guidebook phuket, thailand

8/9/2019 GuideBook Phuket, Thailand

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Welcome to Phuket

Population 300,000

Currency Exchange 1 US$ =32.5 Baht (On 1 Jun'08)

Population 300,000

Currency Exchange 1 US$ =32.5 Baht (On 1 Jun'08)

Emergency CallsPolice & Emergency : 191Tourist Police station : 076 355 015Marine Police : 076 211 883, 076 214 368Tourist Police : 1155Phuket Hotline : 1699International Airport : 076 327 230-237Tourism Authority of Thailand : 076 212 213, 076 211 036Lost or stolen credit cards : American Express : 02 273 0022-44

Master Card : 02 299 1990-2Visa : 02 299 1990-2

Internet Resourceshttp://www.phuket.comhttp://www.phuket.go.th

http://www.phuket-info.com

Travel Agents● Oriental Escape Ltd.

Tel : 02 883 1219 , 089 206 2300 (Hotline 24 hours)http://www.orientalescape.com

● John Gray's Sea Canoe Tel : 076 254 505http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com

● Sea Canoe (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Tel : 076 212 172, 076 236 606http://www.seacanoe.net

Festivals Day Tripping Eating Nightlife Sleeping Getting Around

Thailand's only island province, 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 differentneeds 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.

For a bird-eye view of Phuket, climb up the beautiful Khao Rang (Phuket Hill), northwest of the town centre. It's at itsbest during the week. Feel a long way from the prefabricated hubbub of Patong. If you fancy a glimpse of the Phuketbehind the tourist traps, go-go bars and beaches, this isn't a bad place to start. Phuket's main day market (Ranong Rd.) is worth a wander and is the sport to invest in the requisite Thai and Malay sarongs, as well as baggy Shanfishermen's pants. A handful of Chinese temples inject some added colour into the area. Most are standard issue, but the Shrine of the Serene Light (Saan Jao Sang Tham), tucked away at the end of a 50m alley near the Bangkok Bankof Commerce on Phang-Nga Rd., is a cut above the rest. Here, you will find plumes of incense smoke, dazzling decorand peaceful ambience. The shrine, which has been restored, is said to be nearly 200 years old and the sense of history is tangible.

Much more popular are trips to islands lying to the south and east of Phuket about 2 hours away by motor boat,including Koh Racha, Shark Point and Koh Dok Mai, Koh Phi Phi where you can see white-tip sharks, stingrays andmoray eels besides colorful reef fishes.


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Festivals

The Vegetarian Festival is Phuket's most important event and usually takes place during late September or October. If you plan

to attend the street processions, consider bringing earplugs to make the noise of the firecrackers more tolerable.

Event website : http://www.phuketvegetarian.com

King's Cup Regatta Every year the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the

auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in association with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the

Province of Phuket. The King's Cup Regatta draws many sailors from all over the world.

Event website : http://www.kingscup.com

Patong Carnival at the beginning of November promises a bonanza of the best Thailand can offer in good natured and noisy

entertainment. This includes folk bands, jazz bands, famous local singers, fashion shows, sports competitions, beauty pageants,

handicrafts, artists, painters, and almost everything else that is either fun, entertaining, colourful, or just wonderfully eccentric.

Day Tripping

Phuket AquariumPlace : Panwa Cape 51 Moo 8 Sakdidet Rd. A. Mueang

Tel : 076 391 128

Price : Adults: 100 THB., Children: 50 THB.

Open daily : 08:30 - 16:00

Phuket ZooPlace : Palai 23/2 Moo 3 Soi Palai Chao Fa East Rd. T. Chalong A. Mueang

Tel : 076 381 227

Open daily : 8:30 - 18:00

http://www.phuketzoo.com

Elephant Trekking

Price : Elephant Trekking in Phuket - Starting from 1,200 THB. per personPrice : Trekking and Rafting Adventure from Phuket - Starting

from 3,300 THB. per person

Price : Half Day Safari around Phuket - Starting from 2,000 THB. per person

Antique BuildingsThe beginning of the tin boom during the 19th century led to

construction of many fine old mansions and shops still in the

region. These buildings are described as Sino-Portuguese, and

have a strong Mediterranean character. 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.

Place : Phuket Town Talang Rd.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum

Phuket Sea Shell MuseumPerhaps the world's most valuable collection of seashells has

been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the

island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells fromPhuket and Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after

by collectors. However, they also carry shells from other part of

the world. Wherever their origins may be, each shell in the Shell

is the best of its type, and very often the only of its type. The

displays has been put in a logical order, and visitors can see at

once differing characteristics among related species.

Place : 12/2 Moo 2 Viset Rd. T. Rawai A. Mueang

Tel : 076 381 266, 076 381 274

Price : 200 THB. per adult., 100 THB. per child.

Opening times : 08:00 - 19:00, except on national holidays.

Bang Pae Water fallBest known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project toreturn domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small

waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To

getthere go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road

running east the Pa Khlok Road, 7 km to Bang Pae look for the

posted signs.

The Vegetarian Festival



Thalang National MuseumAncient artifacts from Phuket's long history are on display. The

oldest were found on the West Coast. In addition there are

exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two

Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gypsy culture.

Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa

Kolok Rd.

Place : Moo 3 T. Srisoonthorn A. Thalang

Tel : 076 311 426

Price : 30 THB. for adults, children get in free of charge.

Opening times : 9.00 - 16.00 daily, except on national holidays.

Phuket Fantasy not only showcases the charm and beauty

of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the

wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects.

Place : 99 Moo 3 T. Kamala A. Kathu

Place : Show and Dinner - Starting from USD $65.12 per person

Show Only - Starting from USD $49.79 per person

Tel : 076 385 000

Opening times : Gate Opens: 20:30 , Show Starts: 21:00

http://www.phuket-fantasea.com

Phuket Simon Cabaret A show to rival Las Vegas, you

will be amazed by the fantastic sets and costumes in this one of

a kind show in Phuket. Phuket Simon Cabaret has established

itself as Phuket leading entertainment venue.

Place : 8 Sirirat Rd. Patong A. Kathu

Price : Starting from USD $22.98 per person

Tel : 076 342 011-5

Show times : 19:30 & 21:30 daily

http://www.phuket-simoncabaret.com

Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife &Forest ReserveThis mountain range, in the northern interior for island, protects

23 sq km of rainforest (evergreen monsoon forest). These are

nice jungle hikes in this reserve and a couple of waterfalls, Ton

Sai and Bang Pae. The falls are best seen in the rainy season

between June and November; in the dry months they slow to a

trickle. Because of its royal status, the reserve is better

protected than the average Thai national park.

Island Tour & Dive SitePhang Nga National Park is a wealth of beauty and

wonder with a variety of dramatic limestone island. It is, no

doubt, one of the most spectacular sights in Thailand. One of

the most popular programs is sea canoeing with an opportunity

to explore the hidden and untouched tropical underwater caves

around Phang Nga Bay and see the well-preserved mangrove

jungle scenery. Some interesting islands in the bay include: Koh

Tapu or James Bond Island, Khao Phingkan and Koh Panyi. You

will also visit Koh Khai, the islands are known for their beautiful

rocks, corals, and secluded beaches.

Price : By Speed Boat - Starting from 3,200 THB. per person (Join Tour)

By Long Tail Boat - Starting from 1,000 THB. per person (Join Tour)

Phi Phi Island is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. Visitors to

Phuket should not miss it if the schedule is not too tight. Phi

Phi's sheer cliffs stained with earth colours soar from calm, clear

seas provide an unforgettable snorkeling or diving experience.

Don't forget to visit Phi Phi Ley, enjoy swimming & snorkeling in

Maya Bay, and stop by the Viking Cave, where big family of the

swallow birds and nests are there for your sightseeing pleasure.Some interesting islands in the bay include: Monkey Beach and

Khai Nui Island.


By Big Boat - Starting from 1,200 THB. per person (Join Tour)

Similan Island National Park has been rated first by

the U. S. publication "Skin Diving" of the top ten dive sites in the

world. The Similan Islands in the heart of the Andaman Sea are

indeed unparallel in their exotic beauty. Similan is really the

Malaysian word for nine, as there are nine islands in the Similan

group: Koh Bangu, Koh Similan, Hin Huwagralok, Koh Payu, Koh Ha,

Koh Hok, Koh Miang, Koh Payan, Koh Payang, and Koh Huyong.


Raya Yai Island Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters

of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill

to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island

can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for

diving. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the favorite activities.


Ton Sai Waterfall, Khao Phra Thaew

Thalang National Museum

Tigers, Malayan sun

bears, rhinos and

elephants once

roamed the forest

here, but nowadays

resident mammals are

limited to humans,

gibbons, monkeys,

slow loris, civets, flying

foxes, squirrels,

mouse-deer and other

smaller animals.

Watch out for cobras

and wild pigs.

Koh Tapu



Beach & Island

PatongThe most popular beach, beautifully curved and sparks with

frenetic electricity. The steamy streets seethe with souvenir

shops, girlie bars, pricey seafood restaurants, and dive shops.

Travelers pay homage to the neon gods, dancing the night away to booming sound systems in sweaty, pulsating clubs, or sipping

Singha under the stars at sandy beachside bars. Demurely

dressed diners dine on giant prawns and Italian wines at

decadent, romantic restaurants where the view are as

worthwhile as the food.

While Patong was once Phuket's most expensive beach, prices

are stabilizing as the local accommodation market becomes

saturated with new places to stay.

Bangla Rd. is Patong's beer-and-bar girl. Bargain seafood and

noodle stall pop up across town at around Bangla Rd.

Karon You'll find most of the restaurants in the village of Karon which

now also features a string of mainly top-end resorts. Luckily,

most are tasteful and set far enough back from the sand to

blend into the background hills. During the monsoon season, the

surf is too rough for swimming here, so you'll have to head to

Kata for that as well.

Hey Island or Coral IslandOne of the most well-known destinations from the southern end

of Phuket Island, 30 minutes away form Chalong Pier, is

encircled by the outstanding reefs and crystal clear water which

is perfect for water activities such as Para-sailing, snorkeling,

water-skiing, sailing and scuba diving. Hey Island is part of a

marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurant, various

water sports, and diving are all available.

Price : Coral Island + Scuba diving (no license required) 2,500 THB.

per person (Join Tour)

Sea Canoe

Sea canoe trips are available as one-day tours. Sea canoeing is

one of the best ways to explore what is one of the world's most

beautiful and dramatic landscapes. Phang Nga Bay is famous for

its fascinating and beautiful limestone karst islands and caves.

Price : Canoe Cave Explorer Tour at Phang Nga Bay - Star ting from

3,800 THB. per person

Travel Agents

http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com

http://www.seacavecanoe.com

http://www.seacanoe.net

http://www.paddleasia.com

KataKata is our pick for Phuket's best beach. Don't confuse

unpretentious with not being prestigious. Kata has a burgeoning

surf culture (the surfing is best from April to November). The

ocean is littered with surf virgins and pros trying to hang ten.Taxis from Kata go to Phuket Town (300 THB.)

Patong (250 THB.) and Karon (150 THB.)

KamalaThe photogenic bay. Kamala has lost ground in terms of tourist

arrivals to nearby Patong and Hat Surin. As a result, Kamala is a

pretty good deal. Resorts are new and the beaches are quieter

than almost anywhere else on Phuket - make the most of it now,

before it gets rediscovered.

Laem Singh, just north of Kamala, is one of the best capes on

the island. You could camp here and eat at the rustic roadside

seafood places.

RawaiRawai was one of Phuket's first tourist developments, but this

was due more to its proximity to Phuket Town than its beauty. As

better beaches were discovered, tourist travel to Rawai dwindled

and today it's a quiet spot.

Shopping

Jungceylon The International Shopping & Leisure Destinationat

Patong, Phuket. On the corner of Bangla Road and Rad-u-tit 200

Years Rd. A centre for shopping, drinking, dining, entertainment

and leisure.

Place : 181 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd.

Tambol Patong Amphur Kathu

Tel : 076 600 111

http://www.jungceylon.com

Ocean Plaza Bangla Patong

An even smaller department

store on Bangla Road.

Place : 31 Bangla Rd. Patong

Beach A. Kathu

Tel : 076 341 163

http://www.phuketoceangroup.com

Day Market This market can trace its history back to the days

when pirates, Indians, Chinese, Malays and Europeans traded in

Phuket. You might still find some Southeast Asian fabrics, though

for the most part it sells food now.

Place : Ranong Rd. Near the town centre

Viewpoint of Phi Phi Beach

Patong at Night



Photos by Dazzle Magazine

GuideBook 5

Eating360 Bar & Dining

Place : Layan / Bangtao 31/1 Moo 6 Koktanod-Layan Rd.

Cherngtalay Talang

Tel : 076 317 600

Open Daily 11:30-15:00, 17:30-01:00, Sun 17:30-01:00

http://www.phuketpavilions.com

Cherngtalay Talang

Tel : 076 317 600

Open Daily 11:30-15:00, 17:30-01:00, Sun 17:30-01:00

http://www.phuketpavilions.com

Baan Rim Pa Famous for its Thai food and fresh seafood.

Place : Karim 223-223/1 Prabaramee Rd. Patong Beach

Tel : 076 340 789, 076 341 768

Open Daily 11:00 - 24:00

http://www.baanrimpa.com

Babylon Beach Club Most popular restaurant on Bang Tao beach.

Place : Layan / Bangtao

Tel : 081 970 5302

Open Daily 10:00 - 23:00

http://www.babylonbeachclub.com

SurinThis busy beach is big on variety. There line the shore and

dozens of cheap food shacks take shelter beneath them. Money

is pouring in, new places are opening all the time and the

murmur among expats is that this is the beach to watch.

Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang & Hat Mai KhaoNear the northwestern tip of Phuket, Hat Mai Khao is Phuket's

longest beach. Sea turtles lay their eggs here between November

and February each year. Please respect the turtles and do not touch them or their eggs. A visitor centre with toilets, showers and

picnic tables is found at Mai Khao. Here you'll also find some

short trails through the casuarinas to a steep beach. Take care

when swimming here, as there's a strong year-round undertow.

Except for weekends and holidays you'll have this place almost

entirely to yourself; even during peak periods, peace and solitude

are usually only a few steps away, as there's so much space here.

Hat Nai Yang is renowned for snorkeling and it is very popular with Thai tourists. About 1 km off Nai Yang is a large reef at a depth of

10m to 20m. Snorkeling and scuba equipment can be hired at many resorts so check for best prices and quality.

Koh YaoKoh Yao Yai & Kho Yao Noi are actually part of the Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park, but are more easily accessible from Phuket.

Both trips to neighbouring islands, bird-nest caves and Chao Naam funeral caves are possible. Koh bele, a small island east of the twin

Koh Yao, features a large tidal lagoon, three white-sand beaches, and easily accessible caves and coral reefs.

To go from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Yao Yai catch a shuttle boat from Manaw Rd. (20 THB., 15 mins). On the island, tuk-tuk provides transport

for about 50 THB.

Baan Yin Dee Relaxed and stylish atmosphere. Every meal will

be an unforgettable experience for your senses.

Place : Patong 7/5 Muen Ngen Rd. Patong Beach

Tel : 076 294 104, 076 294 105

Open Daily 07:00 - 24:00

http://www.baanyindee.com/restaurant.htm

Mom Tri's Kitchen

Place : Kata The Boathouse Phuket 2/2 Patak Rd. Kata

Tel : 076 330 015-7

Open Daily 06:30 - 24:00

http://www.boathouse.net/dining.htm

Ratri Jazztaurant Restaurant and Lounge with Jazz Music

Place : Kata Hill

Tel : 076 333 538-9 , 089 874 5286

Open Daily 11:00 - 01:00

http://www.ratrijazztaurant.com

Sala Bua The best restaurants in Thailand by Tatlers for 3

consecutive years.

Place : Patong Phuket Cabana Resort 41 Taweewong Rd.

Patong Beach

Tel : 076 340 138 ext. 822

Open Daily 11.00 - 23.00

Surin Beach

360 Bar & Dining Baan Yin Dee Mom Tri's KitchenBaan Rim Pa



Photos by Dazzle Magazine

GuideBook 6

NightlifeBanana Disco Longest running disco. Downstairs is a bar with

live music.

Place : 124 Thaweewong Rd. Patong

Tel : 076 340 306

Buffalo Bar & Bistro The Bar is located in the heart of thenightlife area of Patong.

Place : 23/6 Soi Sea Dragon Patong

Tel : 076 345 855, 081 083 6737

http://www.buffalobarpatong.com

Butterfly Bar & Tattoo Bistro Bar with pool table, tattoo &

piercing services

Place : 192/36 Aroona Karon Karon Road. Karon

Tel : 076 396 548

http://www.butterfly-it-service.com

Club Lime Trendy dinner and dance club along the beach road.

Place : Thaweewong Rd. Patong

Tel : 085 798 1850 , 085 798 8511http://www.clublime.info

Dragon Entertainment Popular bar with dancers,

pool tables and shows. Formerly Dragon Disco.

Place : Soi Easy Bangla Rd. Patong

Tel : 076 294 213

http://www.dragon-entertainment.com

Kiss Club Patong Hottest dance club

Place : 123/8-9 Paradise Complex Patong

Tel : 086 944 2423, 086 606 0061

http://www.kissclub-patong.com

Rock City International Rock City

Place : 188/1 Thaweewong Rd. Patong

http://www.rockcity.cc

Sleeping

● Budget

3rd Street Cafe - 100/3-4 Kata Night Bazaar, Kata Rd. Karon

Tel : 076 284 510

http://www.3rdstreetcafe.com (r 1,200 - 3,000 THB.)

Karon Place - 269/17 Patak Rd., Karon Beach

Tel : 076 396 863

http://www.karonplace.com (r 1,450 - 2,900 THB.)

Karon View Resort - 127/21-26 Patak Rd., Karon

Tel : 076 340 456 (r 1,500 - 2,500 THB.)

Patong Palmview Resort Hotel - 135/1 Nanai Rd. Patong

Tel : 076 344 837 (r 800 - 2,000 THB.)

Seven Seas - 3 Soi Phrabarami 4, Phrabarami Rd. Patong

Tel : 076 342 193

http://www.phuketsevenseas.com (r 700 - 2,000 THB.)

Butterfly Bar & Tattoo Buffalo Bar & Bistro Rock City Kiss Club

Seven Seas Karon Place 3rd Street Cafe



● Midrange & Top End

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa - 7/1 Ket Khwan Rd. Karon

Tel : 076 370 999

http://www.phuketnalina.com (r 7,500 - 32,000 THB.)

Aquamarine Resort & Villa - 17/38 Moo 6 Kamala Beach

Tel : 076 310 600

http://www.aquamarineresort.com (r 3,400 - 12,490 THB.)

Arahmas Resort & Spa - 92 Moo 3 Ban Na Tai Naiyang Beach

Tel : 076 316 000

http://www.arahmas.com (r 6,300 - 27,300 THB.)

At Panta - 310/51 Moo 1, Baandon-Cherngtalay Rd., Thalang Tel : 076 275 002-14

http://www.atpanta.com (r 4,000 - 12,000 THB.)

Baanyindee - 7/5 Muean Ngen Rd. Patong Beach Kathu

Tel : 076 294 104-7

http://www.baanyindee.com (r 4,500 - 13,500 THB.)

Baumanburi - 239/1 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd. Patong

Tel : 076 345 951-5

http://www.baumanburi.com (r 2,500 - 7,500 THB.)

Kata Lucky Villa - 92/15 Khoktanod Rd. T.Karon, Kata Beach

Tel : 076 333 385-6

http://www.kataluckyvilla.com (r 2,500 - 4,500 THB.)

Kata Thani - 14 Kata Noi Rd. Karon

Tel : 076 330 124-6

http://www.katathani.com (r 7,000 - 23,870 THB.)

Naithonburi - Moo 4, Tambon Sakhu, Amphur Thalang

Tel : 076 318 700

http://www.naithonburi.com (r 4,500 - 13,500 THB.)

Getting AroundCar There are cheap car rental agencies on Rasada Rd. About

1,600 THB. per day (including insurance). If you rent for a weekor more, you should get a discount.

Bus The terminal (tel: 076 211 977) is just to the east of the

centre, within walking distance of the many hotels.

Motocycle Costs are between 250 THB. and 350 THB. per day,

and can vary depending on the season.

Sawngthaew & Tuk-Tuk Large bus-sized sawngthaew run

regularly from Ranong Rd., near the market to the various

Phuket beaches for 50 THB. per person.

Motocycle Taxis around town should cost about 25 THB., but

like tuk-tuk fares are sometimes inflated based on petrol prices

(or so we were told).

The Front Village - 566 Patak Rd. Karon

Tel : 076 398 200-5

http://www.frontvillage.com (r 4,500 - 8,500 THB.)

Trisara - 60/1 Moo 6 Srisoonthorn Rd. Cherngtalay Talang

Tel : 076 310 100

http://www.trisara.com (r 18,445 - 71,300 THB.)

TrisaraBaanyindee Naithonburi

At Panta

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