Last night of the holiday - Phuket markets!!!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 9
The weather was a little questionable when we
went to breakfast so we decided to try a beach, but a close one in case we had
to turn back due to the weather. We went to Yanui Beach which is about 15 mins
away. The trip there turned into an area where we all wondered where we were
being taken at one stage but at the end of that lonely road lined with farms we
emerged at one of the most stunning beaches ever. It's small, it's unknown,
there were only about another 40 people there, it was magical.
Some more observations
Some more observations
·
We're still yet to meet a Thai person that
isn't trustworthy or a thorough delight. Taxi drivers will happily take you
where you need to go, not accept 50% payment, patiently wait for you while you
take your sweet time, then return you and only then take payment at the end of
the trip.
·
We should have listened to those who said to
hire a car/bikes. The hire cost is the equivalent of one taxi half hour two way
trip.
·
The culture is very family and community
oriented. For example, in restaurants they split tips evenly. We have a
favorite taxi driver but there's no point trying to get him exclusively as
about 5 drivers work each 'rank'. It's all even Stevens so you get who's ever
turn it is.
·
The locals really hate crime - especially after
there was a stabbing here recently. The community feel they can't do enough for
Michelle Smiths family - offering free accommodation etc. The stabbing was just
in front of a lookout we were at the other night near a high-star resort vs
some seedy end of town
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 8
Off to the jungle, on a tour lead by whip cracking Alex who kept
us to schedule like a man possessed. He made me look tardy by comparison.
His welcome speech: "First we go to Monkey caves - your bag should not be coming as they may take from you. Things monkey likes to take from bag is condoms, tissues, gum. Then we go to white water rafting just level 2. The level 6 the tourist sometimes can be dying but they don't mind as they like to be the hero. Rafting is very beautiful. Very extreme. Very good. You feel very enjoy. We then see elephant. Trunk up very lucky like elephant say thank you and good morning. Elephant better than the monkey as they no hit you. Then you do ATV driving Iady go first so we look at her driving. If she bad she must go with her husband. Last we go to waterfall. Sometimes if you don't scared you jump from the rock 3 metres. Lunch Pepsi you can drink many bottle and food nobody serve you help self. Then there be fruit. Jurin fruit it stink no so good smell and don't drink with alcohol you could choke and die. When you sleeping at the hotel it make your body hot and you suffer - not you people. Perhaps the others they die.
It took 2 hours to get from Karon beach to where the tour kicked off at Phang Nga. Alex gave us alot to think about as we headed there.
Impressively a call came through to us in the jungle - it was home just checking we were ok as 4 Aussies had died in a fire at Tiger Club. Guess we won't be checking out that club after all!
The monkey caves (Suwan Khuha Temple) were terrific. Lots of little baby monkeys and monkey families scurrying around.
The white water rafting was FANTASTIC. I had to laugh at the pre rafting tutorial which was Alex saying "paddle what your guide says and when you fall off just float like this" and with that he crossed his arms on his chest and shut his eyes.
We saw the elephants, and were told alot of interesting facts. I was listening intently when mid-sentence "and now you look right behind you. There is a green viper snake." The snake was nearly 2m long I was told. I relocated unlike the others who decided to get their cameras out an embrace the snake.
The ATV riding was a little ho hum - we had to go in single file incredibly slowly so it was a bit mundane.
The swimming in the sparking waterfall was stunning. It had rained on and off during the day - which we really welcomed and I think the tour was better for it actually. There's something about rain in the jungle that makes it a bit more of an experience so being in a waterfall in the rain was my idea of wonderful.
My only complaint with this tour is related to photos - obviously you can't take photos while rafting or ATV riding so they could do a better job of providing souvenirs. The bike tour has since sent me a mass load of pics to Dropbox whereas this tour gave 2 pics to choose from for each activity and you had to pay $6 AUS per pic if you wanted it - and they weren't even that good. All up there was only 1 worth buying. But that's a minor flaw. I would definately recommend www.adventuretravelandtour.com
For dinner we went down to Kata to a restaurant called 'Lobster and Prawn. No view but taste" we did the grilled lobster. It was ok. John didn't have the best night as I had drugged him in the tour bus. He was travel sick on the way there so on the way back I took a travel tablet that causes drowsiness and also forced one on John. It was a 2 hour trip - made sense to me and I had a fab trip home but John didn't inherit the joys at that time. Somehow he got zonked over dinner.
The plan again was to send the boys in to a club to see what the girls offered but that didn't eventuate as we needed to get John to bed. We did stop for a street pancake on the way back - ill never forget looking over to see John siting on a street edge transfixed on a Thai man singing Bob Marley. Note to self, drugging husband doesn't work out as planned.
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His welcome speech: "First we go to Monkey caves - your bag should not be coming as they may take from you. Things monkey likes to take from bag is condoms, tissues, gum. Then we go to white water rafting just level 2. The level 6 the tourist sometimes can be dying but they don't mind as they like to be the hero. Rafting is very beautiful. Very extreme. Very good. You feel very enjoy. We then see elephant. Trunk up very lucky like elephant say thank you and good morning. Elephant better than the monkey as they no hit you. Then you do ATV driving Iady go first so we look at her driving. If she bad she must go with her husband. Last we go to waterfall. Sometimes if you don't scared you jump from the rock 3 metres. Lunch Pepsi you can drink many bottle and food nobody serve you help self. Then there be fruit. Jurin fruit it stink no so good smell and don't drink with alcohol you could choke and die. When you sleeping at the hotel it make your body hot and you suffer - not you people. Perhaps the others they die.
It took 2 hours to get from Karon beach to where the tour kicked off at Phang Nga. Alex gave us alot to think about as we headed there.
Impressively a call came through to us in the jungle - it was home just checking we were ok as 4 Aussies had died in a fire at Tiger Club. Guess we won't be checking out that club after all!
The monkey caves (Suwan Khuha Temple) were terrific. Lots of little baby monkeys and monkey families scurrying around.
The white water rafting was FANTASTIC. I had to laugh at the pre rafting tutorial which was Alex saying "paddle what your guide says and when you fall off just float like this" and with that he crossed his arms on his chest and shut his eyes.
We saw the elephants, and were told alot of interesting facts. I was listening intently when mid-sentence "and now you look right behind you. There is a green viper snake." The snake was nearly 2m long I was told. I relocated unlike the others who decided to get their cameras out an embrace the snake.
The ATV riding was a little ho hum - we had to go in single file incredibly slowly so it was a bit mundane.
The swimming in the sparking waterfall was stunning. It had rained on and off during the day - which we really welcomed and I think the tour was better for it actually. There's something about rain in the jungle that makes it a bit more of an experience so being in a waterfall in the rain was my idea of wonderful.
My only complaint with this tour is related to photos - obviously you can't take photos while rafting or ATV riding so they could do a better job of providing souvenirs. The bike tour has since sent me a mass load of pics to Dropbox whereas this tour gave 2 pics to choose from for each activity and you had to pay $6 AUS per pic if you wanted it - and they weren't even that good. All up there was only 1 worth buying. But that's a minor flaw. I would definately recommend www.adventuretravelandtour.com
For dinner we went down to Kata to a restaurant called 'Lobster and Prawn. No view but taste" we did the grilled lobster. It was ok. John didn't have the best night as I had drugged him in the tour bus. He was travel sick on the way there so on the way back I took a travel tablet that causes drowsiness and also forced one on John. It was a 2 hour trip - made sense to me and I had a fab trip home but John didn't inherit the joys at that time. Somehow he got zonked over dinner.
The plan again was to send the boys in to a club to see what the girls offered but that didn't eventuate as we needed to get John to bed. We did stop for a street pancake on the way back - ill never forget looking over to see John siting on a street edge transfixed on a Thai man singing Bob Marley. Note to self, drugging husband doesn't work out as planned.
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Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 7
It was a little overcast today so up to The Big Buddha we went. It is
still under construction so the pics that we got aren't that great but it will
be amazing when it's finished!
If you're not there to worship I think an hour really is enough to read about Buddhist history, go inside and watch the monks, walk up to/around the Buddha, go inside the Buddha, look at the views and observe cats cleaning themselves (especially between their legs) in front of sacred artifacts. We took a taxi there and back for equiv $30 AUS. Hiring a car or motorbikes would have been so much cheaper but we're on holidays so we're lazy.
The afternoon was spent in the day spa - otherwise known as sweet Havana (I've renamed it). At the beginning of our 4 hour package (which cost $60 AUS) we got a briefing explaining all jewellry must be off and that Peggy got to wear underwear and I didn't. Then we were asked to shower. Naked shower conversation between Peggy and I went like this:
Peggy: I can't believe they want me to take all my jewelry off
Me: I can't believe they want me to get my clacker out
Peggy: No one will see
Me: Except if there's a fire and we all have to flee to the street. Im sure I'll look a little odd totally nude on the Karon Beach, don't you think? At least you'll have undies on!
Anyway, the treatment was incredible. Best way to spend 4 hours I say!
By night the boys went to see the Muaythai boxing and they LOVED it. There's 3 stadiums and the boys want to the more authentic of the 3, Suwit. Given they both have a martial arts background and came back to the hotel giddy with glee from the experience I'd say anyone with a martial arts interest should go to this stadium.
Peggy and I entertained ourselves that night at Kata doing markets and dinner.
We had insisted the boys go out after to a club so they could come back and tell us what the Thai working girls offered, and how much but they didn't (boo!).
If you're not there to worship I think an hour really is enough to read about Buddhist history, go inside and watch the monks, walk up to/around the Buddha, go inside the Buddha, look at the views and observe cats cleaning themselves (especially between their legs) in front of sacred artifacts. We took a taxi there and back for equiv $30 AUS. Hiring a car or motorbikes would have been so much cheaper but we're on holidays so we're lazy.
The afternoon was spent in the day spa - otherwise known as sweet Havana (I've renamed it). At the beginning of our 4 hour package (which cost $60 AUS) we got a briefing explaining all jewellry must be off and that Peggy got to wear underwear and I didn't. Then we were asked to shower. Naked shower conversation between Peggy and I went like this:
Peggy: I can't believe they want me to take all my jewelry off
Me: I can't believe they want me to get my clacker out
Peggy: No one will see
Me: Except if there's a fire and we all have to flee to the street. Im sure I'll look a little odd totally nude on the Karon Beach, don't you think? At least you'll have undies on!
Anyway, the treatment was incredible. Best way to spend 4 hours I say!
By night the boys went to see the Muaythai boxing and they LOVED it. There's 3 stadiums and the boys want to the more authentic of the 3, Suwit. Given they both have a martial arts background and came back to the hotel giddy with glee from the experience I'd say anyone with a martial arts interest should go to this stadium.
Peggy and I entertained ourselves that night at Kata doing markets and dinner.
We had insisted the boys go out after to a club so they could come back and tell us what the Thai working girls offered, and how much but they didn't (boo!).
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 6
Despite waking
up a little fatigued from the sunstroke incident, I went ahead with the bike
tour and I’m so glad I did. It was excellent.
We went through Amazing Bike Tours www.amazingbiketoursthailand.asia doing the half-day package, which was riding in the north east of Phuket, an area known for its small traditional Thai villages. It was so wonderful, biking off road through palm, pineapple and rubber tree plantations. The 2 guides (that were just divine) gave us so much interesting information on how everything is farmed - they even took us to where locals were preparing rubber.
The tour then went to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre - I am sold on never having a picture taken with an animal on a tourist strip ever again. It's so cruel how they kill the mother Gibbon to get the baby then make the baby 'work' the night markets having photos with tourists - all the while being drugged to keep them docile and non reactive to the lights and music around them - it's just awful what they do!
We then walked through the rainforest to a beautiful waterfall before returning to the bikes and having traditional Thai snacks - sticky rice in banana leaves. Then back on the bikes finishing the tour at Ao Po pier. I loved the authenticity of this tour so much. All up, it was about 22km.
We went through Amazing Bike Tours www.amazingbiketoursthailand.asia doing the half-day package, which was riding in the north east of Phuket, an area known for its small traditional Thai villages. It was so wonderful, biking off road through palm, pineapple and rubber tree plantations. The 2 guides (that were just divine) gave us so much interesting information on how everything is farmed - they even took us to where locals were preparing rubber.
The tour then went to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre - I am sold on never having a picture taken with an animal on a tourist strip ever again. It's so cruel how they kill the mother Gibbon to get the baby then make the baby 'work' the night markets having photos with tourists - all the while being drugged to keep them docile and non reactive to the lights and music around them - it's just awful what they do!
We then walked through the rainforest to a beautiful waterfall before returning to the bikes and having traditional Thai snacks - sticky rice in banana leaves. Then back on the bikes finishing the tour at Ao Po pier. I loved the authenticity of this tour so much. All up, it was about 22km.
To start that night we went to Small View Point Bar and Restaurant as it has one of the best views of the sunset - it’s at Kata Viewpoint. It was just magical and the cocktails were awesome as they are mostly served in a carved out fruit.
Then we walked down the hill to mosey through the markets then got a tuk tuk back to Red Onion restaurant and this time, not only did I get to appreciate how great the food is there ... I also successfully kept it down :) For full review, see http://peckish-zrk.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/red-onion-karon-beach-phuket.html
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Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 5
I woke up feeling fabulous. I backed up yesterday's 3 naps during the
day with 10 hours sleep that night.
Mel had recommended we go to Surin Beach especially Catch Beach club so we got a taxi there. The beach was so darn beautiful when we arrived that we simply planted ourselves on a beach bed. I'm sure we would have been near Catch as the beach isn't huge (about 1km). We happily swam, walked and lounged around there for most of the day.
We came back to the hotel at 3:30 as we had a 4pm day spa appointment (Peggy and I). I got a lymphatic drainage massage and Peggy got an aloe wrap for her sunburn. The treatments were AMAZING.
That night we went to Red Onion for dinner which is in Karon at the furthest south end and again, another great meal. I didn't experience much of it as soon as I arrived I turned queasy and had no appetite (this would later result in me hurling the night away like JP did - sunstroke is so glamorous). The bill was 1,600 baht/less than $50AUS for cocktails, entrees and mains for 5 people.
Mel had recommended we go to Surin Beach especially Catch Beach club so we got a taxi there. The beach was so darn beautiful when we arrived that we simply planted ourselves on a beach bed. I'm sure we would have been near Catch as the beach isn't huge (about 1km). We happily swam, walked and lounged around there for most of the day.
We came back to the hotel at 3:30 as we had a 4pm day spa appointment (Peggy and I). I got a lymphatic drainage massage and Peggy got an aloe wrap for her sunburn. The treatments were AMAZING.
That night we went to Red Onion for dinner which is in Karon at the furthest south end and again, another great meal. I didn't experience much of it as soon as I arrived I turned queasy and had no appetite (this would later result in me hurling the night away like JP did - sunstroke is so glamorous). The bill was 1,600 baht/less than $50AUS for cocktails, entrees and mains for 5 people.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 4
I alternated between eat,
nap and swim today. This cycle repeated itself 3 times.
For dinner we went to El Gaucho Brazilian BBQ, which is on Karon Beach and ordered off their Thai menu. It was one of the best meals I've ever had, anywhere in the world. We started with cocktails from their signature menu, which were so delicious then shared a mixed Asian entree and rice paper roles amongst us - all of which were the best I have ever had. For mains Peggy had Pad Thai, JP had the seafood-fried rice, John had the beef stir fry and they all said their meals were outstanding. My whole grouper with curry sauce, steamed vegetables and rice was nothing short of incredible. So fresh with such simple flavours - I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it was. We all had dessert - mine was fried bananas with honey, which was so wonderful. The restaurant was the most expensive at 3,700 baht but that's $120ish for entrees, mains, desserts and cocktails so 'expensive' restaurants here aren't expensive by Australian standards at all. For full review see http://peckish-zrk.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/el-gaucho-karon-beach-phuket.html
After we went did our usual finish to the day and went to My Friends Massage for foot massages - it’s awesome travelling with Peg who's 7 months pregnant as I inherit the perks of nightly massages :) The ladies there just love Peg and are really looking after her - and freely handing out opinions to Peg like last night’s "your (gesture to top) it’s too tight, make baby not happy ... no air. Also no (gesture to undies) to make baby happy". Therefore, tonight we had to dress Peg appropriately so she didn't get in trouble off the Thai ladies. She kept her undies on though.
Some observations
For dinner we went to El Gaucho Brazilian BBQ, which is on Karon Beach and ordered off their Thai menu. It was one of the best meals I've ever had, anywhere in the world. We started with cocktails from their signature menu, which were so delicious then shared a mixed Asian entree and rice paper roles amongst us - all of which were the best I have ever had. For mains Peggy had Pad Thai, JP had the seafood-fried rice, John had the beef stir fry and they all said their meals were outstanding. My whole grouper with curry sauce, steamed vegetables and rice was nothing short of incredible. So fresh with such simple flavours - I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it was. We all had dessert - mine was fried bananas with honey, which was so wonderful. The restaurant was the most expensive at 3,700 baht but that's $120ish for entrees, mains, desserts and cocktails so 'expensive' restaurants here aren't expensive by Australian standards at all. For full review see http://peckish-zrk.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/el-gaucho-karon-beach-phuket.html
After we went did our usual finish to the day and went to My Friends Massage for foot massages - it’s awesome travelling with Peg who's 7 months pregnant as I inherit the perks of nightly massages :) The ladies there just love Peg and are really looking after her - and freely handing out opinions to Peg like last night’s "your (gesture to top) it’s too tight, make baby not happy ... no air. Also no (gesture to undies) to make baby happy". Therefore, tonight we had to dress Peg appropriately so she didn't get in trouble off the Thai ladies. She kept her undies on though.
Some observations
ü Thai people are absolutely lovely and also very
trustworthy we've discovered
ü There are Russians, everywhere, almost in equal
quantities to Australians. Its normal for menus to have a Thai, English and
Russian that's how much Aussies/Russians dominate here. In fact, at any one
time there are at least 20 000 Australian tourists on the island
ü I haven’t get walked down a street where the occasional
pungent smell takes you by surprise
ü There are no regulations for street wires. It's like a
series of steel wool has been strung from pole to pole, it's that chaotic and
intertwined. And, you can hear it buzzing away.
ü Its kinda hard to find authentic Thai food sometimes
but no problem finding Pizza. Nearly every restaurant has a very western
Pizza/all things fried menu.
ü We should never have exchanged money in Australia. Not
only is the exchange rate ridiculously better here but no exchange fees!
ü You do not need to be able to hold a tune to pursue a
career as a restaurant singer in this country.
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 3
This morning we discovered
john's new watch no longer works.
Today we hit the islands. We did it on a cruiser vs. a speedboat and I would not have it any other way. Yes, cruiser takes a tad longer and you can't go into to swim at some of the bays but I'd trade this over no shade, no air con, no snacks and seasickness from a constantly moving speedboat any day!
We did the VIP Package which is by www.phiphi-cruisers.com as this gave us a cabin, buffet lunch, private guide and under sea world live aquarium for 2,200 bhat for the full day ($60 ish).
The boat left from Rassada Harbour and it took 1hr 40mins to get to Phi Phi Lay but that was fine as our cabin was airconed and had a TV playing live concerts by Shakira and Paul McCartney then Mr Bean episodes played so we were never bored. Time flew!
There was sightseeing first at Phi Phi Lay. We saw Maya Bay where The Beach was filmed (it's tiny and not the prettiest of the Phi Phi beaches - plus it was swarmed with tourists so it wasn't a loss that we didn't get to swim there). We also saw Lohsa Mah Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave, which again were beautiful, and while other boats had gotten closer for tourists to jump out and swim - it wasn’t a loss as it was so overcrowded between those speedboats and people in there.
We had over 2 hours on Phi Phi Don where the beach was AMAZING. I could happily live, as a backpacker on that island, it is so divine!!! I would travel the 1 hr 40 mins again any day even if it meant I had just 30 mins on that island. LOVED IT!!!
The only sad thing is we came across litter ever so often along the beach there - I just don't get how anyone on an island so beautiful can't simply pick up after themselves. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't prolific but just enough to notice there was a lack of care/pride in people who'd been there.
We then went for snorkelling and the live aquarium at Coral Bay. There were some pretty fish but all the coral was colourless so it wasn't an amazing experience. Could have skipped that with no loss.
Then, back onto the boat and with all the sun and swimming I fell asleep (surprise!!!) while the others enjoyed a movie.
This trip is necessary see for anyone who travels to Phuket I say! Or better still stay in the resort on Phi Phi Don.
Night we didn't do much as JP had what we think was sunstroke. Peg, John and I had dinner in the hotel while JP hurled the night away. Then Peg and I went and got our 300-baht ($9 ish) one-hour long massages - Peg got her swollen feet done and I had a foot young treatment (read pedicure).
Today we hit the islands. We did it on a cruiser vs. a speedboat and I would not have it any other way. Yes, cruiser takes a tad longer and you can't go into to swim at some of the bays but I'd trade this over no shade, no air con, no snacks and seasickness from a constantly moving speedboat any day!
We did the VIP Package which is by www.phiphi-cruisers.com as this gave us a cabin, buffet lunch, private guide and under sea world live aquarium for 2,200 bhat for the full day ($60 ish).
The boat left from Rassada Harbour and it took 1hr 40mins to get to Phi Phi Lay but that was fine as our cabin was airconed and had a TV playing live concerts by Shakira and Paul McCartney then Mr Bean episodes played so we were never bored. Time flew!
There was sightseeing first at Phi Phi Lay. We saw Maya Bay where The Beach was filmed (it's tiny and not the prettiest of the Phi Phi beaches - plus it was swarmed with tourists so it wasn't a loss that we didn't get to swim there). We also saw Lohsa Mah Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave, which again were beautiful, and while other boats had gotten closer for tourists to jump out and swim - it wasn’t a loss as it was so overcrowded between those speedboats and people in there.
We had over 2 hours on Phi Phi Don where the beach was AMAZING. I could happily live, as a backpacker on that island, it is so divine!!! I would travel the 1 hr 40 mins again any day even if it meant I had just 30 mins on that island. LOVED IT!!!
The only sad thing is we came across litter ever so often along the beach there - I just don't get how anyone on an island so beautiful can't simply pick up after themselves. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't prolific but just enough to notice there was a lack of care/pride in people who'd been there.
We then went for snorkelling and the live aquarium at Coral Bay. There were some pretty fish but all the coral was colourless so it wasn't an amazing experience. Could have skipped that with no loss.
Then, back onto the boat and with all the sun and swimming I fell asleep (surprise!!!) while the others enjoyed a movie.
This trip is necessary see for anyone who travels to Phuket I say! Or better still stay in the resort on Phi Phi Don.
Night we didn't do much as JP had what we think was sunstroke. Peg, John and I had dinner in the hotel while JP hurled the night away. Then Peg and I went and got our 300-baht ($9 ish) one-hour long massages - Peg got her swollen feet done and I had a foot young treatment (read pedicure).
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 2
Our morning was spent in
Karon Beach, of course with a swim in the pool to start the day. I decided I
had to get a waterproof camera but had a little trouble at reception finding
out exactly where I should go. I retold the conversation to all.
Me: I need to buy a camera, where do I go?
Reception: You go to Patong or (somewhere I couldn't understand)
Me: Patong or where?
Reception: Where
Me: Yes, where
Reception: Patong
Me: Ok, how far?
Reception: 25 min
Me: 25?
Reception: 75
Me: 75?
Reception: 25
A guy in the pool bar overheard and gave me the low-down and we locked in Patong for that night.
It took 15 mins and 300 baht to get there. Got my underwater camera :) and headed for a beach side restaurant. It was about 7pm so seedy hadn't thoroughly kicked in yet but it was clear what direction the night was headed by the bar top dancing poles and mature age Caucasian men walking around hand in hand with a little Thai girl. Overhearing their conversations it was clear they hadn't known each other long, and there was a clear possibility they wouldn't know each other past that night in some cases.
It's possible we might go back there. Tiger Nightclub looked like it would be the best club to go to from what we saw plus a few people have recommended it.
After dinner I bought a sarong and hat with a bit of bargaining then we got a crepe from a street vendor which was terrific. To get home we got a hilarious disco tuk tuk. The trip took 10 mins and wasn't very safety first.
The night ended with Peg and I both getting a one hour long foot massage. Soooo good :)
Me: I need to buy a camera, where do I go?
Reception: You go to Patong or (somewhere I couldn't understand)
Me: Patong or where?
Reception: Where
Me: Yes, where
Reception: Patong
Me: Ok, how far?
Reception: 25 min
Me: 25?
Reception: 75
Me: 75?
Reception: 25
A guy in the pool bar overheard and gave me the low-down and we locked in Patong for that night.
It took 15 mins and 300 baht to get there. Got my underwater camera :) and headed for a beach side restaurant. It was about 7pm so seedy hadn't thoroughly kicked in yet but it was clear what direction the night was headed by the bar top dancing poles and mature age Caucasian men walking around hand in hand with a little Thai girl. Overhearing their conversations it was clear they hadn't known each other long, and there was a clear possibility they wouldn't know each other past that night in some cases.
It's possible we might go back there. Tiger Nightclub looked like it would be the best club to go to from what we saw plus a few people have recommended it.
After dinner I bought a sarong and hat with a bit of bargaining then we got a crepe from a street vendor which was terrific. To get home we got a hilarious disco tuk tuk. The trip took 10 mins and wasn't very safety first.
The night ended with Peg and I both getting a one hour long foot massage. Soooo good :)
Thailand 2012 – Phuket - Day 1
We arrived quite late last night so the diary begins from today. We're
staying at Karon Beach Resort and Spa http://karonseasand.com/ and decided today was all about relaxing. The
pool is huge, equipped with swim up bar and here's where you could find me
ordering my first cocktail by 10am - with Peggy ordering her mocktail. The majority
of people staying here are Australian and quite a specific type of person -
most of the guys have dodgy tat sleeves, a beer gut and the next beer glued to
their hand. Some of which can be overheard to say "yeah I like me hotel
room eh. It's got a good shower and a decent crapper". Lovely.
For lunch, we could have ordered off the bar menu but it was all hot dogs and burgers so we went just outside the hotel to have something a little more authentic. $30 later we'd eaten 4 Thai dishes to share, drinks, and we were all so full.
The afternoon was at Karon Beach, which is just across the road. John acquired a new watch. A little Thai man flogging watches on the beach was unable to convince John to give him $120 (Australian) for one of his fakies so offered John the watch if John swapped his Seiko for it. John has a new watch now.
At night, we went down the main street. 80% of stores are clothing/tailoring or massage. A lot of the buildings are a bit run down so I wouldn't say the main street is a 'destination' but if a sarong, hat or snacks is needed ... in that case you'd go there. Or, if you'd like a massage or some fish to gnaw the dead skin off your feet ... then you'd go there. I did that - and I liked it!
For lunch, we could have ordered off the bar menu but it was all hot dogs and burgers so we went just outside the hotel to have something a little more authentic. $30 later we'd eaten 4 Thai dishes to share, drinks, and we were all so full.
The afternoon was at Karon Beach, which is just across the road. John acquired a new watch. A little Thai man flogging watches on the beach was unable to convince John to give him $120 (Australian) for one of his fakies so offered John the watch if John swapped his Seiko for it. John has a new watch now.
At night, we went down the main street. 80% of stores are clothing/tailoring or massage. A lot of the buildings are a bit run down so I wouldn't say the main street is a 'destination' but if a sarong, hat or snacks is needed ... in that case you'd go there. Or, if you'd like a massage or some fish to gnaw the dead skin off your feet ... then you'd go there. I did that - and I liked it!
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