Still alive, friends. I’ve been in Washington since Wednesday visiting friends and eating ravioli. Got my computer back from Erin, who has been keeping it safe for two months (thanks again, Er!), and finally uploaded all of my photos from my travels. I guess I’ll post the highlights from each city/region, and hope that makes up for the past two weeks of non-blogging. First up, Phuket!

My very first picture in Thailand: a snail crawling out of our bathroom drain. Keep it classy, Phuket.

View from our speedboat

James Bond Island. And me doing a cartwheel.

Looks cute...

...but look what he did!

The market in Phuket Town

Muslim floating village near James Bond Island. Would be cooler if it wasn't a huge tourist trap.

This boy came up to us at a bar and tried to sell us flowers. His sales method? Beat up potential customers. Paul didn't want to buy a flower, so the kid tried to kick his ass.

The young Thai guys who hung out at the beach bar put on fire shows at night. I tried doing this in Cambodia--MUCH harder than it looks. And it looks hard.

These guys come out around late in the afternoon and kick the ball around as the sun sets. What a life, eh?

So I'm a total sucker for sunsets. You are too.

There are plenty more Phuket photos up on my Facebook page, so check them out. The next post will feature Chiang Mai, skydiving and our first views of the Mekong River.

Trains, planes and automobiles or even boats
Depending on what kind of person you are, getting to Phuket can be achieved by any of the above. The veteran backpacker would use the coach perhaps, the high-end traveller the plane and the adventurer would surely use the boat. Well when I say adventurer, I mean it in the loose sense of the word.

By Boat
Arriving at Phuket by cruise ship is certainly an option if you are thinking about sailing the high seas. Ships arrive regularly from all over the world. The down-side is, these cruises are hugely expensive. A slightly cheaper alternative though, might be to travel to Phuket via the Malacca Straits or Singapore.

By Road
The island of Phuket is actually 885km south of the City of Angels, and is connected to the mainland by a 1200meter causeway. If you don’t mind a fourteen hour journey, then bus is the way for you, they run daily from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. The good thing about the bus is that it’s reasonably priced, comfortable and cold! Beach life awaits but with this trip comes a complimentary high power cold air-condition unit above your head, so bring warm clothes for this journey. Apart from the length of the journey, the bus could be compared to an airline. They have cabin attendants bringing drinks and snacks, there’s even an in-trip movie. The trip itself is an overnighter and you arrive at Phuket early the next morning.

By Rail
Another way of getting to Phuket overland from Bangkok is the direct train route that is available. Again, it’s an overnight journey but it can be somewhat more comfortable than the bus. Sleeping births allow you to get a good night’s sleep but before going, a welcome nightcap in the buffet car at the end of train won’t go amiss. The train leaves from Hua Lumphong Station in Bangkok and then on to Surat Thani where you need to take a bus to complete the rest of your journey. Be prepared to rise early on the day you arrive at Surat Thani, Thais get up very early on most days so don’t expect a lie in.

Flying by Air To Phuket, Karon

Finally planes. Easily the most comfortable and quickest way to get to the island. The international airport at Phuket receives flights from all over the world as well as domestic flights from other cities including Bangkok. If you are on a time budget or you just simply yearn comfort, then the plane is the way to go.

Arriving and leaving

Now that you have arrived, it’s time to shake off travel fatigue and hit those beautiful palm fringed beaches and golden or white sands that stretch for miles. Resort destinations like Karon offer the sight of tiny palm coves and bays that inundate the coastline. This is where some of the most gorgeous and luxurious hotel resorts blend in with the natural beauty of Thailand. Horizon Karon Beach Resort and Spa located at the southern end of the beach and just a stone’s throw away from the famed Kata beach boast excellent service and wonderful views. The resort itself is set on some 16000sqm of land surrounded by a rain forest of lush vegetation. It is slightly set back from the main drag and offers a haven of peace and tranquillity and yet not so far from Karon’s entertainment and shopping districts. A complimentary bus service to Patong beach is also available. Other activities you might find yourself interested in around the Karon beach area are the extensive choice of marine activities such as diving and snorkelling. Honeymooners who stay more than four nights at the resort can enjoy extra service at the Karon Beach Resort Hotels where they will receive complimentary honeymoon gifts on arrival. Why would anyone want to leave.

Inside information

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, the land area is of around 543 sqm- which is about the size of Singapore with a population at the current standing of approximately 320,000 people. Apart from its famed beaches, you will notice how green and mountainous the island is. Vast expanses of lush vegetation and tropical forests stretch across the island, which weave between a rather spectacular mountain range that meanders from North to South. The highest of which is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Cains) at 529m above sea level

In historical terms, Phuket boasts of a deep ancient history, showing traces that early man existed there long ago. This has been keeping archaeologists busy for quite a while now, and will continue to do for some time to come. Tin was discovered several millennia ago on the island. They cannot pinpoint exactly when tin was discovered but cave drawings show that in ancient times, people did not mine the tin but found it, usually after some heavy rainfall. Phuket has long appeared on the charts of ships on foreign seafarers and marked as a good source of fresh water, firewood and pitch. The earliest settlers to the island were the primitive Semang Pygmie tribe that still exist in Malaysia today. These tribes were hunter-gatherers who fed from the fruits of the lush canopy rain forests of the island. It is thought that they lived there until they were forced out by tin miners in the mid-nineteenth century.

Pirates of Phuket

The coastal areas of Phuket were populated with the nomadic seafaring tribe called the Chao Nam. These were a small but sturdy race who were expert sailors and traditionally travelled from cove to cove feeding on shell fish, consuming all and then moving on. They were according to the first Europeans to arrive, pirates who robbed and stole and took slaves for transportation to Indonesia. It is said that tin mining was slow to develop here because of the pirate’s fierce reputation.

Affordable Tin, rubber and accommodation

Fast track a couple of hundred years, by 1972 the long recession in the tin and rubber industry paved way to a new industry, the tourism business. By the mid-70s tourists began to flock to Phuket, thanks to a glittering “Newsweek” article reporting on the undiscovered, beautiful mystical and affordable accommodation and hotels of Phuket. You now know the rest of the story…

Untouched

As ever, the beautiful palm fringed beaches of squeaky white sands that stretch for miles still remain. It is still virtually an untouched paradise, and a very special place to visit. Accommodation on the island is also very affordable and is available to all kinds of tourists, from honeymooners to families with small children. Karon beach is a long curvy beach of sparkling white sands and clear crisp azure sea. Karon beach claims fame to the Horizon Karon Beach Resort and Spa located at the southern end of the beach, accommodation is affordable and first class. Also available around Karon beach are the array of marine activities such as diving and snorkelling. Day trip excursions can also be arranged. Honeymooners who stay more than 4 nights may enjoy service at the Karon Beach Resort Hotels by receiving complimentary gifts upon arrival. While families who reserve a second inter-connecting room for their children can enjoy a 30% discount on the room-rate and a 20% discount on all beverages and food consumed at the hotel resort during their stay.

เกาะราชาอาจจะไม่ใช่จุดดำน้ำที่หลากสีสรร แต่ก็มีของเล็กๆน้อยๆเอาไว้ฝึกถ่ายรูประยะใกล้

อันนี้ใกล้มากไม่ดี ^__^

ใกล้มากไม่ได้ เดี๋ยวมันว่ายหนี

ลองดูครับ สนุกไม่แพ้ว่ายน้ำมองหาปลาใหญ่ๆเลย ^__^

it’s just that smile that comes up onto your face and you know that it’s the way you want it to be.
where small things just make your day so much brighter.
i haven’t seen you for a while, nor heard from you.
but i know that you’ve been doing your best.
and so will i too. (:

how sweet can it be? i really wonder. <3

waiting for the passing of time to bring my exam dates closer to me. sighs. and then it’ll be off to phuket to forget about him for a while before running back to singapore for christmas and the new year. time passes so darn quickly. it’s gonna be 2010 already. hopefully, i can spend christmas with you. *beams* and then maybe i’ll head over to taiwan during the new year period. we’ll see how things work.

By Dian Hasan | November 19, 2009

What would a resort stay experience be without a pool? Unthinkable for today’s travelers. They’ve come a long way, playing a central role in creating a distinctive experience and the common denominator as a social hub. Integral to a hotel’s brand identity. Here’s a glance at some of world’s most gorgeous resort pools, sharing the same traits regardless of their locale: sexy and chic!

As a major tourist destination points in Thailand, Phuket, a wide cross section of people. Russian, Indian, British, Australians – Phuket attracts around five million people every year. The numbers continue to grow – and the diversity of restaurants in Phuket.

Thailand is famous for its cuisine, and nowhere more than the food is divine in Phuket. Phuket Restaurants cover all the bases food. The star of the show is of course thelocal food. Whether you are a fan of curry or spicy fried chicken, you will find many dishes that will open your eyes to new taste experiences.

There are many restaurants, Phuket, it is difficult to recommend too. It only needs a walk on the street and there will be restaurants, street vendors and all kinds of places to eat. Choose a simple and see what he has to offer. The Thai people are venerated for their skilled chefs street food.

Of course, Thai food is not everythingis to try while you are in Phuket. There are restaurants in Phuket serves everything from Indian food to Mexican food.

E 'ironic that the quality of foreign-owned restaurant is often much lower than the quality of Thai restaurants. Is nowhere clearer than in the Italian restaurants in Phuket. There are so many of them, and it soon becomes clear that food is often below par. However, there are some decent ItalianRestaurants in Phuket Town.

Another popular type of restaurant in Phuket, particularly in Patong, Indian restaurants. The problem is that these restaurants are very expensive and the food is usually not worth writing home. If you want to try an Indian restaurant in Phuket, try to Phuket Town, but you forget to Patong.

If you're a fan of Scandinavian food, then you're lucky. Phuket has its fair share of visitors from Scandinavia. ThanConsequently, there are a number of Bed & Breakfast in Phuket, especially in the Kata-Karon. These restaurants are usually pretty cheap and the food is reasonable.

Also worth checking out if you want to show off a bit ', these restaurants in several of the high-end, as in Mai Khao. Even if you end up paying for it, there are very few foods that are high quality restaurants in Phuket.

As an island, there are, of course, a plethora of seafoodPhuket. Trust local know better how to prepare fish. There are too many seafood restaurants in Phuket to the list, but there are some good places to eat in dotted throughout the island.

Phuket, while it may not be exactly a gourmet dining destination, the quality of the many restaurants on the island is amazing. To find the best food by far in the local restaurants. Restaurants in Phuket is an experience in itself and one that will never forget.If you eat in restaurants, is adventurous and try new things. What can not seem attractive menu often prove to be the most savory dishes.

หมู่เกาะพีพี เป็นหมู่เกาะกลางทะเล  ซึ่งได้ชื่อว่าเป็นอาณาจักรแห่งบุปผาใต้สมุทรนักท่องเที่ยวที่มาเที่ยวหมู่ เกาะนี้ส่วนใหญ่มาเพื่อดำน้ำดูปะการังดอกไม้ทะเล และปลาหลากสีสันที่สวยงาม นอกจากนั้นยังมีเกาะต่าง ๆ ที่อยู่ระหว่างเส้นทางเดินเรือ กระบี่-ภูเก็ต-หมู่เกาะพีพี ประกอบด้วยเกาะ 6 เกาะ คือ เกาะพีพีเล เกาะพีพีดอน เกาะยูง เกาะไม้ไผ่ เกาะบิดะนอก และเกาะบิดะใน ซึ่งแต่ละเกาะมีหาดทรายสวย น้ำทะเลใส

จุดดำน้ำที่เกาะพีพีมีอยู่รอบเกาะ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเกาะพีพีดอน พีพีเล เกาะไผ่ เกาะบิดะใน เกาะบิดะนอก นักดำน้ำสามารถใช้บริการเรือจากเกาะภูเก็ตหรือจะเดินทางไปพัก ค้างคืนบนเกาะ หรือใช้บริการทริปค้างคืนบนเรือได้

By Dian Hasan | November 18, 2009

What would a resort stay experience be without a pool? Unthinkable for today’s travelers. They’ve come a long way, playing a central role in creating a distinctive experience and the common denominator as a social hub. Integral to a hotel’s brand identity. Here’s a glance at some of world’s most gorgeous resort pools, sharing the same traits regardless of their locale: sexy and chic!

Well thank goodness the week is half over, I dont think I have ever worked somewhere so quiet and boring, and I REALLY hope next month I am sent to a buisier branch. Who would have thought doing nothing all day would be so damn tiring.

Also, today marks 100 days until I go on holidays, YAY I cant wait! I am going away with my Husband, his parents and one of my best friends and his girlfriend.

We are going to Singapore, on a cruise and to Thailand, baisically re doing our Honeymoon and adding a few nights in Phuket, we will be away for our second wedding anniversary.

We have been to Singapore many times, so and hubbys parents go at least twice a year, so know what to do over there, but apart from 1 day on our honeymoon as a cruise stopover, have not been to phuket, just wondering if anyone has any ideas of things to do while over there, we are staying at Patong. I know the usual Phi Phi Island, Fantasea, Sea Kayacking but is there anything else that anyone has come across over there?

My mother in law and I are thinking of doing a cooking lesson and the boys are looking at a fishing trip, I am happy to just relax and lay on the beach, but I know my hubby and mother in law, they have to be constanty occupied…..

anyway I am ooking forward to hearing any suggestions.

Another thing that I am soo excited about is that we are flying the A380, YAY, has anyone else fown the A380? any comments?

Many of us remember Phuket as an island of paradise, shopping, relaxation and tranquility. After the tsunami hit in year 2004, a day after Christmas, many now are in awe of how a small town could rebuild in such a short time.

My first time to Phuket, with my colleagues. It was a company trip, kind of to motivate and reward every one of us as we did not get any increment or bonus this year. Every one was excited about this trip, except me. Anyway, I’m glad that I went. Didn’t enjoy much of the sea and beaches, but I did enjoy the Phantasea show and the shopping. The snorkelling trip was nothing, corals are all dead, fishes are of not many variety and it was crowded. You are bound to hit on someone wherever you swim.

Had our lunch in Koh Phi Phi island. The tour guide told us 3000 people died here. I couldn’t believe that this is the place where more than 3000 people died in the 2004 tsunami. Looking at it, you wouldn’t know that it has such a tragic history. The island is still full of people. Most of the buildings are newly built after the tsunami. There is even a tsunami evacuation route now. Too bad I forgot to take a photo of it. The tour guide told us he was on a boat when the tsunami hit, the sea receded about 1km and he found it weird. When the wave came, he could only feel the boat rising up and down and nothing much. He didn’t know what happened on the shore until he returned at a later time. He said he was lucky to be on the boat and survived.

There is still a lot of development going on in Chalong and Patong beach. You can see that most of the buildings are freshly painted. Well, 5 years after the tsunami, they basically rebuilt everything from scratch.

On the second night, we went to Jung Ceylon shopping complex. We were late, they closed at 10.30pm. So, we wandered along Bangla Road. So many things to see, but not much that you could buy. Then we were in this street where all the pubs and discos are there. Thai girls dancing on the tables, pole dancing, men asking you to visit their clubs…… It was so happening there!

We then walked all the way back to our hotel, Andaman Beach Suites, all of us felt our legs were giving up on us. LOL! That was a long way to walk! We nearly got lost too. Fortunately saw our tour leader on his way back too. A tips to share, do not ever walk alone in Bangla Road, walk in a group! Not even if you’re a guy.

We all woke up early on the 3rd day, to go to this Premier Outlet in Phuket town. Geez, Nike is cheaper by 30%!!! Got myself a pair of shoes. I regret now that I did not buy the backpack which is selling RM80++ here and it was selling at RM60 there!

Am thinking if I should go Phuket again middle of next year with Andrew. Just for shopping and walking around.

In LCCT airport.

Gems Gallery

Chalong Temple

Mind FM!!!!

The giant durian in fruits market.

It’s a pity that I didn’t get to go for a ride on that, no one wanted to go with me.

View from our hotel room! Nice!

Going for the Phantasea Show.

The buffet dinner in this restaurant was awesome! International standard. No regrets!

Getting ready heading to Phi Phi Island.

At Koh Phi Phi Don.

Sunset at Promthep Cape, we were late and it was cloudy, missed the sun.

Last dinner in Phuket.

When we reached the Phuket airport, we were shocked to see all the queues!!! The security check at all 4 entrance were full of people and the queue was so long even by the road side. Crazy!!!

An AHmazing shot of Dubai…

Phuket…a small market, selling the good au natural stuff …

Quirky, fun, eclectic, and different fabric from the Finnish:

หาดกะตะ

หาดกะตะอยู่ห่างจากตัวเมืองภูเก็ตประมาณ 17 กิโลเมตร สามารถเดินทางไปได้หลายเส้นทาง ทั้งจากชายหาดอื่นๆ โดยใช้เส้นทางถนนรอบเกาะ และจากตัวเมืองภูเก็ต โดยใช้เส้นทางถนนเจ้าฟ้าตะวันออก จนถึงห้าแยกฉลอง แล้วค่อยเลี้ยวขวาขึ้นเขาไป หาดกะตะแบ่งออกเป็น 2 หาด คือ หาดกะตะ กับหาดกะตะน้อย

หาดกะตะนั้น เหมาะสำหรับการเล่นน้ำ และฝึกดำน้ำแบบว่ายออกจากหาด จุดดำน้ำเป็นแนวปะการังติดต่อกันไปจนถึงเกาะปูซึ่งอยู่ด้านหน้าหาดกะตะ หาดกะตะเหมาะกับการดำน้ำในช่วงฤดูท่องเที่ยวเท่านั้น

A jornada pode parecer um pouco longa, mas quando você vê o pôr do sol em Phuket, cada minuto a bordo valeu a pena. Com vôos através de diversas localidades, você pode chegar à Tailândia através duma cidade européia, como Londres, Paris ou Frankfurt e quebrar um pouco a ida direta. De Bangkok a Phuket são apenas algumas poucas horas de vôo.

Cenário do filme A Praia, navegar pelas cercanias de Phuket, como por entre a ilha de Phi Phi e a praia de Phatong é realmente algo mágico. Enormes rochas erguem-se do meio do mar e formam como que esculturas na sua frente, causando uma estranheza tão grande quanto à sua própria beleza.

Esses passeios são fantásticos para a prática do mergulho, que pode ser feito mesmo pelos mais inexperientes. Todos os equipamentos são alugados no local e você não precisa se preocupar com nada. Para quem mesmo assim não quiser se arriscar no mar, a beleza do oceano também fica à disposição através de decks panorâmicos submersos, instalados no fundo dos barcos.

É muito divertido ainda andar de elefante pelas praias ou mesmo fazer paragliding, quando terá literalmente aos seus pés a vista de toda a costa.

Tente hospedar-se numa das fantásticas suítes do Aleenta Phuket ou do Trisara, ambos com serviço de primeira linha e acomodações com altíssima privacidade.

Se seus planos incluem passar o reveillon pelos lados de lá, lembre-se de visitar o Templo  Dourado em Bangkok e receber os bons fluídos através dos incensários e dos toques com flores de lótus proferidos pelos monges locais.

Para maiores informações, consulte o http://www.aleenta.com/ e http://www.trisara.com/ e boa viagem!

Marcio Silveira

(Fotos retiradas da Internet)

อากาศกำลังดี ไปเที่ยวดำน้ำที่สิมิลันดีกว่า

December 2009     IDC 30 Nov – 10 Dec     IE 11-13 Dec
January 2010     IDC 3 Jan – 14 Jan     IE 15-17 Jan
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