A trip to Phuket, Thailand in April 2024

 I was not keen on this idea, as it involved sitting squeezed up for 10 hours in a too small seat.

Plus we had to put Misty into a cattery. Not her favourite option!

But other people had different ideas so off we went.  As it happens, the experience was a delight most of the time.  We scored a nice price for a 5 star hotel on Karon Beach.  The hotel which will remain unnamed was set in a large acreage of land and had about 4 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and 1 cafe.  Two bars.

Built in 1982, it presented as very modern to my eyes.  The staff were excellent, and the overall service and facilities wonderful.

Part of the deal arranged by a couple who organised it was to have a Luxury Escapes package added to it.

This involved paid for meals (all of them) and a happy hour where drinks were free.  This was great but lead to a certain amount of over consumption.. After the third night most of us were just choosing a main or two entrees.

The hardest part of the trip is just getting there from New Zealand. You have to take a 10 1/2 hour flight from Auckland to Singapore. Then you have to wait around for around six hours before you get on a flight to go from Singapore to Phuket. 

 Once we got to Singapore airport, we were surprised at the size and scope of the airport, it seemed to be that you could stand in any one place and look off into the distance and it would still keep on going. Many nice things to look at. We looked at the butterfly garden, cactus garden and Lilypond. 

 Then nearer to our departure gate was an orchid garden, which had mosaic and concrete sculpture. Parts of them seemed to be metal. Very well done. 

The train itself went through a large building called the Jewel. It was a geodesic dome, so the whole thing was curved. It’s amazing. 

The train goes through the middle of it and it’s all open inside so it is a really neat place. Because the people were travelling with were able to go into Business class lounges, we were able to spend some quality time in very comfortable surroundings so that was great.

These are photos of the hotel:

We went on a half day tour to the Buddha on the hill and saw the old part of Phuket town.

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This is an old Chinese house in the old town:

Then off to see the elephants- a feed and shower with the elephants experience. If you go, do not miss this.