The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - in Phuket, Thailand

I visited Phuket in Thailand for an early 30th birthday gift to myself in April of 2014. It was eight months after the break up of my first ever relationship. I was very badly heartbroken by my first love/boyriend of five years, and the best remedy for a heartbreak is travelling the world! One thing being single gives you is the opportunity and freedom to see the world. Thailand was the start of my love of solo adventures. It can get a little lonely travelling alone but there are many other solo travellers in Thailand. I do sometimes wish I had been lucky in love and had someone special to share my experiences with. Until that day comes, I will continue to see the beauty of the world by myself and with whoever wants to come along for the ride! Thailand is famous for being a destination which welcomes solo travellers. The warm and welcoming locals are perhaps the main reason why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. Most of the locals are kind and friendly, so you will always see a lot of smiling faces around. The core culture of Thailand is based on Buddhism. Thailand is famous for it's beautiful beachs, temples and spectacular scenery.

Phuket

During my trip to Thailand, I stayed in the well known tourist town of Phuket for 9 nights. Phuket is one of the most famous beach destinations in Thailand and is known for the Simon Caberet Lady Boys of Phuket Show.

Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa

The Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa is a luxury property built on the hills just above the world famous Patong beach, Phuket. I received a very warm welcome during my stay. I particularly liked the pool with swim up bar.

Elephants

One of the mistakes I made during my trip to Thailand was visiting what was thought to be an elephant sanctuary and trekking centre, where it is advised the elephants are rescued. Unfortunately, I am naive and make mistakes in life. I was a tourist in an exotic country, wanting to see the beautiful elephants, not fully aware of some of the cruelty which may be involved in keeping an elephant in captivity. I have decided to include this to raise awareness for others.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited temple in Phuket, drawing flocks of worshippers and tourists alike. This site has deep religious and patriotic importance with its rich history as well as a sacred relic on its grounds.

Big Buddha

Phuket's Big Buddha is one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 metres tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach.

James Bond Island

James Bond Island, also known as Koh Tapu, is located about 25 kilometres northeast of Phuket Island, in the bay of Phang Nga. James Bond Island was featured in the 1974 Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. I went on the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Speed Boat Tour to see the island. James Bond Island is a great location for spotting wildlife such as the Monitor lizard.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay lies between southern Thailand's mainland and Phuket Island. Also known as Ao Phang Nga National Park, it's characterized by limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and small islands. Among the islands are Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island for its appearance in a Bond film. Koh Phanak Island is known for its caves and lagoons. The bay's waters are dotted with coral reefs.

Panak Island and Hong Island Sea Canoe Tour

As part of the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour, we took the sea canoe trip around Panak Island and Hong Island. Koh Panak Cave is home to thousands of bats. Paddling through the narrow tunnels of Koh Panak Cave or the "Bat Cave” leads to the breathtaking “hong”in the heart of Panak Island. Hong Island is a limestone island with lagoons, mangrove forests and caves. There is also a small colony of wild monkeys living on the island.

Ko Panyi

Ko Panyi also known as Koh Panyee, is a fishing village in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, notable for being built on stilts. We visited the island for some lunch half way through the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour.

Koh Rang Yai

Rang Yai is a lovely little island off the east coast of Phuket. Towards the end of the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour, we were taken to one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen on Koh Rang Yai for sunbathing and refreshments.

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Island, located off Thailand's Andaman Coast, is most famous for being the setting of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie 'The Beach'. I went on the Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour which included a stop at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley and lunch on Phi Phi Don. Unfortunately, the beauty of Phi Phi Ley - Maya Bay was hard to be see with the excess number of tourists, however, the beach at Phi Phi Don was well worth the trip.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in Phuket. Barely 150 metres in length, it's compact and has a great view right across Patong Bay. There was a daily shuttle from my hotel to Paradise Beach.

This is all I got to see of Thailand, but I wouldn't rule out a visit in the future to another part of the country. It's a beautiful place!