Kick Back and Relax in Phuket

Jai had to attend a conference in Phuket. Being the dutiful wife that I am, I packed his clothes......along with my own!

We arrived in Phuket on March 4, 2006 and checked into Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket....a gorgeous hotel at Bang Tao Bay.

Here's what they say in their website :

"Built on an island surrounded by a saltwater lagoon and linked by a series of bridges, pontoon boats, overlooking a two mile stretch of white sandy beach on Bang Tao Bay. Three wings cluster around manicured tropical gardens, waterways and a series of interconnecting free form swimming pools. Effectively two hotels in one, offering both resort rooms and Grande Villas."

Check out our room.

Isn't the place beautiful? (More pix later)

We had a leisurely first day. The organiser brought us to Wat Chalong...

Check out the spectacular view along the way

....and then to Patong Beach.......

Night view of the hotel

Jai was so tired, that he totally knocked out the first night in Phuket!

Here he is....all bright and chirpy after a good night's rest. This is his out-of-bed look.

Since the poor ol' boy had to work that day, I kept myself occupied by exploring the hotel.

Took the hotel ferry across the lagoon to the Canal Village for some shopping.

This is me....all ready to go out for the evening.

We had dinner at this wonderful restaurant on a hill (of sort) and overlooking the ocean

With me is Shi Ling from The Star
One of the GO GO Bars

The next day was free and easy. Jai and I decided to use the hotel facilities and to explore the place further....so we went kayaking.....



and cycling......



There was a beautiful chapel by the lagoon.......

In the evening, Jai tried to teach me how to play pool....but gave up coz I just don't have the knack for it!

We took the ferry around the place...(this place is really fantastic...you can either cycle or take the ferry for a leisurely ride around the property). There are many places to explore:

1. Allamanda Laguna Phuket 2. LHC Phuket Resort 3. Laguna Residences Show House 4. Laguna Townhomes Show House 5. Allamanda Beach Club

6. Laguna Phuket Golf Club 7. Banyan Tree Spa & Gallery 8. Canal Shopping Village 9. Wedding Chapel 10. Quest Aventure & Camp Laguna 11. Angsana Spa & Gallery

Food Glorious Food - Hanoi Day 5 & 6

We booked a private trip to Hoa Binh, a local village on the previous day. Our driver and tour guide arrived at around 8am in a Toyota Unser. Hong, the tour guide, was very friendly and chatty throughout the entire trip and through him we got to know more about the local culture and the people of Vietnam.

According to him, his area of expertise is to take tourist on adventure tours i.e. travelling from one place to another by motorbike. Most of his clients are Caucasians. That was no surprise to us.

Reached river and boarded a boat that would take us to the village. We saw a few sampans on the river but the rowing mechanism was totally different from what we had ever seen. Instead of rowing using hands, they used their feet instead. Cool!

Reached the village and we were brought to a villager’s house where we were served the traditional wine. He showed us a few traditional musical instruments and played some music using these instruments. Took a few shots with him, his son and octogenarian mother. Bought a few scarves from him for remembrance.

We took the boat back to the mainland. Bought a grilled fish to eat with our lunch.

Stopped by a cosy restaurant for lunch which served buffalo meat cooked in different styles. Food was good but the servings were too large.

On our way back to Hanoi, we saw a young bride and her groom on a motorbike accompanied by a group of people who were also on their bikes. They looked so happy together.

Reached Hanoi. Freshened up and walked to Church Street. We decided to walk into the church and were surprised to see that they were having a mass that evening.

Had dinner and went back to the hotel.