The guide phuket December 2015

Khun Nong, one of our 16 service angels

Heavenly food and drinks served by angels.

RSVP 081 079 2699 or 076 344 311 47 Rat-U-Thid Rd, Sky Inn Condotel, Patong Beach | www.the9thfloor.com | f /The9thFloor

CONTENTS December 2015 14

20

23

24

38

46

THE GUIDE LIFESTYLE

THE GUIDE DINING

18

Life’s a Beach

20

Getting to know Brice Borin

28 30 34

Let’s do brunch Double Tree Resort

by Hilton Hotel Phuket Restaurant Highlights

22

Palm Seafood

57

Phuket Pulse

60

Shopper’s Delight

THE GUIDE BEAUTY

66

Phuket Map

44

Healthcare

48

Spa Highlights

THE GUIDE ACTIVITY 10

Activities on the island

TIMETABLE

14

Hot Activity

64

Thai Airways Timetable

46

Laguna Phuket Golf Club

72

Bangkok Airways Timetable

Cover photo : Karon Beach Square

Star Phuket Media & Design Limited Partnership 10/378 Moo 3, T. Vichit, A. Muang Phuket 83000 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 521 011 Fax: +66 (0)76 521 010 Email: info@theguidephuket.com www.theguidephuket.com The Guide Phuket is published monthly and distributed to Bangkok Airways Lounge (Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Phuket International Airport), Thai Airways Lounge, major resorts in Phuket region, restaurants, spas, travel agents and car rental.

Please direct all editorial enquiries and contributions to Email: info@theguidephuket.com MANAGING DIRECTOR & EDITOR Punnaporn Eamso Guinault info@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)89 474 4704 CONSULTING EDITOR Barry Daniel editor@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)84 305 3974

THE GUIDE HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

THE GUIDE ANDAMAN 68

Southern Andaman Region

ADVERTISING info@theguidephuket.com Tel: +66 (0)76 521 011 Mobile: +66 (0)89 474 4704

24

70

Hotel Highlights Southern Andaman

Kansirinphat Poolsiri marketing@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)89 288 1144

76

Hotel Highlights Northern Andaman

Hotel Highlights

40 The Emerald City Life 42

Verve Villas

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Titaree Taweekit ann@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)86 816 0516

8

Lifestyle

Phuket..

The Pearl of the Andaman

What comes into the mind of travelers when they start to think about sea, sun and sand?

Phuket is increasingly one of the answers to this…. and for good reason as the island offers warm tropical ocean, beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and a multitude of opportunities for exciting and fun activities.

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, or ‘Pearl of the South’, its natural resources; rocky peninsulas, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it southern Thailand’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The island’s total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and it is approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders with Phang-Nga province to the north; connected by the Sarasin Bridge. The remainder of the island is encircled by the Andaman Sea; an area which is home to many of the best diving sites in the country.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in the year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of Phuket is between September and October as these are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breezes and marvel at the crystal clear waters while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches.

Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C. Phuket’s topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any ma jor rivers, but has nine smaller brooks and creeks.

Phuket has a lot more to offer than just its natural beauty.

Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to Phuket Town, while Phuket-style hospitality never fails to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition,accommodation ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows caters to the different needs of travelers.For seafood lovers, there is so much choice including Phuket’s famous lobster.

Altogether, these characteristics make Phuket a truly unique destination.

www.theguidephuket.com

10

Activities

t e k u h P e v i Alternat It’s a fairly big island offering all manner of things to do.

However, it’s quite surprising that there are still a number of holiday makers who come to get away from everyday life but soon get bored with dreamy beaches, comfortable hotel rooms and fantastic food. They want to experience more. They want to see how the locals live and experience something different.

Luckily, with Phuket being the island it is, there are a number of other options for those seeking something other than the norm. Here are The Guide Phuket’s options for an alternative Phuket holiday experience.

• Crowded beach, quite beach Find the one that you really want to spend your holiday time on. If you spend your time on Patong Beach, it’s highly likely that you will think all Phuket’s beaches are the same, crowded.

However, while it’s true to say that Patong Beach is often bustling with people, there are others to where you can escape and find complete solitude.

Drive away from Patong and you’ll soon come to realise that there are smaller, quieter beaches. And by the time you reach the far north or south of the island you’re guaranteed to find beaches that you’ll have virtually to yourself, even during the high-season. So remember, crowded beach or quiet beach, the option is completely yours.

• Visiting Wats – Buddhist Monasteries All Buddhist Monasteries are open to the public during the day, and visitors are usually welcome. Since these are active holy places of worship, and the residence of monks, visitors should show respecting keeping well dressed and remaining quiet, Mum and Dad; keep the kids on a leash and always be culturally sensitive.

• Elephant Trekking The wild elephant population of Phuket was wiped out last century, but has been replaced in recent years by and 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.

• Phuket Town Phuket Town is small but incredibly interesting, a potpourri of different cultural influences of markets and shopping centers, restaurants and other entertainment facilities.

Anyone spending a few days on Phuket Island should take time to visit, be it for sight-seeing, cultural or historical interest or shopping.

• Zoo Phuket’s only zoo is small, but pleasant, displaying some of Thailand’s almost vanished wildlife. Their tigers are fed well enough that one can sit with them and have a photo taken.

We recommend going early or late, to avoid the tour buses that arrive mid morning and mid afternoon. It is in a small road off the east side of Chao Fah East Road, about half way between the town and Chalong’s 5-way intersection.

The turnoff is well signposted and easy to find. www.theguidephuket.com

• Cultural Village Cultural shows featuring skilled Thai dancers from the different regions of the country, martial arts demonstrations, elephant rides and Thai dinners are all brought together at Phuket’s original cultural garden; there is also attached orchid farm for all the budding botanists out there.

• Bungy Jump Consider yourself adventurous? Got real guts? If you haven’t tried bungee jump yet, you should take the ride to the top with a big rubber band around your ankles and fight the internal struggle that every jumper meets when standing 54 meters above the ground. Logic might tell us it is quite safe, but another part of our body screams “No! Don’t jump!” But with their friends at the bottom, waiting expectantly, most people manage to throw themselves off and experience a rush like no other.

• Jungle Trekking With most of rainforest on Phuket long since eaten up by rubber plantations, it is not easy to find ideal trekking grounds. Again, it’s best to sign on with company providing this service. Often they take their trekkers right off Phuket into neighbouring Phang Nga province, where some beautiful areas of forest remain.

• Spas Massage and herbal steam rooms Health resorts, spas and herbal saunas are proliferating, and some fine example offering a wide range of treatments are now found on Phuket. Thailand has its own traditional herbal saunas, and there are several local ones around the island. While many large and resorts now feel they are incomplete without a spa, there are also several independent establishments.

• View Points Phuklet’s most famous view point, Laem Phrom Thep at the very bottom of the island, is on the ‘must see’ list for every Thai visitor to the island. Thus it attracts a fleet of tour busses and car each evening as people come to witness the sun fall into the Andaman Sea. Indeed, it’s often a spectacular sight, but there are many quieter places. The view point on the hill behind Kata Noi attracts fewer people and when the heavens turn red, the view from any of the beaches can also be spectacular.

14

Activities

Hot Activities NOW 4 CLASSES DAILY 08.00 - 09.30 am 10.00 -11.30 am 05.15 - 06.45 pm 07.15 - 08.45 pm

Tiger Kingdom

Kata Yoga

Phuket FantaSea

Natural and clean Park Tigers at Tiger Kingdom are hand raised by their trainers from young bonding with them throughout the development process.

The trainers employ a combination of repetition, trust and encouragement to train their big cats, and over time the big cats get used to humans and often see us as one of the family. You can touch & play with real tigers and they are not aggressive as you would think.

Tiger Park & Restaurant Open daily 9am – 6pm Buffet Lunch 11am – 3pm

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

This is Phuket’s mega show; it’s a cultural spectacle on the grandest of scales, complete with armies of warriors, vast troupes of dancing girls and elephants that literally rise up into the sky. The show takes place in the evening with a delightful dinner buffet. The park is the perfect family destination, rain or shine, offering a wonderful walking street with loads of traditional Thai handicrafts and colorful souvenir shops, exciting outdoor shows, fun arcade games and a tempting variety of delicious local foods.

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

www.tigerkingdom.com

www.katahotyoga.com

www.phuket-fantasea.com

Similan Diving & Snorkeling Day Trips

Luxurious Day

White Water Rafting

Charter “Isabella Rose”

Sutin Group, a leading tour operator in adventure tourism in Southern Thailand, invites you to visit wonderful natural attractions and enjoy many exciting outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, elephant riding, canoeing with plenty of interesting tour packages to choose from.

You will experience the thrill of white water rafting in Thailand. Most tourists also enjoy elephant trekking through rainforests and mini trekking to the waterfall. Some packages include a visit to the monkey cave or an ATV ride along the jungle paths.

Tel: +66 (0)76 323603-4, +66 (0)81 892 2812 , 084 837 4877

The Phang Nga-based Similan Seven Sea Club is the best diving company in the area of Khao Lak offering daily dives and snorkeling excursions to the Andaman Sea. Join them for Khao Lak Diving, where you will experience the highest level of service in a relaxing and fun manner amongst the renowned diving spots of the Andaman Sea and Similan Islands Marine National Park with their white sandy beach, crystal clear waters and list of marine life that will leave you needing extra pages in your logbook.

Tel. +66 (0)76 485237, +66 (0)82 426 9797 Email: info@similansevenseaclub.com

Snorkeling in crystal clear waters, swimming at a secluded beach and discovering local island restaurants are all experiences we share when we get home, and these day trips are often the most memorable experience of a holiday.

www.similansevenseaclub.com

www.asia-marine.net

www.theguidephuket.com

This magnificent 68ft Princess Fly Bridge Motor Yacht offers huge outdoor areas for relaxing and sunbathing, as well as a substantial covered and indoor entertaining area.

Tel: +66 (0)76 239 111 Mobile: +66 (0)89 508 1333

www.sutingroup.com

Activities

15

www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Activities

Hot Activities

Horse Riding

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Flying Hanuman

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

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

Tel. 076 324 199

Since opening in 1991, Phuket Simon Cabaret has established itself as a market leading professional entertainment venue. For sheer entertainment, our set designs are outstanding, costumes extravagant and the performers glamorous ! In the exclusive, luxurious and intimate theater 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!

No other activity in Phuket will give you such a burst of adrenaline and excitement as the Flying Hanuman series of aerial rides through the treetops of a forest on a Kathu hillside.

This is an eco-friendly and completely safe adventure for kids as young as four and thrill-seekers as old as eighty.

Zip lines, sky bridges and Flying Fox rides send you zipping through the upper canopy of trees at up to 60 kilometers an hour. You can make the experience “extreme” or relaxing….. just tell your guide how you want to play it.

Flying Hanuman is all about adrenalin and fun!

www.phukethorseclub.com

www.phuket-simoncabaret.com

www.flyinghanuman.com

www.theguidephuket.com

Hot Activities Thanyapura

Splash Jungle

Blue Elephant

Sports & Leisure Club (TSLC)

Phuket’s wettest wildest water park provides gallons of excitement for the whole family. The Water Park offers fun a relaxing day in the water or an adrenaline rush, Splash Jungle has it all. The park has thrilling rides such as the Boomerango & Superbowl as well as a six-level wave pool and an aqua pool for the children. Also featured is a 335 meters lazy river ride.

Cooking School

Discover paradise at TSLC, a 230,000 sqm megaplex with extensive worldclass sport facilities & leisure activities for everyone. Opened in Nov 2011, TSLC is a destination in itself. Get rejuvenated at Thanyapura Spa; experience Divine’s signature dishes and drinks created from fresh local organic ingredients; entertain yourself at Booster Bar with live sports on big screens. Tree Club service available for kids below 10 yrs old. Open 8am-8pm daily.

For more info, contact Tel: 076 336-000 Email: tslc@thanyapura.com www.thanyapura.com

Operation Hour 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tel. 076 372 111 www.splashjunglewaterpark.com

Blue 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-by-step 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.blueelephant.com

Life’s a Beach With 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

· Patong Beach

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

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

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

· 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 favorite with the regular visitors to the island. This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of sand and a handful of pleasant eateries are situated just off the beach.

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

· Bang Tao Beach Bang Tao Beach has in recent years seen a lot of development with many 5-star luxury resorts in the area but the beach remains very pleasant. At certain times of the year swimming can be dangerous due to the strong currents. 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.

· Laem Singh Beach Laem Singh Beach is small and very popular; it is located between Surin and Kamala. To reach the beach you need to walk down a short, rocky trail that is clearly signposted.

If you are lucky and it’s not too crowded then Leam Sing Beach is absolutely stunning.

· Kamala Beach Kamala is a 3-kilometer long beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast which has undergone recent developments to its main street, but the beach remains largely unchanged.

Behind the beach lies a growing village with two distinct communities; Buddhists by the beach and Muslims further back at the foot of the encompassing mountain range. www.theguidephuket.com

· Paradise Beach Paradise Beach is a little beach just 5 minutes south of Patong.

To get there follow a small cement road up to the hill through the jungle. It is a nice small beach with white, soft sand and largerocks flanking either side.

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

· Kata Beach Kata is certainly one of the most beautiful of Phuket’s beaches; a half-moon crescent of white sand lining a bay cut deep between two green headlands. Crystal clear waters and soft coral offers excellent snorkeling and just outside the bay lies a small rounded island that seems to wave its coconut haircut to those on the beach.

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

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

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

· 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.

+66 (0) 76 605 950

GETTING TO KNOW...

Brice Borin General Manager of the Amatara Resort and Wellness Brice Borin has extensive experience as a chef, F&B manager and senior hospitality executive. He arrived in Phuket five years ago to oversee the opening, then manage the Regent Resort on Cape Panwa. He is now overseeing the re-branding and re-launch of this beautiful property as the Amatara Resort and Wellness.

What background and experience do you bring to your role as GM of this stunning property on Cape Panwa?

I grew up in south-west France in a restaurant-owning family, so you could say that hospitality is in my DNA! As a boy growing up, I worked in our kitchen, as a waiter, washer-up……you name it I did it, and so I learned hospitality from an early age in a very “hands-on” way.

I worked at several famous restaurants in France over the following ten years and took various courses in hospitality to supplement my on-the-job training.

I worked in kitchens in Bermuda and New Orleans and in 1993 arrived at the Novotel in Bangkok’s Siam Square as the youngest Executive Chef in Thailand. I gradually took on both F&B Manager and eventually General Manager roles during my next jobs in Koh Samui, Jakarta, Hua Hin, Tahiti and the Maldives.

In 2010 I came to Phuket to oversee the opening of the Regent Resort overlooking Phang Nag Bay and then to run it as GM.

constructing a unique ‘hammam’ – a water-based cleansing and massage system featuring unique Turkish-style massages and treatments, a first in Phuket.

Our guests will have the option of engaging with the wellness offerings to whatever degree they wish, from full-on retreats and detoxes with complementary individually-tailored healthy cuisine, to just sampling spa and massage treatments while they continue to indulge in all the fine cuisine and hedonism we also offer!

In a sense we will be two resorts in one with overlapping target audiences for each sector.

Please tell us about the re-branding and re-launch of the property.

After five successful years establishing this property as the Regent the owners decided to become an independent resort with a strong wellness focus and developed the name Amatara as the new branding.

What unique features will the new Amatara offer?

We will offer specific packages in detox, weight loss, fitness, rejuvenation and relationship/connecting therapy each starting with an individual assessment and program design.

Our aim is to deliver a life-changing experience that participants can take away with them and continue in their everyday lives.

We will continue to offer all the superb accommodation, F&B and service elements of a luxury five-star resort, but with the added option of engaging with the wellness packages which we will now offer.

In addition, we will also continue with my own personal service philosophy of treating everyone as though they were a guest in our own home, with personal service, Thai friendliness and abundant smiles!

We are hiring a new team of specialists such as nutritionists, physiotherapists and counsellors to deliver these unique wellness services and to fill the niche as Phuket’s onl y luxury resort that is also a wellness center. We are also

Amatara Resort & Wellness 84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Tambon Vichit, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0)76 318 888 www.amataraphuket.com Article by... Baz Daniel

www.theguidephuket.com

Din e in styl e at Palm Seafood Whether you’re looking for an exquisite lunch or a romantic dinner by the sea, the stylish Palm Seafood Restaurant at Bang Tao beach will have you covered with its fantastic assortment of some of the freshest seafood to be found in Phuket.

Sitting in the contemporary style open air seafood restaurant, lounge and bar, you will be delighted with an exciting menu that starts with appetizing starters including fresh smoked salmon tartar, spicy fish cakes, crispy spring rolls or a beautiful seafood platter served on ice which includes fresh king prawns,

Andaman prawns, rock lobster, oysters, clams and blue crab served grilled, steamed or poached together with a selection of sauces including spicy seafood sauce, aioli, tamarind and tartar.

Whilst going through the pages of Palm Seafood’s extensive menu, you will discover plenty of delicate star dishes made with the finest selection of local and imported ingredients such as giant Andaman prawns in sweet and spicy tamarind sauce topped with dried chilli, a must-try that blends perfectly the taste of fresh seafood together with a combination of traditional Thai flavours. www.theguidephuket.com

Lifestyle

23

Uniquely presented freshly fished Phuket lobster served with spicy Thai sauces such as green or yellow curry, as well as Thermidor (brandy, garlic, parsley, pepper and cheese). Or the deep fried sweet and sour white snapper which is crispy on the outside yet still tender inside giving you a feel of epicurean accomplishment from the first bite. Not to mention the unforgettable spicy Tom Yum Kung served from the fire pot.

For meat lovers, tasty beef tenderloin and lamb chops served with mint sauce are also the venue’s standout dishes.

To perfectly round off the meal you have a choice of tantilising and refreshing desserts including coconut ice cream in a natural coconut shell. The ice cream features the true taste of sweet coconut milk enhanced by young coconut flesh freshly scooped from the inside.

Palm Seafood is located just 700 metres from the Twinpalms Resort on Surin Beach Rd, Cherngtalay, Thalang District and is ready to welcome seafood aficionados from near and far daily from 11am to 11pm.

Last orders are taken at 10pm.

Palm Seafood 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Choeng Thale, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0)76 368621 www.twinpalms-phuket.com Article by... Nattha Thepbamrung www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

HOTEL ►PATONG Amari Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 106-14 Andaman Beach Suites Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 879-83 B-Lay Tong Phuket +66 (0) 76 344 999 Banthai Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 850 Deevana Patong Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 341 414-5 Duangjitt Resort & Spa + 66 (0) 76 342 090-4, 340 310-1

Highlights

Sawaddi Patong Resort

+66 (0) 76 343 444 www.patongsawaddi.com

+66 (0) 76 360 210 www.bestwesternpatongbeach.com

Tel: (66-76) 340-850 -4 www.banthaiphuket.com

The 9th Floor Residence Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong

+66 (0) 76 349 800-7 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centra/chp

dusitD2 phuket resort +66 (0) 76 337 000 www.dusit.com/d2pr

Grand Mercure Phuket Patong +66 (0) 76 231 999 www.mercure.com www.theguidephuket.com

+66 (0) 76 201 234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cpbr

The Nap Patong +66 (0) 76 296 631-4 The Royal Paradise Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 666 Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 340 520

Banthai Beach Resort & Spa BEST WESTERN Patong Beach

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

+66 (0) 76 344 987 www.roomsatthe9th.com

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 680-5 Holiday Inn Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 608-9 Horizon Beach Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 292 526-30 Merlin Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 294 300 Novotel Phuket Resort +66 (0) 76 342 777 Patong Bay Garden Resort +66 (0) 76 292 914-5 Patong Merlin Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 037-41 Patong Paragon Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 290 555 Patong Resort Hotel +66 (0) 76 340 551-4 Royal Pawadee Village Hotel +66 (0) 76 344 622 Safari Beach Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Salathai Resort +66 (0) 76 296 631 SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL design hotel @ patong +66 (0) 76 363 333

►KARON BEACH Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 555 Karon Sea Sands Resort +66 (0) 76 286 464 Karona Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 286 406-10 Mövenpick Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 396 139-48 Marina Phuket +66 (0) 76 330 497 Phuket Orchid Resort +66 (0) 76 396 519-23 Ramada Phuket Southsea +66 (0) 76 370 888 The Front Village +66 (0) 76 398 200-5 ►KATA BEACH Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 370 999 Club Med 66 (0) 76 330 455-60

Kata Sea Breeze +66 (0) 76 284 300 www.kataseabreeze.com

Eastin Yama Hotel Phuket

+66 (0) 76 303 456 www.eastinyamaphuket.com

HOTEL

Highlights

Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel +66 (0) 2 659 2888 Kata Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 530-4 Kata Palm Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 334-8 Katathani Phuket Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 124 Sugar Palm Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 284 404 Impiana Private Villas +66 (0) 76 330 770

►KAMALA BEACH Aquamarine Resort & Villa +66 (0) 76 310 600 Cape Sienna +66 76 337 300 Kamala Beach Estate +66 (0) 76 324 111-4 Kamala Beach Hotel & Resort +66 (0) 76 279 580-5 Andara Phuket +66 (0) 76 338 777

►BANG TAO BEACH Amora Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 021-2 Bangtao Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 270 680-5 Banyan Tree Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 374 Angsana Laguna Phuket +66 (0) 76 324 101 Mövenpick Residence +66 (0) 76 396 139 Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas +66 (0) 76 336 900 Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Tel.+66 (0) 76 360600

►RAWAI BEACH & NAI HARN All Season Naiharn Phuket Hotel + 66 (0) 76 289 333 Friendship Beach Resort & Atmanjai Wellness Spa +66 (0) 76 288 996

►SURIN BEACH Amanpuri +66 (0) 76 324 333 Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort&Spa +66 (0) 76 271 271 The Surin Phuket +66 (0) 76 621 580

Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket +66 (0) 76 371 900 www.serenityphuket.com

Thanyapura Retreat

+66 (0) 76 336 000 www.thanyapura.com

►MAIKHAO Anantara Phuket +66 (0) 76 336 100 Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 363 999 JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 338 000 Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Maikhao Beach +66 (0) 76 603 699 ►CAPE PANWA Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket +66 (0) 76 391 123-5 The Kantary Bay Hotel, Phuket +66 (0) 76 391 514 Radisson Resort Phuket Panwa Beach +66 (0) 76 602 500 Sri Panwa, Phuket +66 (0) 76 371 000 Phuket Panwa Beachfront Resort Tel: +66 (0) 7630 2944

The Vijitt Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 363 600 www.vijittresort.com

Twinpalms Phuket

+66 (0) 76 316 500 www.twinpalms-phuket.com

Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort +66 (0) 76 231 234 phuket.regency.hyatt.com

►NAIYANG & NAITHORN Dewa Phuket +66 (0) 76 372 300 Indigo Pearl +66 (0) 76 327 006-9 Naithon Buri Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 318 700 Naiyang Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 328 300 Trisara +66 (0) 76 310 100 L’esprit de Naiyang Resort +66 (0) 76 510 032-5 Airport Resort & Spa Naiyang Beach +66 (0) 76 327 771-4 Kasalong Phuket Resort +66 (0) 76 205 208-10

Amatara Resort & Wellness

+66 (0) 76 318 888, +66 (0)76 200 800 www.amataraphuket.com

►PHUKET CITY i Pavilion Phuket Hotel +66 (0) 76 210 445-7 Phuket Merlin Hotel +66 (0) 76 212 866-70 Royal Phuket City +66 (0) 76 233 333 Sino House Phuket Hotel +66 (0) 76 232 494-5 The Metropole +66 (0) 76 215 050 The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket +66 (0) 76 335 600 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

K a ro n B e a c h S q u a re the place to Eat, Drink, Chill!

Lying opposite of the famous and beautiful Karon Beach, Karon Beach Square offers a variety of fine dining experiences in a relaxing and fun atmosphere together with a cooling sea breeze.

Using a simple concept; eat, drink and chill, there are four different venues awaiting you at Karon Beach Square including Cafe Studio which opens from 10am to 7pm and offers choices of the signature Mövenpick ice cream and coffee as well as tea and sweet treats such as Swiss carrot cake, muffins, doughnuts and an amazing Berliner selection. Relax in the afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea on the couch of Cafe Studio and your day will go as easy as a piece of cake.

For brunch hungers, the cafe also provides a food menu including a tasty range of sandwiches, wraps and baguettes, pizzas, salads, pastries as well as noodles.

For pizza lovers, you can get your dose of your favorite food at the cafe or at MINT which hosts the pizza corner that opens from lunch to dinner time and where crispy and cheesy pizzas with fancy toppings are professionally cooked to perfection in a traditional wood oven giving off a great aroma and of course, that delicious crusty bite.

Meanwhile, on the upper floor of the area there are two restaurants representing Western and Eastern charm.

For occidental fascination there is El Gaucho Restaurant the star of which is their Churrasco with list of tender and juicy meats to choose from such as pork, chicken, beef, lamb, even crocodile, all neatly marinated resulting in an aromatically delicious taste. The fancy wine menu from many different sources is also available to enhance the meat treat.

On the left wing of the floor, you will be experiencing the oriental spirit of OrientAsia with its walls adorned with antique Asian cooking tools, kitchen wares and seasoning bottles. There are some fantastic, tastebud tingling Asian style dishes to chose from including Phở Bò, (Vietnamese-style Beef Noodle Soup), Bahn Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich), Imperial BBQ Pork Baguette, as well as Marinated and Grilled Cod Fish in Banana Leaf.

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The sun goes down, but the night light shines at MINT bar. If you are looking for a cool, fun and relaxing dinner, here is where to go. The dining and chilling area of MINT is located facing Karon Beach with a great cooling breeze. Splendid food from Mövenpick’s professional chefs will be served just as you require and highlights of the extensive menu includes appetisers such as Crispy Fried Cheese Ravioli with Spicy Tomato Dip, Thai Black Mussels with Kumara and Seared Japanese Scallops with JalapenoDressing. Main will fulfill you with stars like Prime Beef Sliders with Pickles and Fried Onion Rings, Lemon Spaghetti with Japanese Scallops, Pork Belly with Black Pepper, Soya Sauce and Spring Onion and Jerk Chicken with Platain Chips and Mango Avocado Salsa.

Along with the food list, MINT’s drink menu is also a highlight. The entertaining bartenders will present an exciting menu which includes lists of selected red, white and rose wines, various beers as well as refreshing hip MINT cocktails buckets, a Shooter Boards, and Premium Liquor Brands. Grab a nice cold drink, say cheers and dance the night away with the cool beats and your peers!

Karon Beach Square 509 Patak Rd., Karon, Phuket 83100 Tel: +66 (0)76 396139 www.karonbeachsquare.com Article by... Nattha Thepbamrung

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Food & Restaurant

BRUNCH! LET’S DO BRUNCH! Double Tree Resort

by Hilton’s Thai Sunday Brunch Every Sunday If enjoying a wide range of Thai dishes for brunch is a must for your Sunday then the Thai brunch at Double Tree Resort by Hilton is a “Don’t Miss”.

With live stations, Thai spicy salad and grills, ready-to-eat specialties, and western staples including pizza, pasta and DIY salad you really are spoilt for choice.

You even get the added bonus of enjoying the pools and water slides and happy hour at the Boardwalk Pool Bar. What a way to spend a Sunday!

• THB 350 net per person • Children 7-12 years old at THB 175 net Tel: 076 303 300

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A Classy Sunday Brunch at Amatara Resort & Wellness Every Sunday From noon to 16.00 Hrs. Every Sunday, The Grill becomes a celebration of delicacies from around the world. Choose from sumptuous Sunday Roasts cooked from free range & farm raised meats, oysters, fresh lobsters & seafood, organic salads, artisanal cheese, Belgian waffles and desserts. Accompany the celebration with tempting beverages offers, fine wines and live music.

• THB 2100++ per person (includes free flow of soft drinks) • THB 2600++ per person (includes a bottle of white, red, rosè wine or Chandon per couple) • Children aged 4-12 years old eat half price (plus free access to the Kid’s Club) Advance reservation is required. Prices are subject to 17.7% service charge and VAT. Tel: 076 318 888 www.regenthotels.com/phuket

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LET’S DO BRUNCH! Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort’s brunch with passion Sundays, 11:45 am until 3:45 pm.

Relaxing Sunday brunches are a popular weekend event in Phuket, presenting superb cuisine and fine drinks. Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort is the latest addition to this brunch scene, offering an amazing laid-back ambience, an array of dishes from live stations, seafood BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, fruits, ice creams and an assortment of condiments. With free-flow bloody marys and passion fruit-white wine Sangrias, this is a brunch not to be missed.

• THB 1,500++ (adults) • THB 750++ (children) *Children under the age of six dine for free with their parents.

Tel: 076 231 234 www.phuket.regency.hyatt.com

Xana Beach Club Sunday Fun Brunch Every Sunday 11:30am – 15:30pm Have a blast on a Sunday with a great selection of food and a stunning backdrop of the gorgeous Bangtao Beach at the Sunday Fun Brunch of Xana Beach Club where delicious grilled meat, fresh extravagant choices of seafood, tasty sweet treats and free flow refreshing beverages are served in a relaxing atmosphere.

• THB 1,450++ for Sunday Fun Brunch Buffet.

• THB 2,250++ with free flow house wine, sparking wine, beer and signature cocktails. *Kids under 6 dine for free (50% savings from 6-12 years). *All prices are subject to 7% government tax and 10% service charge.

Reservations are recommended.

Tel: 076 324101 www.xanabeachclub.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Food & Restaurant

S avour a Thai Brunch, Double Tree Style

If enjoying a wide range of Thai dishes for brunch is big on your Sunday agenda then the Thai brunch at Double Tree Resort by Hilton is a “Don’t Miss” on Phuket Island. Not only is it affordable and at a good location, but their offer also gives you access to the resort swimming pools with giant water slides.

After you walk through the spacious lobby, on the left is a restaurant called Asia Alive. This is where Double Tree by Hilton hosts their Thai Sunday Brunch Buffet. All tables are set up to provide guests a relaxing pool view.

Don’t worry if it’s hot, simply ask a member of staff for a fan, and a high chair should you have a toddler.

The brunch features three live stations where you can have your own tailor made noodles, Thai spicy salad and grills. And for those who love authentic Thai dishes, there are also several ready-to-eat specialties to savor such as chicken green curry, satay, shrimp & fish cakes, tom yam koong, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, steamed vegetables served with a southern style chilli sauce, and more. You will also find western staples including pizza, pasta and DIY salad with three choices of dressing.

The king of all desserts not to be missed is “Mango Sticky Rice”. Fresh and sweet Thai mangos nicely cut and served with sweet sticky rice and coconut milk. Two will never be enough!

To complete Double Tree by Hilton’s Thai buffet, Thai sweets such as Thong-Yip & Thong-Yod, Ka-Nom-Chan and Look-Choop are featured along with cooling ice creams, and of course a selection of healthy fresh fruits.

If the heat of the afternoon sun causes you to become sleepy, a cup of freshly brewed coffee is just the press of a button away. But make sure you enjoy it with some cookies from the jar. That is of course if you still have space left in your stomach ;) It’s Sunday so be lazy and enjoy the pools and water slides after your great brunch.

You even get the added bonus of enjoying happy hour with buy one get one free from 3-6 PM. Make the most of this offer at the Boardwalk Pool Bar. Spend your Sunday with Double Tree Resort by Hilton’s “All You Can Eat Buffet”, at only THB 350 net it is absolutely worth it.

Double Tree Resort by Hilton 106/27 Moo 3, Cherngtalay, Surin Beach, Phuket, 83110 Tel: +66-76-303300 www.doubletree.com

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LET’S DO BRUNCH! The Vijitt Resort Phuket Every Sunday From 12.00 – 15.00 Hrs. Enjoy Vijitt Resort Phuket’s expansive mouth-watering buffet among swaying coconut palms and with breathtaking views of Friendship Beach. Choose from sumptuous choices of salad bar, fresh oysters and seafood on ice, Sushi and Sashimi, live cooking stations, seafood and lamb BBQ, Western and Thai hot dishes, foie gras, and all you can eat homemade desserts.

• THB 1,199++ per person with free flow soft drinks • THB 1,499++ per person with a bottle of wine per couple • THB 3,199++ per person with a bottle of champagne per couple Half price for children aged 4- 12 years old and free for children under 4 years old, plus free entry to their Kids Club.

Complimentary use of 40 metre - long infinity edged swimming pool for everyone.

Advance reservation required : Email: info@vijittresort.com Tel: 076 363 600 www.vijittresort.com

Twinpalms brunch Every Sunday from 12.00 – 15.00 Hrs. The place to see and be seen is the Sunday brunch at The Oriental Spoon. A highly fashionable international crowd browse the abundant food offerings from fresh seafood and cold water NZ oysters, to sushi and sashimi.

• THB 1,390++ per person for brunch only • THB 1,690++ per person including ½ bottle of wine • THB 7,380++ per couple including a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne Tel : 076 316 577 www.twinpalms-phuket.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Food & Restaurant

Restaurant   • Kan Eang @ pier

• Blue Elephant

Seafood & Thai Cuisine

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 Location: Phuket Town

The amazing waterfront location with a stunning view of Chalong bay... day or night. Outstanding for locals and visitors for an idyllic setting outdoor and indoor eating areas. Served a unique style of seafood barbeque.

Tel. 076 381 212, 083 173 1187 www.kaneang-pier.com Location: Chalong Bay

• Le Celtique French & Thai French specialities; snails, white asparagus, scallops, saffron sauce and an excellent pork hock or a rack of lamb with goat cheese, also large choice of Bretain Crepes, salty or sweetie Bertrand is the king of sauces, and Lek always welcomes you warmly.

Tel: 076 613 098, 089 588 9517, 084 842 6233 E-mail: celtiquethai@hotmail.com Location: Saiyuan Road, Rawai

• La Boucherie French LA BOUCHERIE is a famous and successful French restaurant chain which was originally established in France and now has over 30 themed branches located in Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Moldavia, Russia and Thailand.

Tel: 094 807 6831 www.laboucherie-asia.com Location: Chalong

Eastin Yama old artwork

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• Two Chefs Beach Bar & Restaurant International Two Chefs Beach Bar & Restaurant is Phuket’s coolest restaurant and bar “located right by the sea within Serenity Resort & Residences.

Lounge or dine in style and enjoy the view over Chalong Bay while being pampered by their team, food, drinks and cool vibes. “Special events, theme evenings and happenings”.

Email: twochefs@serenityphuket.com Tel: 076 371 900 www.serenityphuket.com Location: Rawai

• Rossovivo Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria Italian For authentic Italian cuisine served in beautiful indoor and outdoor terrace surroundings at very reasonable prices visit Rossovivo at Fisherman Way Business Gardens on the Rawai Road.

Italian owner Mario Rossi has over 25 years of experience with fine Italian cuisine both in Italy and Phuket.

See weekly Chef’s specials, plus special lunch menu changing every day - Monday to Friday.

Tel: 076 384 686 Location: Rawai

• Zeascape Restaurant International & Thai Food A haven of relaxed dining in the U Zenmaya Resort offering the simple yet superlative quality of the best-known Thai dishes embodying all aspects of cutting-edge cuisine and preserving centuries old traditions. Features a large spread of southern Thai dishes combined with charcoal barbequed fresh seafood, while you enjoy an incomparable sunset view over Patong Bay. Tel: 076 336 888 www.uzenmayaphuket.com Lacation: Kalim Beach

• Tiger Kingdom Thai & International Dine overlooking the exciting tiger enclosures on our wonderful balcony restaurant. This is an ideal spot for families to enjoy the a la carte menu, or the all-you-can-eat buffet encompassing a huge section of Thai, Asian, Chinese and European dishes upon which to graze while watching the tigers. Both the a la carte and buffet are extremely good value and the location and views make it one of the most stunning places to dine in all of Phuket.

Tel: 076 323 311 www.tigerkingdom.com Location: Kathu www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Food & Restaurant

Restaurant   

• THE 9th FLOOR Mediterranean The 9th Floor is the most elegant restaurant and bar on the Patong skyline and is located on the top floor of the sky Inn Condotel. It is a hidden treasure dedicated to the enjoyment of fine, fresh Mediterranean, Alpine and Thai food, a comprehensive list of some of the best wines available, beautiful well-trained waitresses and a warm, elegant ambience reminiscent of a sophisticated members’ club.

Heavenly food served by angels.

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

• D Thai Restaurant Thai “D” means “Good”, so the meaning of this restaurant’s name is “Good Restaurant” and it aims to provide good food, good services and good experiences for all good customers.

Here you will experience the good taste of authentic Thai cuisine and good premium local fresh seafood at a good location in Surin Beach which we know as a millionaire’s row. A good day starts from good food. Go and try!

Tel: 076 386 500 www.d-and-dang.com Location: Surin Beach

• Mix Bistro Thai & Western The Restaurant prides itself in serving authentic Thai food with a southern twist. Chill out on the deck with some classic cocktails, western nibbles or shawarma sandwich wraps which are available also for take away should you need a tasty treat for in between meals. The deli section offers oven fresh pastries, freshly prepared sandwiches, hams, salami, cheese and delicious coffee throughout the day.

Tel: 076 349 800-7 www.centarahotelsresorts.com Location: Patong

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• Seasoning Restaurant Thai & International Start the day with breakfast buffet serving both Asian and international breakfast dishes.

Thereon, all day dining menus offer a great choice of our delicious homemade Thai favorites from our experienced Chefs.

‘Z’ our chilled out bar brings together the signature cocktails, wines & coffees into the casual lounge and garden area.

Tel: 076 284 300 www.kataseabreeze.com Location: Kata Beach

''Authentic Italian Cuisine''

• Senzees Restaurant Thai & Western Savor relaxed and scenic breakfast, lunch and dinner dining bedside the Eastin Yama Hotel’s limpid swimming pool and overlooking Kata Bay and the Andaman Sea at Senzees restaurant.

Enjoy a delicious selection of fresh, healthy Thai and Western dishes cooked to perfection and served either indoors or poolside. A tempting selection of cocktails, wines, beers and soft drinks makes for a perfect meal in perfect surroundings.

Tel: 076 303 456 www.eastinyamaphuket.com Location: Kata

• The Crab House Seafood and Thai Enjoy the freshest and tastiest crabs, other seafood and Thai favorite dishes at Crab House on Thanon Phangmeuang, the road behind Jungceylon in the heart of Patong. Equipped with protective bibs, hammers and pliers do battle with tasty, crunchy fresh crabs in many glorious dishes all built around the fabulous flavors of local crab and seafood dishes. Savor great cocktails, wines and beers and a lively atmosphere where every night is happy a crab-themed party.

Tel: 076 687 065 Facebook: The Crab House - Patong. Phuket Location: Patong

• Leonardo Da Vinci Italian Leonard Da Vinci is a beautiful indoor and outdoor restaurant situated on the headland road between Kata and Kata Noi Beaches. Enjoy fabulous authentic Italian cuisine lovingly prepared by our Italian Chef and featuring the freshest and tastiest local and imported ingredients from both Phuket and around the Mediterranean.

Our welcoming bar and fine wine cellar will grace your dining with superb accompanying cocktails and wines, and our staff are not only friendly and well informed, but always delighted to see you.

Tel: 076 604 296 www.leonardodavinci.asia Location: Kata

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Tel : 076-60 42 96

5.30 pm-8.00 pm Monday-Saturday 1/34 Katanoi Rd., Karon, Muang, Phuket email : reservations@leonardodavinci.asia www.leonardodavinci.asia

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New Year is coming If you’re living in or visiting Phuket, there are some highly recommended places on the island where you and your family, friends and loved ones can get the most out of your New Year celebrations.

Rang Hill Rang Hill (Khao Rang in Thai language) is the perfect spot to admire the firework displays lighting up the skies all over the city as it is the culminant point of the area, offering unobstructed 180 degree vistas of the east of Phuket Town.

If you’re living in Phuket Town and do not want to drive across the hills to beaches but desire to have a memorable New Year night, here is a great option.

In addition, there are restaurants which open until late and serve great food and provide a stunning view of Phuket city as a backdrop for you to enjoy before counting down to the New Year.

Saphan Hin For those in the Phuket Town area, Saphan Hin is one of the most convenient venues to access for New Year celebrations with local Phuketians.

Saphan Hin is well known as a local activity center where many big events take place. The Or Bor Jor (Phuket www.theguidephuket.com

Kata Beach

Saphan Hin

Rang Hill

Provincial Administration Organization) who governs the site always organises activities and shows which attract people of all ages.

After the counting down and celebrations are over, Saphan Hin cape is the ideal spot for those who want to see in the first sunrise of 2016.

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Patong Beach Catch Beach Club

Surin Beach Celebrate New Year in style at Surin Beach where plenty of beach clubs and nice beachfront restaurants are located.

Surin is a place you can enjoy from day through to night.

Have fun and get sun tan at the gorgeous beach and step away to enjoy an exquisite dinner at one of the luxury dinning venues.

When nighttime comes there will be a variety of activity options to entertain you until the countdown begins. When the last second the year rings out, the stunning sight of fireworks coming from the beach clubs, restaurants and hotels in the area blend together to mark the time when it’s to bless everyone around “Happy New Year!”

Patong Known as the part of Phuket that never sleeps, Patong is a melting pot of different nationalities that come and go all day and night to enjoy the music and entertainment for which Patong has become renowned.

It is the perfect spot for people looking for an extremely fun atmosphere and amusement which can be found from the small streets through to the big avenues.

Gather at the endless Patong beach front with your loved ones and surround yourselves with happy strangers from every corner of the globe all waiting for that exciting moment when the countdown for the welcoming of 2016 finally arrives!

Phuket Peaceful Beaches If a big, noisy crowd of people is not your style, there are also some beaches around the island which are not exactly hotspots but are there for you to enjoy as you celebrate welcoming 2016, they include Naiharn, Kata, Karon, Laemsing, Panwa, Kamala and Mai Khao where you can celebrate peacefully with your family, friends and lovers, on the white sand beach. There are always a few bars and bistros nearby counting down in a calmer atmosphere and the opportunity to watch the beautiful fireworks blast while whispering Happy New Year blessing to those closest to you. www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Hotel & Accommodation

The Emerald City life Modern Stylish Living Space, High-End Urban Lifestyle Location Conveniently located in the heart of Patong, the shopping centerdistrict, it is within easy access and walking distance of the entertainment venues. The Emerald City Life Condo @ Patongoffers you a combination of total immersion into tourist attractions and beach relaxation that only Phuket can deliver.

Concept The newest condominium on offer by “Emerald Development Group”, The Emerald City Life Condo @ Patong is the new and exciting condominium project situated in a very convenient and centralized location in Patong city, just minutes away from Patong Beach. This new project offers a blend of urban living & tropical lifestyle.

Modern, classic and stylish in character with a vintage interior concept, it includes a series of experiences such as a multi-function natural salt swimming pool and a kid’s pool, a rooftop swimming pool and 360 degree panoramic view over Patong town and beach, as well as eco-friendly layered gardens between floors & buildings.

About The Developer The Emerald Group Development is a real estate development company specializing in the leisure and tourism industry. It focuses primarily in the high-end tourism and residential market, offering innovative opportunities for buyers and investors according to the present market conditions. The Company reputation is growing more and more due to its successful projects on the island of Phuket, which include The Emerald Kathu Golf Condominium - Kathu, The Emerald Terrace Condominium - Patong, The Emerald Central Condominium – Phuket Town, The Emerald Nirvana Condominium - Kalim, The Jade Villa @ The Emerald Nirvana - Kalim, The Emerald Nirvana Luxe Condominium - Kalim, The Emerald Ao Nang Condominium – Ao Nang, Krabi and the latest project The Emerald City Life Condominium– Patong.

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Facilities • Swimming Pools (include 8 level sky pool & kid’s pool) • Smart Card Access and CCTV • Fitness Center • Roof Top Garden • 24 Hours Security • Internet and Cable TV • Elevators Construction period: 24 months Total Area: 2 Rai • 2 Buildings with 8 Floors 90 Units (Building I) • A = 1 Bedroom (29 Sq.m.) = 61 Units • B = 1 Bedroom (27 Sq.m.) = 10 Units • C = 2 Bedrooms (49 Sq.m.) = 8 Units • D = 2 Bedrooms (43 Sq.m.) = 5 Units • F = 1 Bedroom (33 Sq.m.) = 6 Units 164 Units (Building II) • B = 1 Bedroom (27 Sq.m.) = 143 Units • E = 1 Bedroom (33 Sq.m.) = 7 Units • G = 1 Bedroom (31 Sq.m.) = 10 Units • H = 1 Bedroom (31 Sq.m.) = 4 Units Total Units: 254 Units

Verve Villas “Get some Verve in your life” Fine-living rarely soars to the heights you will experience in your new custom-designed villa. These spacious luxury villas will entice you with their modern architectural design and layout, and quality inclusions throughout. Built on generous land plots and aimed to take advantage of Phuket’s delightful climate, Verve Villas will allow you a sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle that will be the envy of your friends. Grand in design, an air of exclusivity flows through this collection of eight individually-designed residences.

Concept We want Verve Villas to be a unique development aimed at those with a modern taste. We have deliberately stayed away from the standard Thai-style design so common on the island and opted for a truly modern, architecturally inspired look that makes the most of Thai and Phuket lifestyle.

We have also chosen not to overcrowd the development with 8 unique units, situated on massive allotments ranging from 750 to 900 sqm. Each villa can also be tailored to suit a buyers needs by adding an additional bedroom, study or rumpus room making it a truly unique development.

Finish Quality,style and luxury are our motto at Verve and this is reflected in the choice of materials we have used throughout.

From sensual stonework, rich-tone Asiatic hardwoods, www.theguidephuket.com

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granite bench tops and expansive glass surrounds Verve will impress from the moment you work through the front gates. Out kitchen and bathroom fittings are a feature as is the sloping roof design with hardwood ceiling and windows that bring in an abundance of natural light. We have chosen the best quality materials on offer reflecting to ensure your villa is as good in 10 years as the day you moe in ensuring you won’t be disappointed with your investment Location Verve Villas is located in Layan, one of the premier real estate areas of Phuket. It is just minutes from a stunning beach, a beautiful golf course and some great local and foreign restaurants. It also is close to one of Asia’s best sporting and Fine Dining is close at hand with Laguna Village, Layan, Bang Tao and Surin only a short drive from Verve. In fact one of the most popular restaurants on the island Siam Supper Club is only 5 minutes away and is situated among many other great restaurants.

Price Range: from 24.9 – 27.9 million Baht Services At Verve we want you to make it easy for you and your guests to enjoy your stay and not have to worry about some of lifes chores that get in the way. We offer a full range of ser-vices aimed at making your stay relaxing and stress free and that give you piece of mind over your investment.

Body Corporate Management All common garden area will be manage by professional management team. The services they can provide include:• Garbage removal & pest control • Gardening and irrigation of all common areas • Power supply for all common areas and street lighting.

• Secure gated access • Booking and Reservations • Guest Screening • Housekeeping • Payment Processing • Linen Service • Weekly pool cleaning & maintenance

Security At Verve we provide services to ensure your villa is protected.

To give you peace of mind when you are visiting or away from Phuket. We have incorporated a state of the art security system which features an automatic security gate , security cameras for each villa as well common areas in the residential community. Security guard?

Rental Management We also cater for buyers who want to make the most from their investment by tapping into the lucrative Phuket holiday letting market. Villas of the quality of Verve can fetch upwards of 600USD a night and with the right management owners can sure returns while they aren’t enjoying the villa themselves having peace of mind their investment is being managed by a professional team.

For more information PROSPEROUS DEVELOPER Co.,Ltd 123/18 Moo 9, Thepkrasatri Rd., Thalang, Phuket 83110 Email: sale@vervevillasphuket.com Tel: 095 417 7667 (Eng) tony@vervevillasphuket.com Tel: 088 179 6421 (Eng) wuth@vervevillasphuket.com Tel: 081 708 2342 (Eng, Thai) www.vervevillasphuket.com www.facebook.com/vervevillas.phuket

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Health & Beauty

Stay away from breast cancer with a simple touch of life Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012, and the figures tend to be on the rise, according to World Cancer Research Fund International. However, it can be prevented or even completely cured in case of detection at an earl y stage. Today, the overall survival rate for breast cancer in the United States is very close to 90 percent, the highest it has ever been, giving most newly diagnosed patients every reason to be optimistic.

First and foremost, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is primary protocol that every woman can do in order to stay away from breast cancer. Such an intimate moment with both breasts can reveal certain changes in physique, size and shape, which may be early signs of the disease.

The following BSE steps can save your life: Step 1 Stand in front of the mirror with arms alongside the body. Check if your breasts are their usual size, shape and color. Watch out for wounds, fluid at nipples.

Step 2 Raise the arms and look at your breasts, both front and side views.

Check if they are even and have no distortion, swelling, dimpling.

Watch out for any change at nipples, e.g. an inverted nipple.

Step 3 Place your hands on your hips and bend forward toward the mirror.

Notice your falling breasts and look for any irregularity in shape and contour.

Step 4 Lie down with a small pillow or folded towel under your shoulder.

Put the hand behind your head for the breast to spread fully.

Medium Firm

Light

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Step 5 Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of the other hand to feel the entire breast.

Appl y light, medium and firm pressure, respectively.

Once any abnormality/lump is felt or any doubts arise, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor for clarification and peace of mind. As for a clinical approach, all women aged over 35 should have breast cancer screening every year. But it is recommended earlier in cases of those with breast abnormalities or family history of breast cancer. Nowadays, Digital Mammogram has proved to be the gold standard in breast cancer screening thanks to its high accuracy, minimal pain, and quick results. It can detect breast cancer from the very beginning, so why wait‌ For more information, please call the Bangkok-Phuket Oncology Center at 1719 ext. 8315, or e-mail us at info@ phukethospital.com

Laguna’s Hole-in-One Relaunch The magnificent Laguna Phuket Golf Course and Club opened in 1992 and immediately became renowned as one of the finest in Thailand. Verdant tree cover plus many lakes, lagoons and water features make it an always intriguing and enjoyable course to play no matter what your level of golfing prowess.

Not content to allow the course to rest upon its beautiful laurels, the club’s management recently undertook a ma jor upgrade and relaunch opening their even more beguiling course with considerable fanfare in January 2015.

The re-launch set out to align the Golf Club with the international luxury standards of the surrounding Laguna resorts and residences. A whole re-modelling of the basic landscaping has now added a rolling, undulating element to the huge course, making the holes and greens more aesthetically attractive, and in many cases technically challenging.

The re-launched course is no longer just a walking course, but has buggy tracks covering its entirety allowing greater access and use for youngsters, the aged and infirm.

The upgraded greens and ongoing maintenance protocols all conform to the USGA standards and environmental sustainability is a big part of the new ethos with many original tree species being re-introduced and even wooden long-tailed boats gliding about on the lakes and lagoons!

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Lifestyle

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The open-sala clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green, has always been extremely charming offering great food and beverages from Banyan Tree Café, but all the facilities, shops, lockers, storage areas and even the three tennis courts have also undergone upgrades and refurbishment.

All these re-launch innovations have won the club considerable international acclaim such as being named the Best Renovation of the Year at the Asian Golf Awards and becoming ranked as Thailand’s eighth best course overall and fifth best-maintained course in Asia Pacific.

With a hugely active program of events, competitions, championships and socializing it’s no wonder the six hundred or so members and their families, and very often youngsters too, view the golf club as a home-fromhome in which to spend many happy leisure hours. In addition, the club welcomes thousands of visiting guest players, and working with the various Laguna Resorts, hosts all sorts of corporate, team building and social events throughout the year.

Indeed, the Laguna Golf Club has hit a mighty hole-inone with their astounding re-launch!

Laguna Phuket Golf Club 34 Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0)76 324350 www.lagunaphuketgolf.com

Article by... Baz Daniel

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48

Health & Beauty

SPA De Flora Spa

You need to make your holiday a wonderful, relaxing and genuine experience at any time of the day. De Flora Spa is the place where you can enjoy a special variety of beauty spa services, sauna, Jacuzzi and more than twenty treatments and massage.

Tel: 076 344 555 www.defloraspa.com

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The Oasis Spa Phuket

The ultimate spa experience where treatments are created combining ancient secrets and advanced discoveries in beauty and wellness. Luxurious spas designed with a Thai atmosphere to allow clients to enjoy superior service without unnecessary formality. 3 branches in Phuket Laguna, Bang Tao, Kamala, Kata Phuket.

Tel: 076 337 777 www.phuketoasis.com

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Spa Cenvaree

Treat yourself to a spa membership at Spa Cenvaree and take advantage of unlimited use of spa facilities before or after your spa treatments, sauna for general detoxification, weight loss and stress relief and a range of incredible perks. Receive a special member’s welcome gift to the value of THB 1,950, and discounts on spa treatments, food and beverages, spa retail items including Jurlique products, and a complementary spa voucher value at THB 1,000 on your birthday.

Tel: 076 201 234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Vara Spa

At Vara Spa, from the moment you step through the door, you become the center of their attention. Every element has been carefully designed for your comfort. Indulge in sensuous soothing and pampering which will completely revitalize and recharge both your mind and your body. Vara Spa where Thai local wisdom matched with Western contemporary ideas creates immaculate beuty and skincare.

Tel: 076 343 444 www.varaspa.com

Let’s Relax Spa

Relaxing the mind and revitalizing the body seems to be what everybody needs nowadays, after a hectic schedule, a busy lifestyle and a stressful city living. But when and how can you afford to take time off to free yourself from so much stress and take time to relax your body and revitalize your senses with your busy lifestyle? At Let’s Relax, you can let loose, reward yourself, indulge, relax and enjoy the fineness pleasure of pampering yourself.

Tel: 076 346 080 www.letsrelaxspa.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Health & Beauty

The V Spa

The V Spa aims at bringing back guest to nature. Built in the shape of a village style, the pretty small straw roofed Salas blend totally with the natural beauty of the jungle.

Each has been designed with nature at heart.

When in Thailand, don’t forget to have a Traditional Thai Natural Touch Treatment. At The Vijitt Resort Phuket, you can have one at the private spa executive room or at the open air Salas. Traditional Thai Natural Touch Treatment is soothing and relaxing it’s definitely worth it.

Tel: 076 363 600 ext.703 www.vijittresort.com

Dang Massage

A door to true relaxation awaits. Dang massage provides a wide range of services including traditional Thai massage, body scrubs, facial massage, sports massage, Balinese massage, Swedish massage, head massage, foot massage and a don’t miss is the Thai herbal compress massage.

All of their therapists are experienced, well trained and are ensured to drain all your stress away. Feel an extraordinary Thai touch at a reasonable price.

Tel: 076 325 436

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www.d-and-dang.com

Health & Beauty

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5 Star Massage

5 star Massage in Patong is a Unique, elegant, modern and comfortable salon where the very well-trained staff offer a complete range of massage and beauty treatment services at reasonable prices. 5 Star Massage is French owner and managed. All The massage girls are certified form massage school in Thailand and only offer authentic massage services that will make you leave refreshed, revitalized and rejuvenated.

Open daily 10.00 – 23.00 and offering great value for money.

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

Kanokpat Beauty Art

Kanokpat Beauty Art Brows Design Institution by Artist Pan offers 3D, 6D, 9D and more patterns of eyebrows tattoos, semi-permanent makeup by eyebrows liners, eyeliners, pink lips liners, baby hair liners; with natural, young-looking style, as well as Fengshui-oriented makeup and tattoo.

We service you with international standard colouring products of Biotouch, imported form USA. Facilities and equipments are hygienic and 100% safety guaranty. Our anesthetic is imported from USA and Korea. We also do eyebrows wax, body wax, and bikini wax by Wax@XXX. Tel: 080 544 6665 www.kanokpatbeautyart.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Hotel & Accommodation

Patong Bay Group & Star Century Group sign Strategic Partnership

Patong Bay Hill and Pandaho Paradise Beach Resort were officially launched on November 1, while the two companies, Patong Bay Group and Star Century Pandaho Corporation (OTCQB SYMBOL: SCPD) signed a strategic partnership agreement to cooperate and develop the projects together.

The beautiful 366 modern and luxury designed suites of Patong Bay Hill, with a spacious 60 square metres of living space each, allow you to enjoy the wide and useful space and feature pool access, outdoor Jacuzzi and gorgeous Patong sea view. The popular Pandaho character theme will be incorporated into the unique design and decoration of the suites.

In the neighboring area with its green surroundings and hidden in a quiet and peaceful alley in the heart of famous Patong, Pandaho Paradise Beach Resort will take pride in launching 100 Tent Villas, the first luxury tent accommodation featuring spectacular mountain scenery, the beautiful and serene Paradise Beach, the ultimate beach club and full facilities including restaurants, bar, spa and shopping avenue.

The resort will be constructed by Sichuan Dream Holidays Company Limited, a professional contractor from China, which possesses expertise in using eco-friendly and innovative materials.

For more information www.patongbayhill.com

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t e k Phu Pulse Grand Mercure Phuket Patong

was delig hted to Grand Merc ure Phuket Pato ng al Gordy, one of welcome Redfoo or Mr. Stefan Kend best known as part ers, rapp us famo most d’s worl the of the musical duo LMFAO.

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethr a Golf & Spa

Resort Sofitel Krabi Phokeeth ra Golf & Spa Resor t has won a prestigious award as the “Best Luxu ry Family All-Inclusive Resort”, one of the most cov eted in the hotel industry at the 2015 World Lux awards ury Hotel Awards Gala Cerem ony held in Hong Ko ng recently.

The annual World Lux ury described as the “Osca Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony, rs” of the industry, is a world class event and an intern ational networking opportunity that brings together the leaders of hospital ity.

Boat Pattana Co., Ltd introduces its new project, at Bosean Villa & Spa, Phang Nga

Boat Pattana Co., Ltd Managing Direc tor, Boon Yongsakul led media on a visit of Bosean Villa in Phang Nga on November 7-8, 2015.

After a visit to a local farm and Tao Thong Waterfall, the team and CEO Panuphong Kritj anarat announced plans for Boat Pattana Co Ltd.

an Embrace Ms Salisa Wedding at Andam Managing

Salisa Limsakul, On October 31, 2015, Ms brace Resort & Spa and Em an am And of r cto Dire te engaged in an exquisi Mr Sompob Kiattisin got itional Chinese trad a with ed bin com le Peranakan sty ce ” at the Andaman Embra ceremony “Yok Nam Cha ilies, fam ir the h wit n atio ebr Resort & Spa. A warm cel ic e guests was a romant friends and honourabl the tunes of an by d owe foll , ort res evening at the and the tone for happiness enthusiastic DJ that set well-being.

Kata Sea Breeze Resort, Phuket

Kata Sea Breeze Resort would like to introduce Executive Chef, Khun their new Patiwat Khruachan (Chef Bo y).

Chef bo y has held his chef’s titl e for sev eral years with various succes sful ho forward to seeing a new tels in Thailand. They look creative menu from Chef Bo y!

Central Festival Phu ket ’s L i v i n g Ro o m Seen by many as the most famous and crowded “Phuket Living Room”, the great Central Festival Phuket, located in the heart of the town, has seen past its first decade and is still far from outdated.

With its large range of products and services, the biggest shopping avenue has something for everyone from kids, hipsters, working people to chilled retired people from the first to the top floor.

Thai souvenirs

Starting at the first floor, there is a wide range of products and services available including car care, key cut & shoes repair, dry cleaning, beauty shops, accessories & fashion, Asia arts & crafts, jewellery, book store / gift and design products as well as a fancy list of theme restaurant / bar & restaurant / cafe & bakery.

Getting up to the second floor, the shopper’s delight has yet to come to an end as you will find even more accessory and fashion shops, beauty and health service shops while jewellery BENCH, optical & fashion optical as well as books, gifts and design product stores, office tools from a-z, convenient store, IT mall/booths, photographic / video equipment, banking / financial services, education zone, island tourist centre along with cafe & bakery and theme restaurants are available for your moment of joy.

After a hard day spent shopping on the lower floors, it’s time to relax with the entertainment which is available on the third floor. Right in front of the escalator, you will see the SFX Coliseum Cinema where the top box office movies are available as well as Thai domestic films.

Meanwhile, there is the never-ending selection of food outlets serving diners with all the tastes you may think of from the most Eastern to the Western style, while the Food Terrace located just next to the cinema also offers a variety of food from many different booths. On this floor, other services and products such as sport accessories, health and beauty services, book and design product stores, photographic and video equipment and optical & fashion optical shops are also available.

After filling your tummy with loads of nice food then it is time for beauty. On the fourth floor of the mall there are plenty of beauty services such as nail spas, slimming centres, hair centres and skin clinics.

If you are looking for a place that serves all everyday needs for all ages and all types of customer, Central Festival Phuket is the best answer!

Thai souvenirs

Central Festival Phuket 74-75 Moo 5 Vichitsongkram Rd., Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 291111 www.centralfestivalphuket.com

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Lifestyle

hopper’s S

Delight

MAI KHAO BEACH Turtle Village The exclusive shopping destination for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach. Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir,antique and clothing selections.

Outlets include Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao Beach, The Coffee Club, Swensens, Supermarket Turtle Mart, Jim Thompson, Narai Phand, Tanya Living, Thai Souvenir, Triumph, Surfers Paradise, Esprit Outlet, A.Prime, Custom Tailor, Tara-Leather products, Private Collection, J&P Gems, Mt. Sapola, Ferera, Their Nibs, The Handmade, Thai Express, Noodle Bar. BANGTAO & SURIN BEACH Canal Village Located in the heart of Laguna Phuket Destination Resort, Canal Village Laguna Shopping is a beautifully landscape courtyard surrounded by more than 30 shops, offers the finest selection of quality goods and services available in Phuket.

Whether you desire local and regional handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, daily necessities, tours and excursion options, and delicious dining, chances are you will find it at Canal Village.

Indulge yourself and your loved ones for a day at the superb retail outlets the serene shopping retreat has to offer.

Address: 390/30 Moo 1 Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: 076 362 330 Email: shopping@lagunaphuket.com Website: www.lagunaphuket.com Surin Plaza Located between Cherng Talay and Surin Beach, Surin Plaza is a one-off, high-class, three-storey shopping emporium.

Here, you can buy unique jewelery, designer clothes, objects d’art and antiques – all in a very attractive setting. Shopping here is a fascinating experience and retailers generally open and close late, typically from 10:00 – 20:00.

Tesco Lotus Park This shopping square offers easy shopping and leisure options to Cherng Talay and Surin Beach residents and has facilities for expats and hotel guests as well as locals.

A large Tesco Lotus supermarket with parking space is at its nucleus while diagonally opposite stands a McDonald’s branch with both indoor and outdoor seating. Sells everything from food and drinks to household goods and is open from 06:00 – 22:00.

PATONG BEACH Jungceylon ‘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. www.theguidephuket.com

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

Banana Walk The area’s newest shopping centre is located just 100 metres south of Soi Bangla on the beach road, right next to Banana Disco. The mall is multilevel (three floors) and its overall design leans toward minimal and modernistic, At night the lighting, ranging from blue to red, gives Banana Walk the feeling of entering a spaceship dock in a science fiction movie. Shopping, dining and cosmetics are the three main thrusts of this complex in which you can find almost anything to eat, drink, or buy. You can even improve your well-being at a spa or make yourself even more beautiful at an aesthetic centre or at the onsite hairdresser.

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KATA & KARON BEACH Kata Plaza Nowadays there are in fact two distinct shopping malls with a bazaar-like feel to them, both are located close to the Kata Palace Hotel and Club Med along Kata Road which runs parallel to Kata Beach Road. The newer of the two is flanked by tailor shops, a pharmacy, and a cozy fan-cooled café along with a minimart and the inevitable optician’s shop. The two-lane plaza really is a one-stop destination for all your holiday souvenirs.

Karon Bazaar A large, covered market-like shopping centre set in the central area of Karon Beach Road, right between Woraburi Phuket and Moenvenpick Resorts.

The bazaar features just about everything you’ll ever need. Karon Bazaar is a smaller beachside version of the famous Phuket Weekend Market in Phuket Town. Aimed at tourists, the place is a great opportunity for an evening stroll.

PHUKET TOWN Tops Supermarket Tops Supermarket at Central Festival Phuket and Central East, Robinson Phuket, Robinson Junceylon and Limelight Avenue offers the finest selection of local and international produce, all at the best price. As part of Thailand’s leading Central Food Retail supermarket chain with 147 nationwide branches, Tops is able to offer the finest produce of every kind including quality natural meat free from hormones; the freshest fruit and vegetables; freshly caught seafood, plus a fabulous selection of wines, beers and spirits and the latest health and beauty products.

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Lifestyle

Central Festival Central Festival Phuket is an air-conditioned, fully equipped one-stop shopping mall lying just outside of Phuket Town. The Central Store plays host to over 120 outlets selling products ranging from up-market clothing, fashion accessories, silk goods, bedding, household goods, toys and children’s accessories, travel bags, food, and drinks. There are also watch and jewelery counters here.

It’s literally possible to spend a full day here - shopping, catching the latest movies, and dining out at the range of international restaurants that offer everything from French and Japanese cuisines to local Thai dishes.

Limelight Avenue Limelight Avenue Phuket is located in the heart of Phuket, on Dibuk Rd. This exciting new avenue features a wide range of food options including famous-brands from Bangkok as well as popular local eateries such as Lemongrass, Pint Factory, WOW Way of Wine, and so many more.

In addition, there are plenty of retail shops, a supermarket, health and beauty shop, coffee and bakery shop, ice cream shop, education and activity shop and food court.

The venue is open from 10am - 10pm (except Tops Daily which opens from 6am until midnight and Tom n Tom Coffee which is open 24 hours) to fit in with the lifestyle of local people and tourists who want to experience real Phuketian life under the slogan, Urban Lifestyle Mall. This mall is the complete answer for the whole family’s activities.

ket Central Festival Phu

Limelight Avenue

Premium Outlet Phuket Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices, it’s located on the Bypass Road. Apart from Thai brands, other items on sale include Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Hush Puppies, Warner Bros, Pierre Cardin, Van Heusen, Levi’s, Lee, Nautica, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%.

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

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

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

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Transport

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

To and from the airport Airport transfers are relatively simple. The airport is at the far north of the island, some 30 kilometers from Phuket Town and even further from most of the popular beaches like Patong and Karon. It is best to use one of the two official transport companies with booths right inside the arrival lounge, you can’t miss them. Private Airport Limousines or minibuses are available to get to the ma jor beaches at the south or west of the island. Metered taxis are also available.

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.

‘Tuk-Tuks’ If you want your own private taxi, look for a tuk tuk, a tiny mini-truck used 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 ma jor 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 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 motorcycle drivers are easily identified by their special colored jackets showing the location of their home base. Many have the word ‘taxi’ written in English on this jacket. Do not take a taxi from anyone who is not wearing one of these jackets.

Renting a Motorcycle Motorcycles, big and small, can be rented all over the island and are a popular choice for many tourists. Zipping around with the breeze in your hair is tempting for anyone but do be careful, the hospitals here see a never-ending stream of foreigners arriving with skin missing from arms and legs, or sometimes worse. The accident rate on Phuket is one of the highest in Thailand with 90% of road accidents involving motorcycles!

Note that Thai law requires the driver to carry a valid license at all times and all riders to wear helmets. Also motorcycle lights must be turned on at all times, including during the daytime! The police occasionally enforce all these laws, so beware.

The real danger in Phuket is this: NONE of the motorcycles rented here have insurance.

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

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

Renting a car allows you get off the island and see the beautiful, neighboring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. The roads are good and the scenery spectacular, making for a great day out.

Regional Buses The long distance bus station is in Phuket Town and across 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.

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Transport

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SCHEDULE TO/FROM PHUKET Effective : 26 October 2015 - 28 March 2016

PHUKET TO BANGKOK (SUVARNABHUMI)

BANGKOK (SUVARNABHUMI) TO PHUKET

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

TG 226

0720

0845

Daily

TG 201

0745

0910

Daily

TG 202

1005

1135

Daily

TG 203

0830

0955

Daily

TG 204

1055

1225

Daily

TG 2275

0910

1030

Daily

TG 2276

1115

1240

Daily

TG 205

1000

1120

Daily

TG 206

1215

1340

Daily

TG 207

1320

1445

Daily

TG 208

1355

1525

Daily

TG 215

1405

1525

Daily

TG 230

1425

1550

1567

TG 2277

1535

1655

Daily

TG 216

1625

1750

Daily

TG 217

1645

1805

Daily

TG 2278

1740

1905

Daily

TG 219

1725

1845

Daily

TG 218

1900

2025

Daily

TG 221

1815

1935

Daily

TG 220

1935

2100

Daily

TG 211

1915

2035

Daily

TG 222

2035

2200

Daily

TG 2283

2005

2125

Daily

TG 212

2125

2250

Daily

TG 225

2240

2359

Daily

TG 2284

2220

2345

Daily Days of Service: 1 = Mon 2 = Tue 3 = Wed 4 = Thu 5 = Fri 6 = Sat 7 = Sun

CHIANG MAI TO PHUKET Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Phuket Reservation Call 0-7636-0444 Mon-Sun, 0800 - 1700

TG 1171

0935

1130

Daily

www.thaiairways.co.th / www.thaiairways.com / www.thaismileair.com

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

Local Bus Timetable

Beach to Town

Fee (Baht)

25

6.00am - 4.00pm

35

25

6.00am - 4.00pm

35

7.00am - 5.00pm

30

6.00am - 4.00pm

40

7.00am - 5.00pm

25

5.30am - 4.30pm

40

7.30am - 6.00pm

25

5.30am - 4.30pm

40

7.30am - 6.00pm

15

6.20am - 3.30pm

25

7.30am - 5.00pm

20

30

8.00am - 6.00pm

7.30am - 5.30pm

Patong Beach

20

30

8.00am - 5.00pm

7.00am - 3.30pm

Makh am Ba y

20

30

8.00am - 5.30pm

6.00am - 5.30pm

Ch along Ba y

25

6.00am - 4.30pm

40

6.50am - 5.30pm

30

6.45am - 6.05pm

45

7.00am - 6.05pm

30

40

6.00am - 6.00pm

6.00am - 3.00pm

Sarasin Bridge

30

30

8.30am - 4.00pm

7.00am - 4.00pm

Bang Rong Pier

30

30

8.30am - 4.00pm

7.00am - 4.00pm

Por Ba y Pier

Destination Bangtao Beach Surin Beach Kamala Beach Kata Beach Karon Beach Kathu District

Rawai Beach Naiharn Beach

Town to Beach

Fee (Baht)

7.00am - 5.00pm

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Phuket Map

68

Andaman

g Gettion t know

The Southern Andaman Region of Krabi Krabi,, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta

Three hours drive south from Phuket through stunning limestone cliffs and dense forest brings you to the southern playground of the Krabi region of the Andaman overlooking Phang Nga Bay with its many scattered islands, hidden bays and beaches.

Throw away your watch and bask in nature’s beauty or snorkel, dive, rock climb, fish, kayak, hike, sail, party, spa or wine and dine to your heart’s content – this region has it all.

Ao Nang Beach Just 18 km from Krabi Town is beautiful Ao Nang with its 83 scattered islands. Each island is only a short distance from the next and so during low tide you can wade to a neighboring island, many with sandy beaches and crystal clear water and ma jestic limestone cliffs rising straight from the clear waters of the sea. Ao Nang has several famous beaches including East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Phra Nang cave which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range.

Noppharat Thara Beach Just 20 km west of Krabi and three miles long, this beach is lined with ma jestic Casuarina trees and is in fact part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park and is the location of the Park headquarters. As with Ao Nang, it’s possible to reach other islands in the bay on foot during low tides.

Railay Beach This beach is generally divided into two sections, east and west. West Railey provides visitors with peace and quiet as it is a broad sandy beach with fewer facilities than Ao Nang. East Railey which lies across the peninsula from West Railey is different from other beaches in the area as it could actually be classified as a mud flat, especially during low tide. The main attraction for visitors to Railey Beach is the adrenaline pumping activity of cliff climbing.

The limestone cliffs on the huge headland between East of Railey Beach and Phra Nang cave, as well as other nearby islands provide world-class rock climbing facilities against a stunning backdrop of the sea with approximately 700 routes of mid to high difficult rating. www.theguidephuket.com

Pra Nang Beach Connected to Railay by a small path, Phra Nang is on the outermost headland, backed by limestone cliffs soaring above the beach. At the bottom of the cliff lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok where local fishermen leave offerings for good fortune.

Klong Muang Beach/Tubkaak Krabi’s latest beach destination, Muang Klong boasts both 5-star and boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort and offers powderwhite sand and safe swimming.

The Lanta Island Group About 53 islands are included in this group situated at the southern limit of Krabi Province. Koh Lanta Yai is the largest and is both a traveler’s and up-market vacationer’s paradise and is as yet relatively undeveloped. You can get to Lanta on the regular ferry from Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town. The prime attractions are its long beaches, clear water, laid back atmosphere and scuda diver’s paradise where most of the nicest beaches and tourist attractions are located.

The Phi Phi Islands Known for phenomenal natural beauty, particularly the famous twin bays with their the curving beaches upon which lies the largest town. Phi Phi islands are some of the most beautiful in the world with superb scenery, silvery sand beaches and Emerald green seas with coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Hardly two hours journey by boat from Ao Nang, the twin islands Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh provide excellent accommodation options and are known as ma jor “party islands.”

Poda Islands Situated south of Ao Nang, 8 Kilometers offshore, Koh Poda or Poda Group Islands are fringed by clear waters and offer white sandy beaches, as well as, pristine coral reefs.

These islands are not affected so much by the monsoon therefore are year-round attractions and an excellent place for fishing. Poda island with white sand beaches and clear turquoise seawater abounded with schools of colorful fish.

Sightseeing by Canoe or Kayak Many companies offer sea canoeing and kayaking adventures around Phang Nga Bay and into the many coves, caves and islets dotting the otherworldly shores around Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

Fishing Abundant sea and even freshwater fishing is available all over this region, from squid boating, to line fishing in Phang Nga Bay, to big game adventures off the Continental Shelf drop-off. Don’t let that big one get away!

Bird Watching A trip to Krabi can be a very rewarding visit for any bird lovers. With easily accessible mangroves and low lying forests, there are many places to spot rare birds. Two excellent locations are Khao Kanat Nam, close to Krabi Town, and Khao No Chuchi Forest Preserve.

Highlight Attractions..

Emerald Pool Emerald Pool or Sra Morakot in Thai is located at Klong Thom District. This hot spring originates from a warm stream in the lowland forest. The intensity of the pool’s turquoise colored water varies according to the light and time of the day so a good time to visit is at dawn or early morning.

Tiger Cave Temple Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Sua in Thai is located about 3 kilometers from Krabi town. The inside of this cave features tiger prints captured in stone and is in the middle of an abundant forest with gigantic ancient trees.

This place is remarkable archaeologically as many artifacts have been found on the premises including tools, pottery and the mold for the Buddha’s footprint.

Highlights & Activities...

Rock Climbing Apart from marine sports, Krabi is also an ideal place for rock climbing. Lines of sheer limestone cliffs along Tham Phranang and Rai Le Beaches have challenged thousands of climbers from all over the world every year. The levels of difficulty of the various routes vary, so Whether you’re a professional or just an aspiring adrenalin junkie, the craggy karsts of Krabi offer a huge array of bolted mounts.

Diving Both scuba and snorkeling are widely available in warm, coral and fish infested waters with full PADI accreditation courses and live-aboard adventures.

Partying Phi Phi is known worldwide as “Party Island central” and Koh Lanta is not far behind. Krabi Town is more sedate, but there are plenty of good bars and a live music scene to enjoy.

Shopping Outlet Village Krabi is located on Phetchakasem Road. It is on the way from the city to the local airport and features a tall lighthouse near the entrance and 6,000 sqm of retail space. Throughout the year, many Thai and foreign travelers visit this outlet which offers over 100 selected leading brands for all ages. Clothing discounted up to 70% is available here. It is open daily from 11:00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Enjoying the Local Seafood Have a seafood feast and savor the fresh day’s catch in any number of a fun, laidback, or fine-dining restaurants all over this region.

GETTING THERE By road from Phuket Take a minibus or frequent local bus from Phuket Town’s bus terminal with information regarding timetables, taxi or mini-van shuttle services readily available at hotels, travel agent or Phuket Airport.

Renting a car is also a good option and the roads are wide, modern and relatively quiet.

To Krabi and Phi Phi by boat It is possible to charter a speedboat or similar transportation to Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, or there are frequent daily ferries operating between Phuket and Phi Phi Island and then on to Krabi, or via the Koh Yao Islands, each taking about two hours.

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Andaman

Krabi Hotel Highlights The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 628 400 www.tubkaakresort.com Amari Vogue Krabi Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 777 www.amari.com/vogue Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 628 000 www.starwoodhotels.com Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Tel. +66 (0) 75 628 111 www.ritzcarlton.com Anyavee Tabkaek Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 200 www.anyaveetubkaekbeachresort.com Mercure Krabi Deevana Tel. +66 (0) 75 639 999 www.mercure.com Aonang Phu Petra Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 626 666 www.aonangphupetra.com Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 789 www.centarahotelsresorts.com Aonang Villa Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 270-4 www.aonangvilla.com The L Resort Krabi Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 485 www.thelresort.com Aonang Ayodhaya Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 661 555 www.aonangayodhaya.com Krabi Resort Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 030-5 www.krabiresort.net Aonang Buri Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 499 www.aonangburi.com

Pimalai Resort & Sp a - Koh Lanta Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 999 www.pimalai.com

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Peace Laguna Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 637 344-7 www.peacelagunaresort.com Krabi Sands Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 600 027 www.krabisands.com Railay Beach Rayavadee Tel. +66 (0) 75 620 740-3 www.rayavadee.com Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 819 451-4 www.bhungathani.com Railay Village Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 819 412-3 www.railayvillagekrabi.com Anyavee Railay Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 819 438 www.anyaveerailay.com Railay Bay Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 622 998-9 www.railaybayresort.com Koh Lanta Layana Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 100 www.layanaresort.com Rawi Warin Resort & spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 400-498 (98 lines) www.rawiwarin.com Twin Bay Resort Tel. +66 (0) 84 305 4288 www.twinbaylanta.com Nakara Long Beach Resort Tel. + 66 (0) 75 684 198 Crown Lanta Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 626 999 www.crownlanta.com

Be yond Resorts by Ka ta Group Tel. +66 (0) 75 628 300 www.kata group.com

Lanta Pura Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 668 299-301 www.lantapura.com Lanta Castaway Beach Resort Tel. + 66 (0) 75 684 851 www.lantacastaway.com Anda Lanta Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 665 018 www.andalanta.com Royal Lanta Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 684 361 www.royallanta.com Andaman Lanta Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 684 200-2 www.andamanlanta.com Lanta Marina Reaort Tel. +66 (0) 75 684 168 www.lantamarina.com Phi Phi Island Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island Tel. + 66 (0) 75 627 300 www.ichotelsgroup.com Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 75 628 900 www.outrigger.com Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel Tel. +66 (0) 75 601 170-7 www.phiphi-cabana.com Zeavola Tel. +66 (0) 75 627 000 www.zeavola.com Phitharom PP Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 601 121 www.phiphiresortphitharom.com

Sofitel Krabi Phokeeth ra Golf & Spa Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 627 80 0 www.sofitel.com

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Transport

Call Center 24 Hrs

PHUKET TO SAMUI

SAMUI TO PHUKET

PHUKET TO UTAPAO

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

PG252

0935

1030

Daily

PG251

0805

0905

Daily

PG282

PG250

1125

1220

Daily

PG259

0925

1025

Daily

1510

1645

Daily

PG254

1300

1355

Daily

PG253

1125

1225

Daily

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

PG256

1600

1655

Daily

PG255

1430

1530

Daily

PG281

1300

1440

Daily

PG258

1910

2005

Daily

PG257

1730

1830

Daily

UTAPAO TO PHUKET

PHUKET TO CHIANG MAI PHUKET TO BANGKOK

BANGKOK TO PHUKET

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

PG247

1110

1315

Daily

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

PG270

0700

0825

Daily

PG271

0805

0930

Daily

PG272

1020

1145

Daily

PG283

0850

1015

Daily

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

PG276

1215

1340

Daily

PG275

1000

1125

Daily

PG248

1415

1620

Daily

PG274

1440

1605

Daily

PG924

1225

1350

Daily

PG909

1610

1735

Daily

PG273

1355

1520

Daily

PG286

1725

1850

Daily

PG277

1655

1820

Daily

PG278

1905

2030

Daily

PG279

1945

2110

Daily

PG280

2210

2335

Daily

PG220

2155

2320

Daily

LOST CREDIT CARDS

CHIANG MAI TO PHUKET

TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE CONSULAR REPRESENTATIVES FUNCTIONING IN PHUKET

Visa

001-800-11-535-0660

Australia

076 510 111

Ireland

076 281 273

AMEX

02 273 5544

Master Card

001-800-11-887-0663

Austria

076 248 334-6

Italy

076 381 792

Czech Republic

076 249 400

USA

076 342 270

Diners Club

02 232 4100

Denmark

076 388 283

Korea

076 234 452

HSBC

1590

Finland

076 330 530-4

Norway

076 237 156

City Bank

1588, 02 232 2484

France

076 304 050

Sweden

076 380 000

JCB

02 256 9151-4

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

212 129

Phuket Airport

327 230-37

Tourist Police

214 368 or 1155

Tourism Authorities (TAT)

212 213

Kamala Police Station

279 058

Phuket Tourist Association

610 365-6

Kathu Police Station

342 719/21

Bangkok Phuket Hospital

254 425

Thalang Police Station

311 123

Mission Hospital

237 220-6

Phuket Provincial Immigration Office

215 217

Patong Hospital

340 444 or 342 633-4

Phuket Deep Sea Port

391 171

Phuket International Hospital

249 400

Phuket Post and Telegraph Office

211 020 or 216 951

Vachira Phuket Hospital

361 324

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74

Andaman

g n i t t e G o t know

the Northern Andaman Region

of Khaolak, Phang Nga

Just an hour’s drive north of Phuket in mainland Phang Nga province, Khaolak is a beautiful area with long, sandy beaches fringed by the many surrounding national parks offering nature lovers a pristine landscape of beaches, jungle-covered mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries.

There’s an abundance of comfortable resorts and bungalows blending into the scenery along the coastline and being more low-key than, Phuket, it’s a place to take it easy, read a book and get back to nature. Go for long walks on the beach, take a nature tour and explore the interior, go sightseeing by elephant, trek through the jungle, or go rafting along the local rivers with one of the daily Eco-Tours.

www.theguidephuket.com

Khaolak is also a great jumping off point in the high season for a trip to the Surin and Similan Islands, renowned for world-class scuba diving, or for the gorgeous Khao Sok National Park further to the north.

Andaman

75

Activities in the Khaolak, Phang Nga Nature Tours As Khaolak is surrounded by national parks, an eco-friendly nature tour is a must. A typical tour with pick you up about 09:00 and you’ll be driven to a fishery to have a look at the many exotic species there, and then taken to an elephant camp. Riding an elephant through the jungle is a life-enhancing experience and you’ll be amazed at the gentleness of these huge beasts. After lunch you are bussed up to a camp in the mountains where bamboo rafts then take you downriver.

Trekking in Khao Sok National Park to the north is sublime and there are riverside cottages for rent, plus river rafting and tubing.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Beginner courses and daytrips for experienced divers are freely available, most groups making up about six divers maximum. For those who can’t get enough of the vivid underwater life in this area there are also live-aboard trips.

Due west from Khaolak is the Similan Island group with the Surin archipelago to the northwest and by speed boat you can reach the Similans in about 90 minutes from Taplamu Harbor to the south of Khaolak.

Sea Kayaking There are several companies offering sea cave kayaking tours from Khaolak to nearby Phang Nga Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the departure point, the ‘mother ship’, which also transports the kayaks, takes you to limestone islands that have collapsed into themselves leaving the interior intact and untouched over many years. Sea caves lead into these lagoons and when the tide is right the result is akin to visiting a parallel world where time stands still.

Wining and Dining Khaolak has an abundance of great Thai and international restaurants, pubs and bars, some offering music and all are welcoming and friendly.

Home Stays and Environmentalism North of Khaolak there are many Muslim villages offering fascinating home stays linked to local culture, agriculture and the environment. All are well worth visiting and of course help the local economies.

Sea Fishing Abundant fishing opportunities are available offshore from local line angling to big game chasing farther afield.

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Phang Nga Hotel Highlights Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 371371 www.maikhaodream.com Ranyatavi Resort Phang Nga Tel. +66 (0) 76 580 800 www.ranyatavi.com The Hotspring Beach Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 580 000-28 www.thehotspringbeach.com Bor Saen Villa & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 418 888 www.borsaenvilla.com Kho Yao Bay Pavilions, Koh Yao Noi Tel: +66 (0) 76 597 441 www.koyaobay.com Koh Yao Island Resort, Koh Yao Noi Tel. +66 (0) 76 597474-6 www.kohyao.com Elixir Resort Koh Yao Tel. + (66) (0) 87 808 3838 www.elixirresort.com The Sarojin Te. +66 (0) 76 427 900-4 www.sarojin.com Casa de La Flora, Khao lak Tel. +66 (0)76 428 999 www.casadelaflora.com JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 888 www.marriott.com Le MĂŠridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 427 500 www.starwoodhotels.com Ramada Resort Khao Lak Tel. +66 (0) 76 427 777 www.ramadakhaolak.com Kantary Beach Hotel Villas and Suites, Khao Lak Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 700 www. kantarybeach-khaolak.com Khao Lak Orchid Beach Resort Tel : +66 (0) 76 486 141 www.khaolakorchid.com

La Flora Resort & Sp a, Khaolak Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 00 0 www.lafloraresort.co m

Khaolak Merlin Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 300 www.merlinphuket.com The Shambhala Khaolak Tel. +66 (0) 76 486 600 www.shambhalakhaolak.com Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 485 751-4 www.khaolakbhandari.com Mukdara Beach Villa & Spa Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 429 999 www.mukdarabeach.com Khaolak Paradise Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 429 100 www.khaolakparadise.com Khaolak Oriental Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 443 480-3 www.khaolakoriental.com Khaolak Bay Front Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 485 641 www.khaolakbayfront.com Apsaras Beach Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 444 www.apsarasresort.com Monochrome Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 427 700 www.monochromeresort.com The Briza Beach Resort Khao Lak Phang Nga, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 600 www.brizakhaolak.com Baan Krating Khao Lak Resort (Next to Khao Lak National Park) Tel. +66 (0) 76 485 188-9 www.baankrating.com Luckanawadee Boutique Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 85 477 3271 www.lackanawadee.com Khaolak Countryside Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 485 474-6 www.thekhaolakcountrysideresort.com www.khaolakcountrysideresort.com

Wanakarn Beach Re sort & Spa Tel: +66 (0)76 584 30 0 www.wanakarnresort.c om

The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 800 www.thesandskhaolak.com Beyond Resort Khaolak Tel. +66 (0) 76 592 300 www.katagroup.com/beyond-khaolak Khaolak Sunset Resort Tel. + 66 (0) 76 485 075-77 www.khaolaksunset.com/ Baan Khaolak Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 485 123-4 www.baankhaolakbeachresort.com The Andamania Beach Resort Khaolak Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 666 www.andamania.com Palm Galleria Resort, Khaolak Tel. +66 (0) 76 427 000 Khaolak Wanaburee Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 385 333-5 www.wanaburee.com Mai Khaolak Beach Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 592 000 www.maikhaolak.com Khaolak Diamond Beach Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 600 www.khaolakdiamondresort.com Khaolak Emerald Beach Resort & spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 700 upto 28 www.khaolakemeraldresort.com Royal Bangsak Beach Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 592 555 www.royalbangsakresort.com Sansimar Khaolak Beachfront Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 428 900 -5 www.khaolak-beachfront.com Andaman Princess Resort & Spa Tel. +66 (0) 76 592 222-9 www.andamanprincessresort.com The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa Resort Tel. +66 (0) 76 584 450, www.theparadise.biz

Iniala Beach House Tel. +66 (0) 76 429 439 www.iniala.com

Sutin Group old artwork