Phuket, Thailand

Nov 09 - Nov 12 '18

Today Esther has volunteered to write the post :)

We didn't really want to go to Phuket. Because there are only overcrowded party beaches there! That was at least our statement so far. So it surprised us even more that we quickly learned to appreciate the city. After the expensive dives on Koh Tao, we now have to cut our budget for a while! So we didn't have to think long when we realized that the cheap bus to Phuket was more convincing than the elaborate journey to Krabi, our actual destination. Admittedly, our mood upon arrival was not very good, mainly because our already booked hostel beds were given to an unknown Claudia. So we walked heavily loaded and in the rain through the streets of Phuket in search of a place to sleep. But fate was good to us! In the next hostel, which we reached totally wet and tired, we were immediately warmly welcomed. The very talkative and constantly smiling owner took us to his heart, so much so that he even took a picture of us when we said goodbye. Accordingly, we immediately felt comfortable! But this was also due to the food court, which was located directly on the opposite side of the street and sold cheap but very delicious Thai food. Finally, we were in soup heaven again. The next day we quickly noticed that Phuket's old town has more the flair of an artist district than that of a party mile. With the old facades and bright colors of the small row houses, the area is reminiscent of Notting Hill and is diverse compared to everything we have seen so far in Thailand. In addition, the streets were surprisingly quiet in the evening. However, our prejudices were not entirely wrong. As we noticed during a day trip to Phuket's most popular beach, Patong, here you can find a paradise for partying just a few kilometers from the center. One bar after another lines up here, the happy hour for cocktails starts at 11 in the morning, and at the beach you have to squeeze your towel between all the others. Patong was interesting but we preferred to keep our stay there as short as possible. Much nicer, on the other hand, was the visit to Big Buddha. To visit the largest Buddha we have seen in Thailand so far, we had to make a not-so-small hike uphill, but we were rewarded with a magnificent view. Overall, Phuket definitely encouraged us to continue traveling without a plan and preconceived opinions.