Trip to Phuket, Thailand

Last weekend, we went to Phuket for 3 days and 2 nights. It was not as great as Bali (well..nothing can beat Bali ) but it does has its beaches, islands and sunshines. Our Thai tour guide keep telling us that Thailand is the "Land of Smiles", however, I notice we did not get much smiles from the locals and even when they do smile..it lacks warmth and sincerity. The noticeable thing in Thailand is where ever you go, you are always greeted with "Swatika" with their hands clasp together which generally means welcome. The first thing you notice about Phuket is the tourists....they were foreigners everywhere especially in the Patong area.

A view from the top of Phuket Islands. This pic was taken from the plane.

Ibis Hotel

We stayed at the newly built Patong Ibis Hotel in the Patong area which I heard was hit hard by the Tsunami in year 2004. The hotel we stayed at was new and located a few meters away from the Patong beach. The rooms has basic facilities which I thought was enough for me. The important thing is that they have good strong powered showers in the bathroom and an LCD television which broadcast 50 channels.

One night stay is about RM200 per room.

Warning: Do not break any of the hotel's decorations. A guest broke one of the hotel's vase and it cost more than the room....around RM470. Please make sure you are covered with traveling insurance.

Islands

Phuket is famous for its islands such as Phi Phi Island and James Island (One of the James Bond movie was filmed there). However, our group decided to go to an island that is only 15 mins away from Patong town which is Coral Island.

Coral Island

You can do snorkeling, diving, parasailing and banana boat activity at the island. Our tour covered the cost for snorkeling. However, all of the corals are dead maybe due to the tsunami and not much coral fishes to see compare in Pulau Redang, Malaysia.

Having a rest after snorkeling and lunch.

Warning: Lunch at Coral Island is not worth it. It is buffet style but the food is of low standard. One of our group member even found a dead fly in his food.


Bangla Road, Patong

This road is notorious for its night entertainment....Go-Go Girls Bar, Cabaret Bar, Beer Alley Bar, Thai Girl Show and the infamous Lady Boys (Pondan). You will hear a lot of callings and persuasion to visit their entertainment bars and shows from the pimps. One of the famous calling is "Look See! Look See!". Not recommended to bring children which surprisingly I notice a lot of tourist pushing their baby stroller in the area vicinity.

Tip: In order to repell the pimps, go-go girls and lady boys harassing your husband, hold tight to him and gurantee you would not be harassed.

A mini live cabaret show performed by the lady boys. Tourists flooding the notorious area.

Me and the lady boys!

Warning: Only take photos with them if you are willing to folk out 100 Baht (Rm10). As for me, I did not know about this so I was force to pay that fee. Another tip, a chinese / japanese lady will be standing there taking photos acting as a tourist which I found out was also part of the ploy. Furthemore, the lady boys will grab your hand to hold their...breasts. A very weird experience. Take photo from a distance if you do not want to dig in your wallet.

Tuk-Tuk a typical public transportation in Thailand similar to a Taxi.

Jungceylon shopping mall. Located beside the Bangla Road.

Patong Beach
Long stretch of aquamarine water beside soft white sands. It is about 15 mins walk from the Ibis Hotel.

Alex at Patong Beach

Tip: Beach chairs are charge 1oo Baht (RM10) per day.

Young Malaysian lads having fun at Patong Beach

Tsunami evacaution route signage were placed around the Patong Beach. A grim reminder of what happen 4 years ago where 800 tourists perished in Thailand due to the tsunami.

Temples
Majority of Thais are buddhist.

Chalong Temple.

One of the richest temple in Phuket.

Please go to me and my good friend Noi's Food Blog to check out on the food in Phuket.