Phuket, Thailand - Buddhism, Beaches and the Big Buddha

Periodically, Viking thinks we should experience a less hectic "beach day." Phuket is an island on the west coast of Thailand known for great beaches and a very laid back vibe.  When we awoke in the morning, the ship had already dropped anchor in the bay.  As you can see above, it was spectacular.

As soon as we dropped anchor, the local tendering company towed out a landing platform and tied it up to the ship.  The gangway was then lowered so we could get down to the platform and on to the tender.

We loaded on the tender and headed toward the beach.

This little fleet of boats near the beach was picturesque.

We just wish this boat was ours.

After a little bit of a walk through town, we boarded our bus to go to the island's most important temple--Wat Chalong. This is the ordination hall where young men are ordained as monks. 

The complex was very ornate and beautifully maintained.

In 2002, a bone fragment of Buddha was brought from Sri Lanka and placed in this chedi, thus elevating the temple in importance. 

You can see several of the elements of this Temple Complex, including the "Naga" in the foreground.

Another area of worship at the temple complex is this shrine honoring Luan Phor Cham who helped advise the people during the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876.  The other two statues are of monks who were known for their knowledge of herbal medicine and healing.

Our next stop was to this hill-top overlook of the Phromthep Cape.  A somewhat informal shrine had been erected featuring Thailand's nation emblem, the elephant.  

As we leave Southeast Asia, these are the faces of the guides who worked so hard to help us understand this unique and diverse part of the world.  Top row, L-R: Mr. Mul Ousophea suggested we just call him Mr. O; Annie showed us the wonders of the Sanctuary of Truth on our first stop in Thailand; Fay shepherded us through the chaos of Bangkok's Grand Palace by telling us to be like "sticky rice"; Wu guided our 4X4 safari through Koh Samui.  Bottom row, L-R: Michelle taught us about being compliant in Singapore; Julie had abundant information to share as we struggled with traffic going to Kuala-Lumpur; Suriyah guided us on our circuit around the island of Penang; Dove took us from temples to hilltops in Phuket.  Each of them had very good English language skills with which to share their love of their homeland.  

Just a little P.S.  Does anyone know about these wires?  I wonder about the extra coils.  There seems to be no order or master plan about them.  Sometimes they are overgrown with vines, and they frequently obstruct the subjects I'm trying to photograph.  

After a morning of sun, heat, and humidity on Phuket, it was time to head back to the ship.

Our last view as we sailed out was of the local tender retrieving the loading platform and of the jet skis buzzing around.  On to India.