Phuket

We had 10 nights in Phuket, staying at the Moevenpick on Karon beach.   This is about a twenty minute tuk tuk ride from Patong which appears to be a little like the Thai version of Kuta.  Karon beach is much quieter than Patong but with still plenty of restaurants and shops and massage places within a very short walking distance from the hotel. 

We chose the Moevenpick because apparently they had a good kids club ... however, the kids had a plan of their own and they were not that interested in attending the kids club!  So instead, they ran amok at the resort grounds and spent hours lazing by the pool or beach. 

Many happy hours were spent by the pool

The waterslide wears a hit with Eloise

The kids became regulars at the pool bar, ordering up big on banana smoothies !

We had a very spacious bungalow with a seperate lounge and bedroom area and huge bathroom together with a little outdoor shower that the kids loved and which came in very handy after the beach.

Outside our 'home' in Phuket

The girls loved showering in the open air !

Eloise washing Abbey's hair

                        

The Moevenpick Resort is massive. We were very close to the beach but had to weave through many garden paths to get from our villa to the restaurants and pool area. Luckily, it was a very scenic route !

On our way to breakfast

On our way to breakfast each morning, we pass by the Spirit House where the Thais make their offerings and the girls will also pay it a visit

  

The routine was pretty much the same for 10 days, it was the choice of either the pool or the beach after breakfast each day.  The beach at Karon beach is very wide and sandy with very soft white sand that squeaks. However, the rips were pretty strong there and we preferred the more secluded horse shoe shaped Kata Beach. 

In Phuket, you can rent sun lounges for 200baht for the whole day (about $6AUD). And we found that whilst there were quite a few hawkers coming up to offer their wares, they were no where near as persistent as the hawkers in Bali. If you indicate that you are not interested, they do not try again, whereas in Bali they will disregard your No and continue to pester.  

Karon beach, Phuket



  

Eloise the beached mermaid on Karon Beach

In Australia, Eloise finds that the sea water stings her excema afflicted skin, but we were all pleasantly surprised to find that the salt water in Thailand was not stingy at all !  The only issue Eloise had with the beach was sand getting caught in her bathers ... well her solution for that was to take it all off.  Luckily, she is still young enough not to offend with her nudity (as she spent a lot of time in the buff !).



We were spoilt when it came to beach locations as Kata beach was only a short 5 minute tuk tuk ride away.  Kata Beach was much calmer as it was protected on both sides and perfect for the kids as there were no waves. 

Karon Beach

Racing out to the inviting waters of Karon Beach

                      




The girls loved the calm waters of Karon Beach

  

Once again, it wasn't long before the girls found that it was more comfortable without their bathers!



There was the occasional unexpected wave !

Abbey got right into the swing of the beach at Karon Beach

By the end of each day, the girls were exhausted, having burnt all their energy up at the pool or beach.  Here they are burning up som more energy whilst we watched the sunset ...