RECOMMENDED PHUKET BEACH HOTELS & RESORTS BY TRAVELERS

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Pacific Club Resort

16 Soi24 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Pacific Club Resort is the most recommended resort at Karon beach, Phuket.

This luxurious Phuket hotel is very cosy and clean. Also, this resort has five star qualities in terms of ambience and food.

A double deluxe seaview room on the top floor of this Phuket resort is great. The beds are very comfortable and clean. Cabinets to store clothes and other stuff are very well.

Thai food in the restaurant of this seaview resort is a must try especially spicy lemon grass prawn soup or Tom-Yam-Kung. and many more!

The garden next to the hotel restaurant is lovely. You can have a breakfast there.

The jacuzzi is near the resort garden and you can also sunbathe in the

garden.

This wonderful Phuket resort is absolutely value for money and you would love to come back again.

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In On The Beach

9 / 23 - 24 Moo 1 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket 85100, Thailand

In On The Beach is a reasonably priced hotel in Phuket. This phuket resort is probably the best location on Karon Beach. You can stroll a few yards directly from the hotel to the beach.

The rooms are very clean and well equipped.

The staff in this hotel are friendly and helpful. Thai food in the hotel restaurant is good. There are a number of small beach side bars and restaurants within a few minutes walk.

Karon Beach is just 5 minute stroll with many shops, bars and restaurants.

This Phuket hotel is a lovely relaxed place.

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Marina Phuket Resort

47 Karon Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Everything about this Phuket luxurious resort is great. The pool in Marina Phuket Resort is beautifully landscaped. The open air restaurants have excellent food

Hotel's location is perfect at the end of Karon Beach, many rooms have nice views of Phuket. The staff is very friendly.

RECOMMENDED SEAVIEW HOTELS IN PHUKET, THAILAND

Check out top three seaview hotels and resorts in Phuket offering great value, total luxury, best location, family facilities or special attractions.

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The Aquamarine Resort & Villa

17/38 Moo 6, T. Kamala, A. KathuPhuket 83120, Thailand

This seaview luxury resort is situated on higher ground of beautiful Kamala beach in Phuket, Thailand. The Aquamarine Resort And Villa is the peace-of-mind Resort for your next visit to Phuket. This seaview resort will cater to your every need.

There are 186 luxury Thai Style Deluxe rooms and 20 Ocean Thai Villas at your disposal. Every room and villa have ocean view.

The open plan lobby is Thai sala style, featuring a high ceiling, a booking area and gift shop. The lobby commands sweeping view of the ocean and two adjacent swimming pools.

The Aquamarine Resort And Villa will serve you the finest Thai food available or your prefered international food. Alternatively, you can dine each evening at Phuket Seafood Garden right by the gentle waves of the Phuket Andaman Sea.

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The Seaview Patong Hotel
2 Taweewong Road Patong, KathuPhuket 83150, Thailand

The Seaview Patong Hotel is located at the quiet end of Patong beach. The hotel is only 40 minutes drive from Phuket Airport that recived flights from Bangkok and International Destinations as well.

You will experience 3 meters sea sand area across from the beach. All guest room facing the sea and Patong bay. Within a short walking distance of the shopping and evening area.

The distance from Phuket International airport 45 minutes and from Phuket town 25 minutes. Indulge in magnificent views of Patong Beach, picturesque scenery, and exciting recreation for the entire family.

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Andaman Seaview Hotel

1 Soi Karon Soi 4, Karon Road, MuangPhuket 83100, Thailand

The hotel is tastefully designed with some enchanting Sino-Portuguese influence. Every moment is truly memorable in any of our 161 air-conditioned guestrooms including superior and deluxe. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities: refrigerator, cable and satellite TV, hair dryer, safety box, telephone, mini bar coffee making facilities and in-house music.

THE BEST PLACE TO GO FOR DENTAL HOLIDAY IN THAILAND

Cosmetic Surgery and Dental Holidays are more popular in Thailand as the word get out about the affordability, expertise and the wonderful care that is available to foreign clients.

Dental holiday packages in Thailand are becoming a favorite with the cost of dental being less than half, of similar treatments in America and Europe.

The hard part of your decision to go for dental care in Thailand is where to go. According to All About Me Holiday Makeovers, they chose The Bangkok Hospital Group particularly Pattaya and Phuket for the best places to go not only for your Cosmetic Surgery Holidays. But for, Dental, Medical and Reconstructive Surgeries as well. Not only do they have fully qualified and experienced surgeons, facilities and state-of-the-art equipment; their attention to clients needs has to be experienced to be believed.

~ HOSPITAL INFORMATION ~

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

Pattaya city is a tourist resort known around the world. A huge number of international tourists visit this city each year. In addition, Pattaya is connected to the important industrial estates of the country on the Eastern Seaboard.

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya is trusted by 100,000 international patients each year (40 percent of total number of all our patients). The hospital provides interpreters covering more than 20 different languages to assist patients in all matters covering communication with the medical personnel, health insurance translations, and embassy liaison and also referral services.

The hospital also has a cultural and language training courses for the staff to make sure they understand the cultural differences and develop their language skills to provide the best service for the international patients. Of course, all patients are equally important for Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, with the same standards and medical technology.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket

The hospital opened on the 22nd of May 1995 for locals and tourists, whether Thai or from any of the 127 nationalities who have gone to make Phuket one of the premier tourist locations in the world.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket a member of the fastest growing Bangkok Hospital Network in Thailand, a high quality International hospital in South East Asian region. Bangkok Hospital Phuket is the forefront of hospital advances in comprehensive ranges of medical treatments and medical technology with a unique Thai-ness hospitality.

FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS IN PHUKET, THAILAND

Top three recommended family friendly hotels in Phuket, Thailand are as follows :

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ANDAMAN BEACH SUITES HOTELS

The Real Touch of Andaman's Pearl

Relax and enjoy your day outdoors in a large swimming pool with Jacuzzi, together with separate Children's pool for kids.

Taste various select cuisines in the Suites Restaurant and enjoy your favorite snacks and beverages at our The Poolside Snack Corner.

Spend your sporting time in our Fitness Center, 2 Tennis Courts and also a Sauna.

A Kids Room provides a place for children to relax and enjoy recreational activities. Our Library and Internet corner provides the place for keeping up-to-date with recent news and information. Feel at ease at our Lobby Bar with several beverages.

The hotel's spacious Lobby provides comfort and convenience with fully equipped communication devices.

Suitable for all kinds of meetings and parties, our Conference Room can serve for business meetings to private parties.

Learn Fruit Carving or enjoy our various educational activities with your friends and family with support by our friendly staff.

Thai Food Cooking Class: have fun creating your own Thai dishes instructed by our experienced chef and get your certificate after the class.

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ROYAL PHAWADEE VILLAGE

A tropical retreat in the heart of Patong

Hotel boutique resort Royal Phawadee Village is 100 meters from the beach and two minutes walk from the world famous nightlife and shopping of Patong beach.

Yet despite its proximity to everything you need in Patong, there is a stillness and quiet inside the resort that ensures a completely relaxed stay on your vacation.

Within a day of your arrival you will start to feel the benefit of our outstanding location and the entirely natural surroundings.

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PATONG MERLIN HOTEL

Patong Merlin Hotel provides superb facilities and services. Enjoy, unwind and relax by experiencing an authentic Thai Massage or by visiting Merlin' Spa where you can rejuvenate and recharge yourself.

The Spa uses natural products prepared by well-trained staff which will sooth through your nerves giving you a relaxing feeling.

Kids between 5 to 12 are free to come in Kids Club. Activities are available twice a day, There are many interesting activities like making pictures with wool, drawing, funny sand activities, balloon marking, making pictures with dried and fresh flowers, mask making or playing jigsaw.

PRICE : MASSAGE SPA IN PATONG BEACH PHUKET, THAILAND

You can experience with unique and exotic spa treatments in Patong Beach at Phuket, Thailand. Massage and spa programs reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of those ancient times and the soul and ritual of Thai culture.

The therapist performing a varied and truly relaxing holistic aroma massage for the body face and feet using essential oils followed with the body scrub using sea salt and almond. Finishing with a treatment Thai facial using Thai herbs and mud combined with a scalp massage to make you feel good. After your treatment time we serve you a ginger tea.

THAI SPA & MASSAGE EXAMPLED PRICE LIST :

Thai Oriental :

A Thai style massage for the whole body. Using sweet almond oil, the muscle tissue is warmed and relaxed ideal for a first time treatment.

60 minutes / 400 baht

120 minutes / 700 baht

Swedish :

A full body massage to relax aching muscles, stimulate circulation and assist in the removal of toxins. Pressure can be light or firm.

60 minutes / 700 baht

120 minutes / 1,200 baht

Aroma Massage :

A free-style therapeutic massage using an essential oil infused blend with a variety of massage techniques. Adapted to suit your body. A perfect treatment for the undecided.

60 minutes / 700 baht

120 minutes (including the face) / 1,200 baht

Foot Massage :

A pressure point massage applied to zones on the feet to stimulate the body own healing and balancing process, can relieve pain, reduce stress and improve circulation.

60 minutes / 400 baht

THAILAND SPA HOTEL IN Expedia's TOP TEN LIST

A Spa hotel in Thailand is picked by Expedia as the perfect location for rest and relaxation.

The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, Thailand

Overlooking beaches and islands, this boutique resort set in the tropical gardens of southern Phuket offers over 40 individually designed private villas (all with sea views), a huge infinity pool surrounded by 14 waterfalls, a day spa and a fitness centre.

The Mangosteen Resort & Spa is the most romantic Boutique Resort in Phuket, a perfect hideaway for a relaxing holiday. The unique secluded hillside location offers unparalleled views over 4 bays, Phuket town, mountains and many surrounding Islands! 41 Villa rooms and one Family Suite have been tastefully designed by our artist's team for ultimate comfort, relaxing atmosphere and privacy. Outside garden bathrooms with big rain showers, private Jacuzzis, comfortable terraces with hammock and plenty of romantic decorations will let you forget all the pressure of working life.

The therapists at the exclusive spa will pamper you with various rejuvenating treatments and massage therapies combining Asian with Western techniques. A short ride with free shuttle will bring you to Nai Harn Beach, Phuket’s best beach in a National Park.


The extra large pool with its beautiful sea views is filled with specially treated healthy water.


The Mangosteen Restaurant with its well tempered underground Wine Cellar, serves a fine blend of Asian and Western cuisine. Mediterranean food with Asian tastes and original Thai specialties with lots of fresh herbs from our gardens.


The meeting room is unique in Phuket with beautiful views and all high tech facilities for up to 60 people. Weddings, parties or seminars can be hosted in total privacy.



Expedia’s pick of the Top Ten Spa Hotels around the world
The official site of The Mangosteen Resort & Spa

GETTING A MASSAGE IN PHUKET

Getting a massage should be a thing to do when travelling Phuket. Massage in Phuket is a great way to relax after a long day of diving, touring or sailing.

Massage is an ancient and traditional form of healing derived from Ayurvedic medicine and a Thai massage in Phuket is incredibly inexpensive compared to the west. Also, it is an ancient Thai art created to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Massage shops in Phuket are found all over the island but are more concentrated in the tourist areas such as Patong and Kata. The Nai Harn area also has a large number of massage places, many of which also have saunas on site.

In Phuket Town, relaxing with massage is more concentrated at the larger spas. These tend to be more expensive but the cost of a massage usually includes a spa and herbal sauna as well. All of Phuket’s beaches are dotted with small beachfront massage stalls. There is something special about receiving a therapeutic Thai massage while staring out at the white sands and deep blue Andaman Sea.

A massage in Phuket usually costs about 200 baht per hour at one of the smaller, out of the way shops and can go as high as 1000 baht for the full royal treatment at one of the upmarket health spas. On the beach, expect to pay 300-350 baht an hour – there are plenty of ladies wandering up and down the beachfront offering these under the shade of the trees.

Some of the favourite massage parlours in Phuket are:

Gae’s Massage and Sauna: located on Saiyuan Road, Nai Harn, this place is popular with locals and offers massages and saunas in a charmingly rustic location.

Phuket Royal Spa and Massage: is an upmarket establishment in the Sam Kong area of Phuket City. Massage services are excellent and include an herbal sauna. 367/63-64 Yaowarat Rd. Tel: 076 236663

Hutavat Thai Massage: is one of the least dodgy massage parlors in Patong and has a quiet, clean and professional atmosphere. 45/12 Phrabaramee Rd.

Phuket Herbal Sauna: offers a good value for the money and is one of the better herbals saunas on the island. 2/3 moo 8, Chalong Road. Tel: 076 280910

Boo’s Original Thai Massage: is one of the oldest traditional Thai massage parlors on Phuket. 78/12 Moo 3 Kamala Main Rd. Tel: 076 385821

Thailand Top Travel Destinations

There are many top travel destinations in Thailand from 2008 Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards by tripadviser.

1. Koh Phi Phi Don, Phuket, Southern Thailand



The largest island of the group of The Phi Phi Islands in Phuket. It is the only island with permanent inhabitants. There are no accommodation facilities on this island, and the rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim.But the actual population if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, from the mainland is much more Buddhist these days.

2. Chiangmai, Northern Thailand


The largest and most significant city in northern Thailand. The province is located some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river. There are many tourist attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiangmai's historic importance is derived from its strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of tourists, the city served as an important centre for handcrafts, hand-made paper umbrellas and jewellery.

3. Bangkok, The Capital of Thailand

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, the largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok has been the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for much of South East Asia and Indochina as well. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education and entertainment as well as being a business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city.

4. Koh Tao, Eastern Thailand

Koh Tao is an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. It covers an area of about 21 km². The island, Koh Tao is well known for scuba diving and snorkeling, and also offers some hiking. The most popular place for tourists is Sairee on the West coast, which has a white sandy beach of 1.7 km interrupted only by a few huge boulders and a scattering of medium budget resorts and restaurants. A multitude of beautiful granite boulders, which nestle both in the forests and on the beaches of Koh Tao, attract a growing number of climbers who visit each year to enjoy the adventurous aspect of their sport.

5. Krabi, Southern Thailand

Krabi is a southern province of Thailand on Andaman seaboard with the oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves. With its natural beauty, Krabi is superb for canoeing, kayaking, diving, and some other water sports. Apart from those, rock climbing on Pranang Peninsula is gaining more popularity with over 150 challenging pegged routes.

More information about Thailand

TOP FIVE THAILAND SPA RESORTS

#1
Aana Resort and Spa

Location: Klong Prao Beach
Surroundings: Tropical garden alongside a beautiful river body. The sandy beach is opposite the resort which can be reached by kayaking across the calm river.
Price Range: Baht 2,000 – 7,900
Room Types: Hotel rooms, suites and villas
No. of Rooms: A total of 71 units comprised of 42 Deluxe rooms, 6 Grand deluxe rooms, 17 Villas, and 6 Top View Villas

#2
Paradee
Hidden away by the white sands of the beautiful Ao Kiew Beach at the southern tip of Koh Samet (Samet Island), Paradee is the discerning traveler's paradise. Its idyllic seaside location is complemented by luxurious five-star facilities and an impeccable service. If secluded seaside luxury is what you're looking for, Paradee is truly a Heaven on Earth.

#3
Somkiet Buri Resort
The luxury resort beautifully set in natural surroundings with mountain views and tropical garden. Only 300 metres from the most beautiful beach, white sandy and crystal clear sea of Ao nang. A secluded property located in Ao nang beach with mountain view backdrop. 17 kms to krabi town and 34 kms to krabi airport.

#4
Eravana The Hideaway Pattaya
From the ground up, this resort is built with pure nature in mind. The pools, villas, walls are made of natural soil clay bricks. The walls and interior decor is stained naturally. There are very little paint or chemicals to pollute the environment.

#5
Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa
The entire resort was designed and created by M.L. Sudavadee Kriangkrai and it is her creativity and love of Thailand that makes Phu Chaisai unique and awe inspiring. Soaked in dew, the fresh green leaves of trees glisten as day breaks. The entire mountain range and forest is a thick canopy of green humming with the singing of birds and insects. Open your eyes and from the confines of your bed watch the sun moving up the horizon.

Nudist in Thailand

Nudity in Thailand is forbidden! But there are many qiet places to do it! On every small island, you can find a place to enjoy naked swimming and sunbathing. Some examples where are sometimes people nude:

Phuket

1. On the freedom beach near Patong. There is a small (15 meters) sandy beach on the left of freedom beach. It's a good place for nudity.

2. Near the Naithon Beach is a small public beach with one restaurant. The owners there accept when you stay nude on the chair and swim nude. Please not in the restaurant!

Ko Pha Ngan

1. Ao Hin Lor is a long nice rock and sandy beach where start in Booms Cafe Bungalows until Blue Hill Resort. There are many paradise nice places for enjoy nudity.

2. Another very good and nice place is near the Wak Thum Beach . When you drive from Thong Sala the way to Wak Thum, after a small viewpoint restaurant you will see a big place without any building on the left. One the end of this place is a small path for go down to the beach, then you see a nice beach.

3. A small but nice beach is near Bovy Resort (Pirates Bar). But the watertide on this beaches goes down in the afternoon. Best time is morning and early afternoon.

Ko Tao

A very small nice beach is near freedom beach. On a small path you can walk from Taa Too to there.

Notice:

1. On the weekend, Thai people come to these beaches, NOT go nude.

2. You may find some (mainly European) naturist suntanners in Thailand on Mai Khao beach near Phuket, Chaweng beach on Koh Samui Island in the south, or Had Tien Beach on Pha Ngan Island. But conditions are always changing and it is good to be cautious and respect local sensitivities since nudism is officially illegal.

3. You will find people in the tourist industry very friendly and unshockable, so don't hesitate to ask where nude sunbathing might be possible. Having a Thai sarong handy or towel is always a good idea.

Phuket, Thailand : Nightlife Advice & Tips

Bar Fines
Ladies working in beer bars and go-go bars can be taken out of the bar for the evening. If they agree to go with you and you wish to take her out before the bar closes, you have to pay a fee (around 300-500 Baht) known as a “bar fine”. This is to compensate the bar for the time that she is out of the bar, where she would normally be entertaining and attracting more customers. She will normally also receive a share of the bar fine.

The bar fine only entitles you to take her out of the bar. Anything else has to be negotiated between you and the lady in question. However, the bar fine system does offer the customer some protection. In the unlikely event that there is a problem you can go back to the bar the next day and the bar will be able to assist you in resolving any problems. At the very least they will be able to ID her.

Lady Drinks
You'll come across this in beer bars and à go-gos. When you buy a girl in these bars a drink, they receive a commission. Its entirely up to you if you buy them or not and you should not feel pressured to do so. However, if you like the girl buying a few lady drinks will make her look good to her employer while she is entertaining you.

Freelancers
If you prefer to meet girls outside of beer bars and go-gos, head over to the discos in Patong later in the evening (after midnight). Many of the bar girls will be freelancing there after their bar closes. Payment is sometimes discussed beforehand and other times not, however, if the girl normally works in a bar it will be expected for you to pay her for her services. (Having said this, please don't assume that every girl you meet in a disco is on the game, although in Patong is this often the case).

warning: Although enjoyable company can often be found in this manner, it is much riskier than taking a girl from a bar or go-go. You could end up being robbed and you would have no come-back if something goes wrong. If you don't know your way around its better to only take girls out of bars they are working in. This is especially important in the case of ladyboys who are often found freelancing on Bangla itself in the early hours of the morning.

Ladyboys
Phuket has quite a few ladyboys or katoeys, as they are known in Thai. Just a heads up to avoid confusion on your nights out. Love them or loathe them they can be found in Soi Crocodile just off Bangla Road. Many can be stunningly beautiful and can easily mistaken for real women. Some things to look out from a deeper voice (which can be disguised) is their height, ladyboys being males (at least genetically) are often taller than regular girls, and have larger hands and feet.

Health
Thailand has an epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. Heterosexual transmission accounts for most HIV infections in Thailand, though HIV is common among prostitutes of both sexes. Always wear a condom.

Safety
Phuket is generally safe and there is very little chance of trouble finding you if you don't go looking for it. In general, if you keep your wits about you and act respectfully towards other people you will have no problems. Don't be aggressive towards people and they won't be aggressive back. You definitely don't want to get in a fight here, especially with locals. You will always lose.

You should be wary of thieves and pickpockets, however. Also, your date may have sticky fingers so keep an eye of your valuables and be sensible. This is one of the reasons why its better to barfine a girl from a bar than to pick up “freelancers”. If something happens you will be able to take your complaint up with the bar.

See also :
Things to do in Pattaya
Pattaya Nightlife
Destination Guides to Phuket
Thai Massage

Destination Guide : Phuket, Thailand #3

20 kilometres south east of Phuket, Phi Phi Islands are the most visited and most famous, no less so than after the filming of The Beach on Phi Phi Ley, the smaller island of the two, starring Leonardo Di Caprio. The scenery is literally spectacular, and this is forseeably the most popular of all the full day excursions. Renting your own boat is a desirable option if you want to explore beyond the set tour itineraries, and beat the crowds. This option also allows you to visit many of the smaller and idyllic islands offshore, and a friendly boatman who knows the best spots and the hidden beaches can make for a truly memorable experience.

For divers, many islands offer prime sites, such as Dok Mai, Racha, and Shark Point. The preferred choice however is the remote but renowned Similans, a chain of 8 islands 90 kilometres NW of Phuket, which according to those in the know, has some of the best dives in the world. Deep Sea Fishing can be arranged privately or jointly with fully equipped boats in pursuit of tuna, marlin, shark, sailfish and other big ones. Yacht Charters can be arranged by the day, or for longer, with or without crew.

Patong Beach is the undisputed nucleus of the island's entertainment, with a bewildering choice of clubs bars restaurants and trysts from the sophisticated to the sensational. The Simon Transvestite Cabaret rarely fails to impress with its excellent all male but exquisitely feminine productions, and at Kamala beach, the huge and extravagant Phuket Fantasea theme park blends high technology and special effects with stunning cultural presentations featuring hundreds of talented performers and scores of trained animals.

Destination Guide : Phuket, Thailand #1

Located just under 900 kilometres Southwest of Bangkok, it is similar in area to Singapore, measuring 54 kilometers north to south, and 21 kilometers east to west at its most distant points. About 70 percent of the land area is mountainous, with the highest elevation at 529 meters. The terrain is richly varied, with rocky headlands, numerous beaches of differing sizes and character, limestone cliffs, jungle-clad hills, small estuaries, lagoons, and tropical vegetation of all kinds. It is surrounded by over thirty smaller islands of similar topography, many of them prime tourist attractions in their own right. The permanent population is estimated at roughly a quarter of a million, and Phuket is the only island in Thailand to have full provincial status.

A sightseeing tour to see some of the island's varied attractions is desirable, as is a half day walking around the main town with its curiously Chinese-Mediterranean ambience, which mixes modern convenience stores with ageing mansions, traditional shops, and old European-style buildings.

Nothing, however, beats the liberated pleasure of renting a vehicle for a few days, and equipped with swimwear and sun oil, setting out to revel in the spectacular beaches, the rugged coastlines, and the lush island interior. For the more adventurous, it's a pleasant 90 km drive from Phuket to Phang Nga with its fascinating marine rock formations, and location of "James Bond Island" from the film Man with the Golden Gun. If time permits, a further 86 km brings you to the stunningly beautiful coastline of Krabi.

The plethora of islands surrounding Phuket - from the well known such as Phi Phi to other often deserted jewels - allow endless opportunities for playing Robinson Crusoe in paradisiacal surroundings. For active folks, almost every land and water-based sport is well catered for.

Looking at the map, Phuket vaguely resembles a stretched triangle, with an irregular indented coastline as if nibbled by fish of different sizes, the deepest bite on the West Coast representing Patong Bay. The airport runs along the base of the thumb-shaped northern tip where the Sarasin Bridge connects to the mainland.

The West Coast is blessed with over a dozen world-class beaches, whilst the less attractive East Coast is home to prawn farms, fishing ports and the location of Phuket town. Travelling clockwise from the town past Cape Panwa, the site of an old Sino-Portuguese mansion, and Chalong Bay with its boat piers and seafood restaurants, you reach the long-established beach resort of Rawai with its adjoining Sea Gypsy village.

As you turn northwards from Promthep, the southern tip, the magical series of superb beaches begins, starting with tranquil Nai Harn, venue for the annual King's Cup Regatta, followed by Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches which lead to the island's most famous and most developed resort of Patong.

North of Patong, come the tranquil beaches of Kamala, Laem Sing, and Surin, leading up to the developed Bang Tao Laguna complex, formerly a tin mine. Quieter, more secluded beaches follow, small Nai Ton, then the long graceful sweep of Nai Yang where sea turtles lay their eggs, from November to February.

Finally, the longest of Phuket's beaches, Mai Khao completes the series of seaside jewels with over 9 kilometres of white sand. During the rainy season from May to October, some of these beaches experience strong currents and undertows. Bathers should always respect the "no swimming" red warning flags, and avoid bathing on deserted beaches during this period of the year.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

11-19 October 2007

Venue: Various Chinese shrines and temples in Phuket

Phuket Province – the Pearl of the South – is scheduled to hold its most celebrated and magnificent annual vegetarian festival, lasting for 9 days, starting from 11 to 19 October 2007 at various Chinese shrines and temples in Phuket.

The festival is a religious event originating from China and was first performed in Kathu, a mining town of Phuket, by a Chinese opera company about 170 years ago. At that time, the objective of the performance was to get rid of malaria prevalent in the district.

In fact, the full name of the festival is “Observe the Commandments and Abstain from Meat”; the former part is considered more important than the latter, though it is not perceptible to the outsiders. During the festival, the participants will make merit by abstaining from food and oil from animals and wear white clothes.

The most spectacular part of the festival is a procession of priests and images of gods, who are believed to protect the participants from troubles and bad luck throughout the year. Besides the procession, magical performances of religious rites at the temples are also absorbing part of the festival.

Exotic performances consist of several kinds of dangerous acts, conducting by priests, to show the power of gods and to strengthen the faith of their followers. The acts include walking barefoot across a stretch of ground paved with burning charcoal, climbing up and down, also barefoot, a stepladder with 72 cross-pieces made of sharp iron blades, and cutting, striking or piercing parts of the body with sharp or pointed objects.

Besides attending this famous festival, observers are welcome to explore this dreamy island province in the Andaman Sea.

Detailed maps of Phuket

Accommodations in Phuket

More about Phuket

For more information, please contact:

TAT Southern Office: Region 4 (Phuket)

Tel: +66 (0) 7621 1036, +66 (0) 7621 2213

Fax: +66 (0) 7621 3582