Blog

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Choosing one of the best beach clubs Phuket isn’t a tall order as there is no shortage of choices. You will find quite a collection that will blow your mind; from luxury seaside pools that provide awesome fun, dining and sophistication. Phuket boasts some of the best Beach clubs. Xana Beach Club Considered as one of best beach clubs in Phuket, Xana Beach Club is located on the white shores of Bang Tao Beach on the North Western coast of the island. It prouds itself of a delicious selection of modern seafood, international cuisine. You will eat and drink sumptuously throughout the day on refreshing salads, tasty sandwiches, or even their award winning, MFY Smoked Burger with lush fine alcoholic drinks from around the world. On Friday night you’ll love the Seafood BBQ buffet, looking out over one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. At sundown, the lights come up. Xana Beach Club will bring on the fire shows. You can make the most of a Sunday, dining and relaxing all day on the beach. Catch Beach Club Catch Beach Club has perfected the art of relaxation and is one of the best beach clubs in Phuket. As an ocean-front beach it offers a very stylish infinity edge pool, open restaurant with spectacular bars.  Resting on the pristine white sands of Bangtao Beach, there is six kilometers of coast scattered with casuarina trees and coconut palms. The major attraction of this Catch Beach Club is the availability of sun loungers and salas on the sand about 40 metres from the sea. You will need to buy a day pass to use either the lounger or a sala, which is counted as credit for food and drinks. Massages are available, but these don’t count. If you just want to drink and dine, there’s no entry fee. In the evenings, the club becomes different. Night Life begins; becoming one of the more sophisticated night spots in Phuket. House and guest DJs play great disco and techno tunes and, even though it’s not a small venue, it can easily get packed on a party night. It’s a must-visit. Café del Mar Phuket As one of the best beach clubs in Phuket it is a classy club from the world-famous out of Ibiza. It has the sophisticated party atmosphere of its name with a great-quality setting and great music of relaxing beats. This is a great place to enjoy a few sundowner cocktails from the selection of classic and signature drinks. There’s also a sumptuous choice of Thai and international eats available from the restaurant or snacks for sharing on a day bed. The higher-than-average price range attracts a sophisticated but fun-loving crowd, who enjoy smooth music played by the resident and guest DJs, accompanied by a live saxophonist. HQ Beach Lounge Phuket In need of a light lunch or a relaxed dinner by the sea, you can’t ignore this among the best clubs in Phuket? You can order from the ever- evolving menu and culinary offerings to enliven every pallet sense. Among the most favorite on the delectable menu, you will indulge in fresh and succulent salads, flavor full seafood accompanied by magnificent pasta and light grills. You will enjoy splendid seaside contemporary experiences in chic simplicity and celebrate wonderful company with light beach side fares, true cocktails, sensuous wines and eclectic soul music Pine Beach Bar It is one of the latest beach clubs Phuket and the third one to open on Kamala Beach. It is one of the beach clubs Phuket that has direct access to the beach and serves good food and awesome drinks all day, and turns into a party place after sunsets with a resident DJ on set. Its pristine environment comes with a wide strip of soft white sand and a beautiful landscape and a sunset to die for. The food is good and not expensive. A T-Bone steak comes at 690 baht only, with a grilled Caesar salad at 290 baht. Pizzas are also available starting at 290. On weekdays, Pine Beach Bar is one of the quiet best clubs in Phuket. However, you can still get one of the front tables. On weekends you really should call early to book very demanded prime spots. Iguana Beach Bar Quite a hidden gem indeed! The beachfront has all the right ingredients to chill out; white sand, large beanbags, a tempting cocktail menu and awesome music. Spending time at Iguana Beach Bar is an intimate and personal experience that you just can’t get from other best beach clubs in Phuket. At sundown, the tempo picks up as the music evolves from relaxing to deep house. Club organizers take over proceedings at the weekend presenting a lineup of international guests DJs. It’s a beautiful place! A 20-metre-long beach, flanked by granite boulders, with views out to the Sea and the south end of Patong Bay on the right side. It is quite a relaxing hideaway. A cool bar and restaurant in front of the beach! Hope the above choices of Best Clubs in Phuket will help you have a blast while partying in Phuket.

Ever been to Ya Nui Beach Phuket? If you have, tiny as the beach is, then you will back us up by agreeing that it is one very charming place to be. The beach is located in a cove between the Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint at the southern side of Phuket. Being between 2 most popular viewpoints in Phuket, this charming beach appears to be secret beach. That said, it is very popular and can in some days, it can be very busy. More about Nui Beach A lot of activities take place in this little cove. The most popular ones are snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. The sand is very soft and cushy with a good selection for shells for kids or anyone who would like to collect. There is also an island nearby called Koh Man which is 700 metres out in the sea. When the weather allows, visitors can paddle to go and admire corals. It is also possible to paddle up to Nai Harn, Getting to Nui Beach There are three ways to get to Ya Nui Beach Phuket. The first route is from Nai Harn where you can drive south past the Windmill Viewpoint and to the beach. The second is when coming from the inland. Take the road from Rawai and head on straight until you get to the point where the Rawai-Promthep road swings left and continue on until you reach the beach. The last option is to drive down the northern side of Promthep and voila – there goes the beach. The Beach The thing that really brings people to this charming beach is the beach. It is the main reason that people take the time to drive down here. The turquoise waters are magnificent excepting the northern part. As for the sand it is very soft and fine. You will get a few beach chairs and a diving spot near the beach. One of the peculiar things that makes this tiny beach so attractive is the small cape in the middle. To add to the beauty is the backdrop of a big island and the grassy slopes on each side of the cove. At Ya Nui Phuket, you will find yachts and fishing boats always sheltered here. The clear blue-green waters make it perfect for snorkelling. The northern area which is 300 meters long is perfect for swimming. There are kayaks you can rent to paddle further away from the beach out to Koh Man for better snorkelling spots. During the high season when it is busy, you will find vendors selling clothes, fresh fruit, snacks, and souvenirs. You will also find eateries and restaurants where you can get refreshments. Places surrounding the beach Windmill Viewpoint Sometimes known as the wind turbine the windmill viewpoint is a scenic hill that is on one side of Ya Nui Beach Phuket. The beauty about the viewpoint is the birds’ view. This viewpoint is very popular with photographers. Also, if you want some of the best pre-wedding pictures, this spot offers the romantic background. It is easily accessible by back or motorbike. Promthep Cape This one is on the other side of the cove. It is fully called the Promthep Cape Sunset Viewpoint. As the name suggests it is a good spot for taking sunset photos. This is what makes it irresistible to visitors who visit the Nui beach and even those at Nai Harn Beach. Day in and day out, this landmark has become the spot where hundreds of tourists meet with their cameras facing west. In the evenings, buses offload hordes of tourists dying for just a picture of that dazzling sunset. And as soon as the sun starts going down, the whole place goes abuzz with camera flashes. The irony of it all is people taking sunset photo with a flash! (haha) So, whenever you are in Ya Nui Phuket do not let this moment of enjoying and admiring some good old’ Phuket sunset pass you by. Ya Nui Bungalows Restaurant If it so happens that you enjoyed the beach too much and want to stay an extra day, across the road, there are the ‘Yanui Bungalows’ that offer local accommodation. This tiny thatch-roofed restaurant that also serves Thai food only. So, it’s mainly local cuisine… nothing fancy. They also serve cold drinks as you soak your feet in their fine sand. There is also a diving center. So, whenever you are headed to the beach, don’t forget to also visit the viewpoint spots surrounding it.

Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island and has an area of 167 square kilometers overall. It is located 70 km from Thailand’s mainland. Unfortunately, the place does not have an airport. So, to get there, visitors have been relying heavily on ferries that come from the mainland and Koh Sanui (just 12 kilometers away). Much as it is mainly made of granite, the place still has an almost untamed beauty which is heightened by the hilly, lavish topical jungle interior with quite a number of peaceful long white-sand beaches. To add on to all this beauty, the place boasts itself of over 20 nearby dive sites. The nearest main landing spots are Thongsala and Haad Rin. This is where you can make your ATM and bank transactions. The police station can be found just outside Thongsala as there is none at Koh Pha Ngan. The main transport is provided by converted pickup trucks commonly known as ‘song teaows’, which pass through the hilly road. There are other options like rental jeeps and motorcycles or privately hired taxis. Some parts – specifically between Ban Tai and Haad Rin – have really bad roads because they are pretty hilly so one needs to exercise caution especially at night and during rainy weather conditions. One of the things that has made the place become such a famous place is the many Full Moon Party events, ‘Black Moon’ and every other moon beach parties. Basically, this is where the party animals flock with a New Year’s Eve Full Moon Party attracting between 10,000 to 30,000 partygoers. Where to visit in Phangan The Beaches Flashing lights… amplified music… party people shaking their bodies all night long… Now that the best way one can describe the Koh Phangan beach life. It’s all about the infamous Full Moon Party here. But during the day, the place is just tranquil and perfect preserve of the mind and soul. When it comes to tranquility, and absolute exquisite beauty, during the day, the beaches here are unparalleled in Gulf of Thailand. Some of the beaches you will find here are: Chaloklum & Mae Haad beaches, Haad Rin (Sunset and Sunrise beaches), Haad Yao & Haad Salad beaches, Thong Nai Pan Noi & Yai beaches, Thong Sala among others. ­ See in the south of Thailand there is usually the painted clichéd picture of serene beaches with palm trees along the white sand. Well, all that applies to the beaches of Phangan. Some represent that picture more than others. For instance, much as the Thong Nai Pan Noi, Yai and Haad Salad seem to be out of the way, they are worth all the trouble because of the serenity they offer. The Haan Rin Nok and Haad Rin on the other hand are very stunning beaches and have the largest concentration of clubs and bars. So, while trying to figure out what will work for you, one thing for sure with the Koh Phangan beach life is that if you want, you can have it all… tranquility during the day, party all night long! ­­­ As they say, you can have your cake and eat it too. So, all you need to do is to just explore the beaches and take the best photos you possibly can. Things to do in Phangan Party till you drop Ask anyone who has visited here and the first thing they will talk about is the Full Moon Party, the Half Moon Party and now they have introduced the Black Moon Party which all happen on the island every month. These are the ones that have made Phangan gain so much popularity. They are usually held on the southernmost beach, Haad Rin beach. There is no sleeping here. It’s a dusk till dawn affair. Explore the island, beach after beach Beach-hopping is one of the things that is a must-do, enjoyable and satisfying whenever you visit the island. Much as the island isn’t that big – about 40 kilometers in perimeter – it is still host to 30 beaches of various sizes and shapes. To do your beach hoping, you can a motorbike – about 200-300 baht a day and hop as you explore beach after beach. For those that cannot be reached by road such as the Haad Nam Tok, there are long-tail boats for higher for the day that you can use to get there as you enjoy the beautiful shore of the island beaches. Diving Much as the island the beaches are stunning beaches, wait until you get below the surface of the waves. If you are really not a party animal and don’t know what to do in Koh Phangan, then you should really consider diving as this place and nearby areas offer some great diving experiences at more than reasonable prices. You can experience wreck diving as well as night dives. There are lots of coral, colorful tropical fish as well as other exotic marine life like the stingrays and whale sharks that can be spotted on dives. You can even get some diving lessons and get certified on the island. And if you are not a diving fan, there is still lots to see while snorkeling. Shopping at the Thong Sala Night Market There is no better place to get the full experience and taste of the Thai culture like the night markets. Much is Thong Sala night market is more popular with visitors, you will still get a good feel of how the locals live. One thing that people love about this night market is the freshness and the deliciousness of their seafood delicacies. ­Trekking With Koh Phangan being a hilly island, the natural mountains, jungles and waterfalls offer the perfect trekking routes. These provide a great balance to the all-night parties. The eastern coast has a great number of well-established trekking routes. There are also the Phaeng and Than Sadet waterfalls which perfectly display the natural magnificence of the island. Hotel stays One thing that

One of the most notable sites on Phi Phi is the Viking Cave. Phi Phi, pronounced ‘Pee Pee’, are a group of islands in Thailand between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands is home to the “Viking Cave”, where there is a thriving industry harvesting edible bird’s nests. In and around the large limestone caves on the islands are some of the world’s fastest-flying birds called swifts, or swiflets (sometimes referred to as “sea swallows”). The cave-dwelling swifts – the Edible-Nest Swiftlet, Pacific Swifts and Black-Nest Swiftlets, build tiny white nests which is the key ingredient in birds’ nest soup! One of the most expensive ingredients in the world. Prized due to their scarcity, high nutritional value (containing high levels of iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium) and exquisite flavor, birds’ nests are regarded as a delicacy, health booster, life prolonger and aphrodisiac, and are said to rejuvenate skin, clean out the digestive track, and cure lung cancer. Harvesting the birds’ nests The edible-nest swiftlets build their nests in the most inaccessible places – higher up on the walls, ledges and ceilings of the limestone caves, or among the overhangs on the Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands. To collect the valuable bird’s nests from inside the dark Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands, locals risk their lives by climbing the weak looking bamboo scaffolding, bridges and ropes, tapping as they go to ensure the bamboo is strong enough to reach the nests. Hong Kong and the United States are the largest importers of these nests, and a bowl of bird’s nest soup costs between 30USD to 100USD in Hong Kong. Bird’s nests are sold, on average, for US$2,500 per kilo! The nests (about the size of a small egg) are made from the saliva secreted by fully-developed salivary glands of the birds which enlarge during their breeding period. The intertwined strands of saliva when exposed to air harden like glue that hold the nest together and keep it attached to the vertical walls of Viking caves or cliffs. Tourism on the Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands The Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands cave is however not open to tourists. The cave is approximately 3.2 square kilometers in size; with a height of around 10 to 15 meters. Boat operators will however slow down their boats close enough to the entrance of the caves for tourists to take a peek inside and to take photos. It will take roughly 35 minutes to get to the Viking cave by long-tail boat from Tonsai Bay (the main jetty in the Phi Phi Islands). Tham Phaya Nak as known in Thai, Viking Cave gets its name to the paintings found on the eastern southern walls of the cave located at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff. The paintings represent different types of boats, including what resembles a Scandinavian Drakkar Longship.  The paintings seem rather quite recent, and were seemingly drawn by sailors and traders taking shelter in the cave during the monsoon storms. This is probably a depiction of European explorers or traders during the age of discovery rather than remnants of a Viking expedition. How to get to the caves To get to the cave of the Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands, you will need to hire a long-tail boat from Tonsai pier or from nearby Laem Tong, it will cost you approximately 68USD for a whole day and you could discover the most interesting sites around the Viking Cave Phi Phi Islands. Join a boat trip around Phi Phi and be sure to take a look at the entrance to Viking Cave for the bamboo scaffolding and ropes used by the harvesters, and during the breeding season watch out for the tiny, fast swiflets performing acrobatic dives in search for food. However, one of the best ways to experience, not only the Viking Cave but the other Phi Phi locations is on a Simba Sea Trips sunrise speedboat tour. You’ll experience comfort and luxury while taking in the many sites on offer.

If you are looking for a tasteful cultural show about Thailand, in Thailand, Siam Niramit Phuket is one of the extravaganzas you need to consider. Set on a main lakeside spot, the show is located at the outskirts of Phuket Town off the bypass. This show has been adding to the variety and vibrancy of the entertainment in Phuket as it recounts tales of 700 years of Thailand history. There is a recreation of traditional Thai villages from the main areas of Thailand. These houses are wooden. They display the food and art of the province that they represent. These villages have the perfect background for taking pictures and you will find boys and girls welcoming visitors in each home to enjoy the local cuisines as well as get a feel of house is all about as well as the people living in it. Things to know about Siam Niramit Show Phuket One great thing about the place is that it is suitable for an audience of all ages. And guess what, it is also wheelchair-friendly. The show begins at 8.30 p.m. It is open weekly from Wednesday through to Monday. There is no show on Tuesday. Cameras are not allowed at the theater. So, after having your photo sessions before the show begins, all visitors are expected to deposit their cameras at a designated counter at the theater gate before going in. Please note that cameras are allowed in the other areas of the grounds – just not the theater. The Siam Niramit Phuket theatre is vast with red velvet seats like those in the movies. A great deal of investing (2.5 billion baht) went into setting up this place – from purchasing the land up until the special effects and staffing (out of the 400 employees, 96% are locals) In Dec 2011, the preopening shows were entirely booked and its vast stage made it to the Guinness World Records as being the highest. Why Siam Niramit Show Phuket is worth watching The narrative is normally simple and clear enough for visitors to understand the scenes. The stage is enormous with the perfect dance routine involving more than a hundred people. Besides the spotless choreography, one of the things you will love about the show is the outstanding sound system that gives you a glimpse into the wonderful world of centuries of Thai legends and Myths. You will definitely find the songs, dance and the traditional martial arts routines truly impressive. The thing that makes the show impressive is that it is put together by a team of professionals and the show has been entertaining people since 2012, delivering a fantastic 70-minute performance of Thai arts and culture from a historical perspective. Here are some of the highlights of Siam Niramit Show Phuket: All performances begin with long narration in partial darkness as it eases you into the majestic beating of the drums and magnificent sound system. The décor is amazing and the lighting gives the acts depth. The show has 3 acts that run without intervals. All these different acts are equally entertaining. The first act takes the audience on a ‘journey through history’ – narrates how the regions of Thailand came together into one nation. The second one is about ‘three mythical worlds. This is the act that international tourists need to pay attention to because it narrates and conveys how the Thai people perceive the divine concepts of heaven and hell. Heaven is depicted as this beautiful place with angels and divas practically flying around. Hell is the complete opposite – you can imagine how scary they depict it. Alcoholics are forced to drink from a large metal pot of boiling water while fornicators are forced to climb very thorny trees. This is the act that makes Siam Niramit Phuket show worth feasting your eyes on. The last act is about the ‘festivals of Thailand’. All the acts are seamlessly executed. It’s unfortunate that they have a very strict ‘no photos at the theater’ policy. Things to do before the show The show starts at night, 8.30 p.m., there is a lot of surrounding attractions and amenities to enjoy before the show.  So instead of just going to Siam Niramit for the show only you can make this an all-day affair. In case you can get there early, you can walk around and admire the traditional Thai-style houses and take photos. Remember I mentioned that the place is also kid-friendly right? Well, you and children can keep yourselves busy by playing carnival-style games at the funfair before the show begins and if you are lucky you might win a stuffed animal. There is also a floating market, open-air performances as well as shops to explore while you wait for dinner. These shops sell souvenirs as well as comfortable, well designed Thai silk clothing and accessories. Dinner is available between 6pm to 8. 15pm. They have a wide variety of buffet dinner. If you have never experienced the Thai cuisine, this can be a great time to try a mix of different things. You can enjoy the view of the lake and the landscape on the restaurant’s 3rd floor. Here you also get the perfect view of the open-air performances while you enjoy your buffet dinner from the balcony. They also have parades of warriors in costumes as well as a few elephants. Parting shot Siam Niramit Phuket is a place and a show worth saving a night for, especially if you have never experienced it and are new in Thailand. It was one of the perfect breaths of fresh air from the usual beach clubs and Patong parties. So, if you are planning to stay in Phuket for long, you need to consider at least popping in for a show. Plus, if you are a real party animal, since the show starts at 8.30 pm. You can always join the life of the party afterwards. Even if pictures are not allowed at the theaters, you