PHUKET DAY TRIPPER
Thailand’s biggest island , Phuket , is also one of the country’s major tourist attractions. Well known for its pristine beaches and flowing waterfall , it is probably most famous for the annual vegetarian festival - - remarkable for the extreme methods devotees take to pay their respect. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, the pearl of the Andaman has something to offer everyone.
My recent trip to this holiday island started with a visit to the famous Dim Sum shop near Khao Rang - - one of Phuket’s most stunning viewpoints. The shop, with its tasty treats, is always crowded and you should try and get there before 11 am or you will be disappointed as is will be sold out. After a great feed, I walked around Khao Rang, enjoying the view and watching the people who head to this location ever day to exercise and breathe-in the refreshing sea breezes.
In the early afternoon I headed to Phuket Town to experience its striking Sino-Portuguese architecture. The old town provides numerous opportunities for visitors to click that perfect photograph and walking around the town is an ideal way to build up an appetite.
By mid afternoon I was hungry again so decided to sample some ‘Hokkkien Mee’ [Chiinese noodles]. The noodles are either served in soup or fried in fish sauce and served with sliced pork and shrimps. When you come here, you have to try this. I guarantee you will find it as delicious as I did.
As part of my day trip to Phuket I also planned to go to Wat Chalong, one of the oldest temples on the island. By the time I arrived, at around 4pm, the whole building was sparkling in the late afternoon sun. It was also full of people: Thais and tourists lining up to receive blessings from the temples revered abbot, Luang Por Cham. Of course, I joined the queue.
As the afternoon slowly starting moving towards evening I set off to Phromthep Cape, the most southerly point of the island and an ideal location to watch the sunset. As I watched the sun set over the expansive sea, it was like Phuket was unveiling its hidden charm. The view was breathtaking.
The final destination was the centre of Phuket’s nightlife and shopping : Patong Beach. The area is full of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Of course I didn’t go to a club but I did spend time taking photos of all the tourists. The evening chitt, friendly people and lively surroundings made me feel alive. I knew this would not be my last visit to this exciting place.
If you enjoyed reading about my trip, why don’t you make plans to visit Phuket youself ? If possible, try and spend more than one day and don’t forget to write about your experience and share it with the readers of NJ magazine.