August 2020
COVER: A VISIT TO THE MAGICAL PHULAY BAY The team of The Guide Phuket spent an entire weekend exploring the wonderful Phuket Bay, from the comfort of our pied-Ã -terre at the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. (p. 16)
CONTENT
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Revering the chicken at Wat Chedi A few weeks ago, The Guide Phuket took a trip to Wat Chedi, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to explore the temple of Ai Khai Wat Chedi, which is known for its chickens and firecrackers. The origins of such reverence are unknown, but you won’t help but noticed the thousands of chicken statues that lead the way to the entrance of the temple.
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Pool access privileges at Utopia Naiharn The word Utopia was first coined by Sir Thomas More in an eponym book he wrote in 1516. The word is used to describe a society that possesses nearly perfect qualities for its citizens. With that in mind, our team decided to review the Utopia Naiharn, a four-star resort nestled between Rawai and the beach of Nai Harn.
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Off the beaten path: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve At the beginning of July, the team of The Guide Phuket ventured to Krabi to explore the beautiful sunsets and other incredible activities offered by the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as we were invited to celebrate the soft re-opening of the resort in the post-Covid era.
EDITORIAL While international tourists are still banned from entering the country, the re-opening of the island allowed us to visit surrounding provinces, such as Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, and explore the stunning vistas from our neighbors. On a heavier note, it is clear that the economic slowdown due to the Covid pandemic is affecting our island and the numerous businesses it has hosted over the years; let’s continue to help each other and support your local businesses. - Kamin
August 2020
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PHUKET
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Life is a beach Every month, we cover our selection of three stunning beaches that can be visited in Phuket. With so many places to choose from, our team tries to provide a
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Colombo Restaurant Located on the side of Wiset Road, Rawai’s main artery leading to its glorious pier, Colombo Bar & Restaurant is a small, yet welcoming venue, that offers
good mix between the popular ones and the less
traditional Thai food and Western cuisine to please all
crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find
palates.
their own happy place.
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20
Fuel your fitness at home While many people are spending more time at home,
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The Guide to Thai language New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn
here’s a great opportunity to start fresh with a new
this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered! Our
fitness routine. In this article, we have gathered five
guide to the Thai language will bring you new content
tips to get you started!
monthly.
Indoor market shopping at Expo in Phuket Town If you love markets as much as we do, but cannot stand the heat of the tropical sunshine, a visit to Expo in Phuket Town is in order, as the venue provides an indoor market with cool AC and a solid roof in case of sudden rain on the island.
REVERING THE CHICKEN AT WAT CHEDI A few weeks ago, The Guide Phuket took a trip to Wat Chedi, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to explore the temple of Ai Khai Wat Chedi, which is known for its chickens and firecrackers. During the month of July, the team
entrance of the temple from the main
You will also find some century-old
of The Guide Phuket headed to the
road, all with different sizes and made
houses within the grounds of the
province of Nakhon Sri Thammarat to
with different materials, from the
temple, which are perfect for your next
visit the temple of Ai Khai Wat Chedi,
basic stone-cut chickens to the full-on
Instagram pictures.
located in the district of Sichon.
golden and silver ones.
This temple is most likely the most
Once on the temple’s ground, a similar
close to the public given the Covid-19
famous in the area and has been made
view should occur, as hundreds of
situation, so we were not able to visit
precious over the years because of
chickens are standing across the
the inside of the Ubosot, or Bot, which
its strange involvement with chickens
property.
is the ordination hall and most sacred
Sadly, parts of the temple were still
combined with the local production of firecrackers.
area of a wat. Right in the middle of the temple is where people gather to pray to the
We then ventured back to the large
The origins of such reverence are
various statues of Lord Buddha, while
parking lot and hopped into our car
unknown, but you won’t help but
other worship areas are located in the
to drive back to the lovely island of
noticed the thousands of chicken
various corners of the temple.
Phuket.
statues that lead the way to the
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
So why all the chickens? Well, there is no real answer to that one,
believed that his ghost is still present within the temple, hence why
even when we look at the history of the temple. According to the
many visitors make donations to his statue and use gold leaves to
legend, a monk by the name of Luang Phu Thuad was traveling
restore his glory.
from Ayutthaya to the south with his young disciple, Ai Khai. Once they arrived at the location of the temple, they found many
As touching as the story goes, there is no mention of chickens, and
treasures, so the monk asked Ai Khai to stay there and watch over
this will remain a mystery for future generations to solve. In the
the fortune.
meanwhile, feel free to purchase one of the thousands of chicken statue to decorate your garden or your house.
Sadly, no one knows what happened to the little boy, but it is
SHOW YOUR RESPECT AT A TEMPLE Temples in Thailand are sacred grounds and a set of rules needs to be respected when you decide to visit a place of worship. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your knees and elbows. This is especially true for women as they should not be perceived as distractions to the meditating monks. Also, make sure to remove your shoes before entering the bot or any other buildings. You will usually find shoe racks at the entrance to place your shoes on while you continue the rest of your visit. Finally, make sure to respect the others by refraining from making any loud noise. Children should stay with their parents at all times for safety reasons.
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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POOL ACCESS PRIVILEGES AND FLOATING BREAKFAST AT UTOPIA NAIHARN Utopia Naiharn, one of the flagship developments from Utopia Corporation, opened up its door to the team of The Guide Phuket for an exclusive preview of their rooms and amenities, such as the floating breakfasts in the morning.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
large and comfortable bed and the ensuite bathroom. After spending the day lounging next to one of their two rooftop pools, you can always grab some delicious dinner at Imagine Restaurant, their all-day dining, and Mikha Restaurant, which specializes in Japanese cuisine and Omakase. In the morning, we ordered our complimentary breakfast served in a floating basket in front of our pool access room; they are offering choices of The word Utopia was first coined by
and a functional kitchenette that includes
traditional Western and Japanese-inspired
Sir Thomas More in an eponym book
a microwave, a fridge, and electric burners,
breakfasts depending on your taste.
he wrote in 1516. The word is used to
so that you can always prepare some
describe a society that possesses nearly
snacks before heading on an adventure.
in mind, our team decided to review the
We opted to try both and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients
perfect qualities for its citizens. With that On the first floor, you will be greeted by a
used in the preparation. While the
Utopia Naiharn, a four-star resort nestled between Rawai and the beach of Nai Harn. The check-in was fast and professional, as we like it. The staff has been properly briefed on how to welcome guests during this time of pandemic, and we were promptly escorted to our room, a Jungle Pool Access Loft, which spans on two floors and grants us direct access to one of their four swimming pools. On the ground floor, you will find a cozy living room, which extends to the terrace, concept of a floating breakfast is in itself interesting, we chose to move our food inside and made good use of our dining table. After a last jump in the swimming pool, it was time for us to check-out and venture out to our next destination. If you are ever in need of accommodation in the Rawai / Nai Harn area, not too far off the beach and the main attractions, then have a look at all the rooms and amenities Utopia Naiharn has to offer.
Utopia Naiharn is located on 3/133, Moo 1, in Rawai. You will find the entrance of the street directly opposite the Coffee Tribe coffee shop. For information and bookings, please call +66 76 627 400 or visit their website at www.utopiahotelgroup.com/utopia-naiharn.
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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LIFE IS A BEACH With more than 30 beaches to choose from, the island of Phuket stands for its nickname, which is the Pearl of Andaman. Whether you seek to experience the tranquillity of Mai Khao Beach or prefer to mingle among the crowd on Patong Beach, our handy guide will help you find the perfect spot to get the suntan you’ve been dreaming of.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
OUR TOP PICKS
Every month, our team selects for you the top 3 beaches you should visit while staying in Phuket. All of them have their pros and cons, so we try to provide a good mix between the popular ones and the less crowded ones. Karon Beach: Located on the island’s west coast, Karon Beach stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s a favorite amongst tourists, and within close proximity to Patong. During certain times of the year, the current can be rather rough here, so always best to exercise caution before going for a swim. Nai Harn Beach: Voted as the third best beach in South-East Asia in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Nai Harn Beach is located at the southern tip of Phuket and surrounded by green headlands, Casuarina trees, and coconut palms. The water here is warm and clear, but currents can be dangerous at certain times of the year. A row of tiny restaurants line the back of the beach, and there are a few shops selling souvenirs and beach goods. Kamala Beach: Kamala Beach is a 3-kilometer long stretch of beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast. Essentially a fisherman’s village, Kamala Beach is family-friendly with soft sand and excellent sunsets. Behind the beach, there is a strip of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in case you forgot anything needed for your holiday.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A JELLYFISH STINGS YOU? Let’s face it: this is certainly something you’d prefer to avoid when enjoying a day at the beach, but the Andaman Sea contains its fair share of the translucent animal. Below is a quick recap on the symptoms one can suffer from a sting and the best way to treat someone suffering from it. Remember that you should always call for a lifeguard to assist you should you be in pain after getting out of the water.
SYMPTOMS
WHAT TO DO
Severe pain on the wound, back, trunk or head;
Bring the injured person out of the sea to a safe place;
Restlessness or confusion;
Call an ambulance (Tel. 1669);
Sweating, chills, nausea or vomiting;
Have the person remain still to prevent the spread of toxin;
Palpitations, chest pain or chest tightness;
Pour vinegar continuously over the wound for at least 30
Breathing difficulty, rapid breathing or panting;
seconds (do not use fresh water).
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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&
COLOMBO BAR
RESTAURANT Located on the side of Wiset Road, Rawai’s main artery leading to its glorious pier, Colombo Bar & Restaurant is a small, yet welcoming venue, that offers traditional Thai food and Western cuisine to please all palates. The interior is decorated with red stucco walls around a long bar which extends almost to the kitchen. Along its side and on the terrace, you will find plenty a space to sit and relax around a glass of your favorite beverage. Chef Nid, in the kitchen, has mastered the craft and delicate use of spices in each of the dishes proposed by the restaurant, which has gained a good deal of reputation for its Massaman curry, which can be ordered with either chicken, pork, or beef. Another favorite from the patrons is the deep-fried chicken wings, which are prepared Thai style with a dash of fish sauce and homemade batter. While we are at it, the classic Pad Kaprao, also available with different proteins, is a must-try, too! On the Western side of things, you will enjoy a large selection of comfort food, such as the chicken Cordon Bleu, a pan-fried breaded chicken breast filled with cheese and Paris ham, the traditional pork chop, served with French fries and a small salad, as well as the Merguez, a lamb sausage that pairs wonderfully with Harissa, a spicy paste which finds its origin in Tunisia. Price-wise, rest assured that dining at Colombo Bar & Restaurant will not break the bank, as most Thai dishes will cost you around THB 100, while Western dishes average THB 200. Once your stomach is full, feel free to grab a coffee and a digestive before continuing the evening to Rawai; indeed, the location of the restaurant makes it ideal to visit the other popular places in Rawai. The Laguna Plaza and Rawai Pier are located a few meters away only. Colombo Bar & Restaurant is located on 37/9 Wiset Road, in Rawai. The restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, closed on Sundays. For information and bookings, please call +66 93 575 7600 or visit their website at www.colombo-bar.com.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
We offer the classic range of mass building machines alongside several weight lifting dumbells and barbells for you to use.
Keeping your heart in good shape is certainly important. You can train your cardio on our numerous treadmills and elliptcials.
The outside garden is the perfect place for a good old Cross Fit whether you plan to train on your own or with a group from the fitness.
A fitness center is a great place to make new friends who share the same goals as you do. Just ask away and our members are happy to help.
Fit Gun Gym Open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm (closed on Sunday) Located in Kathu, Phuket, on the way to Kathu Waterfall +66 85 145 4442 inter_alex@hotmail.com www.fitgungym.com
keep pushing! Open daily from 4:00 pm ll 11:00 pm. Closed on Wednesday.
Phuket’s favorite Italian restaurant, serving high-quality food since 2009. Specialized in home-made, fresh pasta, meats, and seafood, just like in Italy.
Located in Kathu, near Loch Palm Golf. www.dasandrophuket.com
HQ BEACH LOUNGE KAMALA HQ Beach Lounge is located at the northern end of Kamala Beach. It features a tranquil atmosphere, which makes it perfect to enjoy a bit to eat while watching the sunset refreshing cocktail, or rent a beach
CATCH BEACH CLUB BANG TAO
chair, cabana or a unique beach nest.
Catch Beach Club is Phuket’s most exciting and
WEB: www.hqphuket.com
fashionable beach club. The hottest spot on Bang
across the Andaman Sea. Sip on a
Tao Beach, Catch Beach Club boasts a full-on party atmosphere and offers up the region’s best DJs in addition to a well-stocked bar. Enjoy a tasty brunch package while lazing by the pool. < WEB: www.catchbeachclub.com
CAFE DEL MAR KAMALA DREAM BEACH CLUB LAYAN BEACH
Stylish and iconic, Cafe Del Mar is Phuket’s
A stylish oceanfront beach club
areas for maximum entertainment value. Spend
with a superb restaurant & lounge,
some time in the dining venue, swimming
Dream Beach Club is a unique venue
pool, on the dance floor or in the VIP seating and
that curates a tropical lifestyle
alfresco lounge by the beach. Check the beach
experience. Expect world-class DJs
club’s roster of activities, and note, there is a large
and the very best in food and drink.
parking area available on-site.
WEB: www.dreambeachclub.com
WEB: www.cafedelmarphuket.com >
answer to Ibiza. With a prime location on Kamala Beach, the beach club is divided into different
XANA BEACH CLUB BANG TAO XANA Beach Club boasts a stunning location. The venue features a 35-meter pool, state-of-the-art sound system, a variety of tropical cocktails and a delicious food menu. Enjoy the best that Phuket has to offer from day to night at XANA. The beach club features beach loungers, poolside daybeds and VIP cabanas which can accommodate up to 10 people. WEB: www.xanabeachclub.com
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
Be ready for a gargantuan feast, as Chef Ponchan unveiled a new menu for Thong Dee - The Town Bistro. THONG DEE THE KATHU BRASSERIE 110/25, Soi Bangthong Kathu, 83120 Phuket Open Tue-Sun 12:00 to 22:00 THONG DEE THE TOWN BISTRO 58 Ratsada Rd, Phuket Town, 83000 Phuket Open Tue-Sat 12:00 to 23:00 For reservation, please call +66 (0)84 309 1198
FUEL YOUR FITNESS AT HOME Face it, finding time to achieve your fitness goals while balancing work and home life can be a struggle. However, while many people are spending more time at home, here’s a great opportunity to start fresh with a new fitness routine. Here are five tips to get you started! 1. Create a realistic schedule It’s a lot easier to blow off your athome workout than a one-on-one training session or group class. What’s the secret to success? Put your fitness routine on your calendar! Instead of telling yourself, “I’ll exercise after I’m done with work,” switch your thinking to, “I’ll exercise at 6 p.m,” that way you’re more likely to hold yourself accountable. 2. Prioritize sleep To maximize the work you put in during exercise, be sure to get enough rest every night. A full night’s sleep aids your muscle growth, enhances muscle recovery, regulates weight management and can help boost your
metabolism. Turning off electronics and other distractions at least 30 minutes before bed helps you fall asleep faster and achieve a higher quality sleep. 3. Designate a fitness space You don’t need a full in-house gym to have a successful workout, but it is important to think about what you’ll be doing. Yoga, core exercises or Pilates only require enough space for a yoga mat, whereas a cardio workout may need a larger area or harder surface. 4. Stay hydrated Caffeinated energy drinks are a trendy pre-workout beverage, but they can lead to negative side effects like jitters and energy crashes. The best
way to avoid cramps and fatigue is to drink water before, during and after a workout. 5. Add fueling ingredients to your diet “It’s important to fuel your body with high-quality ingredients all the time, but especially when you are being more active,” said Dawn Blatner, Registered Dietitian. “For example, eggs make a perfect preor post-workout snack or meal because they offer superior nutrition compared to other snacks and complements you may find at the grocery store. Eggs are rich in vitamin B12, which can help boost energy and keep you fueled throughout the day.”
This article was originally published by Brandpoint and is reproduced here with full authorization.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will be delighted at the staaons oďŹ&#x20AC;ering a diverse cuisine. The 76Bar Drink & Dine can take you from lunch to the early hours, thanks to its relaxing indoors or its roooop bar with a sophisscated seleccon of cocktails and ďŹ ne wines.
+66 (0)76 343 111
WANDERING A WORLD OF GIANTS One aspect that clearly surprised us during our stay at the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the size of all the surrounding architecture, from the alfresco lobby, the restaurants, to your rooms and the delightful spa; all buildings and constructions are several meters high and will make you feel like you are the hero in one of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories, like Jack and the Beanstalk. However, our team did not find out the giant bean during our stay.
At the beginning of July, the team of The Guide Phuket ventured to Krabi to explore the beautiful sunsets and other incredible activities offered by the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as we were invited to celebrate the soft re-opening of the resort in the postCovid era.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH:
PHULAY BAY, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE It was a not-so-long drive from our beloved
resonated twice to announce the arrival of
the front, an outdoor bathtub in the
island, approximately three hours and thirty
the new guests.
Japanese garden at the back, and an indoor
minutes before we reached Phulay Bay, a
bathtub pavillion accessible from the main
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a mere 20 kilometers
It took a couple of minutes for our
bedroom. In addition, a large walk-in closet
from the resort town of Ao Nang, in Krabi.
dedicated butler, K. Pin, to drive us with
and bathroom are located between the
the buggy to our private villa, where she
bedroom and the zen garden.
As soon as we arrived at the resort,
explained to us all the amenities that were
the Front Office staff escorted us to a
available to us during our stay.
giant pagoda nestled in the middle of
After a well-deserved lunch at Plai Fah, the international restaurant located by the
an artificial pond, where the General
We stayed in a Reserve Pool Villa Sea
main swimming pool, we decided to spend
Manager, Anthony Smekens, greeted us
View, a 352 sqm. accommodation that
the afternoon wandering the resort and its
and introduced himself, while the gong
comprises a private swimming pool at
sumptuous gardens, reminiscent of a scene
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
from The Lord of the Rings. They did a fantastic job keeping the environment as natural as possible, keeping the various streams of water and other centenary trees. The staff was kind enough to let us see some of the other room
THREE THINGS YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL LOVE!
categories, as we were curious if all of them had similar decor or were different. The best answer is: all the villas share a sense of grandeur thanks to their high ceiling and interesting art placed in each and every corner, but there are different enough to justify a second or third visit in another room category. In the evening, we were invited to Jampoon Restaurant, their all-day dining, which provides a varied offering of Mediterranean-inspired and Western cuisine, presented in an intimate, contemporary setting. We ordered the melt-in-the-mouth beef Massaman, made using
The food
slow-cooked Wagyu beef and sweet potatoes, the chicken Satay,
From a vast selection of breakfast items to perfectly-cooked meat
as well as the Laab Tod Moo, an Issan specialty made with pork and
and seafood accompanying your lunches and dinners, the food
other local ingredients. After such a pleasurable dinner, it was time to head back to our
served at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is beyond delicious and tasty. Make sure to let your butler know about your dietary requirement in advance, so that they can better serve you.
luxurious villa and to call it a night. Our butler kindly escorted us back and asked us about our breakfast preferences for the next
The gardens Ever wondered what it feels like to be an actor in The Lord of the Rings movies? Wandering the immaculate gardens of the resort will make you feel like Elijah Wood or Ian McKellen (ndlr. Frodo Baggins and Gandalf), exploring the mystic land of Hobbiton and fueling on new adventures as you cross path with other guests.
morning. We settled on early breakfast, as we wanted to explore the island of Koh Hong in the morning, a complimentary activity from the resort. We chose to mix their continental breakfast with some Asian delicacies, just to bring a touch of heat to their delicious pastries and hash browns. As efficient as a Swiss watch, the team has dressed up the outside table at the requested time and let us know our meal was served by gently tapping on the window. We devoured each item with such pleasure, as we could really taste the freshness of each product, from the pastries to the mustard and their tantalizing bacon and eggs. At 8:00 am, our butler informed us that the buggy was ready to pick us up to lead us to the pier, which is located right in front of Chomtawan, the beach lounge, where a local fisherman was waiting
The sunsets While we were facing the same Andaman Sea we learned to love over the year, the sunsets from Phulay Bay were simply breathtaking, displaying multiple colors from the burning orange to shades of purple and pink. Those are best enjoyed from Chomtawan, a casual lounge sitting right by the sea.
to accompany us to Koh Hong, a 20-minute ride from the resort.
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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SLEEP LIKE AN EMPEROR Regardless of your room category, be ready to sleep like an emperor as their beds are simply too big to be true! Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve uses double King-size beds, which is more than four meters of ultra comfort and the possibility to sleep from each direction, depending on your mood.
KOH HONG, THE NEIGHBORING ISLAND It took our boat captain approximately 20 minutes to reach the
Once you have enough of sunbathing, you can always explore the
shores of Koh Hong, a small island that is part of the Than Bok
short trail, which lasts approximately 30 minutes and runs through
Khorani National Park. Upon arrival, a guard from the national park
the small jungle at the back of the beach. Be careful though, as the
took our temperature and helped us cross the pier to reach the
fauna was isolated from civilization for the past few months, so
white sandy beach.
you may stumble upon local animals and insects, like the beautiful spider we caught on our way in. Before midday, we decided to
As we were the first persons to reach the island, there were no
head back to the resort, as a group of other tourists arrived on the
footprints in the sand and the water was crystal clear, with the
island, but not before visiting a secluded lagoon on the other side
occasional schools of fish that would delight the amateurs of
of the island.
snorkeling.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
THE THOUSAND CANDLES RITUAL Though we must admit, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t counted the candles one by one... We will have to trust Anthony Smekens, General Manager of the resort, on that one as we did not find the motivation to count all the candles on our last night. But the atmosphere it created next to the giant pagoda was simply magical; it reminded us of the classics One Thousand and One Nights and Aladdin. But fear not, as the staff does not have to light up a thousand candles by hand every night; a majority of them are actually electric and on timer, so there is only a handful that need the human touch. Nevertheless, the way the lights bounce back on the pond creates a magical moment to be shared with your loved one, right after watching the stunning sunset from Chomtawan.
AN AFTERNOON AT THE SPA Before we left the hotel, we decided to explore The Spa, which is located at the center of the resort. In addition to a plethora of traditional treatments and massages, the venue offers several rooms for you to explore, such as the vitality pool, which is a thermal pool and therapeutic head showers, a state-of-the-art sauna with unobstructed views over the gardens, and a separate hammam, with lights on the ceiling representing the stars. They even have a relaxation room with soft music and the most comfortable pillows.
DOUBLE UPGRADE, TRIPLE DELIGHTS! Until October 31, 2020, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers an incredible promotion to make your stay even more perfect; automatic upgrade, flexible check-in and check-out, late breakfast until 1:00 pm, complimentary spa for couples. Make sure to check out their website at www.ritzcarlton.com/PhulayBay or give them a call at +66 75 628 111. You can also search for phulaybayreserve on social media.
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INDOOR MARKET SHOPPING AT EXPO IN PHUKET TOWN If you love markets as much as we do, but cannot stand the heat of the tropical sunshine, a visit to Expo in Phuket Town is in order, as the venue provides an indoor market with cool AC and a solid roof in case of sudden rain on the island.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
snacks relevant to the island of Phuket, a trip to Expo is not a bad idea, especially considering that the prices are made for locals rather than for tourists. You can get yourself a good quality T-shirt for THB 120, and a pair of trousers for THB 300. The place is also well-known to sell school uniforms to many students around the island, with such shops usually located nearby the entrances of the Expo Phuket. Finally, the market has a large section of shoes, whether we are talking flip-flops or something more conventional Located on Chanacharoen Road, right
wallets, and baseball caps. Having said so,
for a meeting with a client; you will fork
across the road from the Novotel Phuket
you can still find vendors that specialize
anywhere between THB 80 to THB 500,
Phokeethra, Expo Phuket or Expo Market
in souvenirs, for the most part, located
depending on the style and the quality you
is set on over 10,000 square meters of
toward the center of the venue. Whether
are looking for.
land and is one of the largest indoor
you are looking for small sculptures,
markets of the island. It comes as a great
candles and incent sticks, and even
You will also find a small food court at the
addition to Phuket’s numerous openair markets, especially considering the weather can be too hot on some days.
grid-like fashion, where each intersection
BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!
welcomes a new shop to explore.
If there is one thing that westerners have some difficulties to understand when
The shopping center is open daily from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm and is built in a
arriving in Thailand is that (almost) everything should be bargained here; it’s a Expo Phuket is focused on fashion and
tradition, especially at markets that sell clothing and other souvenirs (you would
accessories, with the majority of the
not try to negotiate on food). As a rule of thumb, consider what price would make
vendors providing pieces of clothing,
you happy, and start the negotiations slightly below that price. A THB 300 shirt, for
such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and other
example, could easily be bought for THB 200. Give it your best smile and you’re all set!
accessories like glasses, leather belts, back of the venue, with prices starting at THB 20-25 for a snack and THB 45-50 for a full meal. The food court comes complete with a small arcade area, as well as some karaoke booths, though most of the songs available are in the Thai language. Overall, while Expo may not be the first place that comes to mind when we are thinking shopping spree, it offers a good level of convenience and the location makes it ideal to pop by over the weekend to increase your collection or when looking for a specific item. Expo Phuket is located on Chanacharoen Road, across from Novotel Phuket Phokeethra, and is open daily from 9:00 am till 10:00 pm.
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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
LIMELIGHT AVENUE PHUKET TOWN Located on Dibuk Road, this indy shopping mall recently celebrated its 4th anniversary. The mall offers a good mix between clothing shops, restaurants, souvenir boutiques and grocery store on two separate floors while providing regular events to keep the crowd, consisting mainly of locals, entertained. It shares its parking lot with the now-famous Phuket Indy Market on Thursdays and Fridays, so make sure you go there early on those dates if you wish to get a parking spot, as the market takes over from 4:00 pm.
TURTLE VILLAGE MAI KHAO The exclusive shopping destination for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach. Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir,
< WEB: www.limelightphuket.com
antique and clothing selections. Outlets include Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao
JUNGCEYLON PATONG
Beach; The Coffee Club; Swensens; Supermarket Turtle Mart; Jim Thompson; Narai Phand; Private Collection; Ferera; Paul Ropp; Anita; Eleph; Marie
Patong has its own shopping center, by the
France Van Damme; Unique Art; Tanya Living; Basil;
moniker of Jungceylon. The mall opened in
Phuket Happiness Trip; Cashmere Hut; Joy Isomare;
2006 and covers an area of 200,000 square
Bangkok B.P. Pharmacy, while the new phase include
meters. It is well-known for its full-size wooden
the like of 7 Eleven, Pizza Company, Etam, OVS, Anello and Esprit.
boat, located in the central atrium, linking the various buildings together. Plenty of places to shops, including local and international brands,
VILLA MARKET CHALONG
and a large avenue filled with restaurants and places to relax under the shades. WEB: www.jungceylon.com >
While Villa Market is known for its imported products, which please foreigner living on the island and looking for comfort food from home, the Chalongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venue is much larger than just a regular supermarket, and offers some restaurants, a DIY store named HomePro, a Banana IT store for all your computer needs, and several other clothing and souvenir shops. It is also home to a large market every Tuesdays, where locals love to stop by and grab some delicious food before heading home. Beware of the limited parking spaces on that day.
PREMIUM OUTLET PHUKET TOWN
CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest shopping malls in Thailand, comprising of two separate buildings: the long-standing Central Festival, which opened in the 90s, and the newly built extension Central Floresta, which opened
Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other international names can be found on sale, including Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lee, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%. It is open daily
its doors in September 2018. Both buildings offer a combined area of 185,000 square meters
from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and can be found on
and host more than 700 different shops, from luxury watches and clothes to everyday items.
Bypass Road, not far from the Toyota Dealership.
WEB: www.centralfestivalphuket.com
WEB: www.outletmallthailand.com
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THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE RECAP 1: ALL ABOUT FOOD
Meat & Seafood
ไก่่ เนื้้�อ หมูู แกะ เป็็ ด เบคอน ไส้้กรอก แฮม ลููกชิ้้�น กุ้้ง� ปลา ปูู อาหารทะเล
Chicken Gai Beef Neuua Pork Moo Lamb Gae Duck Pet Bacon Baeh Khaawn Sausage Sai Graawk Ham Haaem Meat balls Look Chin Shrimp Goong Fish Plaa Crab - Bpoo Seafood Aahaan Talay
Vegetables
Fruits
มะเขืือเทศ มัันฝรั่่�ง แตงกวา ผัักขม หอมใหญ่่ ถั่ว่� กระเทีียม พริิก เห็็ด แครอท ขิิง ขมิ้้�น ผัักบุ้้ง�
Tomato Ma Kheuua Thet Potato Man Farang Cucumber Taeng Gwaa Spinach Phak Khom Onion Haawm Yai Beans Thuaa Garlic Gratiiam Chilli Prik Mushroom Het Carrot Khae Raawt Ginger Khing Turmeric Khamin Morning Glory Phak Boong
แอปเปิ้้�ล สัับปะรด มะพร้้าว มะม่่วง มะนาว ส้้ม องุ่่�น ทุุเรีี ยน กล้้วย มะละกอ มัังคุุด มะขาม ฝรั่่�ง
Apple Aep Bpern Pineapple Saparot Coconut Ma Phraao Mango Mamuaang Lemon Manaao Orange Som Grape Angoon Durian Thooriian Banana Gluay Papaya Malagaaw Mangosteen Mang Khoot Tamarind Makhaam Guava Farang
Famous dishes to try
ผััดไทย), a stir-fried rice noodle dish usually served with
While Thailand’s most recognized dish internationally would be the Pad Thai (
ผััดกะเพรา), a stir-fried dish with chilli and holy basil, which can be served with chicken, beef, pork, and even shrimps. Thailand is also known for its numerous curries, such as the Panaeng (แกงพะแนง), a spicy red curry packed with some nutty peanut flavors, the Gaeng Kiaw Waan (แกงเขีียวหวาน), a mildly spicy green curry, and the Massaman ( แกงมััสมั่่น� ), a rich curry served with your choice of protein and potatoes. shrimp, locals true favorite is actually the Pad Gaprao (
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON GUIDE
OUR JULY FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET While the Covid pandemic kept us without an event for the last few months, we started to see the island coming back to life in July, with a couple of events from Utopia Naiharn and the grand opening of Samran Restaurant in Phuket Town.
On July 17, 2020, The Guide Phuket was invited to the Grand Opening of Samran Restaurant, located on Soi Takuapa, in Phuket Town.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | August 2020
On July 11, 2020, Utopia Naiharn hosted the launch of their sister property, Utopia Yamu, at their Japanese restaurant, Mikha.
August 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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