Phuket's beauty

Being the largest island in Thailand at 540 square kilometres, and being an island which is mainly granite, Phuket is a paradise to visit for pure relaxation and adventure depending on what you’re looking for.

Having visited Langkawi during the summer, it was clear that Phuket offers a similar sort of absolute bliss to all its inhabitants and visitors.  

All of the 6 days we spent there were jam-packed with adventure sports, exploring, as well as relaxing on our hotel’s beach. 

Going on a cycling adventure in Phuket’s countryside, where we cycled on small country roads and biked off-road through palm, pineapple and rubber tree plantations was simply awesome. We had so much fun and met other people on the tour who were, like us, amazed by cycling amongst the exotic fauna and flora which Phuket had to offer. One stop on the tour was visiting the Gibbons Rehabilitation Project where we were talked through the process which the gibbons, small monogamous territorial apes, are taken through until they’re recovered enough to be released into their natural habitat.

On our cycling tour through the little villages, the simplicity was apparent. None of the latest technology gadgets which children of our era seem to have with the blink of an eye, were in sight, but instead, children were outside in the fresh air, playing and enjoying each other’s company. 

Although poor and having little possessions, the happiness of the children was shared as we cycled past them in their villages and the smiles on their faces as they waved to each and every one of us. It was upsetting to think of the life they must be leading, but the appreciation for what they did have; happiness and each other, seemed to be greater and much more rewarding and wonderful than gadgets and snazzy toys which we are familiar with today.

Arriving at the finishing point of our cycling tour, fresh fruit and drinks were provided by the group of 3 men that organised the trip. A local delicacy, sticky rice wrapped in a palm leaf, was absolutely delicious and refreshing after the adventurous day. 

 






Not only was the Big Buddha, a 40-metre-tall statue, stunning to see, but it also offered breathtaking views over Phuket’s east coast, Chalong Bay, and south and southwest Phuket. 

 A smaller golden Buddha made of brass stood next to the impressive Big Buddha with its surrounding of marble tiles. So many more photos were taken to capture the beauty on display. 

How lucky we were to arrive just as the Buddhist monks were in prayer and chanting, how fascinating it was to hear, see and be a part of. 
The prayers drew us into the atmosphere and made us feel very welcome and at peace. We then went on to see some of the beautiful Buddhist monasteries and temples, which was yet another of the gorgeous highlights of our holiday.

The 5 island tour by boat and canoes was absolutely spectacular. We visited James Bond island, Phang Nga, where ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was filmed in 1974; a small bay with a huge rock cut into two, and a giant sea stack. Pan-yi village, Talu island, Panak island, Hong island were all similarly terrific highlights of this day.

Climbing down into the canoes off the boat and having our own guide who paddled us across the sea and into the magical caves, was such a wonderful experience. The feeling of such awe at the colours and craggy textures of the rocks was marvellous. A cooling breeze swept through the caves, and being inside them was spectacular. Oyster and pearl caves were amongst the ones we had the opportunity to visit due to good tidal levels, and oh my word, were they wonderful to see!

Back on the boat for lunch to dine on delicious local delicacies, fish of many types and a variety of vegetables, along with fresh exotic fruits, pineapple, mango, were enjoyed by all.

Sitting back and relaxing on the boat back to the harbour was so peaceful, as we watched the orange, red and yellow explosion of the marvellous sunset unfold.

So many colourful tuk tuks on the streets, a traditional three wheel motorcycle, but modified into 4 wheels for safety. A bright pink tuk tuk pulled up so we hopped in, bounced around and listened to typical Malaysian style music coming from its speakers. A tuk tuk has been the symbol of Asia for more than 50 years, so were wonderful to see and travel in, even including being bounced up and down all the way!

What a wonderful show Siam Niramit was, Thailand’s must see show. This was sure enough one not to be missed. I kept thinking how wonderful it was with all the colourful exotic costumes, Thai dancing and beautiful setting, and how lucky I was to be there with my family watching it and learning about Thai culture and history.  

The beauty of Phuket and its attractions are most certainly some of the marvellous wonders which the world offers, and having the opportunity to visit Phuket, made our Christmas holiday extraordinary and different from the usual one with Christmas dinners and snow.