Phuket, Thailand - 1 of 3

Phuket is the largest (of 33) islands of the southern provinces off the west coast of mainland Thailand (connected by the Sarasin bridge to Phang Nga). Phuket has a population of 420,000 people and is 222 sq miles. It grew as a major trading route between India and China although never colonized by any the European nations. There are still many rubber trees where the sap is used to produce latex for the life of the tree (about 30 years) until the tree is cut down for wood. After that pineapple is the big producer here. The island is very mountainous and is well known for its more than 30 beautiful sand beaches along the West Coast.

Interestingly, we had an overnight here but not many people went out because there was no drinking from 6pm last night since today is election day and by law there is no drinking for 24 hour (I guess they want everyone to vote responsibly). We were here in 2019 so this time we decided to take one long full day tour. We were happy to stay onboard as last night’s show was one of our favorites, Broadway in Concert, and we always enjoy seeing it again. Robbie, Keenan, Laura and Abby were in great voice and it was fabulous.

Note: In case you were interested, the results just came in and the progressive party won. Thailand’s reformist opposition has won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in a general election after voters resoundingly rejected the military-backed parties that have ruled the Southeast Asian country for nearly a decade. Changes are coming.

Today’s journey was long but that’s because we drove to Phang Nga Bay by driving to the north end of the island and then over to the mainland over the Thep Krasettree Causeway. It didn’t seem that far but we didn’t take any highways so it took us over 1.5 hours each way. We went to Ao Phang Nga National Park (established in 1981) south of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The park encompasses an area of 155 square miles, including the biggest native mangrove forests in Thailand along the mainland and many islands. Besides the natural beauties, the park also has a few archaeological sites that date back more than 1,000 years but also some prehistoric paintings on the cliffs.

We got on a longboat in the Mangrove Forest Conservation Center and cruised the limestone scenery. More than 80 islands created over 300 million years ago (so they say) when India and Asia tectonic plates collided and created Thailand and Malaysia creating these limestone formations out of the sea. The vegetation here actually on the rocks include palms, bamboo ferns and orchids.

Local legend explains the formation this way: Once upon a time, there lived a fisherman who used to bring home many fish every time he went to the sea. However, one day he could not catch any fish despite many attempts and only picked up a nail with his net. He kept throwing the nail back into the sea and catching it again. Furious, he took his sword and cut the nail in half with all his strength and upon impact, one half of the nail jumped up and speared into the sea, forming Ko Ta Pu. A more scientific version of the Ko Ta Pu formation says that in the Permian period, the area was a barrier reef. Then, upon tectonic movements, it ruptured, and its parts were dispersed over the area and flooded by the rising ocean. Wind, waves, water currents, and tides gradually eroded the islands sometimes producing peculiar shapes.

We rode around the bay and took in the incredible sights of unique vegetation and formations. Our mission was to see the mangroves, be amazed by the formations and caves and then see the most popular attraction of the park, the James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan meaning hills leaning against each other). It is the iconic limestone karst island rising straight up (66 feet) between two islands, reflects the shape of the island which appears as if a flat limestone cliff tumbled sideways and leaned on a similar rock in the center of the island.Read more