Our visit to Phuket, Thailand took place in early December 1999, when Southwest monsoons turned to Southeast, leaving the waters off of Western Thailand clear and glassy.  These are our photos and stories from one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Photographs and stories by Todd and Jayne Fong, December 1999

The islands, hundreds of them, rose up out of Phang Nga Bay like huge stone icebergs. Our Seacanoe boat cruised smoothly by them, as we neared the rocks which contained secret caves, or hongs, accessible only during certain tidal periods.  For our story and photos of our fantastic Seacanoe adventure, please click here.

When we arrived at the location where we were supposed to board our Coralseekers boat to take us to the snorkelling point, we were greeted by Michelle, Mark and a local helper.   It was at this point that we found out that Coralseekers books private snorkelling tours only, and for the bargain price we paid, we would spend the day with just the six of us, exploring reefs where larger groups of snorkellers could not go.  With that set straight, we set out for our own private beach and some of the most spectacular snorkelling we've ever done, even coming face to face with the elusive moray eel.  Click here for the amazing details.

The rest of Phuket island is a mix of both beauty and gaudy, the tourist's world of Patong Beach and elephant rides, and the hidden beaches and treasures of Eastern Phuket, where tourists are few and locals live free from the hustle of the crowds, fishing and minding their little shops.  For a glimpse of what we saw, click here.