Vol.1 No.5

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Vol.1 No.5 - November 2010

Maps Diving Tours Things to do Places to go Shopping Accommodation Restaurants and Much, Much More...

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OPEN DAILY Lunch : 11.30 to 14.30 hours L Tea set : with simplified menu T 14.30 to 18.30 hours 1 Dinner : 18.30 to 22.30 hours D

Bangkok, Bahrain, Copenhagen, Dubai, Jakar ta, London, Lyon, Malta, Paris

BLUE ELEPHANT (Governor Mansion) 96 Krabi Kra Rd., Phuket Town (Previously Pra Phitak Chyn Pracha Mansion) คฤหาสน์พระพิทักษ์ชินประชา Tel. +66 (0) 76 354 355-7 Fax. +66 (0) 76 354 393 คฤหาส E-mail: phuket@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com E-mail BLUE ELEPHANT COOKING SCHOOL & RESTAURANT (Bangkok) 233 So South Sathorn Rd, Yaannawa, Bangkok Tel. +6 +66 (0) 2 673 9353-8 Fax. +66 (0) 2 673 9355 E-mail: cooking.school@blueelephant.com E-mail

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26/2 ถนนราษฎร์อุทิศ 200 ปี หาดป่าตอง Phuket: Phuke et: 26/2 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach.Tel. 076 345037-9 Khao Lak: Lak: 12/5 Petchkasem Road, Road Khuk Khak.

Khak Tel. Tel 076 485 105 Bangkok: 112 Rajprarob Road, Pratunam, Bangkok. Tel. 02 252 2775 E-mail: fashiongallery@hotmail.com

Contents

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32 Star Phuket Media & Design Limited Partnership 65/573, Moo 2, T. Vichit A. Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66 (0) 7651 3064, Fax: +66 (0) 7651 3016 Mobile: 089 474 4704 E-mail: info@theguidephuket.com, www. theguidephuket.com Managing Director:

Marketing Consultant:

Sale Executive:

Editor:

Designer:

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Punnaporn Eamso Guinault info@theguidephuket.com Thidarat Jessadanongluk marketing@theguidephuket.com Malisa Wangnurak sales1@theguidephuket.com Tom Greene editor@theguidephuket.com Alek E. media@theguidephuket.com

Life Style Loy Krathong Phuket Style The Guide Update Getting to know...

Life’s a Beach Shopper’s Delight The Nightcrawler Watersports and Activities Hot Activities Island’s Golf James Bond Island Water Activities Accommodation Hotel Highlights In Bed with... Centara Grand Beach Resort Food and Restaurants Restaurant Highlights Cooking Thai Buffet Bites In the kitchen with...Two Chefs Health and Beauty Spa Recommendations Exploring Your Comfort Zone Property Paradise Found: Phuket Property Property Buyer’s Guide

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Transport on the Island Important Telephone Numbers

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7 8 13 14 18 42 10 16 35 37 22 24 26 28 29 30 31 32

Maps Timetable Airport Bus Timetable 21 Phuket Island 6 Thai Airways Timetable 45 Kata, Karon 19 25 Bangkok Airways Timetable 46 Patong

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, Phuket Airport Bus, major resorts in Phuket region, restaurants, spas, travel agent, car rental and cabinet of Phuket Info Center. Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to info@theguidephuket.com.

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Loy Krathong Phuket Style

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f the Vegetarian Festival is one of Phuket’s most fascinating, then Loy Krathong must be one of the island’s most beautiful. This ‘festival of lights’ is traditionally celebrated more in the north of Thailand where grand parades, spectacular fireworks and floating light shows can be observed casting a magical spell over the participants. But the festival of Loy Krathong is also enthusiastically celebrated by young and old alike on Phuket as well, no doubt reflecting the people’s close association with the sea.

The festival, which visitors can readily become involved in, falls on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month, this year is on 21st November. Coinciding with the end of the heavy work involved in planting the rice fields it provides time for families to spend together. In worshiping the Goddess of water, participants praise her bountiful and precious gift whilst at the same time seeking forgiveness for the continued pollution and waste of water. It is also a time when bad luck will be carried away and good fortune will take its place.

The story of Loy Krathong heralds from the Sukhothai Kingdom when Nang Nopamart, a beautiful and learned lady in the royal court presented a gift to the

The festival, which visitors can readily become involved in, falls on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month, this year is on 21st November.

King; she made a small floating boat from banana leaves in the shape of a lotus flower and filled it with fragrant blooms. The King and court were enchanted and, ever since, this offering has embraced a touch of mystery and romance.

The word ‘loy’ means to float, and the ‘krathong’ is the delicate and intricately made floating banana-leaf boats that are set to sail on convenient waterways, shorelines and rivers. Placed in the krathong nowadays is a candle, incense, flowers and coins. In earlier times, betel nuts and leaves would also be added. When the full moon has climbed high in the sky, everyone gathers at the water’s edge for the launching. They light the candles and incense, make their secret wish and watch their offerings float slowly away. Visitors to the festival can readily buy the krathongs at the markets or from one of the many roadside stalls and join in the festive mood around midnight.

Join in the festivities, take lots of photos and show off to your friends when you get home.

Remember to add a little money, a lock of hair or even some fingernail clippings to your ‘krathong’ before you set it sail.

Act responsibly with fire when lighting the krathongs or lanterns.

Use ‘kratongs’ made from foam.

Buy the floating lanterns if they are made of plastic or black bin bags. Paper ones will burn up in the atmosphere making them more environmentally friendly.

Light the lanterns in built up areas.

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Hospitality show is here to stay

Khun Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, the Phuket-based Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, officially opened the Asian Hospitality and Travel Show at the Hafaele Design Centre in Phuket on 1st October.

Pictured with her are the president of the Phuket Tourist Association, Khun Somboon Chirayus, and Events Thailand directors Jorge de la Torre and Simon Samaan.

Banyan Tree Spa Café

Innovative Delights where Wellness Meets Gastronomy Banyan Tree Spa Phuket introduces a unique gastronomic presentation inspired by the tri-dosha concept of Ayurveda with the all-new Banyan Tree Spa Café menu. Savour tantalizing dishes thoughtfully prepared by Banyan Tree’s culinary team in consultation with the Ayurvedic practitioners behind Banyan Tree Spa’s Signature Ayurvedic treatments.

Recognise your dominant dosha type of vata, pitta or kapha and embark on a gastronomic journey to wellness with innovative cuisine of distinctive flavours, specially created for specific dosha types.

SME Tee Tak Popular Channel 5 television show ‘SME Tee Tak’ visited Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School. What was the result? You can see on 12th November, 11.05pm, Channel 5. (from left: Khun Tawee, of Kasikorn Bank; Khun Thunyawat, marketing guru; Josh Grindall, manager of Pum; Khun Yardfon Booranapim, owner of Pum; Todd Thongdee, TV star; and Khun Banya, presenter of SME Tee Tak)

Bangkok Airways launches new routes Bangkok Airways will launch Trat – Samui and Trat – Phuket (via Samui) routes to connect Thailand’s western seaside to southern seaside destinations starting from 2nd December 2010 onwards.

The new flights will be operating 4 flights weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) by 70 seats ATR72 type aircraft.

Thavorn Hotels celebrates 50 years.

Miss Asian Hospitality

Khun Suwaporn Anuwongsakul, Guest Relations Officer from SALA Phuket Resort and Spa won the first place of Miss AHTS 2010 which had been held at Phuket “A” Design Building in Phuket Town during 1st – 3rd October 2010, in the picture she received the Award from Mr Jorge De la Torre Koch, Managing Director of Worldwide Internships (Thailand) Co., Ltd. the organizer of this event.

On 1st October Thavorn Hotels and Resorts held their 3rd “Prize Draw Cocktail Reception” at Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, Nakalay Bay. To celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary and to reward returning guests, travel agents and intimit friends and colleagues, over 40 nights of complimentary stay were given away as prizes during the glitzy reception.

Thavorn Hotels & Resorts are now running hot high season rates for travel agents, tour operators and personnel, and special rates for returning guests.

For more information on this and to enter their next prize draw to be held on November 1st at Thavorn Grand Plaza, Phuket town please contact: Melissa Ah-Sing, 085 548 0884, Melissa@thavorngroup. com or visit www. thavorngroup.com

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Tri-Asia to work together with Cloud19 Tri-Asia Co.,Ltd, a long-standing Phuket hospitality management company enters into a sales & marketing agreement with Cloud19 Beach Retreat

Thailand Tourism Awards 2010 On 27th September 2010, Dr. Jirachai Amornpairoj, the General Manager of The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa was presented the ‘Kinnaree Award’ of ‘Outstanding Performance for RESORT HOTELS with More Than 80 Rooms in Southern Region’ at the 8th edition of the Thailand Tourism Awards 2010 hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at the Centara Grand Hotel in Bangkok.

NOVOTEL Phuket Beach Resort Panwa joined the Accor Sport Tournament 2010 From 29th September - 5th October NOVOTEL participated in the Accor Phuket Sport Tournament along with Mercure, All Season and Ibis. Around 800 staff gathered together to enjoy the games.

Joe Louis – Grand Opening 9th October 2010 Joe Louis Thai Restaurant open its doors at Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Patong. Following their closure in Bangkok, the opening of their first restaurant in Phuket ensures the continuation of the traditional art of Thai puppetry.

Participant included: M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul, Honorary Chief Executive Officer (middle), Mr. Suchad Chiaranussatil, President, Mr. Pisutr Yangkhiawsod, Managing Director, Mr. Wanchana Polpalangkul, Business partner

Ceramic Kitchen opens on 10/10/10 Cherng Talay, Ceramic Kitchen opens its doors on an auspicious date. The evening demonstrated the ability of fine craftsmen to cook extremely good food. Their menu includes international and Thai dishes that were enjoyed by all guests.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara Announces New Area General Manager Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spas is delighted to announce the appointment of Arno Nicolussi Moretto as Area General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara as of September 2010.

With extensive knowledge of the Middle East, Arno joins Anantara’s flagship property in the region as General Manager and is tasked with driving strategic growth and the continued success of the property in its second year. Mr. Nicolussi Moretto takes over from Didier Tourneboeuf who recently announced his retirement. Didier is credited with successfully launching the property to great acclaim, numerous awards and accolades including the 2010 Conde Nast ‘Hot List’.

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Kata Yoga

FISHO SPA Experience the first real Fish Spa of Phuket !

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Phuket Fantasea

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unique spa experience with hundreds of little fish simultaneously peeling and massaging your skin in a natural way. With our highly hygienic water treatment system we offer spa, foot and full body treatments. Unlike other fish spas we use only the genuine Doctor Fish (Garra Rufa).

Fun, relaxing, skin caring, Fisho Spa is open daily from 10am to 1am. Located in Patong on the beach front after La Flora hotel and between the new McDonald’s and Air Asia.

ot Yoga is popular with both men and women. It makes for a wonderful 90 minute workout toning your muscles and getting you in shape fast! We welcome all, designed for beginners and 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 with stress-free movements, no more aches and pains!

After the class you will be left smiling with vitality, proud of yourself and wanting to come back for more. Get a healthy mind and a healthy body. Kata Yoga studio at the beach in Kata.

www.fisho-spa-phuket.com

www.katahotyoga.com

www.phuket-fantasea.com

Butterfly Garden

Cooking with Pum

Horse Riding

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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

he food in Thailand is nothing short of amazing. The fresh seafood, the healthy salads,the fragrant curries, the wide variety of flavours and very reasonable prices means you could spend your entire holiday just eating! But how can you take that experience home with you? Cooking classes in Thailand have risen in popularity over recent years and now it is possibly to take a full range of different classes in Phuket. Learn to cook yourself at Pum Cooking School in Patong, fun classes and easy to cook recipes means you will still be enjoying one of Thailand’s greatest treasures long after your holiday is over.

www.pumthaifoodchain.com

his is Phuket’s Mega-show; it’s a cultural spectacle on the grandest of scales, complete with armies of warriors, vast troupes of dancing girls and elephants that literally rise up into the sky. The show takes place in the evening with a delightful dinner buffet.

Located at Kamala Beach, mini buses run back and forth picking up customers from their hotels.

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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.

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XD Theater

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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.

www.xdtheater.thai-best.com

Diving with Sea Bees

Elephant trekking

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he wild elephant population of Phuket was wiped out last century, but has been replaced in recent years by an influx of animals for the tourist trade. Today there remains just a few hundred elephants on Phuket Island, all domesticated, most working in tourism. Indeed, riding an elephant is an experience not to be missed. The lumbering monsters are incredibly agile.

Taking an elephant ride helps to keep the beasts employed, fed and out of the cities, where many can be taken by destitute owners in search of money and food.

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iving is a must-do activity in Phuket, crystal clear waters, an abundance of fish and coral, the surrounding dive sites are some of the world’s best but in order to enjoy them to the full you need to choose the right dive company.

Sea Bees is a large operation with numerous offices around Thailand, their experience and wealth of knowledge are second to none. With friendly staff, highest quality equipment and large comfortable boats you are sure to have the best experience possible.

www.sea-bees.com

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Jett and Jin 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…!

Snow Ride

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!

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,

Cosmic Race 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.

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

alien world...

One of the most popular attractions in Thailand NOW OPEN! at 3rd floor, Jungceylon Patong Beach, Phuket.

Virtual crew (XD Theater) sent on a flight every 10 minutes.

Anyone can be a passenger. Select the destination. Put on your super glasses.

Fasten your seat belt.

Flight time – 7 minutes.

Acceleration rate 100 movements/second.

Hold fast to the hand grips and fly into the world of mega-drive and weightlessness.

www.xdtheater.thai-best.com

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A True Cavaliere

By Vicki Gregory

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pending any time with Francesco Cavaliere is a delightful experience. As Italian Honorary Consul in Phuket he displays all the warmth and enthusiasm of that delightful country and his easy manner puts everyone immediately at ease.

Born into an army family in northern Italy; Francesco moved all over Italy in his early years and later during his banking career. He ended his working life in Italy on the beautiful island of Sardinia, before finally settling down in Phuket.

Francesco first came to Phuket on a diving trip to the Similans in 1985. He admits that this first trip started a love affair with the local people, the climate, the food and the island environment that has lasted to this day. Annual visits to Phuket became the norm for him and these increased when he met and married his lovely Thai wife, Khun Wilaiwan, in 1992.

After commuting between Phuket and his work in Italy for several years they retired permanently to Phuket in 1997.

He first started to assist fellow Italians in Phuket because he had the time, energy and compassion to do so. Initially, there was a lady who had been hospitalized and then there was a very “suspect” man that the local police were having trouble identifying. Throughout this time he was approached to take on the role as Honorary Consul but he always declined as he believed that the work would be too onerous. Finally, he was persuaded to take on the role by the Italian Ambassador to Thailand who insisted “accept it…you will have nothing to do …Phuket is calm”.

This was in November 2004, two months before the tsunami.

The aftermath of the tsunami was tough on everyone but Francesco worked tirelessly to assist the relatives of the people lost and injured and he is still clearly moved by the events of that time. These endeavours were recognized by the Italian government when he was awarded the prestigious Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in 2005.

The aftermath of the tsunami was tough on everyone but Francesco worked tirelessly to assist the relatives of the people lost and injured and he is still clearly moved by the events of that time.

Francesco was first appointed as Vice Consul for Italy and then, in 2008, was upgraded to full Honorary Consul, a process that involves approval from both the Italian and Thai governments.

He modestly described his early work as Honorary Consul as “a kind of postmaster, connecting the Embassy in Bangkok with the residents in Phuket”. In truth, his work covers much more than this.

Phuket has around 350 Italians registered with the Consulate and probably another 700 long-term residents and annual tourist numbers greatly increase his workload.

Francesco’s main duties include giving assistance to Italians in distress in Phuket and with notary services such as documentation required for Thailand re-

tirement visas and marriage registrations.

He can also process Italian passport applications, although the final printing must be done at the embassy in Bangkok. He also keeps regular contact with the Thai authorities and other Honorary Consuls, etc., but cannot help for visas to visit Italy as these requests can only be made through the Italian Embassy in Bangkok.

Diplomatic relations between Thailand and Italy were formally established in 1870 and apart from the main Embassy of Italy in Bangkok, there are Honorary Consuls in Phuket and Chiang Mai and a Consular Correspondents in Koh Samui and Pattaya.

Tourist numbers to Phuket now are down but Francesco attributes this mainly to the recent political instability in Thailand more than the global financial woes. Like all foreign residents in Phuket, he is working hard to persuade his countrymen of the safe and secure environment we have here but admits that we still have a way to go until confidence is restored and the visitor numbers come back.

When I was lucky enough to catch up with him recently at the Consulate in Phuket we also touched on Italian investments in Phuket. These are mainly small scale and mainly concentrated on retirement homes and, of course, restaurants and food – one of the many Italian passions. He served me some of “the best ice cream in Phuket” made by Gianni at Pluto in Phuket Town (truly scrumptious) and also recommended several delightful Italian restaurants in Phuket. Hard to say what we would all do without great Italian food in our diet and very glad to know that the caring Francesco will be here to take good care of all our favourite restaurateurs.

Italian Consulate in Phuket: 113/40 Wichitsongkram Rd., Anuphas Golf Ville, Soi Manorom 5, Kathu, Phuket 83000. Cell: +66 (0) 86-6896819 Fax: +66 (0) 76-319210 E-mail: console.phuket@esteri.it

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ou have come to Thailand. You want to see Thailand. But all you see is tourist trash that swamps the streets of Patong and the like. So where is it?

Where is that spot that you dreamt of for so long? Nai Yang Beach could be just the place you’ve been looking for.

Located in the Sirinat National Park and offering beautifully shaded walks under casuarina trees; a welcome respite from the seething sun, Nai Yang beach typifies the Thai beach getaway and is a popular spot for the locals to come and picnic.

Located just south from the airport you would expect this beach so suffer from from the noise pollution of the overhead planes, remarkably it doesn’t. Nor does it seem to suffer from any other pollution as its pristine sands and clear water enchant even the most demanding of beach goers. Activities are not abundant, so it might not be the best place to keep children entertained, but for everyone else this beach offers the perfect balance.

Nai Yang is quiet place for those that want to laze the day away and there are a scattering of bars and restaurants so you wont be going hungry or thirsty. The lazy beach side vendors offer a range of Thai treats from barbecued chicken to papaya salad to fresh fruits. In the evening time you have the opportunity to dine on fresh seafood right on the beach, one of the few places that is possible do so, and with its romantic atmosphere, cool evening breeze and quiet nature you will certainly be coming back for more.

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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.

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 and there is nobody here! 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.

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 favourite 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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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 its 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.

Surin Beach

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, a 3-kilometre long beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast, has undergone recent developments to the 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.

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 of the beach.

Karon 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.

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.

Laem Singh Beach

Kata Beach

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

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 head-

lands. Crystal clear waters and soft coral allows for 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 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; many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south.

Ao Sane Beach Ao Sane beach is a small bay and is located to the right side 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.

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 is not a popular water activity beach but nice to relax to get away from crowd. The beach is not so long and the sand is beautifully soft but not very white. It

is a favourite bathing and sunbathing location.

Rawai & Chalong Rawai and Chalong both face the southeast, and thus miss the brunt of the monsoon season wave action. The beaches themselves are less than desirable but still numerous restaurants, bars and guesthouses line the roads in this area which is particularly popular with Phuket’s expat community.

Laem Ka Beach The entrance of Laem Ka Beach is a small private road, it is one of those quiet and beautiful little beaches with a lot rocks. The sea here is very calm and clear and it is a favourite beach for the Phuket locals to relax with their familes.

Cape Panwa Perhaps the quietest corner of the island, just three up-market resorts are found on this long, southeastern peninsula, all ideal for those who really want a quiet corner to themselves.

Ao Yon Beach 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.

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Land mass: 400 rai, 18 holes Par 72 Length: 6,555 yards >>Course Tee-Boxes<< Red – Ladies & Juniors (5,326 yards) White – Amateur golfers (6,135 yards) Blue – Professionals & Low Handicappers (6,555 yards) Opened Since: November 1996 (18 Holes) Course Designer: Dr.Sukitti Klangwisai >>Design Theme<< The design of the course has integrated the surrounding landscapes and gives the golfer a variety of different holes challenging golfers of all levels, and yet the design keeps the environment and various ecosystems intact and promotes wildlife.

This mixture is what has made the course so popular with the golfing community. >>Grass Types<< Fairway Grass: Matrella Zoysia Green Grass : Japonica Zoysia Kiosks : 5 >>Signature Hole<< Hole 14 Par 3 This Downhill Par 3 gives the golfer a panoramic view of the course from the teebox, a quality shot is needed to hit theback-to-front sloping green laying below – a fantastic signature hole.

168 yards Hole 11 Par 5 One of the most difficult greens on the course to read, sloping from left to right/ back to front with 2 levels this green is notorious for 3 or even 4 putts.

524 yards >>Rates<< Green Fee 18 holes 3,700 baht Caddie Fee 18 holes 300 baht Golf Cart 18 holes 700 baht >>Course Real Estate Developments<< Baan Suan Loch Palm • Garden Villas • The Pano • Signature •

LOCH PALM GOLF CLUB PHUKET 38 Moo.5 Vichitsongkram Road., Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 321 929-34 Fax: +66(0)76 321 927-8 Contact : info@lochpalm.com www.lochpalm.com

>>Clubhouse Amenities<< The Clubhouse has various facilities and services such as a Restaurant overlooking the course layout and mountainous scenery, a Pro Shop, Conference Room and Locker Rooms for Men & Ladies. Also, for golfers that did not bring their own equipment rental clubs include new models from Taylormade and rental golf shoes. >>Promotions<< Special packages are available for large groups and golfers looking for packages including hotel accommodation. >>Tournaments held<< 2008 • Asian Celebrity Golf Tour 2008 • Phuket Golf Association 2008 • Golf Club Junior Tournament • Carnegie Golf Tour 2008 • Phuket Expat Golf Society Tournament • Rapee Day Golf Tournament • Singha Golf Association Tournament • Phuket Junior Golf Association • Siam Sanitary Ware Industry “SCG” • BLCP Power 2009 Canegie Golf Tour 2009 • Rapee Day Golf Tournament 2009 • MBK Golfer Tournament • TGA – CAT Junior Golf Ranking 2009 • TGA – CAT Junior Golf Ranking •

2010 TAT Weekday Golf Tour @Phuket • Chang Light Amateur Championship 2009 • Phuket Oilfield Classic 2010 • Phuket Junior Golf Championship 2010 • The Tin Mine Open 2010 • Samui – Phuket Tourist Association 2010 • Amateur Open 2010 •

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Thailand’s Best Golf Courses 2011 Nigel Oakins, the Chairman of Thailand Tatler, presents the award for Thailand’s Best Golf Courses 2011 to Red Mountain Golf Club, resident PGA professional, Michael Brasier receives the certificate.

Exclusive Ladies & Gents Custom Tailor

Opening hours: 9am–11pm (but on-call 24 hours a day)

Call 081 892 1877

for free transportation to our shop 158-160 Karon Beach Road, Karon, Phuket Tel. (66) 076 286 094, Fax: (66) 076 286 531 Contact: Mr. James Gautam or Mr. David Email: jamesphuket@yahoo.com or ram-gm@hotmail.com www.jamesfashionhouse.com

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ignature designs, world-class craftsmanship, high quality imported fabrics and prompt, dependable service.

Four things that make James Fashion House Phuket’s leading custom tailor and top provider of elegant - yet affordable suits and other clothes for men, women and even children.

Over 925 kinds of fabric; 100% Thai silk, cashmere wool, cotton, probably the most extensive range of clothing materials you can find on the island.

With a host of styles to pick, from modern to classic, casual to formal.

Just tell us your needs and we’ll do the rest.

Phuket Orchid Resort

Hilton Acadia To Patong

Thavorn Palm Resort

Tommy Fashion

Bangla Rd.

Congratulation with MR.SUTHA PHROMKAEW, Achieved a Hole in One on Hole Number 8, Par 3, 171 Yards AT LOCH PALM GOLF CLUB On SEPTEMBER 11th 2010

Luang Phachuan Rd.

HOLE IN ONE James Island Yiew Dino Resort Park ATM Fashion To Kata Karon Beach

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 colours, and quality; 2-ply is thin and light, 3-ply or more becomes heavier and more expensive.

Tailors, jewellery 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 centres for ceramic production are the well-known Chiang Mai, and Ratburi west of Bang-

kok. They produce an amazing range of wares from very traditional Thai and even Chinese tableware and decorative items to modern home decor 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.

The Guide Phuket recommends: Siam Ceramic Handmade (see detail below).

Woodcarving Most of this comes from the craft centres 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, for this is one real danger zone in Thailand. Read the passage below on Instant Antiques carefully; and remember that most genuinely old pieces of traditional Thai art, including Buddha images, require permits to take 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

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‘antiques’ available to everyone, takes the pressure off the genuinely old things, and, 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 Gallary, Patong Beach, www.fashiongallery.com. James Fashion House, Karon Beach, www.jamesfashionhouse.com.

Jewellery Bangkok is the undisputed gemstone capital of the world. A large portion of the world’s diamonds, rubies and sapphires and other precious stones are imported raw into Thailand, cut and set by Thailand’s skilled workforce, and exported often back to the countries they came from. Most of South Africa’s diamonds, Australia’s opals, Burma’s rubies and Sri Lanka’s varied gems pass through Bangkok for processing.

Thailand is definitely the best place to purchase precious stones and jewellery, and with transport costs so low all of these bargains can be found also in Phuket but be warned: purchase only from a well-established shop, and hopefully you will know at least a little about the gemstones you desire before entering the shop.

The Dream Chinese Antique Studio

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hinese antiques are becoming more and more fashionable but it can be difficult to find original and interesting pieces.

The Dream Chinese Antique Studio was the result of, you guessed it, a dream in which the owner was summoned to come to Phuket by Buddha. The owner, already being a long time collector and enthusiast of ancient Chinese ornaments, opened her gallery with a small collection at first which has now grown into a such diverse and interesting range of artefacts, trinkets and other paraphernalia there really is something for everyone. New items are added regularly, hand selected and imported directly from China. The Dream Chinese Antique Studio is open from 10am – 7.30pm, closed on Mondays.

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The Lemongrass House Aroma is Fragrant

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on’t you think it’s amazing how the best things in life come in small packages? But small things don’t necessarily equate to small visions.

Lemongrass House at Cherng Talay has become famous, not only in Phuket, but across the world for their fresh homemade spa products. Established as far back as 1996, Lemongrass House has punched above its weight, dedicating their existence to the perfection of spa products concocted from natural elements.

Their vision came from being a pioneer manufacturer and supplier of spa products to not only spas and hotels across Thailand, but also the world. All the ingredients are fresh, derived from renewable sources, containing no animal products and not tested on animals.

These standards and ethics have endeared their products and practices to a grateful worldwide audience.

Lemongrass House states that the secret to their success “lies in the quality

and concentration of essential oils, specialized hand blending and the unique aromatic effects of each product.” It is hard to disagree with a company that not only knows their business inside out, but also gives people what they want – high quality natural spa products for affordable prices.

Sculpturing spa products and aromatherapy treatments which are widely used across the globe is no mean feat. Time, dedication and investment are the integral parts of success. With a vast selection of homemade essential oils, massage oils, blended aroma oils, aromatic roomsprays, candles and incense, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, soaps and bath crystals, alongside therapeutic face & body creams, oils, scrubs and masks, Lemongrass House is at the top of the Thailand spa industry tree house looking down.

If you are a spa or hotel owner, or simply someone who takes pride in their health and beauty products, Lemongrass House is your Mecca – accept no substitute!

Spending their summers in remote farming areas across the world, the owners of Lemongrass House searched high and low for the ideal plants and herbs to

created their special oils and products.

The unique aromas of the products go a long way to prove that they dearly care about the business, devoting so much time and passion for the enjoyment of their customers.

Open daily from 9am to 8pm, Lemongrass House can be located in Cherng Talay, on Srissoonthorn Road on the way to Surin.If you live locally, you can drop by the shop and chat to their experts to see and smell the products firsthand. If you do not live in Phuket, you can use the below contact details and make enquiries directly to the shop. Hoteliers, spa owners and those interested in health and beauty products will be warmly greeted.

Lemongrass House, 10/2 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherng Talay, Ampher Thalang, Phuket, Thailand; (66-76) 271-233; www.lemongrasshouse.com. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Airport Bus TimeTable

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Mercure Patong

Patong Resort Hotel

The Nap Patong

Merlin Beach Resort

Location: Patong

Location: Patong

Location: Patong

Location: Patong

239/14 Raj-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd. Patong, Phuket 83150

208, Raj-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd. Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

99, Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7630 2100 Fax: +66 (0) 7630 2111 www.mercurephuket.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0551-4 ext.

1108/1109/1110 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0189 www.patongresorthotel.com

5/55, Patong Beach Road Patong Beach, Kathu Phuket 83150 Tel. +66 (0) 7629 6631-4 Fax: +66 (0) 7629 6635 www.thenappatong.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7629 4300 Fax: +66 (0) 7629 4310 www.merlinphuket.com

SALA Phuket Resort & Spa

Patong Merlin Resort

Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel

Impiana Resort Patong, Phuket

Location: Maikhao

Location: Patong

Location: Kata

Location: Patong

333 Moo 3, Maikhao Beach Thalang, Phuket 83110

44, Thaveewong Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket

88/8, Kata Road, Karon Muang, Phuket 83100

41, Taveewongse Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

Tel. +66 (0) 7633 8888 Fax: +66 (0) 7633 8889 www.salaphuket.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0037-41 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0394 www.patongmerlin.com

Tel.+66 (0) 2659 2888 Fax: +66 (0) 2659 2889 www.ibishotel.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0138 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0178 www.impiana.com

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

The South Sea Resorts

The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa

Twinpalms Phuket

Location: Karon

Location: Karon

Located: Patong Beach

Located: Surin Beach

683 Karon Beach, Patak Rd., Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100

204 Karon Road, Muang Phuket 83000

135/23, 123/15-16, Raj-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd., Patong beach Kathu, Phuket 83150

106/46 Moo 3 Surin Beach Road Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110

Tel. +66 (0) 7620 1234 Fax: +66 (0) 7620 1235 www.centarahotelsresorts. com/cpbr

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 0888 Fax: +66 (0) 7637 0899 www.southsearesorts.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0666 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0565 www.royalparadise.com

Tel. +66 (0) 76 316500 Fax: +66 (0) 76 316599 www.twinpalms-phuket.com

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B-Lay Tong

Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

Koh Yao Yai Village

Pearl Hotel, Phuket

Location: Patong

Location: Karon

Location: Yao Yai Island

Location: Phuket Town

99, Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150

3 Soi Karon Soi 2, Karon District, Muang Phuket, Phuket 83100 Thailand

78 Moo 4, Koh Yao Yai, Amphoe Koh Yao, Phang-nga 82160

42 Montri Road, Phuket 83000

Tel. +66 (0) 7629 4300 Fax: +66 (0) 7629 4310 www.merlinphuket.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7628 4555 Fax : +66 (0) 7628 4381 www.horizonbeach.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7636 3700 Fax: +66 (0) 7621 4918 www.kohyaoyaivillage.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7621-1044 Fax: +66 (0) 7621-2911 www.pearlhotel.co.th

Phi Phi Island Village

Sheraton Grande Laguna

Siam Hotel

Sino House Phuket Hotel and Apartment

Location: Phi Phi Island

Location: Cherngtalay

Location: Patong

Location: Phuket Town

49 Moo 8, Loh Ba Gao Bay Phi Phi Island, Muang, Krabi 81000 Tel. +66 (0) 7636 3700 Fax: +66 (0) 7621 4918 www.ppisland.com

10 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Soi Baanzaan, 74/18 Nanai Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

1 Montree Rd., Talad â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel. +66 (0) 7632 4101 Fax: +66 (0) 7627 1466 www.luxurycollection.com/ phuket

Tel. +66 (0) 76 Fax: +66 (0) 76 www.siamphukethotel.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7623 2494-5 Fax: +66 (0) 7622 1498 www.sinohousephuket.com

Tinidee Hotel @Phuket

Serenity Resort & Residences

Radisson Resort Phuket Panwa Beach

DEWA Phuket

Location: Kathu

Location: Rawai

Location: Panwa

Location: Nai Yang

42 Moo 5, Vichitsongkram Rd., Kathu District Phuket 83120

14 Moo 5, Viset Rd., Rawai Phuket

44/5 Moo 8, Sakdidesh Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000

65 Moo 1, T.Sakoo, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 1900 Fax: +66 (0) 7637 1982 www.SerenityPhuket.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7660 2500 Fax: +66 (0) 7660 2555 www.radisson.com/ phuketth_plaza

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 2300 Fax: +66 (0) 7637 2399 www.dewaphuket.com

Tel: +66 (0) 7632 1925 Fax : +66 (0) 7632 1926 www.tinideehotels.com/ phuket

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In Bed With...

Centara Grand

Beach Resort

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entara Hotels & Resorts is offering special introductory rates for the newly opened Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

Designed in a colonial style with Sino-Portuguese architecture, the fivestar resort is Centaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth property in Phuket.

Accommodation Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket features consists of 262 and villas an extensive water park comprising four guestrooms comprising of 126 swimming pools including a main pool, jacuzzi Deluxe Ocean Facing pool, children pool, and adult pool rooms, 63 Deluxe rooms with their own Jacuzzi spa, 45 Deluxe Pool Suite rooms, 18 Luxury Pool Suites, 6 One-Bed Pool Villas and 4 TwoBed Pool Villas. All guestrooms have a balcony with sea view.

Guests staying in the Villas, Pool Suites and Private Pool rooms are entitled to Club privileges, which include the Club Lounge with 200 sq m of indoor and outdoor terrace space, five complementary meal servings per day, and evening cocktails.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket features an extensive water park comprising four swimming pools including a main pool, jacuzzi pool, children pool, and adult pool plus the lazy river, water-slides, waterfalls and other aquatic activities in the water park. All free to access by resort guests.

As well as the water park the resort offers a host of other leisure facilities such as a tennis court, fitness centre and spa.

The resort is well equipped for families, and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities include a

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separate children’s pool, two playrooms, one for ages 4 -10 years and one for ages 10 - 16 years, and a children’s playground.

Rates start at 4,600 THB++ for a Deluxe Ocean Facing Room, through to 9,600 THB++ for a Luxury Pool Suite. The introductory rates are valid for a stay between now and the 24th December.

Terms & conditions; Prices quoted are on a per room basis for two persons, and there is complimentary room stay for a maximum of two children sharing their parents’ room and bedding. The offer is not applicable to group reservations and reservations for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions.

For further information and reservations please phone +66 (0) 76 201 234, email cpbr@chr.co.th or visit their website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/Centara GrandPhuketIntroOffer

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Sushi BOX

Davinci Restaurant

Japanese Cuisine

Sushi Box is a new restaurant 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.

Location: Central Food Hall at Central Festival, Phuket

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

Blue Elephant

LE CELTIQUE

Royal Thai Cuisine

French 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

French specialties; snails, white asparagus, scallop 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.

Tel. 076 613 098 E-mail: celtiquethai@hotmail.com

Location: Phuket Town

Location: Saiyuan Road, Rawai

White Box

Bit’in Restaurant

Fusion Cuisine

International cuisine & Thai food

This is an up-market beachfront restaurant and bar fit for James Bond and friends. You can’t miss it standing pristine in white at the northern end of Patong Beach; minimalist in style, themed in white and blue to create an atmosphere that reflects Mediterranean culinary inspiration. Phone 076 346 271 to ensure a table.

Location: Patong Beach

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

SALA

Restaurant

PUM Restaurant & Cooking School

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. +66 (0) 7633 8888 www.salaphuket.com Location: Maikhao

Thai Cuisine

Offering a range of very simple, very tasty Thai food this modern restaurant also runs cooking classes for all of those budding chefs out there. Restaurant and school are both open daily from 11am till 10pm. Patong - 076 346 269, Phi Phi - 081 521 8904 www.pumthaifoodchain.com Location: Patong, Phi Phi

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Baan Laimai Beach Resort Thai Cuisine

Come to dining with candle light, warm in the balmy night air, under the star and live music. Enjoying the wine with traditional Thai food, international and freshest selection of seafood with your prefer cooking style.

More information please go to our website www.baanlaimai. com and for dining reservation please call 076-292-956 Location: Patong Beach

The 9th Floor Fusion Cuisine

The 9th Floor delivers in what many travel and destination publications describe as “One of the best dining locations in Phuket.” With tasteful background music, a relaxing bar, a polyglot, convivial and knowledgeable host, the 9th Floor equation adds up to one of the better eating out options on Phuket Island. The 9th Floor will fulfill your hopes of fine-dining in Phuket at reasonable costs with a vista and service that simply will blow you away. Seven heaven? This is ninth-floor heaven. www. the9thfloor.com Location: Patong Beach

Ceramic Kitchen

Giogiorne Restaurant

International Bar and Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience in the cosy atmosphere of a clay house and ceramic art gallery. Savour a wide selection of international food whilst sipping on your choice of a selection of fine wines from our bar, which also offers a range in local Thai rums.

For those looking for a relaxing day break; afternoon coffee and cakes are available in the courtyard.

Open daily 13.00 to 23.00, for reservations call 076 272 151-2 Location: Cherngtalay

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

Cooking with...

Blue Elephent

Yum Ma-Kheua Muang Doi Kham Eggplant (Aubergine) Salad Preparation 1. Grilled eggplant and scallops for 5 minutes.

2. In the mortar, pound the garlic and chilies into a paste.

3. Mix in the chilies and garlic paste, sugar , fish sauce, lime juice and tamarind juice. Mix well.

4. Blanch the minced chicken and prawns about 2 minutes, put in a bowl and mix well.

5. Add shallots, chopped coriander and sliced red chilies and truffle Oil. 6. Put the salad dressing covering the eggplant and sprinkle with coriander leaves and sliced red chilies.

7. Serve in room temperature.

Ingredients 80 g.

2 tsp 2 pcs.

2 20 g 6 1 2 stems

purple aubergines (thinly sliced, grill or sear about 5 mins) oil ( for sear aubergines) scallops (Roasted in the work about 5 mins) Prawns (blanched, chopped) Chicken (minced, blanched) shallots (Finely sliced) Red Chilies (Finely sliced) Coriander (Finely chopped)

For Salad Dressing 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp tamarind juice 1 ½ tbsp Fish sauce 1 tsp Palm sugar 3 cloves Thai Garlic (Small) 5 pcs. Small Chilies (Bird eye chilies) 1 tsp Truffle Oil Garnish Coriander leaves Red Chilli

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RISTORANTE PIZZERIA LOUNGE BAR FINE ITALIAN DINING WOOD FIRED PIZZAS COCKTAIL & WINE BAR FREE PARKING CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

The largest selection of sushi in Phuket...

CENTRAL FESTIVAL PHUKET 1st floor beside central food hall check-out counter.

Enjoy Sunday Brunch at Oriental Spoon

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ome and enjoy our unique flavours every Sunday from noon to 3pm. Freshest selection of Seafood, Oysters, Smoked Salmon, Roasts, Cheeses, Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Berries and our famous Crème Brûlée. THB 1,490 per person including a bottle of Wine per couple, THB 3,490 per person including a bottle of Champagne per couple, (Brunch Only: THB 1,190 per person). Prices subject to tax and service. Call 076 316 577 and ask for Sunday Brunch reservations. www.twinpalms-phuket.com

Catch Beach Club - Phuket’s Most Fashionable Beach Club Tuesday & Friday Beach BBQ

C

ome and join our delicious beach BBQ on Tuesday or Friday evening from sunset to midnight. Freshest selection of Seafood, Oysters, Smoked Salmon, BBQ Seafood, whole Lamb on a spit, BBQ Ribs, Steaks and Corn on the cob, Giant Kebab, Cheeses and much more. Sweets include the Chocolate Fountain with selections of Fresh Berries, Italian home made Ice Cream and our famous Crème Brûlée.

Tel. +66 (0) 76 316567 E-mail: book@catchbeachclub.com www.catchbeachclub.com

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In the kitchen with...

Two Chefs F

rom breakfast to after-beach cocktails and delicate dinners, it is all served at Two Chefs, a group of restaurants conveniently located along Phuket’s west coast beach areas. Established in 2001 this restaurant chain has now gained solid recognition among tourists and locals alike.

When meeting the young chefs behind Two Chefs, which by the way are now three, it becomes clear that their focus rests not only on the food but also in delivering a dining experience far beyond their guest’s expectations.

What is obvious as well is that they serve high-quality, home-made food; sourcing only the best possible products (for example imported beef, salmon and snow fish, while the lobster is local).

“We make more or less everything on our own; bread, pasta and all desserts. We smoke the salmon ourselves and make our own fondues.”

“Today we have moved away from being a heavily Scandinavian-oriented restaurant to being a purely international one,” says Billy, who is in charge of composing the menus on which one can find international dishes, Scandinavian specialities and exquisite Thai food all in a modern style.

In addition to the menu they have a daily ‘Two Chefs Special’ which can be anything from smoked salmon, Skärgårdstallrik (‘archipelago plate’; a platter of cold fish, including strömming, gravlax, baked white fish, a variety of herring, white fish etc.) and of course meatballs are their Scandinavian specialities.

All this good food, served up in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, washed down with a very reasonably priced bottle of quality wine, can only make for a wonderful experience.

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Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness

Hiranyikara Spa HIRANYIKARA Spa; indulge your body, mind and spirit. Located in peaceful surroundings, Hiranyikara is the perfect, soothing haven to hide away from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

133 Moo7 Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120 Tel. +66 (0) 7620 3280 www.hiranyikara.com

Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first cultural spa with the unique Thai cultural service and design of architect derived from the ancient capital of Siam, with three categories of rooms and 160 treatment beds in the new five-star day spa in Phuket. We provide individual packages based on the philosophy of Thai Ayuraveda as well as full wellness facilities and other ancient wisdom passed down through the generations.

5/10 Moo 3, Tumbon Vichit, Amphur Muang Phuket 83000 Tel. +66 (0) 7626 3222 www.sukkospa.com

Swasana Spa There comes the time one needs to slow down, create space and find solitude to recharge. What better place than in the realm of the luxurious Swasana Spa at our resorts in Phuket and Samui and our city hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

A place of true Asian indulgence, these Spa treatments are based on ancient massage techniques from the heartlands of South East Asia.

Regardless if you are a seasoned spa visitor or a new comer to the delightful wonder of spa, our staff will have time to explain and guide you through the treatments at a leisurely pace.

The combination of pure natural ingredients, the touch of professional therapist and the relaxing paradise-like setting will ensure a pampering time of rejuvenation.

41 Taweewong Road Patong Beach, Phuket Tel. +66 (0) 7634 0138 Email : spaipc@impiana.com www.impiana.com

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Exploring Your Comfort

zone

A Spa with men in mind 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 cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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

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W

hilst on holiday in Phuket it would be a crime not to have a massage or health treatment. Phuket is justly famed for its abundance and variety. So don’t be tempted to just head down to the nearest salon and ask for a ‘head, back and shoulders’ or a straightforward foot massage.

There are many more exciting and adventurous treatments out there and by deliberately trying something new you might find the perfect health treatment for you.

Hot Stone Massage The kindest and most soothing of remedies; smooth, polished basalt and marble stones are heated in water, soaked in warm oils and placed on key acupressure points on your body, deeply penetrating tight muscles and softening tissue through the heat and weight of the stones. Many spas on the island offer hot stone massage, but a few go a step further and provide something called the ‘fire and ice’ massage. This uses alternating heated black basalt stones with iced white marble stones. The warm black stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and waste through the body while the cool white stones cause the blood vessels to contract, stimulating the nervous system. Historically health benefits have long been ascribed to shocking the body with very hot and extremely cold temperatures and this massage draws on those ideas, aiming to create a balance allowing stress to be released from the body.

Fish Reflexology This is a relatively new type of massage on Phuket, and has come from Singapore and Malaysia where it is increasingly popular. This really isn’t for the faint-hearted as you are placed on a long bench over a rectangular pond and asked to place your feet in the water. As soon as you do lots of little fish come up and start nibbling your pinkies. They will take away your crusty dead skin and leave your feet feeling as smooth as a baby’s bottom. However, while this is happening people do tend to have quite extreme reactions and the most common is absolute hysterics as the feeling of lots of little mouths all over your feet is a very ticklish one. These fish don’t have teeth so you are not about to be chewed up and spat out by piranhas. However apparently you do need to watch out for fraud salons where the fish might actually have teeth. This adds a little extra danger and excitement to the choices. Once you have finished with the fish you usually have a short, normal foot reflexology massage, from a human, which is a relaxing way to recover from the experience.

Shirodhara Part of the Ayurveda holistic system of natural medicine, this therapy involves a stream of warm medicated oil - or coconut oil - being poured continuously onto your forehead. This may sound suspiciously like water torture, but is actually rather pleasurable and is supposed to be very good for sinus congestion, insomnia and even clarity of mind.

Colonic irrigation There isn’t much to say about this technique that you don’t already know. People do seem to fall into two camps regarding colonics; those who love the idea of a truckload of water and coffee swooshed around their insides, and those who would rather die. You probably already know which camp you are in but if you are wavering at all, then do consider not only the health benefits – weight loss, clearer skin and bright eyes just for starters – but the fabulous anecdotes to take home regarding that little tin soldier you lost as a five year old or that scrabble tile that ruined every game thereafter making a triumphant return from your nether regions.

Although Phuket is full of the usual health treatments and massages, it is also home to some weird and wonderful moments.

Try something different. Even if you find that small fish chewing steadily on your feet doesn’t rock your world, it will make for an unforgettable holiday experience.

34

35

Touring Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Y

ou can’t spend much time in Phuket as a tourist without from the surrounding natural beauty. having someone trying to sell you a day tour, and usually With Hollywood its promoter and the words ‘James Bond’ the first one on offer is James Bond Island. to replace its Thai name, Nail Island, the rock has never looked The island is pretty, but no more so than the hundreds of back. other in the vicinity, certainly its conical form – narrow at the It might just be the most photographed rock in the world. bottom and widening at top – is unusual; looking like a candidate Should you go? Well, yes! Despite the island being, what can for collapse at the slightest earth tremor. only be called, an anti-climax, the tour in Its striking appearance is what attracted With Hollywood its promoter and its entirety is actually very good and is not the Hollywood film producers to film ‘The the words ‘James Bond’ to replace its be missed.

Man with the Golden Gun’ but, unlike its Thai name, Nail Island, the rock has appearance on the big screen, the rock (its The cheap bus-boat route never looked back. more of a rock than an island) is actually Most tourists arrive here after a 2-3 very small; measuring just a few metres hour bus ride, followed by a ½ hour ride wide and about 20 metres tall, hardly large enough for a house in a long-tail boat that winds through the channels of a mangrove let alone acting as the head quarters for scores of bad guys out to swamp and through a sea cave. After James Bond Island, most are control the world. then taken to Koh Pannyi, the fishing village perching on stilts With its small form the rock is just a tiny speck amidst the over water, for lunch. The typical geography of Phang Nga, verstunning beauty that is Phang Nga Bay. The island has become tical rock monoliths, rise all around, making the setting of this the region’s classic tourist trap: built on promotional hype; hun- water village quite spectacular. So long as you are not expecting dreds, sometimes thousands, of unsuspecting tourists drop onto a quiet visit to some out-of-the-way pristine corner, this tour can its small beach together to face hoards of vendors hawking sou- be entirely enjoyable. venirs. Drowned in noise this limestone karst actually distracts

36

The alternative: a boat cruise Before booking your bus ticket to James Bond Island, think about the alternative – a quiet boat cruise up through even more spectacular sea mountains of Phang Nga Bay, without the crowds. The boat tours usually just skirt James Bond Island without landing, spending their time in grander scenery. And the boat route requires only a short bus ride to the top of Phuket to board the boat, on which you will spend more of the day in the calm, protected waters of this amazing bay. The boat route costs more but is absolutely worth it.

Getting there by yourself It’s not so difficult, if you rent a car and drive. The drive to Phang Nga is delightful, and the roads are good. Follow the main ‘Phuket - Phang Nga’ highway down to Phang Nga Bay Resort, where there is a jetty and boats available for rent. There are several signs along the way enticing drivers down other side roads to Phang Nga Bay, but we recommend this one, which turns off just 2 kilometres before Phang Nga town. From the jetty you can rent a boat out to Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi – or elsewhere that takes your fancy. You can also stay overnight at the resort here at very reasonable rates. Booking are rarely needed in advance.

37

is the most common liveaboard destination. In good conditions the water visibility here can be astounding, though it’s generally in the range of 20-30 metres which is still excellent. The Andaman Sea is generally quite calm, making diving here easy and pleasurable.

Fishing pool and finally the open ocean. The result is a diving certificate recognised around the world, as well as a lot of fun and new experience.

Diving Day Trips

Diving in Phuket Phuket, and its surrounding Andaman Sea, have gained international reputation as one of the world’s top diving destinations. The Similan Islands in particular, are frequently ranked among the world’s top ten.

Several advantages make this region one of the best for both learners and experienced divers. For learners there is world-class instruction at economical prices, and an abundance of aquatic life inhabit these warm and comfortable waters. If you’re scared of sharks, don’t be, any of the graceful specimens found here are harmless and relatively rare. Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean at over 10 metres long, are at the other end of this equation, being more common here than in any other part of the world. Experienced divers the world over migrate to the Similan Islands knowing they have a near certainty of swimming with whale sharks.

While large fish are not so common in Phuket’s waters, the variety of corals, both soft and hard, is striking. But perhaps most important for all divers, warm water and year-round clarity makes this a great place to be down with the fishes.

Learning to Dive There are any number of places to learn to dive on Phuket. Just look for any 5 star PADI facility. A dive course will usually take 3 or 4 days, starting in the classroom, then moving to the swimming

For those who already have their diving certificate, a good range of day trips is available. A variety of diving destinations include the two Racha islands south of Phuket, several pinnacles in the direction of Phi Phi, and one large wreck of a car ferry that sank in a 30 metre location in the lower Bay.

Diving Liveaboards Enthusiasts come from around the world for these liveaboards.

Some run for up to 10 days and visit neighbouring countries, usually Burma. Most divers book these trips well in advance, but those with time and flexibility can book a number of trips right here.

The Similan Islands, 90 kilometres Northwest of Phuket,

With so much water out there, there has to be fish, right? And of course there are fish out there – big fish, fighting fish, the sailfish. It’s Phuket’s one boast to fishing fame – there are few places in the world where one can catch sailfish so regularly.

Boats invariably head to the Racha islands south of Phuket where deep, clear waters attract the sailfish and their prey. At certain times of year thousands of sailfish congregate in very small areas, constantly leaping out of the water to land on their sides with the biggest splash – rounding up schools of smaller bait fish.

Even when one can’t catch them, the very sight of so many huge, leaping fish is a worthwhile spectacle. Though they can be caught all year round, the monsoon season is particularly good.

A wide variety of other fish are also plentiful including small tunas, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, dolphin-fish, barracuda.

Bottom fishing can give an even greater variety in the catch. There are few sharks left in these waters.

Some dedicated souls make the hourslong pilgrimage out to the continental shelf drop off, where the water suddenly drops to hundreds metres, and where, it is said, huge marlin rule the depths.

Sailing Of all the ways to see and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman, sailing is surely the ultimate. There is nothing better than spending days cruising island to island, and waking up each morning in the shadow of a different island. Sailing, unhurried and serene, allows one to really unwind and absorb the incredible surroundings.

When cruising Phang Nga Bay and the outlying islands of Phuket and Krabi you will shares the occasional well known anchorages with a few other yachts, but otherwise meet only fishermen selling their catch.

38

39

Paradise Found: Phuket Property

B

uying property in Phuket may seem a daunting experience, however with the right due diligence, use of a knowledgeable agent and reputable lawyer, it really can be one of the most enjoyable and superior investments you can ever make.

Not only do you get a warm tropical climate, the world’s friendliest, smiling locals, the most delicious and mouthwatering culinary delights, you also get a home. A place that is yours, designed or influenced by some of the world’s greatest architects, built to the highest International standards, using the finest materials and finished in an endless array of furnishing styles.

Phuket is very fortunate in having a wonderful infrastructure that supports a very comfortable lifestyle. We have exemplary International, award-winning schools, first class medical facilities, department stores, supermarkets serving the finest quality local and imported produce and advanced business support and IT systems.

There are a few important facts that you need to take note of when buying. Since premium land in Phuket is

scarce and building regulations ensure Phuket’s natural beauty is preserved, the value of prime land is continually increasing. Thus the villa you buy with a sea view, close to the enticing beaches will be significantly higher in value than a similar villa without a view and a little further inland.

Then you take into account what location suits you best. Do you want to be near an activity filled beach, or a secluded cove, boating marinas, golf courses, shopping, entertainment zones, fine dining and spas? The list is endless.

Phuket is very fortunate in having a wonderful infrastructure that supports a very comfortable lifestyle.

Then you may think about what you need in a property. Are you looking to retire or semi-retire in Phuket? Are you looking for a 2nd home, holiday rental or are you in the market for an investment property that will provide a rental income whilst you are not in residence?

As Phuket continues to be a getaway destination for so many people from all over the world, our rapidly expanding International Airport services a greater number of direct flights from Asian and European countries. This has also provided the property industry with a new

market of distinct clientele who are looking for something more than just a hotel room for their stays.

Thus the advent of the management sector, whereby property owners are now able to rent out their investments and have them professionally taken care of by hotel, development or property dedicated management companies. This ensures you never have to worry about your property whilst not in residence, as your pool, gardens, maintenance, cleaning and any administration or rental requirements are handled by the professionals.

Now it’s time to decide what type of property do you want to buy? In Phuket you can have the choice between villas, apartments or condominiums and town homes. All of these properties start from one bedroom up to five bedrooms, or even more for the larger villas. This is when it might start to get confusing, as the choices are wonderfully varied, however what you really need and can afford will dictate what is available for you. Your property agent will be able to help you fine tune this list and point you in the right direction.

I will always recommend you explore all the options and the take your time to study and know the market, make the most of your property agent, until you walk into that ONE property that truly takes your breath away and ticks all the boxes...

Tara Sudlow, Director of Phuket Realty is a fully accredited property specialist based in Phuket for the past 15 years.

40

The Park Limited edition 10 luxury pool villa homes near Laguna Phuket.

3-4 Bedrooms, 84 sqm. Pools, Plot sizes + 1,000 sqm.

Remaining units 5 only from THB 38,000,000 Call 076 326 177 for viewing www.richmondth.com

The Charm Residence

“Own the Nearest Residence to Patong Beach Front” You can own your holiday destiny with 1 minute walk to Patong Beachfront, also enjoy superb facilities like infinity Edge Pool at rooftop, Lagoon Style swimming pool, Excellent restaurant and Bar. For Investor, we offer the great deal 10% Guarantee Return - Fully Furnished - Foreign Free Hold For more information: Tel. 076-3444-99 info@thecharmphuket.com www.thecharmphuket.com

Land & Houses Ladawan, the brand-new Lakeview homes in Land and Houses Park Phuket, comfortable with spacious 3 bedrooms and just add “your own style furniture” to this ready-to-move into modern style building. Enjoy your daily leisure with professional-designed gardens or holidays relax in our resortstyle clubhouse.

For further information, call 076381151-2

Karon Butterfly Condominium

Karon Butterfly Condominium incorporates the best of Thai and Italian designs, creating a modern style that combines the best from the two cultures.

The project is in a beautiful location on the hills that surround Karon with rich tropical gardens and only 400m from the beach and the shopping area.

Prices from 4.2 to 8.3 million THB. 266/2 Patak Rd., Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand www.karonbutterfly.com

41

Property of the month

This month we have some remarkable sale and rental deals available. Please take a look at our website or call us directly.

We look forward to introducing you to the very best properties in Phuket and the luxury of being part of this truly exotic tropical paradise.

Mobile: 081 892 4741, 081 979 3369 info@phuketrealty.net www.phuketrealty.net

PHUKET THAILAND

THE RESIDENCE PHUKET

LOW SEASON - FINAL PHASE SPECIAL OFFERS As we move into low season and with the final phase under construction we are offering immediate buyers varied incentives on a select number of pool villas and pool town homes.

There is no better time than now to make your lifestyle investment and take advantage of certain special offers.

On specific units offers include: • FREE furniture package valued at THB 1,000,000 or • Guaranteed rental income of 5% for first 2 years, or • Generous cash discount The Residence by Richmond Group is a pool villa and pool town home resort located near Bangtao Beach on the famed west coast of Phuket.

This exclusive gated community features Spa, Gym, Café/Bar, Beach Shuttles, 24/7 Security.

Learn more about The Residence: www.richmondth.com TRY BEFORE BUY : THE RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE The Residence Experience programme, price at just $200, offers prospective buyers the opportunity to see, touch feel and experience the property, facilities and location before buying.

The offer includes: • 2 nights stay in a luxury pool villa • Spa treatments • Airport transfers • Welcome drink • Breakfast at The Café Please contact crm@richmondth.com for further informations.

For more information about this exclusive promotion or to make a reservation, please contact E-mail: sales@richmondth.com Phone: +66 (0) 76 326 177 Mobile:+66 (0) 8 7888 4577 Web: www.richmondth.com

42

Party

Time

Every

Wednesday

Happy Night at Margarita with Variety Music.

Call 080 699 2629

Networking

Fridays

17.00-19.00 Buy One get

One Free

at Bar Opiume

The NighT crawler Kata Dino Park Around the corner, a collection of small souvenir shops and cafés line the narrow street leading to Karon Beach road.

It’s also the location for one of Kata’s famous attractions Dinopark. A Minigolf with a difference, the course features a man-made exploding minivolcano which erupts on cue every hour.

Nightlife Viewpoints Looking out over Kata Noi on Kata Hill are two extremely popular adjacent venues, Small Viewpoint, and After Beach.

These restaurant-bars are all about reggae music and have developed from quirky beginnings to successful sunsetviewing party locations. To get there, head up the steep hill in south Kata (you’ll need transport) and carry on for a kilometer.

Patong Seduction Discotheque Located at the northern end of Soi Bangla, to find it you just have to look for the red carpet that leads to the door!

Big name DJ’s from Bangkok and around the world play here on occasion. Located on Bangla Road.

Tiger Disco and Bars A superb sound system blended with hi-tech lighting and laser systems makes Tiger Disco uniquely exciting. Lo-

cated on Bangla Road. Phone: 076 345 112

Hard Rock Café Hard Rock Café, the worldwide phenomenon, has arrived in Phuket at the Marriot Courtyard hotel on the Rajuthit 200 Pee Road. As is commonplace at the Hard Rock good food combined with good drinks makes for good times, just don’t forget to buy the t-shirt!

Located at the Marriot Courtyard Hotel on the Rajuthit 200 Pee Road.

Phuket Town Kor Tor Mor Kor Tor Mor is a popular pub/club that caters to trendy Thais. The house band plays Thai pop and rock nightly plus DJ’s fire up the dance floor between the acts and later on.

It’s the perfect place to go if you want to get away from the mad Patong scene and mingle with locals.

Location: Near the Seahorse Circle, Chana-Charoen Road.

Timber Hut Timber Hut, a mainstay on the Thai pub scene, attracts its fair share of westerners, and is also located on Yaowarat Road, not far from the old town area. There’s an upstairs seating area if the tiny dance floor is too claustrophobic for you. Location: Near the Merlin Hotel junction on Yaowarat Road.

Bang Tao Siam Supper Club This gorgeous long bar and wellappointed restaurant serves ‘West Coast Cuisine’; meats, fish and pizzas. It is one of the most popular hang outs of local residents as well as regular guests to the island.

Enjoy their jazz and lounge music and check out their long drinks list. Booking in advance is suggested.

Open: 18:00 – 10:30 (last orders) Bar closes at 01:00. Location: Tinlay Place. Tel. 076 270 936

Other Nightlife Activities Phuket Town, to some, is downright sleepy and provincial and admittedly, compared to Patong it is a little quiet but still there are several options for things to do after dusk.

Thai Boxing Unfortunately the Phuket Boxing Stadium at Sapan Hin Park in Phuket Town was closed down a few years back.

The closest venue to Phuket Town to view live matches by real professional boxers is just outside town at the Suwit Gym (Muay Thai camp). They have flights every Friday night.

Tickets are not cheap.

Open: Every Friday night at 20:00 Location: Opposite the turning to Phuket Zoo into Soi Palai on Chaofa East Road.

The gym is located behind a small convenience shop.

There is a large poster with the gym’s name on it by the store.

Tel. +66 (0) 76 381 167

43

The Margarita Bar is an open-air bar with live music every night of the week, with 2 professional bands each night playing a range of music. Our highly skilled bartenders are ready to serve you with a full range of cocktails and other drinks.

86 Bangla Rd., Patong Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel. 080 699 2629 E-mail: petch_margarita@yahoo.com www.margaritaphuket.siam2web.com

Situated in the centre of Patong's busy night-life area our friendly service staff will treat you like family.

When in Phuket, come to The Margarita Bar and experience our relaxed atmosphere, live music and great drinks.

WOMEN’S WILL POWER CHARITY CALENDAR 2011

I

WWP CHARITY CALENDAR LAUNCH ON NOVEMBER 5TH AT CAPE SIENNA FROM 6:30PM!

t is that time of the year again and Cape Sienna will be the host venue for the 2011 edition of the WWP Calendar Launch!!!

We would like to invite ALL medias and friends to come and join this special event where we will be raising money for the Phuket Shelter Home.

Tickets can be prebooked by emailing to wwpphuket@hotmail.com or you may purchase them from any of the WWP models as well as at Senses Spa (Laguna and Boat Lagoon Branches), Cape Sienna, Opus One French Bistro, Stereo Lab, Bit n’ Restaurant (Jungceylon), Sandwich Shoppe (all branches) and online booking on our facebook page (Women’s Will Power Phuket Charity).

Tickets are priced at B1,000 including a full buffet, live international DJs,

full entertainment from Sommart Dance Studio, Fashion Show featuring Kittikorn Designs, and performances by Boat Bar performers.

There also will be lots of amazing prizes from many generous supporters through our raffle, silent and live auctions.

Some of the prizes include an all day sailing tour around the beautiful islands

of Phuket, dinner and accommodation vouchers from 4&5 star hotels and restaurants we well as a 6 star hotel stay in Seville, Spain!

And with the support of Seng Ho Bookstore, you can find the WWP Calendar on sale at all 7 branches from November 1st until end of January of 2011!!! Calendar is priced at B299 each for individual sales and bulk prices are offered to ALL tour groups, hotels and companies. Show off the stunning beauty and locations of Phuket with the WWP Calendar and purchase some TODAY! Contact us: Email: wwpphuket@hotmail.com www.wwpphuket.com Phone: 085-889-9930 / 087-466-5140

44

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 kilometres 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. Prices are fixed: 600 THB for an Airport Limousine or 150 THB per person for a minibus 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.

ful, 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 around the streets, slowly, picking up passengers.

It is slow, but cheap, with the fare from Phuket town to Patong now set at just 25 THB per person!

‘Tuk-Tuks’ I f you want your own private taxi, look for a tuk tuk, a tiny mini-truck converted in the manner of the bigger song taew 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 tuk-tuks 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 negoti-

Song-taews There are few buses on Phuket, and the main form of transport from beach to town is the ‘song taew’; a truck converted to carry passengers in the back on two long benches. They are usually colour-

ated before the ride.

These taxi riders are easily identified by their special coloured jackets identifying 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 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. The police occasionally enforce both laws, so beware.

The real danger here 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 easily found in every beach area, and major rental companies operate in most resorts.

If renting private vehicles from the side of the road, beware: few of these vehicles

45 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, neighbouring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. The roads are good and the scenery spectacular, making for a great day out.

Regional buses The long distance bus station is in Phuket town, 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 transport maybe, enjoy exploring the island, there is plenty to see and do, more than you might have realised, Happy hunting!

Timetable EFFECTIVE : 31 October 2010 - 26 March 2011 PHUKET - BANGKOK

BANGKOK - PHUKET

PHUKET - HONG KONG

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG 201

0740

0905

Daily

TG 226

0725

0850

Daily

TG 638

1300

1740

..3.5.7

TG 203

0830

0955

Daily

TG 202

1005

1135

Daily

TG 638*

1300

1740

1.345.7

TG 205

0950

1110

Daily

TG 204

1050

1220

Daily

TG 207

1055

1215

Daily

TG 206

1205

1330

Daily

TG 211

1235

1355

Daily

TG 208

1310

1435

Daily

TG 215

1410

1530

Daily

TG 212

1450

1615

Daily

TG 217

1600

1720

Daily

TG 214

1530

1655

Daily

TG 221

1820

1940

Daily

TG 486

1535

1700

...456.

TG 223

1915

2035

Daily

TG 216

1620

1745

Daily

TG 225

2240

2359

Daily

TG 218

1825

1950

Daily

TG 671

1845

2010

.2.456.

2050

2215

Daily

2130

2255

Daily

CHIANG MAI - PHUKET Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG 222

TG 129

1240

1435

Daily

TG 224

HONG KONG - PHUKET Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

TG 609

0800

1020

..3.5.7

TG 609*

0800

1020

1.345.7

Phuket Reservation Call 0-7636-0444 Monday - Sunday, 0800 - 1700 www.thaiairways.com *TG 638 HKT-HKG OPERATE MON/WED/THU/ FRI/SUN EFF.1AUG10 *TG 609 HKG-HKT OPERATE MON/WED/THU/ FRI/SUN EFF.1AUG10

46

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

Call Center

Phuket to Samui

1771 Pattaya to Phuket Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG281

1300

1440

1.3.5.7

Phuket to Pattaya

Samui to Phuket

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG252

0935

1030

Daily

PG251

0805

0905

Daily

PG256

1635

1730

Daily

PG255

1505

1605

Daily

PG258

1940

2035

Daily

PG257

1805

1905

Daily

Phuket to Bangkok

Bangkok to Phuket Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

0805

0930

Daily

PG272

1020

1145

Daily

1400

1525

Daily

Flight

Dep.

Arr.

Days

PG271

PG252

0935

1230

Daily

PG924

1220

1340

Daily

PG276

PG282

1510

1645

1.3.5.7

PG273

1355

1520

Daily

PG274

1610

1735

Daily

1945

2110

Daily

2230

2355

Daily

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

PG277

1730

1855

Daily

PG278

PG279*

2015

2140

Daily

PG280*

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

076 378 365

Korea

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

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

47

Phuket Office Tel. (076) 225 033-5

48