My Chiang Mai adventure has ended. It’s time to experience the south of Thailand – Phuket, the last leg of my Thailand backpacking. I booked a one way flight from Bangkok to Phuket via AirAsia for Php1600.00.
From Phuket Int’l Airport, you can take either taxi, airport bus or a minivans going to Phuket Town or Patong. Since I will be staying in Patong, minivan is the best option since it will go directly to Phuket then Patong. Airport buses only stop in Phuket town and one needs to transfer to another bus going to Patong. Minivans fare is 150Baht (Php200.00), and these vans will also drop you exactly to your hotel. If you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4 with luggage, a taxi is also a good option, around 400-500Baht.
Day 1 Arrival
I stayed in The Oddy Hip Hotel, single room with private bathroom. I booked it thru Agoda.com for only Php500.00 per night. The room was big, with a queen size bed. It’s a bit walk from the center of Patong and beach but its manageable.
I just take a short nap after check in then went outside for dinner. A lot of restaurants are available – seafood menu, western cuisine, fastfood and of course their local menu.
Day 2 Island Hopping
Tour operators are plenty as you walk along the center of Patong. I joined a group island hopping tour the next day to Phi Phi island and Maya Bay – to see the shooting location of Leonardo di Caprio’s “The Beach”. Most of the island hopping tour includes the hotel pick up. The island hopping tour cost around Php2500.00 including pick up drop off and lunch
“The Beach” – powdery white sand beach. However i find it small for the number of tourist visiting the island. Boats are anchored along the shore that makes it difficult to enjoy the water and take a good shot.
Buffet lunch is served in Phi Phi Island
Another stop is Khai Island – barbeque stands, food stalls for snack are available, and of course beer!
Unfortunately, the good weather is not on our side on the day of the island hopping 😞.
After the dropped off in the hotel, took some rest and explored the night life of Bangla Road. It was bright, colorful, loud and party music left and right. You can hop around on different bars.
Day 3 Patong Beach
The following day I just enjoy a day in Patong Beach and had a relaxing massage saving energy for Cambodia and Vietnam. 
Summary of expenses
Bangkok to Phuket via AirAsia (Php 1600.00)
Airport to Patong (Php 200.00)
Accomodation 3nights (Php 1500.00)
Island Hopping Tour (Php 2500.00)
Food and Drinks (Php 1500.00)
Taxi to Airport, 4am (Php 500.00)
Total 7800.00
Saving tips/options
Again, you can save more if you choose to stay in dorm type hostel – a thousand peso savings perhaps. And if you’re not drinking much beer maybe additional Php 500.00 will be saved and Php 300.00 off to your tranfer to airport using van if time permits.
Phuket can also be reach from Bangkok by bus in a 13-14hr trip. It will only cost around Php800.00
Php 5200.00 for 3nights in Phuket
Next stop – Siem Reap
“Traveling. It leaves you SPEECHLESS, then turns you into a STORYTELLER” – Ibn Battuta