A Great Time To Come To Phuket If You Can Get Here
In maybe incredibly awful for business but it’s a great to come to Phuket if you’re already in Thailand. With so few people on the island but for those who stayed/trapped on Phuket – paradise has returned. Idyllic island life has returned for many, Phuket is really showing off its natural charm. The rainy season has just started, turning the island green and accentuating the natural beauty. The hotels that are open are offering great rates as well as special deals for scuba diving.
The beaches are deserted especially Patong, Karon and Kata although Nai Harn remains relatively busy. Tourists or long term residents who’re already in the country should head to the south of the island. Although the usual Phuket tourist hotspots of Patong, Kata and Karon look stunning at the moment, there are very few businesses open. You won’t have many options for eating and drinking.
The southern resorts of Nai Harn and Rawai are a little more livelier due to the large expat community. Quite a number of stranded tourists have also relocated to this end of the island. More bars and restaurants are open but you won’t find any overcrowding in the establishments. Although the surf and rip currents at this time of year can make swimming in the ocean dangerous, the beaches have plenty of space. You can go swimming but only on certain beaches that have life guard patrols (Nai Harn), please obey the warning flags.
Great Time To Explore
Most of the main tourist attractions are understandably closed down but plenty of viewpoints and National Parks remain open. Big Buddha in Chalong is a wonderfully chilled spot to enjoy views all around Phuket. Cape Promthep is a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset, you’ll not be swamped by hundreds of tourists so you can pick the best spot. Just having a drive around on the very quiet roads is a great way to spend your day, you’ll never know what little gem you may uncover.
The Diving
Obviously we have to mention the diving. Frustratingly the weather has been great and in any other year we would have been able to run everyday. We’ve been lucky and have managed to scrape enough guests to run most days but never full even with the numbers restrictions now in place. We’re able to leave a little later than usual because there’s simply no traffic on the roads. So you’ll get an extra thirty minutes in bed!
The diving has been great. The Indian Ocean dipole that plagued us through high season has finally disappeared. Visibility was poor and temperatures dropped to as low as 22c on some days. Thankfully the warm water temperatures and great visibility have returned especially at the Racha’s. At the King Cruiser Wreck and Shark Point we’ve had some wonderful new editions to the dive site. The local fisherman have kindly put down some fish traps that have inexplicably been torn open. The fish are loving the extra shelter, weed and algae has started to take hold. Cheers fellas
It’s simply a great time to be diving in Phuket at the moment, especially if you’re thinking of learning. Not only are the dive boats running at low capacity but you’re most likely to have a swimming pool to yourself for the pool training.
So get in touch to arrange some great diving in circumstances that we hope will never happen again.
By Justin Hartrey
Posted in Phuket Sights & Fun on .
