SUMMARY
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Thailand is quite similar to the Philippines, in that both are blessed with white sand beaches, friendly locals and a diverse culture from south to north. The contrast between the two is that the former’s coastline is lined with high-end resorts, luxury apartments for expats, restaurants and all the amenities of more developed tourism.
Despite these modernizations, Thailand is still a comparable and affordable destination for travelers looking for a tropical paradise outside the Philippines.
Krabi
Krabi is not as popular as Phuket and Ko Samui, making it a better option for those looking to relax but still get to enjoy the beach and get away from the craziness of the two. There is that rural charm yet with the modernization of a developed tropical destination. There are accommodations for the budget traveler and big time spender with many resorts, guesthouses, hostels and all sorts of restaurants for a relaxing holiday.
For some beach bumming time, get a place to stay near Ao Nang beach. For those staying in Krabi town, there are several songthaews (their version of jeeps) that travel to different places around and just outside of town for tourists.
Head to Tiger Temple, one of the most sacred in Krabi, for a half-day trip and see part of the countryside that has yet to be developed. The temple has more than a thousand steps, approximately 600m high, for those willing to take on the challenge. I decided to explore the base and a few hundred steps up the mountain.
I went on a 4-island tour for 400 Baht; the trip included Poda Island, Tup & Si Island and Railay Beach. Poda and Railay are the noteworthy destinations because of their scenic landscape, fine-powdered sand and emerald waters.
Go on a tour to James Bond Island to see the iconic rock formation where the movie of the same name shot a few scenes.
I paid around 1000 Baht to see the island that came with other destinations. You have other options for island hopping and inland tours, if you have the time for them. Several tour agencies offer the same thing at almost the exact same prices once you get there.
There are no direct flights from Manila to Krabi. The route I took to get here was a plane ride from Kuala Lumpur; another option is to travel by land.
Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is the closest island to Maya Bay, where the famous movie The Beach was shot.
This small island is also a famous party place for backpackers. Parties rage on from night until the wee hours of the morning. The island seemed overcrowded with what seemed like more tourists than locals (I went during the rainy season).
I paid 550 Baht to go on an island tour that included Maya Bay and Bamboo Island. The two were the only noteworthy destinations in the package.
Despite the crowds that visited and the obvious modernizations, Maya Bay did not disappoint. The clear, cerulean waters were ideal for swimming in and the rock formations that hugged the bay were picturesque. The fine, bone white sand was soft on the feet and ideal for lazing around in after a dip in the waters. There is a 100 Baht entrance fee before you enter or leave the island.
Bamboo Island is a tropical destination where you can enjoy the waters and laze around the beach for half an hour or so.
I went to Ko Phi Phi via Phuket; van and ferry combos are often the transportation of choice when moving from one island to another. The ticket cost me 350 Baht one way.
Phuket
To my surprise, Phuket is a big island; I thought it was the same size as Boracay but I was mistaken. This island is probably the most famous of the southern islands in Thailand; it is also the most commercialized. Several luxury resorts and hotels mix with the old houses and temples on the island. Many restaurants and malls sold goods and food from different corners of the world.
Because of its commercialization, food is quite expensive compared to Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. You could easily spend more than 100 Baht per meal here; and the usual Nutella mango pancakes I purchase are 10-20 Baht more expensive.
I stayed in Kata which is a nice place to stay in; the hostels, guesthouses, restaurants and a shopping area are all accessible and within walking distance.
Kata Beach was an ideal place to relax and swim in; I spent a lot of time just on the beach and doing nothing. The nearby Karon Beach is another noteworthy destination and is also within walking distance.
You have several options of things to do while in Phuket; go on a city tour or visit nearby island, several tour agencies offer packages for visitors.
Ko Samui
This small island off the coast of Thailand has white and golden sand beaches for holiday seekers looking to get away from the crowds or enjoy a good night out; Ko Samui has a bit of everything for everyone.
Chaweng and Lamai Beach are the two biggest and commercialized areas on the island. Several shops, motorbike rentals, restaurants, clubs, bars, spas and everything you need to enjoy a holiday are within reach, a few meters from the beach.
The former has fine, white sand that stretches for more than a kilometer and azure waters for lounging and swimming in. The latter has coarser sand but is golden, still beautiful and perfect for a tropical vacation.
To get away from the crowds Choeng Mon and Silver Beach are the places to go to; both have fine, bone white sand and have fewer visitors.
If you want to do more than just bum around the beach, go on an island tour for 450 Baht. Trip takes you to Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Laem, these temples contain Buddhist relics for the devout and interested visitors.
You also get to see different rock formations and will go to a eco-tourism site where you ride a truck and trek to a small waterfall.
Accommodations
Southern Thailand has everything for everyone, budget, mid-priced and luxury accommodations are easy to find because of the region’s popularity (the country boasts more than 20 million tourists every year). To save money, book a dorm bed or a private room through HostelWorld.com. To reduce expenses even more, try CouchSurfing.com. Dorm beds and some private rooms can go as cheap as 200 Baht (approximately P350) a night.
Where to eat
Thailand is a good value place to eat, meals cost somewhere between 50 to 100 Baht (P70 to P150), depending on where and how much you eat. Food stalls and local restaurants offer satisfying and delicious meals that are affordable. Krabi, Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi are cheaper to eat in compared to Phuket.
Going places
Traveling from one place to another is easy; Thailand is a developed tourist destination, several buses and boats can take you to your next destination. Many travel agencies or the place you stay in will help arrange transportation, by bus, boat, or a combination of both. The cost of transport ranges from 300 to 600 Baht depending on distance.
Ride the songthaews to reduce costs when moving from one area to another within a city. The ride costs approximately 50 to 100 Baht one way. If you know how to ride a motorcycle, you get to save more and travel at your own pace.
The travel agencies or hostels can arrange group tours for you, even if you are traveling solo. You can join others to visit some of the attractions in Southern Thailand; you do not have to book in advance, as tours are available once you get there.
Expenses
Thailand is a good value destination that allows you to stretch your budget, whether you are backpacking or luxuriously spending. P1000 or less per day is a realistic budget when you tour the southern region; the things you do, where you stay and eat are factors that will affect your expenses. You get good value for what you pay for, meals are satisfying, accommodation is good even if you are on a budget, and joining tour groups are an option if you are traveling solo and want to save money.
Will you be visiting soon? Which is your favorite beach in the world? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com
Joshua Berida is a full time writer, part-time wanderer with insatiable wanderlust. He plans his next trip during a current one. He plans on exploring the Philippines and beyond. Read about his adventures on thewanderingjuan.net
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