Monday 12 October 2009

Thailand: Phuket Island Re-visited - one

For a long while now, I have wanted to pay a return visit to the Island of Phuket.
Ten days ago, I achieved this:









The last time I was here was about two and a half years ago when I lived and worked there for a spell.
During that time, I travelled the length and breadth of the Island, seeking out of the way places away from the hedonistic and tourist 'infested' beach resorts.
I visited most of the Island's Buddhist temples, dived the warm waters off her coast, became a fan of Tesco Lotus ( there being only one store then, now they expanded across the whole island) and took, literally, thousands of photographs.....


This time round, I was to act as 'tour guide' for my friend Bruce, who has never been here.
Our base was the small town of Kata, located in the south of the island, which I knew well and liked a great deal.
Despite the new hotel developments, the charm of the place still remained and the beach is one of the best........







Kata Beach




Strong waves at Kata Beach




Our hotel pool proved a sanctuary away from the violent crashing waves....



Dominating the town on the landward side are the Nakkerd Hills. At the highest point a great statue of the Buddha is nearing completion. The Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha – to give it its official name – will be 45 meters high and 25 meters across at the base. The body constructed of re-inforced concrete is being faced in white Burmese Marble and will be an impressive sight when completed. As the project was begun more than a decade ago, there is still a long way to go.........









Working on site




"Talking" to a new friend!!!!






View from the "Big Buddha" over the town of Chalong and the Bay beyond....






Monkeys in the surrounding trees












Leading out of Kata town is a delightful coastal road that winds up and around the hills with jungle on one side and grand sea view vistas on the other...





Three Bays
Kata Noi in the foreground, Kata and Karon Beach in the background







Looking thru the jungle towards Kata Noi Beach






Dwarfed by this mighty jungle plant.....








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