How you can still have fun in tourist trap Phuket
Phuket – Thailand
Phuket, Tourism Trap or fun destination?
The Pearl of the Andaman attracts backpackers and billionaires alike, travellers as well as investors. The minute you set foot on the island it is manifested constantly. Phuket is extreme in its tourism, a haven where visitors get caught in the current of Thailand’s leisure industry cash cow.
Nevertheless Phuket is a paradise location for travellers. Photos of secluded bays with enticing powdery white beaches and turquoise seas with backdrops of dramatic limestone cliffs are enough to make anyone swoon and want to add to their bucket list. No one would blame you if you wanted to join more than 5.3 million other tourists per annum with the same desire.
The tantalising choice of foods will satisfy most cravings and an authentic Thai massage sounds like bliss when stress at the office has reached its peak.
Tourists are certainly processed like sausages from a machine, escorted off boats and onto islands, caught in the throng of sightseeing, shopping or eating. Our preference when traveling is a quieter spot with less people and yet we too were seduced by Thailand’s charisma.
If you are bored in Phuket, then you have not done enough investigation. On the surface it might be a typical tourist trap however Phuket has a multitude of activities to do for all types of visitors. We chose some of the more sedate adventures.
It is a good base for exploring nearby islands. I would advise you choose your tour group carefully though.
Phuket is known for its scams, and rip-offs and yet we did not experience any. Try to avoid being one of its victims by doing your research and being alert as well as doing the usual safety checks as you would in your own country.
Here’s how we had fun in Phuket, even though it is known as a tourist trap
Dipped our toes on the pristine beach sand of Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh
Peeked at the hedonistic backpacker’s paradise of Koh Phi Phi Don
Glanced at the primates of Monkey island
Snorkelled in the shallow waters of Khai Island
Explored sea caves by kayak in Phang Nga Bay
Admired the dramatic limestone cliffs of James Bond island
Took the risk of hiring a scooter on Phuket
Avoided riding an elephant
Caught a glimpse of Viking Cave
Dipped our toes on the pristine beach sand of Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh
You could not say you visited Thailand if you had not wriggled your toes in the sand of the epitome of island paradise, Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh – until recently. Fleets of boats laden with hordes of tourists came to see for themselves what this beautiful cove with its stunning scenery looked like in reality, including us in 2011.
Before it closed in June 2018 up to 5,000 tourists were visiting the bay every day, causing a decline in the condition of the coral. The island was closed as a trial to see if the ecology would recover. Good news for the island but not so good news for the tourist, there has been great improvement. It will remain closed until the middle of 2021.
Peeked at the hedonistic backpacker’s paradise of Koh Phi Phi Don
There is no doubt about it, Koh Phi Phi Don is a paradise but it is also a backpacker and tourist trap. Near Ao Tonsai Pier and Loh Dalum beach it is so crowded that you can barely move. Still, it had its own charm.
I would be wary of eating some of the street food that was on display in the tropical heat and humidity. Fortunately our adequate if not elaborate lunch was provided for us from a reputable restaurant as part of our tour.
On our second visit to Phi Phi in 2014 we found why it was worth a visit.
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Glanced at the primates of Monkey island
Part of the tours provided to Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh, is a quick stop at Monkey island. They are cute to watch at but we do not feed wild animals, therefore did not join the other tourists in giving them fruit.
Snorkelled in the shallow waters of Khai Island
Another stop over of about an hour was at Khai Island, where you could snorkel in the enticing shallow waters. Approaching the tiny island I wondered what would happen if it was just a floating raft. Surely it would not be able to handle the number of tourists constantly being dropped off on the island.
As for snorkeling, if you are happy to share your space with so many other swimmers you are welcome to paddle in the shallow waters. We managed a quick snorkel on our own before the next influx of tourists invaded our spot. Was there much marine life underwater? I cannot remember, but I can confirm while snorkeling that the island was indeed attached to the bottom of the ocean. Such a relief!
Explored sea caves by kayak in Phang Nga Bay
One of the highlights of our trip was kayaking in Phang Nga Bay. A leisurely sail from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay brought us to the vertical limestone cliffs that jut out of the green water like sentries. Spectacular scenery! Apparently the water is milky green because of numerous rivers running into the shallow bay.
We were fascinated by the rock formations as we leisurely sat back while our paddler did all the hard work and took us through the caves into a hong - an internal lagoon.
Hot tips for daily excursions to the islands and caves:
Wear swimwear with a t-shirt and shorts or a sarong. Bring a beach towel as well as a camera.
Sunscreen, a hat and lip balm are essential.
There is usually a National park admission fee to pay on the day of the tour.
The tours are reliant on tidal levels and weather conditions.
Admired the dramatic limestone cliffs of James Bond island
James Bond Island is situated in Phang Nga Bay and often is part of the sea kayaking tour. A huge tourist attraction, the island can be crowded with vendors trying to sell you their souvenirs.
In theory, a highlight of course is to take cheesy touristy photos of the infamous towering rock of James Bond island supposedly held in the palm of their hand. In reality you wish your husband would hurry up and take the damn photo, because you would like to stand in the shade to cool off while admiring the beautiful island with its surroundings.
Took the risk of hiring a scooter on Phuket
My husband has experience in riding a motorbike and has a suitable licence. We took the risk of hiring a scooter for a couple of days in Phuket but we were selective as to where to ride. There are many steep hills with winding roads, and the traffic can be horrendous, so we stuck to exploring the bays near our hotel.
To ride a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand, and remain strictly within the law, you must possess and be able to produce a valid motorcycle drivers licence issued in your home country. It is also necessary to have an international driving permit. Many people do not adhere to this, but I would strongly advise that you do, because you do not want to feel the full brunt of the Thai law.
Many motorcycle rental companies may have little interest in your licences and permits. It is best though to have them with you. They will also not be interested in your current level of intoxication. Do not put yourself at unnecessary risk. (Yes, I know I might sound like a least liked strict aunt, but would you like to have your holiday spoilt by spending time in jail or at the least pay a hefty fine?)
Motorcycles and scooters are fun and worth using to get around easily but road accidents are common in Thailand. It is not advisable for a novice to try out their lack of skills on the busy roads.
Helmets are compulsory for the driver as well as the pillion passenger although it might not seem like it.
More info on Thailand Driving License Requirements
Hot tip:
Choose your parking carefully or you may never find the scooter again!
Avoided riding an elephant
Elephants are historically sacred in Thailand. We saw a group of people riding them, but I would rather recommend visiting an elephant sanctuary than sit perched on top of them. Elephants are visible in many parts of Phuket but how much more enjoyable can it be to watch them roam around freely or see them bath and play in their own space and time.
Caught a glimpse of Viking Cave
What is the attraction of Viking Cave, known as Tham Phaya Nak in Thai? Even more so, I am not sure what is appealing about eating a bird’s nest even if it is disguised in a soup but obviously it is a delicacy for some.
Paintings of various ancient Viking ships were found on the walls of the cave supposedly done by sea gypsies or pirates that sheltered there during monsoon storms.
The size of the cave is approximately 3.2 square kilometres. The height is around 10 to 15 metres with numerous ledges inhabited by thousands of swifts.
The nests made from the bird’s saliva are harvested and sold to make a Chinese delicacy of bird’s nest soup. The edible nests are highly sought after and sold at an exorbitant price which makes it a lucrative local industry.
The birds roost high up in the caves away from predators. A tangle of fragile bamboo scaffolding has been erected as altars for meditation to honour the spirits of the cave before climbing more of the same flimsy scaffolding.
The cave is not open for tourists to enter but you can sail past, admire some of the scaffolding and take a few photos.
Legend has it:
A long time ago, sailors got stuck on one of the islands in the mouth of the Phang Nga Bay by losing their boat in a storm. They had no food. A colony of swifts were in a cave on this island. The men survived by eating the nests which gave them enough power to wait to be rescued.
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All these activities are typical tourist traps in Phuket but they are fun to do.
You would miss out on so much if you did not at least try some of them.
Go on then! Put on your holiday hat, pack in your sense of humour and enjoy.
Accommodation in Phuket
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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