Festivals Day Tripping Eating Nightlife Sleeping Getting Around

Population 300,000
Currency Exchange 1 US$ =32.5 Baht (On 1 Jun'08)

Welcome to Phuket
Thailand's only island province, 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.
For a bird-eye view of Phuket, climb up the beautiful Khao Rang (Phuket Hill), northwest of the town centre. It's at its
best during the week. Feel a long way from the prefabricated hubbub of Patong. If you fancy a glimpse of the Phuket
behind the tourist traps, go-go bars and beaches, this isn't a bad place to start. Phuket's main day market (Ranong
Rd.) is worth a wander and is the sport to invest in the requisite Thai and Malay sarongs, as well as baggy Shan
fishermen's pants. A handful of Chinese temples inject some added colour into the area. Most are standard issue, but
the Shrine of the Serene Light (Saan Jao Sang Tham), tucked away at the end of a 50m alley near the Bangkok Bank
of Commerce on Phang-Nga Rd., is a cut above the rest. Here, you will find plumes of incense smoke, dazzling decor
and peaceful ambience. The shrine, which has been restored, is said to be nearly 200 years old and the sense of
history is tangible.
Much more popular are trips to islands lying to the south and east of Phuket about 2 hours away by motor boat,
including Koh Racha, Shark Point and Koh Dok Mai, Koh Phi Phi where you can see white-tip sharks, stingrays and
moray eels besides colorful reef fishes.

Emergency Calls Internet Resources

Police & Emergency : 191 http://www.phuket.com
Tourist Police station : 076 355 015 http://www.phuket.go.th
Marine Police : 076 211 883, 076 214 368 http://www.phuket-info.com
Tourist Police : 1155
Phuket Hotline : 1699 Travel Agents
International Airport : 076 327 230-237
Tourism Authority of Thailand : 076 212 213, 076 211 036
● Oriental Escape Ltd.
Lost or stolen credit cards : American Express : 02 273 0022-44 Tel : 02 883 1219 , 089 206 2300 (Hotline 24 hours)
Master Card : 02 299 1990-2 http://www.orientalescape.com
Visa : 02 299 1990-2 ● John Gray's Sea Canoe
Tel : 076 254 505
http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com
● Sea Canoe (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Tel : 076 212 172, 076 236 606
http://www.seacanoe.net
 The Vegetarian Festival

Festivals
The Vegetarian Festival is Phuket's most important event and usually takes place during late September or October. If you plan
to attend the street processions, consider bringing earplugs to make the noise of the firecrackers more tolerable.
Event website : http://www.phuketvegetarian.com

King's Cup Regatta Every year the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the
auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in association with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the
Province of Phuket. The King's Cup Regatta draws many sailors from all over the world.
Event website : http://www.kingscup.com

Patong Carnival at the beginning of November promises a bonanza of the best Thailand can offer in good natured and noisy
entertainment. This includes folk bands, jazz bands, famous local singers, fashion shows, sports competitions, beauty pageants,
handicrafts, artists, painters, and almost everything else that is either fun, entertaining, colourful, or just wonderfully eccentric.

Day Tripping
Phuket Aquarium
Place : Panwa Cape 51 Moo 8 Sakdidet Rd. A. Mueang
Tel : 076 391 128
Price : Adults: 100 THB., Children: 50 THB.
Open daily : 08:30 - 16:00

Phuket Zoo
Place : Palai 23/2 Moo 3 Soi Palai Chao Fa East Rd. T. Chalong A. Mueang
Tel : 076 381 227
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Open daily : 8:30 - 18:00
http://www.phuketzoo.com
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Perhaps the world's most valuable collection of seashells has
Elephant Trekking been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the
Price : Elephant Trekking in Phuket - Starting from 1,200 THB. per person
island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from
Price : Trekking and Rafting Adventure from Phuket - Starting
Phuket and Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after
from 3,300 THB. per person
by collectors. However, they also carry shells from other part of
Price : Half Day Safari around Phuket - Starting from 2,000 THB. per person
the world. Wherever their origins may be, each shell in the Shell
is the best of its type, and very often the only of its type. The
Antique Buildings displays has been put in a logical order, and visitors can see at
The beginning of the tin boom during the 19th century led to once differing characteristics among related species.
construction of many fine old mansions and shops still in the Place : 12/2 Moo 2 Viset Rd. T. Rawai A. Mueang
region. These buildings are described as Sino-Portuguese, and Tel : 076 381 266, 076 381 274
have a strong Mediterranean character. Shops present a very Price : 200 THB. per adult., 100 THB. per child.
narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, Opening times : 08:00 - 19:00, except on national holidays.
especially on Dibuk Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese
fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called 'Old
Phuket', with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, Bang Pae Water fall
and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Best known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to
Place : Phuket Town Talang Rd. return domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small
waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To
getthere go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road
running east the Pa Khlok Road, 7 km to Bang Pae look for the
posted signs.

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Thalang National Museum

Thalang National Museum

Ancient artifacts from Phuket's long history are on display. The
Island Tour & Dive Site
oldest were found on the West Coast. In addition there are Phang Nga National Park is a wealth of beauty and
exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two wonder with a variety of dramatic limestone island. It is, no
Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gypsy culture. doubt, one of the most spectacular sights in Thailand. One of
Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa the most popular programs is sea canoeing with an opportunity
Kolok Rd. to explore the hidden and untouched tropical underwater caves
Place : Moo 3 T. Srisoonthorn A. Thalang around Phang Nga Bay and see the well-preserved mangrove
Tel : 076 311 426 jungle scenery. Some interesting islands in the bay include: Koh
Price : 30 THB. for adults, children get in free of charge. Tapu or James Bond Island, Khao Phingkan and Koh Panyi. You
Opening times : 9.00 - 16.00 daily, except on national holidays. will also visit Koh Khai, the islands are known for their beautiful
rocks, corals, and secluded beaches.
Phuket Fantasy not only showcases the charm and beauty Price : By Speed Boat - Starting from 3,200 THB. per person (Join Tour)
of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the By Long Tail Boat - Starting from 1,000 THB. per person (Join Tour)
wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects.
Place : 99 Moo 3 T. Kamala A. Kathu Phi Phi Island is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. Visitors to
Place : Show and Dinner - Starting from USD $65.12 per person Phuket should not miss it if the schedule is not too tight. Phi
Show Only - Starting from USD $49.79 per person Phi's sheer cliffs stained with earth colours soar from calm, clear
Tel : 076 385 000 seas provide an unforgettable snorkeling or diving experience.
Opening times : Gate Opens: 20:30 , Show Starts: 21:00 Don't forget to visit Phi Phi Ley, enjoy swimming & snorkeling in
http://www.phuket-fantasea.com Maya Bay, and stop by the Viking Cave, where big family of the
swallow birds and nests are there for your sightseeing pleasure.
Phuket Simon Cabaret A show to rival Las Vegas, you Some interesting islands in the bay include: Monkey Beach and
will be amazed by the fantastic sets and costumes in this one of Khai Nui Island.
a kind show in Phuket. Phuket Simon Cabaret has established Price : By Speed Boat - Starting from 2,700 THB. per person (Join Tour)
itself as Phuket leading entertainment venue. By Big Boat - Starting from 1,200 THB. per person (Join Tour)
Place : 8 Sirirat Rd. Patong A. Kathu
Price : Starting from USD $22.98 per person
Tel : 076 342 011-5
Show times : 19:30 & 21:30 daily
http://www.phuket-simoncabaret.com

Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife &

Forest Reserve
This mountain range, in the northern interior for island, protects
23 sq km of rainforest (evergreen monsoon forest). These are
nice jungle hikes in this reserve and a couple of waterfalls, Ton
Sai and Bang Pae. The falls are best seen in the rainy season
between June and November; in the dry months they slow to a
trickle. Because of its royal status, the reserve is better
protected than the average Thai national park. Koh Tapu

Tigers, Malayan sun Similan Island National Park has been rated first by
bears, rhinos and the U. S. publication "Skin Diving" of the top ten dive sites in the
elephants once world. The Similan Islands in the heart of the Andaman Sea are
roamed the forest indeed unparallel in their exotic beauty. Similan is really the
here, but nowadays Malaysian word for nine, as there are nine islands in the Similan
resident mammals are group: Koh Bangu, Koh Similan, Hin Huwagralok, Koh Payu, Koh Ha,
limited to humans, Koh Hok, Koh Miang, Koh Payan, Koh Payang, and Koh Huyong.
gibbons, monkeys, Price : By Speed Boat - Starting from 3,700 THB. per person (Join Tour)
slow loris, civets, flying
foxes, squirrels, Raya Yai Island Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters
mouse-deer and other of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill
smaller animals. to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island
Watch out for cobras can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for
and wild pigs. diving. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the favorite activities.
Price : By Speed Boat - Starting from 1,800 THB. per person (Join Tour)

Ton Sai Waterfall, Khao Phra Thaew

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Hey Island or Coral Island Shopping
One of the most well-known destinations from the southern end
of Phuket Island, 30 minutes away form Chalong Pier, is Jungceylon The International Shopping & Leisure Destinationat
encircled by the outstanding reefs and crystal clear water which Patong, Phuket. On the corner of Bangla Road and Rad-u-tit 200
is perfect for water activities such as Para-sailing, snorkeling, Years Rd. A centre for shopping, drinking, dining, entertainment
water-skiing, sailing and scuba diving. Hey Island is part of a and leisure.
marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurant, various Place : 181 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd.
water sports, and diving are all available. Tambol Patong Amphur Kathu
Price : Coral Island + Scuba diving (no license required) 2,500 THB. Tel : 076 600 111
per person (Join Tour) http://www.jungceylon.com

Sea Canoe Ocean Plaza Bangla Patong

Sea canoe trips are available as one-day tours. Sea canoeing is An even smaller department
one of the best ways to explore what is one of the world's most store on Bangla Road.
beautiful and dramatic landscapes. Phang Nga Bay is famous for Place : 31 Bangla Rd. Patong
its fascinating and beautiful limestone karst islands and caves. Beach A. Kathu
Price : Canoe Cave Explorer Tour at Phang Nga Bay - Starting from Tel : 076 341 163
http://www.phuketoceangroup.com
3,800 THB. per person Patong at Night

Travel Agents Day Market This market can trace its history back to the days
http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com when pirates, Indians, Chinese, Malays and Europeans traded in
http://www.seacavecanoe.com Phuket. You might still find some Southeast Asian fabrics, though
http://www.seacanoe.net for the most part it sells food now.
http://www.paddleasia.com Place : Ranong Rd. Near the town centre

Viewpoint of Phi Phi Beach

Beach & Island

Patong Kata
The most popular beach, beautifully curved and sparks with Kata is our pick for Phuket's best beach. Don't confuse
frenetic electricity. The steamy streets seethe with souvenir unpretentious with not being prestigious. Kata has a burgeoning
shops, girlie bars, pricey seafood restaurants, and dive shops. surf culture (the surfing is best from April to November). The
Travelers pay homage to the neon gods, dancing the night away ocean is littered with surf virgins and pros trying to hang ten.
to booming sound systems in sweaty, pulsating clubs, or sipping Taxis from Kata go to Phuket Town (300 THB.)
Singha under the stars at sandy beachside bars. Demurely Patong (250 THB.) and Karon (150 THB.)
dressed diners dine on giant prawns and Italian wines at
decadent, romantic restaurants where the view are as
worthwhile as the food. Kamala
The photogenic bay. Kamala has lost ground in terms of tourist
While Patong was once Phuket's most expensive beach, prices arrivals to nearby Patong and Hat Surin. As a result, Kamala is a
are stabilizing as the local accommodation market becomes pretty good deal. Resorts are new and the beaches are quieter
saturated with new places to stay. than almost anywhere else on Phuket - make the most of it now,
Bangla Rd. is Patong's beer-and-bar girl. Bargain seafood and before it gets rediscovered.
noodle stall pop up across town at around Bangla Rd. Laem Singh, just north of Kamala, is one of the best capes on
the island. You could camp here and eat at the rustic roadside
Karon seafood places.
You'll find most of the restaurants in the village of Karon which
now also features a string of mainly top-end resorts. Luckily, Rawai
most are tasteful and set far enough back from the sand to Rawai was one of Phuket's first tourist developments, but this
blend into the background hills. During the monsoon season, the was due more to its proximity to Phuket Town than its beauty. As
surf is too rough for swimming here, so you'll have to head to better beaches were discovered, tourist travel to Rawai dwindled
Kata for that as well. and today it's a quiet spot.
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Surin
This busy beach is big on variety. There line the shore and
dozens of cheap food shacks take shelter beneath them. Money
is pouring in, new places are opening all the time and the
murmur among expats is that this is the beach to watch.

Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang & Hat Mai Khao
Near the northwestern tip of Phuket, Hat Mai Khao is Phuket's
longest beach. Sea turtles lay their eggs here between November
and February each year. Please respect the turtles and do not
touch them or their eggs. A visitor centre with toilets, showers and
picnic tables is found at Mai Khao. Here you'll also find some
short trails through the casuarinas to a steep beach. Take care
when swimming here, as there's a strong year-round undertow.
Except for weekends and holidays you'll have this place almost
entirely to yourself; even during peak periods, peace and solitude Surin Beach
are usually only a few steps away, as there's so much space here.
Hat Nai Yang is renowned for snorkeling and it is very popular with Thai tourists. About 1 km off Nai Yang is a large reef at a depth of
10m to 20m. Snorkeling and scuba equipment can be hired at many resorts so check for best prices and quality.

Koh Yao
Koh Yao Yai & Kho Yao Noi are actually part of the Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park, but are more easily accessible from Phuket.
Both trips to neighbouring islands, bird-nest caves and Chao Naam funeral caves are possible. Koh bele, a small island east of the twin
Koh Yao, features a large tidal lagoon, three white-sand beaches, and easily accessible caves and coral reefs.
To go from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Yao Yai catch a shuttle boat from Manaw Rd. (20 THB., 15 mins). On the island, tuk-tuk provides transport
for about 50 THB.

Baan Rim Pa 360 Bar & Dining Baan Yin Dee Mom Tri's Kitchen

Eating Baan Yin Dee Relaxed and stylish atmosphere. Every meal will
be an unforgettable experience for your senses.
360 Bar & Dining Place : Patong 7/5 Muen Ngen Rd. Patong Beach
Place : Layan / Bangtao 31/1 Moo 6 Koktanod-Layan Rd. Tel : 076 294 104, 076 294 105
Cherngtalay Talang Open Daily 07:00 - 24:00
Tel : 076 317 600 http://www.baanyindee.com/restaurant.htm
Open Daily 11:30-15:00, 17:30-01:00, Sun 17:30-01:00
http://www.phuketpavilions.com Mom Tri's Kitchen
Place : Kata The Boathouse Phuket 2/2 Patak Rd. Kata
Cherngtalay Talang Tel : 076 330 015-7
Tel : 076 317 600 Open Daily 06:30 - 24:00
Open Daily 11:30-15:00, 17:30-01:00, Sun 17:30-01:00 http://www.boathouse.net/dining.htm
http://www.phuketpavilions.com
Ratri Jazztaurant Restaurant and Lounge with Jazz Music
Baan Rim Pa Famous for its Thai food and fresh seafood. Place : Kata Hill
Place : Karim 223-223/1 Prabaramee Rd. Patong Beach Tel : 076 333 538-9 , 089 874 5286
Tel : 076 340 789, 076 341 768 Open Daily 11:00 - 01:00
Open Daily 11:00 - 24:00 http://www.ratrijazztaurant.com
http://www.baanrimpa.com
Sala Bua The best restaurants in Thailand by Tatlers for 3
Babylon Beach Club Most popular restaurant on Bang Tao beach. consecutive years.
Place : Layan / Bangtao Place : Patong Phuket Cabana Resort 41 Taweewong Rd.
Tel : 081 970 5302 Photos
Patong by Dazzle Magazine
Beach
Open Daily 10:00 - 23:00 Tel : 076 340 138 ext. 822
http://www.babylonbeachclub.com Open Daily 11.00 - 23.00
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Butterfly Bar & Tattoo Buffalo Bar & Bistro Rock City Kiss Club

Nightlife
Banana Disco Longest running disco. Downstairs is a bar with Dragon Entertainment Popular bar with dancers,
live music. pool tables and shows. Formerly Dragon Disco.
Place : 124 Thaweewong Rd. Patong Place : Soi Easy Bangla Rd. Patong
Tel : 076 340 306 Tel : 076 294 213
http://www.dragon-entertainment.com
Buffalo Bar & Bistro The Bar is located in the heart of the
nightlife area of Patong. Kiss Club Patong Hottest dance club
Place : 23/6 Soi Sea Dragon Patong Place : 123/8-9 Paradise Complex Patong
Tel : 076 345 855, 081 083 6737 Tel : 086 944 2423, 086 606 0061
http://www.buffalobarpatong.com http://www.kissclub-patong.com
Butterfly Bar & Tattoo Bistro Bar with pool table, tattoo & Rock City International Rock City
piercing services Place : 188/1 Thaweewong Rd. Patong
Place : 192/36 Aroona Karon Karon Road. Karon http://www.rockcity.cc
Tel : 076 396 548
http://www.butterfly-it-service.com
Club Lime Trendy dinner and dance club along the beach road.
Place : Thaweewong Rd. Patong
Tel : 085 798 1850 , 085 798 8511
http://www.clublime.info

Seven Seas Karon Place 3rd Street Cafe

Sleeping
● Budget
3rd Street Cafe - 100/3-4 Kata Night Bazaar, Kata Rd. Karon Karon View Resort - 127/21-26 Patak Rd., Karon
Tel : 076 284 510 Tel : 076 340 456 (r 1,500 - 2,500 THB.)
http://www.3rdstreetcafe.com (r 1,200 - 3,000 THB.)
Patong Palmview Resort Hotel - 135/1 Nanai Rd. Patong
Karon Place - 269/17 Patak Rd., Karon Beach Tel : 076 344 837 (r 800 - 2,000 THB.)
Tel : 076 396 863
http://www.karonplace.com (r 1,450 - 2,900 THB.) Seven Seas - 3 Soi Phrabarami 4, Phrabarami Rd. Patong
Photos
Tel by193
: 076 342 Dazzle Magazine
http://www.phuketsevenseas.com (r 700 - 2,000 THB.)
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At Panta

Baanyindee Naithonburi Trisara

● Midrange & Top End

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa - 7/1 Ket Khwan Rd. Karon The Front Village - 566 Patak Rd. Karon
Tel : 076 370 999 Tel : 076 398 200-5
http://www.phuketnalina.com (r 7,500 - 32,000 THB.) http://www.frontvillage.com (r 4,500 - 8,500 THB.)
Aquamarine Resort & Villa - 17/38 Moo 6 Kamala Beach Trisara - 60/1 Moo 6 Srisoonthorn Rd. Cherngtalay Talang
Tel : 076 310 600 Tel : 076 310 100
http://www.aquamarineresort.com (r 3,400 - 12,490 THB.) http://www.trisara.com (r 18,445 - 71,300 THB.)
Arahmas Resort & Spa - 92 Moo 3 Ban Na Tai Naiyang Beach
Tel : 076 316 000
http://www.arahmas.com (r 6,300 - 27,300 THB.)
Getting Around
Car There are cheap car rental agencies on Rasada Rd. About
At Panta - 310/51 Moo 1, Baandon-Cherngtalay Rd., Thalang 1,600 THB. per day (including insurance). If you rent for a week
Tel : 076 275 002-14 or more, you should get a discount.
http://www.atpanta.com (r 4,000 - 12,000 THB.)
Bus The terminal (tel: 076 211 977) is just to the east of the
Baanyindee - 7/5 Muean Ngen Rd. Patong Beach Kathu centre, within walking distance of the many hotels.
Tel : 076 294 104-7 Motocycle Costs are between 250 THB. and 350 THB. per day,
http://www.baanyindee.com (r 4,500 - 13,500 THB.) and can vary depending on the season.
Baumanburi - 239/1 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd. Patong Sawngthaew & Tuk-Tuk Large bus-sized sawngthaew run
Tel : 076 345 951-5 regularly from Ranong Rd., near the market to the various
http://www.baumanburi.com (r 2,500 - 7,500 THB.) Phuket beaches for 50 THB. per person.
Kata Lucky Villa - 92/15 Khoktanod Rd. T.Karon, Kata Beach Motocycle Taxis around town should cost about 25 THB., but
Tel : 076 333 385-6 like tuk-tuk fares are sometimes inflated based on petrol prices
http://www.kataluckyvilla.com (r 2,500 - 4,500 THB.) (or so we were told).
Kata Thani - 14 Kata Noi Rd. Karon
Tel : 076 330 124-6 Content by
http://www.katathani.com (r 7,000 - 23,870 THB.) Photos by www.hflight.net

Naithonburi - Moo 4, Tambon Sakhu, Amphur Thalang

Tel : 076 318 700
http://www.naithonburi.com (r 4,500 - 13,500 THB.)
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