Thursday 29 May 2014

Phuket Trickeye Museum


Phuket Trickeye Museum was a lot of fun for us.


The best way to describe this special place is to have a look at the photographs. The website does not seem to be working but there is a facebook page for you to look at.



There are a number of paintings of famous paintings where you are able to integrate yourself into the original - a lot of fun.


Then the popular icons - Spiderman which you are able to be in.


Then there are the not so famous 3D models - boil in a pot.


Do you fancy hang-gliding?



How about jumping over a broken bridge?


Climbing a ravine...


or simply having a drink...


This is a good idea for a wet weather day but never mind it was also another way to spend an awfully hot day...

If I was working for them I would add a small guide to tell the guest the actual origin of the paintings OR were they on the wall? Just an idea from an ex. school teacher...


Location: Phuket Town

Phone: 076 212 806
Times: 9:00 to 21:00
Cost: Adult 500 Baht + Child (3-12) 250 Baht / Thai + resident 50%



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Friday 23 May 2014

Takraw - popular throughout Thailand


Takraw (or Sepak Takraw) is a popular game among Thai men of all ages. They seem to play the game anywhere. The open spaces are numerous throughout Phuket are many - popular places are Sapan Hin Park, King Rama IX Park and these photographs are from Thalang Park adjacent to the Indy Market


There is evidence that there is a history to the game being played in Thailand;

In Bangkok, murals at Wat Phra Kaeo which was built in 1785, depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing sepak takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical accounts mention the game earlier during the reign of King Naresuan (1590–1605) of Ayutthaya. The game remained in its circle form for hundreds of years, and the modern version of sepak takraw began taking shape in Thailand sometime during the early 1740s. In 1829 the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for takraw competition.[citation needed] Four years later, the association introduced the volleyball-style net and held the first public contest. Within just a few years, takraw was introduced to the curriculum in Siamese schools. The game became such a cherished local custom that another exhibition of volleyball-style takraw was staged to celebrate the kingdom’s first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy.
(text is from Wikipedia)

It is played with a woven ball but I see more and more balls which are made of more durable plastic.


The idea of the game is to keep the ball aloft - and the group of players do this with their bodies - it must really be seen to be understood.


Some of the games of Takraw involve two opposing teams and the game is for the ball to go from side to side in the same way that volley ball does.


Then there is a game of Hoop Takraw which I see more rarely and the there is a net suspended above the players and the option of this is to get the ball in the net above them!


In all of these games sometimes the players twist their bodies in what certainly looks like an odd position.


In other circumstances it looks like they are ballet dancers.

So how do you get to play one of these games?

Well I would start off with being extremely athletic!

Have a practice on your own and humbly ask to join in.


Saturday 17 May 2014

Phuket Bird Paradise


Phuket Bird Paradise is a relatively new addition to Phuket and it is commonly confused with Phuket Bird Park.


This was a real thrill for my daughter. There were a number of birds in cages and there were also a number of birds being taken care of outside of the cages.



There was a show which seemed to be every hour. It was a simple show but if your children are young (mine is six) they would find entertaining.


After the show there was the opportunity to have your photograph taken with other birds and this was a lot of fun - especially when you found that this did not cost any more money!


There were (rather strangely) a couple of Birds of Prey in cages and one on the arm of the staff, I was not sure that I agreed with this. 


We have visited twice now - fun.


Location: Chaofah Rd (Big Buddha Hill)
Phone: 076 384 681
Times: 8:00 to 17:00
Cost: Adult 500 Baht + Child (3-12) 300 Baht


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Sunday 11 May 2014

Ao Sane Beach


Ao Sane is a beach that is tucked away and is only accessible by driving past Nai Harn Beach and then through Le Royal Meridien Hotel Car Park.

This was not an easy exercise so I would imagine it would be easier on motorbikes!

As we approached we found that the road continued and the small parking was above the beach. 


Take all your bits (we forgot and had to walk back) we walked down the steep hill and found a small beach with a number of sun beds on.


The beach was not soft sand but more of the 'coral sand' - but it was not spiky enough for it to be uncomfortable to walk on, but I would imagine that you would not like to lie down on it?


We were happy - there was a family there with a couple of dogs which were well behaved and Jemma was happy.


Looking at the sign at the top though I would imagine that there has been an issue with aggressive dogs. We were happy - ice creams and some fried rice.

A little getaway but not a beautiful beach.




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