Easy walk to the UNESCO world heritage area and you can explore at your own leisure.

However, a map/GPS will come in handy. The weather was very hot and humid so I only walked around 2 hours before going back to the ship. The town was very much like a poorer country town of China (not surprising given the heritage at George Town). It was still a great walk around to see how the locals live their lives and the heritage of the area.

I did a ship tour. As I travelled to Phang Nga Bay to see the James Bond Island (the postcard pictures you will see of Phuket), you will find that it is actually not even on the Phuket Island but on the main land. The locals live in much less desired conditions that you won’t see if you just go to a 5 star resort in Phuket. The Phang Nga Bay has limestone karsts in the ocean, which is quite scenic. Due to cloudy weather, it is not as blue/green. In all honesty, I understand why they call it Little Gui Lin and Gui Lin is part of a UNESCO world heritage site and this is not. Gui Lin (google it) is much more epic when you cruise down the li river or when you hike up a mountain to see the view. I would recommend Gui Lin if you have not been. When we reached James Bond island, you do not get to off the speed boat to take that post card picture you typically see and the karst/mountain in the ocean is much smaller than expected. The excursion also stopped over a Buddha cave and a floating village (which is quite interesting to see their way of life.).

embarking port.

Just like a large city in China but with more English, less pollution but more humidity and more multi cultural.

Easy to get around with maps and internet. Cheap eats at Hawker stalls but expensive accommodation. Good to spend 3 days post or pre cruise here.