Phuket Informations - Thailand Hotels Resorts - Hotels Thailand Reservations

General Information

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

Phuket is located on the west coast of Andaman Sea, in the southern part of Thailand. This largest island of Thailand, which is surrounded by other 32 islands, has total area 570 square kilometres. Phuket has it greatest breadth of 21.3 kilometres it greatest length of 48.7 kilometres, the province is bordered as follows :

On the north : is Pahk Prah Channel; Phang - nga Province is connected to Phuket by two bridges in the same area, Sarasin Bridge and Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge.
On the south : lies the Andaman Sea.
On the west: lies the Andaman Sea.
On the east : is the Bay of Phang - nga.

Weather
Phuket's weather is typical of its location near in an area influenced by monsoon winds: warm, humid, but pleasant all year long. There are only two seasons: the rainy season, from May to November, during the southwest monsoon, and the hot season, from December to April, when the monsoon winds blow from the northeast. March has the highest average temperature, 33.4 c, and the lowest average temperatures are experienced early mornings in January, when the thermometer fails to 22 c.

Festivals
Phuket King's Cup Regatta : The most exciting event on the island's sporting calendar. The regatta attracts yachts from all over the world to enter the races. The Phuket King’s Cup is the jewel in the crown of the Asian Yachting Circuit. This week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun. Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival : This is Phuket's most important festival, held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (usually October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make the forthcoming year “trouble-free”. The festival is marked by several ascetic displays, including shocking acts of self-mortification as a test of faith, such as fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders.

Nai Yang

south of Mai Khao beach, is where the National Park office located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnickers. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has however, dropped off greatly. Nai Yang and Mai Khao Beaches have a very different feeling than beaches to the south.

Bang Tao
is an 8 kilometer sweeping crescent shaped bay with a gentle slope and absolutely pure white sand and is fringed with rows of casuarina trees. The constant but gentle breeze on this bay has made Bang Tao Beach very popular with windsurfers and it plays host to several international competitions each year. The main entrance to Bang Tao beach is 2 km north of Surin Village and marked with large signs from the sprawling Laguna Phuket complex, that takes up most of the middle of the bay. This remarkable complex of five luxury resort hotels employ the same low rise village style architecture that are uniquely designed to blend with the vastness of the old tin mine which is what this area used to be. The old tin mining lake is now a beautifully landscaped lagoon that serves as a water sports center. There are, however, accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end.

Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities are available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale.

Patong

This 4 km long Patong Beach, ringed with high green lush mountains, is no doubt the most famous of Phuket's beaches. The white sand and the water is very clean despite this is the most developed beach on the island. The bungalow complexes, restaurant, shops and vibrant nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Among the many popular daytime activities are windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing.
Apart from endless shopping area day and night, Patong has an extensive range of dining options with all kinds of excellent local and international food available.
Italian regional specialties and home made pasta; French classic and nouvelle cuisine; Indian tandoori and curries; Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, in addition to Scandinavian and British Pub Fare. Wine is increasing in popularity with a good wine selection now on offer at many restaurants.

The beach tends to get rather crowded in high season and still has visitors between June and October. This is a party beach. It is definitely suitable for those looking for a lively holiday, but not for those in search of solitude.

Those seeking a less commercial and quiet atmosphere may want to head 3-4 hundred meters north on the seaside road to the Kalim Bay. The bay consists of rocky but quiet beaches, and an interesting road leading up into hills with high viewpoints and a few good quality restaurants perched on the edge and top. Near the bridge connecting to the Coral Island Resort are a group of long tail boats for hire.

Another little known and quiet beach south of Patong is the Tri-Trang Beach. This beach with a few palm trees is quite nice at high tide, and is never crowded with mostly Thais that relax under the trees

Imagine yourself walking on a long white beach of Karon where sand squeaks audibly as you step. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Good selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars are at the north end, near the traffic circle and at the south end, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Pu Island.

Karon Beach is a popular place with families and only a few minutes drive to Patong for more action. Busy in high season and packed with deckchairs vendors selling coconuts and massages. Good shopping area beside the beach - ideal for gifts to take home.

Kata

Beach is a broad and curving beach with white sand surrounded by lush green hills in the background. The area is ideal for those seeking a quieter beach area but with easy access to other beach resorts. Kata village has good shopping and numerous restaurants. Surfing is excellent here in the rainy season - from July to October. Pu Island in the North, is a good snorkeling spot form November to May. Have Jet Ski for rent for those who love some action in the water. Windsurfing is also available. Else you can have fun taking a ride on the banana boat or you can try parasailing.

Surin

Beach is popular with sun beds as far as the eye can see. As of now this beach has not been developed and it is a quiet and peaceful bay lined with a row of stately Casuarina trees. A tropical beach with pine trees rather than palm trees may seem out of place to many but the local Thais flock to this beach on weekends and holidays and bask in the shade provided by these unusual trees. The middle of the beach front is occupied by a dozen Thai beach-style mini restaurants serving up sizzling seafood to hungry visitors.

During high tide when the swells are big and running swiftly, good surfing conditions exist here and are becoming an increasingly popular sport.

Kamala

Beach is a favored spot for witnessing sunsets. The northern end of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming. Place for relax, quiet and private. North of Kamala lays Laem Singh Beach. The beach is not visible from the road but the small parking area is located about half way up the grade at the north end of Kamala Beach look for the small handmade signs. This is one of the undeveloped beaches frequently missed by visitors who are unaware of its location. The natural beauty of this beach is enhanced by the fact it sits well below the highway which lends a serene and quiet feeling that is not always present on other beaches in Phuket. The interesting rock formations along Laem Sing Beach offer some the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Recently, there is the increase in the number of beach venders and the occasional sighting of jet ski activity, but it is still a pleasant little beach get-a-way well worth going out of the way for.

Still with a few hotels and bars and restaurants, the Nai Harn Beach gives the feeling of Phuket many years ago. Being an unspoiled beach with refines sand and clear water makes it one of the island's nicest beaches. Rawai beach was the first to be regularly visited by Thai tourists to Phuket long before foreigners were a common sight in Phuket. This is a favorite picnic spot for Thais sitting under the trees that shade this narrow but picturesque beach. Across the road are many Thai and European restaurants where many of the residents like to spend their evenings or having diners.

Not the perfect place for swimming, but shallow water makes it safe for children and it is protected from the wind.

The Rawai area is famous for the Promthep Cape viewpoint and a Sea Gypsy village. There are many long tail boats and speed boats anchored here that you can hire to make trips to the nearby islands. Not far on the road going back to Phuket is the Seashell Museum if you are a collector, Rawai is also one of the few places where you can buy shells. Northeast of Rawai, lays Chalong–Phuket's principal boat anchorage. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south of Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay. Chalong Bay has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom, at ebb tide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not for swimming. Panwa Beach is where rubber and palm plantations still outnumber the resorts. Visitors to this area can inspect several hundred exotic, grotesque, and flamboyantly colorful marine species at the Phuket’s Aquarium.

Phuket town

is a small urban treasure full of surprises, many of which are not readily visible to the visitor simply passing through. To really appreciate many of the attractions here one has to spend time, hunt and often walk.

Largely found by Chinese who immigrated to the island to work in the tin mining business, Phuket town has some exquisitely preserved examples of Chinese influenced architecture. Sino-Portuguese Mansions,

built in Portuguese style with Chinese influence, Traditional Chinese row houses, and Chinese shrines are among them.

Raya & Raya Noi Islands
Comprising a paired of islands south of Phuket in a line running from southwest, to northeast. They are two islands where are unspoiled by mass development and providing only a few inexpensive bungalows and restaurants, Raya and Raya Noi Islands. The fine white sandy beach, horseshoe-shaped and clear waters are reminiscent of the Similan Island in their untouched beauty. There is a view point on the south at the top of the hill from which to take in the whole island. On the east, Kon Kae Bay is perfect place for looking at the coral gardens. Just 10 kms south, Raya Noi Island is a result of the action of coral formation over eons. Bay is much more rocky than white sandy. On the west is a small bay where boats can be anchored, the emerald green waters are not suitable for swimming but the fishing and diving is very interesting. Both Raya and Raya Noi Island are easily accessed by speedboat or long-tail boat about 1 hr 30 mins from Rawai Beach.

Koh Phi Phi (Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Lay Island)
Phi Phi Island is 48 kms far from Phuket Island and 42 kms from Krabi. Phi Phi Island is declared a National Park in 1983. There are 6 islands in all but the well-know is Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Lay.They are mountainous, and form themselves around nearly enclosed bays. The most interesting place are :

Phi Phi Don : There is a long beach and rock landing. Aside from this there are two beaches of considerable beauty among the world's most beautiful at Lodalum bay and Ton Sai bay, where accommodation is to be found.

Phi Phi Lay : It is mountainous and rocky.Tall cliffs rise straight up from the sea's surface almost all around the island. Water depth averages 20 meters offshore; and 34 meters is deepest spot, at the south end of the island. The semi-circular bays are very lovely and include: Pilae, Mahya, Losama and others. On the northeast is the famous "Viking Cave" so-called from the paintings therein, which His Majesty King Bhumibol was pleased to grant also the "Payanak" meaning "Serpent Lord", in honor of the villagers who gather swallow's nests on the island. Inside, on the east and south walls of the cave, are paintings from historical times of an elephant, and boats of various kinds: European sailing ships, Arab prows, junks, sharpstemmed vessels probably of European origin, steam ships, and propeller-driven sailboats. It is theorized that these are the work of sailors, or perhaps of pirates, because the island provides refuge during the monsoons and lies on the main shipping lane from west to east. It was thus a place suitable for offloading cargo and conducting repairs.
Similans Islands
A group of islands in the Andaman Sea, about 90 km northwest of Phuket are a scuba divers paradise as one of the world 's best. These islands are a marine national park, and there are no inhabitants or infrastructure of any kind. They are strewn with gigantic boulders and surrounded by coral reefs, where well myriad species of colorful tropical fish. Liveboard dive cruises or bareboat sailing charters are the vest way to see the island group 's incredible under water beauty. Dive shops in Phuket run expeditions t the Similands daily, but it 's good idea to use tour operator that have been registered with TAT.
Koh Panyi
One of the most spectacular sights in Thailand, locate in Phang-nga province, and the entire Phang-nga bay was declared a national park in 1981. Taking a boat directly from Phuket in to Phang-nga Bay is simple enough, with several operators offering tours, including lunch and transport to the dock for between 1,500-2,000 Baht. The more adventurous may want to drive into Phang-nga province and head almost into Phang-nga town before turning right into Phang-nga bay Resort, where long-tail boats can be hired for roughly 1,000 Baht for a day of touring to James Bond Island (Koh Phing Kan, in Thai). James Bond Island had its 15 minutes of fame as a location for the filming of "The Man with the Gold Gun", that 's why we names it as James Bond Island. This tiny island is now a major tourist attraction, where is host to dozens of high limestone island which rise sharply from its milky green waters. Koh Panyi, home to a Muslim village, is generally included with this tour and is a favorite stop for lunch. The basic tour, which can be purchase from any tour agent on the island, coast 450-500 Baht. This includes bussing from Phuket to Phang-nga, long-tail boat to the islands and lunch.

Phromthep Cape
Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast.

From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point : it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach.

Mangrove Forest

Situated in Sirinat National Park, near Ta Chatchai on Phuket's northern tip, the mangroves--saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems much prized by scientists searching for clues about adaptation and evolution--cover about 800 rai.

Anyone with an interest in horticulture will be interested in the many unusual perennial plants found here: mountain ebony (kong kang bai lek), red cycas (prong daeng), black myrsina (samae dam), the Lady's Nails quisqualis (leb mue nang), and various creepers and climbers are among the more significant. There are also many mongrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics. A nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species.

Main View Point
Along the coast road from Nai Harn Beach toward Kata Beach you can enjoy and take the rest at the most well-known view point in the west side of the island where the most prettiest bays (Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach) could be seen from the public pavilion.

Antique Building
The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean chracter. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Changwat), and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.

Phuket town
Furthermore, your day out could be filled with shopping, going to the movies or even dining. To many, Phuket town offers the best shopping opportunities and the prices here are lower than those at the tourist beaches. Scattered about the town we can find shops specializing in souvenirs and handicrafts, fashion wear and tailoring, silks and many other Thai-made products. For movies, there are multi-cinema complex with choices of international films presented in their original languages.

1.Water Sports
A variety of water sports are on offer. Choices vary from parasailing (hanging from a parachute while being towed from a speedboat), waterskiing, windsurfing, Jet Ski and inflatable "banana boat" rides to sailing and cruising.

Water Skiing : Water-skiers can truly enjoy this sport particularly when the seas are generally calm and the surf slight in mid November on till May.

Sea Canoeing / Kayaking : The most peaceful way and only way to enjoy the strange islets, narrow channels and mangrove forests.

Wind Surfing : Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day, or week at most major beaches.

Scuba Diving: Phuket and its surrounding Andaman Sea have gained a reputation in international circles as one of the world’s top diving destinations. In Particular, most surveys rank the Similan islands – 90 km northwest of Phuket – among the world’s top ten! Instruction and equipment are available at the main beaches, with teachers of various nationalities. Beginner courses are inexpensive, so if you have never learned to scuba dive, Phuket is a great place to learn.

Snorkeling : Phuket offers some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs, ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles. The crystal clear water enables you to view colorful sea fans and soft corals for up to 100 feet. Equipment can be rented from dive shops all around the island.

Deep Sea Fishing: Anglers have a choice of excellent facilities for big game fishing at Phuket, where it's almost guaranteed you'll catch a sailfish at the latter destination throughout the year.

Swimming : Swimming at some beaches during the monsoon season is not recommended. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean.

Sailing / Sea Cruises: The international yachting fraternity love Thailand's dramatic coastline and congregate once a year at Phuket for the annual King's Cup Regatta. H.R.H. The King was once an avid sailor and still shows interest for this sport. Charter a yacht, join a crew or even sail one of your own, the choice is endless.

Facilities and services for yachts are available at : Phuket Boat Lagoon Tel. (076) 238-948 Yacht Haven Phuket Tel. (076) 206-704-5 Phuket Yacht Club Tel. (076) 211-470 Ban Nit Marina Tel. (076) 200-409
Rules and Regulations -All yachts of foreign registry must report to Phuket Port Control Center located on 2nd floor of the Phuket Fishing Lodge Hotel, 52/2 Moo 9 Tambon (Sub District) Chalong, Amphoe Muang, Phuket, Latitude 7o 49' 0'' N, Longitude 98o 22' 0'' E, Tel. and Fax. (66) (76) 381-614

All vessels entering within 12 nautical miles must make contact of their presence by radio: VHF Channel 16, 156.800 MHz

2.Golf
Phuket is one of the world's top golf destinations, whether you're a seasoned professional or just golfing for fun, you will have the opportunity to play at the best golf courses in the island. Take a look at these golf courses below:

Phuket Country Club in Kathu : Established in 1989, is the first and one of the finest golf courses built in Phuket, over a reclaimed tin mine site. The stunning beauty and elegance of the course, together with the typical Thai charm and hospitality will make your golfing here a joyful & memorable occasion. Visit the website: www.phuketcountryclub.com Tel. (076) 321-038-40

Century Country Club in Kathu : Fifteen minutes from Phuket Town, 18-hole Phuket Century Country Club is encompassed by hills thickly covered with vegetation, offering superb panoramic scenery as a backdrop to the greens and fairways. The beautiful 48-acre Crystal Lake and another 12-acre lake lying nearby are intergral parts of the course.
Tel. (076) 321-929, 321-933-4

Laguna Phuket Golf Club : Exemplifying harmony within the splendor of its natural surroundings, Laguna Phuket Golf Club forms an integral part of Laguna Phuket, Asia's first fully integrated resort on the secluded Bang Tao Bay.

Golfers will enjoy the championship 18-hole course with the surrounding mountains as a back drop to one of Asia's most extensive practice complexes. Players of all levels may improve their skills on the driving range and grass practice tees, while refining the short game on the 2500 sq.m. putting green and separate chipping green.

After a round of golf, immerse yourself in complete relaxation and rejuvenation, as the Laguna Phuket Spa provides a wide range of massage, body and beauty treatments.
Visit the website: www.banyantree.phuket.com/golf.htm Tel. (076) 324-350, 324-358

Blue Canyon Country Club : Blue Canyon Country Club, located on 720 acres of prime land, offers two award-winning 18-hole championship golf courses: the Canyon Course built in 1991 and the Lakes Course in 1999.

Blue Canyon Country Club leapt to fame when the Canyon course was selected as the venue for the 1994 Johnie Walker Classic. This was followed by 1996 Honda Invitational Tournament of the Omega tour. The Canyon Course’s reputation as Asia’s best is reaffirmed when 1998 Johnie Walker Classic returned for the second time. Visit the website: www.bluecanyonclub.com Tel. (076) 327-440-7

Loch Palm Golf Club : Loch Palm Golf Club is built around Crystal Lake, the glistening central feature of the course and the largest body of water on any Phuket golf course. Loch Palm has smooth slopes and dramatic elevation changes. It will take you across and around ravines and plateaus that will test your skills at many levels of play. The front nine sits amid lakes and palm trees. The second nine moves you though mountains, hitting uphill and downhill with woods, irons and even your putter!!
Visit the website: www.lochpalm.com Tel. (076) 321-929-34

Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa : Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa is a new golf course. This championship golf course by Nicklaus Design allows the golfer to enjoy the true Phuket Experience. With incredible ocean views, this course is well worth playing when traveling through Thailand.Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa centrally located just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, 30 minutes from Phuket town, and 50 minutes from Patong.
Tel. (076) 310-888

Thai Muang Golf Club : Thai Muang Golf Club is rolling fairways and meticulously manicured greens, Borders a sandy white beach and clear blue course in the "Andaman Sea" rarely does one come across a beachside is one of the 72 layout stretches 7,019 yards from the championship tees.

In order to make ttflat terrain come to life, course architect Perry Dye has liberally utilized such Dye Design trademarks, including severe fairway mounding, deep bunkers and numerous waste areas over the multi-level fairways. All this combined with the waterscape of mini-lagoons, ponds and streams results in a course of great character and beauty.

Located in Phang-nga province, which is linked to Phuket's northern most tips by the Sarasin Bridge. You can arrive from the Phuket International Airport in just only 30 minutes.

Dino Park Mini Golf : 18 holes, located between Karon and Kata Beach is great venue for families. Tel. (076) 330-625

3.Outdoor Activities
Horseback Riding : Riding on horseback is another way to relax while sight-seeing. Crazy Horse in Nai Han - Tel. (076) 288-795 Phuket Riding Club at Chalong - Tel. (076) 288-213 Phuket Laguna Riding Club at Bang Thao - Tel. (076) 381-667

Elephant Trekking : Since logging was banned in Thailand, at least about 10 years ago, hundreds of Thai elephants have been out of work and the tourist boom has been a blessing for this work-loving creature. Riding an elephant is an experience not to be missed. There are many elephant treks to choose from and most include a lunch package. Some trekking companies do deals where you get to canoe, and see a monkey training show too.
Try Siam Safari, (076) 280-116; Island Safari (076) 281-281; Phuket Sea Land (076) 222-900

Mountain Biking : What a better way to fully appreciate the local lifestyle than by pedaling through those narrow roads that tourist buses can't penetrate? It is also a novel and good way to enjoy the natural wilderness.

Bungy Jumping : Fight the internal struggle that every jumper experiences when standing 54 meters above the ground. Tel. (076) 321-351

Go-Kart : Almost 30 karts from 160CC – 400cc. Flood lighting for nighttime. Tel. (076) 321-949

Target Shooting : Take aim with guns from small caliber to big bore and shot guns Phuket Shooting Range at Chalong, Tel. (076) 381-667-8 Paintball Play at war with guns that shoot paint instead of lead Top Gun at Chalong, Tel. (076) 381667

4. Thai Massage and Herbal Saunas
This great way to relax the body - and the mind - is available all over Phuket Island. A massage to restore balance among the elements. An herbal sauna to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. An herbal pack to calm nerves and redirect the energy. All this may sound somewhat new in the West, but it has been part of daily life here for centuries.
One can lie on a simple mat on the sand with two old ladies with fingers of steel working your back, or take in a world-class spa experience in some of the most beautifully designed spas in this service-oriented country. Most hotels rated three stars and above offer traditional massage as part of their health and fitness services. All the spa resorts include it in their therapy programs.

5.Thai Boxing
Muay Thai as it is called in Thai. You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV—the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation. The stadium is located at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town and bouts are held Friday nights.

6.Temple Tour
Since these are quiet sanctuaries where monks live with the minimum of material possessions and where they are challenged with the task of overcoming physical desires, it is expected that women – representing the physical desire perhaps most difficult to overcome – should act and dress modestly. When entering any building within a monastery shoes must be removed.
The Buddhist site most often visited on Phuket is Wat Chalong, a sprawling temple in the middle of the island with lots of room for tours buses. But the island has numerous, equally interesting monasteries that can be visited freely. One of the most curious, with a strange history, or fable attached to it, is Wat Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Monastery) on the airport road on the north side of Talang town.

7.Go to the Movies
The New SFX Coliseum movie house in Central Festival shopping centre and the Phuket Cineplex are the places to go. Hollywood or International films arrive here just as fast as anywhere else in the West. Need not worry about languages, for you’ll see and enjoy movies here in their original soundtrack version with Thai subtitles.
SFX Coliseum Tel. (076) 209-900 and the Phuket Cineplex Tel. (076) 220-174-5

8.Shopping
Phuket is a shopping paradise! The island has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western style department stores and up market specialist shops. With traditional handicrafts, beautifully designed clothing, jewellery, antiques, house wares and much more to choose from, the only thing you'll regret about shopping in Phuket is that you didn't bring a bigger suitcase!

9.Harley Davidson Tour
To satisfy the desires of all those wannabees who don’t own their own bike. With this tour, you get to drive the machine of your dreams and all the details, like insurance, are taken care of. You drive up the west coast of the island, cover three national parks – all limestone crags, cave and green jungle. Gorgeous seafood lunch and dinner in a bar are included.

10.FantaSea Show
This has got to be one of the biggest entertainment complexes in Asia. Start your evening with dinner in the enormous Golden Kinaree Restaurant. Seating up to 4,000 people, this palatial pink and yellow eating house dishes up anything from Sushi to Fresh Green Salad. Take a stroll through Festival Village, a shopping area decked out with artificial lakes and cave entrances and plenty of glitter. Crafts are for sale from all over Thailand. Games like tombola, or skittles, etc., heaven on earth for Children.

Show starts. All guests take their pre-allocated seats in the state-of-the-art theatre for a spell-binding performance set in ancient Sukhothai with all the feel of a Broadway spectacular. Magical illusions, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and elephant antics. Tel. (076) 385-000 (40 lines)

11.Nightlife
Patong Beach : Think of your favorite song from your rebellious year. It is guaranteed to be playing somewhere in Patong, which seems to be based on reliving or discovering a level of self indulgence that very few places in the world are allowed to exploit to this level.
Patong Beach is paradise of nightlife, shops and restaurants stay open late, and there's the never-ending choice of bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, cabaret, massage parlors, go-go bars, discos, and different kinds of shows and all night shopping. Soi Bangla is the most classically known for its lady-men or katoey dancers atop of stages surrounded by masses of tourists, jaws dropped. Small bars line Bangla and it’s offshoots in abundance.

Karon-Kata Beaches : The Kata-Karon area has loads of restaurants and few small bars. Dino Park, in Karon, is always a hit and has a street side bar where you can people watch. Or you can try a Café on Thaina road where yellow hues with water lighting and mellow tunes float in the background as you sip on one of their many cocktails. If you are on an urge of rock and roll, there is a place for you on the main street in Kata.

Chalong and Rawai Beaches : This area is heavily populated by local Westerners and Thais and has a large selection for every taste. Friendship Beach has a marvelous seaside, sunset view to sip cocktails to. A little bit after Chalong roundabout, there are bars and restaurants with poolside sofas.

Phuket City : Here’s you’re going to find a mix of discos and pubs and bars, all scattered around a large variety o restaurants should you get hungry later. In the centre there are usual Thai food stalls and markets too. Karaoke is popular among the Thais in town – give it a go, it can be a real laugh!

By Air : This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are as follows:

Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 or visit www.phuketairlines.com for more details on flights.

Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 66 2265 5678. Reservations can be made at tel. 66 2265 5555. Alternatively, browse its website at www.bangkokair.com for more flight details.

Thai Airways International has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition, they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat Provinces. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 02 628 2000 or book your seat online at www.thaiairways.com

One-to-Go by Orient Thai operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 1126 or visit www.onetwo-go.com for more information.

Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Visit www.airasia.com or call 02 5159999 for reservations.

Nok Air has several daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours. Visit www.nokair.com or call 1318 to make your reservation.

Getting to Phuket from abroad: There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.
Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.

Transportation to and from the airport: Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 baht but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 baht and 600 baht (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 baht /person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours.
Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.

By car
From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By rail
There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.

By Ferry
During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Where to Dine

Dinning
Lai Mai Restaurant
Serves Thai and European food, live outdoor band playing 7.30 pm until midnight. In front of Patong Shopping Center. Tel 076-340 460

Baluchi
Finest Indian dining in Phuket, serving Indian, Thai and continental Cuisines. Located at Horizon Beach Resort Hotel, Taveewong Road. Tel 076-292526-30

Rengaya
Featuring the very best in japanese "Teppan" steak and seafood. Famous chefs demonstrate their varied and exciting culinary skills for your entertainment. Located in the Royal Paradise Hotel Shopping Arcade. Open from 6pm on daily. Tel 076-341 260

Baan Rim Pa
On the north end of Patong Beach. Delicious Thai cuisine, sophisticated ambience of a traditional teak house and a stunning view of Patong Bay make this one of the island's favourite restaurants. Tommy Doyle (he's played with the world's greats),on the piano doesn't hurt. Bookings essential. Tel 076-340 789

Kalim Sunset
Great view, great food, great location: all add up to great experience. Come and see for yourself. Located north of Patong in Kalim. Tel 076-290 286

IT's Aliveseafood
Indoors and Outdoors dining with the freshest of fresh seafood. Next to Club Andaman Beach Resort.Tel 076-342 908-9

Otowa
North end of Patong Beach. This authentic, elegant japanese restaurant is situated right on the rocky shoreline, serving japanese barbecue specialties, ultra - fresh sashimi and sushi. Open daily from 5pm to midnight. Tel 076-344 254

Da Maurizio
Far north end of Patong Beach (next to Baan Rim Pa). Italian haute cuisine and some great wines in an extraordinary setting right on the rocky shore. You don't get much closer to the sea than this.Open daily, noon - 11pm. Sunset recommended, as are reservations. Tel 076-344 709

Pizzedelic
Excellent pizza with Internet cafe attached. Beach Rd. Tel 076-341 545

Sala Bua
Phuket Cabana, Patong Beach. One of the few restaurants on Patong Beach that is within sight of the ocean. International food in an elegant open-air setting. Tel 076- 340 138 ext. 822

Tantawan Restaurant
Situated at the Thara Patong Beach Resort, the Tantawan Restaurant serves Thai, European and Italian dishes. Some of the freshest seafood in Patong. Open for lunch and dinner. Tel 076- 340 135

Casanova
An expasive menu including seafood, appetizers, spaghetti and traditional dishes from the island of Sardinia. Open 12 -12. Tel 076- 340 417

La Gritta
Situated at the south end of Patong Beach in the Amari Coral Beach Resort, La Gritta has much more going for it than the average hotel restaurant does. For a start, the meticulously authentic and well planned Italian food is done to sky-high standards. The impressive view is of the sweep of the bay. Best to get there before sunset to fully appreciate the localion. Tel 076- 340 106-14

Patong Seafood
On the Beach Road. Serving fresh seafood daily plus Thai and International cuisine. Fine wine with beach front atmostphere. Tel 076-341 244

Crystal Bay
Located 4kms north of Patong, past the Amari Coral Beach, Crystal Bay offers Thai/European cuisine in an idyllic setting. Tel 01-895175

Joye Seafood
Fresh seafood, friendly atmosphere in an open-air restautant offering the best of both Thai and European cuisines. Located on Soi Kebsub. Tel 076- 292 889