Tigerline speedboat, Koh Phi Phi to Phuket. + Stickers explained.

Speedboat, Koh Phi Phi to Phuket.

The Tigerline speedboat drew into the #kohphiphi main pier and off loaded half a dozen tourist and their bags. We didn't get a chance to ask them how far they had come as it was our chance to board. The boat was pretty full as the speedboat left and it was quite noisy with the 3 x 250 hp's on the back, so we all settled into our traveller's 'zone out' mode. I glanced back as we left Tonsa Bay and saw the great plume of spray from the engines frame the mountains around Nui Bay cliffs.

Tigerline speedboat ferry arriving on Koh Phi Phi 

Transfer Sticker system on Phi Phi and Phuket. How it works.

Sticker used for transit

These transfer stickers get given to you when you hand in your ticket to agent at the Phi Phi pier. This sticker told the people at the Rasada Pier, Phuket, whether I had a private taxi or joined a group bus to Phuket Airport or to one of the many Phuket Beaches. So this was the onward transfer info. It made for quite a slick process when there were 20 different languages amongst us. This is the same system they use for the tours as well. 

The Phi Phi Pier 4 pm depart time was nearer 4.40 pm which was a bit confusing but when I understood the itinerary it was no wonder that the Tigerline speedboat gets delayed. The massive 3 x 250 horse power engines drives 45 people up from Li Pe island from 100 km further south from Koh PhiPhi. The #speedboat stopped in Trang, Koh Lanta, & suffers from weather, tide and issues of delays from the general public.

Settling in to our seats on the speedboat

Our esteemed Captain...a serious man.

The View of Tonsai & Nui Cliffs in the rear, framed: Koh Phi Phi

Nearing Rasada Pier Phuket

Reversing stern on, in Rasada Port, Phuket

I slept for the crossing from Phi Phi Don and in just under the hour we slowed to approach Rasada Pier the main ferry port in Phuket.

3 x 250hps !! speed.. but comes with noise.

Unloading the bags at the municipal Rasada Pier

Rasada Port with other ferries arriving.

At Rasada Pier I met my joint taxi minibus ride to Chalong at the end of a very comfortable speedboat trip.

Further articles on Koh Phi Phi Speedboats can be found here:Speedboat Ferry Phuket To Phi Phi Island

Private Speedboat transfers from Phuket to Phi Phi

Speedboat Hire On Phi Phi Island

Airport Transfer from Phuket Phi Phi

Phi Phi Pier

Boarding the speedboat ferry

Thai Road Trip. Bangkok to Phuket & Phuket to Pha Phanang

Thai Road trip

I have taken 3 Road trips in Thailand in 2016 December. Bangkok to Phuket, Phuket to Pha Phanang and Phuket to Pha Panang. All the trips were done with my Thai family and were such an adventure of cultural differences that I thought they had to be documented.


Travelling down to the south of Thailand was done in Kassem's mini van. Kassem does transfers to and from Krabi Airport from the Beaches and the Phi Phi Piers. Kassem is a quiet man who takes his driving seriously and we progressed south in great cheer. The women talked endlessly about the next stop, the previous day's diner and the next breakfast stop.

We had started the day at the Centre Point Grand Hotel at Ploenchit in the center of Bangkok and were driven out to Coke's house. This took about 45 minutes. This was done as Kassem was not sure of the roads in the center of Bangkok and rather than get lost and loose hours, one of the nephews picked us up and took us north away from our destination. So having started the day with a detour we were on the road at about 6am, just before the Monday morning traffic.

Centre Point Grand Hotel at Ploenchit with family

After about an hour and a half we stopped at a petrol station to stretch our legs, have a toilet break and hunt down  bit to eat. There seems nothing more appealing to Thai people from the south than to go looking for food. The anticipation and the talk about the potential food is an all engrossing subject that provides the prelim for what is eaten.

The family split out and Kassem headed for the MC Donald's for a coffee. Suree, her brother Baan Ali and I found a smart looking cafe serving morning foods. I had Khaow Tom, (rice soup), and Baan Ali had Bai krapow, minced chicken on rice with a fried egg.

We travelled south with the men including myself quiet as the women talked on about the food they had and how much better or worse it was than in the south. The conversation turned to family and the pros and cons of this girlfriend, husband was bandied around for a while before returning to the key subject one hunt for the next food experience. As we passed various areas along the road, the local people would sell what ever was considered their speciality. Grape fruits were in season and their were countless shack stalls with shade for the seller and piles of the fruit. Next it would be Long Kong fruit or grass brushes, or honey or eggs, a whole kaleidoscope of differing produce made, or procured from the land.

This is the mama and papa business ethic of huge numbers of Thai merchants. This way of life prioritises Independence, small scale,  flexible and intimate business. The government only Taxes these type of traders in a very small way as it is such a large group of voting people.

Local grass products and bags of rice

This group of people has flourished free of the shackles of government oversite, health and safety and all the other burdens of modern life in the west. The continual site of people selling their wares along the street gives an impression of a vibrant merchant economy. This is under threat from the modern corporates who now are able sell everything efficiently and cheaply and hygienically and in air con. Businesses  like 7 Eleven and Family Mart are covering Thailand. I hope these small stall holders last as they make a truly interesting site along the roads of Thailand.

Random guy promoting his business

We stopped at Hua Hin to visit a street full of the way it was about 40 years ago. The shops were full of Memorabelia and photos of times gone by, perhaps an innocent time before the Internet and mobile phones. Like all countries I have visited including my very own England the nostalgia for these simpler times runs through all countries.I snapped an image of the recently Late King while he was making the Sailing boat from wood. This actual boat can be seen in the Reception area of the Boat Lagoon Hotel In Phuket.

Typical back streets in some of the towns we visited for a bite to eat

Minibus view of the road to Chumpon

Sunset near Surat Thani

On south again and we stopped at Chumpoon and Kiri Khan before heading over to the west side of the country to Phuket. This was done in the dark and the roads are not lit so added care was taken by Kassem to get us safely over the Sarasin Bridge to Phuket.

Phuket to Pak Panang

3 days later we set off on our Road Trip to Pak Phanang in Nakhorn SI Thammarat Province. This was different in that I was driving my old Honda CRV which must be 12 years old. The roads covered must take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Thailand. As soon as you get off Phuket island you are confronted with a very green untouched landscape with views of mountains to the north and Limestone Karst scenery around the northern end of Phangna Bay. 

Phang Nga layby-stunning scenery

This road is always one of the highlights of any drive I do in Southern Thailand. We used to live in Krabi but go to the hospital in Phuket for my son, Thomas and had to make this road trip quiet regularly. I would stop as often as I could to learn something new about the road and attractions near by. It certainly is worth doing with a good map and having an explore. Reminder: Road between Phuket and Krabi.

Quieter roads along the jungle path

View on the dual carriage way heading south

Just before we reached Krabi Town we turned off at Ao Luk (really fresh market) and headed east across the country. This area is like time forgot with hectares upon hectares of rubber, palm and virgin jungle in every direction you look. The road is quite windy as the road winds its way between small villages and mountain ranges anymore Karst limestone scenery. If you find a stop on market day, you won't find anything fresher for local produce off the land.

Side streets in to the country around Krabi

As you near Nakhorn SI Thamarat Province you are confronted with one of Southern Thailands biggest mountains. To get through and around this takes a lot longer that it might suggest as the massif is so large. If the scenery was remote when we crossed the Kra Isthmus the and scale became more dramatic with the signs of huge waterfalls appearing high up along the foothills. The east coast experiences a totally different weather pattern in December to the West coast so the land was verdant, the rivers full and many fields flooded.
We skirted the main town of Nakhorn SI Thamarrat and headed over the last 28 km flat lands to Pak Phanang. Many houses on stilts were flooded and had small canoe s tied up to the steps at the entrances. Men could be seen wading through swamps with nets trying to catch the river fish that appear everywhere in these conditions.



Arriving at Pak Phanang after 6.5 hours we settled in to some fine hospitality at Baan Ali's house and ate river prawn and a whole range of delicacies.

Just before Nakhorn Si Thammarat

Tags: #roadtrip, roadtrip, road trip, thai, thailand, #thai, #thailand

Ferry to Phuket - Koh Phi Phi- Is this enough time to catch my flight?

I'm trying to coordinate my return from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok, via Phuket.

If my ferry arrives at Rassada Pier at 4:00 pm, will I have time to catch my 7:05 pm flight out of Phuket Airport? Bangkok Airways says we need to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before the flight, making the timing a bit tight.

Will our timing be ok? Or should we choose the ferry that arrives to Rassada Pier at 11:00 am?

Answer to: Is this enough time to catch my flight?

A taxi/minibus transfer from the Rassada pier at 4pm for a 7pm flight from Phuket Airport is easily arranged and should be no problems in timing. The taxi/minibus drivers usually skirt Phuket town traffic round the back of Khao Yang and get up to the airport in just over an hour at that time in the day.

If you go from Phi Phi to Krabi, the ferry takes the same time but the trip from the pier to Krabi Airport is 40 minutes. There are less daily flights from Krabi Airport to Bangkok (5 a day) than from Phuket airport  (5 a day) to Bangkok.

Useful Links. 

Airport Transfer from Phuket Phi Phi

Phuket airport Phi Phi island transfers

Phi Phi Pier

Klong Jilad Pier Krabi

Ferry boat Phi Phi to Krabi

Rassada Pier Phuket

Sea Angel ferry bound for Rassada Pier from Phi Phi

Picking up mini buses at Rassada Pier

Krabi Jirad Pier

On the way to Krabi

2012 Great Thailand hotel deals online

Avista Resort And Spa PHUKET 5 star resort
Rating by customers 4.22 out of 5
from 2,386 THB/ Kata Promentary

Early Bird and Free Night Specials at http://hotel-travel-phuket.com/hotels/HKTAVI-specials.htm
14 day Early bird for 3, 5, or 7 night deal.
60 day Early bird for 4,6, 8 night deal
15 Night Free Night Special

Avista Resort And Spa PHUKET 5 star resort

 

 

 

Amari Palm Reef Resort SAMUI ISLAND.
4 star/ Rating by customers 4.44 out of 5/
Prices from 3,805 THB/
Right on the beach/
Early Bird and Free Night Specials at http://hotel-travel-samui.com/hotels/SMUAMA-specials.htm

Amari Palm Reef Resort SAMUI ISLAND 5 star resort

Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi       5 Star Resort
Rating by customers 4.5 out of 5/
From 3,844 THB a night
Special Deals, Free Night Specials at http://hotel-travel-krabi.com/hotels/KBVSOI-specials.htm
14 day Early bird for 3, 5, or 7 night deal.
60 day Early bird for 4,6, 8 night deal.

Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi       5 Star Resort

Kantary Bay PHUKET    4 star resort
Ratings by customers 4.57 out of 5 (excellent)
from 1,302 THB a night/ on the beach front

Early Bird and Free Night Specials at http://hotel-travel-phuket.com/hotels/HKTBAH-specials.htm

14 day Early bird for 3, 5, or 7 night deal.
60 day Early bird for 4,6, 8 night deal
15 Night Free Night Special

Kantary Bay PHUKET    4 star resort

Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok- Ratchadapisek Hotel 4 star Resort
Rating by customers 3.82 out of 5 / from, 1,810THB/
Early Bird and Free Night Specials at http://hotel-travel-bangkok.com/hotels/BKKGRE-specials.htm
14 day Early bird for 3, 5, or 7 night deal.
60 day Early bird for 4,6, 8 night deal.15 Night Free Night Special

Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok- Ratchadapisek Hotel 4 star Resort

 

Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa reviews

Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa reviews infinity pool

As you come over the Khatu pass connecting Patong Beach to the rest of Phuket, you get your first experience of one of Thailand's top travel destinations. Patong town sits centred in between the towering mountains of the Patong Highlands and is bordered by the warm and enchanting Indian Ocean. Though Patong is a large town the lucky Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa is beachfront with nothing in between it and the glorious and daily sunsets.

If you are coming to Patong on Phuket you would do well to check out this resort as it has position quality and one key quirk that makes it one of the best value 4 star resorts in Phuket Thailand. Here is the introduction to the main article that explains all you need to know.



Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa enjoys the reputation of a good hotel on the Patong Beachfront Road with pool views stretching out over the Indian Ocean. The resort is close enough to the centre of Patong to be a 15 minute stroll along the beach but not to close to be surrounded by any nightlife. To read the rest make sure you click on Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa reviews

Phuket Hash House Harriers

Phuket Hash House Harriers the walk

'Down downs', 'circles', 'paper', the songs, Phuket Hash House Harriers is the expat informal gathering for people on Phuket island, Thailand. Based on the idea that you should really have a bit of exercise before you have a drink in the afternoon, the hashers run around in a large circular route laid and organised by the days 'hare'. The hare will lay the paper in a way that will trick the front runners (who are held in low esteem by those of experience and age) into false trails and help the walkers bring up the rear in an attempt to bring them back to the 'lager' (the starting point) all at the same time.

Phuket Hash House Harriers the circle

From then on in it descends into drink, fines or alleged fines for offences to the hashing code. This is based on the principle that you shouldn't try, you shouldn't be an idiot and you should be able to take your ale. The rules are simple; there are no rules, get on with it. If this kind of chaos/ random appeals read on.

Phuket Hash House Harriers is part running, part drinking group of people that brings together a glorious miss-match of personalities 7 times a month. On a Hash House Harriers day you meet up and are then called together and introduced by the Grand Master to the 'hare' of the day and then set off to follow the paper.. To read more go to Phuket Hash House Harriers.

Phuket Hash House Harriers the crossing

Thailand Island Hopping

Thailand Island Hopping must be one of the world's 10 top things to do. Maybe not on a scale of the 7 wonders of the world but a truly fun and happy experience. To come to Thailand for some island hopping, the land of the smiles, with a small travel bag, a list of top beaches, some ferry times and no particular itinerary feels like freedom, an authentic break with town life back home.

Phang Nga Bay island Hopping boats with the traditional Longtail boat

Thailand has two island infested seas, the Indian Ocean on the south west shore and the Gulf of Siam on the east. The islands on the west coast are dominated by Phuket , Phi Phi Island and Koh Lanta and the east coast comprises of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Chang. These are the best destinations for a good selections of bungalows, hotel or resorts. Often travellers will choose either coast for their stay as it makes sense but not spend too much time in the process of travel.

Island Hopping Ferry ride to Phangan Haad Rin Full Moon Party Thailand

Here is an overview of these islands to give you a taste of what is great, a must see and what to expect. Firstly the west coast island.

Phuket island hopping.
Famous Phuket found in the 1970's by Vietnam War veterans in search of Paradise and should be on your island hopping list. The perfect beaches on the west coast of the island corralled by the Phuket Highlands that soar up 600 meters, covered with jungle and rubber plantation. The key beaches, now as major holiday destination are Patong, Bang Tao, Karon and Kata Beaches. These resort centers area great places to go and do a bit of haggling for those souvenirs and mementos for back home.

Phuket Island Hopping Thailand

On top of this the seas are a wonderful play ground for sailors, surfers and divers as long as sight seers. Phuket is also right on the doorstep of the Phang Nga Bay where James Bond island towers above the famous beach in the Man with the Golden Gun.

Phuket town is the primary center of the island and hosts the yearly Chinese Vegetarian Festival, an exciting, noisy rodeo of Chinese tradition ancient rites and a very macabre series of gory processions that attempt top route out evil and bring luck for the years ahead.



Phi Phi Island island hopping Just 45 km, 1 hour 30 minute from either Krabi or Phuket island this stunning island is perhaps the jewel of Thailand's islands. 6 mini islands and outcrops, sheer cliffs drop down into the coral filled seas teaming with fish and marine life make this a one stop island hopping paradise. Diving, snorkeling and hanging out are the main adventures by day and the night life and moon light evening make for an exceptional experience. There are no cars on this island and so you are continually hoping in and out of boats to get to all the cool beaches and over to the main bar areas in Phi Phi Don Village.

Phi Phi Island Hopping Thailand

Phi Phi Hotels are mainly on Phi Phi Don and are dominated by the 2 and 3 star resorts with the 4 and 5 star Zeavola, Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa being highly popular.

Island Hopping ferries in Thailand

Koh Lanta island hopping
This is a really get away island, ideal for island for hopping. Predominantly jungle mountain the island is very quiet by the standards of many islands. There are some wonderful resorts including the 2012 Top 25 resorts the Layana Resort And Spa (according to Tripadvisor). This is a great place to unwind, away from the chatter and noise of the main the large resort areas.

Koh Lanta on your island hopping tour, Thailand.

Further locations for island hopping on the west coast.Look up Koh Yao Noi in the Phang Nga bay near Phuket and Phi Phi. This exceptionally quiet island has a few great resorts. This island is flat with some great beaches but with prime position looking out onto the stellar skyline of the island filled Phang Nga Bay.

Koh Yao-island hopping Thailand

Near Krabi Island you have the famous Koh Jum which is a place back in time. Hound by the hippies in the 1980's it has a cast away feel. You can get to this island from Krabi town. Other islands to look up are Koh Kradang, Koh Mook the southerly Koh Tarutao Islands. If you go north to Khao Lak there are islands near the Burmese Boarder such as Koh Chang that are definitely worth an explore.


Koh SamuiVery different from the west coast islands, Koh Samui islanders have a very different take on life. Predominantly Chinese and Thai, (On the West coast you have Muslim Thai and Chinese) the mood is very laid back. Surrounding the main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai you have have exciting mix of of resort town, superb entertainment and night scene. This very wooded and mountainous island has lots to see and explore and the west coast beaches are remote and have timeless sunsets.

                                                                                                                  Samui Island Hopping Thailand

Koh Phangan island Hopping
Very few people get through their time in the Gulf of Thailand without hearing about the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. Koh Phangan comes alive every full moon as every island hopper in Thailand high tails it down to Haad Rin Beach for 5 days of non stop party. This is a monthly massive event and you hear the rumour mills and the secrets traded as far a field as Khao San Road in Bangkok and Chaing Mai.

Phangan Island Hopping Thailand

Further islands of interest on the east (Gulf of Siam )
Koh Tao is the island famous for diving on the esat coast. There are many beautiful coral gardens around this island and many dive schools there to teach diving. Koh Chang in the far East near Cambodia. This island is a great favourite amongst people from Bangkok.

Koh Chang Island Hopping Thailand

Koh Lipe Island Hopping Thailand

Bamboo island island Hopping boats with speedboats