Your Home Away from Home

Please hold on to your horses before you set out for this wonderful place called Phuket. As the very first thing, book a wonderful place for your stay and let the fun begin. Check out places like Double Tree Resort Phuket to get the ball rolling. The location of the hotel is the clincher with a scenic location on the beach. And the beautifully decorated rooms with their own private terrace take your home sickness miles away from you. The 4 star hotels provide you with luxurious spas, which offer massages and other treatments to make you feel lively and bubbly with energy. The rooms are the hubs of comforts with satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safe, mini bars, private terraces and pool accesses

Adventure Park

Check out the extreme thrills which are in store for you at Chalong, Phuket. The area spanning odd 19,000 sq. m in rubber plantation is the place for your ultimate thrills and fun. There are an array of activities which keep you on your toes and your adventurous spirits on record high with tree top adventures. You are attached to a harness, hence your safety is ensured and so are your thrills. You can go zipping on the zip line or walk on the netted ropes hung between trees and feel yourself left hung and nowhere to go expect forward. It is a life time experience you and your family are going to enjoy.

Water Fun

If you have the sea-surfing craves, Phuket is the right place for you. Though the waves can be dangerous for surfing during certain periods when the waves are rough, but during other periods it is calm and the rush for adventure is enough for people take on to this thrilling sport. On the Kalim beach, the surfers ride waves up to three meters high. The magnetism of surfing on Phuket West Coast beaches is fast coming to age and gaining in popularity.

Then you can go for scuba diving in Phuket, which is considered as one of the best places in the world. The clear water and abundance of colorful marine life and spectacular reefs and rock formations are a joy to watch. Or, you can stretch your fun further by opting for snorkeling. The sea is inviting throughout the year, though November-April are the ideal months when the sea in more calm.

Phuket Cabaret

Watch the colorful display of color and fun at the Simon Cabaret here. It is considered as one of southeastern Asia’s best shows. The musical show with elaborate costumes and make-up is spectacular to watch, which displays different cultures of the world. Tourists from all over the world pour in for the show every night which speaks of its popularity.

You can write volumes about the fun and entertainment business of Phuket and still feel you missed some of it. Hence, make a visit to this fantastic place and miss out nothing.

Photo by William Cho

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But there is more to Phuket than “The Beach”. Because Phuket is an island (Thailand’s largest), the beaches get more than their fair share of limelight. Beyond sun, sand and surf however lies a jewel in the Andaman Sea that beckons not only with the mundane but also with the sublime.

Below are the top 10 things to do in Phuket if ogling lines of bikini bottoms start to bore you.

1) Canoe, cruise or sail Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay was made famous by the 1974 James Bond film “Man with the Golden Gun.” Ko Tapu, or more famously known as the James Bond Island, was the tropical hideout of Scaramanga, Bond’s nemesis in this film. More than its association with the 007 franchise however, the real appeal of Phang Nga Bay is its marvelous lagoons, cave systems (Suwannakuha Cave has a reclining Buddha), sheer limestone cliffs and dramatic rocky outcrops that dot its 400-square-kilometer real estate. Drop anchor at Koh Panyee, a village of sea gypsies on stilts. Don’t forget to party hard in Koh Phi Phi Leh (the actual site of The Beach) or sip cocktails while the sun sets.

2) Scuba dive and snorkel

Underwater sports are obviously a must-do in an island surrounded with teeming marine life. Some of the best dive sites are found on the western coast of the island, considered by many divers as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Patong Bay is friendly for beginners, while Phang Nga, Ko Phi Phi, Kata, Koh Dok Mai and the Similan Islands are for those who have built their confidence underwater. Advance divers may want to test their mettle at Racha Noi and Racha Yai where currents are stronger and depths greater. For their courage, divers are rewarded with frequent sights of manta rays and sea turtles. Ao Sane and Meridien beaches also offer loads of marine attractions while Naiharn is not only vastly wealthy underwater but also secluded. Hin Daeng is renowned for its steep wall filled to the brim with fantastic sea life and Hin Muang is unique for its violet corals.

3) Get a massage

In the same way that it is a moral imperative to eat pizza in Naples, Italy, so is getting Thai massage in Phuket. Nothing beats getting gently stretched and pummeled in a quiet beach with the sea breeze blowing and the palms rustling.

4) Temple-trek

Wat Chalong is one of Phuket’s highly revered Buddhist temples, with about 40 others scattered all over the island. Kathu Shrine is home to the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, while Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill is a shrine that serves both a place of worship and a strategic viewpoint to Chalong Bay and Kata. Aside from Buddhist temples, Phuket also boasts of Taoist places of worship like Jui Tui Shrine and Rua Shrine. Take note of the ornate contrast between Buddha relics and dragon statues.

5) Stroll Bangla Road, preferably after-dark

Far from being the Las Vegas of Thailand, Soi Bangla is nonetheless as hedonistic as America’s Sin City. Undeniably the thumping heart of Phuket nightlife, Soi Bangla overflows with restaurants, disco houses, shops and adults-only Go Go bars! It would be safe to conclude that Bangla Road is enclave to LGBTs not just of Thailand but of the world. Rest rooms here are often marked girl, boy and “katoey” (ladyboys). More than just the venue of ostentatious parade of preferred sexual orientation, Bangla Road’s Go Go bars also feature extraordinary exhibitions of female talent ranging from just unbelievable to downright out of this world.

Check out where to stay when visiting Phuket.

6) View Phuket from up high

More than just a visual delight on ground level, Phuket is likewise a feast for the eyes from an elevated standpoint. Take a pick from one of these Phuket viewpoints: the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hills, Karon, Laem Promthep, Naiharn/Yanui, Radar Hill, and Khao Kad View Tower at Cape Panwa.

7) Indulge in retail therapy and street food

Thai fresh markets are known to be tolerant of ‘grazers’ who can have their fill by flitting from stall to stall and sampling all that is offered for free. The weekend markets are equally colorful and crowded, and offer a glimpse of authentic Thai life. For souvenirs and items of interest, the Central Festival Shopping Mall is a great place to start, while the Indy Market is a night bazaar for everything cool and creative. A covered market along Thepkasatree Road is Phuket’s version of Costco and Tesco where everything unbelievably cheap can be bought (hence the name, SuperCheap).

8) Eat like a Thai

For a mature tourist destination, and an island at that, Phuket never runs short of beachfront restaurants and seafood centers that tickle the palate and leave a gaping hole in your wallet! For cheaper eats, find restaurants where Thais flock to. The menu is no less sumptuous, but the prices are definitely easier on the budget. For those with iron stomach, sample hard-core Thai menu in thatched-roof restaurants at the Southeast Coast, on the eastern side of the mangroves.

9) Follow the Sino-Portuguese trail at Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket is the colonial heart of the city, especially along Thalang Road. (Thalang was the old name of Phuket and was the main town when tin mining and rubber harvesting were the main industries from 16th until 19th century.) Here, in the middle of the town, you can see mansions that are being restored or are still to be restored, and are clearly Portuguese and Chinese in architecture. Muslim and Chinese shops also abound, a rare find when you just linger on the beaches.

10) Explore jungles

Although Phuket’s beaches get an unfair share of world fame, it does not mean Phuket the province has zero forest cover. On the contrary, Phuket is hilly and therefore canopied. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is a 23-square-kilometer virgin rainforest that is home to rare flora and fauna as well as host to postcard-perfect waterfalls and just-blazed hiking trails.

Phuket’s Newest Attraction – Upside-Down House and Maze

For a fun and extra unique experience in Phuket you will have to check out the latest attraction, Baan Teelanka. “What a feeling, walking on the ceiling,” is exactly what you will be exclaiming as you  wander around the upside down house with furniture hovering over your heads! Dance, walk, or crawl  your way on the ceiling from room to room making memories and taking pictures to share with your friends and family.

The crazy upside down house isn’t all Baan Teelanka has to offer. As soon as you’re ready for some fresh air, just walk out back and get lost in the garden maze. A labyrinth that winds around for a half mile will entertain your mind as you try to figure your way out of the puzzling garden.

This is Thailand’s first and only upside house and garden maze, and it’s fun for all ages. Baan Teelanka is conveniently located on Bypass Road and open daily from 10 am- 6 pm. Entry fees are 150-200 baht for Baan Teelanka and 100-150 baht for A-Maze-in-Phuket.

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Here are some elevated spots from where to enjoy Phuket’s stunning vistas:

1) The Big Buddha of Phuket

This viewpoint offers exhilarating views of Kata and Andaman Sea in one direction, and the Chalong Bay in another. The 45-meter high Buddha is nestled atop Nakkerd Hills, but is easily accessible via Karon Beach.

2) Karon Viewpoint

One of the most well-trodden viewpoints in Phuket, Karon offers unhindered views of Kata, Kata Noi and Karon Beaches. Sunset views are spectacular too!

3) Laem Promthep

A rocky headland in the southernmost part of Phuket that juts out into open sea, Promthep Cape is a popular sunset viewpoint, and for good reason. The view from here is unobstructed, and sunsets on a clear day are mesmerizing. As this is rather a touristy area loved by locals as well, there is live music and fire dancing and all sorts of street entertainment. For relative peace and quiet, head to the shrine of elephant images where people pray as the sun sets – a good escape to enjoy the views away from incessant chatter.

4) Naiharn/Yanui Viewpoint

This vantage point can easily be picked out from afar because of the giant wind turbine on the site. Get to the south side of the Naiharn Lagoon and scramble up the hill to the wind turbine. The path can easily accommodate a scooter but not anything bigger. The place is a good spot to scope out Yanui beach, and an ideal staging point for paragliding enthusiasts.

5) Radar Hill

A big dome on a hill behind Patong Beach is Radar Hill, well within Phuket town but rarely visited. The roads are steep and the area is guarded (being a military installation) but getting into the area means seeing the entire Patong Beach and Bang Wad Reservoir.

6) Khao Kad View Tower at Cape Panwa

Despite the tower facility built purposely for tourists, Khao Kad is rather quiet and not as crowded as the investors had expected, which is great if you are hoping to snag some alone time away from the crowds of Promthep. The tower affords 360 degree views of Chalong Bay on the west, Phuket Town on the north, Phi Phi across the east, and some islands towards the south. Because Cape Panwa is still forested, you might chance some eagles flying overhead as you take in the views!

Last but not least, get a window seat when flying to Phuket. The aerial view of the Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and Phuket itself can only be described as ethereal, so get ready with your camera for unforgettable shots!

Photos by e-dredon, blake_lennon, Del Adams, Amici di Phuket and wahyubumi

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Since Bangkok is the capital and Phuket is the largest island, you can only imagine how many embark on this route. And with that being said, there are several commuting options, which are listed below.

By Plane
Yes, there is an airport on the island and it’s even an international airport. So yes, you can skip Bangkok if you really wanted to! The one hour and twenty minute flight from Bangkok runs very frequent and can be purchased on the same day of travel for a slightly higher price than booking in advance. It’s obviously the fastest way to get there, but tickets can cost around $2,800 to $5,000 Baht round trip. It might not seem much for a flight, but it’s extremely expensive considering the prices of the other options. During my research, I found that Thai AirAsia offers the best prices, but make sure to check with Nok Air, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways as well.

By Bus
The bus ride between Bangkok and Phuket might be long and uncomfortable, but it’s sure better for your wallet. With prices around $700 to $1,000 Baht, you won’t complain when sitting on the bus for 13 hours! It’s best to make this trip overnight to preserve your beach time. Most buses leave from the South Bus Terminal in Bangkok, but it depends who you book with. For more comfort and safety, you can book with private bus companies, but it will cost more.

By Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Phuket, but those who like a little bit of adventure would be glad to know they can take the train more than halfway there. From Bangkok, you can take a train to Surat Thani, and continue 5 hours by bus to Phuket. This route is not really recommended unless you take it during the day time to admire the scenery. Otherwise, it is simply too long and well, transfers are never fun. The total trip will cost around the same price as the bus, but it all depends what class you choose for the train.

By Car
If you can take the bus there, you can clearly drive there thanks to the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. Google can provide directions for the easy 13 hour journey.

Photo by archer10 (Dennis)

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Lasting until Sunday, the fiesta hours are from 3pm to 10pm with non stop entertainment and food. On Saturday there will be several competitions such as, a trainee chef cooking competition, a towel folding competition, and a classic bartender competition. Talk about fun!

On Sunday, there will be a flair bartender competition, a DIY cooking competition, the Thailand Champion Bartender Show, and a closing ceremony to end the weekend right. As you can see, the Phuket Seafood Fiesta is more than just seafood.

This video may be long, but worth checking out pieces of it to get a better idea about the festival. In 2011, the festival lasted all month long!

Photo by AutumnAddition

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You must have a strong stomach to just watch what passes you by. As a way to bring luck and show power to their Gods, devotees suffer by extreme acts such as piercing their cheeks with sharp objects or blades, hanging heavy objects from holes in their skin, slicing their tongues, and walking on sharp blades or burning charcoal. These devotees believe that the more pain they endure, the more luck and success they can expect. Cutting ceremonies follow street processions and occur in the temples of Phuket town.

With the pain and mutilation also comes regulation with a list of rules to respect. You must be saying to yourself, “What kind of festival is this?” Put it this way, what might be normal and acceptable in your culture can seem completely bizarre to an outsider. But the real answer is simply dedication to faith. The following are 10 rules to follow if you plan to take part in the oddity of a celebration:

• Bodies must be kept clean during the event
• Kitchen utensils must be cleaned and shall not be used
• White must be worn
• Sex must be abstained from
• Meat should not be eaten
• Menstruating women should not partake in the festival
• Pregnant women should not partake in the festival
• People in mourning should not partake in the festival
• Alcohol must not be consumed
• All must behave mentally and physically

Believe it or not, the festival originated from China. A traveling opera group was appointed to give performances to the Chinese miners of Kathu. During their period of work, the group became very ill and decided to stick to a vegetarian diet while performing religious acts for 9 days. After this time, they became healthier as the sickness magically disappeared.

Apart from the goriness, there is delicious vegetarian meals to be had during the festival. Along Ranong Road are stalls selling salads, curries, fresh squeezed juices, and a whole lot more to fill your appetite. You’ll need the food and beach after everything you will witness!

The Vegetarian Festival is not complete without the loud and smokey closing ceremony. As a final send-off to the Gods, fireworks explode all over the streets. The war-like intensity might cause  anxiety so come prepared with ear plugs for a little help. It’s clearly obvious this event is not for everyone, but can guarantee an interesting experience that you may not see anywhere else in the world. At least there is good food!

Photo by Electrostatico

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The Phuket province is only an island, but is Thailand’s largest island attracting many tourists. It is known as the country’s main resort destination. The beaches of Phuket are so well-known that you may have already heard their names. Koh Phi Phi, Patong, and Phang Nga Bay are popular spots for tourists. The beauty of Phuket was even featured in films such as, The Beach and The Man with the Golden Gun. It goes without saying, if you want to avoid tourism, Phuket is not a good idea. Otherwise, the island has a thriving nightlife scene and several small islands to check out. A must see is Phang Nga Bay National Park, home to the famous James Bond Island. Considering its size, Phuket can offer different atmospheres and activities. The north coast provides peace, the south coast provides heavy tourism, and the center offers a look at local life with mountains and forests to explore.

The Krabi province offers more tranquility, idyllic sites, and less commercialism than its neighboring friend, Phuket. It even offers the best limestone karsts in the country, being the hotspot for rock climbing. The most westernized beach in the province is Ao Nang, and the most spectacular peninsula is Rai Leh. With pink sunsets and massive rock formations, Rai Leh is the paradise of Krabi. The Tiger Cave is another not-to-miss attraction. A boat tour is the best way to discover Krabi since there are so many secluded beaches waiting to be discovered.

In conclusion, both provinces offer similar activities, but have different vibes. Diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, and sailing are only some of the activities accessible. If partying is more your scene or staying amongst many resorts, head to Phuket. If tranquility, cheaper costs, and rock climbing are more for you, head to Krabi. With jaw-dropping dazzles, the Andaman Coast should be on all bucket lists!

Photos by Mark Fischer, Dave Bezaire and travelourplanet

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