NIGEL'S WORLD: Thailand: Phuket Island Re-visited

Despite the continuing building frenzy; the new resorts, gated town house developments, sea-view apartments, the excesses of Patong, (Phuket's main tourist destination, known for it's 2 km long white sandy beach and heady nightlife. I remember the place well in the 1980's when it was little more than a fishing town.......!!), I still like Phuket.
I like it, cos' all is familiar.
I like it, 'cos I am still able to find out of the way places, off the 'tourist trail'.
and I like it, 'cos I am with a Thai friend showing him the sights. All the 'locals' we meet seem amused & delighted that a 'farang' (foreigner) is shows their island to a Thai rather than the other way round!!.....

Chalong Bay from Cape Khaokhat

Fish- farming in the Bay

The small fishing community at Talat Yai This is close to Phuket Zoo
& around the corner from the house I rented in 2006.....

Brother & sister seek shade from the sun.....

Beginnings of the Mangrove Forest at Talat Yai

The quiet 'uncrowded' beach of Markham Bay on Cape Panwa

The foreshore is covered with these 'Sand flowers'

Looking down the beach to the north

and to the south

This is Markham Bay, looking south, full shot!!!!!

Mmmmmmm!!!

I wonder if this little crab realizes his habitat is in danger.......

Traditional fishing boats moored in Rawaii Bay

A windswept view of Kamala Beach on the west coast

Having explored both the East and West coasts of Phuket, it was time to head inland and show Bruce the out of the way places in the foothills of the mountains The Phuket Mountain Range forms a backbone between the East & West side of the island. For the most part, this limestone range is covered with lush tropical jungle with just a few roads crossing between the two sides. In all, forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island. The Rubber tree plantations help make Thailand the biggest producer of rubber in the world.