Friday, June 4, 2010

Snap shots of Phuket, Thailand besides the beach

It was a fantastic 4D3N trip to Phuket, Thailand with my colleagues last week. My second visit now. Arrived Phuket airport on 27 May, Thursday night around 10pm. Just 1hour 25 minutes flight from LCCT airport. Many things have changed and improved in this island since my very first visit many many many years ago... More western restaurants and boutique hotels but one thing never changes....Thai people are always friendly with a smile. We don't call this Land of Smiles without a reason.

I stayed in The Old Phuket Hotel at Karon beach, located in between the famous Patong and Kata beach. It took about 45 minutes drive from airport to the hotel.
28 May was Wesak Day a national holiday in this Buddhist country.... took a walk at 10.30am along the street and I guess that's why the street was rather quiet and empty.



What's the ingredient for RED BULL SHAKE ??

Come to a roundabout before turning right into Karon town



The electricity wiring still the same in all small towns in Thailand....messy and very low, you can almost touch the power generator





...is today an even date or odd date ?? take note when you drive in Phuket

 
































Visited the temple at the end of the street in Karon town. Not many people inside, maybe the crowd was in Wat Chalong, the bigger temple in Phuket.


































Relaxed for half the day at Kata beach

Before heading to Patong beach, I took an hour walk along the street again hoping to catch some evening activity at the town and saw this little Thai boy...


4.30pm at one of the lanes or in Thai 'soi'. Bars are still not open yet.



Patong Top Shopping Paradise...not too crowded on this Wesak night.Most bars were not open and even Hard Rock Cafe did not serve alcohol









Hard Rock 'tuk tuk'

Since the night was still young in Patong....no chance to see this in action



The next day, we rented a Jeep to explore the island for 1200THB per day. It was worth it and unforgettable....

Shot taken from back of the Jeep


Pretty Thai girl riding a scooter with high heels

Four other colleagues on a bike

Big Buddha on the hill top at Kata beach area









View from the top overlooking Kata beach and town







Stopped by this hillside restaurant for a Thai ice coffee on the way down to enjoy another view point

Phuket Yacht Club on the far sight

View from the toilet at the hillside restaurant

































Back of the Big Buddha. Taken from the hotel where we stay

5.30 pm at Karon beach, another 1 hour to sunset














Fresh market in Phuket town











































The final day in Phuket and after exploring the town we head back to the hotel....good night Phuket and see you again