Family Travel to Phuket, Thailand
Pa Tong Beach
This beach on Phuket is a long stretch of white sand beach with rocks and boulders on the north end. We took a lovely sunset stroll along the beach, with fun rock climbing and sightseeing. So the kids ran around exploring all the little areas and I chilled with Scarlett taking in the calmness.
Cody had been sick for about 5 days, so he had a triumph moment of appreciating his good health and happiness.
Even out at sea there was much to watch with Thai boats zipping this and that way. Fishermen casting nets into the water and dragging them up. Then zooming to the other side of the bay to cast again.
Karon Beach
We did not spend much time on Karon Beach but the night market was a lot of fun and a great experience. Some friends told us that there was some great beaches to hit and explore further south. Yanui Beach, Nai hard Beach and Kata Beach to name just a few.
Pa Tong
We walked along the streets of Patong on the Island of Phuket and took in the sights. Women walking along with a pole over their shoulder and two baskets hanging covered in all sorts of goods to buy. There was tables lining the sidewalk near the beach with snacks and treats for sale. In contrast crickets and worms cooked to a crunchy bite filled a table. And juicy fruits and sour mango cut into strips served with salt.
The first time we tried Pomelo was from one of the tables, the lady was cutting them up and packaging them. On the table was an array of contrasting samples to try from a light cream yellow to red pieces. Cody got the red fruit as she said it was sweeter. It was delicious, Pomelo is slightly sweeter then grapefruit but less sweet than an orange therefore we all loved it.
Everywhere we went was new sights to see and experience. Smells to take in. People too bargain with over so many different items. One thing we quickly learned was that they all start prices at double. So if you are willing to pause and stand for a minute, they will quickly drop their price. To them it is worth it, because so many tourist will just pay whatever they ask immediately.
Accommodations on Phuket
Thank you Naina Resort & Spa and Secret Cliff Resort for hosting us! All opinions expressed are my own.
Staying at the amazing Naina Resort & Spa in the Patong Beach area was so relaxing. Everyone of us loved the feeling of being secluded, but right in the city. We could walk to shops and restaurants. And they offer a shuttle ride to the Jungceylon Shopping Mall and to Patong Beach.
Every morning we had a delicious breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, pastries, juices and coffee. As a result we would leave full and happy. One night we ordered room service. They serve everything from pad Thai, mango sticky rice to pizza for a reasonable price.
We also stayed at Secret Cliff Resort while on Phuket and had a wondrous stay as well. The breakfast included spanned down many tables with a variety of delectable food. They even had a salad section and expresso machine to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Activities at Naina
We did the different activities at the hotel and loved the introduction into Thai traditions. I also chose to get a traditional Thai massage and it’s quite the stretching experience. It felt very good and I was so relaxed when my masseuse finished with me. Afterwards she escorted me to a front room and served me tea and a cookie. What a pleasant surprise.
Rice Planting
Rice Fields are common in Thailand and they say of the 40% of Thais in agriculture, 16 million of them are rice farmers. So planting rice was something I really wanted to experience. It’s muddy and wet, but feels so good on your toes and feet. You feel like you are one with the earth. For me it’s hard to describe how I felt except that it felt good.
Muay Thai Boxing
Muay Thai Boxing is very popular in Thailand and another activity I really wanted to try. They seem very passionate and serious about it. While traveling through Thailand, I would ask about Thai Boxing from the locals. I gathered that all Thai boys are trained in it at some point in their life.
We trained at Naina training center and watched a night of matches. At the training center, they do a series of warm ups and then train you on some of the main moves. It was definitely a great workout and a confidence booster.
None of us had ever watched a live Boxing event so it was a little crazy for us. Hard hits and blood flying with the crowd cheering. But something I’m glad I did once and would do again.
Thai Cooking Class
Thai cooking is fun and much easier then I anticipated. We strolled through the gardens that Naina Resort uses for their kitchen. And our chef/teacher JoJo taught us all the Thailand herbs, fruits and veggies they grow on site. The smells were amazing to match with the foods we had already been eating in Thailand.
And then onto cooking the best pad Thai I had eaten yet, with flavors bursting in all the right places. Our entire family got to dice and chop for crunchy spring rolls. Next we quickly put together a lovely green curry bursting with coconut and curry flavors.
Big Buddha Phuket
The big buddha that you can see from miles around. Visiting the Big Buddha is a culture experience and quite the sight to see. It’s huge and reaches towards the clouds.
We arrived and head past a row of market stalls selling popsicles and coconuts. Around the corner is the flight of stairs up to the Big Buddha. Before heading up the stairs is a big area to go and take in the views. You can see Islands spanning in all directions.
Up the stairs, we walked around the Buddha and then through it. The other side has views also. Afterwards we head down some stairs and to the temple. You can give coins and many people go to the monk to receive a blessing and a bracelet from the monk.
Karon Viewpoint
Karon Viewpoint was a quick stop but provided splendid views of Patong and Karon Beaches. It was rather busy with people and a few vendors offering services. One Thai man was offering to hold his exotic birds and get pictures with them for a fee. Once we left I still was glad we had stopped and took in the views.
Transporttaion around Phuket
Hiring a Grab (simlier to Uber) driver for the day was very easy and convenient. We had a couple spots to stop at and had to be at the airport later in the afternoon so it turned out to be a great deal. Choosing the option for a 4 hour span was enough time to bring us all over the Island and arrive at the airport in time.
Many times we would hire a grab driver but realized they where much pricer then Malaysia. Sometimes we would hail a cab, but they did not like being negotiated on price. We had come from Malaysia and that was very normal to nagotiat. And when we visited other areas of Thailand it was normal also.
One night we decided to splurge and take a TukTuk and it was well worth the money. It sorta of resembled a dance party\club. The music blaring and lights strobing but the kids loved it and that’s one ride we will never forget.
Top Recommendations for Phuket, Thailand
- Visit Phi Phi Island
- Try Mango Sticky Rice
- Eat a fruit that is not commonly sold in the USA
- Visit a night market
- Stroll down the beach
- Try Green Curry, little word of warning. Phuket had the spiciest food we tasted in all of Thailand. Almost everything is made to order so ask for less spiciness.
- Watch a Mauy Thai Boxing event.
- Order a papaya salad, I would order it with no red chilis
- Take in the views all over the Island
