Phuket, Thailand

11 Nov

Phuket is where Thailand’s tropical beauty truly comes alive. It’s a place where turquoise seas meet golden sands and where every moment feels infused with warmth and wonder.

Our adventure began in vibrant Patong Beach, a long, sweeping stretch of soft golden sand edged by swaying palms and the gentle rhythm of the Andaman Sea. The beach hums with life with colourful long-tail boats gliding across the water, the scent of sizzling Thai street food drifting through the air, and the buzz of music spilling from nearby beach bars. By day, Patong is a paradise for sunseekers and swimmers; by night, its lively streets transform into a celebration of lights, laughter, and local energy.

Our biggest highlights of our trip was visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, easily reached by taxi from Patong. This ethical refuge offers rescued elephants a peaceful home where they can live freely, without chains. Spending the day here was a humbling and unforgettable experience.

We began by feeding the elephants fresh bananas, feeling their powerful trunks curl gently around our hands as they accepted each treat with surprising delicacy. As we walked beside them through lush jungle paths, we listened to their keepers share stories of their past and their newfound freedom. The older elephants moved with slow grace and wisdom, their wrinkled skin dusted with earth and sunlight, while the baby in our group was more playful and curious. You couldn’t feed him enough and he just kept nudging us for more bananas!

Later, we joined them in the pool for their favourite part of the day, bath time! Laughing and splashing in the cool water, we helped wash the elephants, who rewarded us with cheeky sprays from their trunks, leaving us soaked! It was a rare and beautiful privilege to connect so closely with these gentle giants and it’s an experience will stay with us forever.

We also took a scenic ride to Phuket Old Town, a charming area filled with colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, boutique shops, and local food stalls. We wandered slowly through the streets, admiring the colonial architecture and sampling a few sweet treats from the night market. The atmosphere was laid-back and authentic, such a lovely contrast to the buzz of the coast.

Of course no trip is complete without a visit to Phuket Beach and watching the sun dip low over the sea and paint the sky in shades of pink and gold.

Back in Patong, we spent a day browsing the local shops for souvenirs, then found a beachside bar where we could unwind with a cool drink in hand. As we watched the long-tail boats bob gently in the fading light, the sound of the waves and the soft glow of lanterns created the perfect ending to a magical day.

Phuket left us with more than memories and gave us a deeper connection to Thailand’s natural beauty, culture, and kind-hearted spirit.

2025-02