Travelfish correspondent Lana Willocks

Lana Willocks is a freelance writer from Canada based in Phuket. Her love affair with Thailand (and, ok, a Thai man) began on a university exchange programme in Bangkok, then she returned to Phuket on the auspicious date of 9-9-1999 and never left.

Lana’s travel and property writing has taken her across Thailand, and to Indonesia and the Philippines but her favourite writing subject remains her island home of Phuket, which she believes has more to offer the independent traveller than its given credit for.

She’s still with that Thai man and since had two kids with him. Their garden full of critters and the occasional cobra keep life exciting when they’re not out exploring the island.

Lana’s website: www.phuketwriter.com
Website: http://www.phuketwriter.com/

Posts by Lana Willocks:

• Phuket Pride gay festival

  First published: 25 Mar 2013
  

  With the Songkran New Year celebrated nationwide, April is a festive month in Thailand, Phuket included. But the Phuket party continues to rock past the Songkran days of April 13-15 right to the end of the month with the week-long Phuket Pride gay festival set to run from April 22 to 28. Thai society in … read the full post

• Standup paddling (SUP) in Phuket

  First published: 14 Mar 2013
  

  Standup paddling (SUP) has become a popular water sport around the world, and Phuket is no exception. Here’s where you can try it out. SUP is a highly versatile sport that can be done in most any water conditions, making it ideal for surfing fans who might find Phuket’s wave action to be rather listless … read the full post

• Ao Yon, Phuket

  First published: 04 Mar 2013
  

  Those in search of a more rustic beach scene on Phuket need look no further than Ao Yon, a small bay on Phuket’s east coast set between Ao Chalong and Ao Makham on Cape Panwa. Just six kilometres away from Phuket Town yet largely unknown to tourists, Ao Yon is split into two beaches by … read the full post

• Review: Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel, Phuket Town

  First published: 25 Feb 2013
  

  Found on Phuket Road near the Old Town streets of Phuket Town, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel offers a good base for exploring the area’s restored Sino-Portuguese buildings and sampling some of Phuket’s tastiest and best-value local food. Its rather grand lobby with a chandelier is a cool and tranquil retreat from the motorbike-clogged street out … read the full post

• Ko Siray sea gypsy village, Phuket

  First published: 18 Feb 2013
  

  While Phuket’s west-coast beaches are home to ever more modern hotels, swanky beach clubs and sun-baked tourists, Ko Siray on the east coast reveals a lesser-known, more humble side of the island. Just six kilometres from Phuket Town and a world away from the five-star resorts sits Phuket’s largest sea gypsy village. Some 1,900 Chao … read the full post

• Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat

  First published: 11 Feb 2013
  

  Phang Nga Bay is a calm, sheltered bay that stretches from the east coast of Phuket up to the southeast coastline of Phang Nga province. This ‘jewel of the Andaman’, as it’s often called, is compared to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay because of its dramatic scenery of steep limestone karsts. The 400-square-kilometre bay has become … read the full post

• Chinese New Year in Phuket

  First published: 04 Feb 2013
  

  With red lanterns adorning the streets and truckloads of firecrackers at the ready, Phuket is poised to ring in the Year of the Snake with plenty of colour and panache. Phuket’s large ethnic Chinese population, descended from immigrants who flocked to island for the tin-mining trade in the 1800s and early 1900s, means that the … read the full post

• Hospitals and medical care in Phuket

  First published: 29 Jan 2013
  

  No one likes to think about getting sick or having an accident while on holiday, but if you do fall ill when travelling in Phuket it’s easy to find a decent hospital or clinic to fix you up. Phuket has by far the best health care facilities in the north Andaman coast region, so tourists … read the full post

• Review: Shanti Lodge, Phuket

  First published: 21 Jan 2013
  

  Phuket is often bypassed by backpackers who worry about how expensive it is. But there are some backpacker-oriented places to stay at. Shanti Lodge is a friendly traveller’s haven in Ao Chalong. Found just off a busy road lined mostly with boring concrete shophouses, this family-run guesthouse offers a welcome oasis. With heaps of character … read the full post

• Coral Island, Phuket

  First published: 14 Jan 2013
  

  Coral Island is an easy 15-minute boat trip away from Phuket’s southeastern coast. Though Coral’s main beach gets busy with day-trippers, if you plan it right it’s possible to enjoy the island in the idyllic glory promised on the postcards. Known locally as Ko Hei, Coral Island has two sandy beaches lining its shore, backed … read the full post