Phuket

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Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and apparently the most famous one in the country.
When I was in high school, I already heard about this island; that it had beautiful  beaches. So when I had the chance to visit this place for the first time with my friend, I was very excited. My friend lived in another province, which is a bit closer to Phuket so, I traveled alone from Bangkok by bus. I arrived in Phuket Town at around 4:30AM. My friend arrived at 4PM.🥴 Imagine my waiting time?!? She was crazy. 😂 

Upon arrival at Patong City, we were surprised how  crowded the place was!  We thought it was only because of the Songkran Festival, but the second time I traveled there without any occasion, it was just the same. So, yes, the place is indeed very famous! :) 
Apart from the crowd, accommodations, shops and restaurants were all over the place; there were even resorts on the hillsides. It is quite similar to El Nido town proper (hotel and resorts on the hillsides).

(Photo was taken early in the morning, so no crowd yet. ) 

Yes, so what we did to really enjoy Patong Beach, we went there about 7 in the morning.☺️

Trivia: Most tourists are still asleep early in the morning since they are exhausted from night parties. 😁

Good thing there's a nice beach just few kilometers from Patong City which is less crowded- the Karon Beach. So, it's fine to chill on this beach even late in the morning. 
Phuket is not just famous for their beaches, but they have stunning temples as well, which I enjoyed during my second time in the island. 

That Big Buddha Phuket or The Great Buddha of Phuket  with an official name, Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill is literally huge. It is 45 meters high. It is quite visible when you're at Karon Beach or Phuket Town, but driving up the hill is still recommendable. 
And you'll have a perfect view of the island on top. 

Trivia: Shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops aren't allowed in the temple. If you're wearing prohibited clothes, they'll provide some cover ups for you to wear, but be sure to return them. 😉

This Wat Chalong is one of the popular temples in Phuket. Its official name is Phramahathatchedi - Jomthaibarameepragat and is known to be dominated by the Grand Pagoda, which is said to contain a splinter of the bone of Lord Buddha. 

After visiting some temples, watching a lovely sunset may be perfect. Promthep Cape which is also known as Laem Promthep is popular for sunset viewing. I was so surprised how many people were there waiting for the sun to set. Unfortunately, the sky wasn't clear that time, our mission to take a video of an incredible sunset failed. 😆😅 Instead, we just walked around a bit farther from the large crowd and took some photos around the site where Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands and Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches were visible. 

Note: You may go island hopping (Phi-phi Islands) while in Phuket. 

Transportation from Bangkok:
*Bus (more or less 12 hrs.) 
*Plane- approximately 1hr and 20min.
*Train (not direct though)- BKK Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani (more or less 10hrs depending on which train you choose), then take a bus from Surat Thani to Phuket 
*Van rental







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