Thailand part 2

After 3 days in Bangkok, we headed off to the island of Phuket. The green taxi ordered by Vie hotel cost just 300baht to Suvarnabhumi Airport. I had booked our domestic flight with Thai Smile. Check in was smooth and after a short wait, we boarded the flight. The name really befits the airline. A vibrant fresh colour in orange, as per usual lots of attractive smiling faces and a wonderful service. We were given a sandwich meal and drinks for a 1hour 10 min flight with a 20kg luggage allowance each! Some low cost European airlines need to take note.

Lots to smile about!

Island view from my window seat

Mr Chai Phuket

So our airport transfer was with Mr Chai. I booked this based on TripAdvisor reviews. He is very professional and communicated well via email and WhatsApp. Our lovely driver Mr Phud was waiting for us in a comfortable air-conditioned 4x4. On our trip to Karon beach, he pointed out various landmarks. A 50min journey cost us 900baht. We used Mr Chai's services the next day to do a customised 6 hour private tour at a cost of 1500baht. The tour included Big Buddha, Chalong temples & Monkey hill.

Big Buddha

Views from the hill

Steps leading to the Buddha

Amazing structure

Chalong temple

Cheeky monkeys

MANDARAVA RESORT & SPA

This hotel is in the Karon beach area of Phuket. It is a large resort perched on a hill. There are 5 pools including an adult/quiet pool. It is a very hilly resort which often requires transportation in a buggy to get to your room and with temperatures reaching 40 degrees it comes as a welcome addition. Rooms are airy and bright with the exception of the bathrooms which are oven hot with no ventilation (don't count the window as that just lets in hot outdoor air). Wifi needed to always be reconnected when coming back to the room which was a bit of a nuisance. As with all hotels, using their amenities is more expensive. There are a lot of fine eateries and beauty salons all within walking distance.

Wonderful views

Bedroom

Some more killer views