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PHUKET | |
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PHUKET, Thailand By Kaneka Saul  Thailand with plans of Operations Rescue Tourism Industry Package US$600 million to rebuild the country's image abroad after the crippling airport shutdown by political demonstrators. Flights are easily available and hotels and luxury resorts have slahsed their rates, making the best time to stretch your travel dollar in the country. Besides, Thailand have always been associated with Sun, Sand and Sea with a generous dosage of ever friendly Thai Hospitality. The country have so much attratcions that one may need several visits to the island to discover its best kept secrets. Most people can speak simple smattering English. If you have accommodation arranged with airport/hotel transfers, there should not be any problem. You could start with Phuket's numerous historical temples. Some of these temples easily dates as far back as 14th Century, however, you will have to trek through jungles which may turn out to be quite an adventure itself. Walking along the streets of Phuket, the seer sight of beautiful old historical buildings which was built in the Sino-Portuguese Style era. Some buildings even dates back to almost 100 years old. There would be chance of finding some second-hand book stores which are a huge draw for book lovers globally.  GETTING AROUND  The best way to get around the island is via " TUK-TUK " , an auto rickshaw that is one of the chief modes of transport, especially as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional rickshaw or velotaxi, a small three-wheeled cart driven by a person, and is related to the cabin cycle. THE WEATHER Often described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two. In Northern Thailand, the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsoon does not directly effect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February. The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest. The Southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons -- the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December. Overall, the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimetres every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimetres. BEST TIME TO VISIT From November to March, when it is not as humid as the rest of the year. The average temperature ranges between 24 - 32 degrees Celcius during these months. The hottest months are in April to May, where temperatures soar to rangess of 27 - 36 degrees Celcius.  Send your email request to our TRAVEL JOURNALIST in seeking your dream vacation.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  |
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PLACES OF INTEREST WAT PRATHONG ~  The legend of the ancient Buddha image at Wat Phra Thong stretches back centuries — and is as intriguing today as it ever was. Protected by an ancient spell, the half-buried Buddha image, half-buried golden Buddha statue called Luang Poh Prathonghas withstood man?s every attempt to remove it from the ground. WAT PHRANANG SANG ~  It is the oldest temple in Phuket, dating back more than 400 years, and was built on the site of the famous battle in 1785 between the people of Phuket and the Burmese invaders. THALANG NATIONAL MUSEUM ~ Ancient artefacts displayed from Phuket's long history. Offical opening hours are from 0900hrs - 1600hrs daily except on Public Holidays. Just outside, there is a Tsunami Memorial. There is also a traditional Phuket dances and shows which relates to the history of the island. One of the best recommended shows is at the PHUKET FANTASEA THEATRE. PATONG BEACH ~ The beaches is a NOT TO MISS affair. While it may be a popular tourist spot because of its shopping, nightlife and wide long stretches of white sand. Other beaches such as KARON, KATA, KAMALA, SURIN, NAI YANG, NAI HARN BEACH and BANG TAO BAY are worth a visit. There has been an increasing number of visitors prefering these beaches as they are far more relaxed, less crowded as well as not so commercialised than Patong. NATIONAL PARK ~ A Must-Visit place for the Nature Lover. Located in the north, Phuket's virgin rainforest sustains an amazing varieties of plants, birds and animals. Recommended to take a 8km trekking route through the park as well as visit the TONSAI WATERFALL. Opening hours is from 0600hrs - 1800hrs daily. FOOD THE FLOATING RESTUARANT ~ Located at the bay of Phuket Town. There you get live fish form the sea. The Chef would cook it in front of you. Also, try the local favourites such as GOONG PAD PHED (fried prawns with chilli paste), PLA PAD KING (seabass with fresh ginger), KHAO OBB SAPPAROD (fried rice in pineapple) and KHAO NEO MAMUANG (sticky rice with mango). There are plenty of local food places to try these at. THE BOON RAT ~ The best breakfast dim sum shop located opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel at Tilok-Uthit 2 Road (Tel +66 76 210 897) TWIN PALMS HOTEL ~ The best brunch located along Surin Beach Road. It serves the best oysters in town (Tel +66 76 316 500, www.twins-palms-phuket.com). TRE RESTUARANT ~ A french-vietnamese restuarant at Banyan Tree (Tel +66 76 324 374, www.banyantree.com/phuket). Order the oven-roasted duck which is prepared with spices and purple potatoe truffle puree, roasted for three (3) hours resulting a divine tasting duck. NIGHT LIFE ROCKFISH RESTUARANT AND BAR ~ Best Recommended drinks, located at Kamala Beach Estate, Kamala Beach Road (Tel +66 76 279 732). Recommended drink called SANG SEUNG, a thai-made whiskey, which is very popular and is readily available at most local bars. Also try the Oriental Spice Cocktail, a concoction of Thai traditional herbs such as citrus, lemon grass and chilli galangal soaked in vodka. It is mixed with lemon juice and syrup and is served in a lowball glass. 360 BAR AND DINING ~ One of the coolest chill out place. Located at Phuket Pavillions near Layan Beach (Tel +66 76 317 600, www.phuket.com/phuketpavillions) The laid-back atmosphere is a great place to catch a panoramic view of Phuket as well as it is llocated on high terrain. Try the King Prawns served with orange and lemon sauce and pesto pasta, or its Olive Oil Poached Seabass, a light and perfectly cooked fish with tasty saffron sauce. BAAN RIM PA ~ Located on Prabaramee Road off Patong, it overlooks the Patong and Kalim bays which offers a spectacular view when the sun sets. It lives up to its reputation as one of Phuket's finest dining destinations. Tel +66 76 340 789, www.baanrimpa.com |
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SINGAPORE Sentosa Bird Park Zoological Garden Botanical Garden THAILAND Bangkok Phuket Pattaya Koh Samui Koh Phangan MALAYSIA Malacca Port Dickson Kuala Lumpur Penang NEW ZEALAND North Island South Island Christchurch Hanmer Springs Twizel Lake Tekapo Mt Cook Lake Wanaka Queenstown Te Anau Milford Sound Dunedin AUSTRALIA Malacca Port Dickson Kuala Lumpur Penang SHOPPING There are endless choices from international brand names such as Central, Carrefour and Tesco to the very small local shops scattered around the streets of Phuket or Patong. From luxury brands to clothes to furniture, you can get everything in Phuket. If you are looking for something cheap and cheerful, head to the shopping street located at the back of Patong where you can get real bargains for casual wear. The best variety of products can be found at Supercheap, a local hypermart offering a wide selection of products variety with prices starting from as low as five ( 5 ) baht. FESTIVALS PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL ~ One of the most spectacular festival comparable to the Filipino Easter Procession. Held in the month of October, which celebrates vagetarianism, where devotees walking on fire to cleanse themselves of the sins of the community. The fire-walking is an important ritual of this festival. SONGKRAN ~ A traditional Thai New Year which falls in the month of April, which is celebrated as a water festival. It is a must-see festival where locals and foreigners, strangers and friends participates in the festival by " showering blessings " on each other. Releasing turtles ot the sea by the beaches to the north of the island is part of the New Year Celebration. Buddhists practises this deed to accumulate merits in their spiritual lives. CHAO LE BOAT FLOATING FESTIVAL ~ During this festival, small boats set adrift in the darkness of the night to drive away evil spirits and brings good luck. Held in the months of May and October retaining its traditional rustic Thai flavour. OFF THE BEATEN TRACK If you have more time to spend, there are many interesting nearby islands with scenic beaches and great diving sites. I would recommend SIMILAN ISLANDS and KO RACHA YAI. The legendary Thai massage and the many SPA packages would definately appeal to all ranging from a quick-fix 15 minutes massage to a full-day spa retreat. Whatever you choose, just indulge in one. It is the perfect way to end your holiday. Best about Phuket is that even the simple things like watching the sunset while lazing on the beach is a sight to behold. 
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