Vol 2 No 2

Vol.2 No.2 - August 2011 www.theguidephuket.com

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Xtrem Adventure Phuket

An Experience you Will Never Forget

Maps

Diving

Tours

Things to do

Places to go

Shopping

Accommodation

Restaurants and Much, Much More...

KATHU GOLF CONDO T H E B E S T I N V E S T M E N T I N P H U K E T, F A I R W A Y V I E W S

Starting from 4 M.Baht : 99 Sq.m.

Last 18 Units Ready to move in

100% Phuket Country Club View Phuket Country Club

Kathu Golf Condo

Central Festival Phuket

Swimming Pool

Gym

Rooftop Garden

2 glass Lifts Passenger

Tel. 084-543 543 5, 076-319 194

E-mail: kathu-golfcondo@hotmail.com www.kathu-golf-condo-phuket.com Kathu Golf Condo close to Phuket Country Club, Vichitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

Mother’s Day Celebrations In Thailand

I

n Thailand August 12th is celebrated as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and the nation immerses itself in celebrations. As the Queen is also regarded as the mother to all Thai people, this day is also celebrated as ‘Mother’s Day.’ Every year since 1976 dual celebrations for both the Queen and for everyone’s own mother have been held in tandem.

Thai people unanimously commemorate this day because of the Queen’s benevolence towards the needy and poor in the nation and as a result the Queen has captured the hearts of Thai people through her devotion toward the welfare and well-being of her subjects.

A few weeks before the Queen’s birthday, preparations start in full swing. For this occasion, people all around the country raise national flags and houses are decorate with the portrait of Her Majesty the Queen. This is their way of expressing their loyalty and honor to her. Similarly, local organizations are bedecked with her portraits, garlands, and colorful lights. In the capital city Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Sanam Luang and the area around the Grand Palace are bedecked with colorful lights and firework displays are an added attraction.

On the Mother’s Day early in the morning government officials, royal army, personnel, students and teachers, gather around the high clock tower. They form a procession and walk to the King’s palace. On its way to the palace, the band plays popular music pieces. After arrival at the palace, the procession presents flowers to the representative of the HM the Queen. This is followed by the singing of the song ‘‘Mother of the Kingdom’, praising both the Queen and King. In the evening ceremony at the Queen’s garden, government officials light candles. In this way, they pay respect to the Queen and pray for her long life.

Thai people also use this special day as an opportunity to thank their own dear mother for her unconditional love. Mother’s Day morning in Thailand starts by giving alms to the monks. Following the Thai tradition, children kneel down before their mother to show their love and gratitude. They present her with white jasmine flowers or garlands, while in return, their mothers shower their blessings on children. On this day, white jasmine flowers are a common sight in Thailand as they are the symbol of maternal love. The white color of the flower symbolizes the purity of each mother’s true love, which will never change. Charitable activities, donations and offerings to monks are also an important part of the day to express each child’s love and gratitude towards their own mother.

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Phuket’s Coolest Bar and Restaurant

Cool food – Cool drinks - Cool sounds - Cool vibes

Just 1.5 k.m. south of Chalong circle by the traffic lights 14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 (0)76 371 900 Fax. +66 (0)76 613831 E-mail: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

Contents

40

LifeStyle The Guide Social Getting to Know... Kim Steppe Life’s a Beach Shopper’s Delight Central Festival

8 10 14 44 46

Watersports & Activities

24

Hot Activities Day Tripper Amazing Bike Tours

11 36 38

Hotels & Accommodation Phuket Pulse In Bed with... The BluEco Hotel Hotel Highlights

16 18 22

Food & Restaurants

10

Let’s do Brunch!

In the Kitchen with...The 9th Floor Restaurant Highlights Wine Dinner

20 24 26 30

Health & Beauty Stretch your body & mind with Kata Hot Yoga 32 Spa Highlights 35

Property Review

38

Kathu Golf Condo

Star Phuket Media & Design Limited Partnership 65/573, Moo 2, T. Vichit A. Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66 (0) 76 513 064, Fax: +66 (0) 76 513 016 E-mail: info@theguidephuket.com, www. theguidephuket.com

Timetable

Managing Director:

Consulting Editor:

Graphic Designer:

Advertising:

Transport on the Island

Punnaporn Eamso Guinault info@theguidephuket.com Mobile: 089 474 4704 Barry Daniel editor@theguidephuket.com Design 457 Studio media@theguidephuket.com info@theguidephuket.com Tel. 076 513 064 Mobile: 089 474 4704

40

Bangkok Airways Timetable

47

Thai Airways Timetable

49 48

Maps Patong

19

Kata, Karon

41

Phuket Island

42

The Guide Phuket is an exciting publication aimed at providing tourists and local ex-pats easy access to key information on Phuket. The Guide Phuket will cater to the needs of all, including the most up to date details on places of interest, where to travel, where to stay, where to dine, the best places for entertainment, dining and relaxation, in addition to business services, information and contacts.

The Guide Phuket is published monthly and distributed to Bangkok Airways Lounge (Suvanabhumi International Airport and Phutket International Airport), Thai Airways Lounge, major resorts in Phuket region, restaurants, spas, travel agents and car rental. Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to info@theguidephuket.com.

Lifestyle / 7

BOAT LAGOON Open Daily: 9h30 - 18h30 (Close Sunday) No. 23/122 Moo 2, Thepkasatri Rd., T.Kohkaew, A.Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66 (0) 76 273 487 E-mail: gallery@asiansourcingallery.com www.thedreamgallery.asia

BLUE ELEPHANT Open Daily: 11h30 - 14h30 18h30 - 22h30 96, Krabi Road, Phuket Town (Previously Pra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion) Tel. +66 (0) 76 354 355-7 E-mail: phuket@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com

Offering 15% Discount for Privilege Card Holders.

Gallery will be closed for holidays from 4th to 15th August 2011 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

8 / Lifestyle

The Guide Social

La Chaine Des Rotisseurs Dinner at Mare Restaurant

AustCham Thailand Phuket Sundowers at IndoChine Resorts and Villa on 24 June 2011

Phawadee de Crissey, (centre, front row) Maître Hôtelier of La Chaine Des Rotisseurs, Phuket recently congratulated to Andreas Hameder, (1st from right) Executive Chef of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Fabrizio Crocetta, (front row, 4th from left) Italian Chef of Mare restaurant.

Grand Opening of ABSC Condominium, Patong Central Festival Phuket New Look Celebration set bench- Beach on 21st June 2011 mark as the leading international lifestyle and shopping destination in the South of Thailand.

Midsummer celebrations at Two Chefs Kata Center on 24 June 2011

This momentous and happy occasion was presided over by The Andaman Group Chairman Mr.Sommai Phasee. The Grand Opening saw 3 of 10 units quickly snapped up and now there are only 7 units left for sale. With an intimate cocktail reception party held at the rooftop swimming pool attended by both treasured guests and VIP’s.

From Left: Mr. Kitipat Pongpech, Mr. Dusit Mayakarn, Mr. Bunchu Damrongkitjakarnwong, Mr. Sommai Phasee (Chairman & CEO) And Mr. Pitaya Tantipiriyakij. www.theguidephuket.com

Lifestyle / 9 Flames Grand Opening at 9 July 2011 (Managed by Twinplam)

UFE Monthly dinner and French National Day cerebration at Royal Phawadee Village

4 nights, 4 wine makers, 4 luxurious resorts‌ Grapes and Grazing Week at Sala Phuket

Kim Steppe, General Manager of Blue Elephant Restaruant welcome to Pond Guinault (standing in the middle) Nida Chayangamjit (1st sitting from left) and the team from Central Retail Corporation Ltd., and Oranee Hildebrand (sitting in the middle)

Angels & Devils event at 88 East Beach Lounge, Serenity Phuket

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10 / Lifestyle

Getting to know…..

Kim Steppe The Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant

T

he Blue Elephant Group comprises a growing list of gorgeous restaurants and cooking schools that have been pioneering and serving Royal Thai cuisine in various global capitals since 1980. The Group was founded by Nooror Somany Steppe and her Belgian husband Karl Steppe, who opened their first restaurant in Brussels in 1980. Their son Kim has recently opened the Phuket Blue Elephant in the lovingly-restored Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion where we recently had the good fortune of sharing lunch with him.

Can you tell us a little about your unique Phuket Blue Elephant restaurant and the building it’s in?

We spent two years repairing and restoring this grand, 108 year old SinoPortuguese mansion during which we replaced the roof and managed to find an exact match for its tiles from Italy. After an investment of two million Euros I am proud to say that we have brought this beautiful building a whole new source of life as a thriving Blue Elephant restaurant and cooking school. The challenge is to now continue the evolution and establish both the Phuket Blue Elephant restaurant and the cooking school as renowned “must see” establishments for our high end target customers.

Who are your target audience for the Blue Elephant?

I believe we are at the forefront of a wave of more elegant and up-market establishments that are serving to attract a more sophisticated and well-healed crowd to Phuket Town, which to my mind is at the very heart of Phuket. We are attracting more local and visiting Thais than we at first expected as well as better educated and discerning tourists. In particular we have had a lot of interest from Hong www.theguidephuket.com

Kong, Australian, Malaysian and Singaporean visitors.

We offer an unrivalled venue for major events such as weddings, anniversaries and major business and corporate lunches and dinners. In addition our special events such as elephant polo on our front lawn have been a great success.

Please tell us a bit about the Blue Elephant cooking school

We offer half, full day and professionally-tailored private five day cooking courses where our well-trained chefs teach, demonstrate and guide our clients in the delicate art of cooking Royal Thai cuisine. This cuisine evolved over hundreds of years as that prepared and served in Thailand’s royal palaces and represents a pinnacle of ingredients, taste sensations and elegance of preparation and presentation.

The courses begin with a visit to the downtown market where our guests are taught how to select the best and freshest ingredients and how to differentiate between good and bad quality. A handpicked selection of suppliers also provides us with organically-grown ingredients guaranteeing the healthfulness, quality and freshness that are the basic pillars of our cuisine’s excellence.

What is your management style at Blue Elephant?

Being half Thai and half Flemish Belgian I feel I can apply the best of European business practice but also bring a great deal of understanding of Thai ways to managing the Blue Elephant. I grew up in the business and even as a little boy I worked in our Brussels restaurant and became very

close to the staff. I believe the keys to a successful management style are in open communication, straight talking and no politics coupled with good training and organization and of course a Thai smile!

Why is this wonderful endeavor called the Blue Elephant?

Blue is the royal color on the Thai flag and of course the elephant is Thailand’s national animal, so we combined these two in a name that is quintessentially Thai. Indeed if you saw a blue elephant you would never forget it and we hope that is how our customers feel when they visit us.

The Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant The Governor’s Mansion Krabi Road, Phuket Town Tel. 076 354 355-7 E-mail: phuket@BlueElephant.com Email: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www.blueelephant.com

Watersports & Activities / 11

Hot Activities Blue Elephant Cooking School

Kata Yoga

Horse Riding

H

lue Elephant Cooking School has recently opened its Phuket branch where you can participate in one of our world famous cooking classes. Learn how to cook Royal Thai Cuisine with experienced chefs who will take you step-bystep through each recipe. Enjoy a tour around the local market where we will show you what are the popular ingredients of Thai food. When the cooking is all over you can sit and enjoy all of you hard work.

Morning and afternoon classes are available starting from 2,800 THB++ per person.

ot yoga, the most popular yoga for men and women. It is the best 90 minutes workout, toning your muscles and getting you in shape fast! Beginners are welcome and it’s challenging for advanced practitioners, your instructor will guide you through the postures to provide you with the best workout ever. Sweat, detox and lose fat. No more stress, aches and pains. Kata Hot Yoga class is like a gas station, you gain energy instead of losing it. After the class you will feel amazing with a big smile full of vitality, wanting to come back for more. Get a healthy mind and a healthy body. Kata Yoga studio at the beach in Kata.

www.blueelephant.com

www.katahotyoga.com

B

H

ere at our stable we offer you the greatest experience. Let your work worries and the pressure of modern society gradually fade away and nature take over.

Whether a beginner or an experienced rider we have the right horse and the right program for you. Our knowledgeable staff will match you with horses that suit your riding skills. We offer more than 20 Australian, Appaloosa, Thai horses and ponies for riding. Our horses and ponies are professionally trained and friendly; whether you are a novice or an experienced rider you will have great fun with us. Tel. 076 324 199

www.phukethouseclub.com

100% SAFETY

FOR YOUR ENTIRE PLEASURE

Viset Rd.

ENSURED BY HIGH-SKILLED AND PROFESSIONALLY CERTIFIED INSTALLATIONS OPERATORS TRAINED

BY FRENCH SPECIALISTS CHALONG PIER

as

t

Patak Rd.

Chao Fah Road - West

-E hR d.

Fa ao Ch

CHALONG TEMPLE

TO TOWN

TO RAWAI BEACH

HOME PRO VILLAGE

PHUNAKA GOLF THAINAAN RESTAURANT

TO TOWN

HIGHEST tree climbing in ASIA. Only Park in ASIA offering the cable and net technologies.

CENTRAL FESTIVAL

TO KATA BEACH KARON BEACH

LUANG PU SU PA TEMPLE

TO KATU

Tel. / Fax : 076 383 689 Mobile : +66 081 536 8909 info@xtremadventuresphuket.com www.xtremadventuresphuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

12 / Watersports & Activities

Hot Activities XD Theater

Butterfly Garden

P

huket Butterfly Garden is the largest and most desirable butterfly garden in Thailand. In operation from 1990, it has become a magnificent place for families and loved ones to enjoy. Imagine the natural beauty that surrounds you as you walk in a tropical garden surrounded by an abundance of flowers and butterflies.

Phuket Butterfly Garden is simply heaven on earth. 8000 butterflies per month inhabit the lush green tropical garden, enabling it to be a place of fun, tranquility and pleasure.

Discover their secrets, search for hidden eggs, watch as they sip nectar and witness the emergence of new butterflies.

www.phuketbutterfly.com

www.theguidephuket.com

S

T

Xtrem Adventure Phuket

tep into the future with Phuket’s latest attraction; an 8 seat 4D motion ride. Choose a movie, slip on your glasses and be prepared to be whisked away on a journey to space or beyond.

The moving chairs enhance the thrills of the 3D visuals making you feel you really are in a land undiscovered.

We rode on the Cosmic Coaster which is a roller coaster set on another planet taking you through landscapes, plummeting off cliffs into cosmic lands.

This virtual world is open to all ages and the shows run every 10 minutes, so step inside and let your imagination run wild.

he latest harnesses and safety equipment, receive expert training and briefing, and then take on the 69 different treetop challenges of the Xtrem Aventure Park. All the installations are assessed by an independent professional company and checks are regularly performed by a botanical expert to preserve the health of the trees.

With sites suitable for every age from four years and up, Xtremaventures Phuket is located near Big Buddha and Luang Pu Suppha Temple on Chaofa Road, just five minutes drive from Chalong Circle. Tel./ Fax : +66 (0)76 383 689 Mobile : +66 (0)81 536 8909

www.xdtheater.thai-best.com

www. xtremadventuresphuket.com

Watersports & Activities / 13

The Haunted Mine

A journey down the mine, but there’s only gold for fools. This is a ride into the fire-filled depths of the earth and beyond...ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK…!

Cosmic Coaster

This futuristic voyage will transport you to another planet! Speed through landscapes that you’ve never seen before, as you’re thrown from the highest cliffs, plummeting to the depths of an unknown, alien world...

Jett and Jin

Snow Ride

Cosmic Race

Journey thru the Center of the Earth

Join Jett and his cat Jin as they snap into their self-made jet-packs and take off to make it in time for school. Feel the adrenaline pumping as you blast off with them.

Outflank those cars as you fly by on the highway. Experience the thrills of this explosive adventure and above all: don’t be late for school!

Become a racing car driver and take part in an incredible race where you will feel an influx of adrenaline when flying at maximum speed through the streets of this futuristic city.

Race through snowcovered mountains, over shaky narrow bridges and through dangerous bat caves. This is one wild, icy ride that will give you both thrills and chills.

This exciting new film follows adventurers as you are plunged into a strange new world beneath the Earth’s surface where you embark on an amazing voyage and find incredible beauty amidst grave danger.

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14 / Lifestyle

W

Life’s a Beach

ith a vast array of different beaches on Phuket’s coastline why stick to just the one nearest your hotel? Take a look here at the choices available.

Laem Singh Beach

Mai Khao Beach

North of the airport is a beach to really get away from it all. Mai Khao beach is very, very long, and very straight, so it misses the cozy feeling enjoyed by many of the other beaches on the island, but the sand and water here are just as stunning plus it’s almost empty! The place feels deserted even during high season when the beach umbrellas are five deep on Patong.

Nai Yang Beach

Just south of the airport is Nai Yang, a charming beach with a unique atmosphere all of its own. With just a scattering of hotels and bars to entertain the few that stay there, Nai Yang is as relaxed as they get.

Ever dreamed of eating seafood right on the beach? This is your spot.

Layan Beach

This is a small and relatively unknown beach, nestled in a shallow bay at the northern end of Bang Tao. You get there by following the small road that winds right through the back holes of the Banyan Tree Golf Club. Layan Beach is more of a bay than a beach, and although very picturesque the water is quite shallow; great for families but if you fancy a real swim it’s not the place to go.

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach has in recent years seen a lot of development with many 5-star luxury resorts in the area but the beach remains very pleasant. At certain times of the year swimming can be dangerous due to the strong tides. At the northern end of the beach the coral creates good opportunities for snorkeling.

Laem Singh Beach is small and very popular; it is located between Surin and Kamala. To reach the beach you need to walk down a short, rocky trail that is clearly signposted. If you are lucky and it’s not too crowded then Leam Sing Beach is absolutely stunning.

Kamala Beach

Kamala is a 3-kilometer long beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast which has undergone recent developments to its main street, but the beach remains largely unchanged. Behind the beach lies a growing village with two distinct communities; Buddhists by the beach and Muslims further back at the foot of the encompassing mountain range.

Patong Beach

Nai Thon Beach

A little further south from Nai Yang is Nai Thon, possessing a similar feel to its big brother, Nai Thon has long been a favorite with the regular visitors to the island. This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of sand and a handful of pleasant eateries are situated just off the beach.

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Surin Beach

Surin Beach is located between Bang Tao and Kamala beach. It is one of most beautiful beaches on the island with fine white sand and emerald sea. The beach can have rather strong winds which make it ideal for windsurfing. A lot of popular resorts surround this beach.

The most famous beach on the island is the center of entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels.

Patong is indeed a famous beach with beautiful soft sands and warm clear water.

But right behind the beach is the hustle and bustle at the center of Phuket’s tourism business. Here the hotels, restaurants, entertainment and bar areas, street bazaars and shops are crammed in a colorful and lively mix that typifies a Thai tourist beach town.

Lifestyle / 15 clear waters and soft coral offers excellent snorkeling and just outside the bay lies a small rounded island that seems to wave its coconut haircut to those on the beach.

Kata Noi Beach

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a little beach just 5 minutes south of Patong. To get there follow a small cement road up to the hill through the jungle. It is a nice small beach with white, soft sand and large rocks flanking either side.

Just south of Kata Beach is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb for snorkeling as many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the headland to the south.

Karon Beach

Karon is another of the beautiful, west-coast beaches that have made Phuket famous. This beach is the first main stop south of Patong, and is separated from Patong by a large headland. A quick 10 minute drive connects the two.

Kata Beach

Kata is certainly one of the most beautiful of Phuket’s beaches; a half-moon crescent of white sand lining a bay cut deep between two green headlands. Crystal

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is one of the more isolated beaches, nestled at the southern tip of the island in a bay defined by headlands and islets. The beach is backed by the green of Casuarina trees and coconut palms, acting as shade to the restaurants that now line the beach.

Yanui Beach

Yanui Beach is a small bay, 10 minutes north from Leam Phrom Thep. It offers kayaking and snorkeling with equipment hire, both off the beach itself and around the small island about 500 meters distant.

The beach is not so long and the sand is beautifully soft and rarely crowded. It is also a favorite bathing and sunbathing location.

Ao Yon Beach

Ao Sane Beach

Ao Sane beach is a small bay and is located to the north of Nai Harn beach. To get to this beach you need to go through The Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Ao Sane is a very small, rocky beach but it is peaceful.

Ao Yon is another peaceful beach ideally suited for watching the sunset. It is located near Cape Panwa, 10km from Phuket Town. Although quiet with beautiful emerald sea this beach is not really suitable for bathing or relaxing as the bay is usually full of boats and yachts.

Health & Beauty Clinique

“ONE STOP BEAUTY SERVICE” Hair Salon • Hair Extension • Eyelash Extension • Eyelash & Eyebrows Tinting • Make Up Nail Care • Manicure & Pedicure • Gel Nail & Acrylic Nail Extension • Nail Art Decoration Facial Treatment with Pure Collagen • Face Lift without Surgery • Luxury 24K Facial Treatment Body Treatment • Massage • Waxing • Slim & Firming Program Non-Ivasive

Contact: 076 271 373 - 4 Open daily 10am – 7pm

3/2 – 5 Moo 5 Cherngtalay, Bangtao Beach, Phuket Email: info@senses.co.th www.senses.co.th

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16 / Lifestyle

PHUKET PULSE New Movenpick F&B Director

The Mövenpick Resort and Spa located on Karon Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Singaporean national Sham Rahman as their new Director of Food and Beverage. Mr. Rahman’s extensive 28 years experience in the tourism F&B industry includes many top name hotels and resorts in Singapore and Thailand prior to his joining Mövenpick.

Celebrate Mother’s Day by Saying “Love You, Mum” with a Spa Cenvaree treat throughout August

Spa Cenvaree has the ultimate spa treat for Mother’s Day with the “Love You, Mum” package of treatments that lasts a full 2.5 hours and includes a free gift.

With the “Love You, Mum” spa getaway, your mum will be treated with a deluxe scalp massage using a concoction of moisturising avocado coconut cream, nourishing kaffir lime and natural plant essence to condition the scalp while infusing the hair with lustre and shine.

Mums taking the Love You, Mum package will receive a complimentary choice of enriching Magnolia Hand & Nail Repair Cream or the De-aging Passion Fruit & Lemongrass salt scrub for the perfect home spa experience.

Mums can also enjoy the extravagant signature facial Queen of Plant Essence Facial, offered at a discount of 50 percent during the month of August.

For more information or reservations please contact SPA Cenvaree on +66 76201 234 or e-mail spacenvareecpbr@chr.co.th or visit www.spacenvaree.com

Adventure meetings by the Andaman Sea

Oasis Spa’s Newest Branch Is in Kamala Beach, Phuket

Visit Phuket’s newest attraction and leave changed. It’s nestled among perfect sunsets, an unspoiled tropical beach, and cascading mountains … or even because it is housed in a beautiful contemporary traditional Thai-style structure with eight elegant treatment rooms each equipped with its own Jacuzzi and Herbal Steam Room – do come to experience a pampering that goes beyond anything you have known or can imagine.

Oasis Spa with its Lanna style identity is the trendsetter in Thailand’s day spa industry. It has established branches in Chiangmai, Bangkok and Pattaya and intends to carry it brand to all major tourist destinations in Thailand. It is proud to have received the Thailand Tourism Award for Excellence in Day Spas two consecutive times.

For information, or to make your appointment for pampering, call 076 33 7777. www.theguidephuket.com

The Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket is offering an Adventure Meetings package from now until October 31, 2011, in which productive meetings can be held at the resort and combined with add-on options such as an ocean dinner cruise or soft-adventure activities for an enhanced and memorable meetings experience.

Organizers can work with the resort’s meeting team to add attractions such as a sunset dinner cruise through scenic Phang Nga Bay, elephant trekking through a local rainforest, or even scuba diving and snorkelling.

This stylish five-star resort, located on a secluded beachfront at Panwa Beach, features 211 rooms and suites, a variety of exciting dining options, and a rejuvenating spa.

For more information and reservation, please call 02 264 0401, 076 602 500 or salesadmin.phuket@radisson.com.

New Property in Karon

Tri-Asia Co., Ltd. - the Phuket based Hospitality Management Company, founded by Lars Ydmark has signed a management agreement to manage a new property in Karon. The property will be operated as Dewa Karon Beach and is the latest addition to the company portfolio and a sister hotel to Dewa NaiYang Beach.

Dewa Karon Beach is a 4 star boutique resort located just off the second road, on a hillside in Karon with only a 5 minute walk to the beachfront. The resort consists of 49 apartments and facilities include a restaurant with bar, wrap-around swimming pool along with a Minimart and Free wireless Internet access.

Lifestyle / 17

HOT Party White Box Tapas and Wine

Every Friday Order Tapas as much as you like.

Starting at 6pm - 11pm 1,200 THB Net Call: 076 376 271

Tel. 080 699 2629 E-mail: petch_margarita@yahoo.com www.margaritaphuket.siam2web.com

Margarita Remember the King of Rock n Roll Elvis Presley 16 August 2011 Free Entrance

Special Guest Band (Full Band) The Little el’ Band Start 08.00pm - till late

Enjoy free flow of your favorite wines Only THB 999 Nett per person

Time: 19.00 — 23.00 hrs.

Venue: The Bistro Restaurant.

Tel: ( 076 ) 340138 Extension 8307

The Bistro Restaurant Enjoy free flow of your favorite wine Only THB 999 net per person Start 19.99-23.00 hrs.

Impiana, Patong Tel. 076 340 138 Extension 8307

Cheers!

TWO CHEFS Kata Center CRAYFISH BUFFET!!

Thursday the 11th of August starting at 6 pm – late Only 495 Baht Children 3 – 12 years 250 Baht Tel. 076 330 065

IndoChine Surin Beach Club & StereoLab Spin Sessions Spin your mind & Spin yoursoul.

Every Friday

Tel. 081 895 1440 www.indochine-group.com

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18 / Hotels & Accommodation

In Bed with...

The rooms themselves are large and tastefully decorated in bright modern styles and colors and with every creature comfort provided.

www.theguidephuket.com

The BluEco Hotel T he recently-opened BluEco Hotel is a harmonious and modern complex located in the heart of the Kata Beach area, just off the main beach road and just a

ten minutes gentle stroll to the glorious beach itself. For local color, there’s also the twiceweekly outdoor market which is held nearby in which the real life of Thailand and its people can be glimpsed and many great bargains found.

The brand new boutiquestyle hotel provides a unique and outstanding holiday center which offers its guests every imaginable convenience and comfort in their 36 charming rooms. The rooms themselves are large and tastefully decorated in bright modern styles and colors and with every creature comfort provided.

The choice of guestrooms available includes Standard Room, Deluxe Room with and without Balcony and lastly, Super Deluxe Room for the true romantic holiday maker.

All this customer convenience is delivered with an environmentally-friendly green approach, plus the tranquility and peaceful environment and surroundings that make for an ideal relaxing holiday. The fabulous tropical gardens and traditional friendly service make this hotel one of the most genuine and luxurious hideaways on Phuket Island.

Every hotel comfort is available within the extensive list of facilities including cable TV with LCD screens, balconies, Wi Fi Internet access, airport transfers, car parking, laundry service and cleaning, mini bar and coffee and tea making equipment. There is also a delightful coffee shopstyle restaurant that stays open all day and until late, in which to relax and meet friends and a large and tasteful outdoor swimming pool in which to frolic.

The BluEco Hotel 100 / 75, Kata, T.Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Tel: +66 (0) 76 333 315 +66 (0) 76 333 351 Fax: +66 (0) 76 333 545 Email: info@thebluecophuket.com www.thebluecophuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

20 / Food & Restaurants

Let’s do Brunch!

Sunday Family Brunch & Fun

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch

Family Brunch on the Boardwalk

Come and join our Brunch every Sunday from noon till 15:00 hrs. Enjoy delicious Pasta, BBQ, Hamburgers, Thai Home Cooking, Ice Cream and Chocolate Fountain. Olympic Sized Pool, Family Fun Games, Kids Club, Fitness and more available between 10:00-17:00 hrs. THB 790++ per person incl. half bottle of wine, THB 590++ per person (food only). Children below 15 years enjoy a 50% reduction.

The Two Chefs Saturday Brunch is not an ordinary brunch, it is a brunch with carefully chosen home made specialities ith the scandinavian flavours that you miss from home.

We serve our own smoked salmon, moked prawns a large variety of meat and a lot more for only 395 THB and if you add an extra 300 THB you get to drink as much Carlsberg Draught beer or wine as you like.

To make your visit even more comfortable we have the lovely voices of Megan & Mj to accompany your perfect afternoon filled with good food and drinks.

Mums and Dads dine on the sumptuous buffet, Including one complimentary welcome cocktail, Whilst the kids can enjoy all their favorites Including Pizza, Hamburgers, Hotdogs and homemade ice cream.

www.clubyamu.com Tel : +66 (0) 76 310 557

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www.twochefs-phuket.com Tel : +66 (0) 76 330 065

• 795++ Adults, including 1 Glass of house wine.

• 50% discount for children under 12 years.

• Children under 5 years eat for free.

Join us each and every Sunday Starting 11 am – 3 pm

For reservations please call Les Anges on 076 360 803 Mr. Murat on 081 797 3364

Food & Restaurants / 21

Let’s do Brunch!

Twinpalms Resort & Spa The place to see and be seen is the Sunday brunch at The Oriental Spoon. A highly fashionable international crowd browse the abundant food offerings from fresh seafood and cold water NZ oysters, to sushi and sashimi. From traditional breakfasts, to pasta stations, to huge arrays of mixed salads, to one of Phuket’s best cheese selections with complimentary Taylor’s Port.

• Every Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00 • 3,499 THB per person including a bottle of champagne per couple

• 1,499 THB per person including a •

bottle of wine per couple 1,199 THB brunch only

www.twinpalms-phuket.com Tel : +66 (0) 76 316 577

Sunday Lunch The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Every Sunday From 12pm – 3pm Enjoy our expansive mouthwatering Seafood Buffet, Sushi, Live cooking stations, BBQ, Western and Thai hot dishes, and our all you can eat Home Made Desserts.

• Baht 999 net per person with free flow soft drinks.

• Baht 1,299 net per person with a bottle of wine per couple.

• Baht 2,999 net per person with a bottle of champange per couple.

HALF PRICE for children from 4 to 12 years old. FREE for children under 4 years old. Complimentary use of our 40m Infinity Edge Swimming Pool. Kids Club for 4 to 12 years old.

www.vijittresort.com Tel : +66 (0) 76 363 600

Trisara Champagne Brunch Every Sunday, our beachfront bar becomes a celebration of fine wines, exquisite tapas, live cooking stations and Phuket’s best desserts.

Come and indulge on Roederer Champagne or a wide variety of wines whilst Trisara’s Kids Club welcomes all children with complimentary snacks.

Reservations are essential as we limit the number of guests to keep the brunch intimate.

• Every Sunday from 11.30am – 4pm (indoor and outdoor seating) • 3,800++ THB per person including a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne Brut for two • 2,900++ THB per person including a bottle of your choice of sparkling, white, rose or red wine for two.

www.trisara.com Tel : +66 (0) 76 310 100

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22 / Hotels & Accommodation

Hotel Highlights PATONG

Amari Coral Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 106-14 Andaman Beach Suites Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 879-83 B-Lay Tong +66 (0) 76 344 999 Banthai Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 850 Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong +66 (0) 7634 9800-7 Deevana Patong Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 341 414-5 Duangjitt Resort & Spa + 66 (0) 76 342 090-4, 340 310-1 Le MĂŠridien Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 680-5 Holiday Inn Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 608-9 Horizon Beach Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 292 526-30 Ibis Phuket Patong +66 (0) 2 659 2888

Impiana Resort Patong, Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 138 www.impiana.com

Patong Paragon Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76-290-555

Patong Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 551-4 www.patongresorthotel.com Royal Pawadee Village Hotel +66 (0) 76 344-622 Safari Beach Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Salathai Resort +66 (0) 76 296 631

The Royal Paradise Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 666 www.royalparadise.com

Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 555 Karon Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 006-8 Karon Sea Sands Resort +66 (0) 76 286 464

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 201 234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cpbr Karona Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 286 406-10

MĂśvenpick Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 396 139-48 www.moevenpick-phuket.com Marina Phuket +66 (0) 76 330 497 Phuket Orchid Resort +66 (0) 76 396 519-23 Ramada Phuket South Sea +66 (0) 76 396 611-7 The Front Village +66 (0) 76 398 200-5

KATA BEACH Merlin Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 294 300 www.merlinphuket.com Mercure Patong +66 (0) 76 302100 Novotel Phuket Resort +66 (0) 76 342 777 Patong Bay Garden Resort +66 (0) 76 292 914-5 Patong Merlin Hotel +66 76-340 037-41 www.theguidephuket.com

The 9th Floor Residence +66 (0) 76 344 987 www.roomsatthe9th.com

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 370 999

The Nap Patong +66 (0) 76 296 631-4 Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76-340 520

KARON BEACH

Hilton Phuket Arcadia +66 76 396038-44

BluEco Hotel +66 (0) 76 333 315 www.thebluecophuket.com

Hotels & Accommodation / 23 Movenpick Residence +66 (0) 76 396 139 Out Rigger Phuket +66 (0) 76 336 900 Laguna Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 352

Indigo Pearl +66 (0) 76 327 006-9 Naiyang Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 328 300

Maikhao

SURIN BEACH Capannina Inn +66 (0) 76 284 450 www.phuket-capannina-inn.com Club Mediterane +66 (0) 76 330 455-60 Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel +66 (0) 2 659 2888 Kata Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 530-4 Kata Plam Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 334-8

The Surin Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 017-20 Twinpalms +66 (0) 76 316 500

KAMALA BEACH

Aquamarine Resort & Villa +66 (0) 76 310 600 Cape Sienna +66 76 337 300 Kamala Beach Estate +66 (0) 76 324 111-4 Kamala Beach Hotel & Resort +66 (0) 76 279 580-5

RAWAI BEACH & Nai Harn

All Season Naiharn Phuket Hotel + 66 (0) 76 289 333 Friendship Bungalow +66 (0) 76 288 996 Goden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 289 399 Two Chefs Bungalows +66 (0) 76 284 155 www.twochefs-phuket.com Katathani Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 124 Sugar Palm Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 404 The Beach Boutique House +66 (0) 76 333 113

KATHU

Tinidee Hotel@Phuket +66 (0) 76 321 925 Sensive Hill Hotel +66 (0) 76 203 012

BANG TAO BEACH

Amora Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 021-2 Bangtao Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 270680-5 Banyan Tree Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 374 Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 324 324

Sala Phuket Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 338 888 www.salaphuket.com Anantara Phuket +66 (0) 76 336 100 Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 363 999 JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 205 379-80 Holiday Inn Resort +66 (0) 76 603 699

CAPE PANWA

Cape Panwa Hotel , Phuket +66 (0) 76 391 123-5 The Kantary Bay Hotel, Phuket +66 (0) 76 391 514 Radisson Resort Phuket Panwa Beach +66 (0) 76 602 500 Sri Panwa, Phuket +66 (0) 76 37 1 000

PHUKET CITY Serenity Resort & Residences +66 (0) 76 371 900 www.SerenityPhuket.com The Evason Phuket +66 (0) 76 381 010-7 The Vijitt Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 363 600 The Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club +66 (0) 76 381 360-6

NAIYANG & Naithorn Dewa Phuket +66 (0) 76 372 300 Naithon Buri Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 318 700

Phuket Merlin Hotel +66 (0) 76 212 866-70 Rome Place +66 (0) 76 223 560 Royal Phuket City +66 (0) 76 233 333 The Metropole +66 (0) 76 215 050

Out of the Island

La Flora Resort & Spa (Khao Lak) +66 (0) 76 428 000 Phi Phi Island Village +66 (0) 76 360 700 The Racha Tel. +66 (0) 7635 5455

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24 / Food & Restaurants

In the Kitchen with... The 9th Floor

Heavenly Food Served by Angels!

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The 9th Floor restaurant and bar is a hidden gem of style, good taste and elegance located in the most unlikely corner of Patong. Baz Daniel pays a visit to this parallel universe of refinement amidst the bustle of downtown Patong.

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he Sky Inn Condotel towers over a welcoming bar which serves terrific cockcar park just off Rat – U Thid Road tails, local and international beers and ofin Patong and would seem to be the fers a the wine cellar with over 280 labels least likely place for a fine dining restau- featuring a comprehensive range of Eurorant. As you enter the down-at-heel eleva- pean classics, established New World fator taking you to the eponymous 9th Floor vorites and emerging vintners and regions.

You decide on a glass of where the restaurant and th bar are located, you can The 9 Floor has featured the chilled house wine be forgiven for thinking..... in the Thailand Tatler’s and with your first sip you “This can’t be the right Best Restaurants in Thai- take in the sound of the cool jazz playing, notice place.”

But when the eleva- land selection every year the wine glasses sparkling tor doors slide apart you since 2009 and has estab- in the candle glow, while find yourself entering a lished itself as a gem of the chic decor and warm tell you that you beautiful parallel universe good taste in Phuket with ambience have discovered someof elegance, taste and discernment....not to mention a huge local following of where very special.

One of the black-clad lovely black-clad waitdiscerning supporters. angels appears as if by resses who attend to your every need. You drift into the warm wel- magic and hands you a menu to peruse. coming space in a dream-like state taking You discover it lists a broad selection of in the huge floor-to ceiling glass windows some of the best award-winning Mediterwith the lights of that crueler, chaotic uni- ranean food in Phuket, as well as Alpine verse of Patong twinkling below you, with specialties and a superb Thai selection of dishes. the Andaman Sea beyond.

You’ll be delighted to learn that the Sea breezes waft in gently from the Andaman below as you seat yourself at the internationally-trained Chef Wara Pak-

Food & Restaurants / 25

deevirote who has been five years in the kitchen, since the 9th Floor was launched forms a perfect working team with the Manager Thomas Brack in delivering a gastronomic experience which is professional and delightful in equal measure.

You decide that a charming way to dine is to mix and match with Thai specialties such as yam talay - warm mixed Thai seafood salad in a spicy lime chili dressing, mixed with local seafood favorites such as king prawns flambé with cognac and then a distinctive dish of Alpine origin such as raclette - the traditional Valais mountain cheese melted in a personal oven on your table with pickles and steamed potato in their skins.

Thomas Brack, or one of the well-informed waitresses, is always happy to help you to compile such a gastronomic tour de force.

The 9th Floor has featured in the Thailand Tatler’s Best Restaurants in Thailand selection every year since 2009 and has established itself as a gem of good taste in Phuket with a huge local following of discerning supporters. The ambience has the feeling of a select European members’ club and the beautiful, elegantly-dressed waitresses are undoubtedly another reason that the restaurant enjoys so many repeat and

local residents among its enthusiastic clientele.

It is a favorite for birthday parties and special occasions and runs regular wine and food pairing dinners like the ‘Tour de France’ night last month which was sold out and lasted long into the night. But truly whenever you want to enjoy heavenly food served by angels there is nowhere else in Phuket like the 9th Floor!

The 9th Floor Restaurant & Bar 47 Rat-U-Thid Rd., Sky Inn Condotel, Patong 83150, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 344 311 or 076 344 986 E-mail: contact@the9thfloor.com Website: www.the9thfloor.com

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26 / Food & Restaurants

Restaurant LE CELTIQUE French Cuisine

French specialities; snails, white asparagus, scallops, saffron sauce and an excellent pork hock or a rack of lamb with goat cheese.

Bertrand is the king of sauces, and Lek always welcomes you warmly.

80/90 Moo 7, Soi Samakea 4, Saiyuan Road, T. Rawai, Phuket.

Tel. 076 613 098 E-mail: celtiquethai@hotmail.com Location: Saiyuan Road, Rawai

Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine

Taking a grand location in the governor mansion in old Phuket Town this beautiful restaurant serves traditional royal Thai cuisine and holds daily cooking classes as well.

Tel. 076 354 355, 076 354 357 E-mail phuket@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com Location: Phuket Town

Food Adventure Hunter Food

The first restaurant in Phuket to offer ‘Hunter Food’; a selection of weird and wonderful dishes from around the world, try the ‘Crocodile Cakes’ or ‘Ostrich Bobotie’ amongst others for a truly original experience.

Tel. 076 366 723 E-mail: foodadventure.resto@gmail.com

Location: Patong

The East 88 Beach Club International & Thai

The East 88 Beach Club boasts a contemporary fusion menu of Mediterranean, Asian and traditional Thai dishes. Our chefs have created an array of signature dishes that will tantalize your palette and with their unique blends of different regional cuisines and flavors.

Tel. 076 371 900 E-mail: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www. serenityphuket.com Location: Rawai www.theguidephuket.com

Food & Restaurants / 27

HighlightS IndoChine Waterfront Restaurant Indochine & European Cuisine

In the same concept as the iconic Singapore Waterfront restaurant, famous Indochine and European dishes are served. Open 17.00 to 23.00 hours with Sunday Brunch starting at noon. www.indochinephuket.com Location: Kalim Beach

SALA Restaurant International cuisine & Thai food

SALA Phuket Restaurant offers an exceptional blend of mouthwatering international cuisine and scrumptious traditional Thai delicacies. Serve fresh seafood, exceptional international cuisine and Thai favourites.

Tel. 076 338 888 www.salaphuket.com Location: Maikhao

Giogiorne Restaurant Italian & Thai Food

Newly opened Giogiorne Italian & Thai Restaurant in Kata Beach serves a range of delicious Italian and Thai delights.

Located on Kata Road just before the Kata Palm resort. The restaurant is open from 10.30am – 23.00 daily.

Tel. 076 330 679, 081 797 0679 E-mail giogiorne@hotmail.com Location: Kata

White Box Fusion Cuisine

The cuisine here is refined. Stand out dishes include the tuna carpaccio and tuna tartare, ribeye and tenderloin beef. My personal favourite is the wagyu tartare, just a little bit spicy to help compliment the flavor of the meat. For fish lovers there is the excellent snowfish, and for Asian food there is a variety of dishes including Massaman curry. A great choice of wine, friendly welcome and beautiful surroundings. www.whiteboxrestaurant.com Location: Patong Beach

Mare is the signature Italian restaurant of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, overlooking the beach, serving pizza and pasta during the day, and a blend of classical and innovative Italian cuisine in the evening.

The restaurant is equipped with its own bar and private wine room.

Our Italian Chef will delight you with a delectable selection of traditional and modern Italian dishes. Featuring an extensive wine cellar with a large variety of wines, will complement whatever dish you choose.

Open daily from 11.30 - 00.30 hrs. for more information or reservations please contact 076 201 234 Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 683 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

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28 / Food & Restaurants

Restaurant HighlightS The 9th Floor Bar and Restaurant Mediterranean

The 9th Floor Bar & Restaurant, Patong’s highest ‘open-air’ restaurant on the top floor of the Sky Inn Condotel, is a hidden treasure dedicated to the enjoyment of fine, fresh Mediterranean, Alpine and Thai food, a comprehensive list of some of the best wines available, beautiful well-trained waitresses and a warm, elegant ambience reminiscent of a sophisticated members’ club.

Tel. 076 344 311 www.the9thfloor.com Location: Patong

CapaNnina Italian Cuisine

This place offers the best pizza in Phuket, by far, with good choice and quality ingredients.

Mario, the boss, is “al forno” making pizza himself. The pasta dishes are also perfect, We recommend the 4-cheese penne, seafood spaghetti ‘scoglio’ red sauce or tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms. There is also a great variety of fresh and cooked salads for the lighter option.

Tel. 076 284 318 www.capannina-phuket.com Location: Kata

Sushi BOX Japanese Cuisine

Sushi Box is located in the newly renovated Central Food Hall at Central Festival, Phuket. Sushi Box offers the largest selection of sushi in Phuket with over one hundred different kinds of sushi and salads. Everything is freshly rolled to order with a take away section prepared daily.

Thai and French cuisine quality Open every night from 19.00pm. to midnight.

Quiet and charming restaurant, 24 seats, with garden terrace.

Steak: meat imported excellent sauces, mashed, au gratin, ratatouille, etc.

French cheeses and cold cuts.

Succulent Thai dishes.

www.baanbuakao.com

Patong Beach Road

108/3 Taweewong Road Soi Patong Tower

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Holiday Inn Soi

Soi Bangla

Patong Tower

Baan Bukao

Chicago Steakhouse Steak & Grill

Warm welcome and very good value for money.

Reservations Tel: 086 2671 555 076 345 6020 Guest Houses for rent

Location: Central Food Hall at Central Festival and Ocean Bangla, Patong,Phuket

The luxurious dining room at Chicago Steakhouse is perfect for an intimate evening, a family dinner or a large gathering of friends. Dark mahogany, crimson leather booths, and the sounds of the big band era make for a unique and memorable dining experience in Phuket.

Location: Patong

Food & Restaurants / 29 Two Chefs International

We are proud to introduce our delicious food - imported juicy steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, modern Thai food and much more. Enjoy your food in one of our nice restaurants with a good glass of wine from our extensive international wine list. We also serve breakfast, lunch, texmex menu, and Saturday Brunch. Open Daily 0800 - 2400. Kata : 076-28 41 55 Kata Centre : 076 33 00 65 Karon : 076-28 64 79 www.twochefs-phuket.com Location : Kata, Karon

Full Moon Brew Work International

Small batch, handcrafted beer served with freshly made food.

What else could you ask for? A relaxed atmosphere and good prices?

Ok you got it! Open daily for lunch and dinner this is Patong’s only micro-brewery.

Tel. 076 366 753 www.facebook.com/fullmoonbrewwork Location: Patong

Davinci Restaurant

“All the flavours of typical Italian cuisine with the atmosphere of Italian festive days” Open daily from 11am till late Phone / Fax: +66 (0) 76 284318 www.capannina-phuket.com

Italian Cuisine

Set in a courtyard and offering friendly al fresco dining conducive to relaxing meals with happy gatherings of family and friend, children are welcome.

Tel. 076 289 574 www.davinciphuket.com Location: Nai Harn

30/9 Kata Road T.Karon A.Muang Phuket 83100 THAILAND

Bit’in Restaurant International cuisine & Thai food

A wonderful and relaxing dining experience. We are a Mediterranean restaurant with a café style. We serve a variety of Salads, Pastas, Paninis and Kebabs. We have indoor and outdoor seating area where you can lounge about in sumptuous furniture while enjoying our food and easy listening jazz music. Prices from 190 Baht/Main meals. Open Hour: 11.00am – 11 .00pm.

Location: Patong Beach

“We are just a few steps away from Kata Beach, one of the most attractive beaches in Phuket” Phone / Fax: +66 (0) 76 284450 www.phuket-capannina-inn.com 98/84-85 Kata Rd., T.Karon, A. Muang Phuket 83100 THAILAND

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30 / Food & Restaurants

Wine Dinner

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he sumptuous Mare Italian restaurant at the recently-opened Centara Grand Beach Resort on Karon is rapidly establishing an enviable reputation for fine wining and dining events. Last month they staged a fabulous wine dinner headlined by the leading Italian producers of the famous Frescobaldi winery and presented by Erika Ribaldi, Area Manager Asia Pacific of Frescobaldi winery.

Five perfectly paired and selected Frescobaldi wines were served with a five-course menu including Panzanella classical Tuscan bread salad, Borlotti bean soup with pan fried sea scallops, Beetroot ravioli stuffed with ricotta and radicchio on chicken liver, Australian beef tenderloin and Chestnuts cream with dark chocolate crumble on coffee jus all cooked by resident Italian Chef, Fabrizio Crocetta.

For over 700 years and 30 generations the Frescobaldis have managed the family wine business, blending harmoniously tradition, experience, and innovation. They are now one of the most important producers of premiumquality wines in Italy.

Frescobaldi Wine Dinner at Mare Restaurant

Patong Resort’s enviable location, well appointed rooms, excellent facilities and extensive grounds make it the perfect choice for any visitor to the tropical paradise of Phuket. Just 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

Divine Dining; Meat eater will love the Roof Top Steak House on the 8 floor of the Main Building. The charcoal grill kitchen serves tasty and juicy imported steaks, complemented by wine from an extensive wine list.

Easy access to Patong Beach, night bazaar and entertainment areas. th

208, Rat-Uthit 200 Pee Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand 83150 Tel. +66 7634 0551 – 4 Fax. +66 7634 0189 E-mail: info@patongresorthotel.com Website : www.patongresorthotel.com Bangkok Office : 942/130, Charn Issara Tower, 4th Floor, Rama 4 Rd., Bangkok, Thailand 10500 Tel . +66 2 235 9040, +66 234 2406 Fax. +66 2 234 9007 E-mail : bangkok@patongresorthotel.com

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Food & Restaurants / 31

Wine Dinner

Tour de France Wine Dinner at the 9th Floor

T

hat elegant home of fine wining and dining the 9th Floor Bar and Restaurant in Patong hosted a ‘Tour de France’ wine dinner on Thursday July 14th. Chef Wara Pakdeevirote wove her culinary magic to pair sensational food with wines from four of the principal wine regions of France and the sold out house partied on late into the night.

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32 / Health & Beauty

Review

Stretch your body & mind with Kata Hot Yoga. watch the transformation to a stronger, slimmer, suppler version of yourself within just a few classes.

The changes in your body happen very quickly, but that is just half of the story as this type of yoga is essentially a ninety minute, open- eyed meditation so that while your body becomes toned and flexible, you’ll also find your mind becoming calmer, clearer, energized and positive.

Kata hot yoga delivers the best possible version of yourself.

K

Kata Hot Yoga delivers the best possible version of yourself

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ata hot yoga is located just twenty steps from beautiful Kata Beach in Phuket’s southwest corner and offers a program of yoga execrcises and breathing that are guaranteed to refresh and rejeuvenate you.

A carefully - crafted system of 26 postures and two breathing exercises is lead by a relaxed and engaging teacher who is an expert in bringing out the very best in each participant in every class.

Each 90 minute session takes place in a clean bright studio with mirrors and radiant heat panels which are specialy designed for hot yoga. They heat the room but the air is also circulated and freshened by de- humidifyers to facilitate breathing and streching. This not only helps with your flexibility and performance of the postures, but also makes you sweat and detoxify at the same time.

Each session is divided into two halves…firstly standing exercises and then a series of floor postures. As you deeply breathe in and then breathe out… you will

In a studio which is bright and clean, with mats and towels provided free of charge.

Cool drinks are sold before and after each class and the fresh coconut juice from the coconut chopped right in front of you will naturally refresh you with health and vitality.

The teachers are world class and the patience and care given to every single participant in the class is inspiring and

Health & Beauty / 33 encourages you to reach for your best. The teaching style is humorous and energetic and motivating which helps the class flow smoothly and enjoyably.

Even in a full class the teacher watches and guides and corrects where needed so that each session, no matter the size, is like having your own personal instructor.

The kata hot yoga program is for everyone because it works wonders for each individual whether they are 60 or 16….No matter your age or level of experience you are made very welcome.

Put kata hot yoga on your “must do” list whether you are a visitor to phuket or reside here.

Become the best person you can be and give yourself a stronger, slimmer, age defying supple body and clearer mind that will have you laughing and saying to yourself “I’m glad to be alive”.

Finally a word of advice. Nong and the girls who look after the studio and refreshments are all secret yoga masters, who have smiles so bright that they will almost blind you. We suggest that until you get used to their light and warmth you wear sunglasses when you visit us!

Kata hot yoga 217, Khoktanod Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100 Tel: +66 (0)76 605 950 www.katahotyoga.com

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Spa Highlight

Health & Beauty / 35

Fasting & Detoxing with Atsumi Healing

The main reason people come to The Atsumi Retreat Healing Center in Thailand is to “Fast and Cleanse” their system of physical and emotional toxins that accumulate from modern stressful lifestyles. We strongly recommend a ten day fasting program, in which time the blood is completely purified. Naturally you will lose weight, usually one kilo per day for men, and half a kilo per day for women. For those with little time or who want to “dip their toes in the water,” we also have four day programs.

Tel. +66 (0) 8 1272 0571, Thai enquiries: +66 (0) 8 4051 7455 www.atsumihealing.com

Hiranyikara Spa Indulge your body, mind and spirit. Located in peaceful surroundings, Hiranyikara is the perfect, soothing haven to hide away from the city’s turbulence, where you can indulge yourself in the various relaxing spa and health treatments to soothe your pains, calm your mind and uplift your spirits.

It is an ideal place to recharge your batteries after a long hard day. With our range of spa services we can pamper you with our highly experienced male therapists.

Tel. +66 (0) 7620 3280 www.hiranyikara.com

5 Star Massage

5 Star Massage in Patong is a unique, elegant, modern and comfortable salon where the very well-trained staff offer a complete range of massage and beauty treatment services at reasonable prices. 5 Star Massage is French owned and managed. All the massage girls are certified from massage schools in Thailand and only offer authentic massage services that will make you leave refreshed, revitalized and rejuvenated. Open Daily 10.00-23.00 and offering great value for money.

Tel: 089 535 4637 www.5-star-massage.com

A Spa with men in We are the 1st luxury spa for men located among peaceful nature about 200 meters away from Kathu community area, only 10 minute from Phuket town and 15 minute from Patong Beach Hiranyikara is the perfect soothing haven to hide away from the city’s turbulence, where you can indulge yourself in the various relaxing spa and health treatment to soothe your pains, calm your mind and up lift your spirits.

SenSes Health & Beauty Clinique

Welcome to SenSes where international health and beauty has been taken very seriously since July 2004. Luxurious treatment rooms, professional staff, a vast range of high quality, natural products and treatments for all forms of pain and stress relief will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a most interesting beauty experience.

Tel: +66 76 271 373 – 4 www.senses.co.th

Further information pls. visit www.hiranyikara.com or send me an e-mail at info@hiranyikara.com TEL.+66 (0) 76 203280-1 , MB + 66(0) 81 370 0202 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

36 / Watersports & Activities

Day Tripper T

here are scores of alternative tours on offer in Phuket: boat trips; pristine tropical islands; sunset cruises; eco-tours; jungle trekking, elephant rides etc. We consider only a small number of these to be quality experiences. Price is not the only factor, though generally you do get what you pay for: buy the cheapest tour and you can expect to spend the day with a crowd of other tourists seeking the cheapest way.

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Phang Nga Bay Day Trips (or James Bond Island)

No visit to Phuket would be really complete if one never got to see and wonder at the geographic grandeur of Phang Nga Bay. Every visitor, surely, must have seen photos of Phuket’s neighbouring bay of gigantic rock mountains rising vertically from calm, olive-green waters even before getting here.

The sight of Phang Nga is dramatic, and being surrounded by these towering rocky monoliths is surely one of the highlights of a visit to Phuket. We strongly recommend a visit here.

Koh Pannyi – also in Phang Nga Bay (or Sea Gypsy village)

Following the visit to crowded James Bond the cheaper tours shepherd their clients to Koh Pannyi island, the stilted water village seen in so many postcards. Often given the tourist name of Sea Gypsy village, it is in fact a community of Muslim fishermen, not sea gypsies. This village is indeed fascinating. It’s a pity about the tourist crowds; all tours companies arrive here at the same time for lunch, bringing up to 2-3,000 people every day. Although worth a visit, there are better ways to get to Pannyi than by mass tourism.

Watersports & Activities / 37

Boat cruises to Phang Nga

Sea Kayaking

The boat tours to Phang Nga Bay – the kind that leave from Phuket Island - usually cruise past the James Bond commotion without stopping, continuing their quiet journey through the bay of mountains. This is by far the molst preferable way to visit this geographically spectacular region.

Many visitors consider a canoeing trip into the ‘hongs’, the hidden caves of Phang Nga, the highlight of their visit to Phuket. This mystical world of collapsed caves connected to the sea by dark tunnels has been eroded from the limestone mountains over time by the rise and fall of the sea. Numerous companies have sprung up, and it is worth looking around to avoid the cheap quickies.

Sign up with one of the well-established companies, or with original company that discovered the hongs and began it all, Sea Canoe. This can be an unforgettable trip well worth the time and money.

The Art of Relaxation

Renting your own speedboat Interestingly, most of the beautiful images of tranquil little islands and fabulously clear waters are taken on the outlying islands, not on Phuket itself. The only way to get to these islands is by renting a boat, and since there are few regular services your only option is to privately hire a speedboat for the day, although this is expensive it will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.

Open every day from 10am until midnight

Your well being is our priority ty Thai Traditional Massage – 400 Thb b Foot Reflexology – 400 Thb Oil Massage – 500 Thb Aroma Therapy Massage – 700 Thb b Manicure – 250 Thb Pedicure – 250 Thb

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38 / Watersports & Activities

There’s no better way of getting off the beaten track, meeting the locals and having a health-filled adventure then taking a cycle tour around the region

Bespoke with Amazing Bike Tours.

A

Spokes!

mazing Bike Tours of Phuket was founded

by Englishman, James Hembrow who grew up cycling in his native Somerset and decided to give visitors the opportunity of experiencing the glorious Phuket and Andaman region in a healthy and adventurous way….by bike!

Says James, “Most visitors to Phuket think it’s too busy

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with too many vehicles on the road for safe mountain biking. While this may be true in many areas, you don’t have to look far to find great biking. The north east of Phuket offers some nice trails and roads with much less traffic.

If you go inland where there is less development because of mountainous terrain, there are some fantastic trails suitable for experienced mountain bikers.”

For those looking for a full day’s respite from downtown Phuket, Amazing Bike Tours organizes trips to some nearby islands. We elected to go on the Koh Yao Noi day trip. The island is only a short boat ride from Phuket but it is a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of thriving Phuket.

From the second you step off the boat you get a sense that things are rather different here. Flower-bedecked Muslim houses with their doors

open to the island’s refreshing breezes and flapping sheets of latex amidst the spindly rubber trees are the order of the day on relaxing Koh Yao Noi. The cycling takes place at a gentle pace to accommodate all members of the group, who range from a Frenchman wearing full lycra cycling gear to a couple of British pensioners. Everyone is relaxed and happily takes in the scenery as we meander gently around the island. It is classic Thai countryside as entire families sit outside houses supported by stilts. One such family was busy peeling a collection of fruit and gesture for us to stop and share with them….it’s an amazingly friendly island too.

After a lunch so leisurely I actually fall asleep in a hammock, we reluctantly begin the final leg of the journey. By the time the boat comes to collect us for the return trip to Phuket we have completed an entire

Watersports & Activities / 39

n io % ot 35 om nt Pr cou s

Di

11 20 ed p. dd Se ne 30 M re – OO a ril R pon Ap ED ou 18 IT nd c M I om L n a Fr io at rv se Re

The BluEco Hotel is a harmonic and modern complex located in the heart of Kata Beach.

We are the unique and outstanding holiday center which offers its guests the convenience and comfort with its green concept, and peaceful environment.

The BluEco Hotel 100/75, Kata New Road, T. Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Tel. 076 333 315 Fax: 076 333 545 www.thebluecophuket.com

day’s cycling, although it has been at such a relaxed pace that there is not a sore limb to be found between us.

Mountain biking provides an ecologically friendly form of transport but according to James the environment is not the only winner when you choose to make a journey by bike, “It’s really good exercise and exercising outdoors is much more rewarding than in a gym, especially with the great ocean and mountain views this region has to offer.”

Our one day biking in the Islands gave us a real insight to Thailand away from the tourists; we saw rice paddies, buffaloes, fishing villages and small Thai communities living off the land and sea. For a totally different view of Thailand this is a great alternative to days lounging by the pool or shopping for souvenirs.

In addition to the one day Koh Yao and Phuket tours the

You will be picked up from your hotel in Phuket at the start of the tour and an experienced local English speaking guide who is passionate about biking and knowledgeable about the areas your cycle tour will visit accompanies you throughout. company offers longer tours in Phang Nga, Krabi and the wonderful Kao Sok National Park which include all meals, drinks as well as overnight accommodation.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Phuket at the start of the tour and an experienced local English speaking guide who is passionate about biking and knowledgeable about the areas your cycle tour will visit accompanies you throughout. The tours are followed by an air-conditioned mini bus that is specially rigged to carry bikes and bikers.

Amazing Bike Tours www.AmazingBikeToursThailand.Asia Calling from outside Thailand/Overseas: Hotline : +66 87 263 2031 Office Tel : +66 76 283 436 Calling from within Thailand: Hotline : 087 263 2031 Office Tel : 076 283 436 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

40 / Property

Property Review

The Best Investment in Phuket, Fairway Views

K

ATHU GOLF CONDO… is in the heart of the scenic Kathu Valley, adjacent to Phuket Country Club golf course! Just 10 minutes from the vibrant beach resort of Patong and 10 minutes from the provincial capital of Phuket Town.

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The resort boasts stylish Golf Courses, all within easy condominiums featuring 48 reach! fairway-view and 6 pool- view For the investment oriapartments. ented individual, the project The resort’s accommoda- will be professionally managed tion and facilities includes and include an optional rental a Gym & Fitness Center, scheme, especially marketed Swimming Pool & Sauna and for vacationers on golf-holia Rooftop Garden (including days, or business executives Golf Putting, BBQ area, Chil- in need of fully serviced apartdren’s’ Playground and Jogging ments.

Track).

Kathu Golf Kathu Golf Condo Kathu Golf Condo proudly Condo offers proudly welcomes you welcomes you easy access to the comfort of living to the comfort to all the atof living within tractions that within the resort’s stylish the resort’s condominiums Phuket Island stylish condohas to offer and miniums and the area is an absolute haven Kathu Golf Condo is able to for diving, yachting and unpar- satisfy the needs or any resialleled beach life. dent.

If golf is your passion, Buyers at Kathu Golf ConPhuket has several world class dominiums are offered the

choice of their purchase being either Foreigner Freehold, or Leasehold Ownership, depending on each individual’s needs.

Construction of the project will be complete in September 2011 and the project has generated sales of more than 60%.

Unit Type Size No.of Units Available A 99.05 Sqm.(2 beds/2baths) 15 D 80.64Sqm.(1 bed/1bath) 3 E 72.51 Sqm.(1bed/1bath) 2

Price Range 4.4MB-7.9MB 4.5MB-5.4MB 4.4MB-4.8MB

For more information visit www.kathu-golf-condo-phuket.com or call +66 84 543 5435 (Khun Mai) and office +66 76 319194

Kathu Golf Condo 94/25, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120 Thailand.

E-mail: kathu-golfcondo@hotmail.com www.kathu-golf-condo-phuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

42 / Watersports & Activities

See detail on page 19

See detail on page 41

www.theguidephuket.com

Property / 43 177/34 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Srisoonthorn Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Contact: Phuket +66 (0)898 739 474 or +66 (0)76 620 055 Email: property@phuket.net realestate.phuket.net Kata

THB 99m

Kata

THB 26.5m

Surin

THB 25.5m

Rawai

THB 10.9m

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Amazing Views

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A very special home set on a hillside with stunning ocean views. This beautiful property features 5 bedrooms plus 2 study rooms, a therapy room, sauna, purpose-built wine cellar as well as an elevator.

Spacious ocean view 2-bedroom foreign freehold condo in one of Phuket’s most sought-after condo developments, boasting one of the best views on the island. The unit is fully-furnished and offers excellent rental potential.

Beautifully designed 3 bedroom villa located within walking distance to Bangtao Beach. The villa is set on a large 940 sqm plot with spacious pool deck and ample room for outdoor entertaining.

Brand new single-storey pool villa near Rawai Beach with private pool and landscaped garden built to very high standards not normally found in this price range. Furniture package included!

Koh Kaew

Patong

Kamala

Kamala

THB 52m

THB 21m

THB 5.5m

THB 8.9m

Stunning Marina Villa

Sea View Villa

Freehold Condo

Freehold Condos

Stunning property boasting 5 bedrooms and an expansive living area with a large secluded swimming pool and terrace all located in a lush tropical garden.

Patong: Elegant 3 bedroom residences situated on the hill just south of Patong with outstanding sea views overlooking the bay and are within just 5 minutes drive to the centre of Patong.

Beautifully furnished spacious 1 bedroom condo with a total 77 sqm of living space. Located in a popular resort development with strong rental returns

Modern 2-bedroom condominiums designed by Australian architect with spacious free-flowing interiors in an ideal location just 200 meters from Kamala Beach.

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21 million THB

13 million THB

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DELUXE T/HOUSE - LAGUNA Located within the immensely popular Laguna Phuket, 3/4 beds, private pool, overlooking lagoon and greenery.

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VILLA - BANGTAO Divine 3 bed villa with private pool, walking distance to the white powdery shores of Bangtao Beach, next to Laguna Phuket and all it’s amenities.

Priced to sell.

PENTHOUSE - BANGTAO

VILLA - SURIN

Top floor penthouse with private pool, metres to the beach. Two oversized bedrooms with private bathrooms and large open living area. Finance available.

The ultimate in sea-view luxury and Thai tropical living, this 4 bedroom villa has all the modern comforts and incredible Surin, sunset views. With a proven high rental return, making it an excellent investment property as well.

35,000 THB/MTH

6 Million THB

Rentals & Sales

7 million THB

VILLA - NEAR LAGUNA Perfectly located, one bedroom private pool and jacuzzi villa with garden, oversized terrace for outdoor entertaining, kitchenette, four poster bed with walk-in-robe, ensuite bathroom. Just next to Laguna and only mins from the hub of Bangtao.

VILLA - NEAR LAGUNA A fantastic investment property ideal for long term rentals or private use. One bedroom villa with living room, kitchen, undercover parking, oversized bedroom with four poster bed, walk-in-robe, office, large bathroom with tub and outdoor shower. All topped off with a private 9m lap pool and water feature.

VILLA - SAI TAAN

LAND 1 RAI SEA-VIEW - AO POR

We have a lovely collection of rental and resale properties at the very popular Sai Taan residence, just outside the gates of Laguna Phuket. 3-4 beds, with large pool, gardens & fully furnished.

Call us for further details on pricing and availability.

A perfect piece of land to build your dream Phuket property, with the picturesque backdrop of the islands’ off Phuket and the green tropical nature surrounds. The land is filled, retained and has full infrastructure, ready to build.

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44 / Lifestyle

Shopper’s Delight items, the biggest of which you’ll need a truck to move. Some of these more modern items are creative and interesting. There is a fair range spread around the island, but you’ll have to drive and hunt to find it all.

Thai Silk

Long one of Thailand’s most famous products, silk weaving is still one of the major crafts in many rural areas. The variety of materials available in Phuket is wide and varies both in design, from the traditional to modern to plain colors, and quality; 2-ply is thin and light, 3-ply or more becomes heavier and more expensive.

Tailors, jewelry and souvenir shops in all areas carry silk. Many shops will tailor modern dresses or shorts from silk at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.

Ceramics

The two major centers for ceramic production are the wellknown Chiang Mai, and Ratburi west of Bangkok. They produce an amazing range of wares from very traditional Thai and even Chinese tableware and decorative items to modern home decor

Woodcarving

Most of this comes from the craft centers of Chiang Mai and again Thai skills show through in a great variety of items that can be both novel and creative or entirely traditional. Buddha images are one of the standards, but you can find figurines of all kinds and many other offbeat items for home decoration. Thailand makes some great teak furniture, though only a little is available in Phuket.

Antiques

Beware if you’re looking for genuine antiques as this is one real danger zone in Thailand. Read the passage below on Instant Antiques carefully; and remember that most

littlelamb.pkt@gmail.com

Please Call 088 766 3453 085 571 1970

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genuinely old pieces of traditional Thai art, including Buddha images, require permits to be taken from the country.

Instant Antiques

This sounds like a contradiction, but this is now a thriving new industry in Thailand that arose in response to the overwhelming demand for beautiful old things and the short supply. Originally, cunning entrepreneurs crafted and carefully ‘aged’ wood, bronze and stone artworks to sell off as genuine antiques. But they produced such beautiful things that demand grew, and the industry came out into the open. Today whole villages of skilled workers produce beautiful objects of art that appear ancient, but which are sold cheaply as ‘reproductions’. This makes ‘antiques’ available to everyone and takes the pressure off the genuinely old things. Best of all, virtually no-one can tell the difference between the real thing and the reproduction that you place in your home.

Custom Tailoring

This is definitely bargain country in Phuket. Tailors can import their wares easily to Phuket and their overhead costs are low. Skills range from excellent to barely adequate, so look carefully and you can go home with both quality and real savings. It is important to start with a tailor early in your visit because at least two visits will be required, and those who are a little more finicky should plan on three visits to get things just right. Allow two or three days between each visit.

The Guide Phuket recommends: Mister Singh’s Fashion Gallery, Patong Beach, www.fashiongallery.com.

James Fashion House, Karon Beach, www.jamesfashionhouse.com.

Central Festival Phuket Phuket Town

With over 120,000 square meters bursting with prime shopping opportunities and world-class products it is easy to see why this consummate one-stop shopping and entertainment complex is so popular amongst Phuket

Lifestyle / 45 residents and visitors. With a large selection of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, plus a supermarket and cinemas you can enjoy the largest, most complete shopping and entertainment complex in southern Thailand.

Jungceylon - Patong Beach

Located centrally in Patong Beach is the newest addition to the growing trend of shopping malls in Phuket. ‘Jungceylon‘ was the old name for Phuket when it was still a prosperous port town and trading in the region was at its peak. This shopping mall retains a lot of the old history of Phuket in its architecture and style and is a joy to visit for this alone.

The choice of goods is world-class, comprising well over 300 shops with ample car parking space, restaurants, bars, cinema and bowling alley along with everything else you could possibly need for a busy day shopping.

OPEN DAILY

Weekend Market - Phuket Town

The Jatujak (or JJ) weekend market in Bangkok is world famous but few people realize that there is an equally good alternative here in Phuket, albeit on a smaller scale.

Situated opposite the Naka Temple (which is also worth a visit) outside of Phuket Town, just 5 minutes from Central Festival on the Chao Fa West Road lies Phuket’s equivalent to Bangkok’s JJ Market. Here you will find all manner of things for sale from seemingly useless second-hand household junk and cute little trinkets to garden ornaments, clothing and ideal presents for all your friends and family. There is also an abundance of food and drink stalls to keep the energy levels up whilst you wander around.

The market starts in the afternoon and goes on until the evening time when it can get really very lively.

LUNCH : 11.30 to 14.30 hours

DINNER : 18.30 to 22.30 hours

Phuket (Governor Mansion) 96, Krabi Road, Phuket Town (Previously Pra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion) คฤหาสน์พระพิทักษ์ชินประชา Tel. +66 (0) 76 354 355-7 Fax. +66 (0) 76 354 393 E-mail: phuket@blueelephant.com Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2 673 9353-8 Fax. +66 (0) 2 673 9355 E-mail: cooking.school@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com

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46 / Food & Restaurants Wilaiporn Pitimanaree, Khun Meaw, is the General Manager of Central Festival Phuket. Recently, The Guide Phuket had a chance to sit down and catch up with her about the renovation project that Phuket’s landmark shopping centre has undergone.

Central Festival Upgrade Almost Complete

K

hun Meaw says the renovation is about 70% complete, it started in early 2010 and the focus has been on adjusting the mall’s zones and coming up with a better tenant mix. Over 500 million baht will be spent on the makeover under the concept “Happiness Beyond Expectation”. And Khun Meaw says that customer traffic has gone up 20% since last July.

Central’s clientele is a mix of international tourists, expats and Thais. It has three main anchor tenants: the Gourmet Food Hall, the Central Department store, and the SFX movie theatre, featuring 3D cinema. Before the renovation, 20% of its customers were international tourists. That has jumped to 40% now, with the foreigners making up to 55% of the purchases.

What makes Central Festival different than other malls? Maew says there’s lots of leisure space, you can see the shops, and there’s not a lot of clutter and small kiosks in front of them, which you find in many of the big malls in Bangkok. And the average shop size is much bigger, e.g. compare the dimensions of Central’s Starbucks to other Starbuck outlets on Phuket. She also says that Central Festival’s Central Department Store is upscale and luxurious, much like the Central Chidlom department store in Bangkok.

The breakdown of stores goes like this: 40% fashion-related products; 30% food & beverage; and 30% other, including banking services, an educational zone, home & electrical appliances, sports products and the movie theatres in the SFX Coliseum.

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Central recently built a specially-designed fabric roof to cover the courtyard at its main entrance, which still allows light to shine through. This area, known as Lan Lom (the place where the wind blows), was designed as an alfresco dining and bar circle. The roof makes the area much more multi-purpose; a number of restaurants and bars, including Pimento, a tapas bar, have either opened, or are in the process of being built, in the circular courtyard. At nighttime, it can turn into an entertainment center and stage concerts with multiple-coloured lights bouncing off the new roof for effect.

The centerpiece outlet of the new area is the Wine Connection Deli & Bistro, which Khuen Maew says is luxurious but offers affordable cuisine.

It’s where people go to be seen. There’s also Thann, a coffee house, which also sells

herbal spa products and soon there will be a flame grill house and pool bar as well as a Russian/Thai restaurant. (The courtyard also features a Jim Thompson outlet, world Khun Maew renowned for its fine silk items.) All these F & B outlets will close later than the restaurants inside the mall proper.

Edu Planet, on level P2, next to Office Depot, features a Gymboree, an ECC Language School, Computer Click, the Siam Kolkorn Music School, and the Hands-on Art Studio and this educational center is already a big hit with parents and kids throughout the island.

Central’s international fast-food court has also been renovated, giving it more free space, so that all brands now have the same visibility. Tenants include Oishi Ramen, KFC, Swenson’s, Burger King, and Mister Donut and the Yamazaki Japanese bakery house.

In the refurbished Fashion Zone, on the ground floor, high-end international brands like Aldo and F Fashion as well as Panard , Nautica, Zara, IZZUE, F-Fashion, Guess, Dorothy Perkins, Nexts and coming soon the world’ famous MNG and more.) make Central Festival an international lifestyle and shopping centre on par with any of the major plazas in Bangkok. www.centralfestivalphuket.com (“Open 10.30am-10pm daily”)

Transportation / 47

Phuket Town: 076 225 033-5 Phuket Airport: 076 205 401-2 Suvarnabhumi International Airport: 02 134 3888-89 (ticket) Check-in Domestic: 02 132 0342-54 Check-in International: 02 132 0331-39 Phuket to Samui

Samui to Phuket

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG252

0935

1030

Daily

PG251

0805

0905

Daily

PG260

1235

1330

Daily

PG259

1100

1200

Daily

PG256

1600

1655

Daily

PG255

1430

1530

Daily

PG258

1905

2000

Daily

PG257

1730

1830

Daily

Bangkok to Phuket

Phuket to Bangkok

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG271

0805

0930

Daily

PG270

0710

0835

Daily

PG924

1220

1345

Daily

PG272

1020

1145

Daily

PG273

1355

1520

Daily

PG276

1435

1600

Daily

PG277

1655

1820

Daily

PG274

1610

1735

Daily

PG279

2015

2140

Daily

PG278

1910

2035

Daily

PG220

2150

2315

Daily

PG280

2230

2355

Daily

Call Center

1771 Pattaya to Phuket Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG281

1300

1440

Daily

Phuket to Pattaya Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG252

0945

1230

Daily

PG282

1510

1645

Daily

* indicates the flight has Blue Ribbon Class (Business Class) available.

Important Telephone Numbers Telephone numbers of the consular representatives functioning in Phuket Lost Credit Cards

Austria

076 372 600

Ireland

076 281 273

Austria

076 248 334-6

Italy

086 689 6819

Visa

02 299 1990-29

Czech Republic 076 076 249 400 ext 1501, 3330 USA

076 342 270

AMEX

02 273 0022-44

Denmark

076 234 452

Master Card

02 299 1990-2

Finland

076 330 530-4

Norway

076 237 156

Diners Club

02 238 3000

France

076 273 511

Sweden

076 380 000

JCB

001 800 000 900 09

Germany

076 610 407

United Kingdom

076 318 188

076 378 365

Korea

International calls dial: +66 - 76, Inside Thailand calls dial 076- for Phuket

Muang District Police Station

216 856

Phuket Airport

327 230-37

Tourist Police

219 878 or 1155

Tourism Authorities (TAT)

211 036, 212213

Kamala Police Station

279 058

Bangkok Phuket Hospital

254 421-30

Kathu Police Station

342 719/21

Mission Hospital

237 220-9

Thalang Police Station

311 123

Patong Hospital

340 444

Phuket Provincial Immigration Office

212 108 or 221 905

Phuket Tourist Association

610 365-6

Phuket Deep Sea Port

391 155

Phukiet International Hospital

212 853

Phuket Post and Telegraph Office

211 020 or 216 951

Vachira Phuket Hospital

211 114 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

48 / Transportation

Transport on the Island

H

ow much of Phuket have you actually seen? Wouldn’t you like to explore some more? Well, here we list some of your options for getting around the island’s highways and byways.

To and from the airport

Airport transfers are relatively simple.

The airport is at the far north of the island, some 30 kilometers from Phuket Town and even further from most of the popular beaches like Patong and Karon. It is best to use one of the two official transport companies with booths right inside the arrival lounge, you can’t miss them.

Private Airport Limousines or minibuses are available to get to the major beaches at the south or west of the island. Metered taxis are also available and are cheaper than the airport limousines, as are ‘private’ taxis but we suggest you avoid these since problems have been known to occur.

The Airport Bus is a cheaper alternative as long as you are not in a rush. Ask at the airport for their current departure schedules and pricing.

Car rental is available and companies, such as Budget and National have offices located in the airport.

Airlines in & out of Phuket

A multitude of airlines now run scheduled flights to and from Phuket and during high season chartered flights are also available. Budget airlines such as Air Asia, Nok Air and One-2-Go Air all run convenient and economical flights to other provinces throughout Thailand.

Song-taews

There are few buses on Phuket and the main form of transport from beach to town is the ‘song taew’; a truck www.theguidephuket.com

converted to carry passengers in the back on two long benches. They are usually colorful with a sign on front showing where they are going. These vehicles leave from a set stop by the fresh produce market in Phuket Town, reaching every major beach area on the island. They run approximately every hour but there are no fixed schedules, and they run when there are sufficient passengers. When leaving the beach areas to head back to town they usually cruise slowly around the streets picking up passengers. Song-taews are slow but cheap with the fare from Phuket town to Patong now set at just 25 THB per person!

‘Tuk-Tuks’

If you want your own private taxi, look for a tuk tuk, a tiny mini-truck converted in the manner of the bigger songtaews mentioned above to carry about four (or more!) passengers. The tuk-tuk gets its name from the noise its little engine makes. There are fleets of these in all major tourist areas and they will take you anywhere for a price. The going rate for the relatively short ride between Patong and Phuket town can be as much as 450 THB, one way! You can attempt to bargain but don’t expect much movement on their prices and be aware that at night the price of tuk-tuks shoots up.

You can also rent one of these tuktuks for the day. Expect to pay around 2,000 THB or more. This can be a good way to get about the island if you prefer not to drive yourself.

Motorcycle Taxis

These will be a new experience for many people and are a convenient, yet nerve wracking, way to get around. All fares must be negotiated before the ride.

These taxi motor cycle drivers are eas-

ily identified by their special colored jackets showing the location of their home base. Many have the word ‘taxi’ written in English on this jacket. Do not take a taxi from anyone who is not wearing one of these jackets.

Renting a Motorcycle

Motorcycles, big and small, can be rented all over the island and are a popular choice for many tourists.

Zipping around with the breeze in your hair is tempting for anyone but do be careful, the hospitals here see a never-ending stream of foreigners arriving with skin missing from arms and legs, or sometimes worse. The accident rate on Phuket is one of the highest in Thailand, with 90% of road accidents involving motorcycles!

Note that Thai law requires the driver to carry a valid license at all times and all riders to wear helmets – even though most Thais (including the police!) ignore the regulations. Also motor cycle lights must be turned on at all times, including during the daytime! The police occasionally enforce all these laws, so beware.

The real danger in Phuket is this: NONE of the motorcycles rented here have insurance. If you rent one and cause damage you will be held fully responsible, with some greedy owners charging significantly more than the real cost of the damage. Be extremely cautious!

Renting Your Own Car

Since Phuket is quite a large island, renting your own car can be one of the most pleasant ways to get around and it gives you freedom to go where and when you want.

Renting is easy; private rental cars are readily found in every beach area and major rental companies operate in most resorts. When renting private vehicles from the side of the road be aware that few of these vehicles have insurance and this can prove disastrous in the event of an accident.

Renting a car allows you get off the island and see the beautiful, neighboring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. The

Transportation / 49 PHUKET - HONG KONG

Timetable EFFECTIVE : 27 March 2011 - 29 October 2011 PHUKET - BANGKOK

BANGKOK - PHUKET

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

TG638*

1300

1740

1.345.7

Days

TG638**

1445

1925

Daily

HONG KONG - PHUKET

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG201

0735

0900

Daily

TG226

0725

0850

Daily

TG203

0830

0955

Daily

TG202

1005

1130

Daily

TG205

0955

1115

Daily

TG204

1055

1225

Daily

TG207*

1055

1215

Daily

TG206

1210

1335

Daily

TG211

1225

1345

Daily

TG208

1305

1430

Daily

TG215

1415

1535

Daily

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG212*

1440

1605

Daily

TG217

1600

1720

Daily

TG485

0030

0745

.2.4.6.

TG214

1525

1650

Daily

TG221

1820

1940

Daily

TG486

1530

1655

.2.456.

TG223

1920

2040

Daily

TG216

1625

1750

Daily

TG485**

2205

2325

1.345..

TG218

1825

1950

Daily

TG225

2240

2359

Daily

TG671

1900

2025

...4.6.

TG222

2040

2205

Daily

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG224

2130

2255

Daily

TG671

1800

1200

...4.6.

CHIANG MAI - PHUKET Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG129

1240

1435

Daily

*Until 18 May 2011

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG609*

0900

1120

1.345.7

TG609**

0900

1120

Daily

PHUKET - Perth

Perth - PHUKET Flight

Dep.

Arr.

TG486

0915

1430

Days .2.456.

Tokyo (Narita) - PHUKET

**From 19 May 2011

Phuket Reservation Call 0-7636-0444 Monday - Sunday, 0800 - 1700 www.thaiairways.com roads are good and the scenery spectacular, making for a great day out.

Regional Buses

The long distance bus station is in Phuket Town is directly across from the Royal City Hotel. From here both air-con tour buses and cheap, ‘orange crush’ buses leave for destinations north, south and east. There are regular services to Bangkok, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakorn Srithammarat, Trang, Haad Yai and other minor provincial capitals.

Most of the tour buses to Bangkok leave around 5pm arriving in Bangkok about 6am the following morning. Tickets can be purchased either at the bus station or through travel agents.

Transport by Boat

Regular ferry boat services from Phuket run only to the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao Noi and Krabi. There are unscheduled boats to Koh Bon, Racha Yai and Koh Yao Yai. You can get to Koh Lanta by changing boats at Koh Phi Phi. Most people get to the other smaller

islands by renting their own speed boats or even by chartering yachts.

Whatever your chosen mode of trans-

port may be, enjoy exploring the island, there is plenty to see and do, more than you might have realized. Happy hunting! www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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