Phuket: A Wild Ride From Clamped Wheels, to Iconic Beaches, and Family Memories!
- Jonathan Els
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
Okay, buckle up, because our Phuket trip was a full-on adventure! It started with a brutal 3:30 AM wake-up call on March 18th. Picture this: everyone bleary-eyed, fueled by sheer excitement (and a desperate need for coffee). Thankfully, the car was pre-packed, sparing us some pre-dawn chaos. We managed to get our caffeine fix, shower, and make it to the airport with time to spare.
Vietjet Airlines whisked us away to Phuket, and despite my, shall we say, generous build (6ft, 308lbs), I was pleasantly surprised by the legroom in my window seat. We landed just after 8 AM and were greeted by our trusty Toyota Fortuner, pre-booked for the family's comfort and all our luggage. (8,000 Thai baht for four days – a worthwhile investment.)
Since check-in wasn't until 3 PM, we had time to kill. We stumbled upon Baanrai Talay Cafe Phuket, a hidden gem with stunning views of Kamala beach. This place was a breath of fresh air, with its laid-back vibe and panoramic ocean views. We ordered some much-needed coffee and ham and cheese sandwiches (we weren’t quite ready for the full Thai food immersion yet) and just soaked in the atmosphere, snapping photos and trying to stay awake. The views were truly breathtaking, and it was a great way to start our adventure.
Next, we ventured into Phuket Old Town. The colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture was a feast for the eyes. The pastel-colored buildings, the ornate shopfronts, and the general buzz of the place were captivating. We wandered through the charming streets, taking photos of the vibrant scenery, and stopped for a refreshing beer at a local bar. Tourist mode: fully engaged.
Then, the unexpected happened. We parked… in a no-parking zone. Cue the dreaded wheel clamp and a 500 Thai baht fine. My fiance, ever the problem-solver, hopped on a motorcycle taxi to try and sort things out. Shortly after she left, I received a text message that sent a chill down my spine: she’d been involved in an accident. A pickup truck had collided with her motorcycle taxi. Thankfully, she was okay, but it was a scary moment. Once the police removed the clamp, we headed to Makro to stock up on supplies before finally checking into our Airbnb – a two-bedroom villa with a private pool (9,000 Thai baht for three nights). While the villa was nice, it could have used a more thorough cleaning. Day one: a chaotic mix of beauty, mishaps, and relief.
Day two was all about relaxation. We slept in, recovering from the previous day's adventures. Around 10:30 AM, we headed to Sea Salt Lounge and Grill in Kathu-Patong. This place was a slice of paradise – a beautiful beachfront restaurant with comfy sunbeds (with a minimum spend of 500 Thai baht per person).
The beach was private and serene, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and relaxing. My dad and I indulged in their Wagyu burgers (a bit pricey at 670 Thai baht each, but hey, it’s Phuket), while my mom savored the prawn and chorizo spaghetti. My fiance decided to explore the local food scene and grab some authentic Thai cuisine from the surrounding street vendors.
We spent the entire day soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The evening was uneventful, a perfect end to a relaxing day.
Day three was where things got truly adventurous. We booked a boat trip to Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay, and Khai Island (8,000 Thai baht total, including hotel pick-up, lunch, and drinks). We were picked up by van at 9:30 AM and taken to the pier. After checking in, we were treated to coffee, juice, and snacks before boarding the catamaran. Our host, Mr. Joker, gave us a safety briefing and outlined the day's itinerary.
Our first stop was Pileh Lagoon, a breathtakingly beautiful spot with crystal-clear water. Picture a hidden cove, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with water so clear you can see the fish swimming below. We rented a longtail boat to explore the lagoon (300 Thai baht per person), which was an unforgettable experience.
Next, we visited Maya Bay. Ah, Maya Bay. For those who don't know, this is where the iconic movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. While swimming wasn't allowed (it's now a protected area to preserve the coral reefs and shark population), the white sand beach and stunning views were incredible. The sheer beauty of the place, the towering cliffs, the turquoise water – it’s a postcard come to life.
We then headed to Phi Phi Don for lunch before continuing to Khai Island.
After lunch, we made our way to Monkey Bay. This was the spot I was really looking forward to – snorkeling! The water was invitingly clear, and I was itching to see what was beneath the surface. I’d made a smart move before the trip and invested in a waterproof pouch for my iPhone, and I was so glad I did. I slipped my phone into the pouch, double-checked the seal, and jumped into the water.
Monkey Bay was incredible. The coral reefs were vibrant, teeming with life. Schools of colorful fish darted around, and I even spotted a few clownfish hiding among the anemones. I was able to capture some amazing underwater videos with my iPhone, the colors and clarity were stunning. It’s funny how a simple waterproof pouch can unlock a whole new world of photography. I spent a good while just floating, mesmerized by the underwater spectacle.
At Khai Island, the weather took a sharp turn. The sky went dark, thunder started rolling, and the sea got pretty rough, fast.
The plan to use the floating pier? Forget it. The crew looked a bit worried, and they told us we'd have to wade through the waves to get back on the boat.
Honestly, it looked a little dicey. The waves were coming in strong, and people were starting to look nervous. I saw an older couple, holding onto each other, looking really hesitant. And, well, you know, my parents were out there too. So, I figured, someone had to help.
I just kind of started wading in. The waves were pushing me around a bit, and the rocks underfoot were slippery. I offered a hand to the older couple, and they grabbed on pretty tight. I just tried to keep them steady as we moved through the water. Then I saw a few more people struggling, some looking pretty scared.
It wasn't like I was doing anything amazing, just trying to keep people from falling over. I'm a big guy, so I figured I could at least be a bit of an anchor. People were grateful, which was nice. A few thanked me, some just nodded. My feet were getting pretty banged up on the rocks, but it didn't really matter.
I just kept helping people get back on the boat until everyone was safe. It wasn't some grand heroic moment, just a bunch of people trying to get back on a boat in rough water. The ride back was bumpy, but we made it. And honestly, it felt good to know I'd helped out a bit.
Our final day was a chill one. We checked out of our Airbnb, grabbed some coffee, and returned the rental car before our flight. Phuket was a whirlwind of experiences, from the initial travel chaos to the island-hopping adventure. We made some incredible memories, and despite the mishaps, it was a trip we'll never forget.
#PhuketAdventures #IslandHoppingThailand #TravelWithFamily #UnderwateriPhone #ThaiBeachLife #UnexpectedTravels
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