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Tantalizing Thailand – Phuket Island

Enjoying some fresh seafood at The Fish Bar in Rawaii Beach.

We flew on Firefly airlines on the short one hour flight from Penang, Malaysia to Phuket Island in Thailand.  The drive from the Phuket airport to our hotel took over an hour but we were very glad to be on the south side of the island and away from some of the very bad air quality to the north.

This beautiful little temple was very close to our hotel and also included an elementary school.
Ken really enjoyed the fried chicken the street vendors served each morning.

We were stunned by the number of Russian people in Phuket.  There were masses of them at the airport and in every area of the island we visited.  Our hotel had over two thirds of the guests from Russia and they were everywhere on the streets.  There were also a lot of people from France.

Street vendor cooking shrimp and chicken.
We spent many hours enjoying the lovely pool at our accommodations.
We enjoyed a visit to Big Buddha. It’s an amazing temple.
Smaller Buddha at the big Buddha temple.
We were blessed by a monk when we were visiting the temple.
Gorgeous scenery from the Big Buddha site which is on a high hill on the island.
The tuk tuks are a common way for the local people to get around and carry passengers and supplies.
A temple being constructed.
Restaurants along the seafront in Rawaii beach.
A local family enjoying dinner with this sweetie.
Local bars along the street fronts.
Massage parlours were everywhere. The price was about $12 for a one hour massage.
Ken’s birthday morning on our way to the Longtail boats.
I rented a Longtail boat to take Ken to a few islands offshore for his birthday.
Arriving at Coral Beach. It was a balancing act to walk along this long floating pier to the shore.
The turquoise waters on Coral island were absolutely gorgeous.
We met this large water monitor lizard enjoying lunch on Bon Island.
Back to Phuket to enjoy birthday dinner at The Fish Bar.
Sunset over the water at Rawaii Beach.
Famous Rawaii Beach fish market. You buy the fish from the local fishermen and have one of the restaurants across the lane cook it for you.
Ken could not believe the price of the lobster. $3000 bhat per kilo is about $120 CAD per kilo
We rented a scooter (everyone drives a scooter here- it’s the family car) which made getting around much easier.

A local policeman pulled us over after we drove through a tunnel.  He also waved over another young girl on a scooter as well.  He demanded 2000 bhat as fine payment for driving in the tunnel.   We protested and he told us to follow him and drove a bit further before pulling over and telling us the fine was now 1000 bhat.  Ken had given him the international driver’s licence which we wanted back.  I handed him the 1000 bhat bill and he was infuriated He wrote on his phone that Ken was to put the bill into the driver’s licence and hand to him.  He then was able to drop it into his motorcycle and issue the fake ticket.  Fast money grab for them.

The powdery sand at Nai Harn beach – one of our favourites.
Massage staff at our favourite place in Nai Harn. Ken had the best massages from the ladyboy in the white shorts.
Great shopping day in Old Town Phuket. Beautiful coloured shops lined the street.
A highlight was the Simon ladyboy show we took in at Pattong. Incredible costumes and performance.
Ken with a few of the gorgeous ladyboys.
Enjoying meeting the ladyboys after show.
Fishing and tour boats at Rawaii Beach.
Dinner on our last night at Da Puccio wonderful Italian restaurant.
Street sign wishing everyone the best in 2023.
Lovely service from the gals on Thai Smile airways to Bangkok.

After visiting Bangkok for 3 days we moved on to Chaing Mai in the north.  We will update about our adventures here before heading to Vietnam for a month in early March.

 

4 Comments

  1. Sharyn+and+Ted

    Wow that’s two Birthdays you’ve been away for! How great is that! Lovely pictures as usual. Had a good time in Maui for a short 10 days but packed with fun. Did lots of snorkeling, even with the turtles which was amazing and tons of whales this year. Surgery March 21 so everything has worked out. Golf season is looking really good! Can’t wait till your back, everything great here. Animals, kids and us all doing great❤️

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