Day 2, Thursday 13 February
Route South…….. This morning we need to get on the road before 9am and although there is breakfast available, its not free. We’re happy with a coffee and some leftovers. To start the journey today, I turn the wheel of the Vois for the first time clocking around 150 kilometres passing through Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the long stretch to Chumphon, Katoon takes over then after reaching Chumphon we continue south stopping for lunch. By the time we near Surat Thani it’s clear there should be no problem reaching Phuket before dark. The road south is generally good now and the traffic light. It’s my turn to drive again and we head over the spine of the Kra peninsula towards Phang Nga. The journey proves uneventful except for a rain storm in Phang Nga city but as we head down to Phuket the skies are clear again. Katoon has by this time taken over again and searches begin for accommodation.
Phuket…….. Crossing over the Thao Thepkrasattri Bridge into Phuket province means that I am now finally committed to adding yet another of Thailand’s provinces to my visit list in recent times. However, as we make our way down towards Phuket, I’m not at all impressed with the traffic in complete contrast to the most of the journey down here. Phuket is still Thailand but I’ve never before formed an impression that I felt I was in another country. It never used to be like this but I fear the island is so overrun by the clamber to meet the needs of tourism that you fear it might sink. The 25 of so kilometres or so are a real nightmare to drive. Nevertheless, that gives us the chance to call ahead and arrange accommodation. Katoon has a list but there is a problem. When we call the prices quoted are more than suggested on Google taking them out of my budget range. Despite our epic journey we still have a little time and Katoon suggests B2 Budget Hotel which is less than ten minutes away.
B2 Budget Hotel…….. B2 Budget Hotel is part of a national chain and we have used it before. Generally happy with the standard of accommodation, we hope for the same. Arriving we find the price similar to that at Hataara Hotel in Hua Hin. We take the room to avoid unnecessary travel in the busy street but regret that there is a poor selection of shops and restaurants near the hotel. Just one restaurant near the hotel has to suffice but we need to walk further afield to get provisions. As I turn in, I’m prepared to accept that there are more secluded spots on this popular island. We just need to find them. Tomorrow it looks like we will meet up with Ellie and Leo again but no plans have yet been made. Next Page.
Route South…….. This morning we need to get on the road before 9am and although there is breakfast available, its not free. We’re happy with a coffee and some leftovers. To start the journey today, I turn the wheel of the Vois for the first time clocking around 150 kilometres passing through Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the long stretch to Chumphon, Katoon takes over then after reaching Chumphon we continue south stopping for lunch. By the time we near Surat Thani it’s clear there should be no problem reaching Phuket before dark. The road south is generally good now and the traffic light. It’s my turn to drive again and we head over the spine of the Kra peninsula towards Phang Nga. The journey proves uneventful except for a rain storm in Phang Nga city but as we head down to Phuket the skies are clear again. Katoon has by this time taken over again and searches begin for accommodation.
Phuket…….. Crossing over the Thao Thepkrasattri Bridge into Phuket province means that I am now finally committed to adding yet another of Thailand’s provinces to my visit list in recent times. However, as we make our way down towards Phuket, I’m not at all impressed with the traffic in complete contrast to the most of the journey down here. Phuket is still Thailand but I’ve never before formed an impression that I felt I was in another country. It never used to be like this but I fear the island is so overrun by the clamber to meet the needs of tourism that you fear it might sink. The 25 of so kilometres or so are a real nightmare to drive. Nevertheless, that gives us the chance to call ahead and arrange accommodation. Katoon has a list but there is a problem. When we call the prices quoted are more than suggested on Google taking them out of my budget range. Despite our epic journey we still have a little time and Katoon suggests B2 Budget Hotel which is less than ten minutes away.
B2 Budget Hotel…….. B2 Budget Hotel is part of a national chain and we have used it before. Generally happy with the standard of accommodation, we hope for the same. Arriving we find the price similar to that at Hataara Hotel in Hua Hin. We take the room to avoid unnecessary travel in the busy street but regret that there is a poor selection of shops and restaurants near the hotel. Just one restaurant near the hotel has to suffice but we need to walk further afield to get provisions. As I turn in, I’m prepared to accept that there are more secluded spots on this popular island. We just need to find them. Tomorrow it looks like we will meet up with Ellie and Leo again but no plans have yet been made. Next Page.
Pet Kasem Road (Highway 4), Bangkok - Malaysian Border
Highway 44 (Kra Isthmus)
Phuket City
B2 Budget Hotel, Phuket City