Phuket, Thailand (Day 1 of 2)

The last time we were in Thailand was in 1992! And we didn’t visit Phuket then. We’re here overnight because a day was added here to replace a port in Myanmar. We took a ship “highlights” excursion this morning to see key sites and orient us to the island so we can freestyle tomorrow. The tour took us to two temples, a scenic drive through colonial Old Phuket and to Phromthep Cape, the island’s southern-most point.

The second Buddhist temple, Chalong, was especially interesting. It was park-like and had multiple buildings on the site. Before entering the buildings, you remove your shoes and most people have bare feet. On a scorcher like today, it’s a mad dash to and from the entrance because the stairs and paths are so hot. On terraces, we dashed from one shady spot to another.

At this temple there a special furnace and attendant to help set off fireworks within it. People buy them on site and set them off to honour the gods and/or make a wish. We heard them throughout our visit. Another offering is to buy a small sheet of gold leaf and rub it on a Buddha statue for good luck.

We then visited Phromthep Cape which is a lookout with a stunning working lighthouse and a shrine to Brahma at which people leave elephant figurines. Both were interesting.

We had hoped to venture out tonight after dinner but it’s election day tomorrow so there are no alcohol sales today or tomorrow. That means things are quite low key and the night market won’t be bustling. We’ll spend a quiet night on board.Read more