Inspection trip - John Gray's Hong by Starlight Tour

Time for us to go on inspection for John Gray's Hong by Starlight Tour which is good chance to check if there are any changes on the itinerary or program. Get feedback for our customers who worry about doing Phang Nga bay tour on a rainy day since we are now in our monsoon season. Can check our weather update here Easy Day Phuket Weather Reports

Today is 5th of June 2014 I had also two of my customers on the trip a good opportunity to do inspection and take care of our own customers at the same time.

The driver pick us up from the hotel in Patong around 11.40, it was as scheduled. Then drive to the meeting point at Ao Por Marina where the tour guide take us to the boat and start briefing about the boat and our day tour while cruising in to Phang Nga bay.

It was cloudy and according to the forecast it will be wind and rain later in the afternoon. 

Cruising into Phang Nga Bay

Buffet Lunch

Tour leader introducing us to our guide/paddler which will be with us for the rest of the day. There was about 25 customers on the boat and for every 2 customers got 1 guide/paddler and I really like that all the guides were taking good care of customers, all of them speak good English, friendly and funny so it was quite fun and relaxed atmosphere on boat, then a light buffet lunch was served on board after the briefing.

Enter the Cave

On the way out

The boat cruises into Phang Nga bay and headed to the first stop for canoeing at Panak island. We went into a pitch dark cave and it is more and more narrow, our guide got flashlight so we still can see the sparkling wall then our guide asked us to lay down so we can go through small exit which lead us to the beautiful lagoon. 

The rain start after we came back to the boat from our first canoe then we've done the rest of the canoe sessions in rain which at one point inside Koh Hong lagoon we could feel very strong wind came through the holes but the water still flat since the area is very protected which make Phang Nga bay a perfect trip in our monsoon season.

When the rain started

Sarina - Inside the Lagoon

I really enjoyed canoeing in the rain especially when I was inside the lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliff with perfect temperature not too cold and nice to escape from Phuket heat for one day. Mangroves and other plans were covered with rain drops make them look more green and alive than a normal sunny day, I could imagine myself in Amazon Forest!

The guides are very knowledgeable giving us so much information while paddling and also they are very good at spot and show us some interesting wild life, we saw my favorite “Mud-skipper”, big lizard on the wall, hunting sea eagles, bats and beautiful hornbill.

Last canoe session was the highlight of the day. We will get to do “Loy Krathong” which is one of the most important festival for Thai people to pay respect to the Mother River and we normally do it once a year on the fullmoon of the 12^th month in the traditional Thai Lunar Calendar. The guides prepared banana trunk, leafs, flowers, fruits and vegetables for decoration and teach us how to make Krathong then take us through the cave (full of sleeping bats!) and into the lagoon to float the Krathong.

My Krathong

"Loy Krathong"

 Delicious dinner was served when we came back from Loy Krathong. There was very nice seafood dishes and many other choices with chicken and also vegetarian.

We arrived back at the pier at around 9pm then the driver drive us back to the hotel.

It was a successful day for my trip inspection and most of all I've learned how beautiful my country is even in the rain ;)

Like to join this tour? Contact us!

Phuket cultural events - Kathu walking street

The Kathu walking street was a great success. The event was at the 6th edition and will be held again next year starting at Asarna Bucha day  and also it is the start of Buddhist Lent period.

In 2015 the Kathu cultural street event should be on 2nd July.

The events start with a street parade that was at 17:00 hrs can see the traditional Thai customs, and many people from local business, association and local authorities take part in the parade. days of preparation are behind the event with everyone in the village involved.

Our Driver Ann ready for the parade

Then the show start and after the parade the place is takes buy stalls and food street vendors, can find everything to eat, form Thai specialties to Pizza. A lot of fun for everyone.

Kathu Cultural show

Kathu Cultural show in July

Beside cultural shows a lot of Thai music and entertainment for kids, teenagers and older people. It is very important to know that during the first two days alcohol is banned and it is a really good thing.

Kathu Cultural street show

He couldn't miss the crowd - Elvis Thai version

Tonight will be last day for this year and women say it is best time to buy stuff from the stall because get sold for cheaper prices and sellers are more willing to bargain

Enjoy this event during your holidays in Phuket in July for a different night out and see how real life is in Thailand

Phuket weather July 2014 - 1st to 13th

Two weeks full of events

Welcome in July, normally weather in Phuket in July isn't so bad. Same rain for sure, it is normal during Summer. But not strong wind and big waves.

Here can compare with July 2013 


The first two weeks of July saw mainly rain and very strong wind, the situation was affected by Typhoon Neoguri that formed in the China Sea off shore in Philippines and then directed to Japan.

Its was a strong and big event that affected also the weather here in Phuket. So we started with rain on the 1st July.

This day also marked the begin of Ramadan for Muslim people, fasting now all day for one month, Big meals and a lot of food going at night among the Muslim communities in Phuket.

Then from 2nd to 5th July weather in Phuket has been quiet good, with sunshine, still strong wind and offshore waves were between two and three meters.  During these days we had an important news in Phuket. All chairs and small business were removed from Patong beach. This action on line with new national laws aimed to put order on the beaches. now they are a bit less comfortable but surely back to their original beauty. More space, less noise and rubbish.

Phuket weather 1st July 2014 - view of Kathu

 

Koh Sirey - Phuket 3rd July 2014

Kathu River still low despite rain

From 6th July weather in Phuket started to be more stormy with isolated heavy rains, strong wind was the main feature until this afternoon (13 July 2014). Rain and sun alternate in sky.

Le Meridien Phuket on 5th July 2014

The waterworks level lakes is still dry on 6th July 2014

Between 8th and 10th July weather was bad with strong wind and rain.

Rain storm hits Kathu on 8th July 2014

High tide in Patong beach 10th July 2014

New Patong Beach

Patong beach new look - 10th July 2014

On 11th July another important event happen, it was Khao Pansa day. This opens the Buddhist lent period. Was public holidays and a lot of celebration were made all over Thailand. In Kathu the 6th cultural street festival took off, a real success. Also very lucky as from 11th to 13th rain was rare over Kathu and a lot of people could enjoy this event.

Clear sky over Kathu at sunset on 11th July 2014

The Cultural street at Kathu is one of that things to not miss when thinking what to do in Phuket during a rain or cloudy day.  A lot of food sold on the street, can see some of Phuket's culture and history and enjoy a great shopping at very local market.

Our driver Ann got ready for the parade

The 12th July moon it is also very important because one of the big moon of the year, when the full moon looks very close and big. Supermoon for the full moon lovers

For next week forecast are very good with calm sea , no wind and almost dry for more forecast on Phuket weather have a look to these links

Tom Yum Goong

TOM YUM GOONG (Thai Hot and Sour Prawn Soup)

Spicy, salty and sour soup may not sound very tasty for those that never tried Thai most popular dish "Tom Yum"

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 750 mls (3 cups) chicken stock

• 

  Tom Yum Goong

  
  

  8 galangal, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, diagonally cut
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 2 shallots, peeled and crushed
• 100g (1 cup)straw mushrooms, cut into quarters
• 5 bird's eye chilies, crushed
• 150g (1 cup) prawns, peeled and deveined
• 45 mls (3 tbsp) fish sauce
• 5g (1 tsp) sugar
• 60 mls (4 tbsp) lime juice
• 10g (2 tsp) coriander leaves, coarsely chopped
• 20g (1/3 cup) spring onions, cut into 1 in. lenghts
• 10g (2 tsp) chili paste

Preparation:

1. Bring stock to boil. Add galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, shallots, mushrooms, chilies and simmer until fragrant about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add prawns and simmer until they have just changed color.
3. Season with fish sauce, sugar and lime juice, cook briefly about 20 seconds and sprinkle with spring onions. Remove from the heat immediately.
4. Laddle in the soup, serve sprinkled with spring onions and seasoning oil.

Tips:

• The soup should be spicy, salty and sour.
• For serving later is better to add prawns at last.
• Some people like to add also tomatoes to the recipe, it can be done at step 1.
• Chicken can be used as substitute, but add chicken before mushrooms and tomato.
• You can get more flavor of prawns by using also the head.

Check out our Private Thai Cooking Class

More about cooking Thai Dishes on our Thai Recipes Page!

Phuket Bird Park

Fun day at Phuket Birds Park

Always try to find something for my active girl to do on weekend and this week I finally decided to take her to Phuket Birds Park which just opened less than a year ago and it only 10 minutes drive from where I live.

The entrance of Phuket Birds Park

Our fun day start to get exciting already from the entrance with beautiful flower hiding in green plants made us feel like coming in to enchanted forest. We had to get our tickets which is 500 Baht for adults and 300 for kids then the staff told us about time for “Bird Show” which there are 3 times per day at 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm then guided us to the gate.

First thing that made my daughter smile was this nice wooden bridge and there were some butterflies flying around us when we walking on the bridge.

Resting Corner

 The place was more quiet than what I imagined note sure if it was because we were there early in the morning, however the way they arrange the area with wind walking path, bird cages in green garden and some garden table and chairs where you can rest or sit and waiting for your daughter to finish talking to her favorite bird.

Hornbill, Parrotts and Ostrich

There are many different type of birds inside but our favorite moment of the day was when we were in the “Parrot House” 

There are many colorful parrots, some were in cages some of them just flying outside. As soon as we walk in one of the parrot flew and sit on my shoulder then we bough a piece of sweet corn then few more flew to us so we fed them.

Feeding parrots in Parrot House

I didn't think we walk around for long time before we heard the call for first birds show of the day so we start walking follow the map to the show.

It was big space which could easily take few hundred people at the show area although not many people on the first show today maybe it was 40 people all together.

Bird Show

Sonia loved the show, they started by introducing us to all the talented birds then some parrots doing bike raced and did some maths, I like the part when a giant Hornbill and the Eagle came out and show their hunting skills. They also asked the audience to volunteer in the show which is quite fun.

Our fun day at Phuket Birds Park

We walk little bit more after the show it was almost lunch time when we stop to buy some drinks and ice-cream from the cafe inside bird park and realized that we have to leave for lunch and make it to Sonia's ballet class.

As soon as we walked out from the gate of Phuket Bird Park Sonia asked “Can we come again tomorrow?”

Phad Thai

 

PHAD THAI WITH SHRIMPS (Phad Thai Goong)

Phad Thai is one of the dish that many people been order when they try Thai food for the first time and if you are vegetarian it could be just perfect to make without meat. Simple and delicious!

Ingredients (serves 2):

• ½ packet Thai rice noodles

• 

  Phad Thai

  250g (½ lbs) shrimps*
• 1 egg
• 1 lime
• 30g (2 tbsp) sugar
• 5 grams (1 tsp) ground dried chilli
• 50 mls (3 tbsp) cooking oil
• 250g (2 cups) soy bean sprouts
• 15 mls (1 tbsp) fish sauce
• 15 mls (1 tbsp) oyster sauce
• 30g (2 tbsp) tamarind sauce or paste
• 30g toasted and crushed peanuts
• 40g (1/3 cup) pressed white tofu, julienne cut
• 30g chopped preserved turnip
• 5-6 cut Chinese chives
• 2-3 cloves chopped garlic

Preparation:

1. Start with soaking the dry noodles in lukewarm or room temperature water while preparing the other ingredients, for about 15 minutes until they get flexible but not too soft.
2. Toast the peanuts in a pan until lightly brown, about 3 minutes on low heat. Coarsely grind peanuts with pestle and mortar.
3. Heat the oil in a wok and add garlic, preserved turnip and tofu and stir them until they start to brown.
4. Add the shrimps* and saute until they are cooked thorough
5. At this point the noodles should be flexible but not expanded, drain them and add to the wok. Stir quickly to keep things from sticking.
6. Add tamarind sauce, sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and chili pepper, keep stirring. The heat should remain high, if your wok is not hot enough you will see a lot of juice in the wok at this point. Turn up the heat, if it is the case.
7. Make room for the egg by pushing all noodles to the side of the wok. Crack the egg onto the wok and scramble it until it is almost all cooked. Fold the egg into the noodles.
8. Add bean sprouts and chives, stir a few more times. The noodles should be soft, dry and very tangled.
9. Pour onto the serving plate and sprinkle with ground pepper and peanuts. Serve hot with a wedge of lime on the side, raw Chinese chives and raw bean sprouts on top.

*Shrimps can be substituted by chicken, beef or pork.

NOTE: in Thailand, condiments such as sugar, chili pepper, vinegar and fish sauce are available at your table for your personal taste. Some people add more chili pepper or sugar at the table. 

Check out our Private Thai Cooking Class

More about cooking Thai Dishes on our Thai Recipes Page!