You know what’s better than travelling? Travelling with your bestie! My BFF is also my favourite travel buddy because we share the same pace while travelling. The way our frequency matches when we hit the road is something that I haven’t found with anyone else. She is getting married in a couple of months and it was reason enough for us to escape together to a foreign land to celebrate the beginning of her new life! She wanted to have a relaxed beach vacation, and that’s exactly what we had. We took a trip to Thailand, The Land of Smiles, and had a laidback holiday on its largest and most popular island – Phuket! Its gorgeous beaches boasting soft white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters, along with just the right amount of nightlife allured me to travel to this country once again.
Here’s How We Had A Blast On Our Trip To Thailand
1. Patong Beach
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The beaches are amazing and their splendour is enhanced even more when you go there at night. Since we were staying at a beachfront property in Patong, we had the liberty of enjoying it whenever we wanted. It is the most popular beach in Phuket. Kicking, jumping, stomping, and splashing in the water at this 3-kilometre-long strip of golden sand was our way to wind up the day.
If you are a party animal, then you will have an immense choice of restaurants and clubs, offering legendary nightlife. This area of Phuket is big, bold, and bright, and you are going to love it!
2. Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour
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We went on this full-day tour to explore Phuket attractions that included Old Town, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha (the biggest Buddha statue on the island), Karon, Nak-Kerd Sea, Rang Hill viewpoints, and a local cashew nut factory. The panoramic views overlooking the azure ocean portray the island’s marvellous beauty. Of all the places, my favourite was Phuket Old Town, owing to its unique cafes, restaurants, and shops. The distinctive architecture of the colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings is a treat to the eyes. Along with being popular among foodies and shopaholics, there are numerous spots for taking Instagram-worthy pictures as well in this part of Phuket.
Duration: 6 hours
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3. Scuba Diving in Racha Noi & Racha Yai
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I dived twice in Thailand in the year 2020, and I was extremely excited this time as well. Scuba diving in the Racha Islands was the highlight of my trip. The dive sites here offer coral reefs, incredibly good visibility, and abundant reef fish. The marine life here is pretty awesome. I spotted yellow-lipped sea kraits, various nudibranchs, spotfin lionfish, boxfish, giant moray, sea cucumbers, etc. Racha Noi and Racha Yai are known for big granite boulders and a white sandy bottom. What left me completely spellbound were the huge corals. I had never witnessed such a mesmerising underwater wonder! With my three dives here, my total dive count is 12 now.
Duration: 11 hours
4. Island Hopping: Khai Nok, Khai Nai, & Khai Nui Island
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If you are a water baby and are constantly looking for ways to be surrounded by the ocean, then island hopping in Thailand is a must. Cruising along over the Andaman Sea and feeling the wind in our hair was just the beginning of this unforgettable day. We explored the vibrant underwater world while snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, fed the local cat population on Khai Nai Island, and swam and soaked up some sun on the white sandy beaches. Even the boat ride was fun-filled. Fresh, seasonal fruits, soft drinks, etc. were served throughout the day.
Duration: 4 hours
Expenditure:
- Flight: ₹27,000 for round trip/person
- Accommodation: ₹12,000 for a 3-star beachfront property (4 nights)
- Scuba diving (3 dives + photos & videos): ₹12,000
- Tour tickets: ₹6,000/person
- Visa: ₹5,000/person
I hope our travel experience will help you in planning a wonderful escapade to Thailand with your bestie!
Moreover, this is the best time to travel to Thailand as it’s visa-free for Indian passport holders from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. The country has introduced the visa waiver, permitting Indian tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. So what are you waiting for? Call your friends right now and start planning to embark on an adventurous journey. Here’s a final glimpse of my Thailand trip
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Happy travelling!
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Cover Image Credits: @strolling_shoes/Instagram
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