Finally took the time to sit time and pen this trip that took place about a month ago. For those who have been to Phuket and/or Krabi, you will probably find the same conclusion I am going to give. Krabi is quieter and less crowded than Phuket. Shopping is better in Phuket than Krabi. Main attraction like island-hopping is the same on both Phuket and Krabi, since the popular tours are still Phi Phi Island Tour or 4-Island Tour.
So what is the difference in Phuket as compared to Krabi? I won’t answer that question, because traveling is only fun when you are with the right company. Destination plays a part but the company determines the final outcome. So with my 3 darlings (wife and daughters) along my side, every trip is fun.
We checked in to 2 different Holiday Inn Resorts during this trip – Holiday Inn Resort Mai Khao Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket (located along Patong Beach).
The best thing about Holiday Inn Resorts is the Kids Club. The girls love the activities like painting, drawing, exercising, food, watching movies, play with other kids, reading, etc.
Jayne learnt about Thai kick-boxing at the Kids Club in Patong. I was so tempted to join in too.
Pool time is a must. You cannot go to Phuket without spending time for a nice suntan or just laze around the pool, it’s almost a sin to not do so. We saw so many foreigners who literally camped near the pool for days, probably only leaving for meals.
Some of the rooms even have their own private pool space, just a step away from the room. Super cool!
Joey and Jayne soaking in the sun and the coolness of the pool.
Another reason for choosing Holiday Inn, the rooms we got were the Family Suites and the rooms were huge.
The rooms at Mai Khao Beach.
The girls’ separate room that was linked to ours.
The rooms at Patong.
Kids’ personal TV and playing stations.
If you want to read more about the island tours, you can go to my Krabi 4-island tour post to find out more.
This trip to Phuket, we have decided to skip the island tours but instead just spend our time around the resort.
Reading.
Cycling. Beware of sunburnt, so put on lots of sunblock.
Play table tennis.
Watch an evening movie with the family.
Couple massage. This is not to be missed. Pack the kids to their favourite Kids Club, and parents just book in advance a 90mins full body massage, treat yourself to something nice.
If you are more the outdoor type, then go for the water sports.
Beach volleyball.
Or just be like us, relax on the beach and enjoy the breeze with a book or drink.
Watch the amazing sunset.
Patong beach just opposite Holiday Inn is crowded with travelers.
What you cannot find in Holiday Inn Mai Khao but at Holiday Inn Patong are the souvenir shops and services.
Personally I prefer Mai Khao, simply because the plan for this trip was to relax and Mai Khao presented a more relaxing environment as compared to Patong. And because of the busyness in Patong, the resort staffs are not as personal. In Mai Khao, the waitresses know us by name and greeted us every time we walked past the dining place with a smile. They will come to our table or suntan beds to ensure that everything is ok. Not to the point of being intrusive but just personal.
One part of this trip at Mai Khao, the four of us had the chance to do batik painting on the beach. It was such nice family time and we enjoyed it totally. With the nice breeze of the evening sun, and the quietness of the surroundings, we completed our task with colorful paintings.
Happy feet happy family.
Parting shots for the relaxing Phuket trip.
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