Self Drive Around Phuket

Exploring Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand on our own was the most memorable and educational trip as I learned lots from driving around the island, explore the island by looking at printed maps, of course using google maps as well and learning about Penang influence in Phuket town was really an eye opener.  

Phuket Town

This was my 4th trip to Phuket.  The first trip was a 3 days 2 nights lucky draw won by boss then but she gave it to me.  It included flight, Le Meridien accommodation and half day tour in the 1990s, then in year 2009 followed husband company trip which covered canoe activity, explored cave and seafood lunch at James Bond Island tour in Phang Nga bay and FantaSea show, then in 2012 Star Cruise that had a brief stop in Phuket.

I find that self drive exploring the island made me appreciate the island more.

We reached KLIA2, checked in for our boarding pass. Off we went to KLIA2 Lounge located at Level 2M gateway at KLIA Mall.  Another lounge is located at Gate L8 KLIA2 Pier L International departure area (same row as Gloria Jean Coffee). Having RHB and PBB World Master card will give you free access to the lounges. WIth Citibank premiermiles, points will be deducted from principal card holder for 3500 points per person for sub card holder.  You have other choice if you are holding UOB and dragon pass to eat at Sama Sama Express Lounge (03-87756600) located at Satelite Building International Departure Level 3.  Or Green Market located at Departure Level Public Concourse KLIA2 (03-87787103)

Our flight depart KL on Sat 25 November 2017 via AK824 departed 1230 arrived Phuket at 1300 hrs.  Thailand is an hour behind us. It was only a short 3 nights stay as our flight leaving Phuket back home was on Tuesday 28 November 2017 leaving via AK825 at 1330 hours arriving KL 1600 hours which cost a person of about RM480 per person on Airbus A320 with pitch of 29" width 18".  Lucky it was only a short journey.  Due to some technical glitch I did not manage to grab 4 seats via MH with seat pitch 30" width 17" which cost RM492 per person inclusive meal/baggage.

We booked through RCI for 3 nights stay at Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort located at Cherngtalay. It was a one (1) bedroom for 3 nights stay at SGD167 Estimate RM513.36, approximate RM117.12 per nite good for 4 person as there is a sofa bed at living hall.

We booked a car with Braun Car Rental at THB1300 per day.  Total fuel used was THB780 which we need to pump full prior to car return.  If we were to take airport taxi to Laguna it will cost us THB700 per way.  We have read a blog from Laguna to Patong about 30-40 minutes in year 2014 cost THB1600 with return trip plus driver waited 3 hours. So it was still economical if we get a car.

We parked our car at Putrajaya Park & Ride where the estimated parking will be RM30 versus KLIA2 for RM160.   Parking at Putrajaya per entry RM2. Overnight extra RM4.  As for KLIA2 first 3 days will be RM138 (RM46/day), additional days will be computed based on RM20 per day.  Do check out the train timing in advance so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Train ticket from Putrajaya to KLIA2 will be RM9.40 per pax per way.  If you purchase from kiosk it will cost RM8.46, 10% lesser.  If you are above 55 years old, buy from counter by showing your IC, you will get 30% less i.e. RM6.60 per person.   

Once arrived at Phuket International Airport, we proceed to purchase local True sim card which cost THB199 and pick up our car.  Off we went to have a satisfied tom yum with vermicelli lunch at Cafe de Bangtao and check into our hotel.

We had a rest before venture out again in the evening.  We left for Sweet Lemongrass Massage 2 located at Patong Beach, Kathu and glad we have chosen this place because the place was clean and the massage was excellent and it cost THB250 per hour.

Cafe de Bangtao
(European, Asian, Thai)
69/117 Moo 3 Soi Ao Bangtao
Sri Sunthon Road
Cheong Thale
Phuket Thailand
Phone + 66 76 314 321

Sweet Lemongrass Massage 2 
THB250/hr (10am-10pm), 
241/19 Soi Dr.V, Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Kathu

We have shortlisted 2 places for dinner venue and choosen Paan Yaah where we had goong ob woonsen, har mok, tomyum among the dishes we ordered. Really aroy mak mak.

Kaab Gluay Restaurant
58/3 Phrabaramee Rd,
Patong, Kathu District, Phuket (opens until 2am) 
Recommend Stir fry crab w curry powder, tomyum, 
Phone: +66 81 787 7830

Paan Yaah
249 Prabramee Road (Beach rd) Kalim (11am-11pm) 
Recommend mussels in butter, har mok kanom Krok, goong ob woonsen, pla nueng mano (lime & chilli)

It was late at night though we planned to expore Bangla Road, we decided to go back to our hotel.   You can even go to the Banzaan Fresh Market where the night market is quite happening with lots of food stalls by the road side.


Banzaan Fresh Market 
located on Sai Kor Road right behind the Jungceylon megamall in Patong. 
7am - late night

Day 2 Sun 26 Nov 2017

We explore Old Phuket Town. We have chosen Lock Tien Food Court for our breakfast and then look for Apong Mae Sunee for Apom. Stroll along the town, then landed ourselves at Torry's homemade ice cream before having Peranakan food at Kopitim by Wilai.  Plan your timing so you can check out their night market too which starts at 4 pm.

Lock Tien Food Court 
Open from 06:30 – 17:00 or when supplies run out. Closed Tuesdays. 
Location: At the traffic lights between Dibuk and Yaowarat Road

Apong Mae Sunee (9am- afternoon)
walk to a dead-end soi by the name Soi Soon-u-Thit located on the other side of Hi-So Shop. Here you will come across two small food stands. One of the street in Phuket old town.  Similar Apom Balik, less sweet (w/o nuts & sugar fillings), crispier & thinner. 

Torry’s homemade ice cream 
11am-9.30pm
Address: Soi Rommani, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phone: +66 76 510 888

Kopitiam by Wilai
Open 11am
14 & 18 Talang Road 
83300 Amphoe Muang Phuket
+66 84 606 9776

Phuket Walking Street (Lard Yai)
Old Phuket Town
Thalang Road (between Yaowarat & Thepkrassatri Road) Tambon
Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang
Night Market 4 - 10pm

If you need to have dinner, you may try this Restaurant:-

Dinner Ang Seafood
On Phuket Road, on the way to Saphan Hin (not far from Bang Niaw Chinese Temple, opposite side) ⌚ 5 pm – midnight
Read more at: https://www.phuket101.net/best-local-restaurants-phuket/


Day 3 Mon 27 Nov 2017

We had our dim sum breakfast at Racharod, recommended porridge which we came accross when on way to Lock Tien Food Court before proceed to Wat Chalong Temple follow by Big Budha before ended ourselves for a massage at Sabai- Sabai Massage, not exciting look from the front of the shop but their masseurs were good especially for foot reflexology. 

Off we went for seafood dinner at Laem Hin Seafood. If you are early you may catch the sunset.  The seafood and taste wise was very good.

Racharod DimSum
Talat Yai, Phuket Town
Phuket 83000 Thailand
Phone+66 80 263 4664

Wat Chalong Temple 
7am-5pm
8km South Phuket City
Travel along Chao Fah Nok (West) Road fr Central Festival Mall. Temple on left side road. If coming fr Chalong circle, take same road heading town, temple on right

Big Budha, Karon, Mueang Phuket
45m Marble Stone 8am -7.30pm
Nakkerd Hills, Off ChaoFa Rd East Near Chalong. Turn down Soi Yodsans & follow indication for next 6km winding up hill

Sabai-Sabai Massage
98/9 Moo 4 Kata New Road
Kata Beach
Karon, Phuket 83100
Tel: +66 76 390 819

Laem Hin Seafood
90/11 Moo 7, Soi Baan Leam Hin
Thepkrasattri Road, Koh Kaew
Phuket Town
Phuket 83200 Thailand
Phone + 66 76 239 357


Day 4 Tues 28 Nov 2017
Day to leave Phuket, we checked out and proceed to Cafe de Bangtao again for tom yum meal before returning our car and to airport for our flight home.

Big Buddha

Pan Yaah Claypot prawn with glass noodle