I loved my stay at Point Yamu by COMO. As a hotel, it was pretty close to perfect – the food, design and service were all wonderful. However, if I could change anything about the hotel, all I would change would be the destination itself.
If you picked up Point Yamu and put it on an unspoilt and pristine island like Koh Kood, I honestly would have fallen utterly head over heels in love.
Instead, Point Yamu is located in Phuket. Yes, Phang Nga bay is a little way away from the central party areas of Phuket, but as a destination, the effects of excessive tourism are pretty blatantly obvious. None more so than when I went out on a boat trip to explore some of the smaller islands near the mainland.
True, the weather was not ideal. Unlike Timor-Leste which shines even when under a thick blanket of clouds, Phuket just looks gloomy and kinda depressing. Despite this, before the boat trip I still had high hopes for what was to come.
The first island we stopped at was by far the most beautiful stop of the day. We were unable to set foot on this particular island, but it was certainly a beautiful place to stop for a few minutes and appreciate the contrast of the green forest with the aqua ocean.
However, unfortunately, this was to be the best part of the day.
The second island we stopped at looked interesting enough, all rocky outcrops and cliff faces, but it was a major disappointment. The whole reason I went on the trip was to do some amazing snorkelling – but no such snorkelling exists in these waters. Yes, stormy weather doesn’t help water visibility, but this water has a bigger problem. Pollution is so disgustingly obvious here! I jumped in the water hoping to see something, anything, but I could not even see my own hands in front of my face.
I had foolishly brought my underwater camera with me and I did end up taking a few photos, but you can’t see anything but dirty water – so I am not even going to waste your time by posting them here.
After a few minutes I started to get grossed out from being immersed in such a polluted body of water and got out. From then on, I was pretty much over Phuket.
The last island we stopped at was nothing but a total tourist trap. A ridiculous amount of boats were lined up and hundreds of tourists were splashing around in the water. Litter and rubbish were everywhere, the water was murky and all I felt was boredom.
After experiencing the crystal clear waters of El Nido, Timor-Leste and the Maldives – there was just no way this was going to cut it.
Would I ever go back to Phuket?
For Point Yamu – yes. For Phuket itself – hell to the no!
T H E L O W D O W N
Getting to Phuket: The 2nd largest airport in Thailand, you can fly to Phuket directly from many major airport hubs or via either of the airports in Bangkok
Getting to Point Yamu: You can take a taxi or organise for a private transfer with the hotel
Point Yamu by COMO: One of Phukets most beautiful hotels, click here to learn more
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 lens
Remember: If you want crystal clear oceans – skip Phuket
Don’t forget to add me on Snapchat and Instagram – @wwellend – for more foolishness and travel adventures!
Disclosure: My stay at Point Yamu was subsidised by the COMO Hotels group, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are unbiased and in no way influenced by COMO Hotels.
