We woke up this morning knowing our last sleep on this floating haven was ending. We had absolutely loved our time floating amongst these incredible giant limestone karsts. Every time we looked out a window there was peace. The water was smooth and the surroundings quiet, except for the ocasional local fisherman’s noisy motor as he went off in search of the catch of the day.
It was time to pack up once again and bid a fond farewell to the Heritage Line - Ylang. What a treat it was to have this as our “home” for a couple nights. Over the past couple of days we had gotten to know the staff who were always willing to serve you food and drinks, and always did it with a huge smile and bow. We also became acquainted with fellow travellers. Today it would be goodbye.
We managed to get our suitcases repacked and ready for the next flights, this time we’re off to Thailand. Suitcases were placed out in the hallway for the staff to take out to the tender boat that would take us back to our guide and driver. Next a beautiful brunch awaited us on the restaurant deck. The food here has been wonderful. The chef obviously takes great pride in the plated dishes he/she serves. The plates are always decorated and tastefully topped with garnishes. Once brunch was complete and our bill was settled for purchases onboard, it was time to get into the tender boat. A 30 minute jaunt back to Tuan Chau jetty where Kim and our driver were waiting for us. Luggage back into the vehicle and we were off on our 2.5 hour drive to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.
We made a quick stop at a roadside service centre where we could take a bio break and get some beverages or snacks if we wanted. We were going to share a drink, but the merchant would not accept a credit card for payment. Onward we go.
Once at the airport, we were once again met by a “fast-track” representative. We said our goodbyes to Kim and the driver and followed our assistant to the Vietnam Airlines counter. It was very helpful to have this assistance, especially with the language barrier that exists. The airline clerk marked our bags for service all the way to Phuket, Thailand even though we would be transiting and clearing immigration in Bangkok first. Our fast track assistant then whisked us through the security check and also moved us into a priority line to get through customs. And then she disappeared. Once again we shake our heads at the differing rules for carry on. Curt’s refillable water bottle had less than a swallow of water in it, but there was no convincing the security clerk, he made Curt drink up. Ohhhh but we didn’t have to take out any of our carry-on liquids. Sigh.
Feeling a bit hungry and considering that we probably wouldn’t eat again until we arrived at our hotel in Puhket, we decided on a lunch at Popeye’s Chicken. Interestingly enough, they were charging for meals in USD not in Vietnam Dong. After a short wait in the lounge, the flight boarding was called and we settled ourselves in for a short 2 hour flight to Bangkok. Shortly after takeoff, the crew started to distribute meals to all passengers. Eeesh, who would have thought on such a short flight that we would get a meal. We tasted a bit of our Asian flavored fish with rice and vegetables, but we were still full from Popeye’s. Canadian airlines rarely ever provide meals to economy class, but that’s not how it’s done in Southeast Asia.
We arrived in Bangkok and had about 90 minutes before our next flight would take off. We were in a very quick walk mode over to the domestic connection flights area. Of course it’s way over on the totally opposite side of the airport, so we were in for a good long walk. Amongst some very confusing signage and upgrade construction, we found a little desk that we would pass through as immigration entry into Thailand. One gal gave us a sticker for our shirt that said “international baggage claim” and then an immigration officer took our fingerprints, looked over and stamped our passports. Next was to find the departure gate, yup you guessed it, the last possible gate down a very long hallway in the wing.
Within a very short time, we were loaded on to the airplane and bucked into our seats. Flight number 9 with 4 more flights until we get back home. This domestic flight would be a quick one hour-ish flight. Shortly after takeoff, we could smell something yummy. Next thing we know, airline stewards are passing out trays of food AGAIN! Oh my, where are we going to stuff this? We definitely won’t need supper at the hotel tonight.
Our flight arrived right on time. According to the instructions from our travel agent, we were to retrieve our luggage from the carousel and make our way to “Domestic Arrivals Exit #1” where our guide would be waiting holding a sign with our name. (It would be good to note that Hanoi to Bangkok was “international”, but Bangkok to Phuket was “domestic.) The notes read “Do not leave the inside of the building”. As we walked off of the plane, airline staff were dividing passengers into two groups “international baggage” sticker people and everyone else. Once the group was large enough a young airline staff member led us waaaaaayyyyy down all of the corridors through locked doors etc where we were set free in the International Arrivals luggage carousels room. Now what?? We retrieved our checked luggage and asked some airport staff how to get back to domestic arrivals so we could meet our guide. Hallways, elevators and escalators, we finally made it to the correct Exit #. But there was no one holding up a sign with our name. We waited for a few moments and then approached an airport staff member who seemed to be directing passengers towards tour group guides. Laureen told her our situation and how we could not find our guide who was to pick us up. She asked a few questions and then started calling people. Meanwhile, Laureen called the emergency “situation” hotline for the travel agency. A gal in Toronto picked up the call and took down our information and said she’d make some calls to find the guide. As we returned to the the area of the airport staff member, she came up to us and said “I think I found your guide, he’s over at the international arrivals doors.” By now it was over an hour since our arrival. She called our guide and told him to come to Domestic arrivals to pick us up. About 2 minutes later our guide, Dawin, greeted us and we briefly chatted about the mixup. He grabbed our luggage and directed us towards our awaiting driver. Once inside the large air conditioned vehicle we could finally relax a bit. The travel agency called while we were driving away from the airport to ensure that we had found the driver. All was well, but we were exhausted.
After about 60 minutes of driving we arrived at the Amari Phuket Beachfront Resort. It was midnight. The front desk checked us in quickly and escorted us to our room. We rummaged through our suitcases and set up our belongings in the room and literally fell into bed. So tired. It would be a very short sleep because our guide told us he’d be back at 8:30 AM to take us on our first Thailand tour.
Excited to be in Thailand but exhausted,
Curtis and Laureen in Phuket, Thailand
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