That Patong Feeling

There's a magic about Phuket, especially Patong. There's an energy unlike anywhere I've been before. The ratio of Caucasians to Thais are almost one is to one! It's an exciting mix of cultures all in one place - comforting Thai hospitality mixed with the thrills of Western entertainment. Also, almost everyone speaks English! If you're looking for somewhere that's different but not completely out of your comfort zone, this is the place to be.

We stayed opposite Hard Rock Hotel and at night we'd hear bands play Moves Like Jagger or some old Bon Jovi song. Venture further and there's the megamall of Jungceylon. For a more "Thai" experience, there are always roadside stalls, the OTOP market where you can try your bargaining skills, tailors, and Thai massage.

In terms of natural beauty, Patong is still gorgeous despite being under seige from urban development. The beaches are beautiful, especially at sunset. Buildings are relatively flat, retaining that old world charm. That's set to change as condos are springing up and hotels get bolder and reach higher into the sky. Now though, you can still have a full view of the hills surrounding the paradise that is Patong, so visit while you still can!

Trips to the surrounding islands are not to be missed. The weather's pretty fantastic this time of the year and the tour guides do their best to provide an enjoyable experience. Any trip on a speedboat will bring you to the highlights in the Adaman sea such as James Bond island, thrilling rock formations and breath-taking islands.

It's quite experience being in Patong. If you want quiet, you're better off at other beaches but if you want to be where the action is, there's no better place. The tour operator warned us of rowdy Russians who had been creating chaos along Bangla Street, but while we were there, it was safe and the place was bustling with energy of girls on bar tops and men drinking non-stop. It gives you the feeling that it's organised, yet it has surprises at every turn. The streets are fun to explore at night. Take a turn into the alleyway and you might get to experience even stranger adventures.

The sun and the sea, the people and the tea, are just some of the highlights of a holiday in Phuket. I returned tanned, happy and wishing that I had more time to spare. I certainly won't wait two years till I'm back there again!

White Water Rafting

The listed price for this activity was 2300 baht if I remember correctly, but we managed to get it down to 1300 baht. Apparently, the other people who were with us on the trip said they got their package, for 9km of white water rafting, for 1000 baht! It was rather incredible how low low can go so if you never bargain, you'll never know!

For this trip we caught the minibus at 8AM and it was a couple of hours to this Buddha Cave that had tonnes of monkeys hanging around. It was incredible to see the monkeys being so comfortable with humans and also the locals selling various fruit out in the open for tourists to feed the monkeys with. The monkeys did not dare to go near any of the stalls! I regretted not going into the cave though, cos it required a bit of money and I didn't have any with me!







About half an hour later we reached the place and they rushed us and shepherded us hurriedly to keep our stuff in the lockers and listen to the briefing. Before we realised we were life-jacketed, helmeted and seated on the raft with a guy from Kuwait. He was nice, spoke fantastic English but possibly not the outdoorsy type. The water was ice-cold and we had some splashed on us by our impossibly cheerful guides and fellow overly-enthusiastic holiday-makers.

The entire rafting experience took roughly one hour, with our Captain joking merrily with us all the time and steering us clear of dangerous-looking rocks or when we got stuck in-between them. They even pointed out snakes hanging from the trees above us. It was a bit scary when Sequeena lost her balance and fell into the river (the chances are very slim though so there's really nothing to be scared of). She drifted for awhile before another raft picked her up and was fine other than a knock just below her knee.

We also had a guide named Jack. Initially I thought he was named "Chek". His voice was loud and hoarse. He looked young but was possibly even younger. And he called himself, "Chek! Chek Sparrow!" Of course I looked incredulously at him, repeated his name and laughed a little before he stopped me and told me in all seriousness, "My name is really Chek!"

When we came back we had lunch, before heading off the the waterfall. They drove us up there and with a 15 minute walk, we were at the waterfall. It. Was. Freezing. Also I wished I had the guts to jump from this mini-cliff into the center of it all but I didn't. I just need people to egg me on to do stupid things like this with me and when I know there's no backing down, and I had no choice but to do it, I would! I did however, try to get close to the inside of the waterfall and to get the water to pound my back like a masseuse who used to be a sumo wrestler but I failed at that! The force was just too strong. According to the locals I had to get in near enough before turning my back on it and just going backwards. But I just couldn't get near enough! Also the rocks at the bottom were slippery. I found it hard to get a grip on anything!

But well, it was fun and at least I tried!!

Patong Beach

Patong beach is quite a sight. I think it wasn't the peak holiday period so there weren't that many beach revelers which suited me just fine! There were enough to people watch though, most unforgettably this pair of European dudes, one in a tiny speedo and another in a daring red thong.

There were tonnes of water sports, from parasailing to jet-skiing. However we were more preoccupied with camwhoring!

I loved the sight of the sand and the open sea. The Thais bugged us till we were willing to pay for deck chairs, which weren't particularly expensive either. Many would them come hawk there wares. We got temporary tattoos, fried chicken for lunch and deliciously sweet green fruit whose name suddenly slipped my mind.

It was cloudy, but we were a tad sunburned after hanging out for 4 hours or so. There were a couple of annoying bees that fought for our Pepsi and 7 Up. The girls were a bit freaked out but I was quite okay with sharing my drinks with the insects - as long as they weren't in them when I took a gulp!



































We made our way back to Burasari for a dip. I don't know why we didn't go into the sea though. Possibly because we were afraid of jet-skis.











We had dinner at this row of roadside stalls behind this mega-shopping center. I was really surprised because I had never seen so many stalls in one place. There was a narrow lane, only large for 2, at most 3 very skinny people to walk through at one time. There were stalls on our left and right selling all sorts of tantalising food. Most of them looked rather appetising - it was especially hard to resist the fried pork (san chen rou) and chicken wings. There was also this stall which sold instant noodles, but with fresh ingredients like seafood and chicken. It tasted awesome but be forewarned - it is mad spicy. I would advise anyone to ask the auntie to drop it a few notches. The ice tea was great too!