Phuket Thailand June 2004

Our first trip outside of the Philippines was to the island of Phuket, Thailand. We went in June of 2004, just 6 months before the devastating Christmas tsunami hit the area. We were staying at the Merlin Beach Resort, the only hotel located on Tri-Trang beach, which was secluded from the main beach area of Patong. Nonetheless, it suffered a direct hit from the tsunami and was severely damaged requiring months of rebuilding and repair. The hotel was built on flat land on a bay that had hills rising on both sides. There was nothing to stop the water from overflowing the hotel. The same was true along the main beach where the land was flat for 100's of yards away from the beach. We felt terrible for all the people that were hurt or killed and the property lost or destroyed. We wonder what happened to the people who made their living giving massages or braiding hair along the beach. The photos show what it looked like directly out from the hotel and to the left side of the bay. The right side looked similar.

Our first day was spent mainly on Patong beach and wondering up and down the beach and stopping in the shops and stores at the beachfront. The waves were high had a lot of power. We weren't there more than a few minutes and Hailey had a sandal pulled from her foot by the waves and pulled into the surf, never to be seen again. It was our first exposure to big surf, so that was good lesson to learn about the power of the sea here. We rented some wake boards and took turns trying to catch a wave.

One of the activities that we watched in awe was the local version of parasailing. This was all done from the beachfront. The boat would idle out in the ocean while a person was hooked up to the harness. A couple of helpers then got the chute inflated and the boat took off. What was so different was that one of the guides pulled himself up on the back of the person in the harness. They would wrap their legs around the person in the harness and hold themselves up with the straps of the parachute. The guide would then steer the chute while the person was on the ride. The boat would bring them into shore and the guide would set the rider down with a feather touch. It was amazing to watch, but we didn't feel this would be a good way to do our first parasailing.

Our second day we took a guided tour around the island and visited many locations. We took the bus up to the top of Rang Hill and got to see all around the island. Much of the island had been a rubber plantation at one time, and you could still see a lot rubber plantations from this hill. At the top of the hill there was a temple and some food stores and souvenir shops.

Our next stop was the cultural village. As we entered, we got to feed some elephants who would later be part of the show. The show had some dancing numbers, along with singing and playing of local musical instruments. In addition, a series of Thai Boxing match was conducted between 2 teams. Thai boxing differs from traditional boxing in that knees and elbows are used extensively. The show ended with an extravagant wedding ceremony in which the entire cast was dressed up in beautiful hand made wedding attire.








Our next stop was Wat Chalong Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket. The intricate carvings and woodwork that adorned the exterior of the temples were wonderful to look at. No pictures were generally allowed inside the temples, but it was OK to take them outside. You could take pictures of one of the Buddhas in a special building, but you had to ask its permission first. Fortunately, the Buddha did not turn down our request. One of the temples we went in to had over 100 Buddhas in various poses. Some were sitting, some reclining and others standing. They were all gold colored or plated.

One of the most fun parts of our stay and tour was the visit to the rubber plantation. We took a 1 hour ride through the forest on an elephant. Although they are large, they are very sure footed. We went up and down some very steep inclines. Each elephant had a driver, known as a mahout, to guide the elephant using their feet, voice and a wooden cane. They generally ride on the neck just behind the ears. The mahouts have a very close relationship with their elephants. We sat on bench across their back, and had seat belts to keep us strapped in and in place. At the end of the ride, we got to feed the elephants and watch the elephants get cleaned up.

From there we took a hike into the plantation to an old rubber mill. We were shown how a rubber tree is tapped and the latex is collected in a small cup. Each day the tree is recut and a half a cup or so of latex drips into the cup. Many cups are then combined and some acid is mixed in to help it coagulate. Once it solidifies, it is essentially put through a wringer washer to flatten it out and then allowed to dry. It is a slow and laborous process and takes many trees to make a large amount of rubber.














Another stop was a wild life show featuring local animals and birds doing tricks and playing games. One of the monkeys was trained to sell small tins of Monkey Balm. The monkey would take your money, make change if required and then give you your tin of product. The kids got a kick out that. They then had their pictures taken with the monkey, who would shake your hand when he met you.

Our last stop was at a snake show and snake zoo. It was literally in the back of a house. There was a circular pit in the middle about 18" deep. This is were most of the action took place. They worked with cobras and pythons and constrictors. Nobody got bit when we were there, but the handlers did get bit occasionally. LeAnn and I had a constrictor wrapped around our legs so that we could feel the pressure they could exert, and it was a lot.

We then returned to the hotel, we went down on the beach and had massages and the kids had their hair braided. There was a small hut in a shady corner of the beach with mats you laid on for your massage. As it got dark, they lit candles making for a very relaxing environment. With the tide out, there was lots of wildlife in the tide pools that made for some fun exploring.

Phuket was a nice place to make our first Asian visit and whetted our appetite for more exploration in countries far and wide.