Top 3 Reasons Why Phuket is a Better Vacation Destination than Langkawi
Langkawi boasts some of the best luxury 5-star resorts in Malaysia. Many luxury hotel brands had chosen Langkawi as its base such as The St Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, The Datai, The Danna and The Westin to name a few. In addition, it was just announced that another luxury resort, Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi is scheduled to open in 2024. Besides, Langkawi enjoys duty-free status which means cheap booze hence an attractive prospect for those who love drinking. Plus, it is only a short 30-minute direct flight from Penang.
Things changed once the Covid situation stabilized and travel restriction eases across the region. Starting July 1, 2022, Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers entering Thailand which means vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving. This unveiled a host of new travel destinations beyond Malaysia which was too restrictive and cumbersome before. The two most accessible locations by flight from Penang are Phuket and Bangkok which are just about an hour of flying time.
Why I prefer Phuket over Langkawi?
1. Cheaper Luxury Resorts
First thing that comes to mind is cost. Even with the depreciating Malaysian Ringgit against the Thai Baht, Phuket’s 5-star resorts are still much more affordable compared to Langkawi. There are a lot more luxury resorts and accommodation options to choose from.
During the off-season, a basic room at The St. Regis Langkawi, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi or Datai Langkawi will set you back at RM1.3-1.5k, while a pool villa will cost a upwards of RM3k per night. In comparison, my stay at Anantara Layan Phuket’s pool villa costs RM1k per night inclusive of bubbly breakfast. Check out videos of my stay at these resorts.
2. Direct Flight from Penang
Firefly has just launched direct flights from Penang to Phuket and I managed to secure a ticket for RM250, which is even cheaper than the flight I booked to Langkawi. At the moment of writing, Firefly is the only airline offering non-stop flights from Penang to Phuket. Air Asia and Thai Smiles are also serving this route but with a layover at KL and Bangkok rspectively. Who needs a long layover when we are vacation right?
3. Abundant Food Options and Buzzing Nighlife
Besides, Phuket is renowned for its delicious food and lively nightlife. There are over 60 Michelin Guide restaurants and a 1-star Michelin restaurant in Phuket, not to mention the ubiquitous street food and snacks. Patong, the famously raucous nightlife scene features beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlors and cabarets that overflow into the street along neon-lit Bangla Road. It is something unique to Phuket and Thailand which we cannot find over here. It offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and luxury. This pales in comparison to what is on offer at Langkawi.
A reality check for Langkawi and its resorts. With inflation and global uncertainty, everyone is looking for better deals and offers. With the vicinity of Phuket and rising competition, Langkawi as a luxury travel destination is no longer an attractive prospect.
If you plan to visit the Land of Smiles and in particular Bangkok, I recommend the Siam Kempinski Hotel which is an oasis smack in the center of the shopping district with direct access to Siam Paragon shopping mall. Check out my stay here.
