Back to the Land of "Smiles"

Last Wednesday Alo and I took a half day off work and set off for our second trip to Thailand. This trip we decided to try out the southern islands on the west coast of Thailand. We visited Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and James Bond island and surrounding areas.  Phuket is Thailand's largest island (approximately the size of Singapore) so needless to say we didn't manage to see it all - but tried our best of course!

Air Asia has direct flights from Jakarta to Phuket so it's a quick 2.5-3 hour flight and you are there! We arrived, checked in at our hotel, and headed to Patong since we were feeling a little adventurous.  Patong lived up to everything I've heard about it - and other than just going to see it - I'd probably steer clear of that area unless you are in the market for some pretty Ladyboys and Ping pong shows. It's intensely crowded and full of foreigners - but certainly a sight to see.

You see all kinds of flashy things on the main streets of Patong

They said this little one is a baby monkey. He had on a little outfit but you can't see it. He was so cute!

Well hello there!

Tough guy!

I was so scared he would bite my lips!

My parents definitely need to put this game at their river place! We lost every time!

Alo and I spent one day on the trip just venturing around the northern part of the island on the scooter. Can never get away from at least one day on that scooter! ha.  We started from the Kamala beach area and went North to the less crowded areas of the island. The beach below was our favorite so we took a couple hours of the day to just relax on the beach and eat some yummy Thai food.

Would recommend this beach if you stay near Kamala. But be ready to hike down very steep stairs - and about 150 of them!

Laem Sing beach

Laem Sing again..

Just hanging out at the gas station. In case you are confused the gas is behind me in the glass bottles. And of course notice our sweet "hog" as Alo likes to call it.

These forests were just gorgeous. Unlike anything I've ever seen.  All the trees were planted perfectly in rows from no matter what angle you were looking at them (kinda hard to explain but really neat).

Loved our hotel - Cape Sienna - this was the rooftop bar before sunset.

More of the hotel at sunset...

Ate here our last night and LOVED it. Best Thai food from the whole trip - it's located at Kamala beach.

We had to do another Thai lantern on the beach  :) 

Phuket was great but my favorite was the Koh Phi Phi islands.  I would certainly recommend the trip though because there is a lot to see and tons of hotel/villa choices for very cheap prices! Trying to already convince Alo to let me plan our next trip to the Northern part of Thailand - Chang Mai! So many places to see and so far I loved all of them! Next posts - Koh Phi Phi and James Bond island!