Luck in an accident: A nice meal, after a terribly long bus ride
Via the internet we learned about a new initiative from the former owners of Connect Gasthouse, at Paradise Complex on Patong in Phuket. They were able to buy the villa next to their home and turned it into a beautiful “Bed & Breakfast”, under the name: “Phuket Gay Homestay”.
The owners Ulf and Boy guarantee friendliness and hospitality, which is why we immediately booked 4 nights from the Netherlands without hesitation. From Hua Hin we arrived at Phuket Bus Terminal at about 21:00, where a taxi arranged by Ulf and Boy was already waiting for us. It turned out not to be a superfluous luxury, their B&B is not located in the immediate vicinity of bustling Patong, but in the mountains of Kathu.
I clearly had not done enough research, not only into the location of our accommodation, but also the bus ride did not last the alleged approx. 6 hours, but almost double. Okay, a VIP Bus, but still, taking a taxi from Hua Hin back to Don Muang to fly from there to Phuket would have been significantly faster and more comfortable. Hence, when they arrived, their first question was: “Have you eaten yet?” After a bus ride of more than 11 hours, we obviously didn't have this yet.
2x Hospitality
A B&B does not offer a dinner option and due to the isolated location, a "just to a restaurant" was not an option either. Ulf offered to drive us quickly to a restaurant in the area with his car, just before 22:00 (kitchen closing time) we entered “Tong Dee”. We were received very hospitably as if the evening had yet to begin, tasty amuse-bouche, good main course and an excellent dessert with good coffee. In short, a gem in the mountains of Kathu, which is certainly worth the detour for visitors to Phuket. (www.thongdee.com – see also reviews on Tripadvisor.) At midnight, a phone call to Ulf was enough to pick us up again. Really 2x chapeau.
Moving house
The best isolated location of this accommodation requires renting a scooter or using a taxi for every city and / or state visit. Despite the beautiful swimming pool in the garden, we decided to look for another hotel. Once again chapeau, Ulf and Boy made this no problem despite our reservation, so it remained for us only one night.
We wish all bloggers a nice visit to Tong Dee Restaurant & Bar. It certainly won't disappoint.