Dave Explores Thailand and Dubai – Part 2

For the start of Dave’s journey in Dubai, see his blog from last week.

From Bangkok to Phucket

After an early breakfast, we were transferred back to Bangkok airport where we took a 1-hour connecting flight with Thai Airways to the Island of Phuket. From Phuket airport we were transferred to the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, 20 Minutes from the airport and set on a stunning beach overlooking the Andaman Sea. There are 246 rooms and suites, all of which are very contemporary in design and are spread across 7 different room types, including some amazing swim out suites! The hotel is a perfect choice for family holidays, as the hotel’s facilities include infinity pools, a walk in children’s pool, a spa, a fitness centre, 2 main restaurants, and extensive WiFi coverage.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

We had lunch before transferring to the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket which is only around 45 minutes from Phuket Airport. We had the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beachfront location of Bang Tao Bay, before we had a site inspection of the hotel. The hotel has 254 Rooms, including deluxe rooms with either Lagoon or sea views, both of which are incredible, and there are even oceanfront rooms right on the beachfront. The Dusit Club rooms are elegant and enjoy Club benefits such as afternoon Tea and pre dinner drinks. The hotel has plenty of facilities including a free from pool with a whirlpool, a children’s pool, a kids club, non-motorised water sports, a fitness room, and complimentary WiFi. We took our evening meal in the specialty Thai Restaurant, before enjoying some relaxed drinks around the pool bar.

Banyan Tree Phuket

After an early breakfast we checked out of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, and moved onto the Banyan Tree Phuket, which is around 10 minutes from the Dusit Thani Hotel. The Banyan Tree resort is located in the Laguna Phuket Area and is easily one of the finest hotels for indulgence, relaxation, and total Pampering. There are 135 Villas including Deluxe Villas, Pool Villas, Two Bedroom Pool Villas, and Sanctuary Pool Villas, and there’s a choice of bars, restaurants, and even an 18 Hole Golf Course. This hotel left nothing to be desired! From the Banyan Tree we went to Andaman White Beach situated on the North Western Coast, a smaller hotel consisting of 52 rooms set on the stunning Naithon Noi Beach. This is a perfect hotel for people looking for a quite resort within easy reach of bars and local restaurants, and only 45 Minutes from Patong.

Pullman Naithon Hotel

From the Andaman White Beach we went to the Pullman Naithon Hotel which is very new and not yet completed. Very modern in design, the hotel will be astonishing when finished. We had our hosted lunch here and we were treated to some stunning a la Carte Thai food. In the afternoon we were transferred down to the South of the island to the Kata Thani Resort which is situated in lively Kata. This hotel has a perfect location directly on the beachfront and within walking distance of the local bars and restaurants of Kata, and the larger resort of Karon is just 10 Minutes away in a local Taxi and offers even more bars, both western and local restaurants, and plenty of shopping. The bigger resort of Patong is around 20 minutes away. The Kata thani has 6 Restaurants including Thai, Mediterranean and Italian, 3 pool bars, 2 cocktails lounges, a fitness centre, and a Spa. The hotel is split around 3 different areas with 479 Rooms, and each wing of the hotel has its own reception area. The dining experience is superb, as you can dine around the different hotel areas.

Phi Phi Island

Today we had a day out at the Phi Phi Island which is reached by speed boat from the new marina. The speed boat takes around 70 Minutes to reach the two Phi Phi islands which sit in the middle of the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay. Phi Phi Lay is the largest of the two islands and is home to two hotels, and Phi Phi Don was made famous as the filming location for The Beach. The islands are superb for snorkelling and are a must-do if you when visiting Phuket.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

In the evening we visited the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, situated on Karon Beach, the hotel has a sino-portuguese inspired architecture with 262 Rooms, Suites, and Villas, and all the rooms are Ocean facing. Facilities include 2 restaurants, a variety of bars, a swim up bar, a roof top bar, and 4 swimming pools. The hotel boasts a great location and is within easy access of Karon and Patong. After the hotel visit we went into Patong for the evening to sample the nightlife, the night markets, and some great shopping opportunities.

Thailand at Leisure

This was our final day in Phuket and we had the day at leisure to do what we wanted. I took the opportunity to go into Karon as I had stayed in this area some 10 years ago when I was backpacking out in Thailand. A lot had changed since my last visit but it was nice to see that some things remained unchanged and unspoilt.

My trip across Dubai and Thailand took me across a variety of exciting, interesting hotels, all of which are worth visiting if you’re eager to explore the fascinating countries of the Indian Ocean.