Phuket, Thailand

After sailing through the Malacca Strait into the Andaman Sea, we arrived at Phuket on the west coast of Thailand and its largest island. Previously know to outsiders as Siam, Thailand is located halfway between India and China. The area around Phuket is known for being a popular holiday destination, its pearl production, and the collection of swallows’ nests used to make bird nest soup—perhaps a dubious distinction.

Blue skies and temperatures in the 90s greeted us. Thailand’s location between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer accounts for its steamy tropical climate. Even though it was extremely hot, we felt fortunate that our visit occurred during its summer season (November-May) instead of its rainy season (May-October) when monsoons can dump about 90 inches of rain onto the area in a short period of time.

Because Phuket (pronounced Pooket) did not have a pier where we could dock, we again found ourselves anchored in the middle of a bay. Long beaches and lush green hills surrounding the beautiful bay creating a picturesque setting for our visit. It was also very natural looking with only a few tall buildings and small hotels tucked in amongst the trees—the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day at the beach.

Phuket Bay

Before we arrived in Phuket, we received a Zika Virus Health Advisory for a number of countries, including Thailand. Armed with swimsuits, towels, sunblock, books, and bug spray, we traveled to shore by tender, which dropped us at a long ramp leading to the beach. We walked along the sea front looking for a shady spot and one less crowded with people. We also had to be careful to pick a spot that was roped off for swimming and protected from jet skis, small boats, and jellyfish.

Vessels Along the Seafront

Photo by Fellow Passenger Keith Larby (used with permission)

This area of the world was greatly affected by the tsunami that hit the region a few years ago and caused such devastation. As we walked along the beachfront with its large trees and fairly new paved walks we wondered whether the walks had been laid because of tsunami damage. The intricate mosaic patterns on the walks enhanced the tropical feel of the area.

Beachfront Walk

Workers along beaches often rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, but the entrepreneurs on this beach took selling beach comfort to whole new levels. They shaped oversized lounge chairs out of sand, covered them with thick mats, and topped them with umbrellas. Talk about luxury at the beach.

If you really wanted to be pampered, you could get a massage at one of the open wooden sheds, where several people were working on clients lying on tables.

After we found a shady spot that was less crowded, we settled ourselves under a large shade tree next to what looked like a magnolia tree. The sun’s intense heat made the sand very hot, so we really appreciated the shade.

John went for a swim but reported that the strong undertow made it difficult to swim, and he is a strong swimmer. That was enough to convince me to stay on the beach and read my book.

When not reading, we watched people being pulled up by a tethered kite and floating in the sky. The kite held two people, one the passenger, and the other a guide, who as soon as they were airborne jumped up onto a small platform above the passenger and guided the kite. Although the passenger was roped in, the guide went up without a harness, so he was free to move about. It looked like a dangerous way to make a living.

Kite Sailing

We didn’t need to visit the shops along the road behind us. People walked along the beach selling such things as food, clothing, and jewelry. They were polite and if you said no thank you, they moved along—no hard sells. One man was selling foot-high wooden models of motorcycles. You just never know what will appeal to some people. The motorcycle was quite realistic and made of a shiny dark wood. Even if I had been tempted, it would have been a hassle carrying it home.

If you tired of the beach and sun bathing, restaurants and shops ran the length of the beach.

Looking out to sea, we could see the Queen Elizabeth, and a coast guard vessel, which was positioned at the entrance to the small bay. We wondered whether it was guarding the entrance, and if so, from what.

We really enjoyed our day relaxing on the sand. I had read that if you sprinkle baby powder or talc on your feet that the sand will come off easily. It worked. However, I realized that the container of powder that I brought from home had been produced in Malaysia. I had brought it full circle back to the area where it came from.

Relaxing on Patong Beach

Photo by Fellow Passenger Keith Larby (used with permission)

Some passengers made the two-hour journey to Phang Nga Bay, famous for its Khao Phing Kan limestone formations, better known to many as the James Bond Islands. The formations appeared in the James Bond film, “The Man With the Golden Gun.” They said the area was quite stunning and worth the long drive and boat ride to get to the islands.

Now that we were sailing west, we started gaining back the time we lost traveling east. Last night we set the clocks back an hour. The hour’s extra sleep following a time change made everyone happy, especially the crew.

Sunset Leaving Phuket