Last Day in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

Our last full day of holiday is now over and what a great final day it was. We did have one last early start but today was the speed boat trip to James Bond Island where they filmed the Man with the Golden Gun. We set off from the opposite side of Phuket Island in our speed boat into the Limestone Islands that spring from the sea. The scenery was spectacular with islands and caves leading to internal lagoons everywhere you looked. There were also many fishermen in their long boats with a V8 engine stuck to the end of propellored pole who we upset with our wake. Before long we arrived at the Island which is locally called Phang Nga Bay. The purchase of a pair of flip flops the day before for use on the beach seemed like a good idea until we had to go rock climbing to get there. We did get some great photos of the pillar of rock that climbs out of the water. I suppose we should have expected it but as the actual beach came into view you could see the rows of souvenir shops awaiting our arrival. We had to buy something though, it would have been rude not to. After the Island we went to a muslim community of boat people that live on a village on stilts in the mangrove. They were clearly expecting us as their restaurant too came equipped with a shop. We had a Thai meal over looking the mangroves and then bought some more stuff. After lunch was an hour long speed boat ride to our next island which gave us time for a sort of snooze as we bounced over the waves. We arrived at a tiny Island with beautiful beaches that our captain reversed onto. They had conveniently packed some flippers and snorkels and set us loose in the bay. This bit was great as you barely needed to step foot in the water before you were surrounded by shoals of tropical fish. Most appeared to have learnt that tourist meant food. We snorkeled around in the bay for about an hour being amazed by all kinds of colourful fish and coral. The return trip to Phuket was finished with a chocolate ice-cream which kept everyone happy. We got back just in time to go to the beach and have a couple of fresh coconut juices and share a barbecued sweet corn on the beach before it got dark. Tomorrow we leave at about 1830 in the evening, Thai time, to come back to the UK. I think more shopping is planned in the meantime. This will be our last entry whilst abroad. I think Amy will do a we’re finished and knackered entry when we get back to Watford. See you all soon. Rob