Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and Patong Beach is Phuket’s largest beach resort area. It’s very commercialized and a popular vacation spot for Thai and foreigners alike. To see why, one need only look at their pristine white sand beaches. The emerald green waters of the bay sparkle, and if swimming in bathtub warm water is your penchant, this is the place to come.
While many say that it is far removed from the authentic Thai experience (like Cabo San Lucas on the Baja is barely Mexico), it was for us the perfect place to recharge our road-weary bones in preparation for the next touring-intensive part of our trip
. Located in the southern part of the country, Phuket’s weather is hot and steamy—even hotter than Bangkok was, but for a beach holiday, it was just fine.
Actually, the biggest concern for us was the possibility of crisping up like a wonton in the intense sun. We have tried to take precautions like slathering on the sunblock, and staying in the shade whenever possible. These efforts have been reasonably successful and we are managing to stay a comfortable crimson without straying into fire engine territory. Some others we’ve seen however haven’t been as careful and are a study in pain.
A heaven-sent opportunity for relief presented itself on the beach when a Thai woman came by and we paid her to coat us head to toe in aloe which she scraped off ice cold leaves. Ohmigod, you can’t imagine how good that felt, even though we looked like a couple of drowned rats while it was on. We felt and looked as if we had taken a bath in jello.
Life for us in Patong has been very laidback. Now, here is a thorough and detailed description of our days: Eat, beach, eat, sleep.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? It was just what the doctor ordered (literally, since the dermatologist who treated my mild case of shingles said that rest was an important part of my recovery).
Really, there’s not a lot more to say about Phuket. Though several people had advised us to try some of the many smaller islands in order to have a better appreciation of southern Thailand, for now, this little side trip was all we needed. We have met both R&R conditions—we have rested and we are relaxed.
We next head to Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which we understand has much to offer travellers in terms of interesting sights and unique experiences. Being in the mountains, it is supposed to be very pleasant, weather-wise. (It occurs to me that, in this blog thus far, weather has played a starring role).
We are totally ready for this next stage of our trip, and will continue to keep you in the loop.
Aloe. Great to See You!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Phuket, Thailand
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Valerie Gerechter
2012-02-27
Sounds like you two are having a great time. Hopefully, with the aloe, you will turn nice and brown, eventually!!
Happy exploring!
Love, V/SIL
The Sunnies
2012-02-27
Ah.....I am so rested and relaxed after reading your lastest blog that I feel as if I am going to fall asleep right here at my desk! You both look WONDERFUL and I must tell you that traveling to far away ports really seems to agree with you! May the next steps of your journey bring you many more beautiful memories and lots of tales to tell via your blog!
You are loved - and missed - we wish you continued safe travels!
Love,
Warren, Myrrna, Joel & Zoey :-)
joseph
2012-02-27
R&R what a great idea!!! your blogs are making my mouth water!!! Enjoy.
cissie.retired
2012-02-27
What a wonderful experience you two are enjoying! Very smart to get slathered in Aloe which is a great protector against burns. I agree with your decision that this side trip was definitely for R&R and shall remain so. David I hope your mild case of Shingles recedes quickly and you can totally enjoy the rest of your touring. I look forward to your next installment of "as the Liliens' world turns".
Cecile
Hope Springman
2012-02-28
What an incredible adventure you're having! I love reading your blogs and can almost feel that soothing aloe pouring all over me! Can hardly wait to enjoy the rest of your Thailand experience vicariously.
Love,
Hope