PHUKET - Thailand

“The Pearl of Thailand”

Phuket is an amazing place and so much to do and see or to simply unwind and relax. No trip to Phuket is complete without a visit to the famous Bang-la Road. It is closed from 6pm each evening to traffic and becomes a walk through street. Bars, Clubs, Girls and the Lady Boys everywhere.

Also recommend the night markets in Patong or the weekend markets in Phuket Town.

Juncelyon is a huge shopping centre in Patong, air conditioned and a great escape from the heat. Or to relax many choices of massages and pampering yourself.

No shortage of restaurants and eating out every night is so affordable. Seafood, Thai, European and just about anything you can think of. Though also definitely try the street stalls, great food and very cheap.

Phuket offers something for everyone!

“Phang Nga Bay”

When planning our time in Phuket, I read about exploring Thailand’s karsts in Phang Nga Bay by kayak, which sounded like an adventure right up our alley.

Our day started by being picked up at our hotel in a minivan, followed by a speed boat ride to Phang Nga Bay.

When we arrived in Phang Nga Bay we were given safety instructions, including directions to lie down completely flat in the kayak when in low caves, and then we set out with our paddle guide who paddled us through the blue water of the bay to the looming karst and then we entered our first cave.  We marvelled at the dark stretches, stalactite formations, and colonies of bats.  Then we saw a wide sliver of light gleaming ahead of us.  We laid back to pass under the low hanging rock and then entered the sunny center of the karst, the hong which is a roofless chamber in the interior of a karst.  We silently glided into the hong, a beautiful little world separate from everything else.  The limestone sides climbed high into the air, covered in flora, and there was a lone mangrove tree growing in the center.  

Our day of kayaking in Phang Nga Bay was breathtaking.  We were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of the hongs. 

“Phi Phi Island”

No trip to southern Thailand is complete without a trip out to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. Made famous as the location used for filming in the 2008 movie "The Beach", staring my daughter’s future husband Leonardo DiCaprio (haha). The island holds a certain charm, with crystal clear water, white sand and amazing sea life! 

The downside is that there were far too many people on the island at the time. There were quite a number of tour groups on the island at the one time and with the amount of people that were on the island, it felt like we were on a busy city beach, trying to find a quiet spot on the sand. 

“ATV”

This 2 hour tour is on Phuket Island, it was my first time on an ATV (and I was terrified.

We were fitted with helmets, gloves & groovy crocs for our shoes and then an introduction to ATV tours. This covered safety, how to ride the bikes etc;

This tour ended up being such fun, after about 15 minutes (and crashing twice), I started thinking, this is OK and I can do this. For 2 hours we burned up gravel trails, mud and water trails, (loved that section) jungle trails, up hills, down hills and beach trails. Then it’s back to the start for icy cold drinks with a little first aid. 

“Flying Hanuman”

If you're adventures and don't mind heights, do not miss this.

Flying Hanuman is an adventure like no other on Phuket. It shows that the island’s beauty goes far beyond the sea, sun and sand that it is famous for. The hillsides of Phuket overflow with thick forest that is great for exploration and outdoor activities.

The organisation is fantastic and the level of safety is brilliant. You were in a harness at all times and are attached to a fixed line at all times.

We had a wonderful experience! I was from screaming, scared to laughing. In the end, felt not enough! 

“Siam Safari”

Really enjoyed our half day with Siam Safari in natural surroundings whilst admiring the spectacular views over Chalong Bay. The elephants were amazing and so well looked after. The baby elephants really cute with their tricks - football, harmonica playing and painting. The staff and tour guides very helpful and entertaining.

Without a doubt the best elephant trek in Phuket. Would recommend to anyone!

“Wat Chalong”

Scenic, serene and beautiful!

Loved it here, the attention to detail is incredible. You can go into numerous different buildings, all different. There are even some very good waxwork monks. Very spiritual place. There is a chimney outside where firecrackers are let off - exceptionally loud! The gardens are beautifully manicured. There are various stalls in the car park selling food/drinks/souvenirs. Well worth a visit.

Wildflower Wonders