Surfing Head-High Waves, Banana Nutella Pancakes & Paradise Islands in Southern Thailand
After our travels through Australia felt surprisingly similar to the United States, we were thrilled to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Southeast Asia.
Australia to Phuket
After a grueling 10-hour layover at Brisbane Airport, we boarded our 2.5-hour flight to Melbourne for some rest, then dashed through the domestic terminal to catch our 8-hour international flight to Phuket with minutes to spare.
After four and a half in-flight movies, we descended toward crystal-clear turquoise waters. A 500-baht taxi ride took us to Old Town Phuket. Tip: Even with your hotel's address and phone number, navigation can be tricky—our driver grew frustrated after multiple failed calls and detours.
Old Town Phuket
Thankfully, the hotel answered just in time, preventing us from being dropped off as lost foreigners. At Old Town Phuket Hostel, the receptionist spoke minimal English—a genuine cultural immersion we weren't fully prepared for, but expected in a foreign land. Our 450-baht room was comfortable enough for a solid night's sleep.
The next morning, we started early to beat the heat while heading to the bus stop. We stumbled upon the lively local weekend market. Note: Food hygiene standards differ from the West—meats sat uncovered in the sun, attracting flies. After browsing, we caught the local bus to Kata Beach for just 30 baht each.
Kata Beach
Kata's bus station is beachfront, steps from various accommodations. After 30 minutes in the scorching sun, we settled on Rico’s Bungalows for its pool—more affordable than the $27 USD/night options nearby.
These poolside bungalows felt luxurious by our budget standards, and the staff offered invaluable Thailand travel advice.
We enjoyed waist-to-head-high surf daily at Kata Beach. Coming from pricey Australia, $3-5 USD/hour board rentals were a steal. Post-surf, fresh crepes—especially banana Nutella—were a delicious treat!
Kata leans touristy, favoring big-spenders over backpackers, but budget eats exist with effort. The Orchid on the main street serves affordable, flavorful Thai dishes. We also loved 7-Eleven's muffins, rice burgers, and blessed air conditioning amid 95°F humidity.
Raya Island
On day two, Raya Father Tours took us to Raya Island for $40 USD/person, including stellar snorkeling and lunch. We relaxed at the beachside Reggae bar or hiked the cliffs, spotting exotic iguanas and hawk-like birds. Less crowded than Phi Phi or James Bond Island, it's a serene escape.
Thai Massage in Phuket
After beach days and weeks in cramped transport, a 200-baht Thai massage next door sounded perfect. Side-by-side sessions started well, but a sudden back bend left me in tears from pain. Staff applied red balm to my spasming muscles, offering a follow-up. Pain lingered, making me cautious about Thai massages!
We delayed our 9am bus to Koh Phangan, opting for a longer afternoon route due to my discomfort.
Have you explored southern Thailand? What's your favorite spot?
