IT WAS a moving experience. Going to Bangkok by plane, coming back to Phuket by bus, then describing which was the best.
In terms of cost, there was no comparison. The bus won by a long distance. The flight was about three times more expensive, and there were extra hidden costs.
It's harder to book a plane than a bus these days since Nok Air and One-Two-Go stopped flying the route. People are looking at low-cost alternatives.
Everything is changing. I flew Thai Air Asia and they charged an extra 50 baht for my small piece of luggage. That did not happen the last time I caught a plane.
And I had to get from the old Don Muang airport to where I needed to be, so that was either a taxi fare or a longer trip by bus.
Flying to Phuket, I'd probably need a minibus or a taxi to Phuket City. The bus, though, drops me in the centre of town.
The flight took off from Phuket at 9.50pm and landed in Bangkok at 11.10pm. A short time, compared with the bus.
Drawback: No allocated seat number, so it's a scramble to have first choice. The fight begins when the flight is called. There's a long line.
Passengers jostle to get to the front of the queue. Foreigners are larger and more competitive, so they tend to push their way to the front.
Positive: The flight is not very long and it's quite comfortable. I swap seats with my friend so I can sit next to a good-looking farang.
He is Irish and on his way to Chiang Mai. I am able to tell him what's good for a tourist to visit there.
It was his first visit to Phuket. He says he liked the beaches, and the friendly smiles. But he was there long enough to realise that not ever smile was friendly.
I told him that tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai cost just 20 baht for a trip around town. He was shocked and pleasantly surprised, because of the high cost of tuk-tuks in Patong.
There was a long, long wait of 30 minutes for the luggage because my friend led us in the wrong direction.
Advice: Carry on small pieces of luggage so you can escape quickly on arrival and avoid the extra 50 baht fee.
Phuket Bangkok By Air
Flight: Thai Air Asia
Cost: 3227 baht
Flying Time: 80 minutes
Value Rating: ***
COMING back, we caught the bus at the Southern Bus Station, in Putamonton 1. It's a new bus station with facilities that are better than many airports.
Showers are available for three baht, along with a toilet at the same price. Tissue is five baht.
KFC is just one of many shiny new diners in the food court. There's also a bank, ATMs and a Seven-11.
Trolleys with a helper to push are available for extra large luggage for 20 baht.
A few foreigners could be seen catching other buses, but there were none on mine.
It was a 24-seater, and I scored a good seat on the window, with my friend alongside. A blanket is provided for each passenger, unlike on the aircraft.
There is also a small bottle of water and a snack. There's Thai custard and a piece of bread to spread it on. And there's a cold towel to wipe your face and hands.
We get to watch TV. For half an hour, there are karaoke songs. Then a foreign movie comes on.
It's 'Robocop', and the English version is screened, with Thai subtitles.
A bus hostess patrols the aisle, making sure everyone is content. There are two drivers, and one takes over after six hours to make sure the trip is a safe one.
Positive: Halfway through, we stop at Chumporn, and have a larger meal of boiled rice. There's a choice of vegetable, fish, egg and other ingredients.
The meal is included in the cost. If you don't feel hungry, you can use the meal voucher for a soft drink or milk later instead.
Another cold towel is handed out for when we arrive on Phuket.
The trip began at 7pm and we arrived on Phuket 12 hours later. It's easy enough to sleep because the seats lean back at a good angle.
Drawback: Maybe the aircon was a bit too strong. I needed the blanket.
The toilet is small and downstairs, with the luggage compartment and the small bedroom where the second driver sleeps.
Advice: We were booked by name on the bus and they made a personal announcement over the loudspeaker looking for us, just as the bus was due to leave. Make sure you have the right bus.
More advice: The 24-seat VIP bus is best for anyone who is tall. The 32-seaters are a lot cheaper at 720 baht, but also much more of a squeeze.
Bangkok Phuket By Bus
Busline: Phuket Central Tour
Cost: 1120 baht
Driving Time: 12 hours
Value Rating: ****
If time is not a big issue for you, these days a VIP bus is better value.
In terms of cost, there was no comparison. The bus won by a long distance. The flight was about three times more expensive, and there were extra hidden costs.
It's harder to book a plane than a bus these days since Nok Air and One-Two-Go stopped flying the route. People are looking at low-cost alternatives.
Everything is changing. I flew Thai Air Asia and they charged an extra 50 baht for my small piece of luggage. That did not happen the last time I caught a plane.
And I had to get from the old Don Muang airport to where I needed to be, so that was either a taxi fare or a longer trip by bus.
Flying to Phuket, I'd probably need a minibus or a taxi to Phuket City. The bus, though, drops me in the centre of town.
The flight took off from Phuket at 9.50pm and landed in Bangkok at 11.10pm. A short time, compared with the bus.
Drawback: No allocated seat number, so it's a scramble to have first choice. The fight begins when the flight is called. There's a long line.
Passengers jostle to get to the front of the queue. Foreigners are larger and more competitive, so they tend to push their way to the front.
Positive: The flight is not very long and it's quite comfortable. I swap seats with my friend so I can sit next to a good-looking farang.
He is Irish and on his way to Chiang Mai. I am able to tell him what's good for a tourist to visit there.
It was his first visit to Phuket. He says he liked the beaches, and the friendly smiles. But he was there long enough to realise that not ever smile was friendly.
I told him that tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai cost just 20 baht for a trip around town. He was shocked and pleasantly surprised, because of the high cost of tuk-tuks in Patong.
There was a long, long wait of 30 minutes for the luggage because my friend led us in the wrong direction.
Advice: Carry on small pieces of luggage so you can escape quickly on arrival and avoid the extra 50 baht fee.
Phuket Bangkok By Air
Flight: Thai Air Asia
Cost: 3227 baht
Flying Time: 80 minutes
Value Rating: ***
COMING back, we caught the bus at the Southern Bus Station, in Putamonton 1. It's a new bus station with facilities that are better than many airports.
Showers are available for three baht, along with a toilet at the same price. Tissue is five baht.
KFC is just one of many shiny new diners in the food court. There's also a bank, ATMs and a Seven-11.
Trolleys with a helper to push are available for extra large luggage for 20 baht.
A few foreigners could be seen catching other buses, but there were none on mine.
It was a 24-seater, and I scored a good seat on the window, with my friend alongside. A blanket is provided for each passenger, unlike on the aircraft.
There is also a small bottle of water and a snack. There's Thai custard and a piece of bread to spread it on. And there's a cold towel to wipe your face and hands.
We get to watch TV. For half an hour, there are karaoke songs. Then a foreign movie comes on.
It's 'Robocop', and the English version is screened, with Thai subtitles.
A bus hostess patrols the aisle, making sure everyone is content. There are two drivers, and one takes over after six hours to make sure the trip is a safe one.
Positive: Halfway through, we stop at Chumporn, and have a larger meal of boiled rice. There's a choice of vegetable, fish, egg and other ingredients.
The meal is included in the cost. If you don't feel hungry, you can use the meal voucher for a soft drink or milk later instead.
Another cold towel is handed out for when we arrive on Phuket.
The trip began at 7pm and we arrived on Phuket 12 hours later. It's easy enough to sleep because the seats lean back at a good angle.
Drawback: Maybe the aircon was a bit too strong. I needed the blanket.
The toilet is small and downstairs, with the luggage compartment and the small bedroom where the second driver sleeps.
Advice: We were booked by name on the bus and they made a personal announcement over the loudspeaker looking for us, just as the bus was due to leave. Make sure you have the right bus.
More advice: The 24-seat VIP bus is best for anyone who is tall. The 32-seaters are a lot cheaper at 720 baht, but also much more of a squeeze.
Bangkok Phuket By Bus
Busline: Phuket Central Tour
Cost: 1120 baht
Driving Time: 12 hours
Value Rating: ****
If time is not a big issue for you, these days a VIP bus is better value.
