Fish feeding was definitely the highlight of Day 2 at Phuket (read our Day 1 Holiday Inn Mai Khao review). We hop on board a speedboat and tour around Phi Phi island.
The last time we were on a speedboat was 4 years ago when we island hopping at Krabi. Boon Xin was just crawling then. (Read our Krabi trip here)
But first, let us share our breakfast venue (Holiday Inn Phuket Mai Khao) with you. J’s Cafe has a special corner for kids to enjoy their own breakfast (or birthday party). The table and chair height was designed with smaller kids in mind.
No wonder Boon Xin kept refilling her coco crunch.
We still have the option to dine together π
.. or with our friends from Jbabies. Love the “sunken” couches.
We had earlier book a trip to Phi Phi Island. A van drove us 30 minutes to Marina Bay to our speedboat.
We wonder whether the kids still remember Hong Island (Speedboat) or Four islands (Long Boat) from 4 years ago.
We passed by a Vikings’ cave before we cruise into Pileh cove (or lagoon).
We did not hesitate to jump into the cool lagoon.
Speedboat thrills.
Maya Beach (from Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach fame) was crowded!
Boats and people swamp the beach front and the water was cloudy.
We were disappointed with Maya beach, and I would not mind if we can leave “The Beach” earlier.
Guide was telling us that the only “romantic” time to visit is 6am before the crowd, and the corals have been damaged from all the boats’ anchors. A pity there was no control and a beautiful beach now feels like a crowded swimming pool.
I should have researched (read Tripadvisor) earlier, will not recommend Maya Beach to anyone.
Video : Maya beach, Pileh Cove
A 15 min ride away, was the highlight of our boat trip (not sure whether it is near Randy Island).
Video with GoPro Hero3: Fish feeding experience, some kids might be intimidated by the fishes :p
It was a nice experience to feed the swarms of fishes. Just dangle your bread crumbs and the colourful fishes will dart in from everywhere.
The guide will dive deeper (max 20m depth) to hand us seafood like sea anemone or urchins π
Love love love the clear and transparent water!
After feeding the fish, it was time to feed the humans. We had a quick and simple buffet, relax on the swing before we head to our last spot.
Koh Rang Yai is a quiet town. With the low tide, we constructed some sand castles and reservoirs under the hot sun.
Quiet beach, sandplay.
Our Phi Phi Island trip is a full day itinerary. We nearly miss the sunset when we got back to our resort.
Can you imagine enjoying your dinner with sea breeze and watching the sun sets over the horizon? For that few moments, Andaman sea’s sunset turn everything orange hue, mesmerizing!
While you dine at beachfront Pesto Restaurant, you can also enjoy live band playing near the pool.
We love our grilled steak and pork cutlet but the squid is slightly undercooked.
The tomato soup and simple fried rice was surprisingly appetising π
Seafood buffet is also available, but do remember to RSVP early. Pesto is always full house during dinner time.
Pizza for the hungry and tired kids, do remember to ask friendly staff to apply some mosquito spray.
More details about resort can be found on their Website, Fanpage and Instagram.
– Catch our Day 1 review of Holiday Inn Phuket Mai Khao resort and Day 3, 4.
– Photos of Day 2 Phi Phi Island tour on our Fanpage album
– Our stay and meals at Holiday Inn Phuket Mai Khao are sponsored, but Phi Phi island trip is own expense (THB 3,200 per adult and THB1,750 per child) with operator Hello Phuket)
Sounds like a fun trip, if only the beach hadn’t been so crowded! It’s sad to hear that the corals are all damaged by the boats though! I think I did a trip to James Bond island many many years back, also far too many people to really enjoy the experience :p
Mummy Ed recently posted…Viva Lβitalia β Italy with and without kids
Can still go Phuket, just cross Maya from your list π
The fish feeding is totally my cup of tea. So many fishes!! I can imagine the kids freaking out when the fishes start darting around… But I guess that’s the fun of it… I’m evil like that.
And I have a soft spot for any resort that bothers to build a kids corner in their dining area.
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…{Travel Tuesday #6} Renaissance Okinawa Resort Review (Part 1) – Facilities & Dining
Those fishes are the highlights for us too!
The kids were fighting to have an opportunity to feed the fishes.
The thing about parts of Phuket such as Patong and Phi Phi is that they have become soooo commercial that it is hardly nice to be around…So… totally with you on that! Holiday Inn Mai Khao looks fabulous for families!
Shermeen recently posted…7 family friendly things to do at Yilan, Taiwan
Yes Shermeen, always a dilemma for us, Ulu serene venue means more $$$. Have to tradeoff and decide which “package” offers more value for money π
We’re headed to Krabi next week and was planning to do some island hopping. Looks like we can give Maya Beach and Phi Phi island a miss then. Any other recommendations on what to do in Krabi?
Hello Susan, sish feeding is the no1 thing you should do while island hopping π
Thrilling for both kids and adults alike.
Perhaps canoeing?
So fun! That reminds me to quickly send my children to swimming course, so that they can enjoy the sea activities!
Waiwai recently posted…Celebrating SG50 – What Singapore Means To Me
Yes Wai Wai, kids must learn swimming and cycling, otherwise they cannot participate in a lot of activities π
Its sad that when a place is made famous by celebrity or movie, there is no control over nature conservation.
I visited Phi Phi and Koh Tao years ago for diving. Was also disappointed with the overhyped sea life π
Shirley Yong recently posted…Our Golden Jubilee Day | 1965
Yes Shirley, this experience thought me a lesson. Research, Research and Research π
Vendors were all milking the tourists, some even claim 6am for best view!
I bet you went during the sunny season. I just got back with half of my days raining, so I missed out the Phi Phi Island. Love the clear waters!
The worst thing for beach resort is rain and monsoon!
But your resort seems pretty much self-contained, Fun & food π
We went to Phuket few years ago when our daughter was below 3, opted for a budget speed boat tour and major regretted our decision. The speedboat was small, cramped and we had no life jackets! It scare the hell out of us because the waters were so choppy. In contrast, your Phi Phi Island tour was so much nicer and the speedboat quite comfy and spacious! We’re headed to Phuket again next month, looking for more great places to bring the kids. If you have any, do share π
Try canoeing, Angeline π
Saw from Cheekiemonkie’s review, fun way to explore (paddling provided by vendor)
Love the clear waters and the Holiday Inn looks like a fantastic resort for families! Really must start planning a trip there soon! π
Edmund recently posted…Rhinos can fly?
Bro, do take note Mai Khao side is very ulu. No shopping or markets outside π
Otherwise most Holiday Inns are renowned for their emphasis on families.
Phi Phi islands is special to me because that’s where I had my wedding pictures taken! Brings back loads of memories reading your post. Hopefully can bring the kids there some day… when they all can swim on their own! Does the kids get seasick on the boats?
Cherie Lim recently posted…SG50 Family Fun with FOX Kids & Baby!
Hello Cherie, my kids did not experience any sea sickness. The rides in between islands seldom stretch more than 20minutes π