9th October, 2016

Sawasdee Ka from (mostly) sunny Thailand.

For the past two weeks we have been enjoying this beautiful country. One that Andrew and I have visited several times – but only the second time here for the kids.
We caught a midnight flight from Melbourne to Malaysia. We weren’t really looking forward to the stopover, but took it in our stride and with a few hours up our sleeve – found ourselves a driver, loaded into a taxi and headed out to see as much of Malaysia as we could.
We didn’t quite make it into the heart of the city but we did get down to the water. The sky was blue. The sun was hot, and the architecture was mind-blowingly beautiful!
It was then only a short 90 minute flight from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket. Everyone was ready to don their togs and jump in the pool!

ACCOMMODATION

For the first 8 nights we stayed at the Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa.
This resort was perfect for our little family of 4. Two big pools with a sweet little waterfall. Pool bar. Lots of options and a good variety for dining.
The room was comfortable and had everything we required.
We also had buffet breakfast and dinner included each day. Each night the dinner banquet was a different theme which was great.
The resort is perched atop of a hill, and there was a shuttle available for whenever we needed to get to the bottom of the hill and back.
We discovered some great eateries just a few minutes walk down the street, but we ate at the resort about 5 out of the 8 nights. After long days of swimming and with weary kids, it was easier to eat at the Horizon and then we would go for a little walk before bed.Even though we’ve travelled here before – we have never been sick (touch wood!)
This time – it’s been a very different story.
Lily was struck down first. She copped it for only about 18 hours thankfully.
Then Spencer was hit for 6! Poor little tacker. The one with the least meat on his bones and he was the sickest for the longest. We have shopped up a storm at the local Pharmacy and the Pharmacist and I are on a first name basis!
After almost 4 days – Spence came good and he was back to being a cheeky little 8 year old and enjoying his holiday like the rest of us.

We found a local Laundry a block away and dropped some washing off. The cost is 50-60 baht per kilo (just over $2) and comes fully washed, folded and neatly packaged. So good!Three days after we arrived it was my 34th Birthday. Andrew and the kids had smuggled my gifts into their suitcases. Sneaky sneaks!After a couple of rainy days when we first arrived – I was blessed with a perfectly sunny day, so naturally I spent it pool side – cocktail in hand and a generous side of sunburn!For dinner we headed into Patong Beach which is about a 10 minute Tuk-Tuk ride.We had dinner at one of my favourite restaurants in Phuket –  Coyote Mexican.The girls there were super sweet, bringing out delicious birthday desserts for us all to share and serenading me with the Happy Birthday song…We then ventured on down the street to indulge in the craziness that the nightlife of Patong brings.

What a place to turn another year older!Karon is beautiful. Being a little way out from the hustle and bustle of Patong, it feels more peaceful, but doesn’t feel as though you’re missing out.

There is still plenty to see and do. Lots of little stalls, markets, restaurants and cafes.
Karon Beach is deeeeevine!!
Even more so as the sun is setting. One afternoon, Spence and I caught the shuttle bus down the hill in time to catch the sunrise together.
It was just gorgeous.

DAY TRIP TO PHI PHI ISLAND

We have visited Phi Phi Island before, but it is so majestic and surreal, we just had to take the kids so they could see for themselves.
We took the speed boat option – rather than the slow boat. It was FULL ON!
Yes, it got us there in much less time, but sheesh! My hands are still sore a week later from holding on for dear life! It was super choppy the day we headed out.
If you have children under 10, I would suggest the slow boat…
The tour is a full day, from about 7.30am until 6pm.
Definitely worth doing if you enjoy island hopping and snorkelling.

After 8 nights at the Horizon, we headed only a hop, skip and jump up the road to the Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa for the night so the kids could enjoy the waterpark there before our trek the next day.

The rooms at the Orchid weren’t fabulous, but the staff were friendly and it was only for one night, so we made the most of it.
Outside of the room though, the pools were awesome, the grounds were well-kept and the water slides were a tonne of fun! Happy kids indeed!!

Three days ago we travelled by car for 2 and a half hours North to Khao Lak.

This place is absolutely glorious!

Part Two on Khao Lak as well as a few handy tips for travelling in Thailand to come, so stay tuned!

For now – it’s almost 5pm here – Happy Hour!!!

Hope you’re well.

Big love,
-Cx