After a long week of working, My friends and I boarded a plane and traveled to Phuket, Thailand. The trip was amazing and was a great cultural experience! During the first day, we took ATVs into the mountains on a guided tour. The tour was about 2 hours and took us through some of the most remote places of the island. Although it took time to adjust to, the ATVs were very fun and easy to use. Also included in the tour was a quick stop at big buddha, which is a cultural icon of the island. During the visit we were able to see monks actively praying and beautiful sculptures everywhere. The view from big budda was just as cool as we were on one of the highest points of the island and could see everything.
Later in the night, we went to a Muay Thai event in town. The event was comprised of 9 fights ranging from 13 year olds to adults. The first four fights were age groups that ranged from 13-18 years old. After the younger fights, the main fights took place and were definitely more entertaining than the fights before them. There was an American that fought in the second to last fight and it was great to see him win and represent the USA! We got to see some crazy knockouts and also the handing out of one of the belts to the champion of the main fight of the night. After the event, we even got a picture with him!
On Day 2, we took a full day boat tour of the Phi Phi Islands. It was a beautiful 90 degree day with blue skies. The boat trip brought us to three different islands where we had the opportunity to snorkel, swim, and explore. The crew was amazing and provided all that we needed on the hot day. I was able to see some of the most beautiful islands and also some of the most beautiful fish all in the same day.
We spent much of our nights walking the town and visiting Bangla road. We spent most of day 3 shopping at many of the shops that were situated around the road. Everything that we bought had to be bartered with the person that was selling it. Safe to say that I am definitely better at negotiating than I was before. After a great 3 days, we flew home later that evening. Phuket is definitely a must visit and was one of the best experiences I have had this trip!