The Picturesque Botanic Garden in Phuket
Botanic Garden Phuket is an extensive and thorough botanical garden nestled within the bay of Chalong, covering 2.4 hectares of land. It prides itself in a stunning majestic horticultural collection of tropical and exotic plants in several zones with each zone comprising different plant collections that present nature’s artistry such as lush palms, herb gardens, aromatic plants, fruit orchards, orchid canopies, etc. What to see at the Phuket botanic garden Guests will find the garden an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of nature and to learn about the nature of plants from all over the earth. Phuket Botanic Garden is open to visitors as a recreational allure and a research center for many unique plant species. It offers an alluring day out for people who have an interest in gardening and botany. The Phuket Botanic Garden displays different species of cacti with rare palm trees and aromatic flora. You can take a walk around the pond to admire beautiful waterlilies, lotuses, and Japanese koi carp. There is a large artificial waterfall that you can walk through. Remember to carry your camera to capture amazing scenes. at the fruit orchard and herb garden, you will discover rare plants and fruit and herbs and spices that you may have eaten at restaurants within Thailand. The fruits include mangos, mangosteens, bananas, jackfruits, santols, lychees, and rose apples: most of which are native to island nations of Southeast Asia and Thailand. You should not leave without visiting the winter garden. It is a must-see. It boasts of many colorful flowers and trees that have been brought from the northern part of Thailand. Even though Phuket has warm and humid weather, the temperature in the room is always kept at below 20°C – quite refreshing after visiting other parts of the Botanic Garden in Phuket. There is a display of a rice field and a small house that also has a vegetable garden- an exhibition of an average Thai farmer. It will help visitors understand how the average Thai farmer benefits from their farms, especially in the old days. Often farmers also have farm animals as chicken and pigs as well as a pond with fish. Their simple life can be a good inspiration and example for living a self-sufficient lifestyle. The herb garden houses various herbal and medicinal plant species. Here visitors can also learn about the use of herbs in Thai daily life and the health benefits of various herbs. The cactus garden houses a desert plant greenhouse where various species of succulent plants and cacti are grown. The zone shows how plants were able to survive with very little water by adapting to a very dry environment. A nice place to relax for a while is the pond with water lilies, lotus flowers, and fish like Koi carp. You can buy a pack of fish food for 20 Baht if you would like to feed them. Across the garden, you will see several spirit houses. These intricately adorned small houses standing on pillars are meant to appease the local spirits. Prices: Phuket botanic garden price ranges based on the age of the visitor. The entry fee for non-locals is 500 Baht for adults and 300 Baht for kids aged 3 to 13 years. Ages 3yrs and below get in free. A valid photo ID is required. The Phuket botanic garden price for locals is considerably less and can be paid by showing a local driving license. In Conclusion The Botanic garden Phuket in all is a place where you can pleasure your sense of smell with the aromatic fragrances from the garden. Take amazing photos with various types of plants and even an artificial waterfall. Learn about the different types of plants as you explore the garden and gain knowledge of the Thai farmer. Food, drinks, and ice cream are available at the garden restaurant. There is a souvenir shop at the exit. Phuket botanical garden opens daily from 9 am until 5 pm.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is the best and most popular spot if you want to get the perfect panoramic views of the fantastic limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay. The viewpoint is a bit far from Phuket though. But with a car or a bike, this viewpoint is worth the cycling or drive. This spot is located on a hilltop. If you are driving, it will take you about 30 minutes to get there from Phuket. Much as you will be forced to drive 25 kilometers past the Sarasin bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland, that drive in the backcountry of Thailand is worthwhile. The palm trees as well as other trees that surround that road are fantastic. You will also come across the breathtaking Nangshe bay whose view is just as beautiful even from the road. What’s good at this Phuket viewpoint? Samet Nangshe Phuket is one of the viewpoints that have breathtaking photographic potential. It was discovered by Theerasak Saksritawee, a Thai professional photographer. The images this guy took on the hilltop spread like wildfire among the locals first, then later to expatriates. The place isn’t that popular with most tourists because of how far it is from Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge and the twisting country roads that you have to maneuver as you drive those 25 km. That said though you will find at least 50 people there especially if you go to watch the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint Sunrise. That view is usually breathtaking. While at the viewpoint, you get to enjoy the view of the chain of islands that stretch out from both sides of Phang Nga Bay across almost 1.6 km of fantastic limestone formations. Depending on the time of year, the sun usually rises between 5.30 am to 6 am setting its beautiful rays on the limestone karsts. Before it rises you can catch a glimpse of the Milkyway though depends on the season. Things you should know about Samet Nangshe Phuket One of the things you need to know is that getting to this viewpoint can be a bit of a challenge. It is quite a long and steep 20-minute climb up the hill. Luckily there is a pickup truck that can get you there. So if you don’t feel like hiking, at least you have that option. There are also benches as you climb up so you can take breaks and catch your breath. But you know what, it is worth all that effort especially if you are going there to take the beautiful pictures of Phang Nga Bay. You need to also have some cash on you because when you get to the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, at the car park, before you start climbing the hill, there is a fee of 50 baht per person for tourists. For Thai locals, the fee is 30 baht. Then if you are going to opt for the pickup truck option up the hill, that energy saving will cost you 90 baht. The hill is covered in rainforest. When you reach the top, there is also a campsite there. So if you are planning on sleeping at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, renting a tent will set you back 130 baht per person. If you want breakfast included, then that will cost you 400 baht. A tiny bungalow costs 700 baht per night. I would recommend the sleeping option especially if you want to catch a glimpse of and take pictures of the Milky Way. That said though if you are the kind of person that loves to sleep well, then be prepared for your sleep to be interrupted at around 4 am by people climbing up the hill to come to see the sunrise. Otherwise, have fun at the top enjoying the views and the sunrise.
Understanding Traditional Thai Fruits
Just like the people, beaches and tourist spots are charming and exotic, so is the traditional Thai fruits list. Whenever you turn your eyes to, you will always find some of the most exotic tropical fruits you could ever think of. You could comfortably say that anything can grow in Thailand. This is all because of the fertile plains and hot tropical climate coupled with the more temperate regions of the north. Compared to Thailand, very few places in the world can boast of such fertility that guaranteed a great supply of tasty, beautiful tropical and exotic fruits. List of exotic fruits in Thai From the well-known pineapples and watermelons, to those very fruits that some of us may have never have tasted or seem like the weird-looking Dragon Fruit, the enormous Jackfruit as well as the huge pungent Durian. When in Thailand, make it a point to explore and sample out as many of these Thai fruits list as possible. Initially, you might find these fruits to be strange looking especially the smelly durian. Don’t let the smell or the looks of these fruits fool you. The moment you have a taste of these fruits, believe me you will be going to the nearest market looking to get more of the taste of these delicious fruits. First off, these fruits are so cheap. Besides their delicious taste, they are also very healthy and nutritious. Seeing as Thailand can usually get so hot, these fruits can also be a more nutritious way of hydrating one’s body. Plus, they can also be very great snacks as you explore and get to know more about Thailand. So, don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, be adventurous and have a taste of the finest fruits in Thai. Whether it’s with some sugar, chili or salt, you can enjoy these fruits with whatever potion that tantalize your taste buds. The variety of fruits is just unimaginable. They are all over local markets. Go wild and try as many as you want. At the Banzaan Market in Patong Beach or by the beach in Naithon or Nai Harn beach you will find some of the best fruit displays in Phuket. Well, here is a list of the most traditional fruits that you can find in this tropical country… Mango (Ma-Muang) Taken with salt and chili when its unripe, dip the crunchy slices in sugar or as delicious spicy salad that the Thai locals like to put on top of fried fish, the mango is undoubtedly one of the most traditional fruits in Thai. The ripe ones can be eaten like that, blended into juice and even taken with sticky rice and coconut milk… a dish that tourists really enjoy. Durian (Tu-Rian) Much as it is one of the controversial fruits the whole world over, the Durian is also referred to as ‘King of Fruits’ by those who love to devour it. They love its rich and unique taste. It’s an acquired taste because if I am to be honest, some people don’t appreciate its fetid smell. The aroma, if you’d like to call it that, is pretty strong. Some would even say that it smells like a fruit that is rotting. Plus, its look is quite aggressive. I will have you know that on this Thai fruit list, it is apparently THE most expensive. One other fact is that it is banned from public places, hotels and on airplanes. (You read right. BANNED.) Pineapple (Sapparod) Phuket is one of the biggest producers of this juicy fruit and it grows all year round. It is traditionally a very popular tropical fruit all over Thailand and grows well in sandy seacoast soil as a low-lying plant. The beauty of this sweet fruit is that it is so versatile that it can be made into juice, pieces of the flesh of the fruit and juice used to make cocktails as well as used on savory dishes. Phuket pineapples are not like any other. They are more flavorful than any other you have ever tasted. You don’t want want the chance to have a taste pass you by. Dragon Fruit (Kaew Mang-Korn) Does the name of this fruit sound scary? Maybe it got its name because it looks like a cactus plant. Well, this fruit shouldn’t scare you one bit. This is one of the fruits in Thai that is a polite fruit of you may. Just some mild sweetness and has seeds like the kiwi fruit. All you need to enjoy this mild sweetness is just a spoon to help you scoop that flesh and beautiful seeds. Pomelo (Som-O) If you have experienced the grapefruit, then you will notice that both the pomelo and the grapefruit have a similar taste… size too. The difference is in the flesh though. The pomelo is more succulent and meatier and has a delicious sour-sweet flavor. If you fall in love with the taste, don’t sweat it as you will get it in Thailand whenever you travel there because its available all year round and in different varieties from light yellow to red! Coconut (Ma-Praow) How can we talk about Thailand’s tropical fruits without mentioning the coconut fruit? One thing about the coconut fruit is that this fruit is very versatile. If you never knew, it’s the juice is even more hydrating than the hydration you can get from water. Its flesh can be used on deserts plus the shell can makes such great souvenirs. Jack Fruit (Kanoon) Unlike most of the fruits on this Thai fruits list the jack fruit is a seasonal fruit that is available between January and May. This fruit kind of as big as the size of a large melon. It has a very distinguishing aroma and juicy taste. The fruit is divided into various pieces. All these smaller pieces in the fruit have seeds surrounded by waxy flesh. You can eat it raw or fry it in butter like some of the locals
Laem Singh Beach – Best Things to Do
The wonderful Laem Singh Beach Did you know that Laem Singh Beach was once inaccessible? That’s right! Most visitors were really disappointed when it was closed in the month of April in 2017 because this fantastic beach is just beautiful in whatever weather. For those who have been to the Caribbean or have seen photos of Caribbean countries, you can get the feel of what we mean. Evergreen palm trees swaying on the sand… What’s not to love there? Located between Kamala Beach and Surin beach, you can now have this hidden gem almost to yourself. Much as Kamala Beach and the Surin beach are usually so packed especially during peak seasons, if you are looking for a quieter beach, the beautiful Laem Singh Beach Phuket is where you need to be heading because it usually remains pretty deserted. So what is the reason for this beach being considered a deserted one? A couple of years ago this beautiful beach was the place to be. It used to be jammed with people and it had so much life and activities. People just couldn’t resist it. Now, what happened was that a dispute over land ownership arose. So the owner of the land decided that that was his private property so people weren’t allowed to pass through the land anymore. For a whole year, the beach was not accessible to the public. People were really disappointed and complained a lot about this. They had no idea why Laem Singh Beach was no longer accessible. Later, it came to be known that it was because that piece of land had been sold to the very known Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. Breakthrough! So come the end of 2017 someone figured that much as it was forbidden to cross the land, there was another way. No one had forbidden using the sea to get to the beach! People then started using small orange boats from Surin Beach which opened up business opportunities for the locals. Getting a boat to Laem Sing is 100 baht per person. Finally, people could enjoy their beautiful beach again. Things to enjoy at Laem Singh Now I know we have been talking about this little beach being deserted. This one has its own surprise. Built on a wooden terrace on the rocks of the beach is a very humble but superb Thai restaurant. This restaurant has a superb view that has got very hospitable members of staff. To add to that their food is also amazing considering the hidden location of the beach. Plus, the drinks were icy cold! There are countable people that sell souvenirs. And if you are in relaxation mode, you can also get a Thai massage. After telling you that it is a deserted beach and how beautiful it is, I don’t think it will be fair to ask for more, right? How to get to the Laem Singh Beach Phuket by boat From Surin beach go south. If you are facing the sea, the southern side will be in your left side. You will then find a white signpost written in English. You will find a crew there that will assist you to board a small boat right at the shore of the beach so that you don’t get your feet and shoes wet. The cost is 100 baht per person. But if you are in a bit of a hurry or a group you still have the option of taking the whole boat at 400 baht. Remember to also get a card with a number to take to the guy on Laem Singh beach so that you don’t get charged twice once you are ready to come back to Surin beach. Lucky for most tourists, the members of the crew can speak English. Conversely if you are looking for a more complete and customized journey, then a Phuket private charter boat tour might be the perfect option. Simba offers a fully customized journey of your most highly desirable beach locations. Enquire today! And now that you can get there by land Excited as we are that now the beach is accessible by land, it’s not that easy. So if you have kids, or you don’t know how to balance well, I would suggest that you just use the boat. What makes it a bit harder by land is the rocks you will have to climb before reaching the main path. It’s not so hard but a fall can hurt. The path begins Patcharin Seafood restaurant, the only restaurant on Surin beach. It’s an easy one to spot. Walk past the restaurant or through it if you like then start climbing the rocks. You will see the first sign. After those rocks, things become smoother and flatter. The thing is, much as Laem Singh Beach was a bit harder to access, these days it has become a huge tourist attraction, thanks to the internet and the reviews that people have given this remote beach.
What to do in Panwa Beach, Phuket
Beach lovers looking for beauty and tranquility will find Panwa beach the perfect retreat from the other noisy islands of Phuket. Spanning the entire west coast of Cape Panwa, the beach is located just five miles away from Phuket town. Also known as Khao Kat Beach, the beach boasts of views across Chalong Bay and Lone Island. There are condos and luxury villas which line much of the seafront, maximizing the beach’s’ beautiful ambiance. This beach is yet to be explored and is therefore a perfect destination for those looking to find peace in its natural surroundings. Seeing as it’s not a swimming beach due to its shallow water, you can engage in a dawn jog, spend a cozy afternoon under the shade while enjoying awe-inspiring food and drinks from the nearby beach restaurants. If you think this is only thing to do during your stay, then you will find the following activities to be great relaxing and rejuvenating pass time. Panwa House A magnificent original Sino-Portuguese 80-year-old restored mansion on the beach offering traditional Thai cuisine that is a must try. That’s what to do in Panwa Beach Phuket. The dishes are truly sensational, served in a wonderfully unique and lux environment. Everything, right down to the electrical plugs and light switches, is retro. The sautéed crab meat with green pepper is exceptional as well as the roasted duck in red curry, grapes, cherry tomatoes and pineapple. Baba IKI Phuket While you visit this fantastica beach, then you need to try this Japanese cuisine restaurant. You can enjoy Japanese delights, expertly made fresh Japanese cuisine, and drink up under the good camaraderie and create memories with friends and family. Cape Panwa Aquarium Wondering what to do in Panwa Beach Phuket? Check out the Cape Panwa aquarium. This is always a great place to entertain you and your entourage on any day and it might even be your chance to see the small baby turtles. There is a display of small aquariums. However, this is a Phuket Marine Biological Center dedicated to rescuing dolphins, dugongs and turtles often found in distress around the island. You will want to see that! The gigantic tanks has many local species, not limited to but including giant grouper, sea turtles, leopard sharks, moray eels etc. You even may see some Piranhas from the Amazon River. However, the star of the show is the awesome tunnel, which, even short, never ceases to fascinate. Ship Inn Bar & Restaurant Still wondering what to do in Panwa Beach? The beach is home to Ship Inn Bar & Restaurant known for its stunning beauty. An unspoiled paradise this simple, thatch roof wooden structure, located right next door to the Phuket Game Fishing Club is open every day until late, so whether you are looking for a refreshing drink or a great meal, or are meeting up with friends, it is the place to be. It offers Western dishes, Thai dishes, and the spicy Asian dishes. The open air dining area right at the edge of the beach is spectacular and compliments an indoor dining area for those rainy days. Ship Inn is the home of Gottcha Big Game Fishing Charters and the very capable sportfisher, Queen Marlin. Take a boat tour to Coral Island It’s be a shame to be located out near Panwa Beach but not take advantage of the nearby Coral Island. Surrounded by glorious coral reefs, this popular tourist attraction is one of the great destinations for snorkeling enthusiasts and is can be visited as part of Simba Sea Trip’s exciting coral delight tour. Hope you will enjoy the beach as much as we always do…
The village of Koh Panyi
Also known as Ko Panyi, this village, built entirely on stilts in Phang Nga Bay near the famous James Bond Island is a village worth visiting. This is an unusual but a very exciting place to explore. You will find lots of seafood restaurants welcoming visitors as they get there. In order to enjoy and be served well, then better get there early. More about the village of Koh Panyee Koh Panyee Village is a small island community which is approximately 20 minutes from Surakul pier in Phang Nga province by a longtail boat. It’s not very populated… just about 1600 people permanently living on the island. Toh Baboo is the main ancestor. So, these people living there are direct or indirect descendants plus family and friends who initially settled on Koh Panyee Thailand about 200 years ago. The Toh Baboo family and two others left their home in Indonesia looking for a fresh start. As the story goes, they vowed to each other that the person who found a spot with lots of fish where all of them could live would signal the others with a flag raised as high as possible on a mountain. Find it Toh Baboo did. So became the name Koh Panyee, also known as Ko Panyi, meaning ‘Island of the Flag’ in Thai. The good thing about Ko Panyi is that you can have it almost for yourself. All you need to do is just rent a car to the Surakul pier in Phang Nga, then hop on to a longtail boat for about 20 minutes. Not as cheap as you might expect though. About 1,500 baht should get you there. But trust me, the fun you will have and the beautiful photos you will take at Koh Panyee Thailand will be worth the while. Just the boat ride itself is amazing. Manoeuvring between mangrove and colossal limestone rocks is fascinating. Then you will get dozen seafood restaurants for some good lunchtime devouring. Much as Koh Panyee Village is a tourist attraction it still maintains its reputation as a fishing village. They usually have some very good Tom Yum Goong. It is also a Muslim village that was constructed on stilts like 200 years ago beneath a giant limestone cliff. Only a small section of the village where the mosque is sits on solid ground. The other places just grew from there and it slowly keeps expanding. This village is mostly made up of large and almost vertical limestone cliffs with the area where villagers live are built on stilts on top of the shallow sea. This village is uniquely built and its informal engineering makes this place very fascinating. Koh Panyee Village has a school, a mosque, a health centre, a few big restaurants overlooking the Andaman Sea as well as lots of souvenir shops. For accommodation and overnight stays there are bungalows. The most fascinating feature about this unique place is the floating football pitch which was built by kids from old scraps of wood and fishing rafts. This floating pitch is the reason behind Panyee FC becoming on of the most successful youth soccer teams in Southern Thailand. The community When you get to the village, you will be amazed at the hospitality and reception of the community. You will be received by young guides who are very eager to show visitors around. One thing that the community prides itself in is having electricity, internet and water that doesn’t come from the mainland. Seeing as it’s such an isolated community, the locals really take care of their environment. They have lots of environmental projects such as a recycling program where they collect bottles and cans and once they are sold, the proceeds go to the school. Killing two birds with one stone – making money as well as keeping the Koh Panyee Thailand village clean. There is also a program where the teachers assist and teach the students to grow vegetables using hydroponics. Much as this is a tourist attraction, the kids are used to being photographed by tourists as they usually go about their daily lives. Classes go on as scheduled. The situation feels pretty weird. Koh Panyi is a very vibrant place that is very colourful and with various smells. The place has lots of spots to take photographs. Important to note This village is a Muslim community so woman hear are expected to be dressed decently – no shorts skirts or shorts are allowed. However, T-shirts and jeans are allowed. What isn’t allowed is wearing clothes that expose lots of skin as the villagers won’t take it well. There are lots of tours to Panyee. Some even include pick-up from the hotel to the village. If you’ve taken part on one of our Phang Nga Bay tours, then an extra day in the region will not hurt. This is a trip worth considering if you are on a tour of Thailand.
Laem Ka Beach
If you are looking for tranquility in a beach, then Laem Ka Beach Phuket is where you will find it. This untouched, peaceful beach is perfect for people looking for some quiet and less crowded spots, making it perfect for picnics. Located at the southern part of Phuket near Rawai, this hidden gem is mostly known by the locals. What makes it a little less known is that a couple of years back, it was closed to the public because they were constructing a new hotel there. How to get to this little hidden gem If you are from Chalong, the road that leads to Laem Ka is practically at Rawai Beach. Before taking the turn to Laem Ka, there is another smaller road that takes you to a smaller beach called Laem Ka Noi Beach. Noi actually means small. It is only about 66 meters in length and its widest point is like 20 meters. This beach is like a sister beach to Laem Ka Beach Phuket. This is also a perfect getaway place if you want to hide from the crowd because it is also hidden even more. Well at least its on google maps so you can find it. These two sister beaches are 450 meters apart. Anyway, we veered off a bit there. Let’s get back to knowing more about the main Laem Ka. If you are coming from Rawai, drive towards the Shell museum until you see a 7-Eleven store that is opposite the entrance to Rawai temple. After the store drive on for about a kilometre through the coconut plantations to the carpark area. To get to the beach, you will have to walking down a steep concrete staircase. Useful tip: Wear comfortable shoes so that will allow you to walk down the staircase easily. There is also some rocky area which is towards the right side of the staircase. So, what’s so great about this hidden beach? One thing you probably don’t know about this hidden gem us that it is the only eastern-facing beach in the southern part of Phuket where visitors can get their swim on. The waters are shallow and calm enough making them very safe for kids to play they splashing games as adults have some quality and quiet time by the sea. Seeing as the waters are safe for kids, then it means that Laem Ka Beach Phuket is perfect for family outings. There are small shops at the right side of the beach where visitors can do some beach shopping. There are beach chairs under the palm trees where you can just chill and enjoy the tranquility. You can also do this lounging as you sip some fresh coconut water, beer and soft drinks which can be purchased from vendors. The beach is also the perfect spot for taking lovely pictures as it has a very pristine background of its smooth white sand and calm blue waters. So why consider Laem Ka Noi Beach as an alternative? There are times during the low season where there might be no vendors to sell snacks and drinks to you or beach chairs to sit on. Well, this is where this sister beach Laem Ka Noi comes in handy. It is the perfect plan B especially when you need a meal. The water is also calm and perfect for swimming. However, you need to watch out for some submerged rocks. Well, that’s a plus anyway because it makes it harder for jet skis and parasails to pass which can be pretty annoying if you are looking for some peace and quiet. So, while here you can even enjoy a quick nap or walk on the big rocks. Laem Ka Noi Beach is also great for meals. They have a small restaurant called, Laem Ka Noi Seafood. So, if you find that there are no vendors to buy snacks from at Laem Ka Beach Phuket and hunger pangs hit you, then you are in luck because this seafood restaurant serves the tastiest traditional Thai cuisines. They don’t have accompaniments. Just some delicious traditional Thai seafood. This serene restaurant also has picture-perfect views overlooking the beach and Koh Lon island. Conclusion These two sister beaches in Phuket are worth visiting especially if you are looking for places you have never visited in Rawai. They are both very peaceful hence making them perfect for some picnics and family time. They are perfect for swimming, splashing, sunbathing as well as just having some alone time for yourself. Much as they are not easily accessible, if its some quiet time you are looking for, they are worth the trouble. The striking rocks in the water and the sandy areas are great for selfies. So, what are you waiting for? Head on there and check out these two tiny dreamy beaches for yourself.
Sarasin Bridge
Sarasin Bridge in Phuket Connecting Phuket island to Phang Nga province on the mainland of Thailand, the Sarasin Bridge Phuket is about 700-meters long and it was completed in 1967. The bridge named after a very important Chinese family, has become very famous not only among tourists but also locals, who come here to enjoy the view of the sea and to fish while enjoying the relaxing sea breeze. From the Saphan Sarasin bridge, it is possible to admire the Andaman Sea and the Phang Nga Bay on the other side from another prospective. As you have a lovely walk on the bridge, you can also taste delicious traditional Thai cuisine that can be found on the stalls along the way. Seafood at Saphan Sarasin At each end of the bridge are two excellent Thai restaurants, Thanoon Seafood Restaurant and Rimpan Seafood Restaurant that serve great local seafood, Thai food and special sauces for lunch and dinner in a very relaxing beach setting. Thanoon Seafood Restaurant is a breezy place on the beach of a stunning bay. This small bay benefits of a gentle breeze with amazing views on both the open sea on one side, and the new bridge on the other side. It is surprisingly peaceful despite the traffic on the nearby Sarasin bridge Phuket. Rimpan Seafood Restaurant is a small, traditional with old fashion bamboo huts, but great local restaurant hidden in plain sight near the bridge. What to do near the Bridge? After 6pm, you could set up fishing equipment (mostly a stool, a fishing rod and a powerful lamp) to catch fish and squid. You could even pull a boat up to the concrete pylons and fish from there. On the Phuket side of the Saphan Sarasin bridge, is a line of local roadside stalls where many vendors sell Thai snacks and drinks, such as barbecued squid, chicken satay, fruit, soft drinks and beer. Exploring the small beaches next to the bridge is also fun. Just past the bridge are Natai beach and Pilai beach, where you can take quiet walks or jogs or even set up a picnic. A little further is the fantastic and deserted is a beautiful endless Sai Kaew beach. The bridge, Sarasin (as it’s known in Thai) is also an interesting strolling destination. The view from the bridge is really spectacular especially at sunset. Here you will enjoy the splendid view on the sea. At present, the Sarasin Bridge Phuket does not provide services for cars to run through since the construction of a new bridge adjacent to it. The central part has 2 watchtowers linked by a platform, offering a fantastic viewpoint over the Andaman Sea to the west and Phang Nga Bay to the east. Many ornate lamps line the walkway, making it especially beautiful at dusk. A very lovely place to take amazing photos not just of yourself but also of the beautiful surrounding. When you finish the walk on the bridge, you can stop by the restaurant at the end of the Saphan Sarasin bridge or walk a bit further on the beach and enjoy a meal sitting on the seaside. If you continue to walk along Phang Nga Bay, you will reach the little angler villages where you can find traditional dried fish and have a taste of what it means to live by the sea.
Best Thai Food in Patong
Looking for the best Thai Food in Patong? One thing you have to hail Patong Beach for is the number of restaurants that are there. They are so many that if you are a first-time tourist, you will be filled with confusion because the choices are too many. That said, just because the restaurants are many doesn’t necessarily mean that all of them serve great Thai food. In fact, if you are a Thai person, you will realize that some of these restaurants in Patong Phuket serve toned-down versions of Thai food… food that one won’t call original Thai cuisine. Many travellers who are first-time visitors definitely won’t be able to differentiate authentic Thai food from the watered-down ones. That is why this article is here to assist you. There are many great restaurants in Thailand, and Patong is home to many. We have gone out of our way and have done the research on your behalf. So, all you need to do is to sample our list of the best places to eat in Patong… Kaab Kluay Thai Restaurant This is one of our favourites when it comes to Best places to eat in Patong because they have been serving excellent Thai food at reasonable prices for decades. Expatriates who reside in Patong are well aware of this gem. So, whenever they have clients or visitors of their own, Kaab Kluay is where they take them to have an experience of authentic Thai dinner. The restaurant is located on the outskirt of town. It’s just before the temple you see when entering Patong. So, you might need to take a tuk-tuk to get there. It has both indoor and an outdoor seating. Since it is quite big, reservations won’t be necessary. We wouldn’t recommend it for a romantic dinner because the road nearby is quite busy. Paan Yaah Seafood Restaurant Much as it is located just outside Patong, just after Kalim Beach, we feel that this unique seaside restaurant deserves to be on this list of the best places to eat in Patong. If you are looking for a romantic Thai dinner spot, then Paan Yaah is where you should be headed. It is quite a fairly-priced high end place (please note ‘fairly-priced’ is relative). The restaurant resembles an old house with blurry lighting. What makes it romantic are the candles on the tables. Well, of you want to get a spot at such popular restaurants in Patong Phuket, then you better make a reservation as early as possible. Ta Khai restaurant Ta Khai restaurant is at the Rosewood hotel in Phuket. Set in a garden by the seaside of Tri Trang Beach this restaurant has a rustic village-style feel and serve some terrific sustainable Thai food. Unfortunately, it’s quite pricey so most of us might have to leave this one for special occasions only. Number 9 Restaurant Much as the design might not be that impressive compared to the other restaurants in Patong Phuket mentioned above, this modest Thai restaurant is really talked about on social media. This one has a long menu that offers both Thai and European delicacies. Some of the things that made this restaurant be on this list are the friendly staff, the comfortable seats and the cleanliness. Kalim Rim Lay The other place with the best Thai Food in Patong is Kalim Rim Lay. Located just after Kalim Beach this restaurant a bit hidden by the water, plus, it’s quite tiny. It might not be that far but you will need a ride to get there. If you are looking for a taste of 100% local Thai food, you will sure get it here. It is a bit spicy though so make sure you order for ‘mai pet’ – meaning not spicy – if you are not a fun of too much spice. Here you will get a unique experience of sitting in little bamboo huts, something that was very common with Phuket people 2 decades ago. Now you know where to find the best Thai Food in Patong. Visit and devour.
Karting Phuket
If you are looking for some exhilarating, fast, adrenaline-raising activities to do while in Phuket, Karting Phuket will definitely give you just that. The island has two Go Kart tracks and oddly, they face each other. One of them is near Patong just after the hill, near Kathu, opposite the Phuket Tiger Kingdom. The other one is of course is just across the street. These tracks are very professional and Phuket is one of the places on earth where you can rent and drive two stroke racing karts. One of the things that makes Go Karts Phuket the perfect go karting place is that here you will get everything – from easy fun karts to top level racing karts. And guess what? These tracks are normally used even for national-level championship races. The track & karts are in great condition. Both Phuket go karts tracks have clean facilities. Where to race Go Karts in Phuket Patong Go Kart Speedway This go kart track is nice and neat. Going by reviews, the track and karts are A-grade. It was established in 1991 and has flood lights for evening races. The whole set up is just amazing. If you are looking for Phuket go karts for beginners, then this place is ideal. This is mainly because they have a very safe track and there are marshals every corner you look. The marshals are great professionals and are always ready to offer assistance to inexperienced drivers. Patong Go Kart Speedway has both fast and slow karts. One thing that makes it even safer is that there is an age limit for drivers. The drivers MUST be 16 years old. This can be quite disappointing for experienced drivers who haven’t reached the required age. That doesn’t mean that kids are not allowed. They can be carried in the back – but then again, they MUST be at least 125 cm tall. To add on to their safety measures, helmets are provided. Phuket Kart Speedway Karting Phuket is great and here they have two stroke engines which makes karting fast, loud and remarkable. Even if the car is small, you get an impressive push which makes the driver reach maximum speed from the word ‘go’. Here every level is catered for. Whether you are a beginner or you are at the advanced level, you will get a kart that will suit your level and have different prices for the different ranges of karts based on the capacity. They have both one-seater and two-seater go karts. Usually, they give one the price list for any damage part. That way you will try to be a little careful on the tracks. The staff is wonderful, professional and they speak good English. These Go Karts Phuket staff are ready and willing to help beginners master this unique track. So even beginners get to experience and enjoy this this exciting and challenging course. There is also an age limit. So, if you are under 20 years of age, parental consent is required. Also, if you are going on a tandem kart you need to be under 150cm tall. One of the other things that makes Phuket go karts the best place to be is that you can have a beer as you watch. One guarantee us that Karting Phuket will leave you enjoying maximum fun as well as give you an adrenaline rush in a thrilling but safe and inviting environment.