Destination: Phuket, Thailand

Earlier this summer, Alpha had the great opportunity to visit Thailand's beautiful island Phuket. Thailand is a tropical country year round, many tend to travel to Thailand during the winter to soak up the sand and escape the severe cold weather at home. In the winter, it is the busier time in the year for Thailand. When we went in June, it was actually the rainy season. However, if you want to go to Thailand during June, do it! We were warned by many people that our trip was foolish because we planned it during the rainy season - oh how they were completely wrong! We spent nearly all our time outside: on the beach with the blazing sun on our skin and dancing the night away at open roofed bars and clubs. Even if it did rain, it would rain hard for a couple of minutes and then instantly clear away releasing this intoxicating refreshed smell. It was just perfect.

The Hotel: Baumanburi Hotel
Being students, we couldn't really spurge on a five star hotel. But, we did find a rather amazing alternative. Five minutes away from Patong Beach (the major beach in Phuket), is the hotel called Baumanburi. Right after the trip from the airport to the hotel (45 minutes), we walked into the lobby, our mouths dropped completely open. It was just perfect; everything in the lobby was made completely out of a fine wood and just wreaked of traditional Thailand furniture and architecture. And that was just the lobby. Walk further into the lobby, bam! the glorious pool which covered the entire floor. (Just see the pictures above!) There are even rooms on the ground floor which are connected to the pool! Our rooms weren't located there, but they were equally quaint - but honestly that didn't matter cause we hardly spent time in our rooms!

During the day we would spend long hours at the beach, and let me tell you these beaches don't even compare to those you'd see in California or Florida. These are the real luxurious beaches; the sand is soft and clean, the water an amazing light blue with tint of green - just like in the movies - and these beaches seemed to go on for miles and miles until you see the outstanding sights of the tropical forests ending the beaches.
**Some things you can do on the beach: swim, sun bathe, eat, shop, drink, banana boat, jet ski (but be careful!) , para-sail, and basically anything that the Thai people offer on the beach. You could even get the famous Traditional Thai massage on the beach!

During the night, after eating a late dinner of just unfathomably delicious Thai food, go explore Thailand's nightlife! Just off of the main street that parallels the beach is one of the most shocking sites that I have ever seen. Bar after bar, club after club! A whole street - and let me tell you it was a long street too! But be warned - once you walked into the street a mass of Thai workers will bombard you. Don't be frightened though they mean no harm, they just want you to come to their bar or club. Or they want you to see Thailand's famous 'ping-pong' show. Did I forget to mention that this street was also full of pole dancers and strip clubs?! That's what makes this hilarious. That plus all the transvestites that are just standing around waiting for tourist to take pictures with them.  **Warning: if you do take pictures with the transvestites they do expect payment or they really will make you delete the photo. 

One bar that we particularly liked was called 'Factory'. Located towards the end of the street, you have to climb a set of stairs but don't worry it's pretty easy to spot! It's a bar, restaurant and club all in one. And it is completely open - all the walls are basically windows without glass allowing the breeze to go by making it probably one of the coolest bars that I've been to. It is very popular with all the foreigners who travel to Phuket for vacation. In fact the night we went was 'Aussie Night'. Our favorite drink from Factory : Slippery Nipple (right). 

So, the next time you're thinking of a new destination for vacation consider Thailand's beauty: Phuket. Clearly it is a fun time 24 hours! Not to mention relaxing, cultural, and exciting!

Some reactions of people discovering the different
shows Thailand offers in some strip clubs.
Including Thailand's infamous Ping Pong Shows.
We hear they have great aim. 

Love,
ALPHA