Reviews - The Hooge Family

Private James Bond Island Tour

Sarina

Just wanted to say Thank You for all of your help in arranging a wonderful trip to Phuket!  We had an Amazing time and we were so impressed with all of the tours that we took! 

Please Thank Bee and Tee and everyone else who helped to make our first trip to Thailand so memorable!  We will be recommending Easy Day Thailand to all of our friends who are heading there.

Private Phuket Island Hopping Cruise

Thanks Again!
The Hooge Family

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Reviews - Frank from Germany

Dear Sarina,

after a few days back in Germany, I want to thank you for two wonderful trips.
We had a really great time and some unique impressions.

Kind regards

Frank​

Talang Road, Phuket Town

Talang Road Walking Street

Phi Phi Packages

Phi Phi Island is definitely one of my favourite destination even though my job for the past 10 years gave me opportunity to visit the place so many times that I can't even count, still every times I was there I always feel surprise of how beautiful this place is with limestone islands that created powerful cliffs in the middle of the ocean into the crystal clear water full of tropical marine life. Many times look like I was the most happiest person on the trip I did not realize until now that because of my experiences I know exactly where all the beautiful spots are and what to look at.

As what we always doing here at Easy Day is we are trying to organize different tour program by using our experiences to create different, unique and avoid crowds as much as possible and it had been some times that we've been trying to create beautiful tour program  for Phi Phi island one of the most popular destination

2 Days / 1 Night - Phi Phi islands Tour

We are now in April the hottest month of the year here in Thailand, however in Phuket it had been no rain for 3 months and we can now see some dark cloud and can feel that we will get some rain soon.
 

Heading to Phi Phi island today for inspection trip and since is a school holiday I also take my daughter with me.
 

Day 1 - On the way to Phi Phi

 

The day started by getting pick up by air-condition minivan at around 8.00 then the driver take us to Rassada pier in Phuket town where our ferry Royal Jet Cruise 9 depart from.

We normally travel with Premium Class but today I like to try the First Class to see the different. It was not many people at all in the first class today. They also have drinks & snack corner and the room look nice and clean. The boat left Rassada pier at 8.30 and 10-15 minutes later few people from standard class started to upgrade their seats to first class so there was then around 15 people in there.

It took around 1.30 hour before we arrive at Phi Phi island and the first stop is at Ton Sai bay but since we were on our overnight tour package our tour guide came to get us just before we arrive to get ready to jump on speed boat which take us around for snorkeling and sightseeing. Speed boat take us to Bamboo island, we get to walk around, swimming and snorkeling from the beach.

We moving to Laem Thong beach at 12.00 for lunch at the restaurant with seafood BBQ and buffet then those that stay overnight at Leam Thong beach got to go to the hotel for check in and others get back on speed boat to get transfer back to the ferry which will take them cruise around Phi Phi Le for sightseeing before head back to Phuket.

We checked in at Phi Phi Natural Resort, staffs at the hotel are very nice and helpful then when one of them take us to the room, I was surprised they've upgraded our room from standard room to superior cottage which was very close to the beach and I could see how clear the water is from my balcony, we are so lucky!

I've never been at Laem Thong beach before so after a bit rest we went out explore the place and also visit “Leisure Dive” our dive center partner which located right on the beach, too bad I didn't plan to dive this time but for sure next time I wouldn't miss it.

It was really nice to walk on this quiet and beautiful white sand beach. Felt like it was not long before we realize it was getting dark so we walk back to the hotel, stop quick at swimming pool and walked along the beach back to our room

It had been a long day so we were thinking that we just walk to the restaurant get some quick dinner then back to bed since we have to wake up early for our sightseeing and snorkelling with long tail boat to Phi Phi Le. 

Just before we finish our dinner there were 3 young locals came to the beach and perform an amazing fire dance, it was so cool that we had to finish our dinner quickly and went to sit on the beach to get better view of the show.

After fire dance show we were sitting a bit longer on the beach since it was nice to listen to the waves, the sky was clear though not many stars since it was close to full moon. I remembered one of the first time of my Phi Phi overnight trip almost 10 years ago it was on dark moon and the sky cover with seem like a billions of stars, it was absolutely stunning.

We walked back to the hotel and fell asleep as soon as our head touched the bed.

Day 2 - Explore Phi Phi Le

We wake up at 6.00, after freshen up we went walking along the beach to restaurant for breakfast and to get a nice warm and beautiful sunrise at the same time.

We booked the long tail boat at 7.30 to take us to Phi Phi Le for snorkeling and sightseeing. From Leam Thong beach took us 40 minutes to get there and I realize that I should have left much earlier so I could be there before most of the boat arrive to see real beauty without too many boats. 

However we arrived at quite good time anyway few boats already arrived but not too crowded. We cruising slowly around Phi Phi Le, stop at Viking Cave then move to my favourite spot “Pileh Cove”. We spend almost an hour here for swimming and snorkelling then continue cruising to Loh Samah bay, Maya beach then last stop on my requested was at Palong wall where you can find some reef sharks at shallow water and many times turtles, unfortunately we didn't see any of them today but we didn't have much time to look for them anyway since we had to head back to the hotel for check out and get ready to go back to Phuket.

Hotel staff arranged so we got back to the ferry, on the way back we were in the Premium class which is in exclusive lounge with comfortable sofa and there was also exclusive sun deck which only for premium class.

We arrived back at Rassada pier at around 16.30

It was a really nice trip but definitely too short for me, next time will stay much longer so I can explore all best spots and organize more quality tours for you ;)

Price in Thai Baht for 2 person 13,000 

Include: 

• Return hotel transfers from most of hotels in Phuket 
• Ferry transfers in Premium class
• Premium tour with speed boat
• 1 night in standard room with breakfast at Phi Phi Natural Resort
•  Seafood BBQ and buffet lunch on the first day
• 4 hours sightseeing with private long tail boat to Phi Phi Le 

Single Supplement Thai Baht 9,500

Longer stay, diving package, more info, contact us!

Khao Lak Diving Specials 2014

Diving Phuket with MV Sea Fun

Khao Lak is a popular travel destination on the west coast of Thailand, just 1.5 hours north of Phuket.

For Scuba Divers staying in Khao Lak the best choice to get some good diving in is coming down to Phuket.

Diving Phi Phi Island Package

2 days / 1 night -Dive Buddy Special

Available 6 Days a Week (Tue-Sun)

• 2 days diving on board MV Sea Fun
• Transfers from / to Khao Lak in Air con mini bus
• Accommodation Kata Fashion Resort, Kata Beach
  with Breakfast  based on Twin/double sharing
• Tanks & Weights
• Experienced English Speaking Guide
• Free Nitrox for Nitrox certified Divers

Enquire Now!

Questions? Like to Book? Contact now your Easy Day Thailand Team

Phuket weather in May 2014 from 1st to 14th

It is time again for South west Monsoon, but first of all see what happen during last part of April.

April was surely hot and dry only few thunderstorms and some rain but really not enough to relief from hot temperature and drought. Specialist s said was the driest season in Phuket since 30 years.

Consider that since end of November didn't rain at all. We have enjoyed cool and dry air up to end of March. But as been more windy then normal during the North East Monsoon season. 

So we leave behind the flat sea on Phuket West Coast, as the picture below of Laem Singh Beach

Laem Singh Beach in Phuket

And we came into May with more rainfalls and thunderstorms. During first week they were locally  without wind and the sea was flat during. At least the rain during the night helped to cool the temperature but humidity increased.

Once humidity increases we feel that air is hooter and this was the situation during first week of May, no wind, very hot, best stay out at sea and enjoy the evening breeze on boat.

On the 10th of May the situation changed with first storm coming from west bringing heavy rain and strong wind during the storm. This means that the South West monsoon as kicked in and for few days we will have sunshine alternate to rain and wind. The Sea on West coast will be choppy all day long.

Rain storm cover Kathu Hills - view from our new offices

Can compare with last year situation and have a better idea about weather in Phuket during May so will make easier to plan your holidays.

Time again for Rafting, tubing, enjoy waterfalls and rivers that slowly start to fill in.

May is also a month with a lot of Public holidays, the labor day on 1st of May. Then we had Thailand Coronation day on 5th May. soon followed by the Royal Ploughing Ceremony day on the 9th and close with one of most important religious holidays the Visaka Bucha Day on the 13th of May.

The Visaka Bucha Day falls on 6th Lunar month full Moon and Buddhist celebrate three important milestones in the life of Lord Buddha; birth, enlightenment and death. 

Bookmark our Blog and stay updated with Phuket Weather Reports.

Easy Day Thailand Office Blessing

New Easy Day Office

These are very exciting times at Easy Day Thailand, having just had a very successful high season, the company is expanding to such an extent that now we need bigger and more convenient offices from which to operate.

These new offices are located in the Kathu district of Phuket.

The Easy Day team, before they became Easy Day, were already friends, and with together with a single dream of implementing a business plan where by creating the finest Tourist Operation Phuket has ever seen.

With many years’ experience behind them already in the industry, all that was needed was a plan to bring this talented team together on a daily basis.

Quote from the Easy Day Team:

“We knew we could provide a better service than what was available and that's what we now do.”

Blessing Ceremony

So on Saturday May 10th 2014 marked a pivotal day in the history of this great company. The new offices in Kathu were prepared for a very special visit from the local Temple. Nine Monks came to bless the buildings (Tam Boon), the business and the staff that work here at Easy day.

What is a Tam Boon
The Tam Boon Ceremony is of vital importance in Thai culture, Thai’s believe that if there is no Tam Boon ceremony conducted, then that the new property will only ever have bad luck.

Tam Boon Ceremonies are traditionally held in the morning time and require nine Thai Buddhist Monks to conduct the proceedings. A meal must be given to the Monks once the ceremony is complete, however, the Tam Boon must finish before 11am.

Allowing the monks enough time to finish their meal before Midday is very important as midday is the moment the fasting begins for them. The monks are forbidden to eat anything else from this time and for the rest of the day, until the following morning.

A lot of hard work went into preparing the Easy Day offices for the Tam Boon and everything was pretty much set up the day before. There were nine cushions and nine mats placed down on the floor ready for the ceremony, a pair for each monk. The mat being for the monks to sit on whilst performing the ceremony and the cushions are for each monk to lean against.

The Easy Day Team prepared a sumptuous Thai cuisine feast fit for a king, with many of the more traditional Thai delicacies being prepared. All this must be done the day before the Merit Making, with only the finishing touches being made on the actual morning of the ceremony.

Each monk also has to have a candle, a small garland of flowers and incense. Offerings were also bought for each monk to take back to the temple included gifts like food, new monk's robes, candles, laundry detergent, even light bulbs and matches; all things that they need for everyday life.

Plenty of food

Once the ceremony was over, the Monks were served their food while all the staff, customers and agents and other guests waited quietly by.

Traditionally, Monks always eat first and no one else should eat until they have finished their meal and departed back to the temple.

So once they had left everyone else was able to sit around and enjoy the wonderful food that had been prepared. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience for all of us involved and one that will hopefully serve our company well in the future.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved and to all those that shared this wonderful moment with us and we look forward to working with you all in the future.

Chiang Mai Brief & Easy - 3 Days 2 Nights

Like a short visit Chiang Mai, however not much too much time on tours? Than our 3 days / 2 nights Chiang Mai Package is just right for you. Tours to Chiang Mai Highlights plus plenty of time to explore the old town of Chiang Mai. 

Day 1:   Meet & greet at Chaing Mai airport
(your flight should arrive before 11.00 a.m.)

Doi Suthep Temple

• Transfer to the hotel in Chiang Mai
• Pick up at the hotel for Sightseeing Tour (13.00-13.30)
• Doi Suthep Temple & Hmong Village
  Visit to Doi Suthep Temple, which is place of worship dates back to the year 1383 when the first Chedi was built. It is an important pilgrimage spot for the devout and is sacred site to many Thai people where visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas on top of the hill. In the top of the hill, enjoy spectacular views of Chiang Mai City and its surroundings from the top of this mountain, where the panoramic view and local culture can be enjoyed. 
• Visit to Hmong Hill Tribe Village
  The village is known for their colorful costumes tradition and is located on the boundaries of the Doi  Suthep - Pui National Park. Explore a quaint and picturesque hill-tribe village set in an attractive hillside spot. Discover their culture and history through their evidence at the museum.
• 17.00 Return to your hotel for a free evening

Day 2:  

Elephant Work Camp

• Breakfast at your hotel
• 07.30-08.00 a.m. Pick up at the hotel
• Visit at the famous Elephant Work Camp
  Enjoya fabulous performance of elephants, the symbol of Thailand. Delight in a wide range of demonstrations like elephant training techniques, bathing, traditional roundup methods, and elephant game. Visit to Elephants’ Nursery  &  Art Exhibition, which is acknowledged as “the most expensive painting by a group of elephants” by Guinness World Records. Experience with 30 mins elephant ride into the jungle. Then, visit an Orchid Farm with more than 50 different varieties of gorgeous orchid blooms in a dazzling array of colors.
• 11.30 a.m. Return to the hotel for free afternoon

Day 3:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the Chiang Mai airport for flight to your next destination. 

  3 Days / 2 nights package Summer Season package 
(Price valid for stays up to 31 October 2014)

Price per person 3,900 Thai Baht (Min 2 person)

For Info & Booking don't hesitate to ask Your Easy Day Thailand Team

Package Includes:

• 2 night accommodation in Superior Room at Imm Thaphae Hotel in Downtown Chiang Mai with daily breakfast (based on twin sharing occupancy)
• Private airport transfers
• Tours ins air condition van with driver and English speaking guide
• Admission fees as indicated in the program
• Meals as indicated in the program (2 breakfast)
• Drinking water and refreshing towel in the van during the journey
• Travel accident insurance

Package Excludes:

• International and Domestic Air Tickets
• Meals (lunch and dinner)
• Optional or other tour than mentioned in the program
• Drinks, souvenir and laundry etc
• Tipping (not compulsory)

More Chiang Mai Tour packages by Easy Day Thailand:

•  5 Days / 4 Nights Tour - Package with accommodation exploring the Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Provinces in Northern Thailand

Easy Day Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai Package tour

5 Days and 4 Nights Package tour with accommodation exploring the famous Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces in Northern Thailand.
  
Day 1: Arrival - Chiang Mai

• Meet and greet at Chiang Mai Airport
• Visit Doi Suthep Temple
• Transfer to check in at Wangburapa Grand Hotel Chiang Mai
• Overnight in Deluxe Room

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Day 2: Chiang Mai – Tha Ton

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Chiang Dao Elephant Safari private tour; see elephant show, take elephant ride to lisu village, take smooth bamboo raft
• Lunch en route
• Chiang Dao Cave
• Continue to Tha Ton Village to visit Wat Tha Ton to see view of Mae Kok River
• Transfer to check in at the hotel
• Overnight at Tha Ton Mae Kok River Village Resort 

Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center

Day 3: Tha Ton – Chiang Rai

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart to Chiang Rai by river. You will take a long tail boat along Mae Kok River (approx. 3-4 hour). Along the way, make stop to visit Karen Raumit Village
• Lunch, upon arrival in Chiang Rai
• Transfer to check in at the Chiang Rai Nak Nakara Hotel Overnight at Executive Deluxe Room

Long Necked Karen

Day 4: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai (L)

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit Chiang Saen Ancient City
• Golden Triangle
• House of Opium Museum
• Lunch
• Return to Chiang Mai by drive (approx. 3 hours)
• check in at Chiang Mai Wangburapa Grand Hotel
• Overnight at Deluxe Room

Chiang Saen Ancient City

Day 5: Departure from Chiang Mai

• Breakfast at the hotel
• After check out transfer from hotel to Chiang Mai Airport

5 Days / 4 nights package Summer Season package 
(Price valid for stays up to 30 September 2014)

Price per person 22,800 Thai Baht (Min 2 person)

For Info & Booking don't hesitate to ask Your Easy Day Thailand Team

Package Includes:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned in itinerary
• Private air-condition van for tours & transfers
• English speaking Guide
• Tour as mentioned in itinerary
• Meal as mentioned in itinerary
• Drinking water (2 bottles per person per day
• Accident Insurance

Package Excludes:

• Air Tickets
• Visa fee
• Optional tours & meals other than mentioned in itinerary
• Drinks, souvenirs and laundry
• Tip (not compulsory)
• whatever isn't mentioned in the itinerary

Phuket Heritage Tour

Falling in love with Phuket again......

Getting more quiet in the office this week so I decided to go with our tour guide “Bee” and check out our new tour which we will organize for our customer to see enchanted Phuket old town, “Phuket Heritage Private Tour”

We were planing to meet at the Chinese temple to follow the tour program that we've set and to avoid long walk at the end of the tour but since we wanted to start early and breakfast is my important meal of the day we decided to meet at Roti place on Thalang
road.

Khao Yam (Rice Salad)

After breakfast we started our route here. Before today I thought I was a queen of Thalang road since I came here quiet often buying my crafting stuff, fabrics and many times just come here for a cup of coffee and sitting for hours with my favourite book but it turned out that I know nothing about this place and thanks to guide Bee who is very knowledgeable and told me all stories and history that I wanted to know.

The buildings here are unique and you could see different cultures through them. We stop at one of the house which open as Tour information so tourists can see how the building look like from the inside.

Old Building

We continued walking, Bee kept answering my questions while we walked, same time I tried to take as many pictures as possible and it was amazing that on this road you can find so many different kind of store (ribbon, fabrics, fishing net, hardware store, gold, etc.) and most of them are family business which been passing through generations. Then Bee take me to old Chinese herb shop which been running by same family since 1917. I like the smell in the shop and get to have a little chat with nice old man the owner and also bought some herb medicine home.

 Our next stop is “ Phuket Thai Hua Museum”  which for me it's very interesting museum with many exhibition rooms and short movies that telling history of the connection between Phuket and China.

Thaihua was the first Chinese-language school in Phuket which still running but school had moved to Vichit Songkram road and turned this building into the museum with two floors full of knowledge and history in this charming and well maintenance Sino-Portuguese building. I could have stayed for the hold day if not because we still have a few more places to visit so I decided that I will be back again with my daughter and we can learn Phuket history together.

 It didn't feel like much walking we've done but we started to feel Phuket sun, however it was perfect time to go to the local fresh market since the busiest time is in early morning so even though it was getting hot but not too crowded.

If you like to buy some Thai spices back home this market is just perfect! You can also find all different kind of curry paste, fresh vegetables and fruits, Thai snacks, fresh juices, etc.

Then from the market we walked up to Ranong road to one of the biggest Chinese shrine in Phuket town “Jui Tui shrine”

It very fascinating to be in these colorful buildings and see all displays of Chinese gods, they even play Chinese music in the background. For Thai people it is in our mind that you have to be calm and dress politely when you are in the temple. I don't really know much about Chinese shrine so I was following Bee who seem to know exactly what she was doing and there was also apattern to walk in which they put number on each door so you can follow. Bee and I also tried “Fortune stick” which what you have to do is to sit, hold the box of fortune sticks in your palm, make a wish to Chinese gods then shake the box until one of the stick fall off and there will be the number on the stick that will lead you to pick up same number of the paper which will tell you roughly what your life would be like in your near future and if you get good one you should keep that paper but if it not good then you leave it at the shrine, my was good so I keep it.

Lunch time! Bee ask what I would like to eat and since we are now doing Phuket Heritage tour why don't we just eat something that goes with our tour, something that represent Phuket so we agree on having Hokien noodle and Bee know the best place in town for it.

Bee walked me to “Ko Yoon” restaurant which according to Bee and the sign in front apparently it is the best Hokien noodle in town, I had seafood noodle soup and Bee had one with pork. It was really tasty and for me it was best Hokien noodle I've ever tried
and since they running restaurant in their house there was nothing like sitting in restaurant so don't expect any luxury just eat your best noodle and enjoy looking at picture frames of family members at the same time.

After lunch we were suppose to go to Khao To Sae or Monkey hill for last stop of our Phuket heritage tour for our customers to visit viewpoint and see Phuket town from the top view and see some monkey but since we've been there many times already and I have to go back to the office we decided to end our tour after lunch.

It had been a really fun day for me and definitely coming back with friends and family to show them this charming old Phuket town.

If like to experience this Phuket private tour  in old town see the details and prices here

Weather Update for 7th April /13th April

Phuket this weeks braces itself for the Thai New year celebrations of Songkran. This is the water festival that unites an entire country. really for the children but if you come to see, you will soon notice that the bigger children enjoy it too.

Phuket is very busy this week what with the New Year celebrations and the Bike week!

Latest Weather

Monday 7th April: Max Temp 34 - min Temp 24 degrees hardly any breezes and some passing cloud cover. Slightly cooler during the late evening time

Tuesday 8^th April: Max Temp 33 – Min temp 24 Passing clouds early morning clear skies for  the rest of the day Later on in the day Some thundery showers.Cooled us down a little

Wednesday 9^th April: Top Temp 35 degrees down to 24 late night, fog in the early morning leading to some thundery shower then more prolonged rain later in the later day.

Thursday 10^th April: Max Temp 32 degrees down to 24 degrees. Much cooler today due to the recent rain. It is a welcome break form the heat but you can feel it building back up during the day.

Also this week is the start of Phuket Bike Week festival with bikes coming form all over Asia.

The bike week last around a week with many parties, shows and competitions. Well worth a trip out to Patong but take a water pistol weapon if you are going over the Songkran period.

Friday 11^th April Max Temp 32 degrees, and a low of 24 the weather has started to settle again after a couple of rainy days, the humidity is up due to the rain. Today we went to Racha Yai Snorkeling a wonderful days adventure, ideal for the kids to only 25 minutes in a speedboat from Phuket's Chalong port . See below for more details…

Saturday 12th April: Max Temp 35 degrees and lows of 24 degrees feels a lot colder due to all the water being fired from water pistols, what a great time of year this really is. Quite a bit of rain this week, well Songkran  started today and that mean the rains are coming as this festival gives thanks to the Gods for water. 

Because of the recent hot weather I think many people are looking forward to a cooler Phuket. Today is the biggest water fight in history every street corner gangs of children and adults waiting in ambush ready to soak any passerby. 

Sunday 13th April: Max Temp 31 high going down to a milder 25 in the evening. Today the water fighting continues with insurgents appearing just close to our house, I think they have ice cold water. Not to self next year buy a bigger water-pistol.

Racha Yai Snorkeling Trip 

Racha Yai Island (Koh Raya Yai) is located 23km south of Phuket island and makes a perfect daytrip from Phuket for snorkeling, swimming and just relaxing on tranquil white sand beaches. Come along enjoy with your family and friends one of the finest and most beautiful islands you will find anywhere in the world