Day 5

Mark, Bron, Allira, Alex and Sarah (Smucha) spent the morning touring around the island (complimentary from the tour company, and the Gem’s Gallery!). First we travelled to Karon and Kata Beach, which is another area, like Patong, but a bit smaller and quieter.

 

 It reminded Mark and Bron of Koh Samui, then on further and we stopped at Promthep Cape, which is the best lookout spot to see the sunset. Then we went to the Big Buddha, which is a giant white marble Buddha, and sits high atop a mountain overlooking Chalong Bay. Next was Chalong Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple, and the largest on Phuket. The Gem’s Gallery (the worlds largest jewellery store!!) was our next stop.

  

This is the where all the tourists are taken and shown how stones are cut, shaped, and set and then they have a huge show room which you pass through on your way out. Smucha was the only one tempted and she bought herself a gorgeous green sapphire ring.

  

Next was a very quick stop and the outlet malls (more shopping – not much fun though) and then back to the hotel. The rest of the group spent a quiet day shopping, relaxing and just having a holiday. As it was Sue and Dave’s last night we headed out for “pre’s” and to watch the sunset, which we did at Baa Rim Pa Restaurant – the supposed best on Phuket. Then make to town and dinner at The Port where there were bands playing.

 

We were joined here by a “table” of about 40 Japanese women – who were drinking Heineken Towers – it was very funny. Finally back to Lekey and Jenny’s bar for a few drinks. We ended up meeting all the kids here and kicked on until about 1am. So much fun – the boys were dancing on the bar and the kids were riding the motorbikes around the market. A great way to farewell Dave and Sue, who we are really going to miss.

 

Dave and Greg don’t make good tabletop dancers