8. – Phuket

Phuket is known for its beaches, bars and noisy nightlife.  We thought we’d try and find the other side of Phuket.

We flew from Langkawi to Penang then onto Phuket.  We flew with Firefly – a bit like Easyjet. We had no problems and arrived at about 2:30pm and made our way by taxi to the hotel we had chosen.
We were staying at “AoChalong Villa and Spa” which is in Chalong Bay towards the south of Phuket. It took about an hour by taxi.  The hotel is very small – about 20 -25 rooms.  Our room overlooked one of the two infinity pools. The other pool is situated next to the small beach which overlooks the bay where the yachts are anchored.

We went into Phuket Town for a look. Really glad we didn’t choose to stay there.  Bit of a concrete jungle and appeared quite dirty.  We went to the Butterfly Gardens where they aim to help conserve the local butterflies which are endangered due to the lack of their natural habitat.  The day we were there was quite sunny so there were lots of butterflies about.  Many different types and sizes. Beautiful.  It you stayed still long enough they would land on you.  We had a really enjoyable time there.

Chalong itself is very small.  Really just the main road leading from Phuket Town to the beaches further south.  There are a few side roads – dirt tracks mainly which lead down to the beach and smal l restaurants near the water front. There is a long pier that leads out into the bay where boats take you on tours. We walked along for a look.  There and back would be about a mile.

We spent most of our time sitting in the sun. 

We did book two excursions.  We did the real tourist thing and booked a dinner show – “FantaSea”. It’s like a small theme park with side shows. 

You can ride and feed the elephants.

Have your photograph taken with various birds and animals.  A buffet dinner is laid on and you go to see the show “FantaSea” which is based on Thai Culture and romance with a bit of magic thrown in.  They use about 25 elephants in the show along with tiger, water buffalo, chickens, birds etc.  It was a good show, very colouful and lively.

The other trip was a boat trip to Phi Phi Islands.  We had thought of spenting a few days on Phi Phi, but time wouldn’t allow it so we settled for a day trip.  The boat takes you past Phi Phi Ley which is the unihabited of the two islands. 

 There are lots of small coves and beaches where you can go by small boat for the day. “Maya Bay” was where they filmed “The Beach”.  Lovely white sand and turquoise sea. 

“Viking Cave” is where they collect the birds nests for making Birds Nest Soup. 

When we got to Phi Phi Don we transferred to a smaller boat which took us nearer to the cliffs where we could try snorkeling.  We both decided to give it a go but after a mouthful of salty water I’d had enough.  I just had a little swim about. Syd did better than me.  At least he stayed in a bit longer. 

We then went back to Phi Phi Don where we had some lunch and went for a walk through the little alleyways.  There appears to be no cars on the island.  If the resort you’re staying at is further round the island you need to take a water taxi. The islands are beautiful, very green and lush.

It was then back on the boat for our return to Phuket.

From Chalong you see a giant white Buddha on the top of the hill.  We hired the hotel’s minbus to take us there.  The Buddha is 45 metres high but it wasn’t until we got there that we realised it was still under construction. 

The actual Buddha is probably about 75 per cent finished but there is still all the other buildings and grounds to be constructed.  It will be many years before it is completed.  It’ll be something to see then. 

We then went to “Wat Chalong” which is said to be the most beautiful temple in Phuket.  It is actually around six different temples within the grounds all known collectively as “Wat Chalong”.

We had a good time in Phuket.  Relaxing yet we still managed to see everything we wanted. 

You can go to Phuket and have a quiet time.

We have now been away about five weeks and it’s been amazing how many people we have met who are on extended trips. People from countries all over the world, who like us have decided to take some time out and explore the parts of the world they want to see. Age doesn’t seem to be a barrier.  We have met people whos ages range from early twenties to people in there eighties.  All want to experience the sights, culture and people in the countries they have and will visit. They have planned four, five, six month trips or even longer.  Very few are on a two week holiday.  We have gained valuable information from all those we have spoken with, other travellers and locals.  It’s been great sharing experiences with them and I’m sure it will continue.