Phuket

 

 Captain, you know why most people go to Phuket, right?

To see things like this: 

 

But being on one of these is as good as it's going to get for us, right, Spike?

That's for sure. And even then, we're really cautious about getting too close to the water! We're more likely to look at the beach from our hotel balcony then sit on it!

The Karon Viewpoint is a great place to see all three beaches on the western side of Phuket. One place we went was Nakkerd Hills. There is the Big Buddha, which stands 45 meters tall.

Phuket's Big Buddha can be seen from a lot of places around the area.

True! Just remember, don't feed the monkeys!

 

     

 If you go to Phuket, Thailand, there is quite a bit to see besides the beaches. We recommend hiring a driver to take you to some of the highlights, like we did. 

Exactly right, Captain! Our driver took us to several places besides the viewpoint and the Big Buddha. One of those other places was Wat Chalong. This is the most important temple complex in all of Phuket.  

Wasn't this the temple dedicated to monks who fought the Chinese rebellion?

Yes, it is. Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang  led the fighting in 1876 and then helped heal the injured!

 

  

  

  

  

A great place to head for eating or shopping is Old Town. This part of Phuket is known for the buildings created using Sino-Portuguese architecture.

You know, I never did understand what that meant.

What?

 Sino-Portuguese. What made these buildings different from other buildings in Phuket?

It's a building that's a combination of colonial architecture from Portugal, the outside of the building, and Chinese architecture for the design. So the windows, walls, and so forth are one design, while the ornamentation and tile roof and things like that are another design.  

 Oh. I can see that now. Like many places in Thailand, the first floor is the business, and the second floor is a home. The colors of the buildings were pretty cool. As were some of the murals throughout Old Town.