Vol.1 No.7

Vol.1 No.7 - January 2011

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

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    

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6 / Lifestyle

Happy New Year W

atching the ball drop in Times Square? Marveling at the fireworks in Sydney Harbour?Reveling the night away in Rio? Or partying down in Phuket?

New Year’s Eve must be the world’s largest celebration, people from all corners of the globe get together to enjoy the final moments of the year and welcome in a new chapter in their lives. As we all say goodbye to the demons of the past and welcome our all-new prosperous future let us just take a moment to think why it is so important for us to undertake this transitional period, to count the passing years? Is it because it gives us time for reflection and an opportunity for selfimprovement? Or is it just because its an excuse for an unforgettable party?!

Phuket has always been a great place at times of celebration, a great mix of locals and foreigners celebrating hand-inhand, the huge variety of different venues in Phuket lends itself well to the range of tourists that come here throughout the year, and with the New Year celebrations landing comfortably at the peak of the tourist high-season there is no excuse not to go out and have yourself some fun, throughout the whole month of January!

Just remember not to overdo it! It is always good to have New Years resolutions, even if few of us adhere to them; losing weight, exercise more, quit smoking, get a new job, improve your grades, falling in love are all popular resolutions but above all just try, in some way, to make yourself a better person. Remember this - the feeling of accomplishment is far more satisfying than that of regret.

So as we all watch the hands of the racing clock tick over from 2010 and drop energetically into 2011, all that is left to do is to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Contents

38 LifeStyle

The Guide Update Getting to Know... Hélène Fallon Wood Life’s a Beach Shopper’s Delight The Night Crawler

8 13 14 18 44

Watersports & Activities

22

Hot Activities Island’s Golf Water Sport Similan Islands Day Tripper

10 16 36 38 38

Hotels & Accommodation In Bed with... La Flora Resort & Spa, Khao Lak Hotel Highlights

Food & Restaurants

26

In the Kitchen with...

DaVinci Restaurant & Pizzeria Restaurant Highlights Restaurant Recommendations by Loung B. Cooking Thai

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:

Editor:

Designer:

22 24

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

26 28 30 31

Health & Beauty Chiropractic Spa Recommendations

32 34

Property Property Highlights

42

Transport on the Island

46

Important Telephone Numbers

48

Timetable

Maps

Thai Airways Timetable

47

Kata, Karon

21

Bangkok Airways Timetable

48

Patong

41

Airport Bus Timetable

49

Phuket Island

43

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.

8 / Lifestyle

The Guide Update

Grand Opening The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket

The Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket has an official co-sponsor and recently hosted the Race Day of the 2010 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (PKCR) at the frontshore of Karon Beach.

Denis Thouvard, General Manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket presented the prize to the winner of the Race Day of the Regatta.

Mom Tri’s Kitchen at Villa Royale Phuket Thailand Celebrates Accolades with Relais & Chateau Chef Didi

From left: Mr.Wayne Buckingham, Vp & Amd Of Starwood Thailand Vietnam & Cambodia, Pol.Gen.phanupong Singhara, Mr.Chumpol Silapa-archa, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Thaworn Senneam, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Vichit Prakobgosol, President of CCT Group, Mr. Gao Zhen Ting, Counsellor & Consul-General of Chinese Embassy, Mr. Tree Akaradecha, Governor of Phuket Province

With style and grace M. L. Tri Devakul, better known as Mom Tri, hosted an unforgettable evening to celebrate Villa Royale’s latest accolades and new wine cellar.

Thank You Party 2010 Mercure Patong Phuket

Charity and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on 7th December 2010 at Mövenpick Resort & Spa

Mercure Patong Phuket led

by Veeranat Limprasutr, General Manager of Mercure Patong Phuket and Mercure Krabi Deevana arranged the Thank You Party 2010 at Moon Bar recently.

Banyan Tree Phuket organized “999 Tree Planting for King” at the junction nearby Central Festival.

And at the same time to promote a sense of social responsibility in the area of natural environment protection and reduce global warming.

10th Anniversary of Two Chefs From left: Tess, Adam, Lotta, Patrik, Mary and Henrik, GM Two chefs

In the photo: Khun Prapaipan, Reingpat Director of Human Resources Banyan Tree Phuket, Punnaporn Eamso Guinault, Managing Director The Guide Phuket and Khun Laurence Lai-King, Coordinator, Marketing Communications | Banyan Tree Phuket.

Lifestyle / 9 North Phuket Culinary Arts Festival - Longest dining table on 3rd December 2010.

First day at SALA Phuket Resort & Spa and Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.

JVI and MĂśvenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket Bring Joy to 70 Children from Life Home Project Foundation

New GM of Impiana Resort Patong Swiss national Mr. Christoph Spiess has been appointed as the new General Manager at the 68 room Impiana Resort Patong Phuket.

This 3rd Fun Day was for Life Home Project Foundation on 11th December 2010

Grand Opening Famous Nightclub and Beach Club Jungceylon, Patong in 19th December 2010 From left; Khun Ton, Khun Riz, Khun Poy, Khun Dome, Khun Jui

Grand Opening Hill Palazzo Italian Fine Cuisine From left to right: Mr. Matteo Frabetti, Owner of Kata Ocean View, Mr. Nunzio Infante, Manager of Hill Palazzo, Mr. Patrick Catellani, Owner of Kata Ocean View, Ms. Micaela Caprara

Photo by Alasdair Forbes, alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

IndoChine Surin Beach Club Opening at Stereo Lab & IndoChine Beach Club

1st Year Anniversary Mr. Kittipong Laonipon - Chief of Phuket Provincial office of Labour Protection and Welfare congratulated to Mr. Frederic Garnier – GM of Ibis Phuket Kata with a basket of flower.

Cruise Ship Arrivals Patong Beach receives a massive population increase during six months of the year, and these are the guests who come to spend their money.

Photos by Phuket BESTEVENT

10 / Watersports & Activities

Hot Activities Kata Yoga

FISHO SPA Experience the first real Fish Spa of Phuket ! 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.

Hot yoga, the most popular yoga for men and woman. It is the best 90 minutes workout, toning your muscles and getting you in shape fast! Beginners are welcome and it’s challenging for advanced practitioners, your instructor will guide you through the postures to provide you with the best workout ever. Sweat, detox and lose fat. No more stress, aches and pains.

Kata Hot Yoga class is like a gas station, you gain energy instead of losing it. After the class you will feel amazing with a big smile full of vitality, wanting to come back for more. Get a healthy mind and a healthy body. Kata Yoga studio at the beach in Kata.

www.fisho-spa-phuket.com

www.katahotyoga.com

A

Tawan Sea Adventures

T

awan Sea Adventures is Phuket’s newest fun activity on the water.

Cruises amongst the famous sights of Phang Nga bay from your RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and enjoy the bursts of speed when the boat will thrill you and ensure you go home with a big smile !

Safe yet great fun, these new boats are the activity you must not miss during your stay in Phuket. Contact our sales department for more information: sales@tawanseadventures.com or call 0818943234 (English/French) or 0898712176 (Thai/English).

www.tawanseadventures.com

Butterfly Garden

P

Tawan Cruises

T

awan Cruises is Phuket’s leading yacht charter company providing guests with a memorable day (or multiple days) out amongst the scenic islands and waters around Phuket on a luxurious motor yacht. Offering yachts in the 32 to 70 foot range and accommodating up to 25 guests on our largest yacht, we give a first class service with great food, wines and our attentive crew. Contact our sales department for more information: sales@tawancruises. com or call 0818943234 (English/ French) or 0898712176 (Thai/English).

www.tawancruises.com

Blue Elephant Cooking School

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.

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

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

www.phuketbutterfly.com

www.blueelephant.com

B

Watersports & Activities / 11

The Haunted Mine

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

Cosmic Coaster

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

Jett and Jin

Snow Ride

Cosmic Race

Journey thru the Center of the Earth

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

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

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

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

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

12 / Watersports & Activities

XD Theater

S

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.

Hot Activities Diving with Sea Bees

Elephant trekking

T

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.

D

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.xdtheater.thai-best.com

Phuket Simon Cabaret

S

ince opening in 1991, Phuket Simon Cabaret has established itself as a market leader of professional entertainment venue. For sheer entertainment, our set designs are outstanding, costume extravagant and the performers glamorous ! In the exclusive, luxurious and intimate theatre with hi-tech sound and lighting equipment. Our show is truly international featuring modern and traditional acts from around the globe in English and alternative languages. You will arrive relaxed but will leave confuse as our performers are more of a man than you will ever be and even more of a woman too !

www.phuket-simoncabaret.com

www.sea-bees.com

Orchid Farm

Horse Riding

H

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

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

A

lthough not the national flower of Thailand, orchids are commonly seen in hotels, spas and restaurants throughout Thailand. With more than 1500 varieties available Phuket Orchid Farm hosts the largest and most comprehensive display of orchids in the region.

Cut flowers packed and ready for international air travel. 2 sizes available, small or large. Delivery is available to your hotel one day before your departure.

Orchid garden tours are available for just 200 Baht/person, which includes a complementary Orchid bouquet.

Lifestyle / 13

Getting to Know...

Hélène Fallon Wood

Honorary Consul for Ireland

T

By Vicki Gregory

he first thing you notice about the Added to this are the odd cases of young Honorary Consul for Ireland is visitors going missing and passports gether smile. Hélène Fallon Wood is ting lost, as it seems that the young Celts everything you have always seen or imag- and their passports do go “walkabout” ined about the poetic and vivacious Irish quite often!

There are currently around 300 Irish and her enthusiastic approach to life is contagious. You just know that this par- residents in Phuket and Thailand received 74,000 visitors from Ireland last year, so ticular lady really does get things moving.

Born in County Wicklow, Hélène Hélène’s job can be quite demanding, esmet and married her husband Peter, an pecially in high season. She has not noarchitect turned dive instructor, in her ticed any decline in Irish visitors recently, beautiful home village of Greystones. Pe- despite the global economic depression ter qualified as a dive instructor in Dub- and the recent political uncertainty in lin and a friend from the training course Thailand, “We Irish are a well-traveled tempted the young couple to try a life and resilient people,” she says, “not much in paradise. Hélène and Peter arrived in phased by political skirmishes, or a slight of cash.” Good Phuket in September Hélène Fallon Wood is everything shortage to hear for all us folk 1988 and have never looked back. Moving you have always seen or imagined engaged in the hospifrom the dive busiabout the poetic and vivacious tality sector in Phuket.

She was full of ness back into the Irish and her enthusiastic approach praise for the great asproperty sector, they to life is contagious. sistance and co-operhave already completed three large housing projects in Rawai: ation she gets from the Thai authorities Coconut Grove, Coconut Palms and Tam- and her close work with the British Honorary Consul in the frequent cases of dual arind Valley.

Hélène loves her job as Ireland’s Hon- (British/Irish) nationals, the legacy of the orary Consul and she performs it with close ties that still exist between the two an easy efficiency and a warm and caring nations.

With her considerable workload Héheart. When asked what is the best part of her job, she answers quickly, “Happy lène still finds the time and energy for her endings – being able to help people and voluntary work with the Phuket aid orhoping that when my own 14-year-old son ganization Life Home Project(www.lifeBrian starts to travel there will be some- homeproject.org). Set up in 2001 by Jose one out there ready to help him too, if he Luis Gay, Hélène and another friend, the needs it.” And the worst part of the job? artist Kathy Mantei joined them shortly “Giving loved ones some bad news, which afterwards. The project offers safe refuge for sick (HIV) or disadvantaged women has sometimes been necessary, too.”

For many years Hélène had been as- and children in Phuket and runs an art sisting Irish people in distress in Phuket workshop and numerous other activities but it was not until after the Asian tsu- to help in the development process.

With no plans to leave her island nami, in 2005, that she was officially appointed as an Honorary Consul. Her du- home, Helene and her family are lookties in Phuket are numerous and include ing forward to an even brighter future in all the normal notary services (registration Phuket and the island will certainly benof births, deaths and marriages) together efit from her charm and warmth. Here is with passport renewals and visa applica- one Honorary Consul who always keeps tions and visa stamps for Thai Nationals. those Irish eyes smiling.

Consulate of Ireland Tamarind Valley, Moo 4, Soi Suksan, Viset Road, Rawai, Phuket 83130.

Tel. 076 281 273 Fax: 076 281084 irelandconsulate.phuket@gmail.com

14 / Lifestyle

Life’s a Beach

W

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.

Laem Singh V

isitors to Phuket often envisage going to small beaches hidden away in secret locations, and they do exist, although they are not all that secret anymore. Phuket has been a key tourist destination for many years so it is not surprising that almost every square inch of the island has already been explored, and if it is beautiful it becomes a commodity worth exploiting.

There are however places that, although well trodden, still retain a magical charm about them and located just north of busy Patong there is a little cove that is a must visit for anyone coming on holiday to Phuket.

Laem Singh beach is nestled down below the windy coastal road that takes you north of Patong beach towards the airport, it is not accessible by car or even motorbike, instead you must park at the top and carefully walk your way down the steep mountain that drops into the sea and this little effort is rewarded justly with a stunningly beautiful, charming little beach.

Two headlands flank either side of the beach doing the dual duty of protecting you from the prevailing winds and providing a relaxed and sheltered bay for swimming. The beach itself is a mix of fine white sands and smooth rounded boulders, great for taking photos. As with most other beaches on Phuket there are a handful of white plastic deck-chairs (unavoidable I am afraid!) available for rent and it is advisable that you take up the opportunity because this is a beach that is worthy of a day long stay, so being comfortable is paramount. Snacks and fresh cut fruit is available from the beach sellers but here it is more of a convenience than an annoyance, and tastes all the sweeter for it!

To get to Laem Singh beach you can either venture there yourself by car or motorbike, just follow the beach road north out of Patong and not long after you will start to see the signs for the beach, car parking is limited however and therefore you are ‘required’ to pay for the luxury. The other option is to take a tuk-tuk and arrange a pickup time later on it the day.

However you get there, you will be a lot more reluctant to leave.

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..

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 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.

Lifestyle / 15 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.

Kata Beach

Nai Harn Beach

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

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.

Paradise Beach

Kata Noi 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.

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.

Karon Beach

Ao Sane 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.

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.

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.

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.

16 / Watersports & Activities

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 •

Lifestyle / 17

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

S

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.

Hilton Acadia To Patong

Thavorn Palm Resort

Tommy Fashion

Bangla Rd.

Phuket Orchid Resort

Luang Phachuan Rd.

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.

James Island Yiew Dino Resort Park ATM Fashion To Kata

Karon Beach

18 / Lifestyle

Shopper’s Delight 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, Photo from Dream Gallery and Ratburi west of Bangkok. They produce an amazing range of wares from very traditional Thai and even Chinese tableware and decorative items to modern home decor 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.

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 furni-

ture, 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 ‘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.

Central Festival Phuket Phuket Town With over 120,000 square meters bursting with prime shopping opportunities and world-class products it is easy to see why this consummate one-stop shopping and entertainment complex is so popular amongst Phuket residents and visitors. With a large selection of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, supermarket and cinema you can enjoy the largest, most complete shopping and entertainment complex in southern Thailand.

cont’d on p20

Lifestyle / 19

Nail Art... show them!

The Nail Art or “Art to decorate the nails”, is an advanced method of nails make-up, consisting in carrying out various decorations on them, in complement or to replace a varnish installation.

Already very popular in Asia, the Nail Art arrives in Europe and in United States. By Régis Roué LE FRENCH HiP BAZAAR The false nails become fashion accessories. They integrate the panoply of the tools of seduction of the woman while looking after the appearance of the hands and… feet! One often judges the femininity of a woman by the beauty of her nails. That ‘s why we should not forget to take care of them. Since years, the professionals developed the decoration of false nails.

It offers the advantage of being simpler because does not require great investments. Advised for the very corroded, a devitalized or very soft nail, this installation is much more artistic if it is well made.

However, this technique attacks the nails very quickly. Firstly, it requires the application of a primer. This product is acid and damages in a few days the natural nail. Then, the resin is very sensitive to the rays of the sun and it yellows very quickly.

True or false, you can entrust your nails with an artist who will make as an art of work or make them easily by yourself. Nothing simpler, many accessories exist to decorate your nails on Internet at very competitive prices: Stickers, Glass Lead, Crystals, Piercing, Pearls...

If you find that tiresome or expensive, I have an alternative and inexpensive solution… The Thai manicurists make an excellent work at a very correct price 200 THB for a fixation of false resin nails and top of the luxury, they offer a rich range of false nails pre-decorate as I have never seen in Europe!

False Nails in Gel UV

Short Story

False Resin Nails

This technique is advised for the short or a little corroded nails. More modern, this installation in gel UV is thus easier to set up for an effect more natural, shining and solid. We apply an adhesive to the nails, with the lower part of the capsule of freezing and one carries out drying under UV. Flexible matter, freezing is more pleasant to carry. Obviously, it does not break nor yellow only the resin also quickly and resists the sun.

The false nails last more than 4 weeks if the designer uses a gel of quality.

The installation by freezing UV is more modern. Even if it is more expensive than the resin, it is appreciated. Just like the latest however, it weakens the nails by the use of no natural substances. Despite everything, with gel of qualities, the risks are more restricted.

The nail varnish seems to be invented by the Chinese 3000 before JC. They used a lacquer of color, made from an Arabic gum, beeswax and gelatin egg-white. They also used a mixture made with a powder of pink petals, orchid mixed with alum. This mixture, when it is applied to the nails during few hours or all night long, leaves a color going from pink to red. During the Zhou dynasty towards 600 before JC., the royal families used gold and silver to embellish their nails.

A Ming manuscript of the 15th century quotes the red and the black like the colors chosen by the royalty.

The Egyptians, used dyeing brown-red obtained from henna, to color their nails but also their fingertips, dyeing is still frequently used nowadays. The queen Nefertiti, wife of king Akhénaton, colored her hands and feet nails in red ruby. Cléopâtre preferred a color rusts intense. The women of lower class, who were coloring their nails, were authorized only to use pale colors, and no woman dared to show the palette used by the king or the queen.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the nails were tinted in red with scented oils then glossed with chamois leather.

Around the years 1920, when automobile painting was created, it inspires the creation of color`s enamels for the nails and it is Michelle Ménard that first invent current nail varnishes.

LE FRENCH HIP BAZAAR est ouvert de 10 h à 20 h du lundi au vendredi et, le samedi, de 10 h à 17 h. Après, retrouvez-nous au WEEK-END NIGHT MARKET le samedi et le dimanche de 18 h à 22 h.

Une partie de notre collection est également disponible à la boutique du NOVOTEL BEACH RESORT/CAPE PANWA.

20 / Lifestyle cont’d from p18

The Dream Gallery Chinese Antique Studio

C

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.

Jungceylon - Patong Beach

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

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

Weekend Market Phuket Town The Jatujak (or JJ) weekend market in Bangkok is world famous but few people realise that there is an equally good alter-

native here in Phuket, albeit on a smaller scale.

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

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

Lifestyle / 21

2

0

1

1

Phuket International

Blues Rock Festival 25-26 Feb Gates open at 5pm. Showtime 6pm-midnight.

Curtis Salgado (USA) Mason Ruffner (USA)

AkashA (Malaysia) Disraeli Gears (USA) The New Machine plays Pink Floyd (UK) The Prodigal Sons (Norway) Phuket All-Star Blues Band with Andy Gonzales (USA) Torgny Sandgren Blues Band (Sweden) John Meyer’s Blues Express (Australia) Robert ‘One-Man’ Johnson (USA)

Tickets (2 days access) – Ticket Hotline: 086 682 2639 THB 1,200 (advance purchase) THB 1,500 (at gate) THB 3,000 (VIP advance purchase)* THB 3,500 (VIP at gate)* *incl. access to VIP area with free flow of beer & wine

The Festival is a Charity Event with profits donated to Patong Rotary Club, providing educational support for Phuket’s local underprivileged children.

Phuket Blues Rock Festival

phuketbluesfestival.com

22 / Hotels & Accommodation

In Bed with...

La Flora Resort & Spa Khao Lak

It takes around an hour to reach the resort from Phuket and it is a beautiful journey comprising of coastal roads cutting through lush green landscapes.

N

ot much attention is paid to Khao Lak, and it is a shame because it is a stunning place to spend time.

The facilities in this area have improved ten fold over the past few years and now you can expect the same high quality services and hotels as we have here in Phuket, if not better.

One such hotel is the La Flora Resort & Spa which is located on the beautiful golden sandy beach of Bang Niang. It takes around an hour to reach the resort from Phuket and it is a beautiful jour-

ney comprising of coastal roads cutting through lush green landscapes.

The whole resort is stunning but it is the rooms of course that most people are interested in and these do not disappoint.

With total of 85 deluxe rooms measuring a generous 42 sq.m, 28 pool access rooms (45 sq. m), 12 studio rooms (48 sq. m), 11 villas (4 of them beachfront, all measuring 54 sq. m) and 2 Jacuzzi villas, measuring an incredible 155 sq. m, you really are spoiled for choice. All the rooms, as you can imagine, are impeccably decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities you could possibly need.

The hotel’s many facilities include a Beach Club where you indulge in a whole range of activity sports from windsurfing and water polo to beach volleyball and soccer. If you have sailor’s blood running through your veins then you will appreciate the selection of Hobies they have available to use. Other facilities include tennis, mountain biking, cooking classes and a fitness centre to name but a few.

After all that excitement you are going to be hungry and the resort’s restaurant ‘View 59’ serves some of the best food

Hotels & Accommodation / 23

around and their special buffet nights, which rotate between different world cuisines, are absolutely unmissable.

The spa is an integral part of the complex offering various treatments to ease away the stresses of the day and rejuvenate not just your body but also your mind and soul. The idyllic setting for the spa was designed to enhance the healing effects and be in harmony with nature helping you forget about your troubles back home.

Outside of the resort there are a number of activities for you to partake in including elephant trekking, white water

rafting, touring the local temples and of course the world renowned Similan Islands and right on your doorstep, great for sailing, snorkeling and diving.

Functions are catered for and done so in a professional manner offering spacious banquet halls with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems creating the perfect location for weddings and other glamourous events.

Reservations and enquiries for La Flora Resort & Spa can be made by email to reservation@lafloraresort.com or by telephone to +66 (0)76 428 000 - 28.

24 / Hotels & Accommodation

Hotel Highlights

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

5/55, Patong Beach Road Patong Beach, Kathu 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 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 0189 www.patongresorthotel.com

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

Patong Merlin Resort

The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa

B-Lay Tong

Impiana Resort Patong, Phuket

Location: Patong

Located: Patong Beach

Location: Patong

Location: Patong

44, Thaveewong Road Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket

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

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

41, Taveewongse Road Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

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

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

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

The South Sea Resorts

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

Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

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

Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel

Location: Karon

Location: Karon

Location: Karon

Location: Kata

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

204 Karon Road, Muang Phuket 83000

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

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

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

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

Hotels & Accommodation / 25

Hotel Highlights

Tinidee Hotel @Phuket

SALA Phuket Resort & Spa

Sheraton Grande Laguna

The KEE Resort

Location: Kathu

Location: Maikhao

Location: Cherngtalay

Location: Patong

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

333 Moo 3, Maikhao Beach Thalang, Phuket 83110

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

152/1 Thaveewong Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150

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

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

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

Tel. +66 (0) 7634 3555 Fax: +66 (0) 7634 3567 www. thekeeresort.com

Twinpalms Phuket

Serenity Resort & Residences

Radisson Resort Phuket Panwa Beach

DEWA Phuket

Located: Surin Beach

Location: Rawai

Location: Panwa

Location: Nai Yang

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

14 Moo 5, Viset Road Rawai, Phuket

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

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

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

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

Koh Yao Yai Village

Phi Phi Island Village

Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket

La Flora Resort & Spa

Location: Yao Yai Island

Location: Phi Phi Island

Location: Naka Island

Location: Khao Lak

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

49 Moo 8, Loh Ba Gao Bay Phi Phi Island, Muang Krabi 81000

32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok Amphur Thalang Phuket 83110

59/1 Moo 5, Khuk Kha Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190

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

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

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 1400 Fax: +66 (0) 7637 1401 www.sixsenses.com

Tel. +66 (0) 7642 8000 Fax: +66 (0) 7642 8029 www.lafloraresort.com

26 / Food & Restaurants

In the Kichen with...

DaVinci Restaurant & Pizzeria Nai Harn

D

aVinci Ristorante & Pizzeria (www.davinciphuket. com) located at the BZenter on the road to Nai Harn Beach has rapidly established a reputation for fine Italian dining. The restaurant is set in a convivial inside/outside courtyard and offers friendly al fresco dining which is conducive to relaxing meals with happy gatherings of family and friends. Children are welcomed and entertained, rather than merely tolerated and this often results in extended meals enjoyed with lashings of reasonably-priced Italian wine complementing the fine Italian fare.

DaVinci is the creation of Mark Norris & David Roberts and managed by Jana Sasik who speaks fluent Italian and Russian.

Their talented chef John hails from southern Thailand but cooks Italian food so well that you feel that he must have spent several previous incarnations as a large Italian mama in a bustling family

kitchen overlooking the Bay of Naples.

After the initial success of launching the restaurant, these successful entrepreneurs were not content to rest on their laurels and decided to take the next step and develop their large courtyard area into the nearest thing that Phuket has to a genuine Italian Piazza.

The town or village Piazza holds an almost mythical place in Italian social life, as the place to meet, greet, gossip, see and be seen with lovers, family members, business associates, friends and children. It is the hub of social life and brings together a convivial alchemy of fine food, wine and conversation in a time-honored ritual of sharing and enjoyment.

DaVinci’s owners launched their very own interpretation of this wonderful Italian concept by developing their courtyard in southern Phuket to include a series of social meeting places…..from a wine bar, to the original fine restaurant….from a private function room, to a kiddies’ play area.

They added the V Lounge Cocktail and Wine Bar as an enticingly laid back, open-sided space with a chilled vibe, featuring cool music and videos and graced with an elegant Italian Art Deco style. It has become a meeting place that welcomes relaxing conversation and sociability at any time of the day or night.

The new DaVinci Piazza came to life with an extroverted launch party in October, 2009 and this lovely slice of Italian-style social and gustatory delight has become the epicentre of good times and great food in the southern Phuket.

Food & Restaurants / 27

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

A Touch of Italy in the Heart of Nai Harn The restaurant itself is the centre piece of the Piazza and serves wholesome Italian fare, accompanied by a wine list featuring over 100 different wines from around the world and several selections served by the glass or carafe. Bottle prices range from 800 baht to over 4,000 baht. In addition there’s a broad selection of cocktails, beers and spirits, all at most reasonable prices.

The ambience is warm and welcoming with a stylist modern artistic design motif as befits an establishment named for the great Renaissance genius Leonardo!

All the menu’s ingredients are procured fresh daily from the local markets, the vegetables are hydroponically grown and all meals are beautifully prepared and served.

Adding to the style and fun of the DaVinci experience are a coterie of delightfully mini-skirted waitresses who bustle attentively around the courtyard taking care of their customers’ every whim.

The wood-fired oven produces a marvelous selection of thin crusted pizzas and it’s worth asking Mark or Jana for their recommendations on any particular evening. In addition, all the restaurant’s breads are freshly-baked in the oven, so that a simple starter like the house bruschetta oozing with extra virgin olive oil and a fresh tomato, garlic and olive topping, becomes an absolute “must” to try as the meal gets underway. DaVinci is also famous for a wide range of pasta dishes as well as main courses such as Australian beef, seafood and local white snapper.

The DaVinci restaurant experience aims to be not just a meal, but rather an authentic evocation of an Italian Piazza complete with taste, style, conviviality, service and atmosphere.

DaVinci Restaurant & Pizzeria BZenter 28/46 Moo 1, Nai Harn, Phuket (Opposite the 7-Eleven on the road to Nai Harn Beach) For reservations call 076 289574 Mobile: 0805251400 E-mail: mark@davinciphuket.com

28 / Food & Restaurants

Restaurant HighlightS LE CELTIQUE French Cuisine

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

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

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

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

Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine

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

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

Ton Sai Restaurant

Food and healthy dining form an integral part of our wellness concept.

Dietary requirements of our guests are taken into consideration and sometimes adjusted as the outcome of a holistic consultation upon arrival with our wellness team.

Tel. 076 371 400 Fax : 076 371 401 E-mail : reservations-naka@sixsenses.com www. sixsenses.com Location: Naka Island

The East88 Beach Club International & Thai

The East88 Beach Club boasts a contemporary fusion menu of Mediterranean, Asian and traditional Thai dishes. Our chefs have created an array of signature dishes that will tantalize your palette and with their unique blends of different regional cuisines and flavors. Tel. 076 371 900 Email: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www. serenityphuket.com Location: Rawai

Food & Restaurants / 29 Sala Bua International cuisine

Where East Meets West; this stylish restaurant serves creative food right at the waters edge.

Tel: 076 430 138 ext. 8301 www.impiana.com

Location: Patong Beach

Davinci Restaurant 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

Giogiorne Restaurant Italian & Thai Food

Newly opened Giogiorne Italian & Thai Restaurant in Kata Beach serves a range of delicious Italian and Thai delights. Located on Kata Road just before the Kata Palm resort. The restaurant is open from 10.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23.00 daily.

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

White Box Fusion Cuisine

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

30 / Food & Restaurants

Restaurant Highlights Coyote Margarita Bar & Mexican Restaurant Mexican

L

oung B is an adventurous man of fine taste who has been resident in Phuket for the past 12 years. His life-long passion for good food coupled with an inherent fear of cooking keep his hunt for the perfect restaurant very much alive.

Enjoy great food and drinks on their large outdoor terrace overlooking Patong bay with spectacular sunset views.

Serving up tasty traditional Mexican and TexMex fare with a fun atmosphere & friendly staff.

Location: Patong

Oasis Ideal for a light lunch or dinner this restaurant has a stunning panoramic view over Kata Beach and is located in a well shaded, cool and breezy area.

Specialities include the warm seafood salad, tuna steak and the half-cooked salmon. A large selection of hot and cold tapas, tapenade, shrimps and ravioli are available. I fully recommend the scallops accompanied with spinach and mushroom salad, delicious! the service is perfect.

Location: beside Mom Tri’s Boathouse

Capannina This place offers the best pizza in Phuket, by far, with good choice and quality ingredients. Mario, the boss, is the perfect hands-on host.

The pasta dishes are also perfect, I recommend the 4-cheese fettuccine, seafood spaghetti with ‘scoglio’ sauce or tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms. There is also a great variety of fresh and cooked salads for the lighter option.

Location: in front of Kata Resort

Wine Connection If you love wine then you will love this restaurant, set in a wine cellar you can enjoy a plate of cheese or assorted cooked meats with wine by the glass or bottle. A fine choice of pasta and meat dishes is also available with my preference being the lamb shank. A selection of homemade desserts helps to finish off the experience. A huge selection of wines from around the world are available at very reasonable prices.

Location: at Jungceylon and Chalong Bay

Baan Buakao Located in front of Patong Tower, offer both inside and outside dining. After a starter of cold cuts including parma ham and pate, I recommend the import beef with pepper sauce, ratatouille, mashed or gratin potatoes. They have a good French cheese assortment with house wine and also a good choice of succulent Thai dishes. A warm welcome and good value for money. For reservations call 076 345 602.

Location: Patong www.baanbuakao.com

Chicago Steakhouse Steak & Grill

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

Location: Patong

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub Phuket International

Irish managed Molly Malone’s is the place to come for a taste of home.

Offering huge portions of all your favorite traditional pub fare such as bangers ‘n’ mash, fish ‘n’ chips, Irish stew, and a full array of pies, burgers and baguettes. Molly’s is the perfect place to bring the whole family for breakfast, lunch and dinner, let our friendly professional service staff take care of you.

Location: Patong

Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub International

Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub is the liveliest, most authentic, pub Phuket has to offer. Serving up the island’s biggest and tastiest pub grub and the coldest pints of local and imported draught beer, you will soon have found your local here in Thailand. With live pub-rock nightly from 10pm. Guinness, Kilkenny and Magner’s cider on draught.

Location: Patong

Food & Restaurants / 31

Cooking With... Blue Elephant

IndoChine Waterfront Restaurant

Keang Massaman Kae (Massaman Curry with Lamb)

Indochine & European Cuisine

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

SALA Restaurant International cuisine & Thai food

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

Tel. 076 338 888 www.salaphuket.com

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

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

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

French cheeses and cold cuts.

Succulent Thai dishes.

Warm welcome and very good value for money.

Baan Bukao

Patong Beach Road

108/3 Taweewong Road Soi Patong Tower

Holiday Inn Soi

Soi Bangla

Patong Tower

www.baanbuakao.com

1 stem 10 grams 15 grams 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 250 grams 4 tablespoons 150 grams 100 grams 1cm. stick 2 pieces 2 leaves 1 table spoon

Seasoning

1½ tablespoon ½ tablespoon 1 ½ tablespoon ¼ teaspoon

Method Location: Maikhao

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

Ingredients

Coriander Root Garlic (sliced) Shallot (sliced) Massaman Paste Vegetable Oil Coconut milk Water (optional) Lamb Sweet potato (diced and boiled) Cinnamon Cardamon Bay leaves Unsalted Roasted Peanut Tamarind Fish sauce Palm sugar Salt

Garnish

Deep-Fried cashew nuts (approx. 5 pc.)

Coriander leaves Coconut cream Ginger (finely sliced for garnish)

1. In a mortar: pound coriander root, garlic, shallot together.

Keep aside.

2. In a saucepan on a medium heat: add vegetable oil, then put in the paste from the mortar and massaman curry paste. Stir fry until an aroma develops.

3. Gradually add three scoops of coconut milk – add first scoop and stir. Cook well until the mixture separates out the oil.

Then add the second and the third scoops of coconut milk later.

4. Add lamb and the remaining of coconut milk 5. Add seasoning – palm sugar, salt, tamarind juice and fish sauce to taste.

6. Add cinnamon, bay leaves and cardamon.

7. Add sweet potato and roasted peanuts. Bring to the boil (approx. 10-15 mins).

8. Transfer to a serving pot, top with fried cashew nuts, coconut cream, ginger and coriander leaves.

32 / Health & Beauty

Chiropractic Natural Pain Relief & Wellness

C

hiropractic Care is an alternative medicine approach that is holistic in nature. It helps to maintain the health and integrity of skeletal, muscular and nervous system naturally without the use of drugs.

Chiropractic originated in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer of Iowa performed the first chiropractic adjustment on a partially deaf janitor, Harvey Lillard, who then mentioned a few days later to Palmer that his hearing seemed better.

This led to Palmer opening a school of chiropractic two years later. Since then Chiropractic has burgeoned into major health care field throughout the world requiring its doctors to complete a four year course of study and as well as successfully passing national board exams to become licensed.

Chiropractic care is based on the premise that inference in the link between the brain and rest of the body can lead to ill health. This inference often occurs between the moving bones that surround the spinal cord. The bones come together to form joints that can become overtime immobile or hypermobile as a

The author, Dr. Anthony Kell was born in Newcastle, England. He graduated from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1995. He has over 15 year’s clinical experience specializing in sports medicine, therapeutic nutrition & exercise rehabilitation. Over the years, he has provided chiropractic services for San Luis Obispo High School Football teams; University of California San Luis Obispo Track & Field teams; Central California Cypress Ridge & Dairy Creek Golf Teaching Programs. He also taught injury prevention programs for Wells Fargo Bank and United Airlines as well as many more companies both large and small. His practice is located in central Phuket near to Central Festival Shopping Mall at 27/14 Chao Fa Road, Vichit, Phuket. Office phone is 076-612707 or cell 080-530-3376. Web address is www.phuketchiropractic.com.

result of poor posture, repetitive motion, or improper lifting. Emotional stress as well as poor nutrition, drugs and pollution can also contribute to this problem. These problems can begin as early as childbirth.

This interference is called a chiropractic subluxation.

As a result of this interference or spinal subluxation, nerves can become irritated causing numbness, weakness, and organ hyperactivity. Muscles can become too tight. Discs, ligaments and other connective tissues can become inflamed and painful. Spinal curvatures straighten eventually resulting in formation of bone spurs and arthritic degeneration. Arthritic degeneration is the body’s response to uneven joint wear tear. Additional calcium is deposited at the outer layers of the spinal bones. Eventually the joint can become completely fused.

Subluxations and subsequent spinal decay often go undetected. The results of a thorough examination can show the exact location and severity of any subluxations.

The best way to relieve fixated or stuck joints and nerve irritation is through the application of a chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment is a quick force applied through the hand with just enough energy in a precise direction to a fixated joint. Just about anyone can be adjusted from infants to the elderly.

Typically after the adjustment one experiences a feeling of wellbeing and calmness.

Others may feel increased mobility.

Chiropractic adjustments are also very safe. A New Zealand research study has shown chiropractic to be “remarkably” safe and without side effects.

Health & Beauty / 33

American Health Co, Ltd.

Phuket’s Premier Sports Chiropractic &

Physiotherapy Service Provider

If you are looking comfortable, effective pain relief, you’ve come to the right place!

We successfully treat: Achilles Tendinitis, Ankle Sprains, Back Pain, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel, Foot Injuries, Frozen Shoulder, Headaches, Hip Pain, IT Band Syndrome, Knee/Leg Injuries, Neck Pain, Numbness/Tingling, Plantar Fasciitis, Repetitive Strain, Rotator Cuff, Sciatica, Shin Splints, Shoulder Pain, Tennis Elbow, TMJ, Whiplash, Digestive Disorders, Respiratory Ailments…

We specialize in the most advanced and proven techniques, including: • Chiropractic • Sport Physiotherapy • Myofascial Deep Tissue Massage • Acupressure • Therapeutic Exercise & Postural Retraining • Nutrition Please call now to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Anthony Kell, D.C., Los Angeles College of Chiropractic Graduate, USA Licensed & the only Professionally Qualified Chiropractor in Phuket.

27/14 Cha Fa Road, Vichit, Phuket 83000 www.phuket-chiropractic.com Tel: 076-612707 Mobile: 080-530-3376

The Art of Relaxation

Open every day from 10am until midnight

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

5 Star Massage and B Beauty ty S Salon l Address: 225 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road (opposite Holiday Inn Resort) Mobile: 089 535 4637 (Isabelle) E-mail: info@5-star-massage.com www. 5-star-massage.com

34 / Health & Beauty

Health Highlights American Health Clinic Chiropractic care helps you maintain the health and integrity of your skeletal, muscular and nervous system naturally without the use of drugs. The best way to relieve fixated or stuck joints and nerve irritation is through the application of a chiropractic adjustment. Typically after the adjustment one experiences a feeling of wellbeing and calmness.

Tel/Fax: +66 (0)7661 2707 www.americanhealth.asia

Swasana Spa

A place of true indulgence, our spa treatments are based on ancient South East Asian massage techniques so whether you are a seasoned spa visitor or newcomer to spa delights our staff will guide you through the treatments at a leisurely pace.

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

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

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 city’s turbulence, where you can indulge yourself in the various relaxing spa and health treatment to soothe your pains, calm your mind and up lift your spirits.

HEARt of wellness - six senses

Creates the opportunity for total wellness through the complete assimilation of services from the realms of Spa, Holistic Fitness and Integrative Health; enriching people’s lives by means of developing a balance of wellbeing that integrates and inspires all the senses. This takes place in the Heart of Wellness – our space of Wellness.

Tel. +66 (0) 7637 1400 www.sixsenses.com

Smile Island Dental Clinic

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

Initiated by Dr. Authen Hatsadee (D.D.S.). Smile Island Dental Clinic offers a complete range of cutting-edge and some specialized dental practices.

State-of-the-art technology and equipment, a relaxing atmosphere and a high standard of sterilization, all promise you an expert dental treatment with us & a pleasant pain-free one. We have the advantage of in-depth consultation before any procedure, to ensure the best restorative care possible.

Tel. & Fax: +66 (0) 7660 4411-2 www.dental-clinic-phuket.com

Health & Beauty / 35

36 / Watersports & Activities

Watersports

Summit of the Giants Diving Hin Muang

T

he first glimmer of sunlight touches the calm sea south of Phuket, where the dive boat MV Aragon is anchored. Suddenly rays of sunlight break the horizon and the sea that was so dark during the night, brightens to its usual deep blue. For Holger Schwab, the German owner of Sea Bees Diving Center, this is the time most suitable for scuba diving: the hour when his guests on board still sleep and the sun’s first rays are hitting the ocean.

Beneath the keel of the MV Aragon, Hin Muang lies waiting. For divers this almost legendary reef starts at a depth of eight metres. Covered with purple soft corals, which evolution has raised upon it like a lavish gardener, this home to nudibranchs and colourful tropical reef fish is regularly visited by the giants of the oceans: manta rays with wingspans of up to seven metres, and whale sharks, the largest fish on our planet.

Schwab jumps from the boat into the water and slowly - like his buddy - sinks deeper. In 15 to 20 metres they level off, and drift along the reef, their attention always directed out into open water. “No other sea creature has the elegance or the size of the whale shark,” Schwab says later. “Anyone who has ever witnessed this peaceful giant sliding gracefully through the water, will love this creature for ever.”

Whale Shark encounters are becoming rarer Up to 14 metres long and weighing 12 tonnes, whale sharks feed mainly on plankton and small organisms that they filter out of huge volumes of seawater sucked into their gaping mouths. Yet for people, encounters with these giants are completely safe. Their bottom half is lightly coloured, their back shimmering gray-blue, interspersed with stripes and prominent bright spots. Worldwide, their numbers fall every year. Overfishing,

“Hin Muang for me is like a woman who may lose her looks over the years, but for whom love will never die. What can I do?” deliberate hunting, environmental factors - the reasons for their slow decline are many. And even at Hin Muang, once a safe bet for encounters with manta rays and whale sharks, they have become less frequent.

Holger Schwab dives along the reef and swims regularly out to open water.

A large school of trevally crosses his path - fast swimmers, their bodies shining silver in the light. The instructor watches them only briefly; the same with the turtle, which grazes on a bunch of soft corals for breakfast. The visibility today

only reaches around 15 metres, due to the high volumes of plankton - actually, ideal conditions for finding the gentle giant. On the sandy bottom next to the reef lies a nurse shark, a good specimen almost two metres long. This shark prefers to feed on crabs, molluscs and cephalopods and is extremely popular with divers because of its placid nature.

Suddenly Schwab stops, turns with a kick of his left leg away from the reef, and looks out into open water. Was something there? Has he seen the shadowy outline of a manta in the diffuse sunlight? Schwab waits, lurking near the reef. Perfectly balanced and breathing slowly, he hopes for the crowning moment of his early morning dive. A minute passes, then another, but nothing is happening - the shape is gone, perhaps only a mirage of imagination, which has wished for an elegant Manta. The pressure gauge shows only 90 bar left in the scuba tank, and Schwab turns back, and heads to the boat in shallower water.

Mekong Whiskey in the Monkey Bar “In 1997 we offered our first trips from Phuket to Hin Muang,” Schwab says later on the sun deck of the MV Aragon. “Back then they were real adventure trips, with accommodation in small bungalows on

Watersports & Activities / 37 the island of Ko Lanta. There was no electricity, so we had to find our way with torches. But on the other hand, we had the Monkey Skull Bar on the island, with its shelves full of Mekong Whiskey, a real drink guaranteeing a sore head the next day.”

He sounds a little nostalgic, this man who left Augsburg behind in 1995 to live in Thailand, and who now operates two diving centres, two resorts and six boats.

“Then you didn’t have to worry about mantas - they were just there, as natural as the sunrise.”

Then Holger Schwab gives a mischievous smile to his guests who are preparing for their first dive. “Hin Muang for me is like a woman who may lose her looks over the years, but for whom love will never die. What can I do?” he laughs.

Next to the whale sharks, it is the mantas which he can’t forget. When they slowly emerge from the deep blue, and gently glide by like a flying carpet, then even he, the experienced instructor, feels like a little boy again, who gets carried away by his own enthusiasm.

This shark prefers to feed on crabs, molluscs and cephalopods and is extremely popular with divers because of its placid nature.

Mostly he just hovers in the water and lets the giants come to him, until they ascend right in front of him and present their shiny bellies. Yes! - a feeling that only a diver can really understand.

Like beautiful women - fascinating and rarely predictable Today he hasn’t been allowed this feeling - the mantas and whale sharks

have been unfaithful. “Never mind,” says Schwab, “sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The open sea is not a zoo, where everything can be planned. I know they are out there somewhere. Maybe they were just barely out of sight. And one day I will see them again, maybe today or maybe next month - just like with beautiful women...fascinating but rarely predictable”.

An hour later the guests resurface. The gentle wind blows away their words; gestures, however, are clear: they spread their arms and flap them like birds’ wings - the common sign among divers for Manta sightings. On board the faces glow with joy, while digital cameras are passed from hand to hand: two manta rays, each about 4 metres wingspan flying in formation can be seen on them.

How did Holger Schwab put it? Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Today he has lost but his divers have won, and yet it is not a defeat for him: otherwise would he be laughing so infectiously, here on the reef of the gentle giant?

Probably one of the best reasons for diving with us.

Sea Bees is the multiple winner of the “Golden Dolphin” for “Best Dive Centre in South-East-Asia” and the only dive centre in Thailand with a 5 Star ISO / EUF certificate. Sea Bees Diving is also a “ Go Eco Operator” and member of Quality Divers.

Sea Bees Diving • 1/3 Moo 9 Viset Road • Chalong • Phuket 83130 • Tel: +66-76-381765 • www.sea-bees.com • info@sea-bees.com

38 / Watersports & Activities

Day Tripper

T

he easy way, of course, is to simply purchase a ticket for a day trip from the many tour agents that now line the streets of Phuket. By far the most popular organised day trips out of Phuket are: • Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) • Phi Phi Islands • Sea kayaking (in Phang Nga Bay) • Coral Island (Koh Hae)

The

K

Similan islands

oh Similan, lying some 52 miles north west of Phuket, is one of the best known island groups in the Andaman Sea. Generally counted among the 10 most interesting dive areas in the world, this little archipelago has also become a favourite destination for yachts and tour boats.

Today the visitor might be surprised to learn that, until the mid-1980s, the Similans were a frontier known mainly to a small number of divers and sailors. Ten years ago you could spend a whole week out among these islands and encounter no one beyond the occasional long-tail boat full of Sea Gypsies. In the winter season these days, by contrast, the best anchorages are a forest of masts, and there’s a busy traffic in diveboats and day-tours from Phuket.

The most striking feature of these lands is the huge boulders that litter the western and southern shores on several of the islands. Another highlight, as the visitor soon discovers, are the white coral sand beaches, splendidly picturesque and often deserted. The most interesting sights however are to be found beneath the waves.

More than 200 species of hard coral alone have so far been identified in this area, while these islands have the greatest profusion of reef fish in Thai waters.

There is in general more variety than you’ll find in most other dive destinations around the world. The Similans has almost everything - coral walls, big rocks, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, caves, swim-throughs, and plenty of shallows for snorkelling. Though the waters around the islands average from 30-45m, you’ll find coral gardens in as little as six to seven metres.

Best known as a diving and snorkelling destination, the Similans’ scenic moorings are also becoming increasingly popular with the sailing fraternity. Every year more yachts come to cruise the Similan Islands during the north-east monsoon (November-April, with December-February the peak of the high season), drawn by the lovely anchorages, the beaches and forests, the clear waters and teeming marine life.

Bareboat sailing charters and sailing-diving cruises may be booked from Phuket. If you are on a yacht that doesn’t have scuba gear or a compressor, you can always hire what you need from the diveboats that come out from Phuket on a regular basis.

First-rate scuba instruction is also available in nearby Khao Lak where many dive companies operate to service the Similan dive sites.

If you have never been then it is a must, whether you are a diver, a sailor or just someone looking for a beautiful trip, then the Similan Islands have plenty to offer.

Remember though to choose carefully when booking tours as not all operators offer the same level of service and certainly not at the same price.

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

Phang Nga Bay Day Trips (or James Bond Island) No visit to Phuket would be really complete if one never got to see and wonder at the geographic grandeur of Phang Nga Bay. Every visitor, surely, must have seen photos of Phuket’s neighbouring bay of gigantic rock mountains rising vertically from calm, olive-green waters even before getting here. The sight of Phang Nga is dramatic, and being surrounded by these towering rocky monoliths is surely one of the highlights of a visit to Phuket. We strongly recommend a visit here.

Koh Pannyi – also in Phang Nga Bay (or Sea Gypsy village) Following the visit to crowded James Bond the cheaper tours shepherd their clients to Koh Pannyi island, the stilted water village seen in so many postcards.

Often given the tourist name of Sea Gypsy village, it is in fact a community of Muslim fishermen, not sea gypsies. This village is indeed fascinating. It’s a pity about the

Watersports & Activities / 39 tourist crowds; all tours companies arrive here at the same time for lunch, bringing up to 2-3,000 people every day. Although worth a visit, there are better ways to get to Pannyi than by mass tourism.

one of the well-established companies, or with original company that discovered the hongs and began it all, Sea Canoe.

This can be an unforgettable trip well worth the time and money.

Boat cruises to Phang Nga

Renting your own speedboat

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

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

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

Renting Traditional Longtail Boats If one wants a cheaper route, while taking in a cultural experience, rent a traditional, wooden ‘longtail’ boat. These are slower, but are also fun. Longtails are available on most of the major west coast beaches, or at the north end of Kata where they shelter at night. They are also available – at

much better prices – from the boat pier at Chalong, or on the beach at Rawai, right at the southern tip of the island.

We offer a full range of clinical and cosmetic treatments in an informal, tranquil, soothing environment.

Our principal surgeon is qualified internationally and has many years of experience both in Thailand and abroad.

Our combination of expertise, personal attention and dedication are your guarantee of satisfaction.

Contact us now for a free consultation.

Check out our competitive rates.

Open Daily: 09.00am - 08.00pm

Plaza Dracaena Unit A1:3, Chao Fa West Road opposite Home Pro Village Shopping mall, Moo. 8, Tambon Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket, 83100 Tel & Fax : +66 76 604 411-2 Email: info@dental-clinic-phuket.com

40 / Property

Business Company, House & Land for Sale LAND - one rai (1.775 m2) HOUSE - Bali-Thai style: 280 sq/meter 3 Bedrooms, 1 maid room, 1 kitchen, 1 outdoor dining room, car park PRICE :11,500,000 Baht For more information please call: 089 474 4704 or mail to p_guinault@hotmail.com

Property / 41

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 / Property

Property Highlights 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 investors, we offer the great deal; 10% Guarantee Return - Fully Furnished - Foreign Free Hold For more information call 076 344 499 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 076 381 151-2

Phuket Realty Sales & Rentals Agency 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

Lifestyle / 43

44 / Lifestyle

The NighT crawler Party Time PATONG

Margarita; With live music every night this open air bar creates a great atmosphere located at the top of Bangla Road. For enthusiasts of live music performed with an Irish flavour, Patong offers a few lively Irish pub options. Scruffy Murphy’s on Soi Bangla is the place for chilled Guinness, good pub food and nightly live music. If you are on Beach Road head over to Molly Malone’s has a similar offering with outside seating.

The new night life just opening in November is the trendy Factory Bar on Soi Bangla. With a chic industrial theme, a huge bar, great cocktails and cool sounds ranging from R&B to House to Techno, this is THE latest place to see and be seen.

PHUKET TOWN

Rockin’ Angels Bar is a must for both lovers of live music and for performers who would like to jam along. The Singaporean owner is a guitarist and singer and an all-round nice guy. From the Rassada Road traffic circle head up Yaowarat Road and the bar is on the left-hand side.

Ka Jok See is a Phuket Town institution and one of the most successful restaurants on the island. It’s a great place for a candlelit romantic dinner or a boisterous night out, as later in the evening the owner Khun Lek starts playing hot music which turns Ka Jok See into a huge party, with even dancing on the tables!

SURIN BEACH

Situated along the north end of Surin Beach, Catch Beach Club is a fashionable eatery with cool music, a chic outdoor cocktail bar and a wonderful seafood buffet. Catch often features international musicians performing their own compositions, plus visiting DJ’s and regularly throws some of the island’s most amazing parties full of beautiful people.

Stereo Beach Club and Lounge is at the southern end of Surin and has re-

cently joined forces with the famous IndoChine group to launch one of the hippest late night spots on Phuket. It usually gets busier later in the evening but is also a great place to go for an early evening drink and to catch the sunset. The décor is outstanding featuring a beach bar with white rattan chairs and tables and they offer a full bar, a wine cellar and a tapas menu.

Every Wednesday

“Happy Night” @ Margarita Club Tel. 080 699 2629

KARON & KATA

Coming up from Karon Beach and the traffic circle, take the first soi on the left and you’ll fund a veritable warren of fun bars. The Terrace Bar is an upstairs bar on the corner and is a great people-watching spot. On the opposite side there is a handful of bars serving good priced drinks, chaotic music, friendly hostesses and good humour.

For a quieter pint try Angus O’Toole’s Irish pub on the left at the end of the soi, serving international beers and all-day pub food. There’s no ear-splitting music, but they show all the sports on the huge screens, have the day’s newspapers and offer and a genuine cozy pub atmosphere.

The Ska Bar at the southern end of Kata Beach is built on huge granite boulders and has an outstanding view along the sand and out to sea. Here you can enjoy the cool reggae flavor, with friendly dreadlocked staff and terrific inexpensive cocktails.

Vanilla Sky

Fridays Tapas Night : “All you can Eat” Tapas with 2 glasses of Premium wine for only THB 899++ Saturdays Chill Out : From Jazzy House to Remixed Retro & Disco songs from ’70 to ’90... chill out & prepare for a night ‘out’... www.capesienna.com

Lifestyle / 45

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.

INDOCHINE

Amanpuri The Chedi

Car Park

Police <

Surin Beach

Twinpalms Phuket

Reservations - 081 895 1375

prfb@IndoChinePhuket.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.IndoChine-Group.com

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46 / Transportation

Transport on the Island

H

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

To and from the airport

Airport transfers are relatively simple, the airport is at the far north of the island, some 30 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.

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 colourful, 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’ If 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 negotiated 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

Transportation / 47 of the road, beware: few of these vehicles have insurance, and this can prove disastrous in the event of an accident.

Renting a car allows you get off the island and see the beautiful, 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 may be, 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

48 / Transportation

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

Transportation / 49 Airport Bus TimeTable

50 / Lifestyle

Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coolest Bar and Restaurant

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14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 (0)76 371 900 Fax. +66 (0)76 613831 E-mail: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com