Away Resorts Unveiled in Mae-rim, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand – September 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly across Thailand over the last few years. After successfully launching several resort properties under its X2 Resorts, Away Resorts and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the honor to proudly present their latest development Away Mae-Rim - Chiang Mai, scheduled to open in November 2008.

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It 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, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River.

In recent years Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.

The resort, set on 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is ideally located in the tranquil Mae-Rim valley. This superb property provides the finest relaxation, a spa and excellent food and beverages. Understated rooms in huge sub-tropical surroundings offer lovely views over the surrounding mountains and a sense of calmness. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate or to explore the well known Mae-Rim Valley.

The resort offers a combination of 50 rooms, comprising of:
- 2 Duplex Villas of 60 sqm.
- 1 Villa of 45 sqm.
- 13 Mini Suites of 45 sqm.
- 21 Pool Villas of 35 sqm.
- 5 Clubhouse Rooms of 30 sqm.
- 8 Budget Rooms of 20 sqm.

The standard room facilities offer individually controlled air conditioning, a mini bar, a personal safe and hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, DVD & CD player and satellite TV. The facilities of the resort include a restaurant offering a wide variety of Seafood, Thai and International cuisine, a spa, a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge and library.

Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.

About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is an international hotel management group based in Thailand. It manages 3 brands, with several properties in a growing portfolio and a fourth brand soon to be released.

X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan - December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani - June 2008. Future X2 resorts anticipated to open in mid 2010 are X2 Koh Tan and X2 Koh Kood.

Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007 and followed by Chumphon in September 2008, Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui in late 2009.

Read more!

Chiang Mai Hotel-quintessence of Worldly Comfort

Chiang Mai Hotels
gives its guests the best opportunities to explore the natural and the man made treasures of the city. Located 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, this mountainous city of Thailand stands along the Ping River. Though the city witnesses a flourishing economy the lack of cosmopolitan factor helps it to retain its innate beauty. Chiang Mai is proud to have almost 300 Buddhist temples all across the city. Attending some of the famous festivals of city can also be a pleasure for many. Set against the backdrop of majestic peaks, this historically and culturally rich city is a perfect hideaway for many.

Accommodation type found in the city offers a number of options to all its guests. One can find a large number of luxury resorts as well as a good number of cheap hotels all across the city. Most of the Chiang Mai hotels are located at convenient places. Be it riverside or a mountain side, city center or on the outskirts of the city, you can easily spot a hotel of your choice.

Business travelers can opt for hotels that are located close to the Chiang Mai International airport or those that can provide an easy access to the business area. There are several hotels that are tucked along the slopes of the mountain. Surrounded by verdant greenery and picture perfect villages, these hotels are perfect for nature lovers. The hotels located on the outer fringes of the city provide travelers an easy access to Chiang Mai and the neighboring cities.

There are many hotels in the several regions of Chaing Mai like Dai Angkhang, Night Bazar, MaeRim, Hang Dong and others. Travelers who wish to spend every single second of their vacations in complete luxury can choose from the star hotels. The luxury hotels which have become synonymous with comfort, style, luxury offer a pleasant stay to all. You can feel a touch of sophistication in everything that the hotels offer to its guests- starting from accommodation to warm services.

There are several well- tailored suites and rooms that are meticulously designed with a multitude of facilities. Added to the world class amenities are the attentive services of the staff. You can dine in the on-site restaurants or can come for a drink in the bars. There are also several conference rooms to make your business, seminars, conventions a complete success. Recreational facilities offered to the hotels include trendy gymnasium, solarium, sauna, massage center and a lot more.

The facilities offered in the cheap hotels of the city do not lag behind when compared to those offered by the luxurious hotels. The rooms offered to the guests provide them with the best stay. Most of these hotels also offer business, dining and recreational facilities to all. But what excels all these is the service of the staff.

Read more!

Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city's past.

A trip to Mae Sa
A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.

Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.

Thai massage and spas
Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.

Chiang Mai Zoo
Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.

Courses and training
Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.

The Old City
A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.

Adventure sports
Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard

Trekking Northern Thailand
It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.

Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.

Read more!

Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.

Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

Read more!

Owning a Pub in Chiang Mai - Easy Money or Hard Work?

For more than 3 years, I was the owner of The Doors Music Pub in Chiang Mai. I never forget the regular customers, who were mostly backpackers or young people who appreciated good music and a hassle-free and laid-back atmosphere. Many of them stayed in Chiang Mai for 3 months and when visiting my bar, they always told me that the life I lived is what they could only dream of.

Some of them even became determined to start a bar of their own, wanting to permanently return to Chiang Mai as soon as they had saved a nice stash of money back home. Usually I just talked along with them, and I knew it was just bar talk. Opening a successful pub is a hell of a job. The competition is severe and often Thai law does not protect your business.

It is more than 4 years ago when I finally decided to close my music pub, not because I didn’t earn enough money but mainly due to issues I was too fed up to cope with any longer. From all these customers with their brilliant ideas, not one soul returned. I guess it was not that easy for them to leave their family and friends and start a new life on the other side of the world.

I truly fully enjoyed each day of my pub’s existence and I can say without doubt that it was the best time of my life. It was so cool sharing my passion for The Doors’ timeless music and Jim Morrison’s poetry with so many, young and old free-spirited people and enthusiastic fans coming from all over the globe. Online Chiang Mai nightlife resource

Another pleasure was working together with my motivated team of three beautiful and spontaneous young Akha ladies. These girls were reliable and dedicated until the last day my pub was open. Sure! It was also neat to get slightly drunk many nights, together with new mates, and play the visitors’ requested tracks all night. Twice every year, I still meet three customers who I became good friends with during the time I had my pub.

Unfortunately, there are also negative things about running a bar which occasionally I had to deal with. There were wasted customers who behaved disrespectfully towards my staff. Some customers stole music books, ashtrays and even removed posters from the wall. Sometimes it was very hard to make loaded customers leave when it was closing time and once in a while there were stingy customers who managed to sneak out without paying the bill.

The Thai police is another topic which deserves to be mentioned here. Three different kinds of policemen used to pay my pub regular visits. Every month, a policemen dressed in civilian clothes came to collect the money I ‘owned’ him for ‘protection’. The first time he came by, he told me what day of the month I could expect him and the amount of money I had to pay. After the first meeting, the officer - always wearing sunglasses - never spoke again. He just looked at me while ticking his pen against the wooden bar. Well, I understood the silent message.

The bar next to me was run by two Thai girls and they had severe financial problems. After not paying the police for 2 months, they were forced to close the bar until they could pay their debt. One day a group of Thais started to play cards in their bar and only a few minutes later two policemen suddenly popped in and ‘arrested’ the law-breaking gamblers while the owners were ordered to close their joint and step into a police car.

Another officer from the tourist police visited my bar almost every Saturday at the end of his shift. It seemed he was very interested in one of my staff and always gave her compliments about her beautiful face and perfect body. He even gave her his phone number and asked if she was willing to go out with him sometime. He always drank several Thai whiskies but never paid for the drinks when he left, saying that I could ask him for help if I ever had any problems.

Finally, two times per year my bar got unannounced invaded by a group of very rude policemen. These men opened every drawer and cupboard, checked the ownership documents, cigarettes and whiskey license and my staff’s ID cards. One of them always had a long phone conversation with my Thai wife, who officially owned the bar. The usual questioning I had to undergo lasted for 1 hour. Questions included; why is your Thai wife not here? Do you have work permit? Do you serve customers? How much salary do you pay your staff? Why don’t you employ Thai girls (‘my girls’ being Akha hill tribe girls)? Each time they told me that if they ever saw me serving one customer, I would have to pay a huge fine.

I can happily say that running The Doors Music Pub was the most exciting time of my life, and I don’t regret one single day that my pub was open. Extensive Chiang Mai travel info I would even consider opening another pub again one day. If you’re not demoralised, why not go for it and open that special Chiang Mai bar.

Read more!

Chiang Mai Nightlife - Cheap Fun After Dark

Budget travellers and backpackers are known for their love of a fun evening no matter where in the world they end up. For those who reach the northern city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, there are plenty of opportunities for nightlife excitement, with the added bonus of it being really, really inexpensive.

Dining and drinking are probably the first things that come to mind. Fear not, the food in Chiang Mai is not only delicious and the helpings large, but the cost is amazingly low. Filling meals can be found from street stalls and vendors in Chiang Mai for less than 25 baht - that's about sixty cents! Eating at restaurants will cost a bit more, but if you stick with the local Thai food establishments and avoid the hotel restaurants, you'll still be amazed at the serving sizes and the prices.

As far as drinking goes, imported beer at the expat pubs is very reasonable, but if you're not picky, a large bottle of the local spirits will last you and your friends the night and will only set you back around 120 baht ($2.90 US). Of course, if you overdo it you may continue to pay for it the next morning.

Another favorite nightlife activity in Chiang Mai is shopping at the famed night bazaar in the middle of the city. Here you will find all kinds of foods, crafts and other goods from the region. There are plenty of bargains to be had here, but be ready and willing to haggle. A word of warning though, so called antiques here are often fakes.

Finally, if you like to dance, there are many popular discos in Chiang Mai. Cover charges are reasonable, and if you practice basic caution and stick with the more well known ones such as Bubbles disco at the Pornping Tower, they are also very safe and friendly places to relax for the night.

Read more!

Phuket Island tour.....

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). The low season of phuket is 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.

Read more!

A guide to Phuket's best beaches

Located midway along the west coast, Phuket's number one and most visited beach is Patong; a behemoth in terms of tourist numbers and reputation. The beach is quite nice here, although the whole package of shops, restaurants and bars is what gives this beach its great appeal. Patong Beach travel resource online Just north and south of Patong are Kamala and Karon beaches respectively; both of which are a little less brash and easier on the eye. Karon is the busier of the two and is known for its collection of upmarket hotels and resorts.
Not far to the south of Karon is Kata Beach, perhaps Phuket's all-round best beach. Kata has better sands than that of Patong and Karon, has fewer shops and bars and has a great feel to it, with shaded seating areas and some great shopping. As with the previous beaches, Kata is very appealing to the water sports enthusiast and is the island's most popular surfing beach. Unlike Patong and Karon, Kata also has some resorts and one or two bars directly on the beach adding to its appeal.

Kata Noi Beach is just over a headland to the south of Kata and is one of the most attractive and peaceful of beaches on Phuket. It has lovely, golden sands and great bathing and is surrounded on all sides by dense jungle. There's only one main resort here - Kata Thani - and a handful of shops, cafés and bars. Kata Noi is just a short taxi ride from the main Kata Beach and reachable on foot.

Nai Harn Beach is farther south again and very much like Kata Noi for peacefulness and exclusivity. Nai Harn is mostly frequented by locals and the high season weekends will see it thronged with happy Phuket residents. Like Kata Noi, Nai Harn is fed by a no-through road making it much more peaceful and less polluted than most other beaches on the island. There are also some very exclusive hotels here such as the Le Meridian.

At the very bottom of the island is Rawai Beach, an interesting retreat best known for its seafood restaurants and laid back feel. Rawai is very popular with the ex-pat community although the beach itself isn't that much to look at. Friendship Beach, about three kilometres northeast of Rawai, is the only one worth visiting on the east coast.

There are also several other beaches of interest continuing north of Kamala Beach, including Laem Sing, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang. Of these, Laem Sing, next to Kamala, is by far the prettiest but least accessible. An arduous climb down a set of steep steps is the only access from the road high above, unless you have a boat. Once down there, the cute little bay of Laem Sing will not disappoint, with its soft sands and crystal clear waters.

Surin Beach is just a few minutes by bike or car from Laem Sing and is as far north as most visitors tend to get. Surin is somewhat of an upmarket option flanked as it is by million dollar villas. The seafood restaurants on the beach here are very good and the surf is also appealing. Bang Tao is just over a headland to the north and is Phuket's longest beach at eight kilometres. Tourist Phuket info online Needless to say this beach is great for a stroll and its tree-lined shelter offers an excellent opportunity for a picnic.

Nai Yang Beach is the only other main beach north of here and is the first beach coming from the airport. An affordable option, Nai Yang is becoming more and more popular with returning visitors who want something different and who can't be bothered to traipse all the way to the more popular southern Phuket beaches. A word of warning though: don't come to Nai Yang expecting a party!

Read more!

Excellent day trips from Phuket Island - Thailand

Phuket is named the Jewel of the Andaman. Or is it maybe the prime gem in the crown of Thailand's tourism? However, Phuket is just the core of a spacious wonderful playground. And the other part of the 'crown' is worth discovering, even if the tropical fabulous beaches you're sunbathing on seems so great you never want to get away from them. Phuket sightseeing tours are a must.
Making day trips from Phuket Island is definitely a must when you visit this South East Asian tropical piece of Heaven. Within a few hours ride or trip by boat are several mind-blowing landscapes including the renowned Phi Phi islands, the wonderful Khao Lak coast, the eye-opening Pha Nga Bay, exclusive scuba diving off the Similan islands, and the breathtakingly beautiful karst-scapes of Krabi. There are national parks boasting lush forests, picturesque fishing villages, spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear waters, private tiny islands, pristine mangroves and exclusive beaches to seek out.

Phuket is without a single doubt Thailand's best developed and most popular island, a high standard, jet-set travel destination that has become a very upmarket place during the last decades. If you're travelling to Phuket for your next holiday you'll invariably find yourself based at one of several wonderful bays lined along the West Coast. From this location you can either rent a private car or use the option taking one of the available day trip tours to a destination of your choice. This is highly recommendable and there are both many travel agents and opportunities.

For first time visitors exploring the island itself is absolutely a great idea. There are numerous exciting and splendid beaches. Towards the south from Kamala you'll find a cluster of the best, past the popular and crowded Patong, and onwards to the posh Kata and sweeping Karon. Every beach is worth making a stop for a few hours to sunbath or sample a spicy Thai papaya salad (som tam) for lunch. Keep travelling south and you'll finally reach the untouched Nai Harn beach, a good spot for avoiding the crowds. All beaches on Phuket have their own special ambience.

To reach the island's north takes about a one-hour drive. This area has not been developed and tourists do not dominate the scene. The east coast's mangroves offer an altogether different look of Phuket. While visiting this area you might want to cool off in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park's Bang Phrae Waterfall or drop in on the 'singing gibbons' at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. Tours to this area of Phuket are very rewarding.

The best scenery can be found offshore, the first thing on you itineraries list should be a trip to Phi Phi. This distinctive craggy island is formed like a butterfly. The island featured in the Hollywood movie The Beach and was world news because of the Tsunami tragedy. Actually there are several islands, and the majority of the available trips stop off for some mind-boggling snorkelling adventures en-route. Food is mostly served once you arrive at Phi Phi Ley's paradisiacal Maya bay. Only campers and park rangers are allowed to spend the night here so you'll have the immaculate beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don is more dramatic and was drastically overdeveloped before the gigantic Tsunami washed it all away. On a tiny sandwich of coconut palms the resorts are found between two gorgeous bays, with rising to the blue sky karst cliffs all around. Once you've reached this spot you probably not want to make the trip back to Phuket!

Similarly popular and impressive is Pha Nga Bay's unique karst seascape, enjoyed free promotion in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now also known as the James Bond Island, this is a must-see on all trips from Phuket but its all part of a gigantic theatre of pillars, dotting this vast bay and must be ranking as the most photogenic spot in the whole Andaman. Lunch will be served at the idyllic fishing village of Koh Phan Yee, which is positioned in the water on stilts. Don't forget purchasing some souvenirs and stroll around this remarkable community. Kayaking among the karst cliffs and caves is especially rewarding.

If diving is your thing and you have just one opportunity to see the finest, then you may want to join a few days lasting trip to the Similan islands which are located West of Phuket. There is also a protected marine reserve and diving excursions or day trips are the only way to reach the area's unspoilt reefs, or swim in the clear blue ocean. If you do not have a dive certificate, no worries there are plenty of available courses. As an alternative you could take a tour to Hong Island, between Krabi and Phuket and simply enjoy underwater snorkelling and unwind. This unique island boasts a hidden lagoon inside, reachable at low tide only through a cave tunnel.

Renting a car for a drive into the hinterland is also a great option. Phuket is by a short causeway linked to the mainland and after that you have the freedom, roaming the lush isthmus provinces of Southern Thailand. Travel to the north to Khao Lak, to explore a more untouched and wild shoreline, and some fabulous coastal parks. Khao Sok National Park is a bit beyond this with its vast lake, magnificent rainforests and distinctive landscapes. In the park chalets you can even stay overnight. Thai tropical national parks feature fantastic ecosystems full of streams, waterfalls, nature trails, a few animals and varied birdlife.

Even Krabi is a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors, it can conveniently be reached within a 90 minutes drive from Phuket and features some of most distinctive landmarks in the region. But this is a completely other destination!

Read more!

Phuket - Top Holiday Destination in Thailand

Phuket Island - Popular Vacation Destination

Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.

What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?

Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.

Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.

Phuket Beaches

The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.

Phuket Nightlife

The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.

Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.

You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.

Phuket Shopping

Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.

Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.

If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.

Read more!

Thai Wives - Why are so many Westerners coming to Phuket to Marry?

Here on the beautiful island of Phuket in Thailand, there are a great number of mixed Thai-Western marriages. It really is turning into quite a phenomenon. Around Phuket's schools and playgrounds it is common to see mixed-race children happily playing with the 100% Thai kids. They are usually easy to spot with fairer skin, western features and non-black hair. A whole generation of culturally diverse, multi-lingual children is growing up and will soon be quite an asset to Phuket's tourist industry.

This phenomenon of mixed marriages in Phuket has really exploded over the last decade. Of course, the major reason is the expansion of Phuket's tourist trade. When you have more than a million western visitors a year, it is natural that some of them will meet and fall in love with local people. Especially when the local people are so appealing.

But there must be more to it than that. The tourist resorts around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and US also receive millions of foreign visitors a year. There are mixed-nationality marriages at these resorts but not thousands in a small area like there are in Phuket.

One thing stands out when you look at Phuket's ex-pat population - the vast majority of us are men. Probably around 90% of the ex-pat population is male. That is not the case when you look at the breakdown of tourist visitors where the split is only 60-40 in favour of males.

So while there are many women visiting Thailand, only a small percentage of them decide to settle here. It is probably a similar percentage to those that settle at other holiday resorts. But the men are marrying Thai women and settling here in numbers that way exceed what is typical elsewhere. There is an obvious conclusion to draw. There are a lot of men coming to Phuket to actively seek wives. They are not just falling in love while on holiday - they are coming with the pre-planned intent of finding a doe-eyed Thai beauty to be their spouse.

Many men seem to be dissatisfied with their experiences of women in their home country. Society has changed rapidly in the west over the last few decades. Women have become more confident and assertive. They can be intimidating to approach and fast with a withering put-down. They are much more demanding in their relationships and expect a lot of concessions from their partners. Many men do not like it. They still want the fifties ideal of a feminine, doting wife.

So they come to Thailand in search of the answer to their problem. Here, they believe they can still find women who are beautiful, feminine and attentive to their husband's needs.

It is dangerous to generalise too much about the men who marry Thai girls and settle in Phuket. They all have their own story. Just the same, there are common patterns. You can place a lot of these men into three broad groups:

Group 1: There are those that come to Phuket for 'normal' reasons such as work or a break from work. It is natural that some of these people will meet and fall in love with locals. This happens all over the world. There is no doubt that Thai women are very charming so perhaps it is more common here than elsewhere.

Group 2: There are those who fall in love with their bargirl. The girls who work in the sex industry are good at selling themselves; it is their job. It is not usually the hardened sex-tourists that fall for their charms. They tend to pick up a new girl every night with no emotional attachment. It is the new guys. The men who come to Phuket for the first time, not quite knowing what to expect. They probably have an idea that they are going to pick up a prostitute but they don't know how it works. They end up doing the GFE (girl friend experience - see Phuket Naughty Nightlife). That is picking up a bar girl and then keeping her for the entire length of the holiday. They act as if they are boyfriend-girlfriend. The girl gets plenty of time to weave her magic. She tugs the guy's heartstrings with her life story until he is brimming with sympathy. She gives him lots of affection and by the end of his holiday, he is in love.

Group 3: Then there are those who come with the pre-planned intent of finding a wife. They have thought about it and come to the reasoned conclusion that a Thai wife would make their life better. Some of these guys will look for their new wife around the sex venues of Patong. Others want to stay away from the sex industry girls. They may try dating agencies or internet matching services. Some of them will try to meet 'good' Thai women away from the tourist resorts. Their approaches may vary but the conclusion is the same - they think a life in Phuket with a Thai wife would be better than their current life back home.



Whatever the reasons, the mixed Thai-Western marriage is now an established part of Phuket's scenery. Not all of these Western men find their dream wife. Many of these marriages run into problems but that is true of marriages the world over. There can be extra problems related to marriages between people from different cultures. Still a lot of western men are very happy with their choice.

Read more!

Nanai Road , Phuket

Nanai Road, Phuket: Located at the foot of the hills at the back of the famous patong beach (Phuket), Nanai Road is a favourite for ex-pats and regular visitors but largery unknown to most travelers to Phuket. Linking Sainamyen Road in the north to Parchanukhro Road in the South, this is a bustling cosmopolitan community where Thais and foreigners live and work together. Like The beach Road and Bangla road, Nanai Road has a wide range of shopping, restaurants and nightlife, but unlike the tourist-oriented areas you won't be harassed by touts in the street or over charged for a beer. There are some excellent restaurants and almost every style of cuisine available: Thai, Italian, Swedish, German, French, Austrian,... Go to any of the local bars on Nanai (open more early) and it's won't be long before you've got to know everyone there. The bars are more laid-back than Bangla Road, but friendly with a lot of fun. Starting life as a cattle track, Nanai road has seen rapid development and many new guesthouse and hotel have been built providing quality accommodation at reasonable prices. Have a wander down nanai Road and meet the locals.

Read more!

Holidays in Thailand - Phuket in 10 exciting days

In spite of the tsunami of 2004, Phuket has steadily rebuilt much of its infrastructure so that it now holds as much of its previous glamour as before. Its beautiful beaches foster excellent diving conditions, and the ever-clear Andaman waters never let divers down. The nightlife is thriving and there's always something to get on board with, so you'll never find yourself without something to do.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre At this time, at least three families of rescued gibbons have been introduced back into the wild and currently live on the Royal Reserve. Their distinctive calls can be heard in the forest, and visitors who catch a glimpse of these animals are always glad they came. A stopover or maybe even a quick swim at the nearby Bang Pae Waterfall makes this trip twice as appealing.

Adventure sports Phuket is loaded with activities to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. The island is home to Thailand's only licensed bungee jump operator who, on top of those credentials, is the only operator in all of Asia to insure this activity. Those wishing to dive into the forests and hills on the island can do so on the back of an ATV or strapped to a lumbering elephant. A shooting range in Chatong has safe and reputable facilities, and go-kart tracks are easy to find. No matter what your preference is, there's an outlet for the adventure seeker on vacation.

Island hopping The archipelago of islands that extends past Phuket is known around the world for its beauty. Chartered daytrips can be arranged to almost any of these Andaman Islands, where passengers can enjoy sightseeing, snorkelling and depending on availability, overnight accommodation. You may have seen a few of these islands in feature films like The Beach or a James Bond movie. A few of the more outstanding islands are Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Coral Island, Kaew Island, Similian Islands and Sirey Island.

Water sports Water sports at Phuket are multi-faceted. Parasailing over the Andaman offers a great perspective with the coast on one side and the horizon on the other. Scuba diving and snorkelling in the famously calm, clear waters is a fun activity that the whole family can participate in. For those with a penchant for sailing, there are dinner cruises to enjoy, sailing lessons in which to enrol and fishing trips on which to embark.

Waterfalls Phuket's waterfalls are great places to take a swim or enjoy a picnic. Kathu Waterfall is the farthest inland and offers inviting, cooling pools for a quick dip. Ton Sai is often photographed due to its pools and tall palm trees. The island's Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre is home of the island's third waterfall, Bang Pae, and those who venture here are also afforded the opportunity to glimpse one of these rare animals.

Shopping Shopping is a popular pastime anywhere in Thailand. Shoppers in Phuket will find the whole gamut of traditional souvenirs. Silk, cotton and custom-made clothing can all be found at attractive prices, as can leather, jewellery and antiques. Patong is home to many of the markets and due to the everyday tourist scene, shoppers do well to come prepared ready to bargain for a price that both parties can agree on.

Eating out Restaurants in Phuket cater for every palette with international and world-class Thai cuisine available all over the hottest tourist districts. Fresh seafood is in seemingly endless supply, and most dishes are tailor-made to satisfy tourists--not too spicy without a specific request. Authentic Thai food is easier to find the farther inland you go, where the crowds of tourists give way to legitimate Thai villages and communities.

Thai kick boxing Visitors who come to Thailand specifically to study martial arts will not be disappointed in Phuket. Phuket Town, Chalong and Rawai are all home to open training gyms where students learn the ancient martial art form of Thai kick boxing, or Muay Thai, which has increasingly gained world recognition for its highly effective combat style. Its popularity is evident in the droves of spectators that gather every Friday to watch the fights hosted in Phuket Town.

Promthep Cape Promthep Cape is one of Phuket's most photogenic spots, a fact to which the crowds of tourists testify. On-site is a popular merit-making shrine covered in miniature elephants. There's also a statue erected in honour of a 19th century prince well-known for founding a Thai school of navigation. The cape is a great place to take spectacular photos, especially at sunset when the evening light bathes this southernmost point of the island.

Temples Wat Chalong is the most visited Buddhist temple on Phuket, due largely in part to its unique design and décor, spacious grounds and modern chedi (pagoda). Other well-known temples include Pra Tong, Put Jaw, Jui Tui, Pra Nahng Sahng and Sanjao Sam San. When visiting any temple, locals will appreciate it if you practice proper etiquette--namely covering your legs and shoulders, taking off your shoes and maintaining an air of reverence when inside the sacred buildings.

Read more!

What To See And Do In Phuket, Thailand – Top 10

Phuket's natural beauty, thriving international community and pristine beaches set it apart fro Thailand’s other resorts. Even after the tsunami of 2004, the communities consolidated efforts have succeeded in holding on to almost all of the former clout as a tourist hub. The tourist industry here is second to none, and visitors are always well catered for, no matter their preferences or background.

Adventure sports

Adventure sports are top-notch in Phuket, and due to the island's status as one of Asia's top tourist destinations, the offerings and equipment are first rate as well. The adrenaline sports of Phuket are all about getting a new perspective on things. Nothing affords this better than perching on the back of an elephant and traipsing through the jungle or taking a plunge under the care of Thailand's only licensed bungee jump operator. There's also a shooting range on the island and it's possible to join guided ATV tours headed to remote beaches and into the hills on the island's interior. Less jostling go-kart rides can be taken in most of the major towns.

Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre

The Gibbon Fund is found on the Royal Reserve on the same land as the Bang Pae Waterfall. This project takes domesticated gibbons and makes every effort to reintroduce them into the wild. To date, three families have been successfully grafted back into their natural environment, and lucky visitors can catch sight of these primates among the trees.

Water sports

The beaches at Phuket are world-renown for their clear and calm Andaman waters. Visitors arriving on the island have the opportunity to enjoy water-related sports and activity which are central to a stay in Phuket. Diving and snorkelling present a wonderful vantage point on the underwater environment. To take in the vistas directly above sea level, there are mooring areas all over the island with the possibilities of sailing lessons, dinner cruises, fishing expeditions and kayaking. Those who wish to raise themselves high above the water can gain a new perspective on the island while parasailing.

Island hopping

The Thai islands of the Andaman Sea are known around the world for their beauty and glamour. A couple of them have been featured in James Bond films, with another having appeared in the Hollywood film, The Beach. Boats can be chartered to every one of the islands in the archipelago, and some of them offer modern amenities and accommodation, while others remain remote and relatively untouched. Some of the most staggering views can be found around these more primitive islands and can be comfortably enjoyed from the boat, some of which are sleeper-equipped. Islands like Phi Phi have plenty of accommodation to offer guests.

Waterfalls

The three major waterfalls of Phuket are all worthy of their own daytrip. Ton Sai is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by palm trees. Kathu Waterfall is located farther inland and many visitors choose to stop here and enjoy a picnic or a swim in its cool pools. Bang Pae Waterfall sits on the land of the Gibbon Fund and visitors to this stretch of land can enjoy the scenic waterfall along with the added possibility of catching sight of a gibbon in its natural surroundings.

Eating out

What better reason to travel to Thailand than to enjoy the endless supply of Thai food? The
abundance of fresh seafood only enhances this draw in Phuket, where the tourist scene rolls out a full menu of possibilities ranging from Thai favourites to international specialties. Quality dishes can be found at the food stalls and small restaurants as well as at the resorts and five-star hotels. The most authentic food is found away from the beaches.

Shopping

While Phuket's shopping scene is as exhaustive as the markets in Bangkok, there are still plenty of opportunities for bargain shoppers, antique hunters and more mainstream shoppers seeking souvenirs. Leather goods, ceramics, jewellery and clothing are in steady supply. It's even possible to get fitted by a tailor and have some clothes custom-made during your stay.

Thai kick boxing

Muay Thai is Thailand's contribution to the martial arts scene. This form of kick boxing has been developed and honed in Thailand for centuries, recognised today for its highly effective moves. Exhibitions take place in Phuket Town every Friday night. Meanwhile, those who wish to study Muay Thai will find training gyms located in Phuket as well as at Rawai and Chalong.

Temples

There are a few Buddhist temples, or wats, on the island. Most of them are easily accessed from the main roads, and local taxi drivers will readily know them all. Shoes should be removed and shoulders and knees covered before entering a Thai temple. Some of the well-reputed temples include Pra Nahng Sahng, Pra Tong, Put Jaw, Jui Tui and Sanjao Sam San. Wat Chalong is probably the most popular with tourists, with its many murals, unusual design and modern pagodas.

Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape has been widely photographed over the years, mostly for its spectacular scenery and beautiful sunsets. It's also worth a visit to take a look at the peculiar shrine which locals adorn with miniature elephants as a means of making merit. There's also a statue that was built in honour of the Thai prince who modernised the country's navigational methods and founded a maritime school in the 19th century.

Read more!

One Of The Top Luxury Phuket Resorts Is The Racha Koh Racha Yai

When we booked the Racha we were told it was one of the top luxury Phuket resorts, but having been there I am certain it is the tops of the luxury Phuket Resorts.

I had been looking for cheap deals on Phuket Hotels, or a Phuket vacation package to a nice hotel, when literally by chance I came upon The Racha.

The idea took my fancy immediately, and we made some more enquiries and booked to go.

We were very impressed when we arrived at Phuket airport where we were picked up by a huge Mercedes and taken to a special Racha lounge, where we checked in prior to a 30 minute or so boat ride to The Hotel. I must be slow on the uptake, because it was really only then that I realised The Racha is in fact on an island called Koh Racha Yai!! It is very worthwhile checking the arrival of your flight, and the departure of the boat, because we knew other guests who had to wait a couple of hours in the lounge, whilst more by accident than design we were there for only a few minutes.

As to the resort itself, it is certainly beautifully presented, a beautiful place on a beautiful beach. It’s worth getting a villa up the hill, because there isn’t any passing traffic, and it feels very private even when you are sitting outside, and the views are pretty good too!! The inside of the villa is very minimalistic, but I did enjoy the outside shower. The standards of cleanliness were superb, there always seemed to be staff arriving to clean up behind us, and always with a smile on their faces.

The infinity pool is quite amazing especially at dusk, and unlike other places we have been the photographs didn’t do the resort justice.

I had read complaints about the service, but in our experience it was faultless, and everything with a smile, nothing being too much trouble.

We particularly enjoyed the breakfasts, with just about everything you can think of, I just wish guests wouldn’t slyly slip rolls and cold meats into their beach bags to eat later. In a hotel of this quality that is not on.

Meals were expensive, however within a brisk five minute walk if you choose you can find cheap and lovely inexpensive local restaurants.

The beach wasn’t always deserted, and we Westerners tend to forget that all beaches in Thailand have public access. If you don’t like it, and it never lasts more than a few hours, there are beautiful and secluded beaches not far away.

All in all we had a great time, did nothing, but then again, there wasn’t much to do anyway, and generally just unwound.

Having not yet experienced other resorts in Phuket, they will have to be pretty good to be better than the Racha on Koh Racha Yai, definitely one of the top luxury Phuket resorts in my book anyway.

Read more!

Phuket Beach

Phuket Beach is interspersed by a chain of mountains and valleys running mainly from a north-south range down the west coast. Phuket Beach is the most exciting and thrilling beach that offers multiple activities and entertainment. Allamanda Laguna Phuket beach is also not affected. It is not a bathing beach, but Phuket Beach is more of a restaurants/bar/souvenir shops row. Phuket Beach is what Seaside Heights is compared to Karon Beach (where our hotel was).
Welcome to Sunwing Phuket hotel at Phuket location as Bangtao beach hotel. Don't know which Phuket Hotel to book. Bang tao Beach, Phuket hotel, Phuket spa resort, Best Western Bangtao Phuket hotel Th. Kata Noi Beach - Phuket Hotel Reviews. Before you book check out the latest Phuket Hotel Reviews. Old Phuket Hotel, Karon Beach, 35 $, incl. Phuket hotel reservation discounts. Phuket Hotel Discounter. Phuket Hotel directory and guide. Featured Phuket Hotel. Old Phuket Hotel. Phuket Hotel Spa - Provide Accommodation reservation Service. Book your Phuket hotel. Mei Zhou Phuket Hotel, Luangpohwatchalong Road. To make a Kata Noi Beach Phuket hotel reservation with Hotel. PHUKET HOTEL. Karon Hotels, Phuket hotel Thailand. Old Phuket Hotel Karon Beach Old Phuket Hotel. Metropole Phuket hotel reviews, Metropole Phuket Phuket: Overall is very good. Phuket Hotel Last Minute Phuket Beach Hotels, Phuket Island hotels and resorts on Phuket Island, and Phuket Luxury Resorts. Phuket Hotel. Phuket Hotel Overview. Cheap rate for Phuket hotel, cheap place to stay on Phuket. For more information about a specific Phuket hotel, click on the hotel name. Sawasdee Village Resort Phuket Hotel Phuket hotels, hotels in Phuket, hotels in Phuket Thailand.

Kasalong Phuket Resort is located on tranquil beach of Nai Yang. A detailed Phuket resort and hotel review with spas and funky escapes. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Mai Khao Beach From USD 176. Woraburi Phuket Resort and Spa. Evason Phuket Resort And Spa Phuket. Katathani Phuket Resort 14 Kata Noi Road, Karon, Muang, Phuket, 83100 Thailand. Evason Phuket Resort & Six Senses Spa. Phuket Resort - Thavorn Palm Beach Resort. Marina Phuket Resort. Siam Phuket Resort.

Read more!

Phuket Hotels: Indulge In Leisure Stay

Are you planning for a romantic honeymoon trip to Phuket? Do you want to give the best to your family irrespective of the expense? Then the luxury and deluxe hotel in Phuket is just right for you. These hotels have the best to offer and every minute detail of the hotel is well taken care of. The rooms of the luxury and deluxe hotel in Phuket have all the necessary facilities and services that make the stay leisurely. Everything in the room even the bathrooms are well equipped and you really do not have to bother about anything. Some of the luxury and deluxe hotels are designed in such a manner that each and every room irrespective of its location will have access to the pool. Most of the luxury and deluxe hotels have their own spas. The spas consist of professional people and a massage with the best quality oils is provided to the customers. While there are some deluxe and luxury hotels in Phuket that provide the spa services without charging any amount, there are others that do take fees from its customers. A large number of luxury and deluxe hotels have their own gymnasium as well. Dining in the restaurants of these hotels is simply a treat in itself. Some of the hotels have open-air restaurants and also makes arrangement to dine on the beach, the experience of which is simply unforgettable. The luxury and deluxe hotels in Phuket are best known for their prompt services, customer friendly atmosphere and hospitality. If one is planning to stay in a luxury and deluxe Phuket hotels it is absolutely necessary to book them at least a month or so in advance. Besides, many luxury and deluxe hotels in Phuket offers a honeymoon package, golf package etc. One can certainly take advantage of the various package deals offered by these hotels that are available online.


About the Author

Hotels2Stay.Net welcomes you to book luxury hotels in Phuket with us. It is an online hotel reservation portal for worldwide destinations. It is also popular for providing cheap Phuket hotels. So book your most preferred hotels in Phuket and enjoy your stay.

Read more!

Thailand's Winter Paradise - Phuket!

Thailand's winter paradise, Phuket! We are thrilled to reveal some amazing details on this tropical paradise!


Phuket is a phenomenal location for property investments. Total condominium supply on the island has more than doubled over the past two years, and the island is starting to see more affordable projects on its East Coast, which has long been a favourite of villa developers. Given new financing options, the growing influence of world-class architects, designers and professional service companies, plus rapidly improving infrastructure and facilities, strong growth in demand for well-located condominiums is expected.



Phuket has emerged as a medical tourism destination, due in part to 2 international hospitals. Bangkok Phuket Hospital and Phuket International Hospital provide customer service in 10 different languages. The island's rapidly improving infrastructure is giving Phuket with all of the facilities found in any modern community, such as large shopping complexes and international colleges.

Phuket is also well known for its entertainment facilities and foreign communities. There are currently 3 marinas with a total capacity of 520 berths (Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina and Yacht Haven). The island also offers exquisite golf courses, such as Blue Canyon, Mission Hills, Laguna, and Loch Palm.

Coupled with an extremely affordable cost of living, it's simple to see why Phuket is the most popular resort destination in South East Asia. As we told you, your dreams will become realities on Phuket!

Want more information on real estate investment opportunities in resort areas like this, in Thailand? Simply contact us today for more information.

Read more!

The Phuket History

Phuket History The first records in Phuket history originate in the beginning of the 11th century. As far as historians have been able to trace, the first inhabitants of what is now known as Phuket were the sea gypsy's and theNegrito's.
Phuket Negritos The Negritos are considered by historians to be the indigenous inhabitants of South East Asia. The Negritos include tribes from the Malay Peninsula, Andaman tribes, Pilipino tribes and the Semang tribes. The Negritos were small people and were pygmy sized. They are in fact considered to be among the smallest races when looking at population size. Genetic expert consider the DNA of the Negritos to be among the purest of any human race.

Junk Ceylon Junk Ceylon. was the first name of Phuket in its history. Historians have found the original name of Phuket on the maps of Portuguese sea merchant maps. There was an earlier mention of Junk Ceylon in a book written in the year of 157 AD. The book was written by a well known Greek philosopher. Cladius Ptolemy.

The Greek philosopher mentioned that if one was to travel to the Malaysian peninsula, one would have to pass a cape which he called the Junk Ceylon. The Junk Ceylon was given a location between the latitudes of 6 N and 8 N which would be the position of present day Phuket. It seems that the Junk Ceylon was visited by sea merchant from various countries as the bay of Junk Ceylon offered a superb protection against the forces of nature and gave the merchants an opportunity to rest and restock.

Recent Phuket History Phuket become later known as Thalang after the city which still exists in the northern region of Phuket. An important part of Phuket history was during the 15th century when Phuket obtained the reputation as a leading tin mining producer. Due to the local mining industry, Phuket become somewhat of a trading hub.

Due to the large volume of European merchants and traders that were calling port in Thalang, the Thai King during that period decided that Phuket should be administered by a European. Between the period of 1681 and 1685, Thalang was administered by a French missionary named Renee Charbonneau.

Burmese Invasion Another imporrant event in Phuket history was in 1785 when enemy troops from neighboring Burma attempted to invade and rule Phuket. Two Phuket ladies decided to stand up and defend the Island in the name of the King of Thailand. The former governor's widow, Chan, and her loyal sister Muk organized a defense which lasted nearly a month.

The Burmese troops were left with no supplies after they had been unable to get past the defence for over a month. The aggresors had no other option but to withdraw as their suplies had run. The king of Thailand heard of the heroic actions of the two sisters and bestowed upon them the noble titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. Even in present day Phuket, the two sisters have not been forgotten and are in fact still honored and respected. In 1966 the two sisters were honored by their very own statue which stands at the Tha Ruea Intersection.

Read more!

Family Holidays in Phuket

The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is an incredible tourist destination, blessed with magnificent island-dotted blue seas, hidden coves and secluded bays, beautiful lagoons, forested hills, lush green forests, and enchanting view of tropical sunsets.

However, the glory of Phuket lies on its wonderful coastline, with an exceptional variety of beaches such as Patong, Kata Beach and Karon Beach, Rawai, Nai Han, Bangtao, and Kalim. Hence, no doubt Phuket is truly a mecca for water sport lovers. Let it be sailing in the Andaman Sea, canoeing through the Phang-nga, water skiing in Hat Patong, deep sea fishing on the offshore islands or Scuba diving in famed destinations such as Phi Phi Islands and Surin, Phuket renders incredible options.

There are also superb options available for such adventure activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing, along with required equipments like boats and kayaks. If you are a beginner in any of these activities, then you can make use of services of an experienced instructor.

Aside water sports, Phuket provide superb options for activities like sightseeing and golf, with a range of world-class championship golf courses. Further, Phuket boasts of a plethora of bars, disco centers with Simon cabaret, and discotheques, all of which provide an exciting as well as lively nightlife. With these umpteen attractions and options, no wonder why Phuket is acknowledged as the 'Pearl of the South.'

Located about 860 km south of Bangkok - Phuket holds the distinction of being the only island in the country with provincial status. Phuket has to its credit a continuum of interesting destinations. One of the prime attractions is the Crocodile Farm - a colorful aquarium containing some estuarine alligators and crocodile. Set in tropical gardens, Phuket Zoo is another great destination, with attractions like friendly tigers and interesting snake shows, apart from a variety of exotic birds and animals.

Highlights also include aquarium containing a variety of tropical fish and corals. A must-see attraction is handicrafts center, where some unique artifacts made by local artisans can be seen, such as silverware, jewelry, and lacquer ware. Also, take a tour to Thai Village while your stay at Phuket, which is much favored for its Thai cuisine as well as cultural shows including sword fighting, Thai dances, and Thai boxing.

Other popular destinations in Phuket are Phromthep Cape - the southern most part of the island providing scenic vistas of the sunset; Wat Phra Thong, whose focal point is a half-buried Buddha; and Wat Chalong, where the statues of most revered monks are enshrined, such as, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. Above all, Phuket is noted for colonial structures, reflecting old European architecture.

Surrounded by 39 islands, Phuket is perhaps the most family-friendliest of all the islands in Thailand, since it caters to every type of vacationer. For honeymooners and newly weds, Phuket's secluded tropical beaches, each of them with fascinating caves and lagoons, offer endless options to enjoy a romantic vacation. Despite being a popular honeymoon destination, Phuket has now become one of the most desirable places to get married. Majority of the resorts and hotels in the area render first-classes services for wedding.

Even specialized packages are made available for getting married. Likewise, Phuket is considered an excellent as well as a safe destination for those traveling with kids. Kids can enjoy aplenty of activities through visiting Butterfly Garden or by taking an elephant trek. Options are also available for kids in the form of summer camps organized and conducted by the British Curriculum International School (BCIS.) Also, a range of kid-friendly hotels and resorts operate here, with a supervised kid club, kid's pool, and restaurants coupled exclusive menus for kids. In addition, Phuket offers a variety of choices for aged people and senior citizens to make their vacation truly a memorable one.

Equally worth mentioning is the accommodation choices available in Phuket. Whether you are a budget-conscious traveler or a luxury-loving vacationer, a plenty of options are available, ranging from boutique resorts and budget bungalows to most sophisticated villas and six-star hotels attached with all facilities including world-class room amenities and fantastic restaurants.

Majority of hotels and resorts offer packages exclusively designed for families. Mostly, they are inclusive of accommodation with oversized bedrooms, kids pack, dining options, and Thai massage and spa facilities. In addition, many of the hotels provide some kind of discount on family and honeymoon packages.

Read more!

The Beautiful Island of Phuket

Situated on the southwestern coast of the Thailand, Phuket is a stunning and magnificent island that is highly admired for scuba driving travel and visited places by a large number of travelers. The warm and exciting waters of the Phuket Island are also located on the Andaman Sea and this is why this Thailand province is popularly called as the "Pearl of South". Phuket is the largest island on the coast of Thailand that covers the total area of about 300 square miles. The best part about this calm island is that it is directly linked to the main land Thailand through a huge bridge at the island's north edge.

Famous For Scuba Diving Travel Activity

The Phuket Island is catering to a great number of tourists from all across the world from the last 25 years out of which a large percentage of the travelers are the lovers of scuba diving. People visit this place in large numbers due to the fact that they want to enjoy the best of the diving experiences on the finest dive locations in the whole of Asia. Scuba diving travel in Phuket is a great activity that is performed at almost each and every exotic and marvelous beach of this island. There are a wide variety of scuba diving services that are provided by the dive centers so that the scuba divers can have a safe and excellent diving time. The various services offered for scuba diving includes leisure dives and various advanced scuba diving courses.

Islands And Beaches Famous For Scuba Diving Travel

Racha Islands, which is considered to be the best diving sites in Phuket is situated on the southern tip of the mainland Thailand and is popular for its crystal clear water and opportunity to encounter the huge water animals while diving. On the other hand, Racha Noi, the smaller island is famous for providing the divers with the underwater scenery experiences and is also known for the encountering with the manta ray and whale sharks.

Phuket is also a center place for various worlds' best live aboard industries. Some of the live boards offer the divers with the best diving destinations like the Mergui Archipelago, the Burma Banks and the Similan Islands. Even in the eastern regions of Phuket, scuba diving is performed in the Ko Phi Phi Lae and Ko Phi Phi Don islands that are popular for their great limestone cliffs. These islands feature coral gardens, sea whips, black coral and orange sea fans.

Phuket is also blessed with the title of 'Pearl of the Andaman' and is undoubtedly the best scuba diving sites in Thailand. There are various fantastic yachts provided so that the scuba divers can experience great diving in the regions of Phuket along with the facilities of fresh water, exit ladders, and stern platforms for diving.

Ko Tao is another island in Thailand that is popular for its scuba diving travel activity. The divers can encounter with the stingrays, small fishes, reef sharks and barracudas. As this island does not face large currents, it is the ideal place for all those who want to learn the adventure water sport of scuba diving. Other activities that can be enjoyed along with the scuba diving travel includes swimming, wake boarding, sumo tube, sailing, water skiing and wind surfing. So, what are you waiting for? Make this vacation a blast by visiting Phuket and enjoying its excellent scuba diving activity.

Read more!

Travel Tour Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It stands as one of the most loved travel destinations of the world. The beautiful white sandy beaches of Phuket look more striking by the surrounded Palm and Coconut trees. With many tour packages offered, visitors have a range of options for cheap hotels and discount hotels in Phuket. You can choose from these budget accommodations to get the best of your stay at Phuket. This landscape of the charming island is the reason behind it being one of the most visited places in the world. Other than the beaches, Phuket has got fascinating historical places like the ancient Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines. Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Nang Sang temples are the most visited temples in Phuket. Golf lovers just love Phuket for its superb golf courses like Phuket Country Club, Banyan Tree Club in Bangtao Beach, Blue Canyon Country Club, and Loch Pam Golf Club that are laid with lush green mountains and scenic vistas.

Travel tours to island of Phuket would offer you many adventurous activities. Some of these activities include Elephant safari into the tropical forests of Thailand and a many water sports. You can savor upon the flavorsome seafood offered in the restaurants along the beaches. Nightlife of Phuket bustles with energy. To enjoy all these fun offered at Phuket, visitors can choose from a range of travel packages that suit every pocket. Get a complete Thai experience at Phuket through the discount packages that offer budget accommodations like cheap hotels and discount hotels. You are also made aware of the cheaper bars and eating joints that help you accord with your budget. Patong Beach in Phuket is a favorite spot for shopping. It offers best shopping stops from small shops to big malls like Junkceylon mall and Central Carnival Mallin Phuket.

Phuket is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the South’ and ‘Pearl of the Andaman'. Holiday makers from all over the world come here to get the best of the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. This island of Phuket is located at a 850 kilometers distance from the capital city, Bangkok. Beach lovers would cherish this place. Every beach of this island is unique in its own way. Some beaches are noted for their strikingly calm caves. Others are known for the excellent facilities that they provide. Some of the most admired beaches of Phuket are Patong, Kamala, Surin, Nai Yang, Karon and Kata beaches. Ocean lovers can look for water sport activities like boating, fishing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, sailing, sea canoeing, water skiing, para-sailing, and swimming. Many budget accommodation options are available for the travelers who want to get cheap hotels and discount hotels to stay at.

Read more!

Old Town Phuket- a Reminder of a Bygone Era

Phuket, a bustling administrative district and a popular beach resort yet little is known about Phuket before the burgeoning tourist trade. A small portion of Phuket’s history remains preserved as a reminder of what life used be like during the “Tin Boom” of the 19th century. “Old Phuket” is filled with historic buildings and monuments that relate to an era gone by, yet many of these places are exquisitely preserved and tell the tale of what life used to be like 100 years ago.



Among the buildings that can be seen here are Buddhist or Taoist temples, colourful and ornate shophouses, palatial mansions, quaint cafes and public museum that depict the history of the region. At the heart of Phuket’s Old Town is Thalang Road which was the heart of the areas commerce in the bygone days. A number of shophouses are still open and sell traditional items such as Chinese medicine ingredients, antiques and handicrafts.



The architecture of this region is characterized as being Sino-Colonial or Sino-Portugeese, many of these buildings sport exquisite lattice work and are usually greater in length than in width. Traditional houses usually have their cooking and bathing areas at the back and an air shaft is built in to the houses so the cooling sea breeze can ventilate the building.



Located a short distance away from Thalang Road is Soi Romani, a Red Light District of yore. The area is little more than a glamorized back alley where Chinese laborers working in the region’s Tin mines came for a little solace and entertainment. Each year an elaborate festival is held in Thalang Road, Soi Romani and the nearby Krabi Road this celebrates Phuket’s connection with China and the straits of Malaya. Locals dress up in colourful traditional dresses known as the “Yaya” style, a dramatic representation of historic events is acted out in a historic mansion on Thalang Road.



Being an area of high tourist activity a Phuket hotel will not be difficult to locate nearby.

Read more!

Phuket Island

Phuket, the biggest island of Thailand, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. Some beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by Palm and Coconut trees constitute the landscape of this beautiful island. There are both kinds of beaches in Phuket. Some bustle with leisurely activities of tourists like the famous Patong beach, while some are serene and tranquil, like Kamala beach.

Apart from the famous beaches, Phuket also has some ancient Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines, for those who are fond to explore historical places. Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Nang Sang temples are among the most visited temples. There are many coral islands around Phuket too.

There is no dearth of leisurely and adrenaline-pumping adventurous activities on this Island. Activities like Elephant safari into the tropical forests of Thailand and a host of water sports offered on the beach add to the recreational quotient of Phuket. And add to this the yummiest of all seafood served in the restaurants along the beaches. With a bustling nightlife and a host of partying places, the fun doesn’t seem to stop in Phuket.

For tourists looking for an in expensive travel package to get the true Thai experience, Phuket offers it all. With a wide range of budget hotels and comparatively cheaper bars and eating joints, more tourists prefer this beautiful island to Bali. For shopping, along with the small shops along the patong beach, which offer cheaper goods, there are also big malls like Junkceylon mall and Central Carnival Mallin Phuket, which house international brands.

Whether it’s strolling bare feet on the soft sand of the beaches, or jet skiing on the beautiful Arabian see or walking leisurely and enjoying the beautiful weather in the market along Patong beach, Phuket offers many memorable experiences to cherish





PhuketHotel Apart from the famous beaches, Phuket also has some ancient Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines, for those who are fond to explore historical places. Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Nang Sang temples are among the most visited temples.

Read more!

Get to Phuket

Air Thai operates nearly a dozen daily flights form Bangkok. The direct flight takes and hour and 25 minutes, but some flights stop in Hat Yai for half and hour. There are also regular flights to and from Hat Yai.

Bangkok Airways flies between Samui Island and Phuket Island twice daily (once a week in June and September).

Angle Airlines recently introduced flights to Phuket Island from Bangkok and Singapore. Angle’s office is at Phuket international Airport.

THAI flies between Phuket Island and several international destinations, including Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Sydney. Other international airlines with offices in Phuket are: Malaysia Airline, Silk Air, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines.

Southern Helicopter service at the airport charters a seven passenger helicopter. The service covers all of Phuket Island and Ao Phang Nga beach, including Phi Phi Island. Southern Flying Group does small aero plane charters.

BUS

All direct air-conditioner buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal make the journey overnight, leaving at approximately half-hourly intervals between 5.30pm and 7pm and arriving about fourteen hours later. Most air-conditioner buses from Phuket to Bangkok also make the journey overnight, though there are a few departures during the morning. There is no train service to Phuket, but if you can’t face taking the bus all the way from Bangkok, a more comfortable (and less nerve-wracking) alternative would be to book an overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani, about 290km east of Phuket, and take a bus from there to Phuket (about six hours). There are fourteen buses a day between Surat Thani and Phuket, all traveling via Khao Sok, Takua Pa and Khao Lak; and six private minibuses a day from Phuket to Surat Thani. Takua Pa is a useful interchange for local services to Khuraburi and Ranong, though there are four direct buses a day between Ranong and Phuket. As for points further south : seventeen buses a day run between Krabi and Phuket, via Phang Nga, and there are also frequent services to and form Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Hat Yai.

Boat

If you’re coming to Phuket form Phi Phi Island or Lanta Island, the quickest and most scenic option is to take the boat. During peak season, up to four ferries a day make the trip to and from Phi Phi Island, taking between ninety minutes and two and a half hours and docking at the deep-sea port on Phuket’s southeast coast; during low season, there’s at least one ferry a day in both directions. Travelers from Lanta Island have to change boats on Phi Phi Island. Minibuses meet the ferries in Phuket and charge 100B per person for transfer to Phuket town and the major west-coast beaches, or 150B to the airport.

Read more!

Thailand Vacation Series - Phuket Attractions

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). The low season of phuket is 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.

Read more!