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Maps Diving Tours Things to do Places to go Shopping Accommodation Restaurants and Much, Much More...

Vol.1 No.2 August 2010

FREE comprehensive guide to Phuket

and beyond

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The Pearl:of the AndamanPhuket; sun, sand, and sea, but Phuket has so much more to offer. Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources; a rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil open bays and tropical inland forests contribute towords making it the southern Thailand’s busiest, and most popular island and province.

Phuket borders with Phang-nga province to the north; connected by the Sarasin Bridge . The remaining coastline is encircled by the Andaman Sea; an area that is home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the region.

Phuket’s topography is exceptional with 70 percent of the island covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers but does have a network of streams, brooks and creeks.

There are only two seasons in the year; the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The main low season of Phuket is September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November through till February, when it is possible to see clear blue skies, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 C and 33 C.

Phuket has a lot more to offer than just it’s pristine beaches and world class diving. Both history and culture are to be found; Sino-Portuguese architecture from the age of tin mining casts its spell delighting travelers to the old city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodation ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows warmly cater 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.

Enjoy your stay !

STAr PhukET MEdIA & dESIgN LIMITEd PArTNErShIPPhuket Office:65/573, Moo 2, T. Vichit A. Muang, Phuket 83000Tel. 076 513 064 Fax: 076 513 016Mobile: 089 474 4704, 088 766 0776 E-mail: info@theguidephuket.comwww. theguidephuket.com

Managing Director: Punnapron Eamso guinaultinfo@theguidephuket.comMarketing Consultant: Thidarat Jessadanonglukmarketing@theguidephuket.comEditor: Tom greene. editor@theguidephuket.comDesigner: Alek E.media@theguidephuket.com

The guide Phuket is an exciting publication aimed at providing tourists and local ex-pats easy access to key information on Phuket. The guide Phuket will cater to the needs of all, including the most up to date details on places of interest, where to travel, where to stay, where to dine, the best places for entertainment, dining and relaxation, in addition to business services, information and contacts. The guide Phuket will provide an unequaled advertising opportunity to you as an already successful company looking to further your marketing strategy.

The guide Phuket is published monthly and distributed to Bangkok Airways (Suvanabhumi International Airport and Phutket International Airport), Phuket Airport Bus, major resorts in Phuket region, restaurants, spas, travel agent, car rental

Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to info@theguidephuket.com.

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ContentsTransport on the Island 6

The guide update 8

Island Activities 10

Life’s a Beach 12

In Bed with... Patong resort 15

day Tripper 16

Shoppers delight 18

give a Little Love 19

Phuket Map 20

Xtreme Phuket 23

Island’s golf 26

hotel highlights 27

health and Beauty 28

In the kitchen with... 76 Bar drink & dine 30

Cooking Thai 31

restaurant highlights 32

The Nightcrawler 32

Airport Bus Timetable 36

Learn to Speak Thai 37

Bangkok Airways Timetable 38

Important Telephone Numbers 38

rainy season is fast approaching; Phuket can feel the brunt of this wet weather system formed by the increasing temperature of the

land mass surrounding the Indian Ocean, which incorporates the Andaman Sea.

The western shores of Thailand, and in particular Phuket, will see heavy rainfall and turbulent seas which can create scenes of wild beauty. during this time you might not be able sun yourself on the beach but there are plenty of other activities that can keep you busy during your visit.

don’t let the rain dampen your spirits, go out and enjoy the island, have fun!

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I t is a big island, and getting around can be troublesome if you don’t

have your own bike or car.There is a lot to see on

and off Phuket Island, but little public transport to help you get about. Below we list the possibilities with public transport.

So unless you rent your own vehicle you will have trouble getting to most parts of the island, and will miss many places and at-tractions worth visiting

To and from the airport

Airport transfers are relatively simple, the airport is at the far north of the island, some 30 kilometres from Phuket Town and even further from most of the popular beaches like

Patong and karon. Most visitors arrive on package itineraries that include airport transfers, and have only to look for a tour guide or driver holding up a sign with their name, or the hotel name, but if you do need transport to get to your hotel or chosen beach, it is best to use one of the two official transport companies with booths right inside the arrival lounge. You can’t

miss them, and they miss no-one with their offers. Prices are fixed, and it costs approximately 600-800 Baht in an Airport Limousine or 150 Baht per person by Minibus to get to the major beaches at the south or west of the island. Metered taxis are also available and private taxis wait outside offering cheaper prices, but we suggest you avoid them as problems can arise since they are unregistered.

The Airport Bus is another option if you are not in a rush and cheap at 85 Baht per person. Ask at the airport for their current departure schedules, which depend on the number of flights arriving.

Car rental companies, including Budget and Na-tional, have offices right in the airport.

Forms of local transport Song taews – from beaches to Town

There are few buses on Phuket, and the main form of transport from beach to town is the ‘song taew’; a truck converted to carry passengers in the back on two long benches. They are usually colourful, with

a sign on front showing where they are going. They now add English in small letters. These vehicles leave from a set stop by the fresh produce market in Phuket Town, reaching every major beach area on the island. The run approximately every hour but there are no fixed schedules, and they run when there are sufficient passengers. When leaving the beach areas to head back to town they usually cruise around the streets, slowly, picking up passen-gers. It is slow, but cheap, with the fare from Phuket town to Patong now set at 25 Baht per person.

‘Tuk-Tuks’ – to get about the island

If you want your own pri-vate taxi, look for a tuk tuk, a tiny mini-truck converted in the manner of the bigger song taew above to carry about four (or more!) pas-sengers. The tuk-tuk gets this name from the noise its little engine makes. There are fleets of these in all ma-jor tourist areas, and they will take you anywhere, for a price. The going rate for the 30 minute ride between Patong and Phuket town can be as much as 450 Baht, one way! Be prepared to

bargain and keep it friendly, but don’t expect much movement on their prices for the drivers are out to squeeze every Baht they can from tourists. At night the price of tuk-tuks shoots up.

One can also rent one of these tuk-tuks for the day. Expect to pay around 2,000 Baht or more. This is a good way to get about the island, if you prefer not to drive yourself (a rental car is cheaper then this).

Motorcycle taxis These will be a new ex-

perience for many people. Individual owners of small motor bikes rent their ser-vices, carrying passengers anyplace at pre-arranged prices. All fares must be negotiated before the ride.

These taxi riders are easily identified by their special coloured jackets identifying the location of their home base. Many have the word ‘taxi’ written in English on this jacket. do not take a taxi from anyone who is not wearing one of these jackets.

Renting your own car

Since Phuket is a large island – some 50 kilometres long and about 15 wide –

Transport on the Island

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LocaL Bus Time TaBLe

Destination Town to Beach Fee (Baht) Beach to Town Fee (Baht)

Bangtao Beach 7.00am–5.00pm 25 6.00am–4.00pm 35

Surin Beach 7.00am–5.00pm 25 6.00am–4.00pm 35

Kamala Beach 7.00am–5.00pm 30 6.00am–4.00pm 40

Kata Beach 7.30am–6.00pm 25 5.30am–4.30pm 40

Karon Beach 7.30am–6.00pm 25 5.30am–4.30pm 40

Kathu District 7.30am–5.00pm 15 6.20am–3.30pm 25

Patong Beach 8.00am–6.00pm 20 7.30am–5.30pm 30

Makham Bay 8.00am–5.00pm 20 7.00am–3.30pm 30

Chalong Bay 8.00am–5.30pm 20 6.00am–5.30pm 30

Rawai Beach 6.50am–5.30pm 25 6.00am–4.30pm 40

Naiharn Beach 7.00am–6.05pm 30 6.45am–6.05pm 45

Sarasin Bridge 6.00am–6.00pm 30 6.00am–3.00pm 40

Bang Rong Pier 8.30am–4.00pm 30 7.00am–4.00pm 30

Por Bay Pier 8.30am–4.00pm 30 7.00am–4.00pm 30

renting your own vehicle is far and away the best means of getting around and see-ing everything, or much of it.

renting is easy; private rental cars are easily found in every beach area, and major rental companies operate in most resorts. Or you phone the company of your choice, as most will de-liver and pick up vehicles. If renting from the side of the road, beware: few of these vehicles have insurance, and this can prove disastrous in the event of an accident.

renting one’s own ve-hicle is also the only effec-tive way to get off Phuket Island and see the beautiful, neighbouring provinces of Phang Nga and krabi by land. The roads are good and the scenery spectacu-lar, making this a great way to go.

Renting your own motorcycle

Motorcycles, big and small, can be rented all over the island and are a popular choice for many tourists. Foreign visitors see so many Thais – often including children - zipping about on these convenient little machines that they decide to try it themselves.

In the tropical climate this breezy form of transport seems ideal. And yes, it can be. But beware; ; learning to ride one is pretty simple, but learning to ride one well-enough to stay out of trouble on Phuket’s often-dangerous roads is another thing. The hospitals here see a never-ending stream of foreigners arriving with skin missing from arms and legs, or sometimes worse. The accident rate on Phuket is one of the highest in Thailand, with 90% of acci-dents involving motorcycles. The most dangerous points are the steep mountain roads that one must cross to leave the major west coast beach resorts.

Note that Thai law requires the driver to carry a valid license at all times, and all riders to wear hel-mets – even though most Thais (including the police!) ignore the regulations. The police occasionally enforce both laws, so beware.

The real danger here is this: NONE of the motor-cycles rented here have insurance. If you rent one

and cause damage you will be held fully responsible, with some greedy owners charging significantly more than the real cost of the damage. The fact that most owners will rent motorcycles to people without valid drivers’ licenses only adds fuel to the fire in the case of accidents. Be extremely cautious!

Regional buses The long distance bus

station is in Phuket town, directly across from the royal City hotel. From here both air-con tour buses and cheap, ‘orange crush’ buses leave for destinations north, south and east. There are regular services to Bangkok, krabi, Surat Thani, Nakorn Srithammarat, Trang, haad Yai and other minor provin-cial capitals.

Most of the tour buses to Bangkok leave around 5:00PM in the evening, arriving in Bangkok about 6:00AM the following morning. Tickets can be purchased either at the bus station or through travel agents.

Transport by boat regular ferry boat ser-

vices from Phuket run only to the Phi Phi Islands, koh Yao Noi and krabi. There are unscheduled boats to koh Bon, racha Yai and koh Yao Yai. One can get to koh Lanta by changing boats in koh Phi Phi.

Most people get to the other islands by renting their own boat.

Airlines in & out of Phuket

A multitude of airlines now run scheduled flights to and from Phuket, and dur-ing high season chartered flights are also available. Budget airlines such as Air Asia, Nok Air and One 2 go Air all run convenient and economical flights to other provinces throughout Thailand.

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Hard Rock Cafe PhuketAsanee Chotikul, the number one rock legend of Thailand, visited town on 12 July 2010 to hand over a piece of memorabilia (a gibson guitar that he used for his first album & many concerts) at the hrC Phuket, Mr. usr Mosimann & Mr. Mohammed Shabbir (New general Manager – hrC Phuket) gave him a warm welcome.

Claude de Crissey & guests celebrate French National dayon 14 July 2010 at Café de France, royal Phawadee Village.

Butterfly Release Year 4

Phuket Butterfly release 1,000 butterfiles and 100 host plants at khao Pra Taew National Park.

The PTA (Phuket Tourist Association) Annual Meeting took place to elect the

directors for 2010-2012.

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Welcome GTZ Regional Seminar at Novotel Phuket Beach Resort PanwagTZ german Technical Cooperation arranged a regional seminar at the Novotel Phuket Beach resort Panwa from 5-9 July 2010. The topic was “Promoting tourism products and value chains for sustainable economic development in Asia”. As Novotel is a chain hotel and part of EarthCheck (the global environmental program) it had a good opportunity to be part of their workshop during the seminar.

Opening of “Edu Planet” at Central Festival Phuketkhun Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree, general Manager Central Festival Phuket (1st right) congratulated khun Anchaleekorn Chuwong, Branch Manager of ecc (2nd left) about the opening of the “Edu Planet” at Central Festival Phuket.

Bangkok Airways holds 1st Samui Island Marathon Princess Cup 2010

Bangkok, 8th June 2010 - Bangkok Airways, in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand, Samui Municipal and Tourism Association of koh Samui launch “Samui Island Marathon 2010” on 19th September 2010, to compete for hrh Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup and the total prize worth over 3 million baht - the highest record in Thai marathon’s history.

The race will be starting off on the morning of Saturday 19th September 2010 and will start and finish from Nathon pier. Passing route 4169, Lippa Yai Crossroad to Lippa Noi intersection to Ban Sakes intersection and turn around at Ban hua Thanon following the route 4169 back to Nathon Pier.

The admission fees for Full Marathon, half Marathon, and Quarter Marathon from now until 31st August 2010 are 500, 400 and 300 baht respectively. Applications submitted during 1st -17th September 2010, the fee will be 700, 500 and 300 baht respectively. Apply on 18th September 2010; the admission fee will be 800, 600 and 300 Baht respectively.

Indigo Pearl beams heartwarming charity in the PSV children’s souls.Arnaud girodon, general Manager of the Indigo Pearl raised a cumulative total of ThB 616,000 for the Phuket Sunshine Village, through the silent auction of exclusive tin mining statuettes designed by world renowned architect, Bill Bensley.

President of the Phuket Sunshine Village dr. Supaluck kanjanamethakul opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech and welcomed the dedicated sponsors with a certificate of appreciations, for the tremendous amount of support and charity they have given to the Phuket Sunshine Village.

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I t’s a big island, offering all manner of things to do.

It’s surprising that so many holiday makers, who are trying to get away from it all, soon get bored with that dreamy combination of a perfect beach, a comfortable hotel room and great food. After a few days, most people want more. They want to go places, to see how the local people live and to experience new things. happily, with Phuket being a large island, about 50 kilometres long, there are all sorts of interesting things to do here. Below we offer some suggestions.

Crowded beach, quiet beach - find the one that suits youSpend most of your holiday in Patong and you might think the beaches of Phuket are crowded. While Patong buzzes with people and activity, there are many other beaches to which one can escape

in complete solitude. You just have to drive. As one moves away from Patong the beaches become progressively quieter. By the time you get to the top of the island you’re guaranteed kilometres of sand to yourself, even in peak season, so remember crowded beach, quiet beach; the choice is there.

Visiting Wats – Buddhist MonasteriesAll Buddhist Monasteries are open to the public during the day, and visitors are usually welcome. Since these are active holy places of worship, and the residence of monks, visitors should show respect in keeping well dressed and remaining quiet, Mum and dad; keep the kids on a leash and always be culturally sensitive.

Elephant trekkingThe wild elephant population of Phuket was wiped out last century,

but has been replaced in recent years by an influx of animals for the tourist trade. Today there remains just a few hundred elephants on Phuket Island, all domesticated, most working in tourism. Indeed, riding an elephant is an experience not to be missed. The lumbering monsters are incredibly agile. Taking an elephant ride helps to keep the beasts employed, fed and out of the cities, where many can be taken by destitute owners in search of money and food.

Phuket TownPhuket Town is small but incredibly interesting, a potpourri of different cultural influences, of markets and shopping centres, restaurants and other entertainment facilities. Anyone spending a few days on Phuket Island should take time to visit, be it for sight-seeing, cultural or historical interest, or shopping.

ZooPhuket’s only zoo is small, but pleasant, displaying some of Thailand’s almost vanished wildlife. Their tigers are fed well enough that one can sit with them and have a photo taken. We recommend going early or late, to avoid the tour buses that arrive mid morning and mid afternoon. It is in a small road off the east side of Chao Fah road, about half way between the town and Chalong’s 5-way intersection. The turnoff is well signposted and easy to find.

FantaseaThis is Phuket’s Mega-show; it’s a cultural spectacle on the grandest of scales, complete with armies of warriors, vast troupes of dancing girls and elephants that literally rise up into the sky. The show takes place in the evening with a dinner buffet. Located at kamala Beach, mini buses run back and forth picking up customers from their hotels.

Bungee JumpConsider yourself adventurous? got real guts? If you haven’t tried bungee jumping yet, you should take the ride to the top with a big rubber band around your ankles and fight the internal struggle that every jumper meets when standing 54 metres above the ground. Logic might tell us it is quite safe, but another part of our body screams “No! don’t jump!” But with their friends at the bottom, waiting expectantly, most people manage to throw themselves off and experience a rush like no other.

Island Activities

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Cultural VillageCultural shows featuring skilled Thai dancers from the different regions of the country, martial arts demonstrations, elephant rides and Thai dinners are all brought together at Phuket’s original cultural garden; there is also an attached orchid farm for all the budding botanists out there.

Jungle TrekkingWith most of the rainforest on Phuket long since eaten up by rubber plantations, it is not so easy to find ideal trekking grounds. Again, it’s best to sign on with a company providing this service. Often they take their trekkers right off Phuket into neighbouring

Phang Nga province, where some beautiful areas of forest remain.

Spas; massage and herbal steam roomshealth resorts, spas and herbal saunas are proliferating, and some fine examples offering a wide range of treatments are now found on Phuket. Thailand has its own traditional herbal saunas, and there are several local ones around the island, notably at Chalong and rawai. While many large resorts now feel they are incomplete without a spa, there are also several independent establishments. Best known is the hideaway at Patong (Tel: 340 519) and Bang Tao (Tel: 271 549) and The Spa,

royal Phuket City hotel in town (Tel: 354 027). The top resort spas are those at the Banyan Tree, Laguna complex (Tel: 324 374) and Nakalai at Thavorn Beach Village, north of Patong (Tel: 290 334-42) and the Boathouse, kata (Tel: 330 015).

View PointsPhuket’s most famous view point, Laem Phrom Thep at the very bottom of the island, is on the ‘must see’ list for every Thai visitor to the island. Thus it attracts a fleet of tour buses and cars each evening as people come to witness the sun fall into the Andaman Sea. Indeed, it’s often a spectacular sight, but there are many quieter places.

The view point on the hill behind kata Noi attracts fewer people and when the heavens turn red, the view from any of the beaches can also be spectacular.

ShoppingShopping in general has boomed in Phuket over recent years with addition of two large shopping malls; Central Festival in Phuket Town, and Jung Ceylon in Patong Beach. Along with these shopping malls there are also a whole host of street markets, night markets, boutique stores and artisan shops dotted around the island selling all manner of clothes, gifts and home wares

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Why not take a look at some of the other beaches of Phuket;

there are so many, each with a unique atmosphere; ranging from bustling Patong, to isolated havens where you won’t find another person.

Whether you are here for quick weekend or your annual two week holiday there is a spot somewhere on Phuket to call your own, heck through our beach-by-beach rundown of the island’s many tropical stretches of sand and sea.

Karon Beach One of the longest

beaches - and a scattering of hotels.

karon is another of the beautiful, west-coast beaches that have made Phuket famous. This beach is the first stop south of Patong, and is separated from Patong by a large headland. A road connects them, and one can drive from karon to Patong in 15 minutes. South of karon is kata. Only a small headland separates these two, and they are often spoken of as one unit; kata-karon.

Kata Beachkata is certainly one of

the most beautiful of Phuket’s beaches; a half-moon crescent of white sand lining a bay cut deep between two green headlands. Crystal clear waters and soft coral allows for excellent snorkeling and just outside the bay lies a small rounded island that seems to wave its coconut haircut to those on the beach.

Layan Beach Little-known and definitely

quiet; this is a small and relatively unknown beach, nestled in a shallow bay at the north end of Bang Tao. You get there by following the small road that winds right through the back holes of the Banyan Tree golf Club.

Layan Beach is more of a bay than a beach, and the picturesque expanse of water right in front of the Layan Beach resort is too shallow for swimming. A walk of just a few hundred metres takes hotel guests to Bang Tao beach for this.

Nai Harn Beach Far down south, quiet &

beautiful; Nai harn is an out-of-the-way beach with fabulous views.

Nai harn is one of the more isolated beaches, right at the bottom of the island and nestled in a bay defined by headlands and islands. There is just one large yet beautiful

hotel here; Le Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, along with one new mid-market, bungalow resort. Other than this there are no buildings to be seen at Nai harn, and the beach is backed by the green of casaurina trees and coconut palms.

Kamala Beachkamala, a 3-kilometres

beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast, is quite different to all others on this large resort island. until recently the main thing kamala was famous for was a herd of over 100 buffaloes which would wander down the beach to the edge of the water every evening, taking in the sunset and cooling their hoofs in the salty water.

Behind the beach lies a growing village with two distinct communities; Buddhists by the beach and Muslims further back at the foot of the encompassing mountain range.

Nai Yang BeachLocated at the top end of

the island there are few crowds here, only two major hotels and just a short distance from the airport.

Nai Yang is another of those quiet Phuket beach areas that boasts its entirely own, and very distinct atmosphere. This is far from the maddening crowds of Patong – and if you are one of those who find action-packed places like Patong maddening, this might be the right place for you.

Patong Beach The most famous beach

on the island is the centre of entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels.

Patong is indeed a famous beach with beautiful soft sands and warm clear water. But

The beach on which you choose a hotel can make or break your holiday in Phuket.

Life’s a Beach

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right behind the beach is the hustle and bustle at the centre of Phuket’s tourism business. here the hotels, restaurants, entertainment and bar areas, street bazaars and shops are crammed in a colourful and lively mix that typifies a Thai tourist beach town.

Rawai & Chalongrawai and Chalong both

face the southeast, and thus miss the brunt of the monsoon season wave action. What this means is simple, they don’t have good swimming beaches. And this, in turn, means that there are almost no major beach resorts in this area. The single exception is the Evason Phuket Island resort, which has perched itself on top of a hill midway between rawai and Chalong with great views out over nearby islands.

Cape Panwa Perhaps he quietest

corner of the island, just three up-market resorts are found on this long, southeastern peninsula, all ideal for those who really want a quiet corner to themselves.

getting away to a quiet spot is the ideal for many, but remember to balance this against the long drive required to find any entertainment or outside restaurants.

Mai KhaoMai khao Beach is proof

that those who rEALLY want to get away from it all can do so on Phuket - yet few really do.

All of Phuket’s most famous beaches are found in the middle and south end of the island. So what of the northern end beyond the airport? The answer is nothing, simply nothing – yet! Mai khao beach is very, very long, and very straight, so it misses the cozy feeling enjoyed by much

of the other beaches on the island, but the sand and water here are much the same, and there is nobody here even during high season when the beach umbrellas are five deep on Patong.

Ao Sane BeachAo Sane beach is a small

bay and is located up to the right side of Nai harn beach. To get to this beach you need to go through Le Méridien Phuket Yacht Club. Ao Sane is a very small beach rocky beach but it is peaceful. Ao Yon Beach

Ao Yon is another peaceful beach ideally suited for watching the sunset. It is located near Cape Panwa, 10 km from Phuket town and just 10 minutes from the khao khad viewpoint. Although quiet with beautiful emerald sea this beach is not really suitable for bathing or relaxing as the bay is usually full of boats and yachts.

Bang Tao BeachBang Tao Beach has,

in recent years, seen a lot of development with many 5-star luxury resorts in the area but the beach remains very pleasant. At certain times of the year swimming can be dangerous due to the strong tides. At the northern end of the beach the coral creates good opportunities for snorkeling.

Kata Noi BeachJust south of kata Beach

is kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development.

The beach is superb for snorkeling; many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beach less shoreline stretching south.

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Phuket International

Horse Club

Tel. 076 324 199 Mobile: 081 968 3187

here at our stable we offer you the greatest

experience.Let your work worries

and the pressure of modern society gradually fade away and nature take over.

Whether a beginner or an experienced rider we have the right horse and the right program for you. Our knowledgeable staff will match you with horses that suit your riding skills. We offer more than 20 Australian, Appaloosa, Thai horses and ponies for riding, our horses and ponies are professionally trained and friendly; whether you are a novice or an experienced rider you will have great fun with us.

Laem Ka BeachLaem ka Beach,The entrance of Laem

ka Beach is a small road. It seems that doesn’t have a small beach at here. In the beginning, it is a most popular traveling beach on Phuket Island. It is one of those quiet and beautiful little beaches with a lot of small and big rock. The sea is very calm clear water. This is a favorite beach for original Phuket citizen to relax at with their family but unflavored for foreign tourist. It is a limited time to entry-exit the beach because the entry of the beach is a private area.

Laem Singh Beach

Laem Singh Beach is small and very popular; it is located between Surin and kamala Beaches. To reach the beach you need to walk down a short rocky trail that is clearly signposted. If you are lucky and it’s not too crowded then Leam Sing Beach is absolutely stunning

Nai Thon BeachNai Thon Beach is the part of the

Sirinath National Park.This quiet bay nestled at the foot of

high hills has a fine strip of sand. There is a scattering of hotels and restaurants lining the road that backs the beach. Nai Thon is a quiet area far away from the crowds.

Paradise BeachParadise Beach is a little beach, 5

minutes from Tri Trang Beach just south of Patong. To get there follow a small cement road up to the hill trough the jungle. It is a nice small beach with white soft sand. Large rocks flank either side of the beach.

Yanui Beach Yanui Beach is a small bay, 10 minutes

north from Leam Phrom Thep. It is not a popular water activity beach but nice to relax to get away from crowd. The beach is not so long. The sand is beautifully soft but not very white. It is a favorite bathing and sunbathing location.

Surin Beach Surin Beach is located between

kamala and Bang Tao Beaches. It is one of most beautiful beaches with fine white sand and emerald sea. The beach can have rather strong winds which make is ideal for windsurfing. A lot of popular resorts surround the beach.

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In Bed With...

Patong resort hotel is a superb resort that occupies one of the best locations in Phuket. Set close to

Patong Beach, the resort is ideally situated for an enjoyable island holiday with the whole family. Although the resort is just a few minutes walk from the beach, great shopping opportunities and Patong’s famous nightlife, guests may not even wish to leave the grounds of this fabulous property. The resort’s extensive gardens and numerous high quality facilities and attractions provide fun and excitement for all ages.

Spacious rooms in the high building offer spectacular views over Patong Bay and the surrounding town. As one of the most well established hotels in Patong. The resort provides high levels of service from a dedicated team of well trained and attentive staff.

Patong resort comprising of 111 deluxe rooms, 11 Executive, 10 Superior deluxe and 2 grand Suites all situated in an elegant high-rise building. The distinctive main lobby is designed and decorated in the unique Sino-Portuguese architectural style and reflects Phuket’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to the rooms in the resort’s original wing there are 92 deluxe rooms in the low-rise building. The building is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. rooms provide a spacious 44 to 46 square meters of luxurious accommodation. 99 Standard rooms also located amongst the verdant gardens. All 325 rooms are equipped

with excellent facilities including air-conditioning, refrigerator, mini bar, television, telephone, bathtub with shower, and hot and cold water.

A World of Leisure Activities

Patong resort offers a wide variety of activities for a fun-filled family holiday. For the sporty types, there are two fantastic swimming pools and tennis courts. guests can also wind down in the resort’s herbal steam room.

The resort also features a mini plaza complete with a tailor shop, a hairdresser and a gift shop. The hotel tour desk can also organize excursions around Phuket and neighboring islands.

The Patong resort is equipped to host a range of functions. With an expansive conference hall and meeting rooms, the resort’s capable staff can organize memorable, fully catered events, large or small.

Divine Diningguests of the resort have a world

of cuisine to choose from. They can experience Noppakaow’s poolside restaurant and discover its fine Thai and Italian cuisine. Yuri’s offers an irresistible section of Japanese favorites sushi, sashimi and rice bowl toppings of your choice. A special set Bento menu is also available.

Meat eaters will love the rooftop steak house. The charcoal grill kitchen serves tasty and juicy imported steaks, complemented by wines from an extensive wine list.

Patong resort’s enviable location, well appointed rooms, excellent facilities and extensive grounds make it the perfect choice for any visit to the tropical paradise of Phuket.

An Idyllic Family Resort at the heart of Patong

Patong Resort

208, raj-uthit 200 Pee roadPatong Beach, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0551-4 ext 1108/1109/1110Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0189

E-mail: sales@patongresorthotel.comwww.patongresorthotel.com

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DAY TRIPPERhere we offer ideas on how to bring a little extra diversity and interest to

your holiday in Phuket, by getting off the island for a day or two.We strongly recommend every visitor to Phuket take at least one day

– or more if possible - to travel off Phuket Island to experience some of the in-credible beauty of the surrounding region. You can go by boat to the surround-ing islands, or drive a car to the interesting and scenic provinces close by.

The Song Praek rafting trip is held along ‘khlong ra’; streams flowing

down from the high mountains in Phang Nga province. The rafting routes are about 5 kilometers long. The water level is around 4-5 ft in the green season and at 1-2 ft in summer. At the starting point there is a dam built to regulate the water level for smoother rafting. It takes about 45 minutes to raft in the rainy reason.

Song Praek rafting companies are Phuket Sealand (the winner of the Thailand Tourism Awards; Tel. 076 222

900-1, 076 232 900-3 and 081 229 1150). Also try Phang Nga rafting (Tel. 076 525 010 or 076 244 940). Tourists can select from a range of programmes; choosing only a rafting trip or buy a package of elephant riding, rafting, and sightseeing to the waterfalls in Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to get thereFrom Phuket, proceed on highway

No.4 to Phang Nga town and Thap Put. After 5 km you will reach the intersection and meet the guardhouse of Nop Pring sub-district on the left. Turn left, drive through kapong and cross the bridge over the Phang Nga river. Then, take a right turn following the sign of Song Praek to Baan Song Praek. You will finally notice the sign of Phuket Sealand and reach the rafting spot.

Travel ProgramLate in the morning, arrive at Ton

Pariwat, ride elephants, and take the nature trail to Ton Pariwat Waterfall. have lunch and walk to the rafting spot. Train and prepare yourself for rafting. The activity will take approximately an hour. Change clothes and head back to Phuket or stay overnight in Phang Nga town.

Go Extreme at Song Praek Rafting, Phang Nga

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There are many islands around Phuket but if you don’t have enough time to visit them all, a one day trip

may suit your needs. Or if one day is not enough, you can take an overnight trip. Travel agencies can provide you with tour packages to the islands.

The most popular programme is koh racha Yai. This island is located 15 kilometres away from Phuket. You can reach there by renting a boat from rawai Beach or Chalong Bay. It’s beach is very beautiful and serene. There is a viewpoint at the west end of the beach where you can simply appreciate the atmosphere and take a photo. Also at Siam Bay and khon kae’s Bay snorkel area, there are spectacular sights of various corals.

Six kilometers away from koh racha Yai is koh racha Noi. Its geography comprises reefs and hills. This is a really good place for people who love diving and fishing.

Coming a little bit closer; koh hae or Coral Island, the island is quite a good spot for snorkeling due to the large number of fish around the area. There’s a restaurant and accommodation service at the front beach and it is a beautifully peaceful environment. This island is

located only 10 kilometres away from Phuket. It can be visited all year round.

To the eastern side of Phuket, you get to experience the local people’s life on koh Maphrao (Coconut Island). Most local people in this island are in the fishery business. hence, tourists will never be disappointed by the seafood here. Fresh fish, prawns and mussels are brought to you directly from the local people’s fish pot. Most importantly, it’s cheap! Other options for you to enjoy the island are agricultural activities; such as visiting a fisherman’s village and tasting fresh coconuts.

Phuket is often called “The Pearl of the Andaman” but not everyone knows that pearls are actually cultivated here.

Next to koh Maphrao is koh rang Yai, well know for cultured pearls. The “Phuket Pearl Farm” is open for tourists and there are pearls available at the gift shop. koh rang Yai is also famous for its long white sandy beach which makes it an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Outdoor activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, biking, etc. are also available.

The three small nearby islands koh khai Nok, koh khai Nai and koh khai Nui (located in Phang Nga province) are

Let’s Go Aloha

famous for their white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Swimming and snorkeling are the most popular activities here. These islands are easily accessible from Phuket.

Located just a little further from koh khai in Phang Nga province is another island called koh Yao Yai. This island is famous for its local culture. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the local fishery and to visit fisherman’s villages and rubber plantations. There are a few home stays and some resorts for those who would prefer to spend the night on the island.

Moreover, Phuket has a new destination for scuba diving called “The Coral Squadron for the Sea” Situated 20 metres under the sea just off Bang Tao Beach, the site consists of ten demobilized aircraft , four C-47 dakota transporters given by the united States Air Force after World War II and six S-58T helicopters. The Coral Squadron is now service for every diver!

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Thai SilkLong one of Thailand’s most famous

products, silk weaving is still one of the major crafts in many rural areas. The variety of materials available in Phuket is wide, and varies both in design - from the traditional to modern to plain colours –and quality - 2 ply is thin and light, 3 or more becomes heavier and more expensive.

Tailors, jewellery and souvenir shops in all areas carry silk. Many shops will tailor modern dresses or shorts from silk at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.

CeramicsThe two major centres for ceramic

production are the well-known Chiang Mai, and ratburi west of Bangkok. They produce an amazing range of wares from very traditional Thai and even Chinese

tableware and decorative items to mod-ern home decor items, the biggest of which you’ll need a truck to move. Some of these more modern items are creative and interesting. There is a fair range spread around the island, but you’ll have to drive and hunt to find it all.

The Guide Phuket recommends: Siam Sceramic handmade (see detail below).

WoodcarvingMost of this comes from the craft

centres of Chiang Mai, and again, Thai skills show through in a great variety of items that can be both novel and creative or entirely traditional. Buddha images are one of the standards, but you can find figurines of all kinds and many other off-beat items for home decoration. Thailand makes some great teak furniture, though only a little is available in Phuket.

AntiquesBeware if you’re looking for genuine

antiques, for this is one real danger zone in Thailand. read the passage below on Instant Antiques carefully; and remember that most genuinely old pieces of tradi-tional Thai art, including Buddha images, require permits to take from the country.

Instant AntiquesThis sounds like a contradiction, but

this is now a thriving new industry in Thailand that arose in response to the overwhelming demand for beautiful old things and the short supply. Originally, cunning entrepreneurs crafted and carefully ‘aged’ wood, bronze and stone artworks to sell off as genuine antiques. But they produced such beautiful things that demand grew, and the industry came out into the open. Today whole villages of skilled workers produce beautiful ob-jects of art that appear ancient, but which are sold cheaply as ‘reproductions’. This makes ‘antiques’ available to everyone, takes the pressure off the genuinely old

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G I V E A L I T T L E L O V Ethings, and, best of all, virtually no-one can tell the difference between the real thing and the reproduction that you place in your home.

Custom TailoringThis is definitely bargain country in

Phuket. Tailors can import their wares easily to Phuket, and their overhead costs are low. Skills range from excellent to barely adequate, so look carefully and you can go home with both quality and real savings. It is important to start with a tailor early in your visit because at least two visits will be required, and those who are a little more finicky should plan on three visits to get things just right. Allow two or three days between each visit.

The Guide Phuket recommends: Mis-ter Sing’s Fashion gallary, Patong Beach, Tel. 076 345 037-9.

Jewellery – (beware of the scams)

Bangkok is the undisputed gemstone capital of the world. A large portion of the world’s diamonds, rubies and sap-phires and other precious stones are imported raw into Thailand, cut and set by Thailand’s skilled workforce, and ex-ported - often back to the countries they came from. Most of South Africa’s dia-monds, Australia’s opals, Burma’s rubies and Sri Lanka’s varied gems pass through Bangkok for processing. Thailand is defi-nitely the best place to purchase precious stones and jewellery, and with transport costs so low all of these bargains can be found also in Phuket but be warned: purchase only from a well-established shop, and hopefully you will know at least a little about the gemstones you desire before entering the shop.

remember that if you are taken to a jewellery store in Phuket by a guide, a taxi driver or other local they are likely receiving a hefty commission. This can often be as high as 30% of your purchase, a fee that simply goes on top of your bill. It’s much better to drive your self to one

of the jewellery stores. If you are stopping over in Bangkok generally there is a greater choice of shops and the com-mission racket is not so pervasive.

How You Can Help

Make a donation. Better yet, make regular donations. You can deposit funds straight into the PCF bank account at Siam Commercial Bank, Cherng Talay Branch; Ac Name: Phuket Community Foundation; Account No 706-234673-7.

give your time or your expertise. If you have special skills you think could be put to good use in making a better Phuket, let us know. Even if you don’t, we can still find plenty for you to do.

Contribute today for a better tomorrow

give us ideas. We are always open to ideas about what we should be doing, how we could do it better, or how we can raise funds.

Send your ideas to us by email or regular mail to:PhukET COMMuNITY FOuNdATION

61, Satun road, Taladnua, Muang, Phuket 83000Tel. 08 4442 8004 Fax: 076 224 317

E-mail: info@phuketcharity.org Website: www.phuketcharity.org

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Everybody knows of world famous Patong Beach, and most are familiar with

kata and karon beach, to some these beaches represent a kind of paradise, for me they are far from it, purgatory may be a better comparison; a sea of torn parasols, a path laid down by cigarette butts and plastic bags, the endless harassment from the vendors trying to sell you much of the same tat you either already bought or didn’t want to buy in the first place, its enough t make you want to pack your bags and go home, but wait, before you do that, have you considered venturing a little further afield? have you thought about moving around the island a little and seeing what secrets Phuket’s coastline has to offer?

Many people stick to the beaches in the main tourist hub because it is convenient; that’s where their hotel is, and to go any further would either mean risking their life piloting their own war

Closer to Paradise

machine to battle the traffic around the island or paying exorbitant prices for an obnoxious tuk-tuk driver to take them there. Sadly you will need to choose one of the above but I guarantee you will reap the benefits if you head out to Nai harn beach.

Situated at the southern tip of the island this little bay holds a lot of charm, yes the parasols are still there, and yes the vendors are still traipsing around trying to flog their fare but its all much more low key, and the better for it. The

backdrop to the beach is a shady canopy of casuarina trees which offer gentle respite from the searing mid day sun, a series of understated restaurants sell to those who drift in and offer refreshments for those intent on the pursuit of the perfect tan. If you plan to spend a day here you will not be disappointed. The beach is small enough to give it charm, but large enough to find your own spot, the sea is wonderful for bathing and playing in making it very safe for families with young

children. The view is picturesque during the day and if you stay until early evening you will be rewarded with a stunning sunset making it a great beach for romantic couples who want to enjoy each other’s company.

The balance of convenience, the available facilities and the shear natural beauty make this one beach which is just that little step closer to paradise.

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Xtreme Phuket

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Laguna Phuket Golf ClubPhuket’s only resort-based 18-hole, par 71 golf course. designed by Max Wexler and david Abell, measuring 6,654 yards from the back tees and 5,464 yards from the forward tees. Award winning Laguna Phuket golf Club features a wealth of tropical scenic lagoons and undulating fairways set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and nearby sea. Tel: 076 270 991 – 2

gOLFPhuket Country Club 27-hole golf Course - comprises of OLd COurSE; a challenging 18-hole resort layout golf course, and COuNTrY CLuB COurSE; a 9-hole championship layout golf course and between both courses sits a 52-bay drIVINg rANgE. Tel : 076 319 200 -204

Phunaka Golf Course & Golf AcademyA highlight of any visit to the idyllic island of Phuket is a

round at the Phunaka golf Course & golf Academy. This exceptional floodlit 9-hole golf course, complete with driving range and golf academy present challenges and rewards for player of all levels; the location is simply stunning. Tel: 076 521 911 - 5

Red Mountain Golf CourseThis brand new 18-hole course is Loch Palm’s sister course.Tel: 076 322 000 – 1

Blue Canyon Country ClubA mere 7 minutes drive (5 kilometres) from Phuket International Airport, Blue Canyon is located along the main highway 402 that links the Phuket Island to mainland Thailand.Tel: 076 328 088

Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa Tel: 076 310 888

Congratulation with Mr.rachata Peerapairoj,Achieved a hole in One on hole Number 8,

Par 3, 112 Yards. At Loch Palm golf Club. In July, 10Th 2010

“HOLE IN ONE”GOLF EVENT

SCg tournament (SIAM CEMENT grOuP) will be start in 7/08/10 at rEd

MOuNTAIN gOLF CLuB.

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HOTELS HIGHLIGHT

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa

Patong Merlin Resort

The South Sea Resorts

Mercure Patong

SALA Phuket Resort and Spa

Banthai Beach Resort And Spa

The Nap Patong

Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel

Courtyard Phuket at Kamala Beach

The Kee Resort & Spa

Dewa Phuket

Courtyard Phuket at Surin Beach

Location: Patong

239/14 raj-u-Thid 200 Pee road, Patong, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7630 2100Fax: +66 (0) 7630 2111www.mercurephuket.com

Location: Patong

5/55 hadd Patong road, Patong Beach, kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel. +66 (0) 7629 6631-4 Fax: +66 (0) 7629 6635www.thenappatong.com

Location: kata

7/1 ketkwan road, T. karon, A. Muang, Phuket 83100 Tel. + 66 (0) 7637 0999 Fax: + 66 (0) 7637 0900 www.phuketnalina.com

Location: Patong

152/1 Thaveewong rd., Patong Beach, kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel. 66 (0) 7634 3555 Fax: 66 (0) 7634 3555 www.thekeeresort.com

Location: Maikhao

333 Moo 3, Maikhao Beach, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel. +66 (0) 7633 8888 Fax: +66 (0) 7633 8889 www.salaphuket.com

Location: kata

88/8 kata road, karon Muang, Phuket 83100

Tel.+66 (0) 2659 2888 Fax: +66 (0) 2659 2889www.ibishotel.com

Location: Patong

44, Thaveewong road, Patong Beach, kathu, Phuket Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0037-41Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0394 www.patongmerlin.com

Location: Maikhao

65 Moo 1, Tambon SakooAmphur Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 2300Fax: +66 (0) 7637 2399www.dewaphuket.com

Location: Nai harn

94 Thaveewong road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0850-4 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0330www.banthaiphuket.com

Location: kamala

100/10 Moo 3, kamala Beach, kathu, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7630 3000 Fax. +66 (0) 7630 3003www.marriott.com

Location: karon 204 karon rd., Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 0888 Fax. +66 (0) 7637 0899www.southsearesorts.com

Location: Cherngtalay

106/27 Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Talang Phuket, 83110 Tel.+66 (0) 7630 3300 Fax.+66 (0) 7630 3303www.marriott.com

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J uice bars can be found in most cit-ies in Southeast Asia and the whole world is now aware of the benefits of

different blends of fruit and vegetables. In Bangkok, you can grab a fresh, mixed juice from a stall at many Skytrain stations, while in other cities like Tokyo you can stop for a fruit burst while you’re shopping in a mall.

As we all know, fruit and vegetables are high in various minerals, vitamins, and proteins, so by sipping one down every day you can stock up on most of your required intake in a single glass.

What’s more, when you mix different types of veg-etables and fruit you can address specific health issues or build up immunities by cleansing the liver and even clean-ing the blood.

different fruit and vegetable families offer distinc-tive health benefits. Bananas are high in potassium, for example, while papaya contains useful digestive enzymes to help break down other foods in the body. More exotic ingredients have also made their way onto the menus at spas and wellness centre restaurant on Samui. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that’s rich in proteins, minerals and anti-oxidants. It also contains zinc, copper, iron and essen-

Healthy Juice MixesLiver cleanse: pineapple, carrot, beetroot and lime. Skin tonic: carrot, capsicum and spinach Stress reduction: apple, pineapple, mint and lime or tomato, carrot, coriander, broccoli and celery. Immunity improver: apple, carrot, lemon, ginger and garlic.

tial fatty acids. This has made it a very popular ingredient amongst health practitioners.

Official research has yet to be completed on the heal-ing properties of Spirulina, but many claim it protects the immune system and can also reduce the effects of aller-gies. The bright green colour and thick texture puts some people off, but the taste resemble banana and it certainly won’t do you any harm. Beyond juices, flavourings and culinary additions like black pepper, lemon juice, coriander and ginger not only add to the taste of your food, they also provide an extra health boost.

Blends such as celery and parsley combined, for ex-ample, are known to be good for arthritis, while if you mix in papaya, this can help asthma sufferers.

Lettuce and celery help people sleep, while black-berry or grape with parsley helps protect the body against anemia. If you have low blood pressure, try green peppers with and garlic. Across SE Asia, it is easy to source fresh fruit and vegetables and most of them are much cheaper than in the west. This means restaurants can serve delicious combinations for the same price as less healthy manufac-tured drinks. The good choice of succulent tropical fruit adds extra flavour.

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Pad Siew is a simple Thai dish of stir fried wide rice noodles with soy sauce and vegetables, which can be prepared with a choice of meat or seafood. This

delicious combination is a favourite with many foreigners as it’s not at all spicy, but bursts with the flavours of Asia.

The basic ingredients in Pad Siew are strips of rice noodle (either fresh or soaked in water for an hour), Chinese broccoli then shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cut into small pieces. The sauce blends eggs, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce and fish sauce.

Like Thailand’s most famous dish, Pad Thai, this wide noodle dish is generally served with condiments such as dried chilli powder, sugar and spicy fish sauce, allowing you to choose whether you would like to eat it as it comes or spice things up a bit.

You can order Pad Siew in many local street-side eateries and you will also find it on the menu at more up-market restaurants and hotels.

Pad SiewCooking Thai

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76 Bar Drink & Dine (The Nap)Fusion & Thai Food

The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will delight at the stations

offering diverse cuisine. The 76 BAr can take you from lunch to the early hours, relaxing

indoors or on the rooftop bar, with a sophisticated selection of cocktails

and fine wines.Tel: +66 (0) 7629 6631 4

Location: Kata, Patong

Kan Eang @ pierSeafood & Thai Cuisine

The amazing waterfront location with a stunning view of

Chalong bay... day or night. Outstanding for locals and visitors for an idyllic setting outdoor and indoor eating

areas. Served a unique style of seafood barbeque.

Tel. 076 381 212, 08 3173 1187

Location: Chalong Bay

SALA RestaurantInternational cuisine & Thai food

SALA Phuket restaurant offers an exceptional blend of

mouth-watering international cuisine and scrumptious traditional

Thai delicacies. Serve fresh seafood, exceptional international

cuisine and Thai favourites.Tel. +66 (0) 7633 8888 Email: fb@salaphuket.com

Location: Maikhao

OasisFusion Cuisine

Oasis sits alongside Mom Tri’s Boathouse and offers delicious lunches with exceptional panoramic views of kata Beach in a shaded and ventilated area.Their specialty salad with salmon steak and selection of tapas are to die for. I recommend the scallops with spinach and mushroom salad. Service is perfect.

Location: Kata Beach

PUM Restaurant & Cooking SchoolThai Cuisine

Offering a range of very simple,very tasty Thai food this modernrestaurant also runs cooking classesfor all of those budding chefs outthere. restaurant and school are bothopen daily from 11am till 10pm.Patong - 076 346 269Phi Phi - 081 521 8904

Location: Patong

Norbu SteakhouseSteak & Thai Cuisine

Beside the rawai Temple it offers a theatrical setting. A real must for beef lovers offering great steaks with pepper or béarnaise sauce

served with fries or potatoes, they also offer excellent smoked salmon

and exquisite Thai food.Free pickup service in rawai

Tel. 081 367 5416 or 081 367 5416

Location: Rawai

Lobster & PrawnsSeafood & Thai Cuisine

Their slogan is “No view but taste” and it is true. A warm welcome and excellent service combined with reasonable prices (for two person) from 500-800 ThB for set menus including lobster. At lunch I enjoyed red snapper and the quality imported meat cater for those who are not too keen on the fruits of the sea.

Location: Kata

VsetFrench & Fusion Cuisine

Vset is brand new restaurant. The menu combnes a unique list of tantalising dishes with fantastic desserts. located next to the kanEng@pier, Chalong Bay, PhuketTel. +66 (0) 8 7622 9703E-mail: slaes@visetrestaurant.com

Location: Chalong Bay

RESTAURANT

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KATA

Dino ParkAround the corner, a collection of

small souvenir shops and cafes line the narrow street leading to karon Beachroad. It’s also the location for one of kata’s famous attractions - dinopark. A Minigolf with a differ-ence, the course features a man-made exploding mini- volcano which erupts on cue every hour.

Nightlife ViewpointsLooking out over kata Noi on

kata hill are two extremely popular adjacent venues, Small Viewpoint, and After Beach. These restaurant-bars are all about reggae music and have developed from quirky beginnings to

of westerners, and is also located on Yaowarat road, not far from the old town area. There’s an upstairs seat-ing area if the tiny dance floor is too claustrophobic for you. Location: Near the Merlin hotel junction on Yaowarat road.

SURIN

Stereo LabThe Stereo Lab Beach Club and

Lounge is a relatively recent addition to Surin Beach’s nightlife. It usually gets busier later in the evening but many go there early for a drink and to catch the sunset. The venue offers a full bar, a wine cellar and a tapas menu. Like Catch Club, they stage regular parties so call to check for the schedule. Open: daily from 11:00 to 02:00 Location: At the southern end of Surin Beach. Tel: 089 218 0162.

BANG TAO

Siam Supper ClubThis gorgeous long bar and

wellappointed restaurant serves ‘West Coast Cuisine’; meats, fish and pizzas. It is one of the most popular hang outs of local residents as well as regular guests to the island. Enjoy their jazz and lounge music and check out their long drinks list. Booking

in advance is suggested. Open: 18:00 – 10:30 (last orders) Bar closes at 01:00. Location: Tinlay Place. Tel: 076 270 936

THE NIGHT

cRAwLER

successful sunset-viewing party locations. To get

there, head up the steep hill in south kata

(you’ll need transport) and carry on for a kilometer.

PATONG

Seduction Disco-theque

Located at the northern end of Soi Bangla, to find it you just

have to look for the red carpet that leads to the door! Big name

dJ’s from Bangkok and around the world play here on occasion.

Located on Bangla road.

Tiger Disco and BarsA superb sound system blended

with hi-tech lighting and laser systems makes Tiger disco uniquely exciting. Located on Bangla road. Phone: 076 345 112

Hard Rock Caféhard rock Café, the worldwide

phenomenon, has arrived in Phuket at the Marriot Courtyard hotel on the rajuthit 200 Pee road. As is com-monplace at the hard rock good food combined with good drinks makes for good times, just don’t forget to buy the t-shirt!

Located at the Marriot Courtyard hotel on the rajuthit 200 Pee road.

PHUKET TOWN

Kor Tor Morkor Tor Mor is a popular pub/club

that caters to trendy Thais. The house band plays Thai pop and rock nightly plus dJ’s fire up the dance floor between the acts and later on. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to get away from the mad Patong scene and mingle with locals.

Location: Near the Seahorse Circle, Chana-Charoen road.

Timber HutTimber hut, a mainstay on the

Thai pub scene, attracts its fair share

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OTHER NIGHTLIFE ACTIVITIES

Phuket Town, to some, is downright sleepy and provin-cial and admittedly, compared to Patong it is a little quiet but still there are several options for things to do after dusk.

Thai Boxingunfortunately the Phuket Boxing Stadium at Sapan hin

Park in Phuket Town was closed down a few years back. The closest venue to Phuket Town to view live matches by real professional boxers is just outside town at the Suwit gym (Muay Thai camp). They have flights every Friday night. Tickets are not cheap.

Open: Every Friday night at 20:00Location: Opposite the turning to Phuket Zoo into Soi

Palai on Chaofa East road.The gym is located behind a small convenience shop.

There is a large poster with the gym’s name on it by the store. Tel: +66 (0) 76 381 167

BREEZE PHUKET...OPENING PARTYat Patong Beach

Update Your Event

Uniquely Phuket

Mercure PATONG PHUKET

All the elements of a perfect island holiday in the heart of Patong...

A fantastic location - just 5 minutes walking from world-famous Patong beach, shopping bazaars and Phuket’s bustling nightlife.

249 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, celestial spa treatments, offbeat dining experience, astronomical-themed leisure activities and hi-tech meeting facilities. A must-stay for individuals, couples, families and business travelers on vacation in Phuket.

Mercure PATONG PHUKET239/14 Raj-U-Thid 200 Pee oad, Patong, Phuket 83150 ThailandTel.: +66 (0) 7630 2100 E-mail: reservation@mercurephuket.com

Or contact our International Sales offices in Hong Kong (852) 2868-1171 or Singapore (65) 6737 9388

www.mercure-asia.com � www.mercurepatongphuket.com

Mercure, the hospitality know-how that makes every stay unique. 700 hotels in 51countries.

36 aiRPoRT Bus TimeTaBLe

From Town to Phuket airportPhuket Terminal Phantep Condo Sarakul Sadium Central / Big C Erawadee Bypass Boat Lagoon Heroines Monument Talang Hall Indigo Pearl Airport

05.30* 05.40 05.45 05.50 05.55 06.00 06.05 06.15 06.25 06.30

*The 05:30 route is not available during weekends and Thai National Public Holidays

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17.30 17.40 17.45 17.50 17.55 18.00 18.05 18.15 18.25 18.30

18.30 18.40 18.45 18.50 18.55 19.00 19.05 19.15 19.25 19.30

From Phuket airport to TownAirport Indigo Pearl Talang Hall Heroines Monument Boat Lagoon Erawadee Bypass Central / Big C Sarakul Sadium Phantep Condo Phuket Terminal

06.30* 06.35 06.45 06.55 07.00 07.05 07.10 07.10 07.20 07.30

*The 06:30 route is not available during weekends and Thai National Public Holidays

08.45 08.50 09.00 09.10 09.15 09.20 09.25 09.30 09.35 09.45

10.15 10.20 10.30 10.40 10.45 10.50 10.55 11.00 11.05 11.15

11.45 11.50 12.00 12.10 12.15 12.20 12.25 12.30 12.35 12.45

12.45 12.50 13.00 13.10 13.15 13.20 13.25 13.30 13.35 13.45

13.45 13.50 14.00 14.10 14.15 14.20 14.25 14.30 14.35 14.45

15.00 15.05 15.15 15.25 15.30 15.35 15.40 15.45 15.50 16.00

16.00 16.05 16.15 16.25 16.30 16.35 16.40 16.45 16.50 17.00

17.00 17.05 17.15 17.25 17.30 17.35 17.40 17.45 17.50 18.00

18.15 18.20 18.30 18.40 18.45 18.50 18.55 19.00 19.05 19.15

19.30 19.35 19.45 19.55 20.00 20.05 20.10 20.15 20.20 20.30

20.45 20.50 21.00 21.10 21.15 21.20 21.25 21.30 21.35 21.45

37

LOW SEASON - FINAL PHASE SPECIAL OFFERS

As we move into low season and with the final phase under construction we are offering immediate buyers varied incentives on a

select number of pool villas and pool town homes.

There is no better time than now to make your lifestyle investment and take advantage of certain special offers.

On specific units offers include:• FREE furniture package valued at THB 1,000,000 or• Guaranteed rental income of 5% for first 2 years, or

• Generous cash discount

The Residence by Richmond Group is a pool villa and pool town home resort located near Bangtao Beach on the famed west coast of Phuket.

This exclusive gated community features Spa, Gym, Café/Bar, Beach Shuttles, 24/7 Security.

Learn more about The Residence: www.richmondth.com

TRY BEFORE BUY : THE RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE

The Residence Experience programme, price at just $200, offers prospective buyers the opportunity to see, touch feel and

experience the property, facilities and location before buying.

The offer includes:• 2 nights stay in a luxury pool villa

• Spa treatments• Airport transfers• Welcome drink

• Breakfast at The Café

Please contact crm@richmondth.com for further informations.

THE RESIDENCE PHUKET

For more information about this exclusive promotion or to make a reservation, please contact E-mail: sales@richmondth.com Phone: +66 (0) 76 326 177 Mobile:+66 (0) 8 7888 4577

Web: www.richmondth.com

PHUKET THAILAND

Thai conversation – Eating out

Sawasdee krup!Hello Churn nang krup! Please take a seatKrob khun kaThank you Ao nam arai krup? What would you like to drink?Kor nam plow kaI would like water please Dai krup! OkKin arai dee krup?What would you like to eat? Kor Gaeng Kheo Wan Gai ka I would like Green curry with chicken.Ao pet mai krup?Would you like it spicey? Pet nid-noi ka A little bit spicyAo khao duay mai?Would you like rice also? Ao khao plow I would like Steamed rice.Tan khao hai aroi na krup!Please enjoy your meal. Krob khun ka! Thank youAroi mai krup?How was the food? Aroi ka. Aroi mahk mahk ka. Tasty, very very tasty.Lap kong wan mai krup?Would you like some dessert? Mai ao ka,chan im lairo ka. No thank you, I am full already.Gep tangBill please.

Learn To Speak Thai

Kor Gaeng Kheo Wan Gai ka

Ao khao duay mai?

38

BaNgKoK To PhuKeT

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg271 0805 0930 Daily

Pg924 1150 1315 Daily

Pg273 1355 1520 Daily

Pg277 1730 1855 Daily

Pg279* 2015 2140 Daily

SaMui To PhuKeT

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg251 0805 0905 Daily

Pg255 1505 1605 Daily

Pg257 1805 1905 Daily

PhuKeT To SaMui

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg252 0935 1030 Daily

Pg256 1635 1730 Daily

Pg258 1940 2035 Daily

PhuKeT To PaTTaya

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg252 0935 1230 Daily

Pg282 1510 1645 1.3.5.7

PaTTaya To PhuKeT

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg281 1300 1440 1.3.5.7 PhuKeT To BaNgKoK

Flight Dep. arr. Days

Pg272 1020 1145 Daily

Pg276 1400 1525 Daily

Pg274 1610 1735 Daily

Pg278 1945 2110 Daily

Pg280* 2230 2355 Daily

call center

1771

Phuket Town: 076 225 033-5Phuket airport: 076 205 401-2Suvarnabhumi international airport: 02 134 3888-89 (ticket)Check-in Domestic: 02 132 0342-54Check-in international: 02 132 0331-39

* indicates the flight has Blue ribbon Class (Business Class) available.

iMPoRTaNT TelePhoNe NuMBeRSiNTeRNaTioNal CallS Dial: +66 - 76, iNSiDe ThailaND CallS Dial 076- FoR PhuKeT

Muang District Police Station 212 021 or 212 115 Phuket airport 327 230-37

Tourist Police 219 878 or 1155 Tourism authorities (TaT) 211 036, 212213

highway Police 411 350 Southwestern Meteorological Center 327 191

Chalong Police Station 381 247 or 381 974 Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Conservation 260 492

Cherng Talay Police Station 270 043 or 324 086 Songserm Travel Center 222 570-4

Kamala Police Station 342 719/21 Bangkok Phuket hospital 254 421-30

Kathu Police Station 342 719/21 Mission hospital 237 220-9

Phuket Provincial Police headquarter 212 046 or 212 194 Pat Sompot hospital 214 428

Thalang Police Station 311 123 Patong-Kathu hospital 340 444

Marine Police Division 5 211 883 or 214 368 Phuket adventist hospital 212 386

Phuket Provincial immigration office 212 108 or 221 905 Phuket international hospital 249 400

Phuket Customs office, Region 5 211 377 or 221 105 Phuket Ruampat hospital 212 950

Phuket harbour Master Region 5 391 174 Phya Thai Phuket hospital 252 603-42

Phuket Deep Sea Port 391 155 Siriroj hospital 212 853

Phuket Post and Telegraph office 211 020 or 216 951 Vachira Phuket hospital 211 114

loST CReDiT CaRDS

Visa 02 299 1990-29

american express 02 273 0022-44

Master Card 02 299 1990-2

Diners Club 02 238 3000

JCB 001 800 000 900 09

TelePhoNe NuMBeRS oF The CoNSulaR RePReSeNTaTiVeS FuNCTioNiNg iN PhuKeT

austria 076 248 334-6 ext. 36 Sweden 076 327 006

italy 076 381 792 France 076 288 828

Finland 076 215 585, 211 322 uSa 076 342 270

germany 076 354 119

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