Chinese New Year in Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town with its charming old-word ambience is always a pleasure to visit.  And during the loud and colourful Chinese New Year festivities it is even more alluring…and extremely crowded.

The main streets were all closed to traffic and were festooned with Chinese Lanterns. A stage had been erected in the Queen Sirikit Park, which also has a fountain in the shape of a golden dragon, and there were a number of shows held here – my favourite was the Dragon Dance.

The streets were full of Thai food stalls that you can normally see at the local markets. There were balloons for sale adjacent to the man who was selling Candy Floss. For the more adult of us there were a number of small bars set up, which specialised in colourful cocktails.

  

Then there were various bands scattered along the street – all performing different types of music (some better than others mind you). There were also ‘Human Statues’ painted in black charcoal and standing as still as possible.

I am unable to tell you how much more there was that evening because after a while  I stopped taking pictures and just enjoyed myself – see you all next year.    

              

Concierges, the internet and real people

The team at the Front Office of Cape Panwa Hotel, that I have written about numerous times, make a great "Walking Talking Concierge".

This means that sometimes they do not need to refer to the cavernous concierge files, which are in the drawers nor the internet, which is a massive concierge in itself but, mind you, not everything that is posted on it is accurate.

The other day a guest approached the Front Desk to ask where they would be able to get a tattoo. The staff were flummoxed until Pavinee, a Guest Relations Officer, stepped up and told the guest that there was a place in Phuket Town.

There are some things that books and Google can help with but real people usually win.

The guest didn’t want a real tattoo though – just a Henna one for the holiday.

(Ed – have you seen Tim’s tattoo?)

              

Dinosaurs at Cape Panwa

We have had some seasonal but ferocious downpours of rain at Cape Panwa Hotel recently (although our guests Ryan and Kate’s wedding day was beautiful), but despite the weather we are very happy to announce that there are some dinosaurs staying at the Cape.

The dinosaur fossils are on holiday from the Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin Province – “the exhibition, being held next door at the Phuket Aquarium, is expected to attract both local people and tourists as such an event in Phuket is rare”

Three dinosaur skeletons greet you in front of the aquarium. Amongst other things on display are dinosaur footprints and fossils. The exhibition runs until the 16th of September and is free of charge.

This is one more thing for you to do when you visit the Phuket Aquarium - don’t forget to visit the turtles at the back.

              

Laem Panwa Fishing Competition

The Fishing Competition is a yearly event that takes place in the local village

 – Laem Panwa.

The objective is to board your vessel, weigh anchor and cruise the ocean to catch the biggest fish.  Immediately I envisioned GPS trackers, angler chairs, an abundance of rods and lines and smooth sailing.

I was therefore pleasantly surprised to see the local fishermen cast off in their long-tailed boats with just picnic boxes, bags of ice, fishing rods and the ubiquitous Thai smile – beautiful.

The next day the fishermen returned from their night of fishing with their catches. Some of the fish actually looked quite scary, even in broad daylight - imagine catching them in the dead of night... think I've read too many Stephen King novels....

By the way, our Kantary Bay staff came second with their catch 

– congratulations boys!

fishing photographs

              

Local canoe race

There was a special event last weekend  at the Klong Mudon Canal, which is located in a village close to Cape Panwa – canoe races!

The local schools were there in force – there were cheer leaders dressed in a variety of outfits, children playing instruments, food and seats for everyone.

The arrival of the food carts – deep-fried potato whirls, Thai drinks, Thai jellies, candy-floss and more - was especially welcomed by the children.  They happily munched and crunched on their snacks – in retrospect they needed the energy for all their vigorous cheering.

The canoes arrived and the children began to chant, to drum and to smile – it was a truly wonderful environment, even when it rained the Thai people did not mind.

The races were run and people were cheered – I don’t know who won but it didn’t seem to matter.

Wondering if Cape Panwa should organise a team next year?

click for more photos