Since the devastating impact of the December tsunami in 2004, I had always wanted to make a trip to Phuket as I had fond memories of the place which I visited years earlier with my office colleagues. This time, I went with my hubby and it was a refreshing experience with the crowded Patong Beach full of holiday makers on weekdays! We found a quieter beach area with clear water and fishes towards the end of Patong, nearer to Kalim beach. Weather was sunny and Thai food was good but most things were expensive in Phuket, especially the taxi to airport. We felt safer to get the hotel to book us a taxi instead of taking one from the many street taxis. We made a trip to Phuket Old Town and saw the Phuket Fantasea show at 9pm. The distinctive feature of this performance was the more than a dozen elephants on stage! Phuket is a nice getaway and we shall return for the Thai hospitality and food.

I set off to Patong Beach with the intent to spend the day sunbathing. I was excited to find deck chair and umbrellas for lease, and headed in that direction. I found the rate very reasonable, but the service was extremely unfriendly and downright rude (which is not typical of the Thai people). I ordered to a chair (I could not choose one in the sun as I had hoped), and when I tried to move the table closer to my chair, I was shouted at and the guard promptly flung the table further away that it had been before. I witnessed one of the guards heatedly quarreling with two sets of tourists who wanted to choose different seats that those being assigned to them. The hagglers were a constant bother. Everything from beach wear to Henna Tattoos, Massages, beverages, fruit, food and water sports are constantly being offered. One vendor even started to massage my feet repeating her fare, without me having asked for it. I had to alert a guard to ward off the unsummoned masseuse. The public toilet charges patrons for its use, and though this practice is common in Europe, I believe that 30 Baht is rather steep. I checked into a Beach Club in order to sunbathe in peace and have access to bathroom and shower amenities. It is a pity that the industry is forced to take advantage of tourism.

This beach is crowded so if you are looking for peace then this is not the place for you. The water is nice and beautiful ( though it’s packed with people ) and there are enough water sport activities to keep you busy. Lot of small shacks which serve decent food but please beware of the guys near the umbrella chairs as they quote random prices to you . Once you sit down , they will ask money for the chair even if you order food / booze from them. On the extreme right hand side of the beach ( if you are standing facing the ocean ) there is a small shack on the rocks , that’s a nice place for a peaceful meal or a drink