Did you watch the video? Would you like to come along for more?
January of 2018 I had an opportunity to travel for the second time to Thailand. This time, I tagged along with hubby who went on a business trip to present a research paper in Phuket. The venue was in Patong.
While on the bus, I felt like I was in my own country. That was a very provincial-like trip. And the traffic looked familiar, too!
We got off a block away from our hotel.
After checking in, we explored the area to find a place for our first Thai meal for dinner. Well, there were a lot of places to choose from. And we both agreed on a roadside eatery that served fish for hubby and soup for me. I went on this trip not in my best of health. My allergic cough was bothering me. I had to bring along my antihistamines and had to control my diet. I was afraid my stomach would turn inside out if I ate too much. I just wanted to get sips of hot soup.
Well, what do you think of this--- hot soup with fish and veggies which we both shared together.
Day 1.
Hubby had to visit the conference venue to register and claim his conference kit. So first in our itinerary was to find our way to his conference venue.
On our way, I liked looking at the trees and resort far ahead that I had to turn for a pose while walking along Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi Road in Patong. Had photo ops along the way.
Just a few blocks away, we found the place. Thanks to google maps. Locating the venue was as easy as 1-2-3. The Sea Sun Sand Resort & Spa. This is it! A simple-looking 4-star hotel.
On our way to the Math Conference Room, we passed by this floral pathway. Of course, we had to take photos. How could anyone resist such a view!
An alley of greens and orchids! So cool! I really belonged there, don't you dare disagree!
Even my hubby loved the view that he would call me for all these photo ops. So how could I resist? And he also waited to take this one shot of me sitting on the wooden stairs after an American tourist who looked like a fashion model had her photos taken. For arts sake?
Mission done, so we again walked back to the hotel to get ready for a half-day tour. Along the road, we chanced upon this place where we decided to stop for lunch.
What a sumptuous meal we had with this simple fish menu—- Tom yam fish with papaya salad. Our tummies were satisfied and we were ready for the half-day city tour we booked for ourselves.
The city tour itinerary covered the following for 1,150 THB! Sounds interesting?!
Taking photos with baby elephant
The Viewpoint
Big Buddha
Chalong Temple
Cashew Nut Factory
Honey Farm
Coffee Break
Weekend Market
The tour bus arrived exactly on time to pick us up. We were the first pair of tourists to board. It was an advantage
as it allowed us more time to get a view of the city while the bus driver picked up other tourists who joined the trip.
Taking photos with baby elephant
Our first stop was with Bella, the 3-year old Baby elephant. She liked cucumber. Tourists had to buy a basket of cucumber to feed Bella. Hubby had difficulty finding a good angle with me and Bella together before he succeeded with this as Bella seemed very elusive. Maybe because we didn’t buy a basket of cucumber?! đ
The Big Buddha
Our next destination was the Big Buddha. It was part of the tour package so we just grabbed the opportunity so as not to miss this popular tourist attraction.
The giant Buddha (below left) is called Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha. It stands 45 meters high and measures 25 meters across the base.
The smaller of the two Big Buddhas (above right) stands 12 meters high and is made of 22 tons of brass and costs TBT 8,000.
I had to stop to catch my breath halfway to the top. I had to tell hubby to wait for me. He walks so fast! The ascent to the top where the statue stood was worth it because of this beautiful panoramic view of Phuket.
The Viewpoint
From the Big Buddha, we stopped at The Viewpoint where we stayed for a few minutes to take some breath of fresh air, at the same time, enjoyed another picturesque view of Phuket. We were standing on high grounds overlooking Kata Beach.
Where we stood, the appearance of this old car didn't escape the lens of hubby's cam.
Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong)
Chalong Temple, Phuket's largest and most revered temple, is also one of the most visited temples in Phuket.
While hubby was satisfying his curiosity admiring the structures inside, I made several attempts at taking a good shot of the facade of the Chedi. Although it took me some time strategizing, I was not successful at taking a perfect clean shot as tourists kept on appearing.
Tourists quenching their thirst with bites of fruits and glasses of iced-cold juice in this corner. I was amused looking at the fruit vendor serving his customers. I almost forgot I was in another country.
From the Chalong Temple, our next stop was at the Sri Bhurapa Orchid Co., Ltd. This is where cashew nuts are prepared for packaging. A very tedious process.
If you are wondering why cashew nuts are costly, this is the reason why. See how company workers prepare the nuts for packaging.
The Big Bee farm
Does this look familiar? No, this is not Jolibee. This is the Big Bee Farm where honey products are manufactured.
The tour package included a coffee break after a tour at Wang Talang Gems International, a jewelry shop where exquisite gemstone pieces were on display. I wasn't able to resist the fresh water pearl necklace pendant!
Our last stop was at the biggest market of Phuket.
Hubby and I were the last tourists to be dropped off in our hotel after the tour. That meant we had more time roaming around the city again while the bus dropped off the other tourists in their own places.
Well, the day didn't end there. We decided to find a place for dinner so we walked around the area again until our feet brought us to the nearest beach, just a few blocks away from our hotel.
This is Patong Beach at night.
We strolled along the beach and listened to the waves splashing on the sand. We were excited to go back to see the beach in daylight. Sad to say, we were not able to find a place to dine along the beach. We found a street food vendor on our way back to the hotel so we had to content ourselves with these banana fritters and decided to call it a long day!
The smaller of the two Big Buddhas (above right) stands 12 meters high and is made of 22 tons of brass and costs TBT 8,000.
I had to stop to catch my breath halfway to the top. I had to tell hubby to wait for me. He walks so fast! The ascent to the top where the statue stood was worth it because of this beautiful panoramic view of Phuket.
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| The Big Buddha up in the air |
From the Big Buddha, we stopped at The Viewpoint where we stayed for a few minutes to take some breath of fresh air, at the same time, enjoyed another picturesque view of Phuket. We were standing on high grounds overlooking Kata Beach.
Where we stood, the appearance of this old car didn't escape the lens of hubby's cam.
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| Photographing the photographer |
Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong)
Chalong Temple, Phuket's largest and most revered temple, is also one of the most visited temples in Phuket.
Not very far from the temple is a brick oven-like structure. This is where Thais light firecrackers as a way of giving merit to Buddha. At the temple, one will hear series of small bangs in quick succession with a final loud bang. Thais show gratitude when their wishes had been granted by lighting firecrackers inside the brick oven. This creates loud explosions but nothing to be afraid of.
The photo below is part of Chalong Temple (Wat Chaiyathararam) complex. This 60-meter tall Phra Mahathat Chedi of Chalong Temple is said to hold an actual bone splinter of Buddha. The tower consists of three levels which house statues of Buddha and marks along all the walks, depicting the life and teachings of Buddha. At the pinnacle of Chedi is an enclosure where the bone splinter is housed. I wonder if hubby found it. This is said to be a very sacred part of the temple and should be given great respect regardless of tourists' religious affiliation.
The brick oven-like structures used for lighting firecrackers
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| Phra Mahathat Chedi |
Tourists quenching their thirst with bites of fruits and glasses of iced-cold juice in this corner. I was amused looking at the fruit vendor serving his customers. I almost forgot I was in another country.
From the Chalong Temple, our next stop was at the Sri Bhurapa Orchid Co., Ltd. This is where cashew nuts are prepared for packaging. A very tedious process.
If you are wondering why cashew nuts are costly, this is the reason why. See how company workers prepare the nuts for packaging.
I bought a pack of paprika-flavored cashew nuts.
The Big Bee farm
Does this look familiar? No, this is not Jolibee. This is the Big Bee Farm where honey products are manufactured.
See what hubby captured from the walls of the Big Bee Farm!
The tour package included a coffee break after a tour at Wang Talang Gems International, a jewelry shop where exquisite gemstone pieces were on display. I wasn't able to resist the fresh water pearl necklace pendant!
Our last stop was at the biggest market of Phuket.
Wow, just look at this feast of street food!
Hubby and I were the last tourists to be dropped off in our hotel after the tour. That meant we had more time roaming around the city again while the bus dropped off the other tourists in their own places.
Well, the day didn't end there. We decided to find a place for dinner so we walked around the area again until our feet brought us to the nearest beach, just a few blocks away from our hotel.
This is Patong Beach at night.
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| Night lights at Patong Beach |
We strolled along the beach and listened to the waves splashing on the sand. We were excited to go back to see the beach in daylight. Sad to say, we were not able to find a place to dine along the beach. We found a street food vendor on our way back to the hotel so we had to content ourselves with these banana fritters and decided to call it a long day!
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| Thai version of banana Turon |
Let's go rest for the night and be up early tomorrow to explore Patong Beach while hubby attends the conference. Then, I will feature the tour to Phang Nga Bay where the famous tourist attraction, James Bond Island, is located.
Click here and see you there!
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