Honeymoon Holiday (Phuket)

Phi Phi Island, looking back towards Phuket. Not too sure if it's Phi Phi Lei or Phi Phi Don. I think it's Lei
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Phuket was a shock to my senses. I've been to some dodgy parts of Indonesia before, but nothing like this. It was a real eye opener. I hadn't thought that such opulence and such poverty could exist on the same block.

We went post Tsunami, when everything had basically recovered, and everything was functioning again, but there was still rebuilding happening. I think they're taking the opportunity to "upgrade" facilities. Probably a very wise move. But the people seem to have recovered very well, and they're all happy and talkative.

I hadn't thought that such opulence and such poverty could exist on the same block.

The view from our lunch destination. Pure bliss!!
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We didn't really like Patong Beach that much. It was a bit smelly and crowded for my tastes. I think every tuktuk driver in Patong asked us if we wanted a ride, which wears out really quick...if the last 99 guys got a no, what makes you think YOU'RE getting a yes?! Eeesh, but that aside, Kata beach was the best spot we found on the mainland there, but a MUST DO is the trip to Phiphi Island. They filmed the movie The Beach there, and I honestly thought that they had altered the scenes with the water in it, but they haven't, not one bit. About the only thing I didn't find over there that was in the movie was the Marj, the crims, and the castaways. The rest was pretty accurate!! ; )

The azure water around Phi Phi Island. No photo manipulation. Swear!!
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We had a great time in Phuket and would thoroughly recommend Kata Beach if you're looking for a good relaxing holiday. Enough markets to keep it interesting shopping wise, but far enough away from the huge hustle and bustle of Patong to make it relaxing.