The guide phuket january 2015

CONTENTS January 2015 10

26

36

40

46

62

THE GUIDE LIFESTYLE

THE GUIDE DINING

18

Life’s a Beach

24

Getting to know

34 36 38 42 46

Philipp Graf von Hardenberg 30

Phuket Pulse

64

Shopper’s Delight

Let’s do brunch Xana with Attica Beach Club Wine Dinners Restaurant Highlights ThaiExpress

THE GUIDE BEAUTY THE GUIDE ACTIVITY 12

Activities on the island

14

Hot Activity

20

Flying Hanuman

50 52

Healthcare Spa Highlights

TIMETABLE 68 69

Bangkok Airways Timetable Thai Airways Timetable

THE GUIDE HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION 22

Phuket Beach Clubs

THE GUIDE ANDAMAN

28

Hotel Highlights

34

The Guide to Nightlife

70 72

Northern Andaman Region Hotel Highlights Southern Andaman

Cover photo : Flying Hanuman

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 ADVERTISING info@theguidephuket.com Tel: +66 (0)76 521 011 Mobile: +66 (0)89 474 4704 Kansirinphat Poolsiri marketing@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)89 288 1144 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Titaree Taweekit ann@theguidephuket.com Mobile: +66 (0)86 816 0516

10

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

12

Activities

Activit es

n the Island

It’s a big island, offering all manner of things to do.

It’s surprising that so many holiday makers, who are trying to get away from it all, soon get bored with that dreamy combination of a perfect beach, a comfortable hotel room and great food. After a few days, most people want more.

They want to go places, to see how the local people live and to experience new things. Happily with Phuket being a large island, about 50 kilometers long, there are all sorts of interesting things to do here. Below we offer some suggestion.

• Crowned Beach, Quiet Beach Find the one that suits you spend most of your holiday in Patong and you might think the beaches of Phuket are crowned. While Patong buzzes with people and activity, there are many other beaches to which one can escape in complete solitude. You just have to drive. As one moves away from patong the beaches become progressively quieter. By the time you get to the top of the island you’re guaranteed kilometers of sand to yourself, even in peak season, so remember crowned beach, quiet beach; the choice is there.

• 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.

• 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. www.theguidephuket.com

• 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 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.

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

Phuket Bird Paradise

Luxurious Day

Butterïy Garden

Phuket Bird Paradise is the ultimate family entertainment featuring an abundance of our delightful feathered friends spread about a lovely verdant parkland. From parakeets, lorikeets and parrots, to eagles and cockatoos all the most famous and colorful birds are represented and you can interact closely with them and have your picture taken covered in friendly birds!

Charter “Isabella Rose”

Phuket Butterfly Garden is the largest and most desirable butterfly garden in Thailand. In operation from 1990, it has become a magnificent place for families and loved ones to enjoy. Imagine the natural beauty that surrounds you as you walk in a tropical garden surrounded by an abundance of flowers and butterflies. Phuket Butterfly Garden is simply heaven on earth. 8000 butterflies per month inhabit the lush green tropical garden, enabling it to be a place of fun, tranquility and pleasure.

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

The hourly Bird Show is an amazing spectacle and it’s very exciting to enjoy the many tricks that the birds perform and to even join them on stage! www.phuketbirdparadise.com www.theguidephuket.com

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

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

Contact: Asia Marine Tel: +66 (0)76 239 111 Mobile: +66 (0)89 508 1333 www.asia-marine.net

www.phuketbutterÁy.com

16

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, costume 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 Katu 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.Áyinghanuman.com

Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club (TSLC) Discover paradise at TSLC 230,000 sqm megaplex with extensive worldclass sport facilities & leisure activities for everyone. Recently 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 screen. 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 www.theguidephuket.com

Splash Jungle Phuket’s Wettest Wildest Water Park providing gallons of excitement for the whole family. The Water Park offers fun for the whole famil y whether you are after a relaxing day in the water or an adrenaline rush, Splash Jungle has it all. The Park has trilling rides such as the Boomerango & Superbowl as well as six-level Wave Pool and an aqua pool for the children. Also featured is a 335 meters lazy river.

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

Blue Elephant Cooking School 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

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 Àve deep on Patong.

Surin Beach

· 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 Àne 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.

Patong Beac

h

· 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 Àne white sand and emerald sea. The beach can have rather strong winds which make it ideal for windsurÀng. 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.

· Patong Beach

Nai Thon Beac

h

www.theguidephuket.com

Nai Yang Beach

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

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

· Paradise Beach

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

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

· Karon Beach

Karon is another of the beautiful, west-coast beaches that have made Phuket famous. This beach is the Àrst 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.

· Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is one of the more isolated beaches, nestled at the southern tip of the island in a bay deÀned 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.

Kata Noi Beach

Nai Harn Beac

h

· 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 Àsh inhabit the rocks and corals along the headland to the south.

ach

Bang Tao Be

· 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.

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Phuket’s Ultimate Jungle Experience Flying g Hanuman uman

has set a new trekking experience trend in Phuket Phuket, where instead of walking on d you are flying fl th tree t t l k a bird. b d The Th extremeness t th fun f h already l d been b the ground; over the tops like off this has proven by the astounding 503 excellent rating it has on TripAdvisor, for which it received the websites 2014 Certificate of Excellence, and now it’s your turn to put this stylish adventure as one of your ‘don’t miss’ list in Phuket. things to do before booking a ticket is ensure that your One of the most important th required. health meets all conditions re After selecting your preferr preferred program, a safety brief will be repeated 3 times prior to starting the trip and also a from time to time during the trip by your tour guide, who will also be respon responsible for strictly enforcing Flying Hanuman’s rules and regulations during the program.

You will be shown ho how to put on your zipline jacket and helmet after the brief, then your great fun fu adventure starts with a 10 minute-walk up a hill to the start point of th the course. This will definitely warm you up and get you prepared for th the next two hours of fun. even a sky rail. Moreover, you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Phuket ttown from the highest point of the course while spreading your ha hands and flying like a bird.

There are 28 exciting platforms which await you on your trip which include ziplines, sky bridges, abseil points, spiral stairways and even a sky rail. Moreover, you will also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Phuket Town from the highest point of the course while spreading your arms and flying like a bird.

One great by-product benefit when partaking in this fun adventure is that you are supporting an ecoadventure, a 100% pure forest adventure activity which uses ziplines which have no negative effect on the trees.

However, it’s not only this amazing activity what makes it what it is, it is also the overall service you receive from the team, the well trained and extremely professional guides with their attentive minds, and perhaps most importantly, the safety system which ensures all guests get back home impressively and memorably.

Please note: • Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities.

• Flying Hanuman has a maximum weight limit of 120 kg.

• Children should be aged 4 years or over.

• Meals can be included depending on chosen program.

Flying Hanuman, 89/16, Moo 6, Soi Namtok, Katu, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 7632 3264-5 Email: play@flyinghanuman.com www.flyinghanuman.com

The Guide

East 88 Beach Loung

e

to Beach Clubs

Beach clubs have become synonymous with

Phuket over the years, and the beach club era is still booming with new additions every year. From party venues to relaxed lounge areas, each Beach Club has something to offer whatever your preference; sitting by the beach has never been so fashionable.

What to expect? Each beach club prides itself on

being different to their competitors, in turn making it a dif±cult task to put them under the same category.

However there are always similar foundations for each beach club such as signature cocktail menus, international DJs and stunning aesthetics that follow each beach club’s individual concept.

East 88 Beach Lounge Located within the grounds of the Serenity Resort & Residences in the south of Chalong, the chic and trendy East 88 Beach Lounge features Phuket’s beachfront lifestyle at its finest with a vast pool facing toward the ocean. You will certainly enjoy amazing signature cocktails served around the pool, live performances from their incredibly talented resident DJ and the selection of Mediterranean, Asian and favorite Thai dishes all day long. Don’t miss the Sunday special with an affordable burger buffet and salad bar. www.serenityphuket.com

Phuket Horse old artwork

O2 Beach Club O2 is a multilevel, modern-looking sprawling beachside party location which is located on the island’s East coast close by Chalong Pier. The club’ focal point is centered around a s its sizeable swimming pool that flanks a well-stocked bar.

Behind the bar is a well-manicured garden featuring a beach volleyball court and play space for younger guests.

Beachside, there’s a sunbathing space with wooden sun loungers under the shade of tropical almond and palm trees and above the bar is a breeze-cooled lounge with scattered bean bags and faux-water-hyacinth furniture. www.o2beachclub.com/phuket Catch Beach Club Phuket’s most fashionable beach club and the hottest spot on Surin Beach is still showing new-comers to the beach club era the way forward. They continue to develop their product with tasty brunch packages and continued investment in their full on party atmosphere with the best DJ’s and a well stocked bar. www.catchbeachclub.com Bimi Beach Club Found on the white-hot sands along Phuket’s spectacular west coast, Bimi Beach Club is set to continue to enhance Surin Beach to become Phuket’s most exciting venue. Bimi gives party-goers a stylish yet stripped-down spot to mingle, dance and set free their island spirit along the dazzling shores of Surin. Open from 10:00-22:00 hrs. www.bimibeachclub.com Xana Beach Club with Attica With its stunning location, 35 meter pool, state of the art sound system, cocktails and food menus to die for, Xana, Phuket’s most stylish beach club is the ultimate venue to enjoy the island at its best – day or night. With a picture-perfect backdrop by the sea, Xana features beach loungers, poolside day

beds and VIP cabanas to accommodate up to 10 people. It also lends itself perfectly for events of all kinds from private gatherings to launches and weddings, with the added bonus of onsite accommodation at Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel. www.xanabeachclub.com RE KA TA Beach Club Phuket’s only true beach club parties run from just past sunrise to the midnight hour. Liquefy at the barefoot chic beach bar and refuel at Phuket’s healthiest gourmet restaurant.

No VIP area needed, every spot at RE KÁ TA overlooks postcard perfect, palm fringed Kata Beach. Go horizontal under the sun on ultra-plump loungers or enjoy a massage as therapists knead away all stresses in the Zen calm spa. You can also take home stylish reminders from the RE KÁ TA boutique. www.rekataphuket.com OBC Ocean Beach Club Overlooking the Andaman Sea at Karon beach, OBC Ocean Beach Club is set within the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa and offers a different beach club approach aimed at the higher society by offering delightful menus featurin g prime cuts of meat and dail y, fresh from the ocean seafood. Impressive cocktails and a charismatic bar team provide the foundations for a classy evening in Phuket. www.phuketarcadia.hilton.com Bliss Beach Club Bliss Beach Club is located on Bangtao beach and perfectly blends Phuket’s country and beach life. Playful, humorous, inspiring, gentle, melding vintage with modern, Bliss Beach Club carries guests on a subtle, laid back walk from midday sunshine, to twilight and into the haze of a perfect Phuket night. Sink bare feet into a deep green lawn abutting the exhilarating beach. Bliss is a timeless day stood still. www.blissbeachclub.com

GETTING TO KNOW...

Philipp Graf von Hardenberg President and CEO of Thanyapura German born Philipp Graf von Hardenberg is known for his stellar t ll career covering i areas as di diverse as b business i coach, h entrepreneur, financier, educator, hotelier, fund-raiser, and philanthropist. He was instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the first International School in Berlin; set up Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation in Germany and played a leadership role in building Ritz-Carlton Hotels into a global five-star luxury brand. He is well known in the Andaman region for his swift and effective actions following the 2004 tsunami.

He founded and drove the success of the Yaowawit School, a government-approved, public welfare boarding school looking after Thai children from unfortunate backgrounds.

In April 2014, he joined Thanyapura Phuket and Phuket International Academy (PIA) as Chairman of the Executive Board with its superb facilities in Phuket’s north-east, which is where we spoke with him. PIA is now working towards becoming a UWC (United World College).

What is your key mission as CEO of Thanyapura?

Our overall mission is to bring body, mind and soul together to function and perform to the very best of each individual’s potential what comes to us, be that for education at Phuket International Academy (PIA); for training and performance optimization at our Sports and Health Center for world class athletes and everyday people alike; or for mindfulness, brain functioning and emotional well being at our Mind Center.

Through integrating all these aspects in the adults and children, who come to us we aim to help them achieve balance and happiness in their lives and endeavors.

What specific future developments are planned for Thanypura?

PIA is expanding significantly from the kindergarten through to the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme for the oldest students and over a hundred new students have joined us this year. We have also opened the first of our boarding facilities for the school with the first children living on campus during term time. This will grow and expand as we open further dorms and back-up facilities.

Excitingly, we are being appraised to join the World United Colleges as Thailand’s sole member of this foremost global educational network teaching the International Baccalaureate.

The ethos of this network focuses on education of the whole individual – intellectual, emotional, mind, body and soul - which is exactly our own mission for our students at PIA. The first appraisal will be complete in 2016 and we are optimistic that we will join the network that year.

How does Thanyapura reach out to ordinary Phuketians?

I see reaching out as a most important part of our growth as we need to become well known as a fantastic resource which is open to all members of the Phuket community whether visiting or resident. We are making great strides to open up Thanyapura through our ongoing program of events, festivals and promotions such as Super Kidz camps, triathlon and tennis programs; Halloween Neon Night Runs; Tribal Camp; Phuket five-a-side soccer league; Divine restaurant Family Brunches and our ongoing gym and training center membership for just 40,000 baht a year.

We will continue to run and expand this extensive program of activities for ordinary Phuketians to bring them into our world-class facilities, working with the Tourism Authority and government to promote the mind, body and soul benefits we offer to all visitors and residents alike.

Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club 120/1 Moo 7, Thepkasattri Rd, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket Tel: 076 336 000 www.thanyapura.com

www.theguidephuket.com

Hotel & Accommodation

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HOTEL ʇPATONG Amari Phuket +66 (0) 76 340 106-14 Andaman Beach Suites Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 879-83

Andaman Embrace Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 370 000 www.andamanembrace.com

B-Lay Tong Phuket +66 (0) 76 344 999 Banthai Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 340 850 Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong +66 (0) 76 349 800-7 Deevana Patong Resort & Spa +66 (0) 76 341 414-5 Duangjitt Resort & Spa + 66 (0) 76 342 090-4, 340 310-1 DusitD2 Phuket Resort Tel.+66 (0) 76 337000 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

Grand Mercure Phuket Patong +66 (0) 76 302 100 www.mercure.com

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 www.theguidephuket.com

Highlights

Safari Beach Hotel +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Salathai Resort +66 (0) 76 296 631 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 ʇKARON 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

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket +66 (0) 76 201 234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cpbr

Hitlon Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa +66 (0)76 396 433-41 www.phuketarcadia.hilton.com

Sawaddi Patong Resort

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

SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL design hotel @ patong +66 (0) 76 363 333 www.sleepwithmehotels.com

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

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

ʇKATA BEACH Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa +66 (0) 76 370 999 Club Med 66 (0) 76 330 455-60 Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel +66 (0) 2 659 2888 Kata Beach Resort +66 (0) 76 330 530-4 Kata 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

Kata Sea Breeze +66 (0) 76 284300 www.kataseabreeze.com

Two Chefs Bungalows

+66 (0) 76 284 155 www.twochefs-phuket.com

HOTEL ʇBANG 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

Highlights

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

Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket +66 (0)76 372 000 www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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

Thanyapura Retreat

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

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket +66 (0) 76 362 999 www.dusit.com

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

Twinpalms Phuket

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

ʇSURIN 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 ʇKAMALA 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

ʇNAIYANG & 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 ʇMAIKHAO 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

ʇCAPE 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 ʇPHUKET 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 ʇNAKA ISLAND The Naka Island A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Phuket +66 (0) 76 371 400 ʇRACHA ISLAND The Racha Resort +66 (0) 76 355 455 ʇSIRAY ISLAND The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket +66 (0) 76 335 600 www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

t e k Phu Pulse New General Manager ap resort

Serenity Resort & Residenc es

My name is Woraw an Housekeeper. I’m 28 yea Inkaew (Sai). I’m Executive rs old. I come from Ch achoengsao.

I graduated from Ra jamangala University of Technology Tawan-OK. Ma jors Sci ences (Fisheries). I‘m Engineering Coordinator at Ale eanta Resort & Sp a Ph ang-nga for 2.5 years. Then I got promote to Jun ior Assistant Housekeeping Mana ger. And the last positi on at Aleenta Resort & Spa Ph an g-nga is Assistant Housekeeping Manager. After that I hav e been to Assistant Ho usekeeping Operation Manager at The village Cocon ut Island.

pointed at Kata Sea Bre

ced their new sort officially announ Kata Sea Breeze Re h as General arc Matthew Hindm appointment of Khun Th ailand for in nt ide has been res Mana ger. Matthew Group of rn avo Th the for rked 26 years; having wo Matthew t. is no stranger to Phuke Hotels for 12 years he Regent p, ou Gr the Imperial Hotel has also worked for s and tel Ho ara nd Ba recently the Ch a-am, and most g be settin up a ngkok. Matthew will Resorts Group in Ba ta Sea Breeze sed in Bangkok as Ka sal es team to be ba ns. expands its operatio

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethr a Golf

ason for travel lcomes the high se Qatar Airways we route and also ct Doha-Phuket by introducing dire k service to Bangko try lanching its A380 e travel indus

of th e high season fering To welcome th tar Airways is of Qa , ar ye e th of visit d en to e th nt s wa rd towa s who ce for traveler een Doha tw be ht more convenien flig ct tion d with its dire the latest avia Phuket, Th ailan as introducing ll k’s we ko ng as , Ba et to uk and Ph its service , which will begin innovation A380 Airport soon.

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& Spa Resort Sofitel Krabi Phokee thra Golf & Spa Resor t is delighted to announce that it won “Asia’s Top 5 Fa mily Hotels” at the recent NOW Tra vel Asia Awards 2014.

The award was receiv ed by Miss Meeporn Oeawpanich, Director of Marketin g & Communications on behalf of Sofitel Krabi Phokeeth ra Golf & Spa Resor t.

NOW Travel Asia Awards is a recog nized annual pro gra m of the lux ury trave l and lav ish life style ma gazine, NOW Tra vel Asia. The NOW Travel Asia Awards Survey is ava ilable through an ass ured website at www.nowtravelasi a.com/vote. The aw ards are a result of reader pa rticipation voting for their most favourite destinatio ns, luxury niche ho tels, airlines, restaurants, and als o inspired people in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East’s tourism industry.

The Guide to The Guide’s Hot Pick in Patong The Nightlife in Patong is unique and not to be missed. Various styles of nightlife in Patong never fail to attract curious visitors every evening. Like a magnet, all are attracted to Soi Bangla, the heart of the bar scene. The ever enchanting bar girls, neon lights and exaggerated sound systems compete for the attention of all who fail to resist the pleasures of Bangla.

SEDUCTION NIGHTCLUB Sexy and stylish are two words you will instantly relate to once you have visited Seduction. It promises big nights out and it delivers every night of the week. It comprises of 3 floors featuring 4 night clubs and now has an open air rooftop bar & restaurant. Phuket’s number 1 nightclub complex is a “must-attend” for all serious party goers. The building situated close to the top of Bangla road, offers the very best DJ’s to be found in Phuket, Also frequently features big name international acts. Seduction is the very best Phuket has to offer in terms of quality international DJ’s and high tempo club nights. If you’re looking for the clubbing scene then Seduction is the place to be.

KOH BAMBOO BAR Forget about those dancing pole girls show but grab your favorite bottle of beer and sit chill in front of the most in style reggae live band in Koh Bamboo bar then create your own dancing floor with new friends. This bar is located in

Seduction Nightclub

Koh Bamboo Bar

Nightlife the early corner of Bangla road with friendly atmosphere, very entertained live band who steals your move with their songs and rhythms and a buy 1 get 1 local beer all night long. If you fancy famous classy songs in the reggae style, Koh Bamboo Bar is the best place to rock the night!

RED HOT CLUB New to the constantly evolving Bangla is the Red Hot Club.

Bringing with it a host of quality live music from their very own house band and a welcoming theme and environment that seems to capture the ambience of a Canadian or Austrian wooden chalet, set high in the mountains where drinks are plentiful and good times are rife.

The house band of seven includes several individually talented performers; the two ‘front men’ interact with the crowd all night on stage and off stage whilst producing quality vocals. It’s easy for these two to take all of the crowd attention,that is until the solo guitarist and the soulful reggae vocalist get their turn to wow the passionate masses MONSOON BAR Called it a night! This bar is absolutely decent and famous bar at Bangla road. Amazing live band which always will never left your mood stuck as they have 3-5 powerful vocalist a whole night, ensure that they will get the crowd most enjoyed and entertained nonstop up until the dawn is breaking.

You will enjoy their reasonable priced drinks and friendly staffs attentively give you a much closed service and being your dancing mate to maintain the liveliness atmosphere.

This is the great vibe place for real night crawlers!

Red Hot Club

The Guide’s Hot Pick in Phuket town Phuket town boasts a good selection of bars and more relaxed watering holes. With its own character, it offers more authenticity and space when compared to the crowds of Patong and a great night out can be had by all with a little help and a small push in the right direction from the Guide.

TIMBER HUT Timber Hut offers arguably one of the best atmospheres in Phuket. Exceptional live music and popular bands play in the center of the venue, surrounded by a welcoming crowd all moving to the music. With two floors, each with its own bar and seating areas, you can stand on the balcony and watch the band ignite the crowd, or be captured by the energy on the ground floor leaving you with no choice but to dance and have a good time. Timber Hut is ideal for groups or if you fancy flying solo you’re sure to meet a whole host of interesting people.

SANAEHA PUB The trendiest hangout in Phuket Town. Complete with a chic and sophisticated setting, this is the perfect spot to impress a date, or enjoy with a small group of friends. With crisp white walls, floors, tables and chandeliers, Sanaeha gives off an endlessly stylish feel. This fashionable venue features live music several nights a week-offering an intimate yet exclusive atmosphere.

PLOENCHIT PUB AND RESTAURANT Ploenchit is a well-known Thai vintage style pub located on Debuk road. The decoration presents classy vintage theatre theme which strongly impress and attract at first glance. Young, energetic and modern live band showcases every night with both top-chart Thai and so-called international songs. They always have a famous singer guest from Bangkok joined on the stage which will make the night exclusively and extraordinary.

ROCKIN’ ANGELS Not just another live music bar, Rocking Angels brings together musicians of Phuket and from other nations who all wish to Jam and participate. The owner leads by example and has a huge passion for playing all night long and entices other guitarists and vocalists from around the island to come and play with him. The bar is relaxed and laid back, guests are enticed by the friendly atmosphere and you could not pass this bar without having to see what’s going on.

Timber Hut

Sanaeha Pub

2014

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Hotel & Accommodation

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa celebrate third annual Hilton Worldwide Global Week of service 2014 Local Volunteers Join Thousands of Team Members across 93 Countries and Territories by Serving Child Watch Phuket Association In celebration of Hilton Worldwide’s third annual Global Week of Service 2014, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa partnered with Child Watch Phuket Association to visit the Uncle Pitak Home, a children’s home. More than 35 volunteers from the hotel contributed donations and renovated the facilities for the children.

Volunteers from the hotel organized a Hilton Market Day and an open air Thai-style market in the hotel. Guests could sample and buy local products including food and drinks, clothing and Thai herbs. All of the proceeds from the market event were donated to the Uncle Pitak Home.

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The team visited the Uncle Pitak Home to organize a day of fun and games as well as renovate its facilities.

The team was divided into two groups-one group restored the playground, shower and sink area, while the other group entertained the children with songs, games and storytelling. The team prepared a small cooking class for the children to learn how to make cupcakes and waffles, which they also enjoyed eating afterward. The team at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is now scheduled to visit the facility every three months to support the activities with the children and other renovation projects throughout the year.

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Food & Restaurant

LET’S DO BRUNCH! The Vijitt Resort Phuket Every Sunday From 12.00 – 3.00 Hrs. Enjoy our expansive mouthwatering Seafood Buffet, Sushi, Live cooking stations, BBQ, Western and Thai hot dishes, and our all you can eat Home Made Desserts.

• THB 1,099 net per person with free flow soft drinks • THB 1,399 net per person with a bottle of wine per couple • THB 3,099 net per person with a bottle of champagne per couple HALF PRICE for children from 4 to 12 years old.

FREE for children under 4 years old.

Complimentary use of our 40m Infinity Edge Swimming Pool Kids Club for 4 to 12 years old.

Tel: 076 363 600 www.vijittresort.com

www.theguidephuket.com

Sunday Brunch at Two Chefs Kamala Beach Every Sunday from 12.00 – 15.00 Hrs. Enjoy great atmosphere, live music and delicious international favorites at Two Chefs Bar and Grill in Kamala. Graze from the large international buffet with copious selections of fresh meats, sea foods, salads, American comfort food, Scandinavian favorites, Thai dishes, Mexican classics, desserts and fresh breads from our bakery. Happy hour lasts all day and night with sangria at just 195 baht a carafe.

• THB 495 per adult • THB 295 for kids and under three years are free Tel: 076 385 052

www.twochefs.com

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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 3,490++ per person including a bottle of champagne per couple • THB 1,490++ per person including a bottle of wine per couple • THB 1,190++ brunch only Tel : 076 316 577 www.twinpalms-phuket.com

Sunday Brunch at Thanyapura Every Sunday From 11.30-14.30 hrs.

DiVine’s brunch serves a variety of delicious featuring seafood, meat BBQ and carvings.

Children enjoy their own kid’s buffet with free cooking classes. Outdoor activities offer “Walk on Water” and lots of fun games by the pool!

• THB 1,290++ food only • THB 645++ per child (4-11 yrs) • THB 890++ wine buffet *Price is subject to 10% service charge TSLC members discount benefits is not applicable.

For reservations, please contact DiVine Restaurant Tel: +66 (0)76 336 000 www.thanyapura.com

Hilton Sunday Brunch From 12.00 – 15.00 Hrs. Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each Sunday at Sails! Our live band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks, and good company.

Sunday Brunch at Sails – a Hilton Experience Every Sunday 12:00 – 15:00 Prices from • THB 1,100++ per adult (includes free flow soft drinks) • THB 1,400++ per adult (includes free flow of selected beverages) • THB 700++ per child/ages 5-12 (includes free flow soft drinks) *All prices are in Thai baht and are subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT Tel: 076 396 433 www.phuketarcadia.hilton.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

XANA with Attica Beach Club

launches Sunday Fun Brunch by the Beach XANA Beach Club is launching its new and exciting Sunday Fun brunch by the beach. Presenting a buffet with the largest number of live stations in Phuket, plenty of beach and pool fun and a vibrant set by Resident DJ Wii, XANA is set to deliver a mind-blowing brunch experience.

Hop on XANA’s dedicated party boat at Canal Village in Laguna Phuket, and arrive to a vast selection of live buffet stations, such as a delicious seafood extravaganza on ice including Alaskan king crabs, smoked salmon, tiger prawns and steamed rock lobster. Executive Chef Mirko Cappa also offers live meat swtations serving leg of lamb, beef teppanyaki, chicken murtabuk and more!

At XANA, it’s all about having a great time. Guests can take a chance to play XANA’s new ‘Spin to Paradise’, and enjoy exciting rewards such as complimentary stays at the onsite 5 star resort Angsana Laguna Phuket.

XANA is the perfect spot under the sun to enjoy a friendly beach volleyball game or billiards, play with Nam Chock the baby elephant, bask under the sun in beach sun loungers or take a swim in the infinity pool with a stunning view. Those visiting with the entire family will be delighted to discover an invitingly spacious corner especially for kids. Here, children will be guided through a series of fun activities such magic balloon making, sandcastle building and many more, promising an afternoon filled with endless fun.

• Every Sunday 11:30am – 15:30pm • THB 1,450++ Sunday Fun Brunch Buffet • THB 2,250++ With free flow of house wine, sparking wine, beer and signature cocktails Kids below 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.

For more information or table enquiries Tel: 076 324 101 Email: info@xanabeachclub.com www.xanabeachclub.com www.theguidephuket.com

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DUSIT THANI LAGUN A PHUKE T Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket together with The Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand) Co., Ltd. hosted ‘The extraordinary night of Domaine E. Guigal wine dinner. 4-course set dinner paired with impeccable Domaine E. Guigal wines from Phone Valley, France.

THE SKAL INTERNATIONAL PHUKET & SOUTH THAILAND BEACH CHARIT Y PARTY On Friday 28th November 2014, Skal International Phuket & South Thailand held a charity beach party at NIKKI Beach Club. The party, which attracted nearly 200 people, was held to raise funds for Phuket Sunshine Village, Barnhem Home for Children, Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) and SKAL Scholarship Fund.

(Photos by... 91.5 FM) www.theguidephuket.com

Introducing Chef Nooror Somany Steppe of Blue Elephant Group Charming and talented Nooror Somany Steppe is the founder of the world-famous Blue Elephant Group of restaurants and cooking schools spanning the globe from London, Brussels and Paris, to Bangkok and Phuket.

We caught up with her over lunch at the Blue Elephant in Phuket Town situated in the fabulous Old Governor’s Mansion.

How did you get your start in the world of cuisine?

I was born in Thailand’s Chachoengsao Province where my mother and sister owned a small restaurant, so I grew up surrounded by cooking and developed a passion at an early age for everything associated with food, produce, cuisine and cooking. By working in our restaurant I developed the skills for cooking authentic Thai cuisine. Later on I went to cooking school and then started to travel as a chef. I met my husband Karl Steppe in Belgium and together we opened the first Blue Elephant in Brussels in 1980.

There are now 12 branches globally and our mission was always to bring authentic, Thai cuisine to our customers, using the finest ingredients and following the style of cuisine that was prepared and served in the royal households throughout history.

Food & Restaurant

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How has the Blue Elephant Group evolved over the years?

We pioneered and experimented with many new recipes and dishes and introduced a strong ethos of organicallygrown and healthy produce. We have become quite cosmopolitan in our sourcing of produce. So while many of the herbs that we use are from the Royal Projects program, we also use the best New Zealand lamb in our Massaman curry….it’s a matter of going wherever the best produce and ingredients can be found.

I have also introduced a number of new dishes with the authentic taste of traditional Thai cuisine over the years as I believe Thai food should be dynamically evolving and change with the times. Hence the Blue Elephant menu has a section devoted to the Thai Cuisine of today alongside more traditional segments such as Thai Cooking of the Past and Royal Thai Symphony, which includes Royal Thai dishes.

As the success of the Blue Elephant grew we were also able to export our own cooking packs and sauces under our Blue Spice label.

What is new at Blue Elephant Phuket The Phuket Blue Elephant is located in the stately ma jesty of the famous Phra Pitak Chinpracha Sino-Portuguese Mansion, built in 1903. We spent two years renovating the mansion and fabulous grounds and now we are able to host large corporate gathering, parties, and weddings in a style that cannot be matched anywhere else in Phuket. We will be introducing a special afternoon menu from 2:30pm to 6pm each day in 2015 and we are looking at a weekend brunch menu as well.

In addition, I’m helping Thai Intentional with menus on their Bangkok/ Brussels flights, and with Asian Free Trade Integration starting next year our Halal food products will become increasingly important.

Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion Phuket Restaurant & Cooking school 96 Krabi Road, Phuket town, 83000 Tel: +66 (0)76 354 355-7 Email: phuket@blueelephant.com www.blueelephant.com

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42

Food & Restaurant

Restaurant +LLJK OLJKWV • Kan Eang @ pier

• Blue Elephant

Seafood & Thai Cuisine 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

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

• Da Vinci Restaurant

• La Boucherie

Italian With one area dedicated to fine Italian dining in a cozy ambiance and another for pizza’s cooked in a traditional wood fired oven, this restaurnat offers the best of both worlds and has a children’s play area so that parents can relax and enjoy the food.

Tel: 076 289 574 www.davinciphuket.com Location: Naiharn and Kata

French

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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

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• Capannina Italian This restaurant offers the best pizza in Phuket, by far, with good choice and quality ingredients.

Mario, the boss, is “al forno” making pizza himself. The pasta dishes are also perfect.

We recommend the 4-cheese penne, seafood spaghetti ‘scoglio’ red sauce or tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms. There is also a great variety of fresh and cooked salads for the lighter option.

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

• 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 and Chef Guido Orben have 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

• Acqua Restaurant Italian Acqua’s superbly creative owner/ chef Alessandro Frau selects the finest and freshest ingredients from around the globe to create the most exciting, healthy and delicious ltalian cuisine.

Acqua overlooks Kalim Bay just north of Patong on Phuket’s west coast and is open every day from 16:00 until 23:00.

Tel: 076 618 127 Lacation: Kalim Bay

• 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 KOLJKK WV +LJ

• The 9Th Floor Bar and Restaurant 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, 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

• Two Chefs International We are proud to introduce our delicious food – imported juicy steaks fresh seafood, pasta, modern Thai food and much more. Enjoy your food in one of our nice restaurants with a good glass of wine from our extensive international wine list.

We also serve breakfast, lunch, texmex menu and Saturday Brunch. Open Daily 08.00-24.00.

Kata: 076 284 155, Kata Centre : 076 330 065, Karon: 076 286 479 www.twochefs-phuket.com Location: Kata, Karon

• East 88 Beach Lounge International & Thai East 88 Beach Lounge 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 our team, food, drinks and cool vibes. “Special events, theme evenings and happenings”.

Happy hour from 17.00 – 19.00 Hrs. Email: events@serenityphuket.com Tel: 076 371 900 www.serenityphuket.com Location: Rawai www.theguidephuket.com

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• 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

• Baan Rim Pa Thai Baan Rim Pa Restaurant translates as “the house on a cliff” and commands a sensational location on a beautiful headland overlooking Kalim Bay to the north, and the lights of Patong to its immediate south. One of Phuket’s first and most fashionable restaurants, Baan Rim Pa is internationally famous for its superb Royal Thai Cuisine; ambience; culinary standards; wine cellar and perfect service. The restaurant regularly wins accolades from the Thailand Tatler Best Restaurant Guide and The Wine Spectator Award for excellence.

Tel: 076 340 789 www.baanrimpa.com Location: Kalim Bay

• 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

• Jasmine B Western and Thai Cuisine Dine in the heart of Chalong in our lovely air-conditioned stylish restaurant, or in our delightful garden setting on sumptuous western seafood and meat dishes, or from a wide selection of elegantly-prepared Asian, fusion and Thai classical meals and sensational desserts all.

Relax at our garden bar and sample our full range of luscious cocktails, wines and beers.

Tel: 076 384 237 www.jasmineb-restaurant.com Location: Chalong opposite Home Pro Shopping Center

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Food & Restaurant

Slow Down at ThaiExpress

The recently-opened ThaiExpress restaurant is situated on the upper level of that delightful corner of the Mai Khao region, Turtle Village, among the splashing fountains, trendy boutiques and arts and crafts shops and even a traditional English pub.

ThaiExpress is a restaurant that serves wonderfully inexpensive and yet extremelytasty Thai and Chinese cuisine in a light, airy setting which makes for a relaxing ambiance. In fact the excellence of the food and the relaxing environment make you want to slow down, take your time and savorthe menu and beverages and just enjoy a drawn-out lunch or evening meal. Maybe that’s why the clever logo of ThaiExpress features Thailand’s national symbol of the el ephant, made up of many other small er elephants…. creatures known more for their slow, deliberate movements, rather than rushing about!

The first ThaiExpress was opened in Singapore in 2002 and its formula of serving very good value, classic and well-known Thai and Chinese dishes in comfortable and friendly surroundings was an instant hit. The chain soon expanded, not only across Singapore, but to other Asian locations and in April this year the first www.theguidephuket.com

Food & Restaurant

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restaurant in the chain opened in Thailand at Turtle Village at Kao Khao in Phuket’s quieter north-west corner.

In the first nine months of operation in Phuket, Thai Express has built a very solid following and so plans are now afoot for the opening of further outlets in a range of select locations across the island such as Patong, Central Festival and Phuket Town. ThaiExpress, with its Elephantine logo, is set to become a common sight around Phuket in the next couple of years and that’s not surprising because the chain matches both the desires and appetites of the growing wave of Asian tourists arriving on the island as well as those of the local Thai and ex-pat residents who reside here, and all at very reasonable prices.

The menu is made up of the most well-known and well-loved of Thai and Chinese dishes such as various fried rices, noodles, Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, spicy salads, minced pork and beef dishes and all completed with a good selection of indulgent desserts and fruits. The beverage selection is equall y comprehensive and inexpensive and ranges from juices and colas, to more healthy options like carrot juice.

On the day of our visit to the Mao Khao ThaiExpress the restaurant was full with large family groups of Asian tourists plus a selection of westerners and their children, all of whom seemed to be happily tucking into a large selection of dishes while a friendly exchange of laughter and conversation filled the bright sunny restaurant.

The service was both efficient and friendly and yet, the diners all seemed to find the time to linger and enjoy their meals while soaking up the happy atmosphere.

And that seems to be what the ThaiExpress is all about.

It’s a formula that like its predecessors in other Asian locations is bound to succeed, so expect to see the Elephant logo of ThaiExpress come lumbering into a lot more parts of Phuket in the near future.

ThaiExpress Restaurant 889 Moo3, Turtle Village, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)92 276 4801

झวᄯ۠

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THE EMERALD NIRVANA Patong-Kalim Oceanfront Residence, Condo & Villa, 5 Star Resort & Beach Club All of our condominium have been warmly accepted in design and location, we therefore are delighted to establish the Emerald Nirvana to customize the art of living for those who love to live naturally by the sea.

Splendid swimming pool, fitness centre and many other facilities. All units are sea view at a definitely affordable price. Having your own private Kalim beach within 100 m from the condominium, the Emerald Nirvana is on the Kamala-Patong road, Kalim beach, yet the Patong is within your reach (2 Km).

The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana Unique Private Pool Villa with Panoramic Oceanfront View.

Unique and exclusive sea view pool villas nestled on a hilly slope with breathtaking views over the Andaman sea and perfectly in tune with the nature that surrounds it. Each villa is spacious and ingeniously designed to provide an individual and stylish character where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets without leaving your own private infinity pool.

The villas are on the ground of a luxury development of apartments, villas and 5 star hotel with an array of amenities as well as an exclusive Beach club.

They are located a few km away from Patong, allowing easy and quick access to the heart of entertainment with shopping venues, restaurants and its eccentric nightlife. Our degree of involvement from the development right through the day-today operation by our team of experienced villa management professionals and rental providers, means that no competitors knows their product as well as us. With our existing “Rental guarantee & Vacation home program�, you are assured a return on your investment of at least 10% per year taking into consideration your individual financial requirements.

THE EMERALD NIRVANA 4233 Kalim Beach Rd., Kathu, Patong, Phuket Thailand 83150 Tel: +66 (0)85 543 5435, +66 (0)82 333 3416 www.emerald-nirvana-phuket.com

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Health & Beauty

World destination for medical tourists Bangkok Hospital Phuket has, for over a decade, played ma jors roles in underpinning Phuket on the world’s medical tourism map. We are proud to have grown and successfully supported Phuket’s tourism industry through close collaboration with both the government and private sectors.

The Hospital Accreditation (HA) and Joint Commission International (JCI) are our guarantee which leverages us to become a Hospital of Choice with trustworthy healthcare that does not only attract local residents, but also foreigners worldwide. The number of our foreign clients registers impressive 20% growth, i.e. up from 78,000 in 2012 to 95,000 in 2013, and the figures stay on the rise each year.

We have been keen in medical tourism for more than a decade, and at our cornerstones are cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, dental treatment, and exclusive health screenings, also along with other kinds of medical treatment, such as senior vision correction, fertility care, spine surgery, da Vinci robot-assisted colorectal surgery, heart surgery in the bandwagon.

Safe destination for holiday-makers We walk a big step beyond to provide medical healthcare to all holiday-makers with an even more secure and safer holiday experience through the set-up of “Outreach Clinics” –15 to date– which are strategically located at hotels and resorts, Phuket International Airport, international schools, Central Festival Phuket shopping mall and other strategic areas across Phuket island and Phang Nga province. The service has been designed for “Hotel Call” in order for our doctor to visit a guest in a hotel room, as well as “Hotel Refer” providing patients being referred for further treatment at the hospital.

1. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa 2. Anantara Phuket Resorts & Spa 3. Renaissance Phuket Resorts & Spa 4. Holiday Inn Resort (Mai Khao Beach) 5. Holiday Inn Resort (Patong Beach) 6. Dusit D2 Patong 7. Millennium Resort Patong 8. Indigo Pearl Phuket (Nai Yang Beach) 9. British International School (Kohkaew) 10. Bangkok International Clinic (Laguna Resort) 11. Phuket International Airport (Maikhao) 12. Bangkok Phuket @ Maikhao 13. Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort (Kamala) 14. Central Festival Phuket Shopping Mall 15. Bangkok Phuket @ Phang Nga Ambulance Centers on 24-hours standby in nearby provinces • Khao Lak, Phang Nga province: tel. +66 (0) 89 973 5839 • Krabi province: tel. +66 (0) 81 787 7953, +66 (0) 89 973 5838 www.theguidephuket.com

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Health & Beauty

SPA www.theguidephuket.com

Health & Beauty

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Rarinjinda

RarinJinda Wellness Spa is one of Thailand’s leading wellness spa with expert therapist and latest spa technologies.

RarinJinda Wellness Spa offers clients wellness, good health and luxurious pampering in a spa sanctuary. RarinJinda is an urban spa fully equipped with all the latest spa technology ad facilities of the highest international standards, yet deeply rooted in the Thai massage and healing traditions. RarinJinda is an oasis of health and wellness in Thailand’s tourist capital, located adjacent to the back of Jungceylon Shopping Center.

Tel: 076 366 724, 076 366 800-2 www.rarinjinda.com

Vara Spa

At Vara Spa, from the moment you step through the door, you become the center of our 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

Sala Spa

Sala Spa: Exotic, mysterious, decadent total indulgence awaits! 5 indoor treatment rooms and 3 beachfront massage stations. Facilities also include sauna and steam rooms. For more details please refer to the spa menu In your room.

Reservations are essential to avoid disappointment.

Please press the spa button on your phone or Ext: 5000. Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other promotions.

Tel: 076 338 888 www.salaresorts.com www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

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Health & Beauty

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

Venustas

Venustas, the premium Thai spa, was inspired and created by Ms.Sudjai Tomon with a thought of retrieving the energy of life and revitalizing the balance of body and mind. With the love in pure natural product and th awareness of the dangers of synthetic product , she was inspired to bring forth the myriad beneÀts of 100% natural active ingredients and pure essential oils to every customer by developing therapeutic spa products.

Tel: 089 587 1523 www.venustas-thailand.com

The V Spa

The V Spa aims at bringing back guest to nature, built in the shape of a villages style the pretty small straw roofed Salas blend totally with the natural beauty of the jungle. Each has been designed with nature at heart and fashioned.

When in Thailand, don’t forget to have a Traditional Thai Natural Touch Treatments. At The Vijitt Resort Phuket, you can have one right on the private spa executive room or at the open air Salas. Traditional Thai Natural Touch Treatments is soothing and relaxing it’s deÀnitely worth it. Try also the resort’s Aromatherapy oil massage, Thai essential oils are used to penetrate your body and ensure long lasting health and beauty. It removes body aches, loosens knotted blood vessels, cures beriberi and helps your body systems recover from stress and anxiety. You will surely feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

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

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 Àneness pleasure of pampering yourself.

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

VIP exclusive guest to celebrate the official one year anniversary and grand re-opening of Aziamendi on Decem ber 5, 2014

anniversary and celebrate the official one year Iniala Press outing on December 4th tothe Beach House. the at rant restau ure signat endi, grand re-opening of Aziam

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VIP Opening of Davnici for celebrations the first Anniversary of Davinci Kata on December 15, 2014

Soft Opening COCO Life Tropical Spa at Kamala, Phuket.

On December 9,2014

Official Launch Party, Love Nightlife, Love Skybar, Love Rooftop Pool. On 6th December 2014. www.facebook.com/theguidephuket

06 December, Anniversary Party on Saturday Twinpalms Phuket hosted its 10th h Beach Club, Catc and rt Reso s palm Twin at both 2014. The party was organized s loyal guests palm Twin all to s tion and apprecia in order for a sincere THANK YOU ncies, media age es, oriti the family, and to auth and members who were part of years.

10 last the over orts supp t and more organizations with grea

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Official Grand Opening Kata Rocks , Phuket on November 28,2014

VIP Opening of Davnici for celebrations the first Anniversary of Davinci Kata on December 15, 2014

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Hotel & Accommodation

Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa On November 29th 2014, the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa hosted an unforgettable Rhythm of Sound event on the beach lawn of the resort. The event, part of the groups global entertainment platform RLife LIVE, saw special performance by some of Asia’s hottest DJs including Jaxx Da Fishworks from Japan, DJ EvinKing from China, Thailand natives Krissada Funk & funky Gangster, Oatawa and Kolor One, DJ Sunzone, Space Monkey and the Trio-IMBYU. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa 555, Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0)76 363999

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Photo by... Guy Nowell

28th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 2014 150 individual races a new record for the region’s most revered international yachting spectacle In honor of the birthday of His Ma jesty the King of Thailand, the 28th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta staged a truly world class sailing event. New class ratings delivered exceptionally close racing as intended this year, with some epic confrontations across the classes. In the headlining IRC0 and IRC1 grand prix classes, as well as amongst the vast Bareboat Charter fleet and in the catamaran classes, racing came right down to the wire, with seconds between first and second throughout the week, and marginal points victories determining winners and runners-up.

Photo by... Guy Nowell www.theguidephuket.com

Phuket Island delivered a week of beautiful weather, reasonably consistent winds and great hospitality, contributing to the ever-growing reputation of the Regatta on the worldwide stage; indeed, it lends superb credibility to the reputation of Thailand as a great sports sailing nation.

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Lifestyle

Shopper’s

Delight

MAI KHAO BEACH Turtle Village The Exclusive Shopping Destination on Mai Khao Beach for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach.

Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir, antique and clothing selections.

Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao Beach, TheCoffee 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.

ture Ma gazine Photo by... Art and Cul

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 jewelry, 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 drink to household goods and is open from 06:00 – 22:00.

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Lifestyle

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Lifestyle

PATONG BEACH Jungceylon Located centrally in Patong Beach is the newest addition to the growing trend of shopping malls in Phuket.

‘Jungceylong’ was the old name for Phuket when it was still a prosperous port town and tradingin the region was at its peak. This shopping mall retains a lot of the old history of Phuket in its architecture and style and is a joy to visit for this alone.

The choice of goods is world-class, comprising space 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 minimaland modernistic, at night the lighting, ranging fromblue 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 even can improve your well-being at a spa or make yourself even more beautiful at an aesthetic centre or at the onsite hairdresser.

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 beachsideversion of the famous Phuket Weekend Market in Phuket Town. Aimed at tourists, the place is a great opportunity for an evening stroll. www.theguidephuket.com

Lifestyle

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SHOPPING & DINING

Central Festival Phu

ket

Phuket Central Festival

PHUKET TOWN 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 jewelry 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 cuisine to Japanese to local Thai outlets.

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 realize that there is an equally good alternative here in Phuket, albeit on a smaller scale.

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

There is also an abundance of food and drink stalls to keep the energy levels up whilst you wander around.

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

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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 converted in the manner of the bigger song-taews mentioned above to carry about four (or more!) passengers.

The tuk-tuk gets its name from the noise its little engine makes. There are fleets of these in all 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 motor cycle 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 motor cycle lights must be turned on at all times, including during the daytime! The police occasionally enforce all these laws, so beware.

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

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 is directly 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.

Transport

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

1130

Daily

TG 203

0830

0955

Daily

TG 204

1050

1220

Daily

TG 205

0940

1100

Daily

TG 206

1150

1315

Daily

TG 207

1310

1430

1246

TG 208

1530

1655

Daily

TG 215

1410

1530

Daily

TG 230

1425

1550

1567

TG 217

1655

1815

Daily

TG 216

1630

1755

Daily

TG 221

1820

1940

Daily

TG 218

1915

2040

Daily

TG 221

1925

2045

Daily

TG 222

2035

2200

Daily

TG 223

2005

2125

246

TG 212

2125

2250

Daily

TG 225

2240

2359

Daily

PHUKET TO CHIANG MAI

CHIANG MAI TO PHUKET

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

Flight

Dep

Arr.

Days

TG 1272

1135

1330

Daily

TG 1151

0845

1040

Daily

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

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

8.30am - 4.00pm

30

7.00am - 4.00pm

30

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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Andaman

GETTING TO KNOW the Southern Andaman Region of Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta

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.

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.

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 www.theguidephuket.com

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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•Krabi Hotel Highlights •

Pimalai Resort & Spa - Koh La nta Tel. +66 (0) 75 607 999 www.pimalai.com

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

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by Kata Group Be yond Resorts 628 300 Tel. +66 (0) 75 om p.c ou gr ta www.ka

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

Sofitel Krabi Phok eethra Golf & Sp a Resort Tel. +66 (0) 75 627 800 www.sofitel.com w

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