PHUKET
After 4 nights on Koh Phi Phi Don we jumped on a boat once again and set sail (motored) for the renowned diving island of Koh Tao, via Phuket.
I didn't hold high hopes for Phuket, being such an established tourist destination I figured it would be over-run with foreigners cavorting about in hi-vis "I love Phuket" singlets. Fortunately for us, however, we managed to avoid all that and Phuket ended up being a most enjoyable little surprise package.
First night we just grabbed a room in a random village (for which I know not the name) where not a tourist was to be seen. Very refreshing after four days of quite the opposite at Phi Phi Don.
Our trusty dog-eared Lonely Planet piqued our interest, and subsequently determined our movements, in the direction of old Phuket Town. We spent our second day and night there and it didn't disappoint.
Phuket Town, once a trading hub for seafaring merchants from as far as Portugal, and as nearby as China and surrounding parts of South East Asia, is rich in charm and history. The architecture is an interesting blend of classic European and Chinese styles, and the streets are littered with funky little cafes, bars and restaurants.
Fani and I were fortunate enough to be there on a Saturday night when a nearby main road was closed to accommodate a quirky night market, bustling with good vibes and delicious food.
One of the refreshing things about Phuket Town (depending on your perspective) is that it doesn't attract a throng of rowdy young revellers (I'm getting old), but a more relaxed and considerate local crowd.
Photos from top-to-bottom: 1-3. Fanzi checkin' out the streets in Phuket Town's CBD. 4. The sign writer tried, bless him, but just could not get a grasp on the spelling of "Murldog". 5. Colourful buildings may cause happiness. 6. Glastnost
But that was it for us and Phuket Island - 2 nights and we were out of there! Next stop, Koh Tao.
KOH TAO
5 hours on a bus, 4 hours in limbo, and 3 hours on a boat saw us traverse Thailand from west to east to be politely dumped on that most alluring diving locale that is Koh Tao.
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Tao ("Koh" means island, so I guess it's really the island of Tao..) has the enviable reputation of being one of the cheapest (around AUD$300) and best (due to agreeable bathymetry, lack of swell and a plethora of ATM's) destinations for learning scuba in the world. Unfortunately for us, as cheap as it was, our budget didn't allow for any scuba or freediving courses. Instead, we wiled the days away swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and trekking on this idyllic little gem.
It is very touristy here now, especially on the west coast, but it's not too hard to escape the crowd by going for a little wander across the island. An intra-island wander if you will. The steep hill that separates east from west seems to keep the crowd down. Fani and I did one such walk and found this fantastic little bar (Coco View Bar) perched high on a hill overlooking Koh Tao's east coast, where we rehydrated with coconut water and lemonade and laughed and remembered the time when we used to work ;D Sorry. We're working now. Nearly.
Photos from top to bottom: 1. Fanzi - One long haul from Phuket to Koh Tao and the tiger begins to emerge from within. Just 2 hours to go..:) 2-3. Views from right to left along Koh Tao's west coast. 4. A local fisherman perfecting the art of casting a net with the power of the mind. 5. Looking back to shore from the water. 6. Security at the plant was tight.. 7. After scaling the steep hill to reach the east coast we were rewarded with magnificent views.. 8..and a well-deserved coconut at Coco View Bar :) 9. The east coast's rocky goodness.
After 8 very enjoyable days relaxing (with a hint of frolicking) on Koh Tao, it was time for us to pull up stumps and begin our long journey back to Bali, via Bangkok.
We spent our second last night in Khao San, which is always fun, albeit extremely busy, and the final night, December 18th, where it all began in Don Muang, at our personal favourite "48Ville" Hotel, sampling some of Thailand's finest from the stupendous street stalls in the area.
Even a bright green and purple room for our last night in Don Muang couldn't keep Fanzi awake ;D
The following morning we were up at 3am and off to Don Muang International Airport for our return flight to Denpasar, Bali. We were heading back to our home and the fantastic surf and lifestyle of Bali, but it had been an unforgettable trip to Thailand for us. Beautiful islands, amazing food, and the purchase of the greatest tee-shirt of all time. A good trip :)
The End
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