Back to Phuket

I had the great fortune of spending some time in Phuket, Thailand, before the tsunami. It was a very strange feeling seeing pictures of the tsunami with waves coming in over places I was standing and playing.

I also took at day trip to Phi Phi Island while I was visiting Phuket. Phi Phi is very small. One side was the harbor and the other side a lagoon. I knew it was small but when I got off the boat I was looking for a restroom and found the other side in one minute.

Both islands are nice. I am still trying to imagine the devastation the big waves caused. At Phi Phi I am sure the wave would have crossed the entire island. While on Phi Phi I climbed to the top. You can see the entire island. It's a hot long climb but what a panoramic view. Definitely postcard material. I have tried to envision what it would have been like to be up there when that wave hit.

If you haven't been to Phuket you should try to go. It is a pleasant resort. Many hotels are actually affordable. What costs in Phuket is the food. I tried to follow the Thai people to eat where they eat. Those places are closely guarded secrets.

Patong Beach is not my favorite. It is almost like being in Europe. But it is not maintained very well. Patong Beach, though, is where most of the shops and restaurants are. I prefer Karon Beach. Is is white sand and more like I was used to in Hawaii. The sand actually squeaks when you are walking. I got to stay right across the road from the beach for less than $20 US a night. Awesome. A similar bungalow in Hawaii would easily cost $200 per night. A good thing about living here in Thailand is that true vacations are actually affordable.

There are many things to see and do in Phuket. It is worth a trip. The water in the Andaman Sea is fairly clean and clear. Snorkeling and scuba are very poplular. Some famous movie islands are in the area too. James Bond Island, famous for 'The Man with the Golden Gun' and a Phi Phi island made famous in the movie, 'The Beach'. Also the place for Survivor Thailand is down there too.

I need to go back to Phuket and see how the tsunami changed things. I don't think I would worry too much about a recurrence. I lived in California a long time and I didn't spend my days worrying about earthquakes. You must go if you get the chance.

good luck and happy travels

Darwin