving is amazing throughout Curaçao. So that is a given. So let’s just “dive” right in, shall we?

#5 :: Mambo

Mambo Beach has all the facilities you need, palm trees, beautiful white sand + shallow water. It also has several boutiques, snack shops + bars as well as facilities for all water sports. The beach is especially popular with families + young people. Weekends can get very crowded because it is the nightlife beach of Curaçao. There are concerts + sometimes even movies on the beach.
$3 entrance, $3 beach chair, $10 cabana

#4 :: Kenapa Grandi

Kenapa Grandi is a beach definitely worth visiting. Beautiful vista views, warm breezes, white sandy beaches + calm blue waters make it a perfect place to relax! Snorkeling is best near the rocks on either side of Grandi but you can certainly also take a long swim out to the reef. Locals come on weekends. Between Grandi + Chiki is a cliffside lookout point you won’t want to miss.

Sometimes vendors are present selling local snacks + drinks (mostly just on the weekends) but be prepared with your own just in case they aren’t there after all.

***Just for the record, this is Roydio’s pick for favorite beach in Curaçao. I have to admit it was amazing. But again I based my favorite on the totality of amenities as well as the beauty. If it was just based on that I think I’d have to agree with him on this one.

#3 :: Cas Abau

Cas Abau is a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters, waving palm trees + several gazebos for shade. The beach combines a natural setting with all the conveniences of a bar, restaurant, showers + massage facility. Ideal reefs are a paradise for snorkelers + scuba divers. A raft for sunbathing + playing is moored off shore.
$5 for entry and $3 beach chairs

#2 :: Klein Curaçao Island

My #2 pick is Klein Curaçao Island not just for the beach but also including the Mermaid Tour that gets you there. An island 2 hours off the coast of the main island Klein Curaçao has the longest + whitest beach in Curaçao. This uninhabited island is eight miles off the southeast coast. The northeastern side routinely has calm water with gentle waves.

There are a few little huts with picnic tables under them but they are quickly taken up; there aren’t enough for everyone on the tour. 

Tip: grab a hut quickly if you don’t want to sit in the sun all day long because there is really no other shade

The water is warm + crystal clear. Relaxing is imminent but be prepared to do some snorkeling as well. My love for history took us for a walk out to where the old lighthouse stands (still lit by solar power). And we also went further to the water where a small boat had washed up on shore.

Apparently there are also coral + underwater caves there but I don’t do scuba :: what a shame. It is a really popular diving spot. If you bring your own diving equipment + are certified, the diving is free. Otherwise there is a fee for that.

Mermaid Tour to Klein Curaçao ::

Wow, what a day! We took the Mermaid Boat Tour (they are the only tour group that will take you out) to Klein Curaçao island which is basically an oversized volcanic rock a little more than a mile long but such a unique paradise. 2hr boat ride up + 1.5 hrs back. We spent the entire day out there. We enjoyed breakfast (it was an early departure) + lunch + a wonderful time on the longest + whitest powder sand beach in Curacao. 

Your tour includes use of the beach house with restrooms + fresh water shower, use of snorkeling gear + beach chairs + a really nice meal. The dive operators BBQ chicken, ribs, hamburgers + corn on the cob right there in front of you. You can have all the soft drinks + juice you want (beer + wine are also available for purchase) as well as the accompanying salads + fruit. Everything was really delicious!

I highly recommend this tour. IMHO you really get your money’s worth!
Mermaid Boat Tour: $110 per person

 #1 :: Playa PortoMari

Playa PortoMari is my #1 pick for the best beach in Curaçao because it has the best of everything in one place: clean facilities, soft sand, beautiful clear water and awesome snorkeling. There’s a great restaurant and plenty of lounge chairs available for rent. And a nice place to rinse off your feet before heading back to the car.

Playa Porto Mari is a beautiful sandy bay to be found on the private estate of Plantages “Porto Mari” on the west coast. Its white coral sand beach with clear and calm water is the epitome of a true paradise for me. The unique “double” reef is easily accessible from the shore, providing a fascinating snorkel and dive site. Dive operators are available pretty much all day.

What is great about this beach is that it has all the amenities you need such as toilets and showers as well as a great bar with a large patio.
$3 entrance, $3.50 lounge chairs

Tip for all beaches in Curaçao ::
I recommend you wear water shoes. Most of the beaches have nice white sand but entrance into the water is somewhat rocky. Trust me, you will be very happy you brought them.

Read more about Curacao ::

Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao

15 Curacao Beaches in Photos

5 of My Favorite Things About the Bahamas

When it comes right down to it you can’t go wrong with any of Curaçao’s spectacular beaches. But narrowing it down this should give you a good start for your list of beaches to see when you come to Curaçao.

Of course there are many more reasons to visit Curaçao besides her beaches + I will be posting about them soon. Be on the lookout for much, much more in future posts on Curacao!

In a nut shell, you can’t go wrong visiting any of the 30 beaches Curaçao has to offer. My recommendation to you is: Just Go!

Accommodations in Curacao ::

For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS IN CURACAO. Please consider booking your Curacao accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

The post Top 5 Beaches in Curaçao :: My Picks appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

But one thing’s for sure, if it isn’t already you’ll want to add it to your Bucket List.

BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel and Apartments Phuket

Let’s start with our amazing hotel. I know, right? I have to give credit to my Roydio for most of these hotel bookings. He’s a master at research although I can hold my own in that department…

“…it has everything but the kitchen sink.”

This place has a balcony to enjoy the view of what is happening out on the street, it’s walking distance to the beach… so beautiful + it has everything but the kitchen sink.

Wait, it DOES have a kitchen sink! And a kitchen and a microwave oven, dishes, glasses, dishwasher, refrigerator stocked with water + drinks for two + even fresh fruit to welcome you. 

Again, what a find. BYD Lofts. Just make a note for when you go to Phuket. I’ve given you more details down below in my “tips.”

I don’t want to be remiss in giving a shout out to the staff here. They make you feel like kings + queens, greeting you with a refreshing drink + cool towel + escorting you to your room.
https://www.bydlofts.com

So I feel like I need to clear something up before I go any further.

“…I travel on my own dime…”

I am not one of those travel bloggers who gets paid to travel, stays in four and five star hotels and writes about it!  I wish! I travel on my own dime. And before you start thinking that I must be made of money staying in all of these amazing hotels, just know that my goal is to always get the most for my money. 

Most of the places I stay at are affordable, you can afford them too. And by doing your own (serious) research you too can find incredible deals. This particular trip to Southeast Asia we are celebrating a very special occasion so we did splurge a bit more than usual.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way let’s take first things first: unwind from my flight into town + then unpack. That’s not difficult to do with my packing cubes all ready to be laid out! Have you heard of them? Have you tried them? I swear by them + will never travel without them again. Once you experience packing cubes, you won’t either I promise. I’ve given you more details about them in my “tips” below.

You’re welcome!

Patong Beach

Hey, I’m in Phuket, I’ve got to see the beach. Let’s go! 

After leaving one destination for another + after everything it takes to get there it can be exhausting. There’s just something about a beautiful, serene beach at which to relax when you’re all wound up, right? And Patong Beach surely didn’t disappoint.

The only noise you’ll hear is vendors selling their handmade souvenirs + drinks + snacks. I would totally have gone for something but the water was calling my name. Well actually it was calling “Roydio!!” HA! And when the water calls him, he listens, then dives right in! 

Me, I am happy to just get some sand between my toes, relax, close my eyes + hear nothing. but. the. ocean. waves. rocking back + forth. Can you hear it?

Thai massage

I guess any trip to Thailand without getting a massage would just be wrong. So of course one is ordered up. Roydio volunteered for the job. HA! And I get to watch.

According to him, it is brutal. From my vantage point it doesn’t look brutal. But he insisted it is one of the best massages he’s ever had. I’ll take his word for it.

Bangla Road

If you’ve read anything on Phuket you know about Bangla Road. Again, walking distance from our place. How can I describe it? Well, let’s start with the fact that nearly every online reviewer seems to rate Bangla Road as either the #1 or #2 thing to do in Phuket.

“…it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas.”

I’m going to reserve my comments + let you be the judge for yourself when you visit. Suffice it to say that it reminds me of the strip in Las Vegas. On Steroids. If you’ve ever been to Vegas you know what I’m talking about. But next to a beach. A dichotomy.

There are a lot of great places to eat in the little alleys off the main drag of this pedestrian-only street where I had dinner (NO I did not try the scorpions on a stick). 

When it gets dark everything turns… NEON. Check out the pics of Bangla Road at night. Lots of nightclubs + beer bars. And I’ll leave out the R- + X-rated stuff, k?

Did you see the tricked out tuk-tuk? They look like regular tuk-tuks during the day (remember the one you saw me riding in in Bangkok?), then at night all the neon lights come on + they turn into disco drivers. It’s a hoot!

Do I dare post a video of what Phuket is like after dark?

Tell you what, I’ll give you a taste of the environment at the “Beer Garden” where we had dinner.

The stage at the Beer Garden features several different acts. These fire dancers are cool. Then the go-go dancers + “other” things happen on that stage. But again, I’ll skip that part + leave you to discover all that for when you go. 

Before heading back I stopped to order + watch the making of their well-known ice cream rolls. It was really tasty, not sweet like American ice cream. Real yummy!

I then took the path along the beach back to the apartment. All in all it was a fun night. Tomorrow would start early…

Island Hopping Tour

This is my very favorite part of my time in Phuket:  an all-day speedboat trip to + around the Phi Phi Islands. We took off from the Royal Phuket Marina + had an amazing adventure on the water.

Let me just introduce you to the Phi Phi Islands, a small archipelago of 6 islands about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. The islands consist of classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations + vivid turquoise waters filled with colorful marine life. A true tropical paradise. We visited two of the islands + made several stops.

Phi Phi Leh

Our first stop was the world famous Maya Bay on the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh. Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the movie “The Beach” which was filmed here in 2000. Maya Bay is the main beach on Phi Phi Leh, sheltered on three sides by 100-metre high limestone cliffs + greenery. We didn’t go ashore but believe me when I say it is absolutely breathtaking.

We also went to Loh Samah Bay + Pileh Lagoon to snorkel. 

We stopped at Viking Cave to check out where the Birds’ Nest producing swallows dwell. That was really interesting to see. These birds’ nests are used to make a Chinese soup + are one of the most expensive foods on the planet. I had no idea. I’ll bet you didn’t know about it either, did you?

I’d never see the Birds’ Nests prepared before so when I saw some in a store I made sure to take a picture for you. And here is a link where you can read more about why this food is so expensive and what it’s used for: https://bit.ly/2LnHizR

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the largest + only inhabited of these islands but it has no roads. 

On this island is where you find Monkey Bay. We didn’t stop but “lingered” just long enough to see the monkeys in this rather steep limestone cliff, the vegetation of which offer the monkeys a comfortable place to dwell.

Then we went to snorkel the Great Coral Reef. This has to be my favorite part of this tour. The clear, warm water is just
Un. Believable.

After all the snorkeling it was time for lunch. They brought us to a private beach called Phi Phi Natural Resort to enjoy a wonderful lunch with our new friends from Russia, Australia + South Africa. We were the only Americans on this tour so we did our best to represent. The company was awesome + the lunch was quite good for “tour” food.

Bamboo Island

Almost shaped like a heart, this island is entirely surrounded by a strip of soft, white sand. We spent some time on the beach here just relaxing + soaking up that gorgeous sun. 

The day went by too quickly. We were all pretty tired when we got back to the Royal Phuket Marina. The guides were great, giving us just enough time at each stop. I would highly recommend this speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Or maybe someone can just drop me off on Phi Phi Don + I’ll just stay in the water all day. That might be the perfect day for me.

Our final night and morning

After a short nap at our apartment wouldn’t you know it we found ourselves back at Bangla Road. I have to admit the food was pretty delicious so a great reason to “tough through” another night of pamphlet-pushing, half-naked girls seeking the attention of anyone who would look their way. (Oh, did I leave those details out earlier?)

Dinner + a leisurely stroll past the seafood vendors was a perfecting ending to this incredible day.

In the morning we had breakfast at a cute little place around the corner. 

Do you see now why I said in my opening statement that Phuket is a dichotomy? It is action-packed + it is laid-back. It is eventful + it is relaxing. It is pristine + it is raw. It was quiet + it is loud. You can have it all or you can have nothing. But any way you have it put it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it.

Thailand has been an experience I’ll never forget. Hopefully one day I’ll get back there to explore more of the islands. I think I’d like to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don + spend my entire time there snorkeling + swimming + boating. I think that would be my ideal trip there…

Goodbye beautiful Phuket, I’ll surely be back to visit you again.

Tips just for you ::

1. I have two words for you. Packing Cubes. They are game-changers.  They save me so much time! I’m organized, at a moment’s notice I can find what I’m looking for + there is no unpacking them. Just unzip + lay them in the drawers. Done! You can find them online here.
2. BYD Lofts in Phuket is located at 5/28 Haad Patong, Patong, Kathu. They have several buildings located 5 minutes’ walking distance from the beach. Check them out: Click here!
3. Ping Pong is not a game in Phuket. It is big business. Consider yourself warned.

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The post Phuket: Where the Action is… and Not appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.