The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

Best Things to See in Phuket (3 to 5 Days in Phuket, Thailand)

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a paradise for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. With stunning coastlines, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks, Phuket offers something for everyone. This guide will help you create your perfect 3 to 5 day itinerary, packed with the best things to see and do in Phuket.

Getting to Phuket

From Bangkok:

Phuket boasts its own international airport (HKT) offering direct flights from Bangkok (both BKK and DMK) in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Prices are comparable between airports, but like Krabi, DMK might offer more flight options and convenient departure times. Choose based on your location and preference.

From Krabi:

Ferries operate daily between Krabi and Phuket, offering scenic journeys across the Andaman Sea. Travel time can range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ferry type. Consider the convenience and cost when making your choice.

From Your Arrival Point to Your Hotel:

Taxis, metered taxis, airport shuttles, Grab (ride-hailing app), and pre-booked private transfers are all available to whisk you from the airport to your hotel. For a hassle-free arrival, consider booking a private transfer online beforehand.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Patong Beach:

For vibrant nightlife, a vast selection of restaurants, and lively markets, Patong Beach is the ideal base. This bustling area offers easy access to jet-skiing, parasailing, and other water activities. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.

Kata Beach & Karon Beach:

These beautiful beaches offer a good balance between lively experiences and relaxation. They provide a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Patong.

Surin Beach & Kamala Beach:

For a tranquil getaway with stunning scenery, consider the northern beaches like Surin and Kamala. These areas offer luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and a slower pace of life.

Choosing Your Base:

Phuket caters to various travel styles. Consider your preferences for nightlife, relaxation, and budget when picking your perfect location.

The Ultimate Phuket Itinerary & Best Things to See in Phuket

Instead of a rigid day-by-day itinerary, this guide highlights must-do activities in Phuket, allowing you to craft your ideal itinerary based on your interests.

Island Hopping Adventures (Optional):

Phuket offers numerous island tours, but consider these top picks:

1. Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: Explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands, famous for Maya Bay (the filming location of "The Beach") and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

2. James Bond Island Tour: Visit Khao Phing Kan, the iconic island featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

3. Phang Nga Bay Tour: Discover the mesmerizing Phang Nga Bay, dotted with towering limestone karsts and hidden coves. Kayak through secret lagoons and marvel at the iconic James Bond Island.

Pro Tip: Book these tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can also take these tours from neighboring Krabi, so compare prices and choose the most convenient option.

Top Things You Must Not Miss in Phuket:

Beaches:

• Patong Beach: Lively atmosphere, water sports, restaurants, and nightlife.

• Kata Beach and Karon Beach: Stunning scenery, good swimming conditions, and a variety of resorts.

• Freedom Beach: Secluded beach with a laid-back vibe, accessible by boat or longtail taxi.

• Nai Harn Beach: Picturesque beach with calm waters, ideal for families.

Activities:

• Big Buddha: A majestic Buddha statue atop Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.

• Old Phuket Town: Explore the historical Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street markets.

• Wat Chalong: Phuket's most revered temple, showcasing intricate Buddhist architecture.

• Elephant Sanctuary Tour: Opt for a responsible sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare over exploitative practices.

• Phuket FantaSea: A cultural theme park with extravagant shows, parades, and a variety of entertainment options.

Thrilling Activities:

• White Water Rafting: Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the lush jungles of Phuket.

• Surf's Up!: Catch some waves at Phuket's west coast beaches like Kata Noi and Surin during the monsoon season (May-October).

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine life.

Nightlife:

• Patong Beach: Bars, clubs, and live music venues for every taste.

• Bangla Road (Patong): Notorious nightlife district with a mix of bars, discos, and adult entertainment.

• Kata and Karon Beaches: Offer a more relaxed nightlife scene with beach bars and restaurants.

• Night Markets: Experience the local night markets and sample authentic Thai cuisine.

Pro Tip: Some activities might be included in your booked tours. Check beforehand to avoid redundancy.

Embrace the flexibility of this guide to create your dream Phuket itinerary. Choose the experiences that resonate most with you and create lasting memories on this incredible island.

Travel Like a Pro: 5 Unusual Hacks You've Never Heard Of!

5 Travel Hacks You Didn’t Know

Ever felt like every travel blog and social media post offers the same old advice? Here you will discover five game-changing hacks to revolutionize your adventures, making them smoother, more enjoyable, and budget-friendly than ever before.

Uncover Hidden Treasures at Your Local Library

Your humble local library is a goldmine of untapped travel resources, such as guides, language phrasebooks, and even discounted museum passes. Dive into their website or chat with a knowledgeable librarian to unearth exciting travel gems awaiting discovery.

Meet Your New Travel BFF – The Multifunctional Buff

Introducing the versatile buff – a versatile piece of fabric that magically transforms into a scarf, headband, face mask, or even a makeshift towel. Lightweight, compact, and bursting with color and personality, it's the perfect way to save precious luggage space while adding flair to your travel wardrobe.

Dive into Local Culture with Expert-Led Walking Tours

Swap guidebooks for free, immersive walking tours led by passionate local experts. Unearth hidden gems, historical sites, and captivating stories you'd never stumble upon otherwise. Show your appreciation by tipping your guide at the end, and feel good about supporting local businesses.

Skyrocket Your Airline Miles Experience with Unforgettable Upgrades

Instead of saving your hard-earned miles for free flights, use them to upgrade your seat. Experience the unrivaled luxury of business class without the eye-watering price tag.

Embrace Basic Car Maintenance for Stress-Free Road Trip Adventures

Before your epic road trip, equip yourself with essential car knowledge. Learn to check your tire pressure, refill fluids, and tackle a flat tire like a pro. Countless online tutorials and resources are at your fingertips, transforming you into a confident and savvy road warrior.

You may not be able to use all of these travel tips, but at the very least they will come in handy on your next trip. I have a travel video playlist where I publish tiny travel hacks like these. Please visit the link for more.

Traveling? Never Exchange Currency at Your Local Bank

Why You Should Not Convert Currency at Your Bank

If you are converting currency at your home bank, you are losing a lot of money due to exuberant charges. I made the same mistakes many years ago.

But now, after checking online I convert just a little at a currency shop that has good ratings. This way, I will have enough cash for the first couple of days after arriving at my destination. And then I can convert more currency at a local shop as needed at a rate much better than in my home country.

For example, I was recently looking to convert Canadian dollars to Thai Baht and UAE Dirham for my upcoming trip. Here are the different rates I checked:

Location              THB    AED

NHVN Toronto   2600     263

Another Shoppe 2500    Not Available

TD Bank              2463     248

Bangkok              2700     Not Available

You can see that by going to a currency shop in Toronto and not going to a bank (all banks have very similar rates) I saved $4 per $100 Cad.

However, if I had going to TD then I would lose $8 per $100 Cad in conversion when compared to a local currency shop in Bangkok. That’s a huge difference.

So the lesson here is that you should convert a little amount just to get going for a couple of days at a reputable currency store in your country and do the rest of your exchange in your destination country, which always will have better rates. And never go to a bank to convert currency.

I have a video on this here: Best Place to Exchange Currency

Lounge by the Sea: Soundscapes Unwind – The Best Free Relaxing Chill Radio Station to Remove Stress

I Created the Ultimate Chill Out Radio Station for You – All Free

Are you stressed? From time to time, we all are. And to transport you to a state of pure relaxation, I created a perfect Chillout Radio Station, Lounge by the Sea: Soundscapes Unwind.

This radio station is your passport to the laid-back vibes of Ibiza, Café del Mar, CocoGroove, Buddha Bar, and similar locales. Embrace the eclectic mix of world music infused with both traditional and electronic sounds.

Whether you're lounging at home, hosting a gathering with friends, unwinding on the beach or at a café, or simply looking to escape the stress of everyday life, let Lounge by the Sea: Soundscapes Unwind be your sonic sanctuary.

If you have the Autoplay feature on while playing Lounge by the Sea: Soundscapes Unwind on YouTube or YouTube Music, the AI will keep playing continuously even after you finish listening to all the music in the playlist.

Better yet, if you like and dislike some music from the playlist, the AI will recognise your preferences and will keep playing music that is more matching to your taste.

I plan to update this playlist from time to time to give you more variety and better choices to relax and unwind. Save this playlist on YouTube, YouTube Music, as simply as a bookmark on your browser to come back and listen again.

Here is the link: Lounge by the Sea: Soundscapes Unwind

Where to Keep Your Passport When You Travel

How to Keep Your Passport Safe While Traveling

In a previous video, I discussed general passport safety on the go. Today, let's explore passport safekeeping within your hotel or Airbnb. I noticed some bizarre information being given online to keep your passport safe in hotels, such as clip it between the curtain creases, behind the mirror, inside a hanging T-shirt, and so many other weird tips. Following these tips can be dangerous as thieves also know about them and those recommendations are the first places they will look.   

1. Hotel Safe (with Caution): While not foolproof, safes remain a common option. However, there are some things to beware.

Default codes: Change the code immediately upon arrival.

Weak safes: Research online for reports on the safe's reliability in your specific hotel.

2. Locked Hard-Shell Carry-On: If no safe exists, a locked hard-shell carry-on becomes your best bet. Choose a TSA-approved lock for convenience during airport checks.

3. Secure Bag with Packing Cube: For soft-sided bags, opt for a secure, lockable backpack or use a small luggage lock. Employ packing cubes to conceal valuables discreetly within your clothes.

Remember:

Carry copies: Always have photocopies of your passport readily accessible.

Multiple locations: Distribute key documents across safekeeping options for added security.

Common sense reigns supreme: Exercise caution and avoid leaving valuables unattended, even in locked luggage.

Additional Tips:

- Consider travel insurance for loss or theft.

- Research common scams in your destination to stay informed.

- Utilize digital copies of passports and IDs stored securely in cloud storage.

By combining these strategies with vigilance, you can ensure your passport's safety during your travels.