Phenomenal Phuket!

One of the biggest benefits of being an expat is the ample opportunity it gives you to explore a different part of the world. Travelling has always been my biggest passion, and this year I’ve hit more travel goals than I’ve even set! Ever since my visit to Chiang Mai two years ago, I’ve wanted to visit other parts of this beautiful country. You may be thinking Bangkok is the obvious choice (and its still on my list), but for a family vacation, a crowded city (haha I know I have always lived in one!), is never an ideal choice. We chose instead to visit Phuket, another Thailand classic with beautiful beaches.

However, this wonderful city offers so much more than merely pristine beaches (which it definitely does). Our most unique experience here was mud bathing with elephants. My kids are big animal lovers, especially L, and they are always up for any excursion involving animals, so I knew they would love the chance to get up, close and personal with these gentle giants. First, we had the chance to cut sugarcane which we were to feed the elephants. It’s actually harder than it looks!

Then, we were taken to several different elephants (the baby one was my favourite!) and we had the chance to feed them the sugarcane. All three kids loved feeding the elephants and asked the keeper the name of every single one (I asked too, but the difference is I don't remember a single name, where if you ask my kids they will tell you like its their own pet!). Once we were done feeding them, it was time for bathing. We were told to wear swimwear or clothes we didn't mind getting wet (or dirty!). We had to walk through a muddy swampy area to the elephant where they told us to lather them with mud.

V and S were definitely a bit hesitant here, but L (girl right after my heart!) and I dove right in! It was a mucky activity, but actually really fun. Hubby was not so enthusiastic, but when he saw the kids get into it, joined in as well - the funniest part was right as he came near, the elephant it decided to spray mud everywhere! So it wasn't just the elephant who had a mud bath! But, as I told the kids, people actually pay money in a spa to have a mud bath!

Once we muddied up the elephant, it was time to hose him down, which was really fun! I thought it would end there, but the keeper directed us into the muddiest river to brush the elephant. Even I had to draw the line there, (the water really did look filthy!) and we all said we were done.

No trip to Thailand (or actually almost any country in SE Asia) is complete without a visit to the night market, so this was of course on our list of things to do. The largest night market was in Old Phuket, so this is where we headed, and it did not disappoint. Streets and streets filled with clothes, gadgets, toys, food and anything else you can think of! While I love market shopping, I have to say the advent of Taobao (China's much cheaper version of Amazon) in English has ruined some of it - as everything I saw in the market, I knew I could get cheaper on Taobao!

When you see postcards of Phuket, its always beautiful clear water and pictures don't lie. I promise my pics are not AI generated! We did a day trip to the famous Phi Phi islands where we saw some of the clearest water I have seen. We got to rent a long boat as they call it and jump into the lagoon (which thankfully was nice and shallow) and also stopped at some gorgeous beaches and a great spot for snorkeling. V had been super excited about trying snorkeling for the first time, as the last time we did snorkeling was in Bali (our first trip there!), and he was a bit young. I was very impressed with how bravely he went into the open ocean and put his face in the water and was rewarded with some really beautiful fish! The girls of course, were like fish - even though this was only their second time going snorkeling. Swimming in the lagoon and snorkeling were definitely a highlight of the trip for all of us.

Ending a holiday is always a bit sad, but as hubby and I were planning another one (taking full advantage of hubby’s garden leave), this goodbye didn't hurt as much! Stay tuned for our Japanese adventure!