We finally made it back on track for our travel masterplan.
This summer of 2012: Phuket!
There are many interesting places in Thailand to explore for a vacation. Truth to tell, Koh Samui was my first choice, based from a friend's recommendation. But in between capacity plans, inventory and history-telling of why we are where we are, I ran out of time to plan for Samui and Phuket was an easier deal to pull together. So Phuket it is. There is always time for Samui.
It is the kids' first time to travel to Thailand so Kyla was so looking forward to it, especially when she saw pictures of its breathtaking beaches. We arrived at Phuket on a clear, sunny day.
I decided we will travel in nautical theme and this is why everyone is wearing stripes!
It was my first time to visit Phuket and I didn't expect that the resort-hotels were actually in the heart of a busy city. I did wonder where on earth was the beach in the middle of busy streets dotted with hotels, resorts and commercial establishments?
We stayed in Holiday Inn Resort. I was expecting this to be on a beachfront. Apparently, Patong Beach was literally just across the road. We hit the beach in late afternoon after enjoying a poolside lunch and exploring around the resort.
Knowing me, I like the beach but not the UV rays. And someone had to take pictures.
Kyla's first order of business was to collect sea shells.
In our second day, we took the Phi Phi island hopping tour. To enjoy Phuket and its beaches, it is recommended to try the island hop tours. You can inquire this directly at the hotel since most tour companies partner with the hotels to get a bigger client base.
There were various island package tours to choose from (Panga Bay tour which include the famous James Bond island, Sumilon Islands tour). It's nearly an hour travel from resort to the Boat Lagoon Station where the speed boats and yachts are docked, and it is another hour going to the island.
What a relief that no one got seasick on the way!
The boat docked at Pileh Cove and we had a good 30 minutes to swim and take pictures around the paradise-looking island. Reminds me of our very own breathtaking beaches in Palawan and Boracay.
At Loh Samah Bay, you can simply jump off the boat and snorkel while fishes feed on your hair!
We headed back to the Phi Phi Don mainland for a buffet lunch which was served in this spacious open air pavillion run by the locals. I learned that this island was hit hard in the tsunami that hit Thailand in mid-2000s and through the persevering spirit of the locals, they were able to rebuild back and restore livelihood for the islanders in due time.
Last stop was Bamboo island where we spent the rest of the afternoon. In constrast to Pileh Cove where the waters are jade green, Bamboo island have crystal blue waters.
Kyla did her own version of what I call as shore-keling ...
... while Kevin and Dad bonds in the sea.
I consider Thai food as one of the best Asian cuisine so I definitely looked forward to dinner.
Well, it was short but sweet.
This summer of 2012: Phuket!
There are many interesting places in Thailand to explore for a vacation. Truth to tell, Koh Samui was my first choice, based from a friend's recommendation. But in between capacity plans, inventory and history-telling of why we are where we are, I ran out of time to plan for Samui and Phuket was an easier deal to pull together. So Phuket it is. There is always time for Samui.
 |
| The city on the horizon is the heart of Phuket |
It is the kids' first time to travel to Thailand so Kyla was so looking forward to it, especially when she saw pictures of its breathtaking beaches. We arrived at Phuket on a clear, sunny day.
I decided we will travel in nautical theme and this is why everyone is wearing stripes!
It was my first time to visit Phuket and I didn't expect that the resort-hotels were actually in the heart of a busy city. I did wonder where on earth was the beach in the middle of busy streets dotted with hotels, resorts and commercial establishments?
We stayed in Holiday Inn Resort. I was expecting this to be on a beachfront. Apparently, Patong Beach was literally just across the road. We hit the beach in late afternoon after enjoying a poolside lunch and exploring around the resort.
Knowing me, I like the beach but not the UV rays. And someone had to take pictures.
 |
| Kyla and Me |
Kyla's first order of business was to collect sea shells.
In our second day, we took the Phi Phi island hopping tour. To enjoy Phuket and its beaches, it is recommended to try the island hop tours. You can inquire this directly at the hotel since most tour companies partner with the hotels to get a bigger client base.
There were various island package tours to choose from (Panga Bay tour which include the famous James Bond island, Sumilon Islands tour). It's nearly an hour travel from resort to the Boat Lagoon Station where the speed boats and yachts are docked, and it is another hour going to the island.
What a relief that no one got seasick on the way!
 |
| Boat Lagoon |
 |
| Welcome Aboard! |
The boat docked at Pileh Cove and we had a good 30 minutes to swim and take pictures around the paradise-looking island. Reminds me of our very own breathtaking beaches in Palawan and Boracay.
At Loh Samah Bay, you can simply jump off the boat and snorkel while fishes feed on your hair!
 |
| This is the Viking Cove |
This is not Alvin, but this was the closest shot I can get to show the fishes just beneath the surface of the water!
We headed back to the Phi Phi Don mainland for a buffet lunch which was served in this spacious open air pavillion run by the locals. I learned that this island was hit hard in the tsunami that hit Thailand in mid-2000s and through the persevering spirit of the locals, they were able to rebuild back and restore livelihood for the islanders in due time.
 |
| Heading for Lunch |
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| Phi Phi Mainland's Picturesque View |
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| Getting ready to hit the waters at Bamboo Island |
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| Kyla excitedly told me she saw a Bumble-Bee colored fish. Kids can snorkel at the shoreline where they can find little fishes |
... while Kevin and Dad bonds in the sea.
I consider Thai food as one of the best Asian cuisine so I definitely looked forward to dinner.
Holiday Inn has an impressive themed buffet spread and kids get to eat free! Their theme varies from day to day so that you won't get tired of seeing the same set every dinner. In our second night, they had a Thai buffet dinner.
Well, it was short but sweet.
Vacations and getaways are never long enough but thankfully, we had some time to bond together and enjoy these precious moments in life....
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