Phuket Impressions

I wasn't there for long, but here are my impressions of Phuket:

- The airport is far from the beaches. Also, the transportation system is jacked. A taxi ride to your hotel will cost you a grip. There are, however, the minibuses that can take you for cheaper, but you make a stop at a travel agency and you're asked to purchase a tour. If you're ok with this, then by all means take the minibus. Personally, I rather not be disturbed.

- Patong Beach has a lot going on. A LOT. Winding streets are filled with noisy tourists. With tourists come bars, massage parlors and souvenir stands. Again, if you're OK with this, book your lodging in Patong. Otherwise, stay far, far away.

- Karon Beach is quiet. It caters to families and, apparently, the Swedish. The nearby streets are still complete with girlie bars and massage places, but the whole vibe is chill. I loved Karon Beach.

- Two days isn't nearly enough to "see" Phuket. There's Kata Beach, and Phuket Town. There's James Bond Island, which is intriguing just on the name alone. Had I the extra day, I would have taken a stab at snorkeling, riding a scooter, or I would have been completely daring and laid out on the beach for an extra day.


*Ahhh, good tiimes*

Phuket, I will return. I won't let you down next time. Promise.

Rest

In Phuket (pronounced poo-GET). Two days of...um, I don't know exactly.

I was nearly pressured into taking a half-day tour tomorrow. The saleswoman asked, "Why you here by yourself?" All I could say is, "Relax."

And I need it. Seven days of traveling, of finding things to do. All under the Thailand sun and humidity. My body is weary. Even with the massages.

It's time to take a break from my vacation.

The Road to Southeast Asia: Prologue - The Big Boy Trip

Things happen for a reason.

I was supposed to leave for the Philippines in April, followed by a week in Thailand. I was all set to book my flights, when our trip fell through. I was crushed.

A month passed, and I was feeling it the itch. I sat at my desk at work, dreaming of Thai massages, when I thought, "Screw it, I'm just gonna go."

I was obsessed. I went on Kayak for a week straight, looking up flights till 2 AM. I mapped out my itinerary, scrapped it, made a new one, scrapped THAT, went back to my original plan, then went with Plan C.

Click. One flight booked. Click. There's another. Click. Wait, I need to book hotels! Click. Click. Click!!

And here I am, about to embark on a two-week solo trip to Southeast Asia.

This is my Big Boy Trip. No companions to lean on to do the dirty work. I have to ask for directions. I have to interact with the locals. I have to find my way across the mountains of Chiang Mai. I have to seek out the secluded beaches of Phuket on my own. I have to navigate the streets of KL. It's on me. This is the trip where I gut it out, suck it up, and go.

I will have friends and family in Bangkok to guide me. Apart from that, I am on my own. Two years ago, this was unthinkable. Today, it's all I think about. I want to approach this trip with open eyes. With boldness.

Enough writing.

Let's do this.



I'll be back in two weeks, with pictures, stories, and maybe even videos(!) to share. If I'm able, I will update.

Cheers.

Destination Next

Bangkok -> Chiang Mai -> Phuket -> KL

June 29 - July 13, 2008

It's on.