Different Modes Of Transportation

You have a few choices when it comes to getting around Phuket. Believe it or not, a car might be your least likely way for a few reasons. One, it’s expensive,  figure on at least $30.00 per day.  Also, Thais drive on the left hand side of the road. There are limited parking spaces and the cost of fuel is expensive.  So, we are doing what most locals and tourists do here, we rented a scooter.  Its cheap, great on gas and never a problem finding parking spaces. We have seen families riding these scooters. They stand a small child at the handle bars, then Dad, Mom and possibly another child on the back end.

Our mode of transportation

Now, when you need to carry food, packages or your family, a lot of Thais have a side car attached to their scooter.  We have also seen them used as mobile food stands that serve up awesome, inexpensive Thai food!  That’s for another blog .

Scooter with sidecar

The great thing about having a scooter is you can weave in and out of traffic.  This is great especially in Patong along the beach road where traffic is crazy.  It helps to have previously played the video game Frogger because it’s very similar.  People on scooters just pull out in front of you and it’s expected that you watch out for them!

Scooters in Traffic

Up next are the popular modes of inexpensive transportation in Phuket: Tuk Tuks.  They are small trucks that are converted to carry passangers in the back.  They are less expensive than taking a traditional taxi.  You can find them in abundance in Patong.  A lot of tourists use them to get from their hotel to the beach or to bar hop.

Red Tuk Tuk

We were on our scooter driving back from Patong to Kamala (playing Frogger along the beach road) and had to take a picture of this “blinged out” Tuk Tuk.  It had neon lights everywhere and LOUD speakers blaring music.

Blinged Out Tuk Tuk

What we haven’t tried yet, are the Long Boats.  You can take these on day trips to other beaches and other islands like the Phi Phi islands.  That’s where some Hollywood movies were filmed.  Man With The Golden Gun was filmed in these islands and as matter of fact, one of the islands is named James Bond Island.  The other movie was Beaches starring Leonardo DiCaprio.  Again, after we make the trip, we’ll post another blog about it.

Long Boats in Kamala, Phuket, Thailand.

Keeping Fit in Phuket

 

One of a few hospitals in Phuket.

Just because we are traveling, doesn’t mean our health has taken a vacation. Thailand is known not only for its beautiful beaches, but also as a top medical tourism destination.

We have heard that the medical care in Thailand is on par with the care offered in the US, but at a fraction of the cost! So we asked around what locals thought was the best place to get a physical and dental cleaning and most agreed we should go to Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket City, Phuket.

So I called and was surprised to find a very helpful English speaking Thai person on the other end. We were able to both get appointments within a couple of days too.

We arrived at the hospital and was greeted by English speaking staff who escorted us to the correct floor.

As you can see, the reception area is pretty modern.

Ron is checking in for his physical.

After we were checked in, we were taken by a nurse to have our vitals taken and then have blood drawn.

Did I mention I hate needles??

So when was the last time you saw a nurse with a hat like that?! But all kidding aside, the facility was very modern. We were told to come back in 1 1/2 – 2 hrs to meet with the doctor who would go over our results.

We found a cafeteria serving a “western” breakfast and we each had  2 eggs, ham, sausage (I’d say it was more like a hot dog) toast coffee/tea all for  $4.70. Not too bad!

Good news!  Our results were in and we met with the doctor to discuss them.  Seems everything is as it should be.

Here is a copy of the different levels of services they have and fees they charge:

Different levels of service

Click here for a currency converter.

Keep in mind the prices are in Thai Baht (THB).  $300 THB = $10.00 US

Up next: Dental cleaning.  We arrived in the dental clinic department at the hospital and after checking in, we were taken to the exam rooms.  The dentist performed both the oral exam and the cleaning!  The service was similar to the same services in the US. We were done in about 30 minutes and the cost was $34.00 each.  Very impressive.

Overall, we had a pleasant experience with the medical care we received and would recommend having services done at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.  It was comforting to know they are affiliated with US accreditations.

Welcome To Thailand

Well after some prodding by some of the younger generation, we are grabbing the Information Age by the horns and about to embark in the world of blogging.

We are a bit scared and really have no idea what we are doing. Obtaining business class seats on a 14 hour flight we can do, starting a blog is a whole other thing.

So, be patient with us as we embark on coordinating out travels and experiences in one central location for all of our friends and family to see.

In the mean time, greetings from Kamala, Phuket, Thailand.

DeeRon