November 2013 by NewspaperDirect-Phuket

November 2013

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket PHUKET

What are your best souvenirs from Phuket? Fit outside the gym Acqua Restaurant review

Editor’s Note Well it’s that time again, the time when the vast number of residents to Phuket, most of whom have some kind of connection to the tourism industry, look forward to possibly 6 months of no holiday, longer working days, and weeks upon weeks of, in some way or another, serving those who visit the island. On the other hand, there are also those who are now here to enjoy a few days, weeks or possibly months of all that this great island has to offer. And there is possibly no other tourist destination in the world that boasts a range of facilities, activities, history, culture, entertainment and even world class sporting events like Phuket, especially in such a small area. Welcome back high season!!! Russell Smith Editor

Contents for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

Cover Photo

SAPHAN HIN

Editor: Russell Smith Sales & Marketing: Ponglikit Yuadyong

14 Fit outside the gym and it is free!

Boating in Phuket

Not just a place to get food

Learning about #Hashtags #rainyday #photos #beach#beach #pool #night #online #relax #shopping #social #hotel #spa #magazine #sea#follow #thailand #art #travel #food #read #restaurants #bar#network #beer #market #view

#friend

#phuket #room

#park

#booking

#sunset

#internet #green

What are your best souvenirs from Phuket?

Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano.

Designers: Mana Tinratreengam Somphot Hama

Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, ﬁne extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products.

Production: Ukit Hanamornset Sutin Wonglang Uten Arrerob

Restaurant review, AQUA

(Part II: Crewed Yacht Charters)

Recipe: Beef Green Curry Fried Rice

Photographers: Suksan Samranrit Suravut Teepprasan Wasan Limsakul Watchara Sangmanee

#patong #where

Adopt a dog & save a life

17 18

Events & News

All photography in this publication is copyright of Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. unless noted otherwise. No photos or any other part of this publication many be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. All rights are reserved.

Enjoy our Illy coﬀee at the coﬀee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

in Phuket is published by Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. 50/21 Moo 4, Chao Fa Nok Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel.: +66 (0) 7624 8715 Fax: +66 (0) 7624 8901 Email: info@phuket4seasons.com www.phuket4seasons.com

Quiz

READ ‘IN-PHUKET’IN THESE OUTLETS AND MANY OTHERS. Opening Hours: 07:30 – 20:00 Location: On Chaofa West Road, near the intersection with Khwang Road

Located in the prestigious Boat Lagoon Marina off Thepkasattri Rd. You will see the on the right-hand side after the security box

Tel: 076 521 670, 081 328 1352

We Café is a pleasant restaurant and coffee shop located on Chaofa West Road between Phuket Town and Chalong Temple. Opened in October 2012, it stands adjacent to a famous hydroponic farm which has been growing and selling fresh salad and vegetables since 2000 to distribute to Phuket’s many restaurants and hotels.

The Hardstand is a lot more than a great coffee shop, they have a fantastic menu as well just take a look at their website http://www.thehardstand. com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheHardstandCafe and see. Every Friday they offer a great BBQ night starting at 5.30pm and this a not to be missed event. They also have an excellent reputation offer catering for Marine Charters and other events.

Located in Phuket Old Town at 58 Radsada Rd. between Phuket Rd &Takoupa Rd. Tel: 080 524 2121

You will find Dannys Place on the Rim Had Road in Kamala, in-between 7/11 Eleven and the Print Resort

A great café and bistro in Phuket Old Town, offering a wonderful selection of coffee from Nespresso, you can also purchase a fabulous machine for home/

Danny Place is a fabulous bar and restaurant in Kamala where you can

office use. There you will find a delightful selection of sandwiches, salads,

be assured of a wonderful welcome. On offer is great selection of drinks

cakes, ice cream and they also serve breakfast. Not forgetting Wines, Beer

from beers to cocktails or just enjoy great coffee. The menu offer excellent

and Vodka.

value authentic Thai food and is open for breakfast, lunch or diner.

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Travel & Eateries

fit outside the gym and it is free!

“Man surprised me most about humanity. Because he sacrifices his health in

It’s a multi-purpose park surrounded by mature pine trees and with lots of open

order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And

grass spaces. You can take an easy run around the park or the road. The park is

then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the

less crowded in the morning. Benches are not only good for resting, but act like

result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is

built in gym equipment! Stepping or even jumping up on to the bench several

ride on them. In the morning there are some Chinese descent who come to do Tai

never going to die, and then dies having never really lived,” says Dalai Lama XIV.

times can really get your heart rate racing, but the park does also offer free

Chi, and some young people start their basketball matches at 8am. Ladies who visit

People on the island sacrifice their lives inside air conditioned boxes, sacrificing

fitness equipment to do crunches, chin-ups, dips, and more while enjoying the

Suan Luang are welcome to join the aerobic dances whether they are beginners or

their money to a membership, and their time being gym rats!

great outdoors. They are installed behind the bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada

advanced, classes start late afternoon.

Nupradit.

The cost of living on the Pearl of the Andaman is increasing and getting fit doesn’t

An impressive point about this park is that there is no doggy mess; it is actually very

mean that we have to spend money joining and going to a gym. In fact, if you’re

The newest workout trend in Saphan Hin is cycling. A bicycle rental booth is

rare that you will even see a dog. It’s very clean and well looked after. Spaces are well

feeling uninspired to go to the gym after work, grab a friend and head down

located behind the public restrooms, and offers a variety of bicycles for rent at

used and of course fitness gear is available to use for free.

to your nearest park. Parks are becoming an alternative environment for those

a very cheap price and this activity is popular among children. With easy access,

wanting to add variety to their work outs, or who just don’t like the gym. And,

and being located right in town, it’s no wonder this park has become a real

Another place worth visiting is Bang Wad reservoir, also called Bang Wad Dam. It is

it’s an affordable way to increase physical activity opportunities, because there’s

family venue, filled with picnickers and workout folks. Cars can be parked almost

the largest fresh water supply for the island and is located in the hills of Baan Kathu.

nothing special to build. In Phuket there are couple places islanders like to go.

anywhere so jogging or cycling can be a little frustrating in the evening so be

Doing workouts at the reservoir is a pleasure as it is less crowded and much quieter

Saphan Hin is a public park which has been popular with the locals for a long

careful.

compared to the two parks. The main workout activities here are walking, jogging and

time. It is part of a land reclamation project which sees new created land being

cycling. The dam is about 800 meters long and has small trails winding to almost seven

use for parks. One reason of its popularity is its location in town, but near the

On the outskirts of the town is Rama IX park, commonly called Suang Luang, it’s

sea. The tin mining monument shaped like a large drill bit and dedicated to the

the biggest public park. The park is so large it takes up almost an hour to walk

memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first

around its outer walking trail. Like any park it is a gathering place for locals in the

There are more people here in the morning than in the afternoon as it can be very hot

dredge to Phuket in 1909, is located at the entrance. Every Phuket kid used to use

mornings and evenings.

during the day. The place offers stunning views with the morning light. One big advantage

the monument as their slide and play ground. Phuket Municipal Sports Center is

kilometers around the reservoir.

of here is that the trails are different in terms of height so you are challenged with some

located here and everyone is welcome to use the facilities including gymnasium,

There is a couple of entrances to the park and car parks are restricted to certain

badminton court, indoor basketball court, petanque field at nominal fees.

zones which make the jogging trails car free, although bicycles are allowed to

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great uphill hikes; even cyclists like to come here to improve their sprinting speeds.

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Catamarans - Probably the most popular vessel in the area and as most staterooms are located in the two hulls this leaves plenty of room for the saloon and deck. When compared with a monohull of the same length a catamaran offers almost double the space. They also provide a stable platform that can smoothly take the ocean swells. The biggest advantage is that their shallow draft makes it possible to explore areas off limits to other yachts such as hongs, high limestone islands which have collapsed in the middle leaving a landlocked lagoon. Several of these lagoons are accessible via caves by dinghy or kayak at low tide. Traditional Turkish Gulets - These beautiful wooden sailing vessels are also available and are traditionally two or three mast. Being single hull and because of their weight, a Gulet is good to sail in most conditions, so this one vessel you might to want to look for if you like to sail with a historical feeling and great sea comfort. Motor Yachts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; If you want to explore Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters in but are limited for time you may want to consider this type of vessel as they are somewhat faster than the aforementioned. Again, there are many sizes of vessel to choose from, from small for just a couple to very large superyachts for big groups. However, the prices for motor yachts can be high due to their fuel consumption.

Boating in Phuket Part II

Crewed Ya c h t

Most crewed yachts are available for private charter but the duration of the charters vary from a single day trip up to a week or more. However, some sailing yachts may require a minimum of a 4 night charter, or one week minimum on a luxury sailing yacht. Yacht charter services in Phuket can be easily found by simply searching for yacht charters Phuket on the internet, and you can choose the type that would most suit you. Photos from Asia Marine Ltd | www.asia-marine.net

Charters

It is all about total privacy, personal service, gourmet meals, absolute relaxation and seclusion, and no fixed itinerary. Taking a holiday on a fully crewed yacht is much like staying in a floating hotel and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be an experienced sailor to do it as on a fully crewed yacht you have a dedicated captain, chef, and on larger vessels staff to look after your every need. The choice of yacht is important because you will spend days and nights on board. In Phuket you may be surprised by the growth of the yachting business. There are many styles of yachts available to charter, from sailing yachts, catamarans, motor boats, traditional Turkish Gulets, motor sailors, and superyachts. There are many yacht charter companies on the island that are ready to assist you to find the right yacht to perfectly match your requirements. Sailing Yachts - A range of monohulls are available, many more sporty with excellent sailing performance, others more sedate. There are a variety of distinct types, and each has their own characteristics. Some are very common, others rarely seen, but all have their enthusiasts. Prices for these yachts vary depending on their size, age, pedigree and number of crew. In Phuket crewed sailing yachts are sized from 47ft and larger and accommodate from 4 to 12 guests.

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in Phuket, November 2013

medical conditions. Choosing the right insurance package in Thailand

Beef Green Curry

When looking at insurance, there are many different packages to examine and many companies are willing to offer somewhat confusing deals and few details. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s therefore important to look at how much a policy will pay out in different situations (disease, accident, etc.).

Fried Rice

Personal Accident Insurance = provides emergency coverage should you be involved in an accident, usually including transportation to a hospital, the hospital stay, and emergency medical treatment. Medical Insurance = provides coverage for general health care, for when you fall ill, as well as for chronic diseases

Curry

For centuries people have used curry as an essential ingredient. Curry is a mixture of spices, water, and coconut milk. It was first recognized as a symbol of food from the Indian continent, due to its Indian origin. Influenced from the Indian curry, the Thaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s red curry, green curry, northern pork curry (kaeng hang lae), and yellow curry, originated in Thai kitchens by developing the basic curry mixture to suit Thaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastes. In Thai cooking, all ingredients used and mixtures created have meaning and are used for a reason. For example, lesser eggplants (also called turkey berry), are used in cooking green curry instead of aubergines, or eggplants. This is because lesser eggplants absorb the oily, richness of the green curry and can help reduce the hot, spicy taste.

Ingredients:

Cooked plain rice 200 Green curry paste 2 Beef, finely sliced 50 Vegetable oil 2 Coconut milk 50 Fish sauce 1 Palm sugar 1 Lesser eggplants 10 Eggplants, cut into quarters Green chilli, sliced 1 Bergamot leaves, cut Sweet basil

Life Insurance = policies that pay out to your loved ones in the event of your untimely death. Medivac / Repatriation = in case of serious illness or accident, this covers you to return

Social Security Benefits

and Insurance Coverage in Thailand Thai Social Security Coverage Thailand has a social security system which is funded by employee contributions as well as additional contributions from the employer. There are different sections to the social security system.

to your home country to take advantage of medical care and technologies that may be seen as superior to those available in Thailand. Travel Insurance = some combination of the above types of insurance, but applicable when you travel to other countries outside of the jurisdiction of your regular coverage. Not only do you have to choose your provider, they also have to choose what you are eligible for. This generally means a complete physical as well as blood-work to check if you have any chronic illnesses. If you do, you will automatically be offered premiums higher than the base rates. Full disclosure is still the best policy, since if it is found out later that you have lied or covered up any health issues, your insurance contract can be immediately voided, leaving you in the lurch.

All working persons are eligible for medical coverage if they have a work permit and are

gm. tbsp. gm. tbsp. gm. tbsp. tbsp. 2 3

Garnish:

making contributions to the system. All those who are not in the system should have private medical insurance to cover them. If you have a work permit and are working, contributions are compulsory, no matter what your nationality is. The insured person is an employee who starts working at the age of not under fifteen and not over sixty years old in an enterprise with 1 or more employees. In the event that the employee is a foreigner, a photocopy of his/her passport is required for identification. Afterward, the employee has to fill in form SSO 1-03 (The Insured Person Registration Form (SSO 1-03)) in order to register with the Social Security Fund for Sickness of Injuries Benefit, Maternity Benefit, Invalidity Benefit, Death Benefit, Child Allowance and Old - Age Benefit. The insured person has to provide 2 hospitals of his/her choice where he/she wishes to receive the benefits. One of the two hospitals will be selected as the care provider.

Shredded sweet pork Crispy fried anchovy Salted egg Fresh vegetables

Thereafter, the insured person will receive a Social Security Card after registration and

Preparation

Private Health Insurance

1. In a large pan, stir the green curry paste and half of the bergamot leaves in oil until heated. Add the beef and stir. When the beef is cooked, add the coconut milk, fish sauce and palm sugar. Stir and taste. 2. Add the lesser eggplants, cut eggplants, remaining bergamot leaves and the rice. Stir and saute until they are cooked and well mixed. Stir in the green chilli and sweet basil. Remove from the heat and serve hot on a plate and add garnish.

pay contribution for 3 months so that they can receive free medical treatment at the registered hospital indicated in the medical card.

A number of Thai and international companies offer a wide range of health insurance packages. Many Thai companies offer health insurance as part of a life insurance package, so it is best to check the policy carefully if only health insurance is required. For basic health insurance the only document required is a passport or ID card, while for life insurance a work permit is normally needed. Private hospitals may ask to see proof of funds if the patient is not insured. If the patient is insured, the hospital will usually contact the insurance company who will then communicate with and pay the hospital directly. If the hospital bill is more than the cover allows, the patient is required to pay the outstanding balance before being discharged from the hospital. Each private health insurance policy has different terms and conditions. For example, some require the policy holder to pay the hospital bill and then wait for reimbursement; others will pay the bill immediately. Check the policy carefully as many will not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic

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Travel & Eateries 11 Phang Nga

Sarasin Bridge

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY Emergencies Police & Emergencies Fire Department

191 199/ +66 (0)76-211111

Ambulance Bangkok 1646 Vichara Hospital 1554 Narenthorn Emergency Services 1669 Diving Medicine Center 1719 (Bangkok Phuket Hospital ) Tourist Police National Hotline 1155 Phuket Hotline 1699 Phuket +66 (0)76-225361/ +66 (0)76-254693 Marine Police +66 (0)76-211883

1100 1103 1322

Mobile Phone Call Centres AIS 1175 DTAC 1678 True Move 1331 Government Offices Phuket Customs +66 (0)76-211105 Immigration +66 (0)76-221905 Harbour Master +66 (0)76-391174 Department of Labour +66 (0)76-211995 Post Office +66 (0)76-211020

Lost Cards American Express +66 (0)2-2730022-44 City Bank 1588/ +66 (0)2-2322484 Diners Club +66 (0)2-2383660 HSBC 1590 JCB Card +66 (0)2-6520341 Master Card +66 (0)2-2991990-2 Visa +66 (0)2-2991990-29 Couriers DHL Phuket TNT Phuket

402

Mai Khao Beach

Thepkrasattr i

R oa d

402

Phuket International Airport

Nai Yang Beach

4026

4031

Naithon Beach

4027

Po Bay

i Road

Travel & Tourism Suvarnabhummi Airport +66 (0)2- 132 1888 Don Muang Airport +66 (0)2-535 1192 Phuket International Airport +66 (0)76 327230-7 Air Asia +66 (0)2-5159999 Bangkok Airways +66 (0)2-2655555 One 2 Go/ Orient Thai Airlines 1126 Nok Air 1318 Thai Airways +66 (0)76- 360444 Lufthansa German Airlines +66(0)2-2642400 Jetstar Asia Airways +66(0)2-2675125 Business Air +66(0)2-1346036 United Airlines +66(0)2-2530558

Landline Call Centres TOT Call Centre TT&T Call Centre CAT Call Centre

Embassies & Consulates (Phuket) Australia +66 (0)76-372600 Austria +66 (0)76-248334-6 Czech +66 (0)76-249400 China (Songkhla Office) +66 (0)74-325045 Denmark +66 (0)76-221159-60 Finland +66 (0)76-330530-3 France +66 (0)76-288828/ +66 (0)76-273511 Germany +66 (0)76-610407 Ireland +66 (0)76-281273 Italy +66 (0)76-323029 Korea +66 (0)76-234452 Morocco +66 (0)76-219881-2 Norway +66 (0)76-230130/ +66 (0)76-237156 Russia (Bangkok Office) +66 (0)2-2349824 Sweden +66 (0)76-380000 United Kingdom +66 (0)76-318188/ +66 (0)89 874 0908

The pkra sattr

Hospitals Bangkok Phuket Hospital 1719/ +66 (0)76-254425 Mission Phuket Hospital +66 (0)76-237220-6 Patong/Kathu Hospital +66 (0)76-344034-5/ +66 (0)76-342633-4 Phuket International Hospital +66 (0)76-249400 Thalang Hospital +66 (0)76-311033-4 Vachira Hospital +66 (0)76- 361234

Singapore Airlines +66(0)2-3536000 Malaysia Airlines +66(0)2-2630565-71 Firefly Airlines +66(0)76-351477 All Nippon Airways +66(0)2-2385121 Asiana Airlines +66(0) 2-2638333 Etihad Airways +66(0)2-2530099 Emirates +66(0)2-6641040 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines +66(0)2-6352300 Delta Airlines +66(0)2-6322914-8 American Airlines +66 (0)2-2376917 British Airways +66 (0)2-7284533 China Airlines +66 (0)76-327099-100 Silk Air +66 (0)76-304018-20 Phuket Bus Terminal +66 (0)76-211480 Tourism Authority of Thailand 1672 ( Phuket Office: +66 (0)76-212213 ) Telephone Directory Enquiry Directory Enquiry 1133 Overseas Operator 100

Layan Beach

Bang Rong Bay

Phuket

+66 (0)76-355850 +66 (0)76-239804-6

Bang Tao Beach

402 4027

Yamu Cape

Srisoonthorn Road 4025

Surin Beach

4025

Pa ss R

Ro ad (B y

rak

iat

ttr i Road

ra s a

Ch ale r

Nga Cape

4020

4233

Prab aramee Road

Kathu

Patong Beach

Phuket City

4233

( Fa

st We

. ) Rd 4023

Sakdide

4021

d Pa t a k R o a

Cha o Fa

4028

d t R oa

(Ea st)

ao Ch

Karon Beach

Koh Maphrao

402

4026

epk

4233

Tha Ruea Bay

oa d)

Kamala Beach

Phuket Bay Koh Taphao Noi

4021

Ao Makham

Koh Taphao Yai

4028

Kata Beach

4129

Chalong Bay Kata Noi Beach

Yon Bay

4233

Panwa Cape

Viset R

4009

oad

Phuket Aquarium

4024

Koh Lon

Nai Harn Beach Rawai Beach Phromthep Cape

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Tao Sor is one of Phuket’s most popular desserts. It is a version of Chinese Bakpia, or sweet pastry rolls, which come with assorted fillings such as sweet bean with egg yolk, Durian and black beans. There are several famous local shops where you can get Tao

What best souvenirs

are your

from Phuket? Do you have any holiday rituals such as buying souvenirs of your trip or to take

Sor. You can find them at Keng Tin sweet shop at Bang Niew intersection, one of the eldest sweet shops on the island, or Mae Boontham, a small shop in Soi Surin 4 where the Taosors are made. Mae Boontham is one of Thailand’s major Taosor manufacturers and they sell them in large quantities every day so anyone who wants to buy them in large amounts must place an order in advance. Tao Sor from the two shops is different with their own secret recipe so you will have to check them out first for the one you like best. If looking for something other than edible souvenirs it’s simple as anything can really be a souvenir, any object which is tied to the place it comes is a souvenir. If you have a chance to attend a Buddhist ceremony such as a wedding ceremony, or even if you just visit a small temple and have a chance to talk to a monk you will notice a thick cotton thread known as ‘sai sin’ (sacred thread). It is a real feature of life in Thailand and is part of the daily life of the islanders who are mainly Buddhists. Sai sin is used in many ceremonies with significant different meanings. One is that some times when you go to a temple the thread is tied onto your wrists by a monk to wish you a safe journey and good health. It serves as a gesture to welcome the visitors’ to the host’s

home to others?

home. This can also sometimes be done by elders to people who visit their house.

Many like to search for kitchen related souvenirs, especially edible ones, and

T-shirts are always a good souvenir idea. Thailand has many t-shirts which are not

Phuket has many for you to choose from. Local Phuket food has strong Chinese influences, Hokkien noodles, Poe Pia Sod (fresh spring roll) for instance. But these Phuket favourites are hard to tuck into luggage therefore dried food items stuffs

only cheap but also good quality and attractive. Patong Beach has some good fashion designers who are good at copying classic trend t-shirts with embossed logos like Singha or Chang beer and which cost only 199 baht for a single piece, which goes

are a far better choice.

down to 150 baht if you buy three or more.

Kung Seab or sun-dried shrimp, an important ingredient to Nam Prik Kung

For lower quality t-shirts, prices can start at 100 baht or less, depending on the number

Seap (spicy paste with crispy dried shrimp), is available at most souvenir shops in various versions from plain, sweet and sour, with herbs and even ready to eat

you buy. T-shirts with Thai words or printed sketch pictures of Phuket Old Town are available in shops along the old street venues.

Nam Prik. Everything you need to make your own Nam Prik can be found easily on the internet so let’s check some other local Phuket food stuffs that aren’t so easily available. Mee Sua rice noodles - there are different kinds of Mee Sua, but the thin white ones are highly recommended. These long life noodles are made locally at a factory in town and the popular brand comes with a red swallow logo. You can’t find Mee Sua in the large supermarkets, but you can at local fresh markets or at the amazing mega-mall Supercheap.

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Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, November 2013

the market. However, I like to take Krabi Rd, just a few blocks past Thai Hua Museum,

The market goes on until late afternoon, and to walk around there is very different from

on the left hand side, there is very small soi (alley) that leads to the Downtown Market.

the usual mall outing. No fancy clothes are needed, just comfy clothes and a good pair

Previously it was actually a narrow house which was demolished to create this walkway.

of shoes.

Simply put, the market is nested inside a small alley between Ranong and Krabi Rd. Walking downtown market takes me back to my old days when I liked to have a fun It’s a 24/7 market specializing in supplying vendors from other markets with their

night out with friends. We would have an easy dinner, a plate of rice top with two to

wholesale supplies of fresh veggies, meat, fish, seafood, fruits, and condiments. They

three choices of ‘kap kao’ (different dishes eaten with rice) at the market, then walk to

are delivered extremely early in the morning, usually around 3am or a little earlier. You

Yaowarat Road for a choice of cafes where you can chat and listen to music till late. We

have to be an early bird to catch some common but exciting sights like motorbikes

would then go to the market after midnight for a hot tea and late night snacks before

speeding to deliver fresh veggies from local farms, or Burmese workers standing on

going back home.

the roof of a pickup truck throwing watermelons to venders below. It provides some great photo opportunities and gives a great insight into the real life of the islanders. By around 5am all the fresh goods are set in all different stalls ready for shoppers. The market gets busier especially around 8am and at this time you can hustle and bustle your way eagerly past other shoppers. It is entertaining though, walking around from one stall to another, browsing things. Doing only this can take a few hours, even if you’re not intending on buying anything. After 9am commercial activity in the market is slower down and the area that was lined up with venders is cleared. There is also a small extension to the market on the other side of the road selling fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day, as well as ready-to-eat food stalls. Besides, the buildings surrounding the market are densely

Not just a place to get food

concentrated with shops selling clothes, eggs, incense, tools, birds, fireworks, baskets, hats, slingshots, raincoats, shoes, and so on. Even though it cannot be compared to China Town in Bangkok, you will see not less than a dozen gold shops and street-food restaurants.

Among the Best in the World Acqua is to Phuket what Le Meurice is to Paris, Aureole is to New York, and The Ivy is to London. Not only are these restaurants comparable for their quality of food, service, atmosphere and ambiance, they are all known to have a number of

Having grown up in Phuket, living opposite the Downtown Market, I’ve come

celebrities pass through their doors.

to understand it’s not just a place to get food; it’s also the best place to get to

Now coming up to its fifth anniversary no other restaurant, perhaps in Thailand,

see real local life. After graduating I then went away working away, having now

but certainly in Phuket has gained as much recognition for it’s its achievements

returned to settle on the island again I know I have been given is more than

than Alessandro Frau’s Italian fine dining eatery Acqua Restaurant, especially in such a short amount of time. However, it is not

a gift. Whenever I have a chance to escape work going to the local markets is

only the restaurant as a whole that has won so much, it is also Alessandro himself who as well as owner is also Executive Chef

one of my favorite activities to get away and enjoy every life, to exchange smiles

in the kitchen, and a very hands on one at that.

with familiar faces, socialize with old folks, and it always result in fun memories.

So how can Acqua be compared to the likes of The Ivy in London? Firstly, the Italian dishes that Alessandro and his team create

Another great thing is that you can also find many goods selling at far better

are world class, not only for their taste, but also for their presentation, and most importantly the quality of ingredients that are

prices than supermarkets and department stores.

used in the dishes. Almost all of the ingredients are the finest imported products, and Alessandro is always looking to source

Downtown Market is one of the oldest markets being 100 years old ago, to

new products to enable him to continue with his passion of creating unique dishes, and his customers enjoying them.

many town residents it is also known as the ‘local’ as it’s located in the Phuket’s

Secondly, Alessandro has a team that any restaurant in the world should be jealous of, many have been with him since the

main commercial hub. To get there, from Suriyadej Circle take the one-way road

doors to Acqua opened and this has enabled Alessandro to train his team to a level that is to be found at some of the best

towards Jui Tui Shrine, it’s about 100 meters further on the right hand side. A

restaurants in the world.

good landmark is the Talad Sod Satarana 1 (Publish Fresh Market), a four story

Finally, although it’s not a haunt for paparazzi, Acqua has had its fair share of celebrities pass through its doors, and Alessandro

building which is opposite to the entrance of the Downtown Market. It’s best

is usually the chef of choice for most of the island’s celebrities wishing to impress their guests with an unforgettable, private

to find a parking space wherever you can after exiting the circle and walking to

fine dining experience.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, November 2013

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, November 2013

Adopt

Hashtags are a fairly recent internet development. The practice began in 2007 on Twitter when journalists were “tweeting” about the fires in San Diego. At first Twitter was nervous about the practice, but then added support for hashing due to popular demand. So what exactly is hashing? Hashing refers to placing a # symbol in front of a topic. For example you might hash the phrase #PhuketVegetarianFestival. The question you might be asking yourself is “why do this?” First thing, it turns your topic or any group of words into a searchable link which is easier to follow.

a dog & save a life

Next, let’s say you are following a bunch of news reporters who are covering the Vegetarian Festival taking place in Phuket. You could look at each report’s posts individually, but there comes two problems with that technique. First you have to look at everything that reporter tweets, but you are only interested in the Vegetarian Festival. Next you might miss out on information from other reporters because you don’t follow them. What you are really looking for is information relating to the Vegetarian Festival. It really may not matter who is reporting, just that they are. So wouldn’t it be nice if you could just look at that specific topic? That’s the purpose of hashing. Instead of looking at people, you can simply look at people who post #VegetarianFestival in their tweets. That way you only see the information that is related to that topic and you will see it from everyone who is talking about it.

Learning about

This was Jackpot when I rescued him from the streets of Phuket not so long ago; he was fighting for his life & in very bad shape. After one month of good food, some serious medication & lots of TLC, Jackpot has recovered & he’s now looking for someone to adopt him & give him the home he deserves Look at Jackpot now, his skin has cleared up, his hair is growing back & he is the sweetest dog you could meet… Maybe you’re looking to adopt a dog?

#rainyday #photos #beach #pool #night #online #relax #beach #shopping #social #hotel #spa #magazine #sea#follow #art #travel #food #thailand #read #restaurants #bar#network #beer #market #view

#friend

#phuket #room

#sunset

#Hashtags

net for more photos of Jackpot.

#park

#booking

#internet #green

Please Contact: sherin.peace@gmail.com or check out www.doggie heaven.

#patong #where

Events The Race That Stops a Nation

Loi Krathong Festival 17 November 2013

5 November 2013

Loy Krathong is a popular festival of Thailand, traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which in this year is on 17 November 2013, you can find Loy Krathong activities on all around Phuket

This is also nice if you want to join into a conversation about something. Let’s

Since hashing has become so popular, other social media sites have adopted

say you want to comment on #SaveTheWhales. You can post something like, “I

hashing as well. Facebook now supports hashing, so does Google+, Instagram,

This glamorous event will be held at the Underwood Art

think whaling is wrong. #SaveTheWhales.” Now everyone who is interested in

Tumblr, and Pinterest. They all will behave similar to Twitter, but each one will

Factory on the bypass road. Starting with a welcome glass of

listening in on this topic can see what you wrote. And you can also use multiple

have their own peculiarities as well. Facebook has only had hashing since June

champagne, a day fun and fashion and watching the famous

24 November 2013

hashtags in one tweet.

2013, and right now clicking on a Facebook hash tag will take you to a list of

horse race live at 11 a.m. There will be food, drinks, music,

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon is Asia’s premier destination triathlon

posts containing the same hash tag. Instagram will use hash tags to label

entertainment and great prizes. Tickets are THB2,000 including

featuring a unique 1.8Km swim, 55Km bike and 12Km run through

So how do you start a new topic? Just add the # symbol to anything you post

pictures. Google+ will give you the option to look at the same hash tag in Twitter

lunch and three drinks. Contact info@phuketiwc.com

about. That’s all. Twitter will automatically create a new topic from that. There

or Facebook.

spectacular tropical scenery. Also, the popular race has attracted

are some rules that you need to follow. First of all you cannot have spaces (i.e. #SaveTheWhales instead of #Save The Whales). Next there cannot be any

All of this is done so that people can find the information that they are looking

punctuation. Also keep in mind that this is not case sensitive which means

for faster. Hash tagging has become widely popular and for good reason. That’s

#savethewhales is not the same as #SavetheWhales.

why it’s best to become familiar with hashing your #Phuket.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

thousands of age group athletes as well as triathlon legends Mark Allen, Greg Welch, Craig Alexander, Paula Newby-Fraser, Michellie Jones and Chrissie Wellington, to come to win the title. Additionally, almost 20 years of competition, which attract more than thousands of Thai and foreign athletes yearly still emphasize the success and the advance of Phuket to be the leader of International Triathlon Organizer.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, November 2013

STAY FRESH

SUDOKU These Sudoku puzzles are pitched at a middle level: not too easy, and not too frustratingly hard, for the average person.

2 9 6

4 3 5 7 4 1 2 6 8 5 1 9 1 9 2 3 5 9 6 8 3 1 4 2 7

3 1

4 7

2 2 8 7 6 9 1 1 6 7 7 9 8 2 6 1 3 9 6 1 7

Last month's sudoku answers

Crossword Cross 1. Color for baby girlscross 3. Those two 6. Copy 8. Hanging 13. Cut back 16. Try 17. Zest

Down 1. Over 2. Sound 4. Most of the Earth 5. Lobby 7. Put in 9. Thai river 10. Point 11. Thrash 12. Fiber plant 14. Takes too much 15. Tourist stop

Trivia Quiz

Last month's solution H

U M

C C

E S

T A

G L

Friday

Sumptuous Seafood

A taste of Italy!

THB 899++ per person

THB 499++ per person

4. How Many Wings Does a Bee Have?

Thursday

Monday

5. Who had drawn Monalisa?

Surf’n’Turf

Asian / Thai BBQ

6. Which planet is the ﬁfth from the sun?

THB 799++ per person

THB 599++ per person

Wednesday

Sunday

Hawker Stall Favorites

Carvery

THB 299++ per person

THB 499++ per person

2. When was current Thailand's ﬂag adopted?

Tuesday & Saturday

1. What place in the world has the least rainfall?

E N

A S

N K

A A

N A

Fresh, live action cooking and themed buﬀet dining

3. Where is most popular travel spot?

7. Which continent has the biggest population? 6

8. What does the distress signal SOS stand for? 9. How many players are on the ice in an ice hockey team?

10. Which is lighter, gold or plastic?

1. Sahara dessert 2. 28th September 1917 3. France, over 76 million visitors a year 4. Four 5. Leonardo da vinci 6. Jupiter 7. Asia 8. Save Our Souls 9. Six 10. Plastic

Seabreeze Café @ Holiday Inn Resort Phuket 52 Thaweewong Road, Patong, Phuket 83150 Tel: 076 370200 Fax: 076 370298 Email: dine@holidayinn-phuket.com

Answers

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