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Phuket Travel Guide
For Beginners
Money Exchange
Never exchange money at the hotel. You will find
rates cheaper at exchange booths and banks. The
best rates available are usual found at booths along
Patong Beach.
Transportation
Taxis and TukTuks will generally charge you a fixed
price regardless of where you want to go. Prices are
known to be expensive. To give you a picture, Taxi
from Phuket airport to Patong generally costs no
less than 500 baht. The cheaper method of transportation in Phuket would be through car and
motorbike rentals. The cheapest rental would be
the Suzuki jeeps that are parked along roads of
busy areas such as Patong beach (800 Thai Baht per
day). If you choose to rent a vehicle, be cautious
while on the road as the way of driving in Thailand
can be very different from your home country.
Tipping
While tipping in many countries is considered the
norm, you do not need to feel obligated to tip in
Thailand. Few restaurants automatically add a tip
to the bill, but most don’t. However, feel free to tip a
staff or waiter who has gone above and beyond for
you. In casual restaurants, tipping around 50 Thai
Baht is usually enough.
Phuket
Travel Tips
Hair Braiding
Hair braiding is very popular among tourists in
Thailand. It is usually cheaper to get this done on
the beach (350- 500 Thai Baht), compared to shopping center shops and salons (600 Thai Baht).
Calling Home
Try to avoid calling internationally from the hotel.
The cheapest way would be buying international
phone cards and calling through the yellow international phones/phone boxes.
Travel Insurance
While unexpected events don’t usually occur, it is
wise to be prepared. Lost luggage, accidents, and
sicknesses can spoil your trip, especially if you have
no insurance to cover the costs. Insurance policies
vary so be sure to carefully study them. Don’t forget to keep all the receipts to avoid claiming issues
later on.
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.2
Phuket’s Dos and Don’ts
DO rely on the tourist police in cases of emergency.
They can speak English generally well and have the
reputation of being helpful. Use your judgment in
determining which cases to report to the police.
If someone threatens to harm you or steals your
valuables then obviously it is appropriate to contact them for help Phuket Tourist Police emergency
number: 1155 (Available 24 hours)
DO smile and show appreciation. Thai people are
known to be friendly and helpful. If you notice a
Thai stranger smiling at you, they are not making
fun of you so remember to smile back! Showing
appreciating by saying “KhobKhun” (Thank you)
can also go a long way.
DO Bargain. It is acceptable to bargain for prices in
Thailand (except in retail stores). While bargaining
is expected and welcomed, be reasonable in offering prices and don’t undercut the price too much
as it may be seen as disrespectful.
DON’T disrespect the monarchy. People in Thailand
highly respect the royal family. Do not make fun
or ridicule the royals as Thais will find this highly
offensive and you may get arrested.
DON’T drink tab water. While the local health
authorities say tab water in Phuket Town and
Patong is safe to drink, in all other areas water treatment systems are either non-existent or not scrutinized. Drinking contaminated water could result
in diarrhea or other diseases. Most hotels provide
in-room bottled water. Another alternative is to
purchase bottled water from supermarkets and
convenient stores located all around Phuket.
DON’T sunbath topless. It is against the law to sunbath topless in Thailand.
DON’T display too much PDA. Thai people are generally very conservative and too much public display of affection can make them uncomfortable.
Holding hands and hugging are typically fine but
kissing in public is generally unacceptable to many
people.
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.3
Exhilarating Activities
Flying Hanuman
Don’t miss the opportunity to try the top rated rainforest experience in South East Asia. Flying Hanuman
is a zipline adventure through 80,000 square meters
ofrainforest. Enjoy the thrilling adventure and fly from
one centuries old tree to the next. Price starts at 2,300
Thai Baht.
Contact: 076-323264
Location: 89/16 Moo 6, SoiNamtokKathu,
Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu,
Phuket 83120
Surf House
Surf House Phuket delivers a continuous sheet of
water up a trampoline-like surface, providing an alternative but an ideal condition for surfing. Whether you
are an expert surfer or beginner, enjoy the experience
of surfing on perfectly consistent waves all day long.
Price starts at 800 Thai Baht per hour.
Contact: 081-9797737 Location: 4 Pakbang Road, Karon, Muang,
Phuket 83100
Zorbing at Rollerball
Roll down a hill in a big plastic ball filled with water.
Lots of fun and laughter is guaranteed! Be assured as
the rollerballs (Zorbs) are specially designed plastic
spheres which can safely descend down a hill with
two passengers floating inside. With 190 meters of hill
path, it is the world’s longest zorbing experience! Price
starts at 950 Thai Baht.
Contact: 089-8726532
Location: Two minutes from Patong Beach.
Soi 7 Kalim, Phuket.
The Escape Hunt
Be a detective for a day and enjoy this “escape the room” games
in the fast growing themed entertainment industry. Get locked
up for 60 minutes in specially designed rooms with your friends,
find clues and solve puzzles, and navigate your way out before
time runs out! Choose from four different games: poisen in the
dining room, kidnapping in the games room, fire on the sinking
ship, and bomb in the workshop. Prices at 1,980
Thai Baht for two people.
Contact: 076-323861
Location: 46/42 Moo 6 Prabaramiroad, Kathu,
Phuket 83120
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.4
For a Local ExperienceTry These!
O-Eaw
The famous Phuket
specialty
desert
“O-Eaw” is jelly made
from banana with
shaved ice, syrup, and
boiled red beans. This sweet desert is perfect to
cool you down from Phuket’s sunny weather.
Where to find: SoiSun Utis on Yaowarat Road,
Phuket, 83000
Ahpong
This unique Thai snack
is sort of like a crispy
rolled up crepe, but
very very thin. Ahpong
is very popular among
both locals and tourists
who visit old Phuket Town. To try the most authentic crispy Ahpong, visit the original shop at Ahpong
Mae Sanee, located in the heart of old Phuket Town.
Where to find: Located right off Yaowarat road,
about 5 meters down Sun Utis.
Lock-Tien Noodles
The famous fried up
Hokkienyellow noodles with an egg
on top is a musttry local dish. The
yellow noodles are
wheat based egg
noodles, and after
being cooked just
the right way they provide a slightly chewy texture
in a delicious way. Pair this delicious local dish with
Moo Satay, grilled pork satay.
Where to find: ThanonDibuk,
Phuket Old Town, 83000
Phuket Walking Street
Every Sunday evening, Thalang road, situated in
the heart of old Phuket Town, is closed to traffic
and transformed into 400 meters of walking street
packed with food, souvenirs and live street shows.
Don’t come with a full stomach because you will
discover plenty of cheap and tasty local food. The
Sino-Portuguese architecture of the buildings lining the Phuket walking street reflects the island’s
history and culture. Walking alongside these beautiful buildings will take you back to the charm and
the way of living of the locals a century ago.
Where to find: Thalang Road, between Yaowarat
and Thepkrassatri Road.
From 16:00-22:00pm
WatChalong
Witness the beautiful temples and learn more
about Buddhism. WatChalong is the largest and the
most visited temple in Phuket. Many locals visit the
temple to pay respects to several revered monks
who were founders of WatChalong. As the temple
can be rather busy at times, try to go early in the
morning or late afternoon.
Where to find: Chaofah Road, (West), Chalong,
Phuket, 83000.
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.5
Must-Try Restaurants
KanEang@Pier
IfyouwantagoodseafooddinnerwhileinPhuket,visitKanEang@
Pier.KanEangisalong-establishedrestaurantthatspecializesin
seafoodandlocaldishes.Therestaurantislocatedontheshore
ofChalongBay,rightnexttothejetty,andwillallowyoutoenjoy
your food in a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
freshseafood-alongwithweeklyThaisandEuropeanspecials.
Don’tforgettotrytheirfish“Thabthim”dish(sweetandsourfish).
Location: 44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road, Muang, Phuket 83130
Contact: 083-1731187
Taste Restaurant
Old Siam Restaurant
Forachancetotryauthentic“royal-inspired”Thaicuisine,Old
SiamRestaurantistheperfectplacetogo.Thefoodservedat
OldSiamisindeedgenuineThaicuisinepresentingspecialties
fromfourmainregionsofThailand.Withcurrentlytwolocations,
youcanchoosetodineintheprivatebeachfrontofNakalay
Baywithyourtoesinthesandoronthesunsetroofterraceof
theKaronlocationwithbreathtakingpanoramicviewsofKaron
Beach.
NakalayLocation:OnthebeachfrontofThavornBeachVillageat
Nakalay Bay
Contact: 076-290334
KaronLocation:311PatakRoad,KaronBeach,PhuketThailand
83100
Contact: 076-290334
Raya Restaurant
IfyoufindyourselfinPhuketTown,don’tmisstheopportunityto
visitRayaRestaurant.Therestaurantoffersdeliciouslocalcuisine
andisapopularvisitamongmoviestars,primeminister,and
royaltywhiletheyareinPhuket.Whileyouarethere,don’tforget
to try their famous specialty dish, the crab curry.
Location: 48 New Dibuk Road, Phuket Old Town
Contact: 076-218155
Crust
Ifyouarecravinggreattastingpizzas,visitCrustCaféand
Restaurant.ThestylishbutwelcominglittleplaceintheSinoPortugesegalleryservesItalianfood,freshlybakedpizzas,and
bakery items.
Location: Bangyai Road behind Index
Contact: 093-8730317
Baan Noy Restaurant
RatedinTripadvisorasthetoprestaurantinPhuket,BaanNoy
RestaurantisdefinitelyahiddengeminChalong.Thesmalland
cozyrestaurantservesawideselectionofThai,European,and
Location:58/12Moo10PatakRoadChalong,Mueng,Phuket
Thailand 83130
Contact: 082-8020162
TasterestaurantislocatedrightonSurinBeachandisalovely
placetoenjoythesunset.IndulgeinThai-inspiredcuisinewhile
enjoyingidyllicviewsofthebeachandthesea.Trythefavorite
appetizeramongdiners,thesearedsashimi-gradeblackened
tuna with wasabi aioli.
Location: Surin Beach, near the car park
Contact: 076-270090
Acqua Restaurant
Foranupscalediningexperience,visitAcquarestaurant.Taste
bothtraditionalandcontemporaryItaliandishesmadefromonly
thefreshestofingredients.Italian-bornChefAllessandro,executivechefattheSheratonGrandeLagunaPhuketisexcitedto
deliverrefinedimaginativedishesthathehasbeenworkingon
over the duration of his career.
Location:324/15PrabarameeRoad,KalimBay,Patong,Phuket,
Thailand.
Contact: 076-618127
Boathouse Wine and Grill
EnjoygourmetFrenchandThaicuisinealongKataBeach,
accompaniedbyliveJazzperformance.Tosatisfywinelovers,
thisrestaurantalsofeaturesanimpressivewinecellarwithover
800uniquelabelsandhasbeenawardedwiththeBestofAward
of Excellence by Wine Spectator since 2006.
Location: 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket
Contact: 076-330015
On The Rock
Locatedonarockypromontory,asitsnamesuggests,this
restaurantservesfreshseafoodinagreatsetting.Dineoutin
theromanticatmosphereoffreshseabreezewiththesoundsof
thewaveshissingbytherocksjustmetersbelow.Therestaurant
boastsa100%Thaistaffandensurescourteousandgentle
service.
Location: In Marina Phuket Resort
Contact: 076-330625
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.6
Hang-out Spots
Catch Beach Club
Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach is Phuket’s most
inventive, style-setting beach club. Bringing glamour and exciting tropical nights to the sands of
Phuket, Catch Beach Club is open to all who love
fashion, fun and fabulous seaside dining.
Simply sit back, relax and listen to the sensuous
DJ rhythms and ocean waves, or talk to our hosts
about exploring Phuket’s jewel-toned seas aboard
a luxury yacht. As a Phuket resident join our membership program and enjoy special prices and
exclusive offers for dining, wine, spa treatments,
yachting and more.
Where?: ChoengTalay, Thaland District, Phuket
Contact: 076-316567
Pint factory
If you love beer, you will love Pint Factory! With a
selection of over a hundred beers, including fresh
and imported beers, Pint factory is definitely the
place to chill for beer enthusiasts. Relax with friends
in a chill vibe while tasting a variety of beers and
food.
Where?: Limelight, TaladYai, Mueng, Phuket
Contact: 083- 6437974
Siam Supper Club
The Siam Super Club is a chic destination bar and
grill bringing cool to a place known for its tropical
heat. Listen to the live mellow Jazz music and sip
on equatorial cocktails. A change from what you
typically find in Phuket, the classy and cozy décor
will bring you back to the 50s.
Where?: 36, 38, 40 Lagoon Road, CherngTalay, Mai
Khao, Thaland District, Phuket
Contact: 076-270936
Coffee Talk
If you find yourself with spare time, come and relax
at Coffee Talk. Located in the prime Karon beachfront, this café offers you the ability to relax and
enjoy views of the beautiful Karon Beach. Coffee
Talk provides a variety of refreshing drinks, coffee,
snacks, and deserts. With frequent compliments
from customers on its great tasting Thai coffee,
Coffee Talk offers you more than the typical café
and will have you back craving for more of its delicious drinks.
Where?: Patak Road, Karon, Mueng Phuket District,
Phuket
Contact: 076-396090
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.
One-of-a-kind
Experiences
Andaman Passion
Experience the breathtaking scenery of the ocean
in a one-of-a-kind experience on a luxury yacht.
Relax and sunbath or dance to the hip music played
by a live dj throughout the cruise trip. Enjoy this
ultimate trip equipped with unlimited soft drinks,
juices, snacks, and free WIFI on board.
Contact: 076-390577
Simon Cabaret
A spectacular musical show performed by
“Ladyboys”, the Simon Cabaret show is something
you are unlikely to have seen before. The biggest
transvestite show in Phuket, the Simon Cabaret
show will stun you with extravagant costumes,
bright lights, and its excellent sounds system.
Contact: 076-342011
Upside Down House
For the opportunity to take extraordinary photos,
the Upside Down House is an attraction that you
would not want to miss. Unlike anything you typically see, the three storey house is designed and
built to give you the impression that you are upside
down. You will literally be walking on the ceiling
with all the furniture hanging above you!
Contact: 084-4565279
Tiger Kingdom
It is not everyday that you get to interact and take
pictures with live tigers. Tiger Kingdom provides
this opportunity and let you spend 10-15 minutes
with real tigers. The proceeds from tourist visits are
mainly directed to investments in captive bleeding of tigers and help alleviate tiger extinction in
Thailand. With over 60 tigers, you can choose to
play with baby cubs or go face-to-face with fully
grown tigers.
Contact: 076-527662
Phuket Fantasea
Witness the breathtaking theatrical show that
showcases Thailand’s myths, mysteries, and magic
through extravagant special effects and sound
systems. Packed with a multitude of activities and
entertainment: a carnival games village, handicrafts and shopping, and a 4000-seat theme restaurant; a visit to Phuket Fantasea will surely delight
the whole family.
Contact: 076-385000
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.
8
Top “Hidden”Beaches
Freedom Beach
Although it is the least accessible beach in Phuket,
Freedom Beach is a good choice for those who
enjoys exclusivity and wants to relax away from the
crowds. The 300 meters beach is set in a bay dotted
with granite rocks and surrounded by hills covered
by thick jungles. Beach soccer, snorkeling, and volleyball are also activities available for those bored of
sunbathing. The easiest method to get to Freedom
Beach is through hiring long tail boats parked
at the jetty at the southern end of Patong Beach.
Price is around 1,100-1,500 Thai Baht depending on
negotiation (round trip). It takes approximately 10
minutes to get to the beach.
Banana Beach
Not known to many people, Banana beach is the
closest thing to a “hidden beach” in Phuket. The
beach is 180 meters long and features crystal clear
water. This beautiful beach can be found along
Phuket’s west coast between Naithon and Bang
Tao beaches. Enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing,
and fresh seafood served by a single restaurant on
the beach.
Paradise Beach
With a great view right across Patong Bay, Paradise
beach is another attractive and convenient beach
to visit. The 150 meters long beach features
shade-giving palm trees and coral reefs around 100
meters out. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking,
and scuba diving. The beach is situated about five
kilometers southwest of Patong.
Naiharn Beach
This beautiful beach is rarely crowded and offers a
relaxing and quiet atmosphere. The beach itself is
large with thin soft sand and clear blue water. The
beach also has all the food, shops, and activities you
need for a great day out. The beach is located south
of Kata Noi Beach and north of Promthep Cape.
Laem Singh Beach
This 150 meters of beautiful beach is situated
under a steep promontory, as its name suggests,
‘Laem’ in Thai meaning cape. Nestled in a hidden
bay surrounded by palm trees, it has a feeling of a
secret beach. While the beach used to fairly quiet,
its beauty has attracted tourists and it can now get
fairly busy in the high season. Yet, despite the rise
in tourism, the beach is still very beautiful.
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.
References...
Catch Beach Club. www.catchbeachclub.com
Escape Hunt. The Escape Hunt Experience Phuket. phuket.escapehunt.com
Flying Hanuman. www.flyinnghanuman.com
Michaels, L. Top Ten Phuket Beaches. http://www.intophuket.com/top-ten-phuket-beaches/
Phuket.net. Phuket Car Rentals and Car Hire.
http://www.phuket.net/visit-phuket/about/tips/getting-around/car-rental/
Phuket.com. Phuket Restaurants and Dining Guide. http://www.phuket.com/dining/
Phuket.com. Phuket Night Entertainment. www.phuket.com/nightlife/
Phuket Picture. Do’s and Don’ts in Phuket Thailand. http://www.phuketpicture.com/dosdonts.php
Phuket Travel Secrets. Upside Down House & Maze in Phuket. www.phuket-travel-secrets.com
Phuket.com Phuket Island Thailand. www.phuket.com/island
Rollerball. Zorbing at Rollerball. www.rollerball.co
Siam Supper Club. www.siamsupperclub.com
Surf House Phuket. www.surfhousephuket.com
Wiens, M. Local Street Food. http://www.eatingthaifood.com/phuket-restaurants/
Wat Chalong. www.wat-chalong-phuket.com
For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.
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