Discovering Phuket: Patong Beach

Such a wonderful welcome Patong Beach!

I am very excited to see the beach area in the morning. Since we arrived already late noon, we scheduled our next day to walk along the shore of Patong beach in the morning. It was a very quick walk from our hostel. It was the first time we saw the place in a calmer state. That’s the time we’re able to appreciate and see the view of the beach.

Do not forget to get fit!

A view in the morning, calmer than night. 

We saw several tourists jogging in the shoreline. We saw some empty bottles abandoned in the area. Well, it was a good view, but of course, comparing to the beaches in the Philippines, it’s really evident that the Philippines has the best beaches in the world. It was good to see that it was crowded with visitors but I am a bit sad because although I am seeing tourists in our country especially in the well known Boracay, its not like this kind of crowd, it was like as if this is the only and the best White beach in the world.

Just some of the trash and empty bottles we saw that morning

Cyclist getting ready for the tourist rush

Well, maybe because of the image of a non-safe destination, lack of promotion and other more various reasons making us very unpopular tourist destination. Hal and I actually had a chat with a guy from Canada that was also staying in our hostel and he doesn’t really know much about the Philippines. I was like, “Do you know Boracay and El Nido? You must include Philippines in your list and the beaches there are way much prettier.” That guy was actually already found the Patong beach very beautiful already. In my mind, how much more if you visit the beaches of Palawan, Bohol and Cebu.

And the crowd was ready to get sunburn

More of the crowd on the other side

They are all very busy, we are the only group trying to hide from the sun

Patong is much like Boracay because it was surrounded by stores and restaurants. The only difference is that the beach water is very salty and a bit itchy. Anyway, as we return in the beach with the group around late afternoon, there are more and more people everywhere, sunbathing, playing, swimming and just simply relaxing on the shore. 

Sun bathing, relaxing, not a fan of sun burn. 

Such a busy beach

Colorful umbrellas everywhere

And more on this side

Hal and I at Patong Beach

Patong Beach will still be a very popular beach spot for tourist, no doubt because it is accessible and it’s still beautiful on its own way. I’ll still promote Palawan and Cebu though. Of Course.

As the sunset goes, it was the moment that I realized that we are still sharing the same magnificent view of sunset in just other perspective. It was calm, soothing and just let me thank God again for experiencing the beach outside my homeland.

Such a very wonderful view to end your day

Discover Phuket: Wat Chalong

Thailand is also known for their detailed temples and rich cultures

Wat Chalong is another must see and a very popular place in Phuket. This place will tell you more of the Buddhist culture. Travelers come here to learn and be fascinated of the structures and the locals come here to pray.

Just few of the crowd on a sunny afternoon

Though it was often too crowded, Wats are very sacred especially for the local people so visitors are expected to pay respect and observe of the rules such as proper dress code and taking your shoes off.

They could've been praying for luck and more blessings

It was also said that the Wat Chalong is the most important of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket (formally named Wat Chaiyathararam).

Another view of the temple 

And also, Elephants are sacred here

We are not really sure of the flags, maybe another ritual or sign

Wat Chalong is just about half way between Chalong Circle and Phuket town. Near the entrance is an alley of stores selling different stuffs like plants, bags, accessories, souvenirs and different kinds of food that will really catch your attention. You would really want to try almost everything.

There’s a lot of grilling and frying on the sides, milk teas, fruits and refreshments. Near the temples are much more like the market in the Philippines as there’s a lot of clothes and other stuffs for sale.

Food stalls are just everywhere that you really want to try

Just like in Divisoria

It was again a very unforgiving sunny day and you’ll often expect us near a shade of a tree resting before checking out another temple. Crowds are everywhere and it’s also a bit hard to explore the area peacefully.

Tired ladies

With my hal of course

After a few refreshments and rested under the tree, we bid our goodbyes and headed to our next destination. It was really such a temple-overload. :p

Wat Chalong Temple

Address: Phuket, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand

Opens from 7am to 5pm