October 26, 2006

The Ten Must Do List in Phuket

It seems every one has a ‘top ten’ list and so do we. Doing even half of the things on the list will virtually assure you have an enjoyable experience during your visit to Phuket. Complete the list and you may never go home, or if you do, it may only be to plan your next visit.

1.Take a drive along the south coast of the island between Kata Beach and Promthep Point. This is truly one of the most beautiful and scenic drives anywhere in the world. The drive takes less than an hour, so stop at each rest area and delight in the stunning views.

2.Take a visit to nearby Phang-Nga Bay (by Sea Canoe or or small boat if possible). You will be missing one of the true natural wonders of the world if you miss this opportunity to appreciate the striking rock and limestone formations and spectacular scenery of this amazing bay.

3.Experience the majestic rainforest by walking a few of the trails at one of the national parks. The easiest to reach, and one of the most interesting, is Khao Phra Thaeo National Park located on the north end of Phuket Island.

4.Drive the north coast and enjoy the sensation of having a tropical beach all to yourself.

5.Watch the sunset from Cape Promthep, then dine on seafood at Kang Eng Restaurant in Chalong Bay.

6.Visit the Night Market in Phuket Town, enjoy the enormous selection of Thai food, fruit and desserts -- all at incredibly low prices.

7.Khao Rang Hill in Phuket Town affords a beautiful view of Phuket Town and is a great place to enjoy a lunch or dinner.

8.Have your fortune told while you visit the famous Wat Chalong.

9.Have a traditional Thai massage. Those staying in the Patong Beach area can easily reach the Hide-away Spa and enjoy this relaxing traditional Thai herbal spa and massage.

10.Get off the beach in front of your hotel and go somewhere.

Credit:www.phuket-guide.net

October 25, 2006

Phuket – the gateway to the Indian Ocean

By: Andrea
To be the only yacht in sight from horizon to horizon, anchored off a pristine, deserted, tropical island beach, may seem like a distant dream to most sailors – but sailing in Phuket it is everyday reality.

Unique, too, among cruising destinations is Phuket's climate. There is no winter; there are no hurricanes and no typhoons. Temperatures range between 25° and 32°C throughout the year, and the sea rarely varies from 28°C.

Located in the Andaman Sea (off Thailand’s southwest coast) Phuket is best known amongst regional sailors for the most advanced sailing infrastructure in Thailand. As a cruising base, Phuket is unbeatable. The mystical waters, islands and limestone karsts of Phang-nga Bay are just a few hours’ sail east from the major anchorages; the stunning Similan Islands are a day’s motor-sail to the west, while Myanmar’s practically unexplored Mergui Archipelago is easily accessible to the north.

To the south is the almost uninhabited Butang Group – part of the 51-island Hat Chao Mai National Park – teeming with an abundance of fascinating and unusual wildlife. A short sail east brings you to the mysterious unspoiled island of Tarutao, just 6 km (4 miles) from the Malaysian island of Langkawi, and just one day out of Phuket. A former penal colony, Tarutao abounds with interesting caves and hidden creeks leading into the mountainous interior; a primeval world where time stands still.

Phang-nga Bay itself, bounded by Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi provinces – boasting over 100 islands and sheer-sided mountains rising vertically out of the sea – has produced some of Thailand’s most spectacular tourist images. As a result, it is a popular destination with day tours and kayakers exploring the bay’s islands and sea caves. Yet, despite its international renown, the bay is practically deserted by mid-afternoon.

For enthusiasts who prefer as much luxury and convenience as possible combined with their sailing, Phuket is already home to three international-standard marinas, The Yacht Haven Marina, Boat Lagoon Marina and the recently-opened Royal Phuket Marina, which was voted “The Best of the Best Marinas” by British Airways’ First Class in-flight magazine, First Life. Many more marinas are planned.

Yet, for those who prefer to sail away from civilisation, just a couple of hours sail from Phuket – will seem like a world away.
Boasting only one regatta until a few years ago, there is now a multitude of choice, in terms of time, style and location, for those who prefer to mix a touch of action with their sailing holiday in Thailand.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, now in its nineteenth year, attracts around 100 yachts and is held in early December. Phang-Nga Bay Regatta, bringing together up to 40 competitors for a more relaxed week, takes place at Chinese New Year, against what must be the most dramatic scenic background of any regatta in the world. Phuket Race Week in its second year also plays an important part in the regatta calendar, being staged in the windy month of July during the southwest monsoon.

Whilst the competitive fun of racing in tropical waters is why people take part in Phuket's regattas, they all leave with fond memories of the beachside regatta parties. These relaxed, informal parties have become a keynote feature of yachting events in the kingdom.
Whether racing in a tropical regatta or simply cruising among Phuket's pristine islands, the warm Thai welcome, superb cuisine and the cultural charm – that together make Phuket one of the world’s favourite cruising destinations – make for an unforgettable experience not to be missed

Get ready to experience this wonderful area yourself with a
sailing charter in Thailand
Article Tags:Phuket Thailand Yactht Charter Catamarans Catamaran Sailing Yachting Asia

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Andrea Schramm is a successful Internet publisher and founder of http://www.bareboat-catamarans.com . You will find everything you wanted to know about sailing and yacht chartering in Thailand.

October 22, 2006

Phuket Hotels: Where to Stay?

Author: Monice Dulcinea

Article:Phuket is Thailand's biggest island. The water itself may not be
as breathtaking as Phi Phi or Similan island, but it's still
beautiful. My suggestion is you stay at Phuket and then take a
boat to Phi Phi, Similan or other smaller nearby islands for a
snorkeling or diving trip.

Phuket becomes lively during the night -- with all the pubs,
bars and restaurants opening until midnight or later. You can
choose to stay at your Phuket hotel and have romantic dinner
there. Or you can choose to take a stroll at Phuket's popular
Patong beach for some night scene. Phuket has dozens of beaches.
Each has tens, if not hundreds, of hotels. If you don't like a
crowded beach with hundreds of restaurants and bars, stay away
from Patong beach.

Looking to find a nice Phuket Thailand hotel that's just perfect
for your budget? No problem. I'll recommend some nice hotels for
you. Well, if you don't mind a very huge lagoon next to the
beach and a very big resort hotel, then stay at the Laguna
Phuket. Actually at the Laguna Phuket, there are five hotels
(yes, it's that BIG -- Allamanda Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree
Phuket, Dusit Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Phuket, and Sheraton
Grande Laguna Phuket). They're all beautiful and luxurious. So,
expect to spend from $100 to over $300 a night, depending on the
resort you choose.

And there's this secluded private hotel that I really --really--
love... The Chedi Phuket. For me, the price is just right too.
It's a little over $100. But you'd be glad to pay a lot more
than that for a hotel room this cozy. And let me tell you, the
private beach right in front of the Chedi is a lot more
beautiful than other beaches in Phuket too.

Most foreigners (especially Westerners) I know like to stay at
Mom Tri's Boat House. I don't know why. I haven't stayed there,
so I can't tell you. But I just know for a fact they 'really'
like to stay there. The price is around $70. This Phuket resort
hotel is designed by a well-known architect of Thailand. So 70
bucks a night is a steal.

Now if you're willing to stay off Phuket island, then I suggest
you stay at the Racha on Racha island. It's only 20 minutes away
from Phuket. It's a private and totally gorgeous resort island.
The beach is white, sandy and just beautiful. The resort itself
is beyond explanation. Plus, the price is just a few bucks over
$100.

About the author:
Feel free to publish this article as long as you keep all links
live and clickable.

Click here for information about
cheap hotels, discount hotels and hotel reservation

Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

Author: Robert Thatcher

Article: With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand
could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit.
Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the
things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok - Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without
visiting Bangkok. As the nation's capital with an estimated
population of over 10 million (including the neighboring
provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The
city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and
those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more
useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the
city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi
in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin
in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a
diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and
fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend
together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist
temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary
restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and
food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket - Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches,
tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking
sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination
in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It
has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach,
Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several
water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing,
and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and
shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate
the whole island.

Chiang Mai - The second largest city in Thailand with an
estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in
the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter
city. Chiang Mai's tourism is becoming more and more popular and
permanently settling at this city is very common. When you
travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to
see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and
history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples
such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat
Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat
Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century.
Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower
Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts
Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and
the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya - Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of
the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great
beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport
activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must.
Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in
terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In
fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are
very affordable.

Krabi - In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the
same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is
worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi
island, the town features great beaches along with high end
hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of
different classes.

About the author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino,
California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines
and provides thailand travel resources on
www.your-thailand-tra
vel.info
.

October 19, 2006

:: Getting To Know Phuket

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- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.



Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). Visitors are not recommended to travel to Phuket between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, 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's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area 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 except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

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.

:: How To Go To Phuket

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.

Destination Air porvides first class seaplane transfers to and from Phuket Internation Airport to resorts and hotels located in the Andaman sea. Popular destinations are such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Lanta. Services commence in July 2006. Contact Bangkok Office of Destination Air at Tel: 0 2261 5323, Fax: 0 2261 5331 or visit www.destinationair.com

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.

Getting around Phuket
Car Rental Service
Avis Car Rent Airport Tel: 0-7635-1243, Kata Beach Resort Tel : 0-7638-1530-3
- Boomerang Travel & Tour 71/13 Patak Road, Chalong Bay Tel: 0-7638-1690
- Dusit Laguna Hotel Bang Thao Beach Tel: 0-7632-4322-9
- Hertz Car Rent Thawon Palm Beach Hotel, Karon Beach Tel: 0- 7638-1034-7
- Holiday Inn Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0608
- K.M. Travel Phangnga Road Tel: 0-7621-0893
- Le Meridian Karon Noi Beach Tel: 0-7634-0480-5
- The Metropol Hotel Montri Road Tel: 0-7621-5050
- Pansea Surin Beach Tel: 0-7632-4017-20
- Patong Merlin Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0037-41
- Pearl Village Nai Yang Beach Tel: 0-7632-7006
- Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Tel: 0-7638-1038-40
- Phuket Airport Tel: 0-7632-7258
- Phuket Cabana Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0138-4
- Phuket Car Center Takua Pa Road Tel: 0-7621-2671-3
- Phuket Island Tel: 0-7638-1010
- Phuket Yacht Charter 5/3 Chao Fa Road Tel: 0-7621-6556
- Phuket Horizon Car Rent 235/4 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang

District Tel: 0-7621-5200
- Pure Car Rent Opposite Thavorn Hotel, Ratsada Road, Tel: 0- 7621-1002
- Via Rent A Car 70/85 Rat U-Thit, Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0160

Motorcycle taxis
It costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 baht 300 baht / day, depending on the number of cylinders.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk
Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.

Taxi Meter
Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.

:: Map of Phuket

Google Earth
Phuket Placemark by KPCR

Note: You have to install
google earth program to see this map.

Phuket City Map

































Phuket Tourist Map


































Credit:
- Tourism Authority of Thailand