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Rang Yai Island Rang Yai Island is a small slice of paradise found 5 kilometres off the east coast of Phuket. This island has a 1 kilometre stretch of sandy beach with a great view of the mainland. This beach is mentioned in most tour packages and is one that’s always busy with travelers. The Island is U-shaped with a shady white sandy beach which is lined with coconut trees and has a plethora of pathways. What makes this beach really special is the clear blue water that is as warm as a bathtub – normally sitting between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius! At the north of Rang Yai Island beach, there are bamboo-thatched bungalows where one can stay. As you move further in towards the centre, you will find simpler bungalows for rent. For those on day tours, there are a couple of restaurants and bars near large trees on the beach in case you need a well-deserved recharging. How to get to Koh Rang Yai The fastest way to get to this island is by being a part of a day tour. There are several ways to do this. Firstly, you can book with a travel agent found on the more popular tourist streets. With your hotel concierge or hotel reception, or as part of a private charter phuket boat tour like the one offered by Simba Sea Trips. You could also use a kayak from Phuket if the weather allows it. There is also an option of taking a 20-minute ride on a long tail boat from Laem Hin Pier, north of Phuket town. These will cost you about 1000 baht but is quite crowded during peak tourist season. On your way to Rangyai Island you will see a bigger island called Koh Maphrao which has lots of coconut trees. This coconut island has a fishing village and a resort called the Village. You will also see floating islands. What to do at Rhangyai Island Remember the pathways I was talking about earlier? Visitors to Koh Rang Yai can take a stroll as well as hike. You can explore this gorgeous tropical island by walking to the end of the beach. Cyclists can also take advantage of these pathways and cycle. If you didn’t bring one, you don’t need to worry. You can rent one. There is also a football pitch, a mini golf course, an air gun shooting range as well as a volleyball net on the beach. Other activities that most visitors enjoy are swimming in the warm, clear blue waters and sunbathing. Adventurous travelers can also undertake some kayaking on Rangyai Island as well as good Phuket snorkeling near the headland rocks. Rang Yai Island is a very relaxing tropical island. The landing beach is the most inviting spot for relaxation and has beach chairs. You can easily spend your day chilling in one of the many beach loungers set under the trees, or tables of the exotic thatched-roof restaurant. Koh Rang Yai is home to the Pearl farm and Pearl shop. This is actually the highlight of the visit to the island found at the center of the main beach. So if you want to visit here, one can book a tour. The Pearl shop receives visitors on a daily basis who are there to get souvenirs. You can also witness the various stages of pearl production. They have a variety of stuff to buy at very reasonable prices. As the name suggests, the shop has an extensive selection of pearls. The price is determined by the color and the quality of each pearl so there is something for everyone’s budget and taste in colour. Speaking of restaurants on Rangyai Island, the restaurant here opens at 11 am. From the restaurant you can see Rang Noi Island and its private hotel. They also have very friendly and helpful staff. The menu is well illustrated so you can order a meal just by relying on the pictures on the menu if you find the descriptions a bit too confusing. The food is also very delicious. This island is infamous for its pearl farm and has become a miniature activity center. Most visitors go for day trips. But if you want to stay over, you will get a few accommodation spots. There is also a campsite. The thing is, the clear and invitingly warm water of Rang Yai Island, the green palm trees and the thatched roof of wooden restaurant are all you need for that perfect holiday atmosphere.

Get up Close & Personal at Tiger Kingdom This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is Phuket’s latest ‘attraction’ for the bold and daring. Located next to the age-old Go-Kart race track, just before embarking on the hill that leads to Patong Beach, to everyone’s surprise this kingdom is large, clean and well organized. Once you enter, you will see the several options available to visitors. The Tigers at Phuket Tiger Kingdom The tigers here come in all shapes and sizes, from small to big. They are hand reared, loved and cared for and are well trained. These animals are taken care of since birth until old age. Every tiger usually has a trainer to care for as well as train. The tigers found at Phuket Tiger Kingdom are very safe. So if you are brave, you can be safe with one in a cage – of course when the trainer is present. You can pet them, hug then and even take pictures with these big cats. Much as these big cats are well trained and tamed the trainers are there to guide people on how to behave around the tiger. The trainers can also move the tiger around and change their positions so that the visitor can take a better photo with the cats. If you are not brave to get into the cage with these magnificent cats, you can watch them from a far – from the restaurant. The Tiger Zoo restaurant has a view over the cages where you can catch these tigers being fed, playing, as well as resting. Cost As you might have guessed, the most popular tigers at the Tiger Kingdom Phuket are the cute cubs. The massive adults are popular as well. Depending on your budget, you can choose to see any size of tigers while here. The smallest cubs will cost you more that’s for sure. But you can choose a combined package. The smallest ones go for 1000 baht, small at 900 baht, whereas the medium and big go for 800 baht. As for combination prices, two tigers (say big and small) can go for 1400 baht, a combo of 3 tigers could go for 2300 baht and the full packaged deal (all four sizes) goes for 2000 baht. Safety measures Besides there being trainers in the cages there are some restrictions set for kids visiting particular cages at the Tiger Kingdom Phuket: Children who are 90cm and above can go into cages with infant tigers. They however MUST be in the company of an adult. Children over 16 are allowed into the cages with teenage tigers. Those over 17 can be admitted to cages with adult and young tigers. Besides the above age restrictions, here are a few other safety rules Wash your hands before going into the cages Don’t go into the cages with your bag as tigers love playing with straps, Do not use the flash when taking pictures Never walk alone Desist from making loud noises. Now that you know, it’s up to you to decide whether to visit the Phuket Tiger Kingdom and take pictures with these beautiful big cats adding to the wide range of things to do while in Phuket.

Freedom Beach Phuket Located just south of the famous Patong Beach, Freedom Beach in Phuket is one of the prettiest beaches in Thailand. Some like to call it the best kept secret. Much as it is hard to find because of being surrounded by jungle, hills and granite rocks, this lovely 300m long stretch of incredibly soft white sand is worth searching for. The effort and challenge it takes to find this beach is what makes this beach exclusive. Plus, get ready to feast your eyes on the turquoise-blue waters. Getting to Freedom Beach in Phuket Some years back, the only way you could get to Phuket Freedom Beach was by boat. These days, there is a road that leads people there. You can also hire a longtail boat from the dock at the southern end of Patong beach will set you off about 1000 to 1500 baht depending on how many people get on it. It takes about 15 minutes. The other options are to get a boat from the north end of Karon Beach or hire one from Tri Trang Beach which is the nearest to Freedom Beach. Unfortunately, you may have to wait a while for one if you take this cheap option. Then there is also the option of walking down from the top of the hill. Things to do at the beach Freedom Beach Phuket is one of the busiest beaches in Phuket. That said, you will be shocked at how calm and peaceful it actually is. This makes it the perfect place for one to soak up the sun while in Phuket. There are other fun activities that one can also participate in besides sunbathing. With the perfectly soft stretch of white sand, visitors who feel a little energetic can enjoy beach soccer as the beach some two mini goal posts. One can enjoy playing some beach volleyball as well. There are areas that are condoned off for swimming. These are the northern and southern parts of the Phuket Freedom Beach. The shallow waters of Freedom Beach Phuket are host to some very colorful species of fish and other water animals. Luckily, the beach does not have jet-skis or noisy activities to scare the marine life away. That said, the beach is the perfect spot for snorkeling fans to enjoy swimming with exotic reefs as well as admire the various colorful tropical fish species. So bring your mask and fins. Phuket Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful places to simply relax and enjoy the warm clear water. At the southern end of the beach are some restaurants with a seating area. You will find sun loungers under palm trees that can be rented. Always remember to at least carry some screen and other protective gear if you are planning on staying under the sun. Enjoy some Thai food as well as other international cuisines. You can also get some snacks as well as cold tropical fruit drinks. The beach might lack the hustle and bustle that most popular beaches in Phuket have but all this is compensated by the perfect views and the opportunity that visitors get to enjoy the nature. People from different places come here to just enjoy the tranquil seclusion that this beach has to offer. Best time to visit Freedom Beach in Phuket The best time to visit the beach is in the morning. During this time, the beach is perfect as the weather is cooler. It is also the perfect time because not many people will be there so you will enjoy some peace and quiet if that is your cup of tea. Places to stay near Freedom Beach Being a hidden treasure, there is no overnight accommodation at Freedom Beach in Phuket. But if you plan on having a stay over, you will have to take a tuk tuk to places nearby where you can have a luxurious rest. Here are some of the places you can stay overnight after enjoying the beach: Chic Condo Karon – This is located about 15 minutes south of Freedom beach. Alavista Grande Phuket Karon Mgallery: This is 17 minutes’ drive from the beach. It’s a home away from home as you enjoy your Thailand adventures. Grand Sunset Hotel: This is just 13 minutes’ drive away with a gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea from their outdoor rooftop pool. Central Villas Phuket Hotel: 10 minutes away and has a spa overlooking the sea. Andam Seaview Hotel Karon Beach: 17 minutes southeast of Freedom beach. All the rooms have vibrant colors with a perfect view of the sea and a balcony overlooking the pools outside.

Experience the Bang Pae Waterfall Bang Pae Waterfall Phuket is one of the three best known and most popular waterfalls in Phuket. There is the Layan Bay, but it isn’t considered that significant, and appealing, compared to the other 3 – Bang Pae, Kathu and Tonsai waterfalls. The northeast of Phuket contains approximately 20 square kilometers of lush, green hills. This is the Khao Pra Taew National Park where you will also find Bang Pae falls on the east side of the hills. That said, seeing as the waterfalls are part of the Khao Pra Taew National Park, there is an entry fee. Locals pay 20 baht while foreigners pay 200 baht. What to expect at Bang Pae In Thailand, waterfalls seem to be a great weekend attraction. That said, don’t expect to find a big pond or lake to swim in at Bang Pae Waterfall Phuket. What you see is what you get – a lovely average size fall worth taking a picture of or standing in front of. In order to get to larger sections of the waterfall you will have to take a hike up. Though parts of it are steep and rocky, the path is quite decent. It’s all green, lush and dense… Along the path is a little river that flows down from the hill where kids and families play and swim in the natural pools. For a person who has never been to the jungle, a walk at Bang Pae is an experience worth exploring. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Center is another interesting spot to check out. It’s located near the Bang Pae waterfall parking. This organization was built more than a decade ago to rescue and protect gibbons used as tourist attractions in Bangla bars or taken away from their “owners” by the police and those turned in voluntarily. If lucky, the staff there might let you see the gibbons (though they are not obliged or inclined to let you) The Bang Pae area is perfect for day outings. You can also enjoy elephant rides, checking out the gibbons, kayaking in the mangroves as well as having lunch at the nearby restaurants. Where to eat while visiting Bangpae Waterfall Near Bang Pae Waterfall Phuket, there are 2 decent places you can sit and have a meal. Piang Prai – which is the easiest to get to and the Bang Pae Seafood. Piang Prai This is a great local restaurant hidden in a green nest at the very entrance of the waterfall. Because of its remote location, if it’s your first time here and have you no idea of its existence, you might miss it. This place serves excellent Thai food. Bang Pae Seafood As the name suggest, Bang Pae Seafood restaurant serves great seafood. It has a nice view of the mangrove and the sea. This restaurant is very busy on weekends, packed with a mix of locals, expats and tourists. This restaurant boasts having both good food and a great friendly atmosphere. To get to Bang Pae Seafood restaurant, instead of turning left to the waterfall at the elephant camp intersection, head on for about 300 meters then turn right. There will be a sign there to direct you. Keep on this small road until you reach its end. How to get to Bang Pae Falls It’s very easy to get to Bang Pae Waterfall Phuket. From Phuket town, turn right at the Heroines Monument circle and drive approximately 10 km. Focus on the left hand side as that’s where the signposts are. It’s also this side where you will find the ‘Gibbon Rehabilitation Center’. Once you get there drive another 3 km until you get to the National Park entrance!

The Incredibly Popular Chalong Pier Chalong Pier in Phuket is the island’s most frequented area where boats can anchor. It resides on the largest bay surrounding Phuket’s main island and is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Phuket Town. Ao Chalong Pier (as it is known to locals) is the main stopping point for visitors arriving by boat from the Thai mainland and goes some way to explaining why it is so busy. Where is the Pier located? Chalong Pier is located on the south-eastern side of Phuket and is approximately a 15 minute drive from Karon Beach. When arriving by car be careful when approaching Chalong Circle as it can be quite busy in the early morning hours. How old is Chalong Pier? While the pier itself has been there for many years, the jetty as we know it today was re-modelled in 2002 to its current state. Before the new modern jetty, there was only an outdated jetty capable of accommodating two people side by side. The new jetty, and Chalong Pier surrounds, now provides ample space for the many visitors that flock to the location. What is there to do? Those who visit the area will thoroughly enjoy a lengthy walk along the pier. They’ll encounter spectacular sea views and will be able to soak in a very lively atmosphere. Within close proximity to the jetty are a few restaurants serving a range of local seafood and other tasty meals. What happens in the bay? Chalong Bay is known for the sensational underwater activities that it provides. Many diving travel operators provide trips to the bay as it is considered one of Thailand’s ultimate locations for both diving and snorkeling activities. Due to the popularity of Chalong Bay, Simba Sea Trips can accommodate those looking to venture here as part of a private charter boat tour. This will provide guests with the freedom of movement around the Phuket waterways with the ability to stop at only the finest Phuket travel locations. What else is close to Chalong Pier? While many can make a whole day out of a visit to Chalong Pier in Phuket, there is a lot to do in the surrounding areas as well if looking to further fill your day. For instance, the spectacular Rawai Beach is a mere 5 kilometres down the road. Big Buddha, a huge tourist attraction, stands very close to Chalong Circle and is only a short distance from the pier. In addition, Kata Beach is also located within six kilometres of the pier. If you have a car then all of the above locations are worth a visit. However, if restricted to movement by foot then we’d suggest renting a bike and exploring the local area. There is plenty to see and you’ll get some good exercise providing the weather is nice. Why we recommend a visit to Chalong Pier When it comes to soaking up the Phuket tourist atmosphere in all its glory, nothing beats Chalong Pier. The sheer volume of tourists is evidence enough of the allure of the destination. It simply appeals to people of all shapes and sizes. Those looking to sample some local seafood will find a lunch at one of the local restaurants a treat. Those keen to dive and snorkel in Chalong Bay will find some glorious conditions to do so. Those keen for a packed itinerary will find incorporating Chalong Pier into a day containing a trip to Big Buddha and either Rawai or Kata beaches to be suitable. While those simply looking for a stroll along the famous pier will be pleased with the location. There really is something for everyone along Chalong Pier. We’ll hopefully bump into you there!

Explore the Kathu Waterfall in Phuket Want to know why Kathu Waterfall is one of the most interesting waterfalls to visit in Phuket? Well, as long as you visit it during the rainy season, you will enjoy this immense series of drop pools to maximum effect and you will realize that this place is worth a look. The waterfall has two areas of note. On the left looks more like a stream of water that seems to be the perfect natural pool for kids to play in. The left side is perfect for young families. The right on the other hand is where you will find the REAL falls after a small bridge from the parking area. The challenge here is the climb to the top of the waterfall. And the most popular way up is via a 130 metre stone staircase. Luckily, there are shades and various stops where you can rest in case you need to catch your breath. What to expect at Kathu Waterfall Phuket Phuket is blessed with waterfalls. This doesn’t come as a surprise because of the combination of the tropical rains and hills. But are they all worth visiting? Unfortunately, most of them aren’t as impressive as Kathu – especially when the reduction of rain reduces the stream to a drip. Plus some of the other waterfalls are in the national parks which means you have to pay some fee. But with Kathu, no fees are required. Now, I may have talked up the place but that doesn’t mean that now you go expecting Victoria or Niagara falls. Much as it’s the most advertised, it’s pretty small. Plus, almost all falls in Phuket are just a succession of cascades passing through the jungle. There are 3 main levels involved in the Kathu Waterfall Phuket. The first one is the most stunning especially during the rainy season. Visitors get to enjoy a steady flow of water flowing down the rocks which form a large sandy pool. You can still get to the second level via a concrete path. However, the path here is narrower but with a more natural look. This is where most teenagers love to hang out, having picnics and enjoying themselves. The third level is for the courageous. You will get here using a dirt trail. You might also have to do some bit of rock climbing to get to the fourth cascade. These last two are smaller but they are the most refreshing because of the presence of green shady trees. How to get to Kathu falls One thing that makes Kathu waterfall even better is that it’s not far from Patong – it’s the easiest Phuket waterfall to get to. From Patong, you come over the hill towards Phuket town. You will then find the Caltex gas station. Turn left at the traffic lights towards Kathu market. You will find the waterfall road about 2 kilometers after the market. Pass the houses, small shops, little restaurants and noodle stalls along the road until you reach the end. And there is your waterfall. Best time to visit Kathu falls Kathu is the highest point in Phuket, approximately 540m above sea level. The ideal time to visit this waterfall is between June and November when there’s plenty of monsoon water. That said though, I am not telling you to visit here when it’s raining. It’s now recommended to avoid traveling here in the wet because the stone staircase I mentioned earlier can get pretty slippery. What do in Kathu falls As I mentioned earlier, when travelling with kids, it’s more fun and safer if you take them to the left side of the Kathu Waterfall Phuket and let them enjoy a swim at the drop pool. If you are one who is fit enough then take the entire hike to the top. There are several pool drops on your way up where you can catch your breath while enjoying the water. You can also enjoy Flying Hanuman, an adventure park that is worth exploring as it is host to a plush jungle via zip lines, sky bridges, and abseil points. There is also a hill behind the waterfall where you can partake in your hiking adventures. As I mentioned before, it’s the highest point in Phuket. One thing I like about this particular waterfall, is that it can be as easy and as hard as you want it to be. The choice is yours. Enjoy!!!

Phuket shopping If this is your first trip to Thailand, then you need not worry about Phuket shopping places. Believe me, there is no shortage of shopping spots. Not only is Thailand one of the best island holiday destinations, it offers an exquisite shopping experience. What makes it even more charming is the stunning batiks, hand paintings, beautiful batiks as well as antiques that you can carry home from your holiday. As you plan your trip, take a look at some of the best shopping spots worth visiting. Phuket Town is and always has been the prime centre of all commercial activities in Phuket. Ever since the historical district (Phuket Old Town) was built during the mid-19th century’s tin mining boom, it remains a popular shopping hub. The fast development of Phuket also catalyzed the development of several large shopping malls and supermarkets on the outskirts of the city. Discover the best places to shop in Phuket Town, below. Best places to shop in Phuket This article brings you list of Phuket town shopping spots which presents you with an out of this world shopping choices and opportunities. We will feature modern department stores, stylish boutiques as well as local markets that are not only popular, but also well stocked with variety of items to choose from at great bargains. Usually, most markets operate in the evenings as it can get pretty hot during the day. Plus, this is the time when tourists are free after their day tours and beach relaxations. Discover some of the prime Phuket shopping spots below and don’t forget to check out the best things to do in Phuket article for more inspiration… Central Festive Phuket This is one of the largest shopping malls in Phuket. It is a one stop shop for most people who love shopping. The mall has about 120 stores so you can never run out of variety of things to shop for – fashion items and accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs, health products, jewelry, electronics and much more… So your only worry is being spoilt for choice. There is also a 3-storey department that is home to international fashion brands such as Levis. While shopping, you can grab a bite at one of the 50 restaurants or take a break and catch a movie at an SFX Coliseum movie theatre. This is the best place to spend time when you get tired of the beach or when the weather isn’t favorable for island activities. Here, you can find almost everything. The prices are fixed though so no negotiating. Location: Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand Opening Hours: 10.30am to 10pm – Daily Phuket weekend markets This is a favorite and most fascinating spot for most people looking for places to shop in Phuket. As the name suggests, the place is in Phuket town and only operates on weekends. Much as this market offers a relaxing atmosphere, it is mostly under huge tarps hence making it quite a hot market. So when shopping here, make sure you buy lots of water so as to stay hydrated. The market is divided into 3 main zones that on a 30,000-square-metre area. The biggest zone sells first-hand products varying from fashion items to souvenirs. They even sell live animals! The second area is mainly a food zone and is popular for Thai snacks, ready to eat dishes and cakes. The third one is for second hand items. The good thing about this market is that it gives a person a feel of what that local markets are all about. They have friendly vendors who are very honest. Being ripped off should be the least of your worries and here, you can at least negotiate prices. Operating hours: 4p.m to 11pm – Saturday and Sunday Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Jungceylong shopping mall This is a large shopping mall that is located in Patong. This mall is similar to stores such as Australia’s Myer and David Jones (in Australia) or Macy’s in America. Compared to the stores in America and Australia, Jyngceylong’s prices are similar so you won’t be getting much of a bargain shopping here. Plus, the prices are fixed too. Much as there are smaller stores nearby where you can get a bargain while doing some Phuket town shopping, Jungceylon is better because it is a very safe shopping mall with polite security guards. This mall qualifies as the best shopping mall where you can get pretty much everything. Plus, if you are going for high-end labels, visit Robinson and Big C. Chillva market If you are looking for Phuket shopping markets that open till late, then the Chillva market is a cool trendy market to consider. This place is trendy with a bohemian vibe. It boasts of having an impressive Bohemian aura with an exemplary collection of clothes and accessories, as well as an impressive selection of food. If you have a flair for shopping, the moment you step in, you will admire this shopping paradise. You will also find beautiful colorful upcycled shipping containers which are used in this Phuket town shopping spot as shopfronts that are a sight to behold too. Much as they are open on a daily basis in the evenings, the best days to visit are Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays when the flea market comes to town. During these days, they set up tents and hawker stalls. Besides shopping, you can enjoy presentation and music at the heart of the market where they set up a small stage with a pond behind and amphitheater in front. Operating hours: 5pm to 11pm – Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) Location: Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Phuket walking street With the Phuket Walking Street available, you can never run out of places to shop in Phuket. It is a very lively shopping street affair which is set up on Sundays on Thalang Road at the

Why Layan Beach is well worth a visit If you ever find yourself looking for a polite, quiet and beautiful beach in Phuket, then consider taking a trip to Layan Beach. It is one of the least populated tourist beaches on the west coast of Phuket. This is a beach that is picture perfect and a true paradise. Located just North of Bang Tao Beach, the strip of sand is divided into two. Basically, the southern side is kind of an extension of Bang Tao Beach.  It is privately owned land complete with stunning white sand and usual blue skies and has also been taken care of simply and beautifully. More about Layan Beach Phuket The thing is, it was just recently that people started talking about it and highlighting its beauty. Now if you are person who is looking to spend time and spoil themselves then you need to find Layan Beach because it is home to a significant number of beach resorts such as the Banyan Tree Resort, Dusit Thani Resort as well as the Angsana Laguna Phuket. You will also find small bars and restaurants lining up the beachfront all the way from Bang Tao. Once you get to the very end of Layan Beach Phuket, there is a small restaurant that has beach chairs and palm trees. The restaurant offers Thai sea food, though not as cheap as you might expect. So if you are used to local prices then the food might seem a bit pricey. Here, you can also have the perfect lazy afternoon. Plus, guess what? You can pamper yourself by treating yourself to a Thai massage (especially the Aloe Vera massage) in a bamboo house for just 400baht. There is also a river that harbors small fishing boats at the end of the beach.  The river is special here and its best-known feature is the prominent island, Koh Kala, standing where the river reaches the sea. Koh Kala is connected to the mainland by a sandbar. You could also rent a kayak and enjoy Koh Kala and the lagoon. Visit the infamous Dream Beach Club One of the clubs you will find at Layan Beach Phuket is the Dream Beach Club. And true to the name, it is one of Phuket’s best clubs. Here, you will notice a new crowd. They have great large sunbeds as well as great background music in the evenings. Great cocktails are served day and night. It’s a fun place to spend over the weekends near the sea and their swimming pool. It is perfect for relaxing during the day, and partying at night. Getting to Layan Beach Phuket To reach this beach, you need to access it through Bang Tao. Continue driving until you reach a T-junction, turn right and drive to the end of the road. It is a short and easy drive. So go and enjoy the tranquility you deserve… Or better yet inquire about including it as part of the itinerary on a private charter boat tour with Simba Sea Trips!

Be Aware of the Dangerous Animals in Thailand Much as we like to bring you all good things about Thailand and its stunning tourist destinations, we would also like you to beware of the dangerous animals in Thailand. We have your safety is mind so as you vacation we also want to prepare yourself safety-wise. Now this doesn’t mean that Thailand is a no-go zone. This post is not to discourage you to head on to Thailand and enjoy the beautiful scenery and beaches. Believe me, not all animals of Thailand are dangerous. Read on as we tell you what to watch out for just in case you encounter those creatures. That said, these islands are well worth a visit. Animals of Thailand to stay away from Snakes Much as there are different kinds of snakes in this beautiful Asian country, most of them tend to be dangerous and can be life threatening if bitten by them. These snakes can also be found in urban areas, in city parks and even in hotel gardens. Some can also be found in swimming canals and rivers. If you are treading on grass or any form of undergrowth, chances are that there will be snakes. Luckily, at the sound of approaching footsteps, they will slither away. So here is where the danger comes in with these snakes – when you step on one. Plus you might never know what you encounter since some can be very aggressive if disturbed. The ones you need to be cautious about are the Chain Viper, most types of Krait, several Cobras like the spitting Cobra which is normally found in the South of Thailand, the King Cobra, Coral Snakes, Pit Vipers. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that all the above mentioned are extremely dangerous animals in Thailand and they can kill you. Now not every snake encounter event is fatal. However, if bitten by any snake it is imperative that you rush to hospital immediately. Don’t panic. Just act quickly and call for help. Good thing is, they have anti-venom everywhere. If you are brave enough to kill the snake, carry it with you to hospital so that they can know the best treatment after identification. The thing is, there are some that are non-poisonous. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to distinguish them. The best course of action is to avoid all of them. A few safety measures… Wear jeans and strong boots whenever walking on grass or in undergrowth. Be on the lookout whenever handling items that have been placed on cracks where snakes may be hiding. When you see a hole or crack, work with the assumption that there is a snake there and walk away. When you see a snake that looks dead, it’s probably just taking a nap. DO NOT sleep on the floor. When you spot a spitting cobra or anything that looks like it, give it more than 3 meters as they can spit venom into a person’s eyes from that far. Don’t play hero by trying to kill a snake. Rush to hospital – getting treatment within an hour or two tops should be fine. Plus, Thailand has a great health system for dealing with snake bites incidents. Centipedes Now, even if you are there for a minute, these are animals of Thailand you should beware of. They have many types… some giant ones and they can sting real good. So don’t go picking one up because you will be stung. Much as it might not be fatal, it will be painful as hell. Some are an inch long and there are those that are five inches long. So they are easy to spot unless they crawl up into your shoes or clothes. The locals treat them as seriously as they would snakes. The giant ones that appear to be flat are the ones most feared by many. And they extremely hard to kill. They are commonly hide under stones, logs and gardens but they can also be found within homes. They usually go into homes when it rains heavily to avoid drowning. The best advice is to just avoid any kind of Thailand as they are considered dangerous animals in Thailand, just as the snakes. The treatment us usually anti-tetanus shot, painkillers and enough rest. If you develop an allergic reaction, breathing support will be required. Scorpions Just like the centipedes, scorpions are found all over Thailand and they are nocturnal so it’s not likely to see them during the day. However you can find them hiding under rocks during the day. Apparently, they are attracted to stale beer smell so get rid of empty bottles immediately. Much as they are portray as fearsome creatures in the movies, most types are pretty harmless to human beings. The sting is as bad as a bee sting but it’s pretty harmless. Apparently, the smaller they are, the more painful the sting because they have more concentration of the poison in their bulbous tails. The most common type in Thailand is the black scorpion. Scary as they look, compared to the Mexico and Middle East ones, their sting is pretty mild. In case you get stung, treat the affected area immediately to reduce the swelling and avoid infection. Allergic reactions to a scorpion sting are rare, but some people to develop these. Common treatment is anti-venom administration, breathing support whenever necessary, anti-tetanus jab and antibiotics to prevent infection. Ice packs do deal with the pain. Mosquitoes You might think that these little creatures don’t qualify to be on this list of dangerous animals in Thailand. Well think again. They cause serious health threats by transmitting Malaria, Dengue Fever or Japanese Encephalitis. Besides the health factor, these little creatures can ruin ones holiday because they are very irritating. Much as the bites are harmless, they usually cause some minor irritation. Some people are allergic, making them get huge swellings that might take days to go down. For mosquitoes, prevention is better. So

Escape the Crowds at Banana Beach With the popularity of Phuket exploding year upon year, it is staggering that idyllic yet quiet beaches like Banana Beach still exist. With its illuminating clear blue waters, soft white sand and beautiful surrounds it is hard to see why more people don’t flock to it. The reason probably lies in the fact that compared to many Phuket beach attractions, Banana Beach requires a certain level of effort to reach. Therefore, many might consider, other, more convenient options when choosing a place to set up the brolly and towel. How do you get to Banana Beach Banana Beach is quite close to Phuket International Airport although it is unlikely that you’ll head straight here off your plane. This is because there is no accommodation available in the region so naturally you’ll want to head to your hotel first. For those looking to situate themselves close to Banana Beach, the choices come down to the Nai Thon or Bang Tao Beach areas. From Nai Thon Beach It’s a simple journey from Nai Thon. Simply hop into your car and take route 4018 South. You’ll arrive at Banana Beach within 3 mins. Conversely, you can also opt to walk (especially if not in the heat of summer) and this 2 km walk can be achieved in under 25 minutes. From Bang Tao Beach For those staying at Bang Tao Beach, you’ll have a slightly longer journey to Banana Beach but it’s still quite routine. You’ll need to Head North from Bang Tao and navigate out of the area until you position yourself to turn left onto 4018. From here it’s just a simple 4 km journey up to the destination point. From both locations, the tricky part comes with spotting the narrow road passing by the entrance. The easiest way to end up not missing the turn is to follow the signs to Naithon Beach. Drive past Naithon and the Andaman White Beach Resort and the road will wind around until you feast you eyes upon a small amount of cars and bikes on the right hand side. This is the indicator that you’ve reached your destination. All you need to know is be careful not to end up at Trisara Resort. If you end up here you’ve missed the Beach so you’ll need to turn around and head back a short distance. Banana Beach – Things to Do For most who end up on Banana Beach there are a few activities commonly performed by visitors. The most common of which is swimming. Many also take the opportunity to take part in snorkeling activities. Longtail boats can also be hired and soaking in the sun on board while coasting through the crystal clear waters is an ultra-relaxing activity worth enjoying. Banana Beach is among the best swimming destinations in Thailand. But with all that to do, perhaps the most popular ‘activity’ is simply setting up your beach chair and brolly and lazing about on the beach in relatively quiet solitude. It is the space and comfort that Banana Beach provides in the absence of the crowds that makes it such a highly desirable destination. What else is close to Banana Beach As mentioned before, when you head down the road on the lookout for Banana Beach, you’ll need to bypass Naithon Noi Beach and its well worth a stop. One of just a few private beaches in Phuket, it is surrounded by the Andaman White Beach resort that lays claim to it. As a private beach you’ll need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the area. Also for those looking to avoid the crowds Without doubt it can be difficult to find things to do in Phuket in the absence of large crowds. Especially in the high season. Thankfully, many of the main tourist destinations such as Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and Phi Phi can be visited as part of a small group boat tour with Simba Sea Trips. The Simba tours depart earlier in the day than their major competitors and provide more space and less seating on their high-performance speed boats therefore affording guests an unforgettable experience of all boat tour destinations in the absence of large crowds and in maximum comfort.