Day 2 & 3 Phuket

Over the past couple of days we have settled in well, adjusting to our surroundings. The dogs are no longer an issue, we avoid them and they keep clear of us. However, today one came snooping around the hotel pool. At this point we was under the sun umbrella due to the rain. Despite attempts to keep dry, we jumped in the pool in the poring rain when the dog appeared to be walking towards us. Funnily enough, the dog just strolled out of the hotel grounds.

The weather here has been good. It is 34 degrees Celsius and sunny with the odd late afternoon shower causing little inconvenience. It is the rainy season here so everything is half price, even the tours are discounted to child price meaning we can afford to do so much. Even in the rainy season the weather is better than England.

We have been mainly enjoying the hotel pool, sussing out the town and walking along the beach. Patong beach is nice but fairly busy with people trying to sell you deck chairs, Jet Ski hire, parasailing etc. So we prefer to sit by the pool where it is hassle free. We will save our beach days for Koh Phi Phi where the beaches are meant to idyllic. When walking around the town you notice hundreds of Thai massage parlors. Outside there sat up to 20 girls whining “Thai massage”. We refuse and walk on, although we would like to get a genuine Thai massage.

Steve has been learning to do his own washing. So far he has achieved hand washing his pants and socks. St first he found it relaxing and enjoyable; however, he soon grew bored.

We have booked a day trip and our ferry to Koh Phi Phi with Andy’s Tours. Andy is such a nice guy, honest, helpful and very informative. We recommend his to anyone in Phuket. We are also interested in seeing two show – Fantasea (a production with dancers and animals) and The Simon Show (Ladyboy cabaret). Steve is not to keen on The Simon Show.

We have been making use of the hotel facilities, especially taking advantage of the hotels happy hour where it is buy one get one free twice an evening. The staff behind the hotel bar are very welcoming. We have made friends with them and enjoy talking to them in the evening, whilst they practice their English. We have also been filling ourselves up with the breakfast buffet and playing pool and table tennis.

Yesterday evening we decided to visit Bangla road, famous for its seedy nightlife and ladyboys. The road stretched from the town centre down to the beach, lined with hundreds of bars. Some are large and pub like, whilst others are in the style of huts with a small bar and stool. Booze is unbelievably cheap with some places offering beer for less than a pound. Bangla was buzzing with tourists, locals selling souvenirs and food, men carrying giant iguana that you can hold and the ladies of the night. Some bars were full of families, couples and groups (we drank there), whereas the quieter bars were the seedy ones. Roads sprouted of Bangla, all lined with bars where Thai ladies poll danced outside. As we looked down the strips, it looked like a symmetrical illusion. Steve was shocked at what he saw, however, I was curious so I dragged him down one of them. Ladies were pulling us into the bars, poll dancers everywhere, and one man to three Thai girls. We made our way back to the main strip where we saw ladyboys. Steve was grossed out, however, I was stunned at how beautiful and convincing some of them are. Apparently 40% of Thai girls on Bangla are ladyboys. I approached two dressed as princess and asked for a photo; however they charge, so I decided to say my money – maybe another time.

It began to rain so we decided to to jump into a Phuket tuk tuk (a modern version of Bangkok’s tuk tusk). This was really fun as we wised through the bustling streets of Phuket back to our hotel in time for round two of happy hour.

I have to say that although Bangla shouted sex industry from the roof tops, it was not as bad as expected. Apart from being weary of the stray dogs, I did not feel threatened, nor out of place as there were lots of bars suited for families and couples. It was a real eye opener and great experience, we have a fantastic night.

Tonight we are having a early night as tomorrow we are of on an adventure to discover Phang Nga where we shall travel to the James Bond Island and Kon Panyee.

Goodnight

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