So what else did we do!

Yes, we went elephant trekking, everyone has to at least once on a visit to Phuket, anyway we were recommended to use the Siam Safari tours as they are reputable and certificated elephant conservationists.

We did the combination elephant ride, baby elephant show, water buffalo, coconut picking monkey, coconut usage display, Thai Curry and cooking demo, rubber tapping and ending up with a tour of the bay with lunch on board a replica Chinese Junk, it was all very interesting, especially for all the children that were there, with pickup and drop off at the hotel it worked out at about $60 each which I thought was reasonable value for money.

And yes we did the FantaSea Show with Buffet, there is not a lot one can say about this that would only undersell this spectacular show, they say it is a Las Vegas Style Show, and while never having been to a Les Vegas Show, I would doubt that they could put on such a stunning show as FantaSea did, the only problem was keeping up with all that is going on at the same time on that humongous stage.

There were two young girls in front of us, about 7 or 8 years old, and for the whole show they were transfixed, mouths open, eyes bulging straining to see and take in everything that was going on, I expect they will be telling their school friends about it for the next six months!

I was very impressed with the way they put it all together very slick getting so many people in and fed in the buffet, and the food was good and generous, if you do go and you like me love roast duck be aware that there are specialty stations for duck, beef, sushi and other things just inside the main entrance and around the place, in addition to the many buffet stations.

Also getting everyone in and seated just 10 minutes before the show, and then out and on the busses in next to no time afterwards, a very slick and professional.

No, we didn’t get to Simons Cabaret, simply just ran out of time, but then again it gives us something to look forward to on our next visit.

Again no we did not get to go snorkeling on one of the many coral reefs, nor did we get to Phi Phi Island nor Khao Phra Taew National Park and islands, yet again just ran out of time, but we will do them next time.

Then it was time to come home, having dumped an old backpack a couple of swimming pool t-shirts, one of my many base ball caps, an old pair of shorts, the half used toothpaste and shaving cream, plus other things, we managed to get all the shopping in and just on weight, mind you they didn’t weigh the carry-on bag, just as well as it must have been about 12kg I reckon.

The second disappointment of the trip came by way of the 12 or 13 times we had to go through security at Phuket and Bangkok airports, seems to me world’s best practice would be to do it very well and to do it once.

The upshot was that despite most of us being at Bangkok Airport well in advance of our flight, for us it was 5 hours before, we all had to go through yet another hand search of the carry-on bags before we were even allowed into the boarding lounge, we eventually got onto the plane but then had to wait for some transfer passengers to get through all the security checks, which meant we missed our time slot for takeoff, we were sitting strapped into our seats on the plane, without water nor even allowed to go to the loo, for well over an hour before we finally backed away from the terminal, it was such a disappointing end to what had been a magic holiday.

Anyway will we go back, absolutely, but not just for a while yet too many other trips already planned, however there is still many things to do that we didn’t get done this time, and Mrs. C has gotten over whatever it was that turned her off the place last time we visited in the mid 90”s, and really enjoyed herself.

Happy to answer any questions, while waffling on for a bit I have not mentioned everything.

Regards from BJ and Mrs. C.

Good reading Bruce ... so did you get enough info to write your article on Phuket? Did you get to snorkel from the beach? I dont remember reading about that ... but if its there, sorry I missed it!
I think I agree with you that one week in Phuket isnt enough to see and do everything that people tell you are "must do's"!!! We will have 10 nites there and still wont be enough time I dont think to do it all.
Kitty
PS I just re-read you part 3 and it does say that you didnt get to snorkel from the beach - oh well ... something to contemplate for your next trip??

Hi, I enjoyed reading your reports. I was wondering whether you prebooked Siam Safari before you arrived.

Hi Linda,

No we didn't we booked when we got there, there are any number of places you can book no matter where you stay, and best done on the street, I would start by asking your hotel what they would charge, also if you've booked a package holiday the Phuket Rep will also try to sell you Tours, but they can be about 500Bt over the street price, so shop around.

Hope this helps, regards Bruce.