Phuket holiday packages (and we
know that there are many to pick from) usually offer tourists customized packages
of island hopping, tourist hot spot visits, and the run-of-the-mill cultural
show here and there. Oh, and do not forget the customary stop at one of those
tourist souvenir retailers that have a “relationship” with the tour operators
(the tour operators get a commission from the sales).
As a 1st-time tourist to Phuket Island,
any pick from the widely accessible Phuket holiday packages tours would do well
to cover the must-see attractions that the famous island has to offer. However,
as most tourists recognize, getting to know an area on your own at your own
pace is how you would actually get to appreciate the native lifestyle. So once
you're done with your Phuket island tour, at the terribly least, leave a day
for yourself to savour the non- customized aspects of Phuket Island. Here's what
we would suggest you do (tip: have a good pair of walking shoes on you):
Start your morning off by taking
a leisurely barefooted walk in the sand along Patong beach. The combination of
the cool sea-water lapping at your feet and the cool breeze can work wonders to
wake your soul and prepare your appetite for breakfast. Since you have
presumably tried your hotel's breakfast spread over the past few days, you'll
be fortunate today to be able to sample what the locals have for breakfast.
Throughout the day, you will very
often see entrepreneurial native Thais plying the streets balancing 2 baskets
of products using a bamboo rod over their shoulders. Some may push carts
depending on their goods. What they carry is typically the true local
delicacies that the locals eat. Not those found at the flowery commercialized
restaurants. Therefore endeavor stopping some of these sellers to sample what
they can offer you for your breakfast. Try the ancient Chakoi (a light and
crispy mostly flour-based pastry fried in oil) or their varied Khao Neow based
Khanom (mostly glutinous rice based dumplings with various toppings).
As the day's temperature warms
up, and as additional shops open for business, take a walk along the streets
inside the Patong beach commercial district (try Bangla Road) to purchase some
souvenirs or gifts (here's a tip: be the first client of the day to a local
store for discounts. The locals believe that the first client brings in luck
for higher sales later in the day).
Close to lunch time (or when
you're feeling that you are ready to tuck into some extremely delectable food)
head over along the promenade to the Patong Municipality Food Court along the
seaside-facing Thanon Taweewpong (Taweewpong Road). Do not let the tiny stalls
at the food court deceive you. They've been there for years and they have been
accountable for many cases of weight gain!!
Even though international dishes
are available, you'll be able to get those from home. Instead, go for the
native dishes. Preferably local seafood dishes. Despite rice being the staple
diet for the locals which is taken with accompanying dishes, it's perfectly
acceptable to only have the accompanying dishes on their own. Also to note, the
cost of food at this food court will typically win over those of the more
glamorous and upscale restaurants catered for tourists, therefore your money
will stretch longer here (and so too will your waist-band).
After a hearty lunch, when the
temperature additionally heats up, there's really nothing that beats a short
(or long) siesta. And from the food court, you're just some steps off from the
ideal siesta spot. Merely beside the food court, you may find an open grassy
field that is scattered with the occasional coconut tree and different shady
palms. This area is a perfect spot to take your siesta on straw mats that are
accessible for rent. Simply lay flat on the mat and let the tender sea-breeze
lull you to sleep. Heavenly!!
Once you've awaken later within
the afternoon, watch for a brand new batch of locals to run by to supply you
their afternoon snacks to attempt. The locals invariably seem to own some
special and befitting food to offer you based on the time of the day! It's
pretty amazing.
When the hot afternoon sun has
lost its fangs, here's your chance to take to the waters and sample the many
water-sports you'll find. Do try-out the boat-towed parasailing. It'll offer
you among the best views of Patong Beach you may get. Jet-skiing is also
another fashionable activity among the beach goers.
By the time your water-sport
activities are over, most dinner stalls would already be prepared to serve you.
A stroll along the main Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi (Ratuthit Songroipi Road) can
reveal many walkway stalls that offer an exquisite array of local food that will
equally match what you had for lunch. Beware of weight gain once more.
To end your leisurely day, just
pop into any of the many foot reflexology massage parlours for an hour-long
session. You will be fully amazed at how the well trained masseurs will soothe
the soreness in your feet and legs from all the day's walking. You may leave
the massage parlour with a tingling sensation in your feet as you head back to
your accommodation for a well-deserved night's sleep.
If you think the night is still
young, and if you are in the mood for night life, head down once again to
Bangla Road. You will be a little stunned though at how much it's altered since
you were there earlier in the morning. The atmosphere along Bangla road is
“very festive” to put it mildly.
To summaries this
“day-activity-guide”, while most Phuket tour package will enable you to
tell your friends and relatives that you've “been there, done that “Science
Articles, simply do not forget to experience the native Phuket experience on
your “off-day”. You will very likely adore it!
