Day 5, Saturday 16 February
Attractions....... Over the last couple of days, I've begun to realise the wealth of attractions there is on Phuket Island, many of which were created for the new wave of tourists. My tour list is still quite full but I'm torn in my convictions between 'let's get the hell out of here' to 'well I'm here now let's make the best of it (I don’t intend coming back)' I guess that's being cruel but it's been so difficult to overcome to congestion here now.
Well it's a new day and immediately I have another issue to contend with. I've already been using Katoon's laptop as a back- up but this to has failed this morning. As it is essential, I have some processing power I need to get it fixed if possible. At least we're earlier for breakfast.
Setback....... Heading into town we have no success in finding a computer repair shop but then head out to the Big 'C' shopping complex where there will be a service centre. All this is taking time but then when we do locate one there is bad news. As there is power but no display then the graphics card has failed. As with these devices the card is integrated on the mother board so the whole board would have to be replaced. It's just not worth it for an older machine. The only good news is that I have a budget for a new device but hadn’t decided which option to go for. Now I'm committed and decide to buy a tablet which Katoon can use later. However, I will be compromised by relying on this device. With time now well past midday we must resume the tour but that too will now be compromised.
Chalong Bay Distillery....... The Chalong Bay Distillery was missed off my list from yesterday but sadly on reaching it today we feel this is a tourist trap. 450 baht to take a tour around the processing facility is a 'rip off' in my opinion. Further, if you’re are prepared to fork out 1,700 baht you could spend an afternoon helping in the production process. Shouldn't they be paying you? To be fair though you would be allowed a tipple.
Ao Chalong Pier....... Heading further south we reach Ao Chalong Pier. This is the embarkation pier for the islands in Phang Nga and beyond as far as Krabi. It's a valuable photo opportunity.
Rawai Beach....... Having passed along Rawai Beach already after dark, I really wanted to take some daylight photos here. In the daytime at least there are places to park making this a quieter more friendly beach. That makes it possible to stay a while here and actually sit out in the shade and order a drink. Why wouldn't you? The reason is you'd be bankrupt in days. I shan't be doing that again.
Seashell Museum....... Returning back towards Phuket we notice the Seashell Museum. Here we just make enquiries noting that it's 100 baht for looking at shells admittedly really beautiful ones.
Phuket Aquarium....... Setting up navigation to Phuket Aquarium, I note that arriving there allows just half a hour. It's hardly enough. Reaching it there is time to have a look around but for 180 baht, I regret now not having arrived earlier. There is just not enough time as this is one of the better presentations of river, lake, estuary and marine life and they are somewhat economic with closing the building.
Phuket Aquarium was established in 1983 as part of the internationally renowned Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC), as a research and monitoring station with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). The aquarium provides means to communicate research results and to promote environmental awareness.
Features within the aquarium include coral reef life, tunnel tank, giant grouper and exotic species. There is also a nature trail and a rehabilitation centre for turtles.
Panwa Cape....... Heading back around Cape Panwa we note this area at least is relatively unspoilt and the scenery breath-taking in places. Ao Yon Beach is relatively undiscovered in a small secluded cove while other natural treasures include Khao Kad Viewpoint, Ton Ao Yon Waterfall and Khao Kad Viewing Tower with its panoramic view of the whole cape, the southern regions of Phuket Island and the islands beyond.
Phuket Old Town....... Now not long before sunset we need to return to Phuketa Hotel an arrange to meet up with Ellie and Leo again. At around 7pm they arrive at the hotel to make plans for what will be their final evening in Phuket. Suggesting a visit to Chillva Market, on arrival it's not really what they were looking for so instead they decide to head for Phuket Weekend Market and pray we can find a place to park. After some delay the final act of the day is to wander down the walking street and partake of some street food for a change. Bidding farewell to Ellie and Leo who will be travelling to Chiang Mai tomorrow, we return to Phuketa Hotel after another long day.
Next Page.
Attractions....... Over the last couple of days, I've begun to realise the wealth of attractions there is on Phuket Island, many of which were created for the new wave of tourists. My tour list is still quite full but I'm torn in my convictions between 'let's get the hell out of here' to 'well I'm here now let's make the best of it (I don’t intend coming back)' I guess that's being cruel but it's been so difficult to overcome to congestion here now.
Well it's a new day and immediately I have another issue to contend with. I've already been using Katoon's laptop as a back- up but this to has failed this morning. As it is essential, I have some processing power I need to get it fixed if possible. At least we're earlier for breakfast.
Setback....... Heading into town we have no success in finding a computer repair shop but then head out to the Big 'C' shopping complex where there will be a service centre. All this is taking time but then when we do locate one there is bad news. As there is power but no display then the graphics card has failed. As with these devices the card is integrated on the mother board so the whole board would have to be replaced. It's just not worth it for an older machine. The only good news is that I have a budget for a new device but hadn’t decided which option to go for. Now I'm committed and decide to buy a tablet which Katoon can use later. However, I will be compromised by relying on this device. With time now well past midday we must resume the tour but that too will now be compromised.
Chalong Bay Distillery....... The Chalong Bay Distillery was missed off my list from yesterday but sadly on reaching it today we feel this is a tourist trap. 450 baht to take a tour around the processing facility is a 'rip off' in my opinion. Further, if you’re are prepared to fork out 1,700 baht you could spend an afternoon helping in the production process. Shouldn't they be paying you? To be fair though you would be allowed a tipple.
Ao Chalong Pier....... Heading further south we reach Ao Chalong Pier. This is the embarkation pier for the islands in Phang Nga and beyond as far as Krabi. It's a valuable photo opportunity.
Rawai Beach....... Having passed along Rawai Beach already after dark, I really wanted to take some daylight photos here. In the daytime at least there are places to park making this a quieter more friendly beach. That makes it possible to stay a while here and actually sit out in the shade and order a drink. Why wouldn't you? The reason is you'd be bankrupt in days. I shan't be doing that again.
Seashell Museum....... Returning back towards Phuket we notice the Seashell Museum. Here we just make enquiries noting that it's 100 baht for looking at shells admittedly really beautiful ones.
Phuket Aquarium....... Setting up navigation to Phuket Aquarium, I note that arriving there allows just half a hour. It's hardly enough. Reaching it there is time to have a look around but for 180 baht, I regret now not having arrived earlier. There is just not enough time as this is one of the better presentations of river, lake, estuary and marine life and they are somewhat economic with closing the building.
Phuket Aquarium was established in 1983 as part of the internationally renowned Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC), as a research and monitoring station with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). The aquarium provides means to communicate research results and to promote environmental awareness.
Features within the aquarium include coral reef life, tunnel tank, giant grouper and exotic species. There is also a nature trail and a rehabilitation centre for turtles.
Panwa Cape....... Heading back around Cape Panwa we note this area at least is relatively unspoilt and the scenery breath-taking in places. Ao Yon Beach is relatively undiscovered in a small secluded cove while other natural treasures include Khao Kad Viewpoint, Ton Ao Yon Waterfall and Khao Kad Viewing Tower with its panoramic view of the whole cape, the southern regions of Phuket Island and the islands beyond.
Phuket Old Town....... Now not long before sunset we need to return to Phuketa Hotel an arrange to meet up with Ellie and Leo again. At around 7pm they arrive at the hotel to make plans for what will be their final evening in Phuket. Suggesting a visit to Chillva Market, on arrival it's not really what they were looking for so instead they decide to head for Phuket Weekend Market and pray we can find a place to park. After some delay the final act of the day is to wander down the walking street and partake of some street food for a change. Bidding farewell to Ellie and Leo who will be travelling to Chiang Mai tomorrow, we return to Phuketa Hotel after another long day.
Next Page.
Chalong Bay Distillery
Ao Chalong Pier
Rawai Beach
Seashell Museum, Phuket
Phuket Aquarium
Phuket Weekend Market