It's been 10 years since my last trip to Phuket, Thailand, with the previous being marked in the new year of 2015, when I just graduated from secondary school. What will the trip be in 2025? We’re about to find out!
Day 1 (8/5/2025): Off to Phuket and dinner at Toh Daeng
From past trips, the flights used to be in the evening or at night, but this time it’s a morning flight, which means I have to get up early.
I can’t bring my bolster with me, so Paddington will be with me on the trip. It feels weird without having my bolster around.
 |
| Paddington is my travel buddy. |
When we reach the airport, one of the ground staff members comes up to assist with the wheelchair. After checking in, we walked around the airport to wait for the boarding time. When the boarding time was announced, we were the first ones to board the plane. A trip with the Malaysia Airlines cabin crew will always make you feel at ease and home.
 |
| The flights with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are always the best! |
Around noon Thai time, we landed at the Phuket International Airport. After going through the customs, it’s time to head off to the first stop for food! Unfortunately, it was closed so we had to eat on the other side of the food stall. After lunch, it’s an hour’s drive back to Mai Khao Marriott Vacation Club Resort.
I remembered 10 years ago, I still have the bracelet somewhere. The staffs gave us tangerine juice as welcome drinks and a pink turtle soft toy - as part of the marine turtle conservation in partnership with The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation.
For dinner, we went to Toh Daeng - where it gave me the Peranakan feel and also, I was still in The Little Nyonya: Emerald Hill post mode, that kind of feel and my favourite is the fried rice.
Day 2 (9/5/2025): Wat Chalong Temple and shopping at Central Phuket
I have always been scared to go to Thai temples (due to media perception on ghost stories). My parents decided to bring me to the biggest temple in Phuket - The Wat Chalong Temple - it was built in the 19th century. From the moment I got down from the car, I felt a sense of peace and calmness.
In the middle of the garden, there is a big Bodhi tree - the core of the dharma. It was scorching hot cause it’s the “summer” season in Thailand. To ward off the heat, I wore my hat and sunglasses. As with any temples and worship places, we have to take off the shoes, sunglasses and hats as a sign of respect. When we were about to head into the main temple, one of the tourists’ shoes got stolen.
 |
| Under the Bodhi tree |
To be on the safe side, one of us had to stay back and take care of the shoes. When it was my mummy’s and my turn, we climbed up four flights of steps. The second floor was the Buddha - The enlightenment (成道) under a replication of the Bodhi tree, the one standing and there’s where he attained Nibbana (涅槃). As we went up, you will some key moments of “The Story of the Buddha” paintings on the wall. The highest floor is the bird eye’s view of the temple grounds. Just a few more steps, a glass display of the fragment bone.
I didn’t know what got hold of me, but I made this high up was a big achievement!
After that, to cool down from the heat, it’s off to Central Phuket Festival and some shopping too! Then it’s dinner time at Kateng Renaissance Hotel Phuket - not far from the hotel we are staying - Mai Khao Marriott Vacation Club.
The Renaissance Hotel Staff offered us to have a buggy ride to the restaurant. I remembered my last buggy ride was during my university graduation ceremony at Sunway Lagoon. We had green curry chicken, prawns and another round of fried rice. For the record, we didn't order any desserts for two days!
After that, we took the buggy back to the hotel and after that it's back to our own hotel to end the day.
Day 3 (10/5/2025): Shopping at Premium Outlet and last dinner at Toh Daeng
We head over to JW Marriott Resort to have breakfast and a little bit of me time after this.
 |
| Chilling at the lounge after breakfast |
We went to Premium Outlet for some shopping but to be honest, it was not what I expected. The worst part I almost fell off from the wheelchair due to the curbs around the outlet. I wasn't getting happy of this, but I kept calm and carried on with the trip.
We were back to Toh Daeng and this time we tried a little different. My favourite is the prawn egg.
 |
| Prawn with fried egg |
Day 4 (11/5/2025): Home sweet home, Malaysia!
After three nights and today it’s time to head home to Malaysia! After packing up, it's time for us to head to the Phuket International Airport. Today is Mother's Day, my mummy finally had her mango sticky rice!
This time on the way home, I brought Paddington and my new pink turtle with me.
I continued to watch the Paddington in Peru but I stopped midway because it was snack time on the plane. I wanted an apple juice when the cart passed by but to turbulence of the plane. The drinks serving was suspended.
When we landed on Malaysian soil, I always love the crew saying "Kepada warganegara Malaysia, selamat pulang ke tanah air (To Malaysians, welcome home)!" That's when we know it's good to be home!
I'm not sure when is the next trip abroad but I do know that I had a fun time! See you on the next adventure!
