Names of travelers: Kelli Clifton and partner
Destination: Thailand. We spent three nights in Bangkok, two nights in Phuket and the majority of the time on Phi Phi Island, a 90 minute ferry ride from Phuket.
Dates: 1-18 March 2014

Your reason for visiting this destination: It was purely for a holiday! This is my third time visiting the country and I wanted to spend more time enjoying the natural beauty of Phi Phi Island, one of Thailand’s most beautiful places.

 

Our Little Black Book

The best hotel: Casita Hotel on Phi Phi Island, also known as Koh Phi Phi, is always a must visit as it’s central (but not too noisy) and it’s only a 2 minute walk to the beach.

The best place for dinner: If you want some good Western grub, Breakers Bar & Grill serves the best burgers in the world! The patties are coated in a teriyaki sauce and served with home made chips. They have a host of local and international beers on tap. For a more native experience, order Tom Yum Goong (sweet & sour prawn) at any restaurant. It’s made with ginger, chilli, garlic, lemon grass and coconut milk and is absolutely delicious! Be warned: Don’t order it ‘Thai’ spicy! It’s simply too hot for anyone to handle!

The best place for lunch: We loved visiting the restaurant at the Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel. It’s a short walk and has a fantastic view of the ocean and friendly, helpful staff. The food is pricey, but the portions are massive, making it worth every scent. Beware: If you visit this restaurant for dinner, wear mosquito repellant as there are plenty of mozzies around.

The best place for a drink: Phi Phi Island has the best cocktails. Every restaurant you visit will have an extensive cocktail menu and the Thais are generous when it comes to their cocktails and are known for gorgeous presentation.

The first thing travellers should do upon reaching this destination: If you’ve booked a hotel, look out for a porter from that particular hotel when you arrive. He will be waiting on the pier for you. If you have not booked a hotel, avoid all the opportunistic agents trying to sell you accommodation, get a map of the island and walk to one instead.

The best place to shop: There are night markets everywhere in Thailand. Night markets allow local artists and providers from that area to sell their merchandise. Remember to barter at half the price requested and he or she will probably agree – eventually! If you’re in Bangkok and are looking for high end fashion, take a taxi or tuk-tuk (a three wheel-motor vehicle) to Siam Centre.

The best way to get around: When you walk, you have more chance of stumbling onto hidden treasures. In Phi Phi Island, the only other mode of transport allowed are bicycles! In places such as Bangkok and Phuket, there’s a lot more hustle and bustle. My best suggestion would be to take a tuk-tuk. Keep your handbag between your legs as people have been known to snatch belongings when you’re not looking.

If you want to feel like a local you should… eat at the night markets and visit the Buddhist temples. At the temples, offer a donation or be blessed by a monk. Taking off your shoes before entering the temple is customary. As a woman, you need to be appropriately covered, (a t-shirt and jeans, tights or a long skirt below the knee is suitable), to demonstrate respect to the monks’ vow of celibacy.

Watch out for… people trying to rip you off. Always barter as they will, without a doubt, add their own ‘tourist inflation’ – which can be up to 400% at times. Brush your teeth with bottled water and only drink bottled water. Beware of any “mystery soups” and curries from night markets if you have a sensitive stomach.

Don’t leave without… walking the streets of Bangkok till the early hours of the morning. It’s so safe and is very different from the day time. You can’t help but fall in love with the buzzing nightlife. There’s never a dull moment! Don’t leave (the islands) without snorkeling. The Andaman sea boasts the most rich and diverse sea life in the world.

Insider tip: Arrive with an open mind and know that it is completely different to what you expect. Do not book your entire trip from South Africa. It’s a good idea to book your first night or two as you will be very travel fatigued and not in the mood to hunt for accommodation. Print out the hotel address so you can show the taxi driver as it makes the process easier.

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