Day 3, Friday 14 February

Settling In...... Now in Phuket, I really must make a start recording the many attractions here, However, the morning is out as we recover from our long trip down here yesterday. On top of that we have decided to change hotels then, having made contact with Ellie and Leo and we plan to meet up in the afternoon.
Before we arrived in Phuket we had already decided to avoid staying near the beach. As alluring as they are, we have many more options to explore the island by staying near the town. As well as that, we can keep costs down as I'm here in Thailand for the long haul. As regards to accommodation, Katoon is again on the phone and provisionally books a hotel just a kilometre out of town from B2. With arrangements for the day now sorted, we can relax a bit before we make a move at 11.30am.
Phuketa Hotel...... Arriving at Phuketa Hotel, we are warmly welcomed by the staff then encouraged to take part in a photo shoot to promote their hotel on facebook. At Phuketa the rate is standard for this area but we pay extra for 'breakfast is included'. Checking the room, it's really spacious and meets all our needs if just slightly dated. However, just that 1 kilometre has made all the difference in terms of conveniences nearby. We book for 2 nights and head off to rendezvous with Ellie and Leo.
Kata Noi Beach...... Kata Noi Beach on the rocky western shoreline of Phuket Island is small be seemingly every square inch is devoted to tourism, a process that has been learnt from food processors of sardines in tins. Driving down through the narrow streets packed with cars, taxis, busses and motorbikes we realise how crazy this place is and how inspired we were to choose accommodation well clear of it. Nevertheless, we have arranged a meeting point near the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort but a decision not to take lunch before we arrived has left us paying double while we wait for Ellie and Leo. It seems their intention is to go snorkeling at Kata Beach and at 3pm we leave them to it. By this time, I decide to take a stroll onto the beach but where is it? Oh yes! I just caught a glimpse of it. For a moment I thought I was at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final, there are so many bodies. Three minutes to fire of some shots and that should do it. Back at the car, Katoon is determined to make up for lost time and we head north along the coast accompanied by vehicles of all descriptions.
Kata Beach...... Heading over a ridge, we find ourselves at Kata Beach, a longer and quieter beach. For the first part there are endless rows of beach umbrellas at four times the price as at Cha-Am for example but at the northern end there is free space and places to park. However, back along the main street it is as chaotic as ever.
Patong Beach...... Proceeding north, we by-pass Karen Beach and head straight for Patong Beach. Well I've heard of it, read about it and seen plenty of photographs of it online and in magazines so here we are, the famous Patong Beach, the Monte Carlo of Thailand where people from around the world with more money than sense, flock by the millions. As Katoon makes her way through the endless stream of traffic, I can't help wonder what it would be like if all those Chinese tours weren't cancelled. The best I can do here is to leave Katoon in the car, stumble onto the beach and fire off more shots. Well that's it. 3 minutes and I'm done; time to head back south.
Karon Beach...... Returning the way we came, this time we don't use the main street by-passing the beach. Well, of the beaches visited so far, I think this one I could stomach. This long sandy beach is built up only on the southern end leaving plenty of parking space for those who don't mind being burnt to a frazzle as the are no umbrellas here. The ocean here does look inviting though.
Promthep Cape...... I should have mentioned that this whistle stop tour this afternoon is inspired by Katoon who unlike me has stayed here before albeit many moons ago. She wants me to spend time at the Promthep Cape. Here, I'm told is a treat in store. However, reaching the cape at 5pm we're a bit early for the spectacular sunset that attracts victors from all over the island in their droves. So much so that arriving early we can find a parking space.
Promthep Cape is an attraction in its own right being the most southerly point on the island offering amazing views from the rocky headland. Also, though afforded little attention by visitors is a memorial to Krom Luang Chumphon, one of King Rama V's sons who modernized the Thai Navy, and referred to these days as the 'Father of the Royal Thai Navy'. Memorials to him exist all over Thailand especially on the coast and I have mentioned him many times during my travels.
Oddly, despite finding a parking place while others now struggle, we depart before that glorious sunset happens but it's all to do with Katoon's master plan. Just a short distance around the headland is another rocky outcrop known as Windmill Hill. With it in view, it's pretty obvious how it was given that name. On top is a wind turbine, not the largest I've seen but serving some function I'm unaware of. Parking is permitted in a car park at the top but many simply park on the roadside. So, it will be here that I witness that magical sunset. Katoon has done her homework. There are far fewer people to witness the same event which duly occurs at around 6.30pm.
Saphan Hin...... The final destination today is another favorite of Katoon although now dark, I'm wondering what it's about. Nevertheless, I navigate towards it through the usual congestion, this time travelling along the eastern coast. The route takes us along Rawai Beach, which although still busy, looks like another beach I could tolerate. Another day perhaps! As we make our way back in the general direction of Phuket Town, the congestion intensifies until at around 7.30pm we arrive at Suphan Hin (stone bridge) to do what exactly? Well, Katoon is confused. It's been such a long time since she was here that the whole area has changed. Apparently there used to be an old street market here but does it still exist? Well, while Katoon makes enquiries, there certainly is something in this area that attracts us but much more modern. In an open square there's a night market selling dry goods and street food. As an added bonus, there is a concern in progress for Valentine's Day. It's a wonderful chance to grab something cheap for a change to take back to the hotel. I would have liked to stay longer but it's been a long day despite the late start.
Reaching Phuketa Hotel it's now 8.30pm and I'd love a beer to wash down the food but although I need to cross the busy road, there's a BIG 'C' opposite. Luckily, I'm in time before it closes at 9pm.
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