| Phuket |
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[Last updated: 16-Dec-2025]
After staying at the Amari Coral Reef hotel in Apr/May of this year, I wanted to return to Phuket (for more diving) towards the end of the year, but before Christmas. Lisa and Jon suggested October as the best time, as it is supposed to be the end of the wet season, and before the peak time of Christmas.
Back to the travel agent, I booked myself a two-weeks holiday during October. Apart from its duration, the other main difference was the route to and from Phuket. Following the problems encountered during my visit in May-2025 (with Emirates), I did not want to fly via Dubai again! Instead, I opted to fly direct to Thailand. That way, if there were to be any flight problems, at least I was in the country of my final destination! I have flown Thai Airways a couple of times before (years ago), and enjoyed the onboard hospitality. So Thai Airways was my choice of carrier for this trip, even though the flight is longer (12+ hours). The travel agent offered Emirates again (via Dubai) and Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur); no thanks.
Tuesday, 07-Oct-2025 (0 photos, 0 videos)
Getting to the Airport:
My outbound flight, from Heathrow to Bangkok, was at 12h30 (with a scheduled
arrival in Bangkok at 06h00 tomorrow). So, from stepping outside the house
at 05h50, into a taxi to Newbury Railway Station, I caught the 06h30 train
to Reading, followed by the 07h10 RailAir bus to Heathrow.
Suitably seated in 58A, Thai Airways International, flight TG911 to Thailand, left the terminal, on time, at 12:30.
Next stop, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Wednesday, 08-Oct-2025 (3 photos, 0 videos)
The flight arrived at BKK, on time at 06h00. I had an hour to get to the departure gate for my flight (TG201) to Phuket, at 07h30. My allocated seat on that flight was 54K, at the very rear of the aircraft. I will say that the seats in the Airbus were a lot more comfortable than those in the Boeing 777.
In that seat, I had an unobstructive view out of the window; no wing to restrict the view! Once airborne, the coastal area to the south of Bangkok is used for rice paddy fields, as can be seen in Photo TH-122.
After arrival at Phuket International Airport, my main task was to find the Asian Trails representative, I was finally directed and introduved to the driver, who was to take me to the Amari Phuket Hotel. I was also given contact details of my Asia Trails representative (Ryan), as well as an invitation to meet him on Thursday.
I finally arrived at the hotel at 11h00, very tired. However, it was lovely to be back in Phuket; and especially at the Amari Phuket Hotel.
I was checked-in by Gam. It was a lovely surprise to see her again; she checked me in for my previous arrival in April. She told me then that she was leaving. Her plans had obviously changed.
Once in my room, I was welcomed by the sight of orchids and leaves on the bed (see Photo TH-123). I couldn't immediately freshen, up as my luggage had not yet been delivered to the room. Once it had, a refreshing shower was followed by getting into clean and lighter-weight clothes.
Even though it was hot and humid, I went for a re-familiarisation tour of the hotel. However, the wind and rain showers eventually put pay to that. I retired to bed at 18h00, and fell asleep almost immediately.
 Photo TH-122 |
 Photo TH-123 |
 Photo TH-124 |
Thursday, 09-Oct-2025 (0 photos, 0 videos)
I awoke, fully refreshed at 09h00. Breakfast at the hotel ends at 10h30, so after a quick shower, it was down to the Rim Talay restaurant, for fresh orange juice, fresh fruit and a croissant for breakfast. A member of the staff approached my table and greeted/welcomed me back. How nice! I recognised her, but forgot her name. I asked her if Cream still worked at the hotel, and she told me that Cream was training in Reception.
Once I had finished eating, I headed straight for the Reception area, where Cream immediately recognised me, holding out her hand to greet me! Again, how lovely! The thing that surprised me was that she not only remembered my name, and knew my current room number, but the room number of my previous visit! Like Gam, it was lovely to see her again; an amazing and lovely welcome!
I had my meeting with Bryan at 13h00. With a name like that, I thought he might be British (or an American, Australian, etc.), working for the Thai travel company. How wrong can someone be!
He is Spanish! His mother named him after Bryan Adams, the Canadian musician! We had an interesting chat, lasting about two hours! As I had visited Thailand a few times before, I had visited a lot of the attractions that he mentioned. One exception was a zipline as a possibility.
By mid-afternoon, the strong winds had decreased, so too had the rain showers. My evening meal, in the Rim Talay restaurant, was Phad Thai. Happy Hour (two drinks for the price of one) was from 17h00 to 19h00.
Friday, 10-Oct-2025 (3 photos, 0 videos)
The day started cloudy with rain, and continued for most of the day. However, the highlight of the day was when I went for a mid-afternoon walk to The Jetty (Photo TH-126 and Photo TH-127), but not before taking a photo of the Samutr Bar (Photo TH-125) from the Reception level.
My evening dinner was Phad Se-ew Moo, Gai or Goong (Thai Stir-fried Noodles, tossed with black soy sauce and kale, with a choice of pork, chicken or prawns). I must admit that I wasn't too keen on the fried noodles.
 Photo TH-125 |
 Photo TH-126 |
 Photo TH-127 |
Saturday, 11-Oct-2025 (4 photos, 0 videos)
This morning, I awoke at 08h30. As I had booked a massage appointment for 11h00, I quickly got myself down to the Rim Talay restaurant for breakfast; fresh fruit and pastries.
On my way to Breeze Spa, I took the following three photos; Photo TH-128 (photobombed by Cream), Photo TH-129 (the beach just before, and in front of, the Breeze Spa), and Photo TH-130 (the staircase up to Breeze Spa).
The massage was invigorating, if painful at times!
My walk to the Breeze Spa was in glorious sunshine, after the previous rainy days. It was enjoyable to be able to walk, without getting soaked! However, leaving Breeze Spa at about 13h00, heavy rain showers made their presence!
It is lovely being back in Thailand, Phuket, and particularly, the Amari Hotel. But, the one thing that has had a huge effect on me is the proportion of the hotel staff that came up to me and said "Welcome back"! Absolutely amazing Thailand!!!
 Photo TH-128 |
 Photo TH-129 |
 Photo TH-130 |
 Photo TH-131 |
Sunday, 12-Oct-2025 (1 photo, 2 videos)
First Dive Day! My pickup from the hotel was planned for 07h00, but didn't arrive until 07h15. After crossing the island during the rush hour to the pier, it was good to meet Jon and Angel (both from Andy's Scuba Diving). As with the hotel, it felt as if I had never been away!
Once on board the Freedon Dolphin, it was upstaires to the cabin to claim our seating area. Once the luggage had been loaded, the boat left Chalong Pier for almost two hours to the Rachas Islands; photo Photo TH-132. Three dives were planned at the islands; two at Racha Noi and one at Racha Yai. To-day, I was accompanied for the dives by Angel (who accompanied me in May), as Jon was training a Dive Master to become a Dive Instructor.
The three dives were very casual, enjoyable and low pressured, around familiar territory. An ideal way to get back into the activity.
I was hoping to have several dive days during this holiday, but speaking to Jon during our return to Chalong Pier, it was not possible, due to his prior commitments. However, we did arrange to dive on Monday, 20-Oct-2025, before my holiday ended.
I arrived back at the hotel at about 17h00, where upon leaving the taxi, I was given the driver's business card, should I need the service again; Mr. Lucky Taxi and Tour Service, ☎: +66872648853.
After taking a shower, and getting into clean clothes, i returned to the Reception seating area to write my latest events. I felt that something 'strange' (spiritual?) was happening. Many hotel staff kept coming up to me and said "Welcome back. How are you?"
Even while I was writing this diary, Gam came over to me and said "Hello". I invited her to sit down, which she thankfully did. "How was your day?" she asked me. I found that to be a very kind jesture.
I explained where I had been and what I had done, and asked if she would like to join me next time (as a non-diving passenger), if she was not working. "Yes", she said.
Later that evening, I received a message from Lisa (Andy's Scuba Diving), offereing a dive on Wednesday at either the Phi Phi Islands or the Rachas Islands. With thought of my previous experience at the Phi Phi Islands (which wasn't the best), I opted for the Rachas Islands (again).
 Photo TH-132 |
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Racha Noi Banana Bay  Video TH-020 [1 minute, 18 seconds] |
Racha Noi Manta Bay Video TH-021 [1 minute, 44 seconds] |
Monday, 13-Oct-2025 (3 photos, 1 video)
It looked as though it could have been a nice day, even though the BBC Weather App was showing thundery activity. During the morning, the App was updated to show sunshine.
Another lazy day around the hotel, until I decided to walk into Patong, to find a money (ex)change shop/booth. From what I saw, exchange rates for Euros varied slightly. I ended up exchanging €150 into TB5,625 (at a rate of TB37.5 per Euro). After the past few days with rain showers, to-day was hot and humid. Walking back to the hotel, mostly in the shade, sweat was dripping from my head.
Gam was on a late shift, so we had arranged to meet during the evening (after her manager had departed for the day) for me to show her the video clips that I had taken yesterday. Unfortunately, it was not possible, as I didn't have a micro-card reader. Gam had one, but not with her, so we rearranged the viewing for tomorrow.
We continued talking for a bit longer, including if she would be interested in learning to dive. She then had to go and produce her daily report before finishing for the day.
 Photo TH-133 |
 Photo TH-134 |
 Photo TH-135 |
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Sunset at the Amari Hotel Video TH-022 [0 minutes, 23 seconds] |
Tuesday, 14-Oct-2025 (0 photos, 0 videos)
While at the Amari hotel, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to get down to the Rim Talay restaurant for breakfast before the busiest time (after 09h00). This morning was no exception.
As it was a nice sunny morning, I returned to my room, applied sun cream to my exposed areas and returned to a shaded table outside the restaurant. Even though I took a bottle of water with me, a few moments later, Cream came out, bringing me a large glass of orange juice! Wow! What a lovely thought! Her kindness blew me away!
Wednesday, 15-Oct-2025 (2 photos, 6 videos)
Second Dive Day! My pickup arrived on time at 07h00, for transport to Chalong Pier, and eventually on to the Rachas Islands. My dive buddy for to-day was Gun, who I had previously met during my previous Thai holiday, back in May.
Gun and I 'made camp' inside, and at the rear of, the upper deck saloon/cabin, with bench seats around the outside, and three tables in front of them, in the shape of a "U".
I had no problems for my first dive. Back on board Freedom Dolphin, and because of the colour, I couldn't help but take two photos of the view from the stern of the boat (Photo TH-136 and Photo TH-137).
For the first few minutes of my second dive, I had difficulty in locating the toggle for the top dump valve, thus wasting valuable energy, until Gun came to the rescue. What didn't help the situation was the noticeable stronger current! So we started our dive by swimming against it, in order to have it in our favour, for our way back to the boat; which is normal diving practice.
A surprise for the third dive was a huge shoal of Yellowstripe Scad (Selaroides leptolepis) that had congregated just below the surface (see Video TH-028). With my energy sapped from the previous dive, combined with the strong current, my air consumption was vastly increased! Back on board the Freedom Dolphin, even the experienced Gun remarked how tiring that last dive was! That made me feel better!
After freshening up back at the hotel, Gam and Betty asked to see some of my underwater video clips.
 Photo TH-136 |
 Photo TH-137 |
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Coral and Stonefish Video TH-023 [2 minutes, 07 seconds] |
Triggerfish and Lionfish Video TH-024 [1 minute, 24 seconds] |
Monocle Bream and Moray Eel Video TH-025 [1 minute, 38 seconds] |
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Fish and Coral Video TH-026 [1 minute, 30 seconds] |
Bleached (Staghorn?) Coral Video TH-027 [1 minute, 04 seconds] |
Large shoal of Yellowstripe Scad Video TH-028 [1 minute, 57 seconds] |
Thursday, 16-Oct-2025 (6 photos, 1 video)
The day started sunny and warm, with a gentle sea breeze. So, being another "Do Nothing" day, it would be ideal (after breakfast) to sit in the shade of one of the trees outside the Rim Talay restaurant, alongside the water's edge; which I did at about 08h30. However, compare the then weather conditions, to thirty minutes later; see Photo TH-140, taken from my hotel room balcony!
Upon returning to my room, I was overcome with emotion! I was greeted with the following surprise: a birthday greeting laid out on the bed (see Photo TH-138 and Photo TH-139), plus a small gateau; see Photo TH-143. Admitedly, it read "Happy Honeymoon", but the thought was immense!
About an hour later, when I was on the point of leaving the room, the doorbell rang. Two members of staff brought a tray, containing a selection of fresh fruit, an elephant, and a signed birthday card from Betty, Kanny, and (best of all) Gam/Atiya. Her talent is wasted here! She wrote the most, complete with a superb cartoon drawing of a SCUBA diver; see Photo TH-141! It was a very special, pleasant and emotional moment!!!
When I saw her later, to say "Thank you", it was her free choice, but I asked her if she would like to go for a day's trip on the Freedom Dolphin. She had an appointment on Friday, so Saturday was the day of choice, with a 07h00 departure from the hotel.
On another topic (with Gam and Betty), we discussed my Onyx Rewards. It was revealed that although this was my second stay at the Amari Phuket hotel, I was not entitled to any Onyx Points, because the bookings were not made directly with the hotel. As for my next (third) stay, I would have to make my reservation directly with the hotel, and hope that there was availability on flights to match.
Once the 'business' items had been addressed, Gam asked me about my web site! While we were sat at the table, Gam shared a video call with Cream, in which Cream (who was having a day off) sang "Happy Birthday" to me! WOW! These girls are wonderful!!!
By early afternoon, the wet weather had passed, returning to a warmer and sunnier situation (Photo TH-142).
 Photo TH-138 |
 Photo TH-139 |
 Photo TH-140 |
 Photo TH-141 |
 Photo TH-142 |
 Photo TH-143 |
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A Heavy Tropical Shower Video TH-029 [0 minutes, 53 seconds] |
Friday, 17-Oct-2025 (9 photos, 1 video)
More birthday surprises, on top of yesterday! I went down to breakfast as normal, although I wasn't very hungry, after having had a nibble of yesterday's birthday ("Honeymoon") cake; I chose a croissant and some fresh fruit. After returning to my allocated table, Cream, holding another cake (Photo TH-144), and three other staff members, appeared singing "Happy Birthday"! It was a very humbling and emotional moment! The cake had "Happy Birthday" on it. Thank you very much Amari staff! 🧡
For another "Do Nothing" day, the weather (at breakfast time) was sunny. However, after breakfast, rain showers, with the occasional thunderstorm, developed. By mid-morning, the sun returned, albeit with clouds. With the improved weather, I returned to the water's edge, outside the Rim Talay restaurant.
Cream appeared and presented me with a handmade bouquest (Photo TH-145 and Photo TH-146). How thoughtful! After dark,and with a cooler temperature, I went for another walk into Patong (Photos 150 to 152).
 Photo TH-144 |
 Photo TH-145 |
 Photo TH-146 |
 Photo TH-147 |
 Photo TH-148 |
 Photo TH-149 |
 Photo TH-150 |
 Photo TH-151 |
 Photo TH-152 |
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Longtail Boats Video TH-026 [1 minute, 35 seconds] |
Saturday, 18-Oct-2025 (9 photos, 0 videos)
It was a usual start of the day: down to the Rim Talay restaurant for an 'early' breakfast, after which, I relocated to a table beside the ocean (see Photo TH-147), and listened to the ebbing waves lapping against the rocks, interrupted by the sound of jet skis.
People-watching can be entertaining. There was a couple was sitting at the next table. He looked out at sea and appeared as bored as Hell, while his wife was buried/busy on her mobile phone! Why go on holiday? Modern society eh?!
Anyway, I couldn't sit there all day, wasting away. So it was time (about midday) to go for a walk.
On a number of journeys to/from Chalong Pier, I noticed the Simon Cabaret theatre. I attended a performance some years ago. The show is not quite as one might think! A big clue is in the name: Simon, rather than Simone! Anyway, I decided to walk to the theatre.
The weather at this time of year can be unpredictable, so I equiped myself with a hat and a waterproof jacket; just in case! After applying sun screen cream (with Factor 50), I set off at a leisurely pace.
In moving around in a taxi, one can miss a lot of features. The main "attractions" along my route were those establishments offerimg food and massages! Oh, and the occasional weed shop!
That is one thing I cannot understand. Thailand is very hot on the carrying of drugs into the country; for example, at airports. But here in Phuket, canabis is on open sale. A bit like Amsterdam. Anyway, I arrived at my target destination (Photo TH-154 and Photo TH-155), and was very grateful for a nearby bench seat!
The only thing I remember of that evening years ago, was meeting the performers outside the theatre, after the show. The main giveaway was the sight of their Adam's Apple; which is not usually visible on a female! Yes, they are (if I am permitted to say) very attractive Lady Boys. From a heterosexual male's point-of-view, it could be quite embarassing (and surprising!) if one is left alone with one of them! 😲
Anyway, after resting for some minutes, it was time to head back to the hotel, and to freshen up in a cool air conditioned room! I wanted to see the theatre at night - with its coloured illuminations. Perhaps later.
Back at the hotel, it was immediately into a cools shower, and a rest to finish off my cooling down.
After having had dinner (and suitable fuelled up), and with nothing else to do, I decided to return to the Simon Cabaret theatre (in a slightly cooler air), to see what it looked like at night (Photo TH-156 and Photo TH-157), passing the same food and massage offers, and Canabis World (Photo TH-158) as seen earlier in the day.
On my way back to the hotel, I stopped at the Malin Plaza (Photo TH-159, Photo TH-160 and Photo TH-161), where many stalls offer a wide variey of food. Towards the rear, one can find a selection of clothing for sale.
While walking around the stalls, I noticed the occasional flash! I thought it might be tourists photographing the place. But, it happened again and again. Looking up towards the dark sky, it became obvious that it was lightening! ☈
Time to make an exit and head quickly back to the hotel! I arrived back at 21h00, and after another cool shower, heard the sound of rain outside. Sure enough, the thunderstorm had arrived in all its glory! My timing was perfect!
 Photo TH-153 |
 Photo TH-154 |
 Photo TH-155 |
 Photo TH-156 |
 Photo TH-157 |
 Photo TH-158 |
 Photo TH-159 |
 Photo TH-160 |
 Photo TH-161 |
Sunday, 19-Oct-2025 (3 photos, 0 videos)
The 15th of October marked the offical start of the Thai winter holiday season. That explained why there were more than a dozen boats (of differing sizes) at anchor in the bay. Also, why floating pontoons had been brought in and secured together - to provide a walkway between the boats and the beach.
It was a sunny, but very humid, morning at breakfast, but by about 10h00, a very welcome breeze started blowing. After yesterday's experience with the heat and sweat, I remained around the hotel, except for a visit to Patong Beach, to see the newly-constructed pontoons close up.
On my way, I passed a further length of pavement (Photo TH-162) that was being relayed with blocks of coloured stone (similar to Photo TH-152). A few metres further on, I came across two women who were sat on the pavement, cleaning and preparing freshly-caught fish (Photo TH-163). A few minutes later, I had reached the pontoon (Photo TH-164).
I had hoped to go for an evening walk after dinner, but after seeing a few flashes around the sky, linked to the rumble of thunder, I made the right decision to stay at the hotel. In fact, the Heavens opened just after 19h00, and lasted for about an hour.
 Photo TH-162 |
 Photo TH-163 |
 Photo TH-164 |
Monday, 20-Oct-2025 (9 photos, 0 videos)
Upon awakening and opening the curtains, I was greeted with a strange misty view. On further investigation, it was raining hard - again! Fortunately, for breakfast, there is a covered walkway down to the restaurant.
A few days ago, I invited Cream and Gam for dinner tomorrow evening, but this morning, Gam suggested Wednesday evening (my last holiday day), as she couldn't make tomorrow. So it could be two separate dinner evenings.
Gam also sugested I went for a massage. So always doing as I'm told, I acted on her suggestion! 😄 I walked over to the Breeze Spa, with the thought of taking an apointment during the afternoon. Much to my surprise, I was asked "Would you like a massage now?"
There's no time like the present, and as I had nothing else to do, I said Yes. Between 11h15 and 13h30, I underwent the session and treatment from Anne. Fabulous!
Having had a recuperating rest afterwards, I decided to go for another walk to Patong Beach. I got down as far as the start of the beach, when I felt drizzle on my face. Ten minutes later, the drizzle had morfed into rain. Therefore, I made a hasty return to the hotel. I was quite wet by the time I arrived back at the hotel.
In clean and dry clothes, I returned to the Reception area (Photo TH-165), to consider my next move, as well as thinking about what to have for my evening meal this evening (to help provide energy for my planned diving tomorrow), as well as having dinner with Cream tomorrow, and Gam on Wednesday. Therefore, it seemed a good idea to have a pasta meal, for the energy it can provide.
With not too many free hours left in Phuket, I went for another walk to Patong Beach, where Photos TH-166 to TH-171 were taken, after which, I made my way to La Gritta, where I had a pasta meal (Cabonara and Penne). In actual fact, the energy provided by the amount of pasta on the plate wouldn't have lasted very long!
To finish the evening, once the rain had stopped, I went to the (shallow) pool and took Photo TH-172 and Photo Th-173.
 Photo TH-165 |
 Photo TH-166 |
 Photo TH-167 |
 Photo TH-168 |
 Photo TH-169 |
 Photo TH-170 |
 Photo TH-171 |
 Photo TH-172 |
 Photo TH-173 |
Tuesday, 21-Oct-2025 (2 photos, 1 videos)
I was awoken at 05h20 by a WhatsApp message from Jon (Andy's Scuba Diving), stating that, as he was still suffering from a Migraine attack, he reluctantly had to cancel our diving to-day. It was a bit disappointing, but the up side was that I need not worry about how I was going to get my diving equipment and wet suit dry before my flight home on Thursday. This cancellation meant that I was (unfortunately) only able to dive on two days this holiday!
Then, at 06h45, another WhatsApp message, this time from Cream, stating that this evening's dinner with her had to be moved to Wednesday evening, meaning we would be four again.
With the cancelled diving, and the showery weather, to-day turned out to be another "Do Nothing" day at the hotel. As I was going to have tomorrow's evening dinner away from the hotel, tonight would have been my last dinner at the hotel.
As to-day was Diwali (see Photo TH-174 and Photo TH-175), the theme for food at the Rim Talay restaurant was Indian. However, not being a fan of Indian food, I chose Phad Thai again, with prawns. While at the restaurant, Cream notified me that (unfortunately) she couldn't make tomorrow evening.
 Photo TH-174 |
 Photo TH-175 |
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Diwali Dancers Video TH-031 [2 minutes, 55 seconds] |
Wednesday, 22-Oct-2025 (6 photos, 2 videos)
I awoke to the sound of heavy rain, and also to a message from Gam, informing me that she needed to cancel this evening's dinner. I wondered if these cancellation were part of the 'plan in the sky'. Should I return here in March, as I hoped I would do, for the following reasons:
Because of the wet weather, it started out to be another "Do Nothing" day - apart from packing my clothes and diving equipment. Eventually, the rain stopped, and I felt I had to get out of the room. So I decided to go for another walk along Patong beach. This time, to see if I could walk the full length of the beach!
Even though the clouds looked threatening, I went for the walk along the beach; see Photo TH-176 to Photo TH-179.
Approaching the northern end of Patong Beach, I was pleased to see a few people cleaning the beach; one example of their effort can be seen in Photo TH-177.
On my way back, the earlier heavy rain and strong winds had caused a boat to sink! Rescue efforts managed to drag the stricken vessel to the beach (Photo TH-179). It's stern had been badly damaged.
According to my watch/phone, the total distance walked (there and back) was 6.3 Km; approximately 3 Km each way. When I got back to my room, I don't know who arranged it, but I was greeted by gifts on the bed; as can be seen in Photo TH-180.
My last evening dinner, in the Rim Talay restaurant was a Caesar Salad, with additional prawns. While looking at the À la carte selection of the menu, and talking to Ryan (the Head Chef), a group of Amari staff girls walked in, and disappeared to the rear of the restaurant, where they obviously changed into traditional Thai costumes. They later emerged and performed a number of Thai dances. They then passed through the restaurant, where I had a photograph taken with them; see Photo TH-181.
 Photo TH-176 |
 Photo TH-177 |
 Photo TH-178 |
 Photo TH-179 |
 Photo TH-180 |
 Photo TH-181 |
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Parasailing at Patong Beach Video TH-028 [0 minutes, 59 seconds] |
Thai Dancers Video TH-029 [0 minutes, 56 seconds] |
Thursday, 23-Oct-2025 (2 photos, 0 videos)
Departure day; and such a sad day, full of sorrow! I went for an early breakfast, but I wasn't very hungry. Then it was back to the room to finalise the packing. I needed to know whether the case was within my weight limit, so when I asked at the Concierge desk if there was a weighing machine anywhere in the hotel, I was given a hand-held device! Back in the room, the case weighed 22.5 Kg. Phew! Just under my weight allowance of 23 Kg!
While I still had the use of the air-conditioned room, I went for a final walk to the Rim Talay restaurant (see Photo TH-182). While there, I came over very emotional, as I was approached by a couple of members of staff, who asked "When are you coming back?"
I continued my walk, past the Pool Bar, but that is far as I got, as it started raining. Back to the room to cool down!
All packed and ready, I went to Reception to check out. I may have looked silly, but to avoid being cold on the flight back to Heathrow, I was wearing warn clothes. To avoid the heat it was suggested I go down and wait in the Voyager Lounge (Photo TH-183), which I did, until my pickup arrived, due between 15h30 and 15h45.
To stretch my legs (after a period of sitting down), I was walking through the Reception area, where Gam said that she will pop down before I go, which I thought was very nice of her. However, at 15h40, I was notified that my pickup had arrived. Everything happened rather quickly, probably because of the torrential rain! As I made my way through the Reception area, there was no sign of Gam, and thus I had no opportunity to thank her, and say "Goodbye". She must have been occupied, as it was the official start of the holiday high season.
I left the Amari Phuket Hotel at 15h45. That was it - holiday over! 😢 BUT, I'll Be Back!
 Photo TH-182 |
 Photo TH-183 |
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The journey to the airport was slow, due to the torrential rain. Streams of water were running down the sides of the roads! At the northern end of Patong Beach, the road was completely flooded!
Once at Phuket airport, and as I had an internal flight (from Phuket (HKT) to Bangkok (BKK)), the pickup driver dropped me off at the Domestic Terminal. However, a kind airport employee informed me that "You need to go to Terminal 3 for International flights. You will be checked-in through to London".
I had a few hours to wait for my flight to London, but once I was on board the aeroplane, I made my way to my allocated seat at the rear. A flight attendant kindly invited me to move into four centre seats a few rows in front, which were unoccupied. Thanks to him, I was able to have a few hours sleep.
I arrived safely back at Heathrow, on time, at 07h00. Although it was a bright and sunny morning, I was happy that I was wearing the warmer clothes, as the temperature was only +8°C; a bit of a shock after +29°C in Thailand!
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