Phuket, Thailand Travel Guide

10 Reasons to Visit Phuket

The island of Phuket is the South’s richest, busiest, most beautiful, most coveted, most visited, and the most popular vacation destination. Often nicknamed as the “pearl of the south” or “pearl of the Andaman,” Phuket is the largest island of Thailand, located in the Southern Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline.

Phuket is your destination for limestone cliffs, snow white beaches, tranquil broad bays, and tropical in-land forests. It is famous for a wide range of marine activities, the best accommodation facilities with some of the supreme resort hotels, and elephant rides. It’s your paradise for every sort of fun, whether you are looking for a quiet corner to get pleasure from a dreamy holiday retreat or an action packed time bounded by swaying palms, aquamarine seas and stifling sunshine. Certainly, you’ve a number of reasons to visit the island, but here are top 10 reasons for you.

The scenic beauty of Phuket is one of the major reasons to visit the island. Prompthep Cape is an illustrious beauty spot with great panoramic eye shots. It’s a famous vantage point for watching out Phuket’s spectacular sunsets.

Phuket’s wild life is also a top tourist attraction. Phuket Zoo offers you great opportunity to watch and observe the wildlife and pleasure activities, such as monkey shows, crocodile shows and elephant shows. It’s a nice place to picture wildlife in the Phuket zoo, having over 600 species of birds, 100 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, and 45 types of mammals living on its 10 hectares of area.

Buddhist temples are great lures of Thai culture. Wat Chalong, situated in the south of the island behind Chalong Bay, is one of the major attractions of Phuket. It is one of Phuket’s biggest Buddhist temples, which is profoundly honored for the effigies of two of its early archimandrites (abbots) who had fabled healing skills. Positioned in the middle of Phuket Island is Wat Phra Thong Temple, also called Golden Buddha Temple. It is home to a huge half-buried Buddha whose fascinating history stretches back centuries.

Phuket Seashell Museum is another reason to visit Phuket. Located on Viset Road, near Rawai Beach, the Phuket museum features the collection of over 2,000 rarities including the only left-handed Noble Volute ever discovered, giant clams, 380 million-year-old fossils, and one of the rarest golden pearls of the world.

On the east side of Phuket Town, Koh Sirey Island (Koh Si Re) is also a great tourist trap. Accessed by a small bridge, the island has ear-shell farms, a few fine beaches, a temple on a hill and a sea gypsy village. Much of the island is hilly and you can drive all around the island in half an hour. Some of the inshore sights are unbelievably beautiful.

For pure entertainment, nothing can beat out Phuket Simon Cabaret, which is a market leader of specialized entertainment since its opening in October 18, 1991. This exciting place is famous for its special, lavish and intimate theater with high-tech sound and the unforgettably enchanting performers.

The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park provides you an opportunity to walk around and to relish the views and sounds of the tropical forest. Sited in the north of the island holding Phuket’s last part of virgin rainforest, the Park is nice place to watch the striking waterfalls, and the gibbon rehabilitation centre that aspires to rehabilitate abandoned pet gibbons to the wild.

Located only three kilometers from the town, Phuket Butterfly Garden & Aquarium is a matchless experience for all nature lovers. Here you can watch an enthralling collection of several hundred of the best specimens of tropic butterflies, flying around freely under a huge dome. Its lavish plant life, watercourses, and ponds also provide habitat for a great collection of exotic insects and fish.

Patong Beach is the most illustrious beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, it is a perfect place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife that comprises virtually hundreds of eating places, chic lounge bars, beer bars and of course discos.

About the author
 James Burrows : Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Phuket villa rentals, Phuket hotels, bed and breakfasts, and Phuket vacation.

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Tips For Vacationing On A Budget

Looking for some vacation money saving ideas? There’s nothing wrong with vacationing on a budget. Hey, we all can’t travel like the rich and famous.

You save all year to get the money for a well earned vacation. You want to stretch your vacation budget but still enjoy yourself. Sounds like a good plan. To help you out I’ve together some vacation money saving ideas that I hope you will find useful.

If you have a particular destination in mind it pays to plan ahead. Research the attractions and facilities. Find out what specials or discounts they may have going. Look for other things to do or see nearby so that you can make good use of your time and cut down on the running from place to place.

Plan your vacation for the off season. You can usually get better deals on lots of things like plane tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises and lots of other things.

If you have friends or relatives nearby your destination consider asking them if you can stay with them. Don’t be a freeloader though. Even though you help pay for the groceries and other expenses your host incurs, it’s still a good vacation money saving idea.

If you are flying try to plan your trip for when tickets are traditionally cheapest. That would be Feb thru May and September thru December (except the week before Thanksgiving and the two week period before Christmas). Try to avoid flying on Friday afternoons as this is often the busiest time of the week for airlines.

Meals can be expensive at restaurants so you can save some money by packing food for the road.

When eating out try to avoid the places that obviously cater to tourists. Find out where the locals eat. Ask around. The smaller family owned places usually have better food at better prices. You may have to go a little out of your way but it is usually worth it for some vacation money savings.

Hotels are typically more expensive the closer you get to a major attraction. With a little planning you can find a good balance between price and distance.

When picking hotels don’t just go by the ratings. Compare the amenities they offer. Often you will find that you really don’t need everything offered by that 4 star hotel and you can do very nicely at the 3 star…with a better price!

Consider buying or renting an RV. You travel at your own pace. Cooking and bathrooms are always close by. You can meet a lot of other friendly RVers who will usually be glad to point out the best places to go.

When traveling by car you can save fuel by renting a smaller fuel efficient model. Packing light, reducing your speed and maintaining proper tire air pressure will also cut the gas costs.

Make sure that your car is ready for the trip. Good tires, oil change, tune-up and all that good stuff. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper and more convenient to deal with these things before you go rather than on the road somewhere.

Check out the local transportation system of buses, trains or trolleys. These can be considerably cheaper than using taxis.

Camping is a great vacation money saving idea. There are lots of campgrounds around. They are cheap and you may end up with an experience that outshines anything you can get a fancy hotel.

Plan activities that don’t require a lot of money. Hiking, and swimming are good ones. Local Museums and historical sites are often very reasonably priced as well as being quite educational and fun. The big theme parks have their appeal but you can really go through the cash at those places.

Plan picnics. These can be excellent vacation money saving opportunities as well as a chance to really relax and enjoy the local area.

Avoid buying souvenirs. It’s easy to get caught up and blow a bundle on these overpriced goodies. Set some mental rules ahead of time about how much you will spend on souvenirs and it will be easier to stick to it when the time comes.

I hope that you find some of these vacation money saving ideas helpful. Make a plan and stick to it. There’s no reason why you can’t have a great vacation without emptying the bank account

About the author
The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.

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Sukko Spa, The world’s first cultural spa

Sukko  Therapies
According to Traditional Thai medical theory, the 1000-years ancient wit, our own body which composed of four elements: earth, water, wind and fire is the best healer with the sole purpose to keep us healthy. To strengthen the ability to repair itself and to achieve the optimal good health, the four elements of the body must be in perfect harmony and balance. Healing sessions therefore seek to correct the balance within your body as well as with nature.

The elemental balance may be lost due to diet, lifestyle as well as the state of mind. External factors-the changes in the weather and seasons, pollution, the living and working environments will also affect this balance. Removing or alleviating these factors will provide the body and spirit a chance to regain its strength so that healing takes place naturally and effectively

At Sukko Spa, the guest will undergo Sukko treatments, ancient traditions of herbal medicine blended between the art of massages, heat and the healing essences from indigenous herbs to balance each body element.  All these will help to get rid of poisonous substances and wastes, increase immunity, bring your physical conditions and spirit back to a state of well-being and enhance longevity.

Traditionally Natural Products 
 Products used must meet the stringent standards and code of ethics passed down through generations of traditional Thai herbalists. Raw materials are derived from herbs grown, harvested and preserved in the prescribed manner. And the compounding of medicine is strictly controlled by certified traditional Thai herbalists, complement the spa’s concept and suit individual needs and preferences. No petrochemicals, synthetic perfumes or colours are allowed.

Culturally Trained Staff 
All Sukko staff is trained at Sukko Spa Academy, Certified by the Ministry of Education. Each receives a basic education in Thai herbal medicine and rational massage . The training consists of both theoretical and practical skills. Trainees must first successfully complete the mandatory 800-hour course before being chosen to be on Sukko’s team of therapists. This stringent process of selection ensures a high standard of proficiency. The method of teaching follows Thai traditions: Sukko trainees pay respect and gratitude to “Kru”- the trainers, and as a form of reciprocation, “Kru” share all their knowledge, show kindness and patience while providing expert supervision. The trainees will also receive instruction in morality and meditation in order to understand Sukko’s holistic approach to the treatment process.

Sukko Experience
Thailand, tropical paradise enriched with cultural heritage and holistic remedies, spa-ing is a very much part of everyday life. Come experience the benefits of the traditional healing rituals, relying on the nature’s life force to deliver goodness and see the wonders all can do for you.  

http://www.sukkospa.com          

Guide to Thai Cuisine

Tourist restaurants will often serve up a spineless, tasteless version of what should be a full flavour feast, and without anyone to tell you the food is less than genuine; a visitor’s introduction to Thai food is often tainted by these ‘farang-ised’ Thai dishes. Once you have had enough of yet another overly sweet, messy slop of phad thai, it is time to explore the never-ending possibilities of Thai cuisine.

When asked what they like most about Thailand, visitors often answer ‘the food’. The creation of Siam servings is a masterful mix of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. The spice factor, often too much for most westerners, is used for medicinal purposes, combined with the use of market fresh vegetables and the choicest local herbs for bursting flavours and prevention of common ailments. The food is low in fat and high in fibre and most dishes, considering they taste so good, are surprisingly nutritious.

But it is not only the unique and pleasantly pungent tastes that visitors love, the cost of eating in Thailand is as satisfying as the pleasure experienced by the palate. One of Thailand’s major industries is agriculture. Grains, meats, vegetables and most importantly rice are all locally produced at minimal cost. The country also has rich waters filled with fresh and sea water creatures, which are shipped across the land, making seafood and fish dishes some of the most popular choices. Add to this the natural innovation and long standing techniques used by Thais in food preparation and there are few who visit who cannot be satisfied.

Passing through different regions of Thailand, you may notice that the dialect and sound of the language changes abruptly. When you think you have learned how to say sawdee kha in exactly the right tone, you move to another place and find that they have a completely different method of utterance. The same goes for the food. There are four main regions offering cuisine adventurers a unique experience.

Food in the northeast is influenced by neighbouring Laos. Dishes are highly seasoned and among the most popular specialities are larb, a spicy, seasoned salad made with pork or chicken; somtam, spicy papaya salad, and gai yang, barbequed chicken. All are served with glutinous rice, a northern favourite widely known as sticky rice, or khao neow.

Burmese influences have bearings on the dishes of the central northern regions. Northern cooks generally are less heavy handed with the chilli and the use of ginger, tamarind and turmeric is common. Khao soi, a curry with egg noodles and pickled cabbage, is only found in the north and should be number one on any visitor’s list of dishes to try. Tourists to the north should not miss the opportunity to dine at a traditional Khantoke dinner, combining the best of northern specialities and traditional performances in a reconstructed wooden palace.

Throughout the central plains of Thailand, the food combines mixes from all regions, and many Chinese-Thai fusions are common characteristics. The south is the place to get down to spicy treats. Chilli-filled soups and curries are common dishes and fresh seafood is abundant. Influences are also found in dishes taken from Indonesia, such as chicken kebabs with peanut sauce (gai sate), an international favourite, and rich curries such as kaeng masaman from Malaysia.

Eating in Thailand is very much a family affair. It is often thought of as odd to see someone eating alone and most Thais will wait to the point of starvation until they find a dining partner. A typical meal will include a soup, fried fish, spicy salad known as yam, a curry dish and a dip with vegetables. Each member of the party will be served a bowl of rice and can take a bite from the main dishes in the centre of the table. Meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, while chopsticks are generally only used for noodle soups or Chinese food.

Thai ‘fast food’ is known as such, not because of its enticing greasiness or fat content as with the western equivalent, but instead as a range of dishes that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes. These dishes such as phad thai, or fried noodles, khao phad, or fried rice, or phad khrapao, or fried basil with pork or chicken, are commonly ordered as a quick lunch, breakfast or evening meal, and often served with a fried egg plonked on top.

There are few countries that can offer such a range of fruits like Thailand. Its tropical climate and heavy rains in monsoon season mean that fruit is everywhere. The diversity of delicious fruity sweetness to be found is so vast and the cost so little, some health conscientious rebels decide to diet solely on fruit as an internal body cleansing exercise. From the vibrant pinks of the dragon fruit to the prickly looking shells of the rambutan, photo opportunities are an added bonus to the already particular delight of fruit shopping in Thailand.

Thai desserts, in general, use five base ingredients: coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Among the favourites are thong yip, a sweet egg yolk cup; foi thong, shredded, sweetened egg yolk, and tako, a jelly served with creamy coconut.

Those interested in more than just sampling the food fare on offer while travelling in Thailand will be pleased to know that in any mildly touristy area you are sure to find a local cooking school. Courses include trips to local markets, ingredient preparation, cooking and best of all, an eating party after all the hard work.

Top 10 Thai dishes among tourists

Tom yam goong: a spicy shrimp soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and shallots.

Kaeng khio wan gai: green chicken curry made from green curry paste and coconut milk.

Phad thai: noodles fried with tofu, spring onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts.

Phad khrapao: chicken, pork or prawns stir-fried with basil.

Kaeng phet pet yang: roast duck curry.

Tom kha gai: chicken in coconut soup with galangal and lemongrass.

Khao phad: boiled rice fried with meat, egg, onion, cilantro, garlic and tomatoes.

Moo/gai sate: pork/chicken kebabs served with peanut sauce.

Gai phad met mamuang: stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts.

About the author
During the winter months Andy Burrows lives in Thailand. He knows all about Thai cooking and usually prepares his own meals. Andy recommends the following internet resources for the best info:
http://www.1stopbangkok.com/hospitality/restaurants/ Yummy Bangkok eateries
http://www.1stopphuket.com/hospitality/restaurants/ Best Phuket restaurants

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Phuket Photo Gallery : Windwheel View Point

WindWheel View Point, Phuket, Thailand
Where you can see the 180 degree view from Promthep Cape, Yanui Beach and Nai Harn Beach