PHUKET EXPLORER 2012

It’s Possible!

Just A Powerful Day New year old town Chao Fah Shopping Paradise Especially...Samui

from power of faith to haven that human can perceive.

Rongkhun temple,

THE ARTIST STUDIO GALLERY Home of the world's largest stock of original and reproduction art on canvas

Established in thailand for more than 20 years.

45 in-house artists. Portraites to oder from your own photos.

3,000 PAINTINGS CURRENTLY IN STOCK Prices start from $100

BRANCH 1: Near Les’t Relax Spa (Head Office) 209/25-26 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel/Fax +66 076 292 631

BRANCH 3: Near Christin Massage 204/13 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel/Fax +66 076 340 101

BRANCH 2: Opposite Jungceylon (Starbuck) 198/13 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel/Fax +66 076 344 816, 08 1396 2226

BRANCH 4: 3rd IT Zone Robinson Jungceylon Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel/Fax, 08 7702 0123

RENOIR BOUTIQUE HOTEL SPA & GOURMENT RESTAURANT

RENOIR BOUTIQUE HOTEL 20/7-9 Siriraj Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel: 076 292 631 Fax: 076 344 816 Mobile: 08 1396 2226, 08 6278 2274 E-mail: rsvn@renoirboutiquehotelpatong.com

:: Editor Talk

T

hailand is known as the Land of Smiles.

Phuket Explorer, we volunteered to bring you a big smile and travel in style with a wide range of varieties.

This issue, we take you to Wat Rong Khun, The white glow in the eyes of birds travel from all over the world. Then, Cruise to Koh Samui, the jewel of the Gulf of Thailand. We proudly to present a new column to “ It’s Possible!

Enjoy Budget Trip with 3,000 and 5,000 Baht” to help you smile on the trip. And of course we never forget to make your trip easier and more convenient with local tricks & Tips.

C

8

This issue, we also discovered that the name Phuket Explorer does not suit us anymore, because the range Information with a smile always up to more and more. Then we already renamed to “Siam Explorer” (Please, forget me not) With Thai Smile.

on tents

18 10 Rongkhun temple, from power of faith to haven that human can perceive.

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34

18 It’s Possible!

28 Just A Powerful Day 34 New year old town and the tales from faraway sea 37 On The(Local)Road 38 Chao Fah Shopping Paradise 40 Especially...Samui

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SAN SABAI

PATONG

San Sabai Patong Resort Address: 179/88-94, Phangmuang Sai Ko Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand E-mail: rsvn@sansabaipatongresort.com Tel: 076-343255-8, Fax: +66 76 343260

S

an Sabai Patong Resort is a brand new 3 star hotel, located at the heart of Patong area next to Jungceylon Department Store and Bangla Road; surrounded by various restaurants, pubs & bars, and nightlife entertainment. The hotel features 78 rooms from Superior to Deluxe Rooms, decorated with modern style and all room comfort. Guest can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and sun deck on the top oor with the view of Patong City and Landscape.

It takes appoximately 10 minutes by walk to Patong Beach.

sansabaipatongresort.com

Oasis Royal Thai Spa

:: Photo by Puttipong Tedsing

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Rongkhun temple, from power of faith to haven that human can perceive.

A

s it says, power of human’s faith can create many wonderful things in the world. Like in Thailand, Thai people are faithful to nation, religion and majesty the king which are the centre of Thai people heart. And this is the inspiration of Chalermchai Kositpipat, Thai artist from Chiangrai, his works are very popular among paint collectors from over the world. He also established white temple which referred to faith and loyalty to Majesty the king on his land of birth.

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R

ongkhun temple is like white haven, situated in Chiangrai province, northern of Thailand. Chalerm chai has strong intention to establish this beautiful temple to be identity of era. And to be the work of art of King Bhumibol reign with three inspirations which are nation, religion and King.

Nation he hoped that one day he will create valuable artwork to be treasure for his land of birth Religion Buddhism has changed his life and make him know the real happiness therefore he devoted his life to support Buddhism and make Buddhist art to be manifest in the world

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King Like every Thai people, Chalermchai love and faithful to majesty the king more than his life.

Once The King said that there is no creative thai workart to be identity of this era. Also he had a chance to create workarts for the King so he feel delighted and intend to devote all of his time and the rest of his life to create Buddhist art identity of King Bhumibol era and will keep working for this till he died.

Nowsaday there are many tourists from around the world come to Chiangrai province which is called paradise on earth. For white beautiful building, you will feel like you’re in

heaven. Every details are full of art with Buddhist philosophy by the purpose of Chalermchai ‘’I intend to establish the temple that have feeling like being in heaven that human can perceive’’ The last intention of Chalermchai is to create Buddhist arts to be eminent that’s attract people around the world to see. He devoted all the rest of his life to this and he already planned with his disciples (next two generations) to replace and continue all of his works after he died. Expected that all 9 buildings of Rongkhun temple will be finished in the next 60-70 years.

Know more about Chalermchai Kositpipat

Chalermchai Kositpipat was born 15 Febuary 1955 at Rongkhun village, Chiangrai province. His family is poor.

When he was young, he’s very stubborn but love to paint. He began his first art by helping movie poster painter that use to promote movie in front of theatre. After that he studied at Silapakorn University (only one university of arts in Thailand), major of Thai arts.

He had excellent grade result and got many rewards from paintings. He was very successful after graduated. He’s very talented and genius of Thai art.

Chalermchai can make lot of money in short period He said his success is full of passion, desires, sensuality. After he studied Dhamma and ordained, he’s very faithful to Buddhism. After that he had a chance to work for King Bhumibol, that’s very impressive and high pleasure to him so he intended to create Thai arts for King Bhumibol by establishing Rongkhun temple with Thai identity to become the art of King Bhumibol era.

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Chiangrai, Land of mountain, river and culture of Lanna Chiangrai is the most north province of Thailand. It has long history. Abundance of mountain forest which origin of water source and many beautiful waterfalls.

The golden triangle, where Thailand , Laos and Myanmar converge. It’s the first place that Khong river flows through Thailand.

The charm of Chiangrai is there are variety of nations ; Thai, Lao, Myanmar, hill tribe and Chinese that emigrated to Thailand and settled down on the mountains. Each nations have it’s own tradition, culture and way of living, which make the tourists know and understand many of each tradition.

The tourist attractive places in Chiangrai are Doi Tung Palace, Sakura field, Tea Garden, Chinese village, Doi Mae Salong, fog sea, Phu Chee Fah, Mae Sai Market, which area connects Myanmar.

Moreover Chiangrai is the rest place for backpackers, who will have a trip to Laos and China by cross the Mae Khong river from Aumphur SiangKhong to Laos. And there are boat ride services at from Aumphur Siangkhong to Luang Prabang for tourists in cheap price.

Chalermchai Kositpipat

Born February 15, 1955 (age 57) Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

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Rongkhun temple, A.Muaeng rd., Chiangrai province Tel: 053 673 579, 053 673 539 Temple area: open everyday from 6.30am–9.00pm Chalermchai Kositpipat’s gallery: open Monday–Friday from 8.00am–5.30pm And Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 8.00am–9.00pm Thank you info from www.watrongkhun.org

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Chiang Rai

BANGKOK

Chiangrai, Transportation Guide Rong Khun temple situated 13 kilometres away from the city.

The 2 easiest way to get to Chiangrai are;

Airplane : There are flights from Bangkok to Chiangrai most of the times every day. Air Asia and Thai Airways operate several daily flights from Phuket to Chiangmai. And several buses leaving daily from Chiangmai to Chiangrai are also provided.

Bus : Bangkok >> Serveral buses from northern bus terminal (Mho Chit Mai) to Chiangrai daily.It takes about 11 hours to reach.

Phuket >> Serveral buses from transport station in Phuket city to Chiangrai daily . It takes about 24 hours to reach.

Choke Rungtawee Tour (Bangkok and Phuket-Chiangrai) Tel : 02 954 2950 , 02 953 8778 email : info@chokeroongtaveetour.co.th Chiangmai >> Serveral buses leaving daily from Chiangmai to Chiangrai all day. The trip takes about 3 hours.

Green Bus (Chiangmai-Chiangrai) Tel: 053 266 480 Email: servicecenter@greenbusthaialnd.com

Get to Rongkhun temple

bus : Chiangrai-Parn bus or Chiangrai-Mae Kajarn bus; both are leaving from station in Chiangrai downtown to Rongkhun temple. Takes about 20 minutes. Fare; 30 baht/person Taxi or Tuk Tuk : You can take taxi or Tuk Tuk from Chiangrai city. The fare for roundtrip is 300-500 baht.

Package Tour : The easiest way to get to Rongkhun temple and travel in Chiangrai is to buy One Day Trip package tour. The prices depends on tour programs. You can buy package tour from several tour agents in Chiangrai city or tourist information at your hotel.

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It’s

Possible!

O

ne of reason that many people think their dream trip is impossible is about pocket money. Stop! Because you’ll never have chance to see this amazing world. Everything is possible just let your mind to be free and go wherever you want with many travel packages that’s fit for your lifestyle in affordable price; 3000 and 5000 baht/day. Check it out only at Phuket Explorer that we specially make it for you.

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Yes! It’s not

a dream anymore.

Just open heart and pack your bag.

Everything is possible ‌ in Phuket.

3000 Absolute Adventure

Only 3000 baht, we can create Boutique and Unique trip for you. Only 3000 baht or 100 dollars. You can get room in boutique hotel, and rent a motobike to travel around Phuket. Tests a colorful night life at Bang La.

5000 SEA Lover This trip is specially for sea lovers. Just only 5000 baht, you can stay in luxury hotel, take a boat ride to small islands in Andaman coast and end with premium seafood.

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3,000 Absolute Adventure Color your life and challenge your trip with adventure of motorbike ride around the island to have experience with local people and beautiful nature after that be fascinated with colorful lights of Patong beach on Bangla street at night that will change your attitude of Patong beach that you ever thought.

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3000 Absolute Adventure

Lamai Hotel (Room & Breakfast) Lunch (Local food) Dinner (Jungceylon) Beer @Bangla Rd. (2 Bottles) Moterbike Total

1,800 Baht 200 Baht 400 Baht 300 Baht 300 Baht 3,000 Baht

In Love @Lamai

The definition of good hotel is varied from each person’s lifestyle.

For the ones that like adventure, the hotel that is clean, convenient located with facilities and affordable price is perfect for them. Lamai Hotel is located on Rat-U-Thit street near Jungceylon department store which is the centre of

Patong beach. Can walk to the beach, shopping centre and places at night easily. With only 32 rooms of the hotel makes staff take good care of every guests. For facilities inside the room are big plasma TV, air-condition, dvd player, minibar, tube and etc. it has everything like in big hotel.

Furthermore they also provide Beauty & Salon, Thai Spa, Thai and Europe restaurant and tourist information. We guarantee that this pocket size hotel will provide best services and warm welcome to you. You will definitely love it and wish to visit here again and again.

Lamai Hotel 207/1-4 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel : +6676 345 664-5 E-Mail : info@lamaiphuket.com, Website : www.lamaihotelphuket.com

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SURIN KAMALA

KALIM

KATHU

PATONG

KARON

KATA

Promtape cape

Rider Adventure

After delicious breakfast at Lamai hotel, adventure begins, the only way that can make you travel around Phuket island in 1 day and get tan skin with experience like Che Guevara from movie; The Motercycle Diaries, is riding motorbike around the island. Start your adventure easily from Patong beach to south by using 4233 road, pass Karon beach, Kata

beach and take short stop at Karon viewpoint after that go to Nihan beach, Promthep cape and having seafood lunch with cheap price in fisherman village at Rawi beach. Then use road number 4024 to old city which known as chino portuguese architecture, after that return to Patong beach again by 4029 road through Aumphur Kratu, go up on mountain through zigzag

road for a bit exciting roadtrip. If not too tired, you may ride motorbike through 4233 road heading to north, pass Kalim beach, Kamala beach and end with having coffee in twilight period at Surin beach. If no breaking rules, you will definitely enjoy beautiful scenery anywhere in Phuket.

• Lamai Hotel provide motorbike rental ; 300 baht/day • For riding motorbike, should be aware of safety because roads in Phuket are gradient and always wear helmet.

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Bright Life @Bang La If talk about the most popular street on Patong beach or in Phuket, Bangla street is always the place that everyone think of. Many tourists like song; I Love The Night Life, Bangla street is ‘a must’ visit place for them.

For others that don’t like noisy places, Bangla street is still a must visit place because nowsaday there is not only GoGo Bar on Bangla road but at the

corner of Rat-U-Thit street, there is department store named ‘Jungceylon’ which has variety of luxury restaurant, fastfood, souvenir shop, spa, cinema and etc. to boost your energy for tonight. Not far from Jungceylon, there is Bangla Boxing Stadium which have Thai boxing competition with ringside seats every night. When late at night you can walk through Bangla street,

there are many bars and pub to chill out or dance as you prefer. Or you can walk to the end of the street or Taveewong street, you will find The Kee Plaza, the latest shopping mall which full of chic and chill shops and restaurants so we can say that this Bangla street is not just the best for only Night Life anymore (called Bright Life maybe better).

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5,000 Sea Lover

We believe that 100 percent of tourists in Phuket are sea lover. But to have wonderful time in Phuket, there’s no need to lose time collecting much money anymore. Just only 5,000 baht/day you can have fresh sea air on ringside white sand beach, have good night in luxury boutique hotel with premium seafood because here is Phuket, amazing island that happiness happens all the time.

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5,000 Sea Lover

Renoir Boutique Hotel (Room & Breakfast) 2,500 Baht *Price may a bit higher in Peak Season, please contact hotel in advance before check in

Coral Island Trip

(Include pick up service & Lunch)

Seafood Dinner Total

1,500 Baht 1,000 Baht 5,000 Baht

Renoir Hotel : Luxury Renoir

As it said, Phuket is one of the city that worth your money the most. Only 2,500 baht you can stay in luxury boutique hotel on Pathong beach. Renoir Boutique Hotel is Thai Contemporary boutique hotel which is perfectly mixed

of Thai arts and modern decoration with luxury furniture. The rooms are all decorated with wood as Thai style house. Inside the rooms are full of facilities; air-condition, Wireless Internet, Plasma TV, mini bar, specify restroom

and private balcony with huge window which can see all mountain view.

Furthermore restaurant, bar, pool, 24 hour-security system via cctv and especially free bus from hotel to Patong beach are also provided.

Renoir Boutique Hotel 20/7-9 Siriraj Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket Thailand 83150 Tel: +6676 340 431 Email: rsvn@renoirboutiquehotelpatong.com Website: www.renoirboutiquehotelpatong.com

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Coral Paradise

Cruising along the sea to small islands which are not too mysterious is a dream of every traveler who fascinated with sea. Even Phuket is named as the only pearl of Andaman but it’s surrounded by plenty of big and small islands. The two most popular island that are destination of everyone is Koh

Racha and Koh Hay or Coral Island.

The easiest way to travel Koh Racha and Coral Island is to buy package tour, the tour program starts at 9 a.m. by car, they will pick you up at your hotel to Aow Chalong port and take speed boat to Koh Racha for diving, feeding fishes, having sunbath and

relaxing as you prefer, then go to Coral Island to have premium lunch buffet and relax on soft white sand beach. The touch of soft sand will make you feel like you are blowing on the clouds and swimming in the sea that clear as mirror till the late afternoon and it’s time to leave.

*Price of package tour of Koh Racha and Koh Hay are around 1,000 - 1,500 baht depends on each tour program. Price is included car service for whole trip, lunch, guide, diving equipments and life jacket. (you can choose only Koh Racha or only Coral Island or both in one trip) **Package tours are available at Tour Information at your hotel or Contact Paramount Travel Service : Tel. 076 293 111 / Go Holiday Tour : Tel. 076 292 770

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:: Thank you for pictures from Laimai Restaurant

:: Thank you for pictures from Patong Seafood Restaurant

Yummy Seafood

Thai food is known as spicy taste but it’s also mild and mellow from neatly cook. As it says; To eat Thai food in original way as local people is more tasteful and delicious than having luxury meal in Manhatton. Phuket is reputed as big seafood market in Thailand so Thai food in Phuket is mostly made from seafood; shrimp, crab, shell and many kinds of fish. So having seafood in Phuket is ‘a must’

for Sea Lover trip. Several menus for you to select; Tom Yum Kung, Phadtai Kungsod, spicy fish-curry in coconut milk or Thai Spicy Fish Cake. You will have delicious meal than ever because seafood here is very fresh and there are so many seafood shops, the popular ones are; Patong Seafood Restaurant, Laimai Restuarant, Savoey Seafood Restaurant at Patong beach.

Evenmore most hotels always provide

Seafood BBQ Dinner Buffet for guests.

Trick to eat Seafood BBQ as thai style is to eat with thai seafood sauce. And this spicy seafood sauce will make your food more tasty and it goes well with every kinds of food. Once you’ve tried, you will surely impress with spicy seafood sauce and will never eat seafood with other sauces again!

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Just A

Powerful

Day A

s it says, Taking vacation is the easy way to recharge your energy before getting back to handle with busy life. Take long sleep after flight and let’s have fun with activities here! in Phuket!

(I’m) Gone… with the wind Mind blowing of experience with flying like a bird in the sky is many people’s dream. It seems impossible but your dream will come true in Phuket.

Paragliding is an aircraft which will make the sky is yours, just few running steps and the wind will lead you to wherever you want. The most

beautiful scenery path for Paragliding starts from Kao Pudlom (in the west of Phuket) through mountain ridge, you will see an impressive twilight period at Laem Phromtep before landing to Nihan beach with delighted heart.

Thailand Paragliding club, leaded

by Dr.Prasert Theplaong who like playing Paragliding and want to

share happy time through the wind and paragliding for tourists whom interested. The rate is only 1,500 Baht/ 15 minutes. The person who want to play Paragliding must be healthy, not scared of hight and no heart disease. The best period of time to play paragliding in Phuket is windy season which is May-August of every year.

Thailand Paragliding Club Tel: 02 895 8879 www.thaiglider.com Dr. Prasert Theplaong (Phuket Paragliding Club President): Tel: 089 474 5607 Thank you for pictures from Team Management of Phuket Fun Fly Competition

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Wake Incredible

Not only beautiful sea that you can find in Phuket. It’s also abundant of forest. Break from hot sunny beach and delight your day with fresh natural pond in verdant forest. Phuket Cable Ski situated at Kratu, the water in pond flows from Kratu waterfall which not

far from the pond. Here also provide cable service, speed at 28 kilometres/ hour and various cable ski equipment; Wakeboard, Wakeskate, Waterski, Kneeboard with Advance stuffs; A-frame, Transfer box, Table top, Flat Slide and etc.

Phuket Cable Ski Tel: 076 202 525, 081 273 7530, 086 283 2941 www.phuketcableski.com / Thank you for pictures from Phuket Cable Ski

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The most important thing of Phuket Cable Ski is ‘safety first’ and provide the best service at affordable price. The rate starts at 500 baht/30 minutes. We guarantee that you will surely have lot of fun at Phuket Cable Ski.

Go Fast!

Make your day extreme with Go-Kart! In Phuket, there are many Go-Kart races. And many types of Go-Kart you can choose; single seat, couple seat, small Go-Kart for children. The engine capacity; 100-400 CC with 110 kilometres/hour. You can have kart racing everyday through year all (except raining days). Everyone can play as preferred; alone, couple or family. The rate starts at 650 baht/15 minutes

Patong Go-Kart Speedway Tel: 076 321 949, www.gokartthailand.com Provide Go-Kart and Buggy (Adventure Route) If you’d like to play both, we have 2 in 1 pakage (buy 1 get 2) for you.

Phuket Racing Kart Tel: 076 280 130, www.phuket-shooting.com If you like extreme sports, you must visit here. Besides go-kart, there are ATV, Paint Ball, BB Gun and etc. Get ready and let’s have fun!

Phuket Kart Speedway Tel: 076 202 085, www.phuketkart.net Go-Kart speedway surrounded by beautiful mountain view. Have fun with Go-Kart and impress with nice natural scenery at the same time.

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Sea Surfer

Breeze, wave, sunlight are the most desirable for surfers. Even there’s no big waves like Bali or Hawaii but the beach in the western of Phuket and Kholuk beach in Phangnga are voted by surfers to be top rank of Andaman coast. The best time for surfing in Andaman coast is May-November which is low-season.

The prices of accommodation and air

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ticket in this period are much cheaper.

Especially in September of every year, there is “Quicksilver Thailand Surf Competition” If interested, check it out at www.phuketboardriders.com or www.surfingthailand.org, www. facebook.com/surfingthailand Besides you can get more info about surfing via e-magazine at www.thai surfrider.com

Rent Surf Board or get train course at Surfing Thailand Tel: 081 956 5854, www.facebook.com/surfingthailand Phuket Surf Tel: 087 889 7308 www.phuketsurf.com Thank you for pictures from Surfing Thailand

Phuket Sport Calendar Month

Sport

Sport

Jan Feb Mar April May June

July

Phuket Iron Kids 4 times / year @ Talang www.ironkidsphuket.com (Triathlon for young) Phuket Fun Fly @ Phromthep Cape & Naiharn Beach www.phuketparagliding.com (Paragliding)

Laguna Phuket International Marathon @ Laguna Phuket www.phuketmarathon.com (Marathon)

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek @ East Phuket www.phuketraceweek.com (Exciting Regatta)

Aug Sep

Quicksilver Thailand Surf Competition @Kata Beach or Patong Beach www.thaisurfrider.com

Oct Nov Dec

Laguna Phuket Triathlon @ Laguna Phuket www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com The Phuket (Triathlon) King’s Cup Regatta @Kata Beach www.kingscup.com (Regatta)

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New year old town and the tales

from faraway sea

C

hinese believe and worship to their custom no matter where they are in the world. As you can see from Chinese new year which is not 1st January but it’s 1st day of 1st month of lunar calendar. Mostly is on the last week of January or Febuary.

Chinese in China and Chinese around the world celebrate together.

:: Photo by Zarawut Piromrit

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Phuket Chinese New Year Day & The Old Phuket Town Festival Chinese new year festival is no Christmas tree lights but loud noise from red fireworks which Chinese believe that it will get bad things away and get blessing and wishes from god.

No colorful gift boxes, but have red envelope called Aung-pao which adult will put money into it and give to their descendant. They believe that it’s the way to forward luck. And the auspicious food for the new year celebration are placed at the front of the house in order to recall and respect to their ancestors.

Chinese new year festival in Phuket is not like anywhere else because Most of Chinese people in Phuket are Hokkien; from history they sailed to Malacca strait, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and southern

of Thailand for merchandise purpose.

After that they settled down and got married with local people. Therefore the mix of Chinese and local tradition became new tradition called Peranakan. Also the architecture, costume, food and custom of Peranakan are very delicated and full of Chinese philosophy in every details.

The world is changing but some cities in Malayan cape are still conserved the Peranakan tradition and Phuket is one of that. So every year, Chinese new year festival in Phuket are held in ancient theme.

Everyone prays to god in holy Chinese atmosphere and experient the lifestyle of Peranakan tradition which local people will dress local costume like Baba (Peranakan man) and Nyonya (Peranakan woman). Many shops and shows all are held in old town city.

The time machine story from movie; ‘back to the future’ may not yet happen. But you can turn back to the past to have good memory by celebrating in old town with Peranakan style along with local Phuket people that will tell you many stories from over great space land where they came from. And you will surely in love with this lovely island which full of charming tradition.

Like tourists from around the world are back to visit Phuket again and again.

Phuket Chinese New Year Day & The Old Phuket Town Festival 2012 23–31 January 2012 @Phuket Old Town (Talang Road) Please Contact TAT For More Information TAT Call Center 1672 TAT Phuket Tel: 076 211 306 , 076 212 213 www.TourismThailand.org

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Phuket Festival & Event Calendar Month

Event

Event

event

Jan

Cross Phuket Festival Phuket International Couth Down New Year Red @ Sapanhim Park Marine Expo ( PIMEX) @ Patong Beach ( Phuket Town) @ Royal Phuket Marina

Feb

Phuket Chinese New Year Day & Old Phuket Town Festial @ Talang Rd.

Event

The great Phuket Rubber Duck Race @ Laguna Phuket

Phuket Food Festival @ Sapanhim Park .

Phuket Town

Phuket Gay Prid Festivel Phuket international Blues Festival @ Patong Beach @ Hilton Phuket Acadia Karon Beach

Thao Thep Krasatri –Thao Sri Sunthorn Festivel (Heroines of Phuket Festival) @ Memorial Of Talang’s Victory

Mar April

event

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL @ Patong Beach & ALL AREA IN PHUKET

Phuket Bike week @ Patong Beach & Krathu District

May June

Kathu Cultural Street @ Krathu District

Music Festival @ Karon Beach

July

Phuket Pineapple & The Annual Flower Expo @ Sapanhin Park , Phuket Town

Aug

Old Style BABA Wedding Ceremony @ Peranakan Association Phuket,TAT Phuket

Sep

Phor-Tor Red Turtle Chinese Festivel @ Phuket Town

Oct

Phuket Vegetarian Festival @ Phuket Town

Nov Dec

Phuket Carnival @ Patong Beach

The Tsunami Memorial Day Light Up Phuket @ Patong Beach

More Information Click ! www.TourismThailand.org

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On The

(Local)

Road L

ocal transport always becomes big trouble to many tourists. Not well planned may make you waste time and feel bad. To avoid this, we’re offering you ‘On The (Local) Road’ to be your navigator, leading you to wonderful trip in Phuket by Phuket Explorer

From Airport

Phuket Airport is 32 kilometres away from Phuket city, and 36 kilometres from Pathong Beach which is centre for tourism. Although it’s quite far from airport but it’s very easy to go by serveral of transport services; Taxi Meter: Fare depends on distance, the fare starts at 50 baht plus 100 baht/round.

Airport Limousine: Fare is included service (by distance) starts from 500-1000 baht.

Minivan: Public transport from airport to your hotel. It’s save and very convenient for Solo Traveller. Minivan fare is 200-250 baht/person.

Airport Bus: The cheapest way to you from Airport to Phuket Town for 45 baht but it takes long time and you have to transit at Bus Station to your destination.

To Airport

After spent wonderful time in Phuket, before leaving don’t forget to manage your time to airport. If you want to go by Limousine or Minivan, you can contact agent tour near your hotel or tourist information at your hotel. For Airport Bus, you have to take it at Bus Station in Phuket city and must allow much time to get to the airport in time because airport bus takes long time and stop many points that can make you miss the flight.

Phuket Town To Beach

From Fountain Intersection at Fresh market in Phuket city, there are minibus. The fares are 30-50 baht/person.

Average time usage 40 minutes provide you to several beaches as followings;

Phuket Town >> Karon Beach >> Kata Beach (7am-6pm) Phuket Town >> Patong Beach (8am-6pm) Phuket Town >> Kamala Beach >> Surin Beach >> Bangtao Beach (7am-5pm) Phuket Town >> Rawai Beach>> Naiharn Beach (7am-6pm) Phuket Town >> Bangrong Port (ferry to Kao yao) (8.30am-4pm) Phuket town >> Phuket Aquarium >> Ao Makam (8am-5pm)

*Please ask the driver for return trip again, mostly return trips are leaving beaches at 4 p.m.

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Chao Fah Shopping Paradise A

s it says,Thailand is paradise for shop lovers. Even it’s not full of worldclass brandnames like Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore but many A class brandnames are widely open shops in Thailand. But if you’re not fancied in brandnames, we believe that Thailand is absolutely paradise for you. Besides international brandnames and Thai brands in department stores, we also have highlights for Shopaholic; there are Weekend Market, Walking Street and Car Booth Sale which separately located around the country such as Jatujak Weekend Market (Bangkok) or Chiang Mai Walking Street. In Phuket we have Chao Fah variety Weekend Market which attracts tourists who love high quality products, cheap and unique.

:: Photo by Amornrat Permsup

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Chao Fah variety Weekend Market attracts many tourists both Thais, foreigners and locals so there are variety of products included souvenirs, decorations, handicrafts from over of Thailand, fashion clothes, bags, shoes that design, make and sell by local people. And local food which Phuket people cook from their secret recipes and sell in cheap prices.

The enjoyment of shopping at Chao Fah variety Weekend Market is bargaining. Normally products are set to standard prices which price tags attached. Anyway you can ask for 5-10% discount in case for buying

big lot or getting along well with seller.

But sometimes seller may not discount for you at all. For non-price tag products, you can bargain from 5-30 % which depends on satisfaction of both buyer and seller. Always remember that the trick to get discount is to be gentle, speak Thai (you can learn Thai language for shopping by yourself at Pood Thai column), smile, salute and say ‘kob khun ka’ (for women) and ‘kob khun kub’ (for man) This is an easy way to get smile from seller and you may get more discount and premium from seller.

Chao Fah variety Weekend Market is located at the opposite of Nakaram temple, on Wirathongyok street which is small street divided from Western Chao Fah street that linked to Phuket city. Estimated time from Central Festival Shopping Mall is about 15 minutes and from Phuket Down Town is about 15 minutes also. There is no public transport at Chao Fah variety Weekend Market but you can ride motorbike taxi (not more than 50 baht per trip) or Tuk Tuk (4wheels) which is local taxi, fare not more than 100 baht per trip, Service; every Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm–10pm.

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Especially...Samui

I

f Phuket is the pearl of Andaman, Samui island situated in the middle of east coast of Thailand.

So Samui is like a diamond of Thai gulf that tourists around the world wish to visit once.

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Samui island is rated as the third of The 41 Place to go in 2011 by New York Times website. Samui island situated in Thai gulf in Suratthani, with area of 247 square kilometers.

As its location is not far from land.

It takes only 1.5 hours by ferry and there also has airport at the island so it’s very easy to come. Even it’s popular

place for tourism but it’s still remain of coconut gardeners and local fishermen that have easy lifestyle.

Many reasons that Samui Island was rated as Place to go because there are everything that tourists called ‘paradise’ such as worth price accommodations with best chefs from over the world, many club styles with many

Live Band, centre of many activities that impressed diver and hiker. Samui has varieties of culture to study since there are many varied local people there such as gardener, fisherman, Buddhist and Muslim that live together over hundred years.

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Samui island has many attractive places to visit. The rock patterns which naturally occurring such as Hin Ta Hin Yay (Grandfather Grandmother rock), Chaweng beach-beach of lights and convenience for tourists, Monkey training centre ; show us the 42

traditional way of collecting coconuts by using trained monkeys, Wat Prayai– the image of Buddha with 12 metres hight is located at the top of the peak which have very nice viewpoint.

Furthermore Samui is the centre of transportations to many other island

in Thai gulf such as Angthong national park, Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan, Koh Pangun-origin of full moon party. So no wonder that smiles appeared on everyone’s face at Samui.

Let’s Go Samui

BANGKOK

Bus To Sumai Bangkok >> Samui Southern bus terminal >> Donsak port, Suratthani >> Nhathorn port, Samui island It takes 13 hours. Contact Transport Company Tel. +662 793 8111 Phuket >> Samui Southern bus terminal (Phuket Town) >> Donsak port, Suratthani >> Nhathorn port, Samui island It takes 7.30 hours. Contact Pantip (1970) Co.,ltd, Phuket branch Tel. +668 1569 3290

Flight To Samui KOH PHA-NGAN

KOH SAMUI

Bangkok >> Samui Bangkok Airway : Call Center 1771 or www.bangkokair.com Thai Airways : Ticket Service +662 288 7000 or www.thaiairways.com Phuket >> Samui Bangkok Airway : Call Center 1771 or www.bangkokair.com Thank you for information from Tourism Authority of Thailand, Call Center : 1672 or www.tourismthailand.org

PHUKET

maisamui Beach resort & Spa 2/6 Moo 5, Laem Yai Beach, Angthong, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84140 Thailand www.maisamui.com 43