Rainy Days in Phuket

I arrived in Phuket yesterday after a quick flight from Chaing Mai. The weather was overcast and it was obvious that it was raining off and on.

Phuket’s airport is about 45 minutes from downtown Patong. I was able to get a metered taxi for 400 bahts which was cheaper than the other independent taxis who will approach you the moment you leave the airport. I recommend the metered taxis and as you leave the entrance of the airport, they have a sign and a small line to your right as you’re walking out.

I researched a few - ok, a gazillion hotels - in the area of Patong Beach. Originally, I was planning on staying in Krabi but it was low-season and I figured I could deal with the crowds in Patong. I was right, it wasn’t crowded at all and though the streets were busy with motorcycles and tuk-tuks…it wasn’t too overwhelming. The main drag in Patong were lined with various stores, restaurants, bars, and of cours a ton of massage parlors which really were fronts for we all know what! It really is seedy if you just stand still for a moment and really absorb all that you see in front of you. Other than that, its pretty much a beach town for tourists.

I checked into the Duangjitt Resort which is at the end of Patong Beach. It really reminds me of Plantation Bay in Cebu. It’s a pretty large resort with 2 swimming pools - one of which looks like a lagoon. Its really pretty and the birds are chirping everywhere. Its almost like a mini-oasis in the middle of crazy Patong!

By the time I was checked in, unpacked….it was already early evening. So I called Mim who was sweet enough to suggest giving me a tour around Phuket tomorrow - I am so excited about meeting with her. I also emailed Sandra who I met in Chaing Mai. We both agreed to meet up since she was coming down to Phuket in a few days.

Rain Rain Go Away…. I want to snorkel and temple during tomorrow’s day.

Till I blog ya again…Ciao!

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