phuket province easy tour ,Phuket General Information,good Phuket guide

Water sports in Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700

CHATATAIUINDOWADO Islands yacht, the world's largest yacht charter companies, all of the requirements of the Charter, naked from Phuket, Thailand, Southeast Asia's luxury yacht to be careful. Work in different offices around the world

Diving, snorkeling, SNUBA diving, sailing, jet skiing, paragliding, the most popular activities in the island. Diving from the site in the vicinity of the island is a short distance, dive shops and boats to meet the needs of customers, mainly in the vicinity of the terminal, Sharon response to a few dozen. Snorkeling is also a good place for the most popular beach some of the position is clear. And to ensure that information snorkeling spot riptides, the current Sikhs.

Diving in Phuket, Thailand and some of the largest dive centers also have diving site. The area around the colorful coral reefs and soft corals are solid-state sound. In addition, there is a wealth of marine life. Most of the location of diving, diving at all for some, it is quite profound. The best-known areas of the island Ailapuji diving sites, the slope of solid rock and the plight of coral reefs is a plentitude. Ter in the Gulf region, the depth of 25-35 meters, is an exciting accident. The southern region of the co-Ira, Hanoi and Latin America, an experienced diver depth, and has been evacuated, is a strong current. Ira huge granite landscape and significantly different. Ai La Hanoi Racka more diving is a lot more importantly, the award is a challenge.

Phuket, Koh Kong Island in the document Mai is limestone, rising sea-bed and vertical. The diversity of fish, have a chance to leopard sharks, moray eels, octopus and sea turtles can see. Further afield, sustained Phi Island, Krabi, the island's most popular around the neighbors, in particular, about two hours, Phuket, Similan Islands, Phang East - satisfied in Indiana, about 1 10 km Phuket is the Northwest and Chicago, and 1-3 hours on the type of ship in the southern island of Phuket. Phuket's warm clear blue waters from mid-October, the best diving in May 2006, the day of the calm sea and rain, a truly unique experience diving Phuket free of charge.

Experience the sensese of Thai Spa

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Phuket as a major center, spa and health in recent years has developed. Many world-class facilities around the island have been constructed, - home spa services, all of the island's largest support any development or expansion of for their own. Many people in a peaceful atmosphere, often a low price on the East and West, a mix of classical to modern technology in comparison to the hot springs provide a similar service standards and luxury in the West with.

You can get a traditional Thai massage are only 250-300 baht, the cost involved in a hot or treatment program, 7.000 baht or more to enjoy Springs. Everything here tastes and budgets of software for. A little more basic amenities of a row of chairs or daybeds a store house and care for facial massage, and more and more places could be a full-service all the way to warm up, and other 5 Springs Spa-star hotel / resort, in a series of sensational treatment provides an elegant setting. A combination of all the spa's choice of Phuket - the day spa, spa hotel / resort, medical centers and hot spa destination, high level of service springs.

How to Activity in Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:22:00 -0700

Explore Phuket Explore the beauty of Phuket, through exciting day, evening and adventure tours. Experience, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and speed boat excursions to Phi Phi or Krabi , Muay Thai, fishing trips, cultural tours, Phuket Zoo, enjoy the beauty of nature that the Phang-Nga area has to offer and have a relaxing boat trip - the James Bond trip. With so many things to see and do your time in Phuket will be truly memorable.

The elephant ride, the domesticated elephants remaining in Thailand and their mahouts is a good way for much cheaper, and a new experience can be interesting. The elephants are trained well and what you with your trunk will be submitted to the elephant mahout, by giving money to tip the mahout can. It also tracking of elephants is known as.

Gibbon rehabilitation project, visit animal shelter EAP bang on the beautiful waterfall. He volunteers on this project and will discuss the Thai employees by the Anglophone West is a visitors center. Dialogue, free, but a souvenir, Gibbon, author of a purchase or a donation to support the project through. Your photo on the beaches in Phuket or with a captive Gibbon is not taken.

Golf - see also: Golf in Thailand - Phuket section and Golf

The golf courses of Phuket are of international standard. Each one has its own particular challenges and scenic splendour that only Phuket can offer. Discount green fee are available by booking through Phuket golf booking agencies.

* Blue Canyon Country Club
* Laguna Phuket Golf Club
* Loch Palm Golf club Phuket
* Mission Hills Phuket Resort and spa
* Phuket Country Club
* Phuket Golf Courses Reservations
* Online Resevation Golf Courses in Phuket
* Red Mountain Golf Club
* Thai Muang Beach Golf and Marina

Muay Thai training

Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp and Fitness Center, Phuket, Thailand has everything you need for a fantastic tropical fitness vacation training Muay Thai & MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) training including technique classes, private one-on-one training, nutrition and weight-lifting, fitness, running and yoga programs or just having a good time getting fit and training hard.

We offer our guests a one-of-a-kind Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts training camp and fitness center at affordable prices and the wonderful tropical environment on the island of Phuket, "The Pearl of the Andaman Sea."
buddha

In the shadow of the great Buddha looking down on Chalong from Phuket's tallest mountain, and hidden away on a large coconut, banana, and rubber tree plantation, our Muay Thai Training camp and fitness center offers a complete training facility with organized and professional Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts Training Programs with technique, power, and physical conditioning training classes, running program + weight-lifting program, nutritionist and supplements for training, yoga classes and more. Thailand's #1 Muay Thai and MMA Training camp all in a professional, clean, and organized training facility.
Training Programs for Amateurs to Professionals and Beginners to Advanced

Organized schedule and professional one-on-one training with 4 full-size professional TWINS training rings and a MMA training area with 8 Meter MMA Fight cage, matted floors and padded walls. 32 workout stations with TWINS heavy, medium, and long (banana)bags, uppercut and hook bags, agility balls, (2) two Olympic Bench press free-weights with/ squat rack, pull-down, butterfly, leg press, incline bench press, 3 full racks dumbbells, and exercise stationary bikes.

With a great atmosphere and quality training by former and current Muay Thai and MMA champion fighters, we have quickly become the # 1 Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai training camp / gym in Phuket and Thailand. TMT Phuket is a facility that offers more than just Muay Thai training and an MMA training program. It is an experience of culture, sport, discipline and fun.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:08:00 -0700

The annual cases, the Chinese calendar to be held during September. Vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred ceremony to comply with the religious rituals that time, so that this good fortune. During this time, local residents of Chinese descent strict 10-day purification and spiritual well-being of the purpose of vegetarian and vegetarian meals to comply with the building. Sacred ceremony, the shrine and temple in China and shows that abstinence in a thermal coal-long blade and barefoot walking and riding the charm of Valentine's Song up the ladder ", known as the implementation of the" implementation.

10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

1. Cleanliness of bodies during the festival

2. Clean kitchen utensils and to use them seperately from other who do not join the festival

3. Wear white during the festival

4. Behave physically and mentally

5. No meat eating

6. No sex

7. No alcoholic drinks

8. People at mourning period should not attend the festival

9. Pragnant ladies should not watch any ritual

10. Ladies with period should not attend the ritual

Phuket 's Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:07:00 -0700

Phuket 's Lifestyle

Buddhist Phuket, Thailand, the oven - Chinese, Islamic, and the great Rome. In rural areas, the majority of the population are Muslims. Phang-N GA of the tension, peace and harmony of all religions to suffer most are alive. In a thick southern accent, a suburb of the city, rural folklore, it is difficult to understand, or speak with other Thai people. In Bangkok, the city's local economy in the past 10 years, young people, like him a lot of life deitda led boom. He Thailand-B ankokians most urban Chinese life.

Phang, a mixture of these types of-N GA, at any time, Thai Buddhism, part of Thailand - Thai and Chinese - the Islamic tradition and something to celebrate.

PHUKET : MAPS & TRAVEL INFORMATION

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Mon, 1 Sep 2008 01:02:00 -0700

Phuket - the Pearl of the Andaman

The map above was prepared as a fun and useful tool in helping you orientate yourself. Featured here, are the location of hotels, local businesses and of course the popular beaches.

Fondly referred as the "Pearl of the Andaman", the island possess remarkable beauty with tropical hillsides in the north and along the south and west.

Once renown for its tin mines and rubber plantations, visitors now arrive looking for a place to relax and explore the scenery.

You can find rubber plantations but gone are the tin mines. The popular beaches are Patong, Kata and Karon, situated on the western part of the island with tidal mud flats in the east.

In all, the island is 530 sq km in size and is large enough to be a provincial center. Commuting by car is easy and the roads are generally quite good. If you plan to explore the island by car, beware of motorcycles especially in the city centers.

How to get to Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:34:00 -0700

By air

This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are as follows:Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 or visit Phuket airlines for more details on flights.Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 66 2265 5678. Reservations can be made at tel. 66 2265 5555. Alternatively, browse its website at Bangkok Air for more flight details.Thai Airways International has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition, they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat Provinces. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 02 628 2000 or book your seat online at thaiairways One-to-Go by Orient Thai operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 1126 or visit 12-go for more information.Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Visit Air Asia or call 02 5159999 for reservations.Nok Air has several daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours. Visit Nok Air or call 1318 to make your reservation. Destination Air porvides first class seaplane transfers to and from Phuket Internation Airport to resorts and hotels located in the Andaman sea. Popular destinations are such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Lanta. Services commence in July 2006. Contact Bangkok Office of Destination Air at Tel: 0 2261 5323, Fax: 0 2261 5331 or visit Destination Air

Getting to Phuket from abroad

There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.

Transportation to and from the airport

Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 baht but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 baht and 600 baht (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 baht /person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By bus

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours. Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit Transport for more information.

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By rail

There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.

By Ferry

During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Getting around Phuket

Car Rental Service

Avis Car Rent Airport Tel: 0-7635-1243, Kata Beach Resort Tel : 0-7638-1530-3
- Boomerang Travel & Tour 71/13 Patak Road, Chalong Bay Tel: 0-7638-1690
- Dusit Laguna Hotel Bang Thao Beach Tel: 0-7632-4322-9
- Hertz Car Rent Thawon Palm Beach Hotel, Karon Beach Tel: 0- 7638-1034-7
- Holiday Inn Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0608- K.M. Travel Phangnga Road Tel: 0-7621-0893
- Le Meridian Karon Noi Beach Tel: 0-7634-0480-5
- The Metropol Hotel Montri Road Tel: 0-7621-5050
- Pansea Surin Beach Tel: 0-7632-4017-20
- Patong Merlin Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0037-41
- Pearl Village Nai Yang Beach Tel: 0-7632-7006
- Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Tel: 0-7638-1038-40
- Phuket Airport Tel: 0-7632-7258
- Phuket Cabana Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0138-4
- Phuket Car Center Takua Pa Road Tel: 0-7621-2671-3
- Phuket Island Tel: 0-7638-1010
- Phuket Yacht Charter 5/3 Chao Fa Road Tel: 0-7621-6556
- Phuket Horizon Car Rent 235/4 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang

District Tel: 0-7621-5200

- Pure Car Rent Opposite Thavorn Hotel, Ratsada Road, Tel: 0- 7621-1002
- Via Rent A Car 70/85 Rat U-Thit, Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0160

Motorcycle taxis

It costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 baht 300 baht / day, depending on the number of cylinders.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk

Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.

Taxi Meter

Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.

Getting to nearby provinces

By bus

There are regular bus services (VIP, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) to neighboring provinces such as Krabi, Phang-nga, Chumphon, Ko Samui (bus/boat), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua-Pa and Trang. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal off Phang-nga Road. For more up-to-date schedules and fares, call Phuket Air-conditioned Bus Station, tel. 0 7621 1977.

Taxis & Vans

There are shared taxi and van services between Phuket and other nearby provinces. Fares of both are generally around double the fare of an ordinary bus. The stations of both taxis and minivans are also on Phang-nga Road.

By air

Some domestic airlines operate flights from Phuket to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai and Samui. For more details, check with your travel agent or the TAT office.

Getting to nearby islands from Phuket

Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:

Rawai Beach

An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for nearby islands such as Ko He, Ko Racha Yai, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Lon, etc. The chartered price depends on the distance.

Ao Chalong

The largest port of Phuket that has all kinds of boats, including cruisers of tour companies which organize package tours to other islands.

Ao Makham
Located near Phanwa Cape, the port is only for cruisers and container ships.Boat Lagoon Port (Ao Sapam) The port is for traveling boats of tour companies.

Information : tourismthailand.org

Phuket Fantasea Located beach

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:27:00 -0700

- Hat Kamala (Kamala beach) Located approximately 26 kilometers from Phuket City, Hat Kamala is a relatively secluded 2-kilometer beach that is suitable for total relaxation. Accommodations are available.

- Hat Patong (Patong Beach) This Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing.

- Phuket Fantasea Located on Kamala beach, Phuket Fantasea is dubbed as the ultimate nighttime cultural theme park of Phuket. It has won several awards from the TAT, among the distinctive ones are Best Attraction Thailand Tourism Award (for the years 2000 to 2003). This large-scale night time amusement center is spread out over an area of 140 acres near the village of Kamala Bay, or just 4 kilometers north of Patong. Attractions include the Culture-Illusion Stage Show, Fantasy of the Kingdom, a spectacular buffet restaurant Golden Kinnaree Restaurant, shopping village the enchanted Festive Village, Cultural Parade & Street Shows, Traditional Games and Carnivals, Handicraft Demonstrations & Live Performances (performed in Palace of the Elephants).

- Hat Karon (Karon Beach) Located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach's signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. - Hat Kata (Kata Beach) Located approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst tropical and cliff settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget to top end accommodations according to their preference. Well known hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse.

- Ko Kaeo A small island located approximately 3 kilometers from Rawai Beach, south of Laem Phromthep where a replica of the Lord Buddha's Holy Footprint is enshrined. This quiet, white, sandy beach complimented by rich coral reef is a major tourist attraction. The island can be reached by taking a 30-minute boat trip. - Ko Lon A relatively large island located south of the city close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the island is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A typical fishing village and a school are located on the island. Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can take ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m. Alternatively, they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

- Ko Mai Thon A small peaceful island located southeast of Phuket, Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals, crystal clear water and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for diving, swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den. A one-day trip is also provided by travel agencies. There are boats to Ko Mai Thon from Rawai Beach. - Ko Si-re An interesting site to visit where visitors can explore the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest and biggest community of Phukets sea gypsies. With an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated from the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The mountain-top temple on the island houses a big Buddha image in the reclining position. The island is not an ideal place for swimming, but is perfect for discovering the sea gypsies' way of life, especially at Laem Tukkae.

- Laem Phromthep or Phromthep Cape Literally translate as Brahmas Cape, Laem Phromthep is perhaps one of Phuket's most important landmarks. There is a saying that you havent been to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savor the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the islands southern-most tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep is located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.

- Phuket Aquarium Located at Cape Phanwa, southeastern-most end of the island is an extraordinary aquarium that displays hundreds of exotic and colorful marine species found in the sea around Phuket. The aquarium opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Call 076 391126 for more information. To get by public transportation, take a local bus from the towns fresh produce market. - Phuket Butterfly Farm Located approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection, the farm proudly presents a unique collection of tropical creatures such as butterflies and insects.

- Phuket Sea Shell Museum Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. On display are private collections of seashells from Thai waters (off Phuket Island itself). They are considered the most sought-after shells by collectors. In addition to such the collection, seashells from other parts of Thailand and other parts of the world are also on display. The main attractions at this Museum are the worlds largest golden 140-karat pearl, the worlds earliest known life form seen in sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils and a gigantic 250-kilogram shell. The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call tel. 0 7638 1266 or 0 7638 1274 for more information.

- Hat Surin Located approximately 24 kilometers from town and only in a short distance north of Laem Sing is an enchanting beach lined with casuarinas trees. Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach and the weather fluctuates during the southwest monsoon. In addition, there is a golf course which was established in the reign of King Rama VII. Several Muslim fishing communities are located nearby and Mosques are situated to the west of the beach. The local Mosque, Matsayit Mukaram, is worth visiting as it is an elegant whitewashed structure with lacquered wooden doors.

- Laem Sing Located just one kilometer from Surin Beach, Laem Sing is a relatively small quite beach perfect for a break from the crowd. Laem Sing has a white sandy beach that glitters in the sun and is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks.

- Hat Mai Khao Also known as the Airport Beach (Hat Sanambin), the beach is located at the northern end of Phuket Island. As Phukets longest beach, Hat Mai Khao is famous for its tranquil beach set in a relaxing ambience. Camping grounds are provided. The beach is not recommended for swimming as it slopes steeply. Hat Mai Khao is home to wonderful creatures such as sea cicadas and turtles. In addition, it is an egg-lying ground for sea turtles. The Beach can be reached by taking the Thepkasattri Road on to the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge, then taking a left turn at the directional sign pointing to Mai Khao Beach or follow the Thepkasattri Road that passes the Airport intersection. At the Sarasin Bridge, turn left and proceed for approximately 3.5 kilometers.

- The Two Heroines Monument This monument was established by local residents in 1966 to honor the heroic deeds of Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Srisunthorn. It is located at the Tha Ruea intersection, Amphoe Thalang.

- Phuket Sea Shell Museum Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. On display are private collections of seashells from Thai waters (off Phuket Island itself). They are considered the most sought-after shells by collectors. In addition to such the collection, seashells from other parts of Thailand and other parts of the world are also on display. The main attractions at this Museum are the worlds largest golden 140-karat pearl, the worlds earliest known life form seen in sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils and a gigantic 250-kilogram shell. The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call tel. 0 7638 1266 or 0 7638 1274 for more information.

**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org

Phuket Festival Information

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:21:00 -0700

Phuket Festival Information

- Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th; and Laem La (east of the bridge on Phuket's northern tip) on the 15th. Ceremonies, which centre around the setting adrift of small boats similar to the Thai festival of Loi Krathong, are held at night and their purpose is to drive away evil and bring good luck. - Laguna Phuket Triathlon Laguna Phuket Triathlon is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,000-metre swim, a 5-kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometre run) attracts world-class athletes from all over the world.

- Phuket King s Cup Regatta Phuket King s Cup Regatta is held in December. The Phuket Yacht Club hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighbouring countries who compete in the Nai Han Beach area for royal trophies.

- Phuket Travel Fair Phuket Travel Fair , held on November 1, was first initiated in 1985 at Patong to welcome in the tourist season and designed to foster co-operation among tourism-related operators both in the private and public sectors. Many colourful and interesting activities are organised, such as merit-making in the morning, water sports contests, a Miss Visitor Contest, among others.

- Seafood Festival Seafood Festival, held around May yearly, is designed to publicise the delicious seafood of Phuket and attract visitors during the rainy season. Activities include a Marine Tourism Resources Parade, seafood stalls, demonstrations of regional cuisines and cultural shows.

- Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair is held on March 13 every year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to repel Burmese invaders. Many activities and celebrations are organised.

- Tourist Season Opening Festival Tourist Season Opening Festival , starting from November 1, is usually called the Patong Carnival, from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities.

- Turtle Release Fair Turtle Release Fair is held on Songkran, the nationwide Thai water festival, on April 13 which is also National Fisherman's Day. Baby turtles are released into the sea at various locations.

- Vegetarian Festival Vegetarian Festival is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (usually October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make the forthcoming year trouble-free. The festival is marked by several ascetic displays, including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders. Phuket Attactions Information - Hat Kalim (Kalim Beach) Located north of Patong Beach is a secluded beach dotted with rocks and coral reefs. Accommodations and restaurants are available. Another interesting stopover is Freedom Beach which is located around the head of Laem Ka Sai Rot and is accessible by a chartered long-tailed boat.

**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org

introdution

noreply@blogger.com (puk) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:04:00 -0700

Phuket General Information Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province. Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of 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 islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide. Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a 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 they 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 breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water 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 major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks. Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination. History of Phuket Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the capes location, finally detaching it from the mainland. A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north of the island. As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island. This contributed to making the development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth. Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads. Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today. However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was developed and became a tin trading center. When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central administrative body (located in Bangkok). In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province. The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences. The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples) located next to Mosques.

**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org