An unexpected guest and a negative “island welcome”

One of the stunning views Phuket has to offer

Being tourists

An unexpected overnight guest arrived – a school friend of our daughter’s who by chance was in Phuket having dental work done – so we had a longer stop in Ao Chalong than first anticipated. But it gave us a chance to do a few things, including change the filters on the water maker and give it a little bit of an overhaul. 

School friends reunite!

The watermaker receives some TLC

It also gave our daughter a chance to regain her sea legs and get over the journey from India after a busy term teaching. 

Ganesh – god of wisdom and auspicious beginnings

Elephant carvings

It was good to be tourists in Phuket for a few days and to see a few of the sights but we were all very happy to haul the anchor and take off for the islands. 

More beautiful views

Mum, Dad and daughter

Drinks with Rita and Dave from Beach House

The weather wasn’t brilliant (grey and a bit dull) when we left Ao Chalong but we had a good trip to Koh Mai Thong and on arrival headed to anchor near the abandoned hotel development (as suggested  in the SouthEast Asia pilot). 

The jetty and surrounding area were busy with a fair few tourist boats coming and going but we anchored anyway to go and have a look at what is described as “a small, beautiful island”. However, our attempt to get onto the island were thwarted when we went to the jetty – we were told we would have to pay 2,500 baht ($95) if we used it! We were horrified but undaunted headed for the beach. 

One of the prettier tourist boats

As we approached a guy started yelling and gesticulating, telling us in no uncertain terms that we weren’t to land our dinghy on the beach. Not a welcoming kind of experience! 

So we got back on board and anchored off away from the resort and went for a walk to enjoy the glorious views followed by a swim off the boat.