The Long Way to Phuket

With the tour all wrapped up a few of us decided to carry on together. I took off on a ferry with Iona, Gemma, Kate and Jo. We were told that after the 2 hour ferry it would be a 4 hour mini-bus ride to Phuket... ya, about that, if there was only one bus, or if any of them didn't require multiple tops it may in fact be 4 hours. For us it was about eight. Similar to what I experienced in Indonesia last year, the buses have these waiting areas conveniently located by shops and restaurants that most likely are giving them kickbacks. For example, we waited over an hour at one stop where we could see our bus, see the driver, and all of us that were to be on the bus were waiting at a table... my recommendation for those that follow this route - fly from Koh Samui.

Phueket itself was a little underwhelming for us all. Patong beach was very not that pretty of a beach and very touristy. The majority of the inhabitance was retired people with a large part being old men and their younger purchased Thai girls for the week. Not cool.

If I had a bit more time I would have ventured to some of the surrounding islands (like Phi Phi, featured in a few movies, like The Beach). Phuket itself I think I would skip through (or make it a quick stay) if I was to have a return visit.

It was in Phuket I said goodbye to my travel companions after sharing some great memories, a few dinking nights, hundreds of kilometers, shared hostel rooms, train cars, ferries, and pick-up trucks. Really great young ladies!