#47: Return to Thailand

02.03.2020

Today, we have to say goodbye to Vietnam. As our visa will expire in two days, we are heading back to Thailand. We really enjoyed our time in Vietnam. The nature here is beautiful, whether it's on the coast or in the Mekong Delta. The people are nice and every day is filled with a little adventure. But now we are going to the relatively safe Thailand.

Our departure day starts around half past six. We get ready and pack our stuff. Three quarters of an hour later, we go down to the lobby to check out and have breakfast. Checking out is easy and fast, but unfortunately, we have to skip breakfast as the bar (contrary to the information we received the day before) is not yet open. Annoying, but since breakfast wasn't that great anyway, it's not a big deal.

Outside the hostel, we wait for our pre-ordered Grab taxi, which takes us to the airport at a reasonable price. Checking in, dropping off our backpacks, and finally the flight with VietJet Air all go smoothly. When approaching Phuket, we can see the jungle, the beautiful beaches, and the turquoise water, which increases our anticipation. The immigration process in Thailand is a bit exciting, as we don't have the (sometimes) required amount of cash or the (sometimes) required outbound ticket. But we smile nicely during passport control, so both are not a problem.

Phuket International Airport is located about 30 km from Phuket Town, the capital of the island, where we will spend the first two nights. We want to travel to the hostel by minivan. Unfortunately, the minivans only leave when enough passengers have been found. Therefore, we have to wait for about three quarters of an hour with our ticket in hand. When the minivan is finally full, we start. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to us, the driver first drops off the passengers farthest away from their destination, so we pass Phuket Town. We are dropped off on the way back, after a detour of 40 minutes, with loudly complaining French people.

Due to waiting for the minivan and the extra sightseeing tour, we arrive at the hostel around two hours later than planned, around 5 p.m. The hostel is located in the old town of Phuket Town, on one of the most beautiful streets. We are greeted very warmly and taken directly to our room. The furnishings are simple but lovely. Above our bed, we have an additional loft bed, which makes the bed like a canopy bed.

We just take a short walk through the city to find dinner. The houses here are all quite small and very colorful. The streets are narrow and the traffic is not as heavy as we are used to. The city seems like a small, loving village on the coast. We find our dinner in a small shop that houses twelve cats in the attached café. The food here is delicious, typical of Thailand. We treat ourselves to a Chang beer and then make our way back to the hostel. That's it for today.