Shopping at Jungceylon
Days three and four in Phuket saw us making friends with even more cats. As planned, we went shopping at a massive shopping complex in Patong called Jungceylon. There were so many people, we hate people. It was raining so it seemed that everyone decided to go shopping and Jungceylong was the place to go.
When we were over it, we decided to explore Bangla Road nearby, which is the most famous strip in Phuket. Living up to its name, it reminded us of areas of Surfers Paradise. Think; nightclub lined streets smelling like beer soaked carpet, punctuated by the tattoo parlour and “massage” parlours. It was definitely an experience. This is also where you can see the power cabling management taken to extremes.
After a long day trying not to go postal at slow walking people through the small footpaths, we made our way back to the hotel room. It was a good day but we were definitely overwhelmed.
I’m on a boat
Our fourth day has been an amazing experience. We went on a whole-day boat trip around the islands of Phuket. We visited James Bond Island (yes, it’s actually named that), Panak Island, Koh Panyi and Naka Island.
We started with canoeing through the caves of Hong Island, where we had to duck and swerve through the structures to see some of the most amazing views from inside the island.
Outside the island. 
It was so quiet and peaceful. 
Heading inside the island on the canoe. 
And going. 
Inside the island. 
Chantal and Chris enjoying the view.
Later, in Panak Island, we landed and traversed on foot through the extremely dark and narrow passages of its cave structure to be rewarded with a breathtaking view of a large, courtyard-like area. Hopefully the pictures speak for themselves.
We had lunch at a floating village, called Koh Panyi. It was incredible visiting this place that was established 200 years ago that “floated” in the bay. The village is actually supported by pylons dug deep into the mud, but it does “sway”, giving it the feel that we were floating. We also met a friendly cat! We may have been too friendly as the cat started to follow us back towards the boat.
Chris at Koh Panyi. 
Chris with a cat at Koh Panyi.
We made our way to Naka Island, the final island in our day trip. After jumping off the boat and onto the sand we were greeted by one of the cutest animals we’ve seen. After a quick Google search it looks like this was a Slow Loris monkey. As you can tell Chantal was super happy to meet this beautiful animal.
We stayed on the beach for a short while, getting harassed by the many touts on the water trying to sell us jet ski trips, cocktails, or corn on the cob. Eventually we made our way back to the boat and headed back to the hotel to relax after such a big day.
After some research and reflection, we have to point out that the man with the Slow Loris was probably breaking the law. Possession of the endangered Slow Loris in Thailand without a permit is an offence. Worst, he was charging money for people to take photos. We hope that if any friends or family who are reading this are planning on visiting Phuket, keep in mind not to pay these scammers for harming endangered animals.
Chris and Chantal 