Phuket Photos

Happy New Year from Phuket!

2012-01-03T23:26:00.001+07:00

I took this photo of a "Kom Fai" paper lantern drifting up into the night sky on New Years Eve at Cape Panwa in Phuket. Thanks to the lantern for drifting close to the moon (from my standpoint) and thanks to my trusty old Canon EOS 20D for being fast enough to capture the moment without too much blur!

Happy New Year!

Extreme Piercing!

2011-12-22T21:45:00.002+07:00

I do love the Phuket Vegetarian Festival! OK, it's not all about the piercing, but every year I can't resist those faces ... this picture was taken on October 4th 2011 at Kathu Shrine in Phuket, at 6:45am. Yeh, you have to get up early for this stuff! More photos and text about the festival - Piercings and Firecrackers.

The Little Girl in Yellow

2011-12-04T22:08:00.002+07:00

I took this photo at Baan Chinpracha, an old mansion built over 100 years ago in Phuket Town. The old part of town has many buildings from the early 20th century when the tin mining industry made Phuket rich, and Phuket Town became the main town in Phuket. Baan Chinpracha was on the edge of town when it was built, but the town has got much bigger. The girl in the yellow dress ran through the doorway and disappeared. Not quite sure if she was really there.

Another beautiful Phuket sunset!

2011-11-19T17:23:00.001+07:00

That's my wife enjoying the sunset - photo taken November 12th 2011.

Happy Phuket Sunset

2011-11-01T20:32:00.002+07:00

The photo was taken at Cape Panwa, in the south of Phuket, at a little beachside restaurant called The Beach Bar. We like this place, it's small, friendly, not too expensive and the kids can play on a safe, quiet beach while I enjoy a cold beer and a nice sunset view across Chalong Bay.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival

2011-09-20T22:36:00.003+07:00

It's coming! The 2011 Phuket Vegetarian Festival runs from September 26th - October 6th. The photo above was taken October 15th 2010 at Kathu shrine at 6:39am - oh yes you have to be at the shrines early! Kathu shrine is only 2km from our house, and I go every year for the festival. The street procession for Kathu is on October 4th 2011. For more info see the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2011 Schedule.

Wat Chalong

2011-09-14T20:12:00.002+07:00

Wat Chalong is the biggest and most visited temple in Phuket. People come to pray here and pay their respects to 2 famous monks - Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang who lived in Phuket about 150 years ago. Housed near the top of the temple above is a fragment of the Buddha's bone.

• Phuket Temples on Jamie's Phuket Blog

Phuket Sunset

2011-08-25T20:50:00.002+07:00

OK so I probably have 500 Phuket sunset photos from over the years. Just face west wherever you are! But most people like the idea of the sun setting in the west over the ocean. Just head to the west coast of Phuket and bring a camera! This sunset photo was taken from the well known After Beach Bar which hangs over the hill above Kata Noi beach. A great place for a sunset beer!

The Chinese Joker

2011-07-28T07:08:00.002+07:00

Photo taken at Sapan Hin Chinese Shrine in Phuket. Sapan Hin is a recreational area in the south of Phuket City, with sports facilities, lots of green spaces and a shrine that faces the ocean. The shrine is very well cared for and is full of interesting faces.

The Heroines of Phuket

2011-06-27T21:27:00.002+07:00

The Heroines of Phuket were 2 sisters called Chan and Mook who rallied the people of Phuket to fight off Burmese invaders in the year 1785. In those days the main town in Phuket was at Thalang in the middle of the island. The sisters are also called the Heroines of Thalang and there is a festival every year to commemorate the battle. The 2 sisters were later honored by King Rama I, being given the names Thao Thep Krasatri and Thao Sri Sunthorn. This statue is on a traffic circle on the main road between the north of Phuket and Phuket Town, a bit south of the town of Thalang.

Splash Jungle Water Park in Phuket

2011-06-16T00:08:00.002+07:00

This is the "Superbowl" at Splash Jungle water park in Phuket. There are a number of big waterslides as well as some more relaxing watery fun. More photos on my Flickr page here : Splash Jungle Phuket.

Old Phuket Chairs

2011-06-06T22:05:00.002+07:00

This photo was taken in Phuket Town on June 4th. We took a walk along Thalang Road and wandered into the new tourist information centre. Downstairs you have info, brochures, photos, displays about the history of Phuket. Upstairs.. this room. Bare walls. Chairs. A magical light coming through the shuttered windows.

Longtail Boat Art

2011-05-10T10:32:00.003+07:00

Surely one of the most photographed subjects in Thailand is the traditional Thai style "Longtail" boat with it's tall curved prow often decorated with colorful cloth, it's distinctive noisy engine (although some new boats are surprisingly quiet) - it's an obvious symbol of Thailand. I also can't resist! Longtail boats can make a great foreground for a sunset at Kata Beach, or can be a subject in their own right. I took the photo below at Koh Yao Noi island to the east of Phuket. Something about the curves of the boat combined with the square steps .. and I thought it might look nice in black and white.

Thailand is the Land of Smiles

2011-04-30T21:06:00.003+07:00

I know that "Land of Smiles" was a marketing catchphrase used by the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), but ... I have lived here more than 10 years and I really do feel that the smile is alive and well in Thailand. It might be a bit strained in the most touristy areas, and for sure you can't get a smile from everyone, but the smiles here in Phuket are easy enough to find. Photo below taken in Phuket town. The girl was at a street stall selling food during a little festival in aid of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Great smile. This is the Land of Smiles!

Songkran

2011-04-02T16:41:00.002+07:00

Songkran is the water festival. It never started as a waterfight, just a gentle sprinkling of water on Buddha images or on your grandmother as a sign of respect and as a cleansing ritual. You can still find the old Songkran, but mostly its about who's got the biggest gun! In Phuket it only lasts for one day (April 13th). I have Songkran photos on my Phuket blog from several years ...

• Songkran 2009 @ Patong Beach
• Songkran 2008 at home and in Phuket Town
• Songkran 2007 - Turtle release at Mai Khao Beach

The Phuket Viewpoint

2011-03-16T08:15:00.002+07:00

Phuket has a lot of very nice views and great scenery. This place is generally referred to as "the" viewpoint, also called Kata viewpoint of Karon viewpoint. From this highpoint you can look North and see 3 beaches - Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. Great for sunset views. A very peaceful spot and easy to reach by moped from Kata, just a few kilometers away.

More information : The Phuket Viewpoint on Jamie's Phuket Blog

Khao Sok National Park Bungalow

2011-03-01T07:39:00.002+07:00

It takes about 3 ½ hours to drive from our house in Phuket to Khao Sok National Park. A bit too far for a day trip, but ideal for a weekend stay. Khao Sok is all about nature. Hills, cliffs, rivers, birds, butterflies, walking, kayaking, elephant trekking. The scenery is fantastic and we have a favourite place to stay, which is actually just outside the official national park boundary - the Cliff and River Jungle Resort. The resort name is 100% accurate. A huge cliff towers over the landscape, a river runs below the cliff, and you are indeed in the jungle. The photo shows one of the bungalows we stayed in at the Cliff and River. Our daughter and her friend are on the balcony. We'll be there again soon!

• Cliff and River Jungle Resort, Online Booking

James Bond Island

2011-02-09T11:49:00.002+07:00

One of the most visited places in Southern Thailand - James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Location made famous by the Bond movie (Man with the Golden Gun), and yes, the scenery around here is great, really unmissable. We have done a number of Phang Nga Bay trips including James Bond Island and Koh Panyee, the stilted village.

Low tide at Cape Panwa

2011-01-28T09:56:00.002+07:00

Phuket has many quiet corners. This photo was taken one evening at Cape Panwa, facing west over Chalong Bay where lots of boats are moored. My daughter takes a walk across the rocks exposed at low tide. One of our favourite little restaurants called The Beach Bar is on this stretch of beach. It's a very peaceful area.

Roots

2011-01-16T15:48:00.002+07:00

I saw this tree on Rang Hill, which is on the north side of Phuket Town. There are a couple of restaurants up here, the famous one being Tunk Ka and many people come for some fresh air, food, enjoy the view or to take a little walk....

A Candle

2010-12-30T20:11:00.002+07:00

Photo taken at the Big Buddha in Phuket. There are several shrines around the Buddha for people to say prayers. Although the Big Buddha seems to be on the itinerary of every tour now, it's still unmissable. To avoid the crowds, get there early before 9am, or late for the sunset.

Koh Panyee Village School

2010-12-03T23:27:00.002+07:00

Photo taken at Koh Panyee village school, 27th September 2010. Panyee is built on stilts next to a large limestone rock island in Phang Nga Bay. More photos and info on my Phuket Blog: Phang Nga Bay Tour - Doing it OUR WAY! - for private tours in Phang Nga Bay, contact Easy Day Thailand.

Coke (Coca Cola) in Thailand

2010-11-19T09:12:00.002+07:00

No matter what language, that logo and bottle are unmistakable. Coca Cola. Cold.

Fire Walking at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

2010-11-11T22:13:00.002+07:00

An entranced devotee (Ma Song) runs across hot coals at Kathu village shrine in Phuket, 16th October 2010. Were the coals really hot? I tell you I was standing 10 meters away and could feel the heat.

Firecrackers at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

2010-10-31T18:54:00.001+07:00

Firecrackers explode all around as statues of the emperor gods are carried through the streets of Kathu village outside Phuket Town, 15th October 2010.

Local Bus in Phuket Town

2010-10-17T15:44:00.002+07:00

I was walking down the street by the market in Phuket Town waiting for one of the vegetarian festival processions. The local buses are in that area and I always meant to blog something about the local transport. I snapped this picture. Liked the arrangement of legs and the green Robinsons bag that stood out.

Pineapples for Vegetarians

2010-10-11T08:02:00.002+07:00

Photo taken at Sapam Shrine, north of Phuket Town, 10th October 2010 during the Phuket Vegetarian festival. There are street processions every day for a week with different shrine participating each day.

• More photos on Flickr
• More about the Phuket vegetarian festival

Mango with Sticky Rice

2010-10-02T21:23:00.002+07:00

This is delicious. Mango with sticky rice and coconut milk. This photo is taken at a restaurant in Phuket called Rimtang.

Monk at James Bond Island

2010-09-19T16:33:00.002+07:00

A visiting Monk touches the famous leaning rock, Khao Ping Gan, at James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. More photos @ James Bond Island on Jamie's Phuket Blog or James Bond Island on Flickr.

Rang Hill Viewpoint, Phuket Town

2010-09-08T10:14:00.002+07:00

Rang Hill is in Phuket Town, a couple of winding roads lead to the top where you have views over parts of the town and across the south of Phuket towards Chalong and the Big Buddha. There is a well known cafe called Tunk Ka perched on the side of the hill which is found by following steps made of old railway sleepers.

Photo above shows some tourists enjoying the view. Many tours include a quick drive up Rang Hill, which is one of many great viewpoints in Phuket.

Up in the clouds

2010-06-20T15:46:00.002+07:00

20th June - a cloudy morning. We drove up to the top of Radar Hill, the highest road in Phuket.. you reach over 500m above sea level. There are views over Patong from the top and you can also see across the hills to the Big Buddha about 10km distant. With the clouds swirling around I waited for a view. Waited for the Buddha to appear.

Red Flag at Karon Beach

2010-06-12T18:36:00.001+07:00

We Love Phuket

2010-05-22T21:19:00.005+07:00

This was drawn / written by my kids today. I did not tell them to do it or suggest it. I just found it on the blackboard outside. We do indeed love our Phuket.

Old Phuket Town

2010-01-02T21:10:00.002+07:00

This photo was taken in the evening 27th December 2009 on Thalang Road in the old part of Phuket Town, a favourite area of mine. More photos from the same evening here:

• Old Phuket Street Festival

And more Phuket Town photos here:

• Phuket Photo Walk, July 18th 2009
• Old Phuket Town Photos

Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession

2009-10-31T08:13:00.002+07:00

Many more photos from the vegetarian festival here:

• Jamie's Phuket - Vegetarian Festival Photos 2009

Photos in Phuket Town

2009-08-27T22:12:00.003+07:00

I love Phuket Town, especially the old center. Always something new to photograph. The Old Town has been "blogged" on my Phuket Blog:

• Old Phuket Town

And other areas of town are worth exploring. Phuket Town is big.. in fact, it was officially renamed Phuket City a few years ago, though everyone still calls it Phuket Town.

• Exploring Phuket Town

In July 2009, I took part in the "Phuket Photo Walk", part of a worldwide event. All round the globe on 18th July, photographers went and recorded images of their town or city. I blogged it here:

• The Phuket Photo Walk

Here are a few of the photos...

Orchid at Phuket Flower Fair 2009

2009-08-26T21:07:00.003+07:00

I do love orchids... the Phuket Flower Fair 2009, held at Sapan Hin (Phuket Town) from 24th July - 3rd August was full of orchids and other plants. Great for flower lovers and for people watching. Sapan Hin is a park and recreational area in the south of town, very popular with locals every evening.

More about the event here: Phuket Flower Fair

Seahorses at Phuket Aquarium

2009-06-23T22:37:00.002+07:00

Building the Big Buddha in Phuket

2009-05-29T09:25:00.002+07:00

We've visited the Big Buddha so many times I have lost count. We were up there before construction started and have seen the giant statue grow up from nothing. Our last visit was last week. Still lots of work to do!

• Phuket Big Buddha

Muslim Faces in Phuket

2009-05-07T09:40:00.003+07:00

We visited the Phuket Halal Expo last weekend, a very nice evening eating all kinds of food. Very friendly people. Phuket has a large Muslim population, there are mosques all over the island. Here's some of the faces from the Halal Expo.

Shrine of the Serene Light - Phuket Town

2009-04-24T22:16:00.002+07:00

A sneak preview.... I just went this very morning to Phuket Town in search of the Shrine of the Serene Light, a well hidden Chinese Shrine in the old part of town. A full report and photo gallery will be on my Phuket blog soon. Lovely place.

Songkran - April 13th - Patong Beach - Phuket

2009-04-16T11:24:00.003+07:00

• More Songkran 2009 Photos on Jamie's Phuket

Phuket Brewery

2009-03-22T00:45:00.004+07:00

The Phuket Brewery is a new entertainment venue, just opened a few months ago just outside Phuket Town. It's aimed more at local Thai and expat residents than tourists. I will blog this place properly soon on Jamie's Phuket. I like it!

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

2009-03-08T16:40:00.004+07:00

I have hundreds of Vegetarian Festival photos, my favourite time of year in Phuket! This one shows the gods being carried through Kathu village, with firecrackers all around. An "all senses" experience!

• Phuket Vegetarian festival Photos 2008

Reclining Buddha at Wat Suwan Kuha

2009-02-19T22:00:00.004+07:00

A little off Phuket, in Phang Nga province, you can find Wat Suwan Kuha. Inside a large cave, a temple was built about 150 years ago including a large reclining Buddha.

More on my Phuket blog : Wat Suwan Kuha.

Sunset at Kata Beach Phuket

2009-01-30T23:24:00.001+07:00

Longtail boats at Kata Beach Phuket

2008-12-18T21:56:00.002+07:00

Kata Beach always makes a good photo!

Kuay Jap

2008-11-23T21:42:00.003+07:00

A delicious bowl of Kuay Jap - a kind of noodle soup.. with BBQ pork, moo grob, veggies, egg, delicious!

Phuket Beauty

2008-11-20T23:46:00.002+07:00

This photo was taken at a Canon photoshoot at the Phuket Thai Hua Museum.

Loy Krathong - Kom Fai

2008-11-14T22:14:00.000+07:00

Maya Bay (Phi Phi) from the air

2008-10-25T21:52:00.006+07:00

Last week I was lucky enough to get a flight to Phi Phi by seaplane:

Read the full story: Flying to Phi Phi from Phuket with Destination Air

WoW! Words don't really work... so let's try a photo... This is Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Le island (click to enlarge in new window)

• Phi Phi Islands Hotels - Book Online at Agoda.com

View over Kathu, Phuket

2008-07-31T11:55:00.002+07:00

As you climb the hill from the east side coming from Phuket Town and Kathu towards Patong, as you near the top, look left. Great view over the Kathu area. Best seen in the early morning when you have a clear sky and the land is misty. One of my favourite views in Phuket.

Karon Beach Sunset

2008-07-23T10:04:00.001+07:00

Tai Chi - Phuket Suan Luang

2008-06-06T21:20:00.001+07:00

A girl exercising at Suan Luang (King Rama IX Memorial Park) Phuket.

Motorbike Repairs

2008-04-28T16:16:00.004+07:00

Motorbike repair shops are great. Since there are so many bikes and mopeds on the roads, repair shops flourish and can be found all over Thailand in every village, every street. Repairs are normally quick and cheap. The shops are always full of piles of spanners, shelves full of spares, broken bikes and bits of bikes, bikes waiting for repair, and all kids of unidentifiable odds and ends. It seems the mechanics don't throw anything away.

These photos all taken today (April 28th 2008) at a bike repair shop in Karon beach, Phuket where I stopped for repairs in the rain.

Songkran 2008 in Phuket

2008-04-15T16:56:00.000+07:00

Phuket Photos

2008-02-14T13:32:00.000+07:00

Phuket Photos - A Blog will grow here.

meantime, check Jamie's Phuket