Koh Tachai Island

Perfect blue shallow waters and a clean white sandy beach at Koh Tachai, a small island about 50km offshore from the west coast of Thailand. Nearest port is Ban Nam Kem, about 20km north of Khao Lak. We visited on a day trip in April 2013 - see Day Trip to Koh Tachai from Khao Lak.

Welcome to the Jungle!

There's plenty of jungle in the Phuket area! Phuket has some large green areas notably the Khao Pra Taew national park in the north of the island, which has waterfalls on either side of the hills. This photo was taken at Ton Prai Waterfall which is just north of the island of Phuket on the mainland in Phang Nga province.

Phuket Town Market - The Egg Man

Eggs, lots of eggs, being delivered to the market in Phuket Town. The central market is a busy place. It's close to the old town, and well worth a look - more info on the Phuket blog - Phuket Town Market.

Shrine of the Serene Light

A beautiful little Chinese shrine, hidden for over 120 years down a tiny alleyway, it has been renovated and reopened in 2013. More info : Shrine of Serene Light.

Songkran on the streets of Patong

Songkran is the old Thai New Year, and in the old days (and now) the tradition was to pour water on people and Buddha images as a sign of respect. I am not sure how many years it's been more like a giant waterfight! This photo of Songkran was taken in 2009 in Patong, Phuket. If you want the biggest party and the most water, that's the place to be in Phuket!

Some more about Songkran :

• Songkran 2009 at Patong Beach Phuket
• Songkran 2011 at Chumphon Town (400km north of Phuket)
• More Songkran Photos

Songkran in Phuket!

Just a few days until Songkran, the Thai New Year which is a mix of old traditions and more recent water fights! In Phuket, the water throwing is just one day. It's a fun day, everyone is out enjoying themselves. This photo I took in 2007. Oh yeh, it's a fun time for the kids! My kids love Songkran. April 13th is the big day, have fun, please do have a drink, but take it easy. Don't drink and drive. Get soaked and take a taxi back home. Here's more Songkran Photos. Happy New Year!

Chinese New Year Prayers

Chinese New Year at our house. My wife lights incense and says a prayer.

Near sunset at the After Beach Bar

Best spot for a sunset beer or 3? Plenty of choices on the west coast of Phuket and I wish I had more time to investigate further, but my choice is the After Beach Bar with some Bob Marley and a cold, cold Chang :)

Crocodile Show at Phuket Zoo

The Phuket Zoo - I've not been for years and recently asked a question on my Phuket Facebook Page about the zoo - see here - a lot of people don't like it! I'm not planning to visit again.

NEW - updated post on Jamie's Phuket Blog : Phuket Zoo - Should You Visit?

Chinese Signs in Old Phuket Town

Phuket Town was largely built at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century during the tin mining boom. Many Chinese came to live in Phuket and started businesses. Along Thalang Road in the heart of the old town there are many Chinese signs outside shops and houses.

Perfect Footprint in the Sand

Photo taken at Racha Yai island on the beach in front of The Racha Resort.

Phuket Sunset and Jet Ski

The last jet ski of the day heads to the beach, at Karon Beach, Phuket.

Exploding Firecrackers - Phuket Vegetarian Festival

This was on 20th October 2012, on Thalang Road in old Phuket Town. Young men carry statues of the gods along the procession route and local people throw firecrackers around them / on them / on the statue. It's LOUD. I like to try and get close and capture something of the chaos. Boom!

Wat Kathu - Buddhist Temple

Kathu is the area of Phuket in between Patong beach and Phuket Town, a large residential area but with lots of history. There are several temples in Kathu. This one is Wat Kathu, just outside the old Kathu village. My Phuket Blog (online since 2006) has lots of information about Phuket Temples.

Stormy skies in Phuket

A storm approaches Karon Beach, Phuket. Photo taken on July 8th 2012.