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Surin Beach Phuket Surin beach in Phuket, occupying the west coast, is one of the most beautiful and natural spots on the island. The beach is a lot more natural now because of the closure of the many beach clubs in the area. It is home to the Millionaires Row, a 1 kilometer stretch of fine white sand and a breathtaking Andaman clear blue sea. The Millionaires row prides itself for its luxury hotels, boutique shops, Surin beach restaurants, high end villas and hosts some of the finest residences Phuket has to offer. The beach can get busy due to the beautiful Surin beach weather during the summer. However, visitors will notice it is much less frequented in comparison to the neighboring Patong and Kata Beaches. It’s very popular all year-round.  The beach is an excellent spot for sunbathing on fine and white sand. Its calm and clear waters are admirable for snorkeling and kayaking, as well as boogie-boarding and surfing. Though for swimmers, it is reasonable to take note of strong currents that may often come during the low season. The beach is surrounded by shops, restaurants, resorts and residences. While it can get busy in the peak summer months, visitors will notice it is much less frequented when compared to Patong and Kata Beach. So what is there to do at Surin Beach in Phuket? Let’s find out now. Where to Eat when visiting the Beach With Surin beach Phuket world-class resorts, finding a great place to eat at beach is very easy. While most Surin beach restaurants specialize in seafood dishes, there are plenty of international style restaurants that can be visited as well. Although some restaurants may be temporarily closed during COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend you trying out the following restaurants: Cudos Surin Beach Restaurant – this establishment is located in close proximity to the Plaza and offers guests many tasty Mediterranean dishes. Diamond Beach Club – This Beachfront club and bar is an incredibly popular dining choice with great Mediterranean food offerings. Very hip and trendy. Oriental Spoon Grill and Bar – Renowned for its delectable fresh seafood, this tasty establishment provides a Sunday roast to die for. Located inside the Twin Palms. You could also explore the back of the beach to the streets behind. Here you will come across a more authentic local Thai experience. Stores here offer Thai food, an assortment of other Asian style cuisine and convenience stores if you just want to grab something quick and easy to take with you to the beach. The number of stalls increases exponentially during the peak tourist season so expect a lot more options at that time. Snorkeling at Surin Beach During the peak season, Surin Beach is an ideal Phuket snorkeling location. This is because the waters are ridiculously calm and clear. The avid snorkeler can venture to either the Northern or Southern ends of the beach and find great snorkeling spots located by the rocks. For those looking to hire gear, there are vendors located along the 1 kilometre stretch of beach, who’ll provide all you need for approximately 200 baht. With that said, we advise you to avoid snorkeling here during the late October to early March period due to the variable weather conditions and rougher seas. Surfing at Surin Beach While the rougher sea weather between late October and early March make Snorkeling next to impossible, it is the perfect weather for those looking for a surf.  While ideal, be prepared to fight the crowds in search of the perfect wave. There are three sections of Surin Beach recommended for surfing. The Northern end, the Southern end and in the middle. We’d recommend, unless you are an ultra-experienced surfer to avoid the middle section as it is rocky and considered quite dangerous for novice riders. If you are keen to give surfing a go, then boards can be hired from the lifeguard posts for approximately 300 baht per hour. Various other Water Sports If Snorkeling and Surfing are not your thing, but you are still in search of a rush, then there are plenty of other watersports available at Surin Beach. Kayaks are without doubt the most popular alternative, and you’ll see many in the area if you arrive during the hot summer months. Boogie Boarding is also a popular surfing alternative and these are seen in great volume between May and October when the tourist numbers are lower.  With that said, even boogie boarders can get into danger so it might be worth picking a calmer location if you are just starting out.   Walk through the local Food Stalls If you venture back off the beach to the streets behind, you’ll stumble upon a more authentic Thai experience. The local stores here offer up Thai Food, an assortment of other Asian style cuisine and convenience stores if you just want to grab something quick and easy to take with you to the beach. The number of stalls increases exponentially during the peak tourist season so expect a lot more options if traveling here at that time. Surin Nightlife The beach offers a great deal of tranquility. It also has its own fair share of Surin nightlife, restaurants and beachfront hotels. Initially Surin Beach Phuket region used to have a bustling night experience.  A lot changed when many beach clubs were all closed or demolished because of being illegally built. Right now what you will get is legitimate. Some travelers may wish stick to the resort experience while at the beach, others may wish to explore and enjoy the local nightlife scenes. There is a cozy beach town that offers great venues where a visitor can chill out and enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on a drink of choice. You will find a wine bars with very friendly staff, great ambiance and a great selection of international wines, spirits and beers. You will not miss out on a wide selection of over 160 fine wines, as well as specialty hand crafted menus by in-house chefs. And

If you are visiting for the first time, you may not know of Nai Yang Beach Phuket. However, this is one of those beaches that is very popular with returning visitors. It is very beautiful and has ample trees that make it very shady. Much as it has lots of tiny bars and restaurants, this beach still remains pretty peaceful because it is not located near the major roads. So it makes it one of those places where you can just go to escape and unwind. It has a massive beach and the waters here are quite shallow. It has not been developed much which gives it a feel of the old Phuket atmosphere. Things to experience in Nai Yang Phuket beach There are a lot of things to experience here besides just lounging on the beach. This beach is simply charming. Below are some of the things you can do when you visit here… Chill on the beach Nai Yang Beach Phuket is a large sandy beach. It has some beach chairs where one can lounge here. As mentioned above, the water is pretty shallow. That said, it’s not usually as blue as most of the other beaches in Phuket’s west coast. As you approach the northern part of the bay, that is when you’ll start appreciating the beauty of the beach as well as the sea. The beach is well lined with casuarina trees so locals tend to love siting under the shade while enjoying drinks, food as well as the breeze from the sea. Take part in Kiteboarding Kiteboarding or kitesurfing is a popular sport at the beach, especially because the water is a bit too shallow for swimming. So instead of being pulled by a boat, a large kite does the pulling. This place operates daily in the months of May through to October. You can also get lessons here as a beginner. Visit Sirinath National Park The Nai Yang Phuket beach is part of the Sirinath National Park. This makes it the perfect spot for locals here to get in touch with nature. Most of the locals usually spend their time picnicking and having drinks under the trees as the watch their kids play in the water. There might be the National Park fee of about 40-baht park fee to consider when you visit there. But if you get lucky, you can just drive in. The park hosts a mangrove forest and saltwater swamps. You will also find a wooden walkway (about 800 meters long) with signs about the type of plants and animals that live in the forest. Immerse yourself in the Nai Yang Market This colorful open-air market opens up three times a week. When open, shopping here is lots of fun experience especially for tourists. There are lots of goods to buy… tropical fruits, vegetables, clothes as well as handicrafts to carry home as souvenirs. Do some morning Yoga Lots of resorts in Nai Yang Phuket have yoga classes for guests included for those guests staying there. That said, you could still drop in and enjoy the classes too at a fee. Group classes cost from around 500 baht and private lessons from 1,800 baht The most popular yoga studio is Baan Yoga Phuket, which is around 5 minutes Nai yang Beach. It runs from Tuesdays to Friday. They also offer morning classes on weekends. Partake in some plane spotting Seeing as Nai Yang Beach Phuket is only a 5-minute drive from Phuket International airport plane spotting has become one of the most popular things people enjoy to do when they visit here. Much like Mai Khao Beach, people people love it because they can come here and take selfies with the background of planes landing. This has become more of an attraction than a disturbance. Stay in Nai Yang Resorts and Hotels In Nai Yang you will find a good mixture of luxury 5 star resorts and hotels as well as some other ones that are affordable to most budget visitors. Below are some that you can visit: Slate resort – This is perfect for travelers looking for a tranquil getaway Dewa Phuket – This is a family-friendly 4-star beach resort L’esprit De Naiyang – This one has a selection of rooms as well as two bedroom villas and private pool villas How to get to Nai Yang The beach is very close to the Phuket International Airport. After the airport, turn left at the T-junction then watch on your right-hand side. Follow the road that leads to the Dewa Hotel Phuket which is pretty easy to spot. Remember you can approach Nai Yang Beach Phuket by passing through Sirinath National Park or just go straight to the beach directly. Remember the National Park fee if you choose the first option.

The Sensational Mai Khao Beach, Phuket Mai Khao Beach Phuket is one of the longest beaches found in Phuket. Much as the beach is long, the list of things to do while there doesn’t match the length of the beach. There are some parts of the beach that still look a bit deserted just as they did about 3 decades ago. Basically, the whole essence of going to this beach is to get away from it all. So if you want some ‘me’ time while visiting Phuket, this is an ideal a spot as you might find. This is because you’ll likely find yourself alone on one of the longest beaches in Phuket soaking up the sun, walking on the soft sand and enjoying the waters in a solitary fashion. Things to do in Mai Khao Phuket So if this beach is that quiet, what is this long beach famous for then? Well, there have been some developments here and there. However, food vendors and umbrellas are yet to cover the beach. So if lazing around is not your cup of tea, there are some great family-friendly attractions which you can choose to visit while in Mai Khao Beach Phuket. Here are a few things to do and places to check out for those looking for less solitude…. Sirinath National Park If your plan is not to do nothing, then you might want to start your adventure at the Sirinath National Park. This park is where this long beach begins and where Nai Yang beach ends. It covers more than 10 miles of fine sandy beach. Locals love to hold picnics and camp during the weekends as they watch their kids play in water. Just for that, you will still need to pay the National Park entrance fee. Spotting Planes Now, while at the National Park, you can kill two birds with one stone – have your picnic and spot planes. Most planes fly above the park as they land at Phuket International Airport. Plane spotting is one of the most popular things to engage in at Mai Khao Phuket. There is an easy access to the western end of the airport’s runway at the southern part of the beach. This spot is very peaceful. On a daily basis, people usually meet at the end of the runway and take photos next to a plane. Lucky for you, if you are here to spot planes, you won’t have to wait for long. The airport has a 30 flights per hour capacity. Wat Mai Khao The Wat Mai Khao is a temple that isn’t that popular but it is worth the visit. It is quite hidden from the road and to be honest there isn’t anything architecturally interesting there other than the small bird sanctuary hidden in the park that is behind this temple. This little hidden treasure is worth taking a photo of. This bird sanctuary is surrounded by a protective wall as well as a tiny lake that has trees growing in the water. The sanctuary is shelter to a large number of white birds. The temple is a bit strict so driving through is not recommended. Turtle Village This is a 2-story building which is the main shopping and dining complex in Mai Khao Beach Phuket. It is built around a central square with a fountain made of 3 turtles on top of each other. To keep up with the upscale resorts surrounding this complex, the shops and restaurants here are also up top, making it very inviting to guests who reside at the surrounding 5-star beach resorts. Splash jungle water park. Unmatched in southern Thailand, this water park is next to Phuket Airport. It is perfect for people who love water… and by people, I mean kids. This water park on Mai Khao Phuket offers kids the perfect and exciting outing on and in water. Much as it is a bit pricey, the Splash jungle is the perfect destination for your kids have some invigorating fun. Activities include sliding down tunnels and spinning funnels, water slides and pool. Marine turtle foundation Much as it is part of the JW Marriott Resort, the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation actually sits on Mai Khao Beach Phuket. It all began in a bid to protect nesting turtles found on the beach as well keep the seas and beaches clean. Baby turtle release If lucky, especially during the Songkran Festival, you might bear witness to a baby turtle release. Every year, between the months of November and February, the giant Ridley Sea Turtles climb onto to the shores of the sandy beach at night and lay eggs. If you happen to be here to experience this magical baby turtle release, you can sponsor one and brig near the water. Unfortunately, these creatures are quite shy so chances of them coming back are slim. The thing is Mai Khao Phuket is a very idyllic beach which can get up to 50 metres wide at high tide. Enjoy the turquoise colors of the sea and the chance to take stunning pictures of the planes and the airport. Check out some of the other great beaches in Phuket.

Experience the Uniqueness of Muay Thai Phuket Camps There are lots of Muay Thai Phuket training camps that have opened these days. Every camp is different based on what they offer and what form of training they focus on. So why all the craze about Muay Thai that makes thousands of people visit the Island every year? Muay Thai is both a physical and mental form of art also known as the art of 8 limbs. It is an ancient form of martial art that has been practiced for centuries. That said, it has gained lots of popularity over the past decade making it a world-famous sport because of the eruption of Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC franchise. Thousands of people visit the island to learn these maneuvers and get fit while still enjoying some well-deserved beach time. So after you’ve taken a spectacular Phi Phi boat tour or a boat tour to Phang Nga Bay, why not work off the laziness and check out one of the more reputable Muay Thai camps outlined below: Best Muay Thai Camps in Phuket Whether you are looking for some toughening up in the ring or just a fun way to shed some weight as you soak up the sun in Phuket, Muay Thai camps are well worth a visit. Most of them offer weekly as well as monthly programs. All you need to do is to choose one based on the kind of intensity of the workout that you are looking for. Below is a guide on some of the best Muay Thai Camps in Phuket. You will find most of them are concentrated in the Southern part of the island. These camps have lots to offer. They do offer meals and accommodation and also train people in various levels of the Muay Thai art. So even if you are an advanced enthusiast, Phuket has got you covered. Tiger Muay Thai – Chalong If you are looking for a serious Mixed Martial Arts camp, then this is the training camp that is well suited for high-level athletes and advanced martial arts enthusiasts. This isn’t a camp where you just go in to learn a few moves. It’s one of the Thai Boxing camps that demands dedication. Their standing attracts visits from seasoned fighters from all over the world. It’s a camp for experts. The camp is divided into weights and fitness sections. It receives around 250 to 400 trainees per month with English being the common language spoken here because of its international attendance. In Phuket Muay Thai Phuket camps like this one have high level trainers. While here, you can also check out The Tiger Grill. Kingka Supa Muay Thai – Rawai This camp, previously known as Rawai Muay Thai is located in the heart of Rawai village. It is one of the most sought after mixed martial arts camps. Here, you will get the opportunity to learn all levels of Muay Thai, from beginner to advanced levels. This camp also provides its visitors with fighting paraphernalia such as boxing gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, ankle guards, belly pads, and kick pads. The camp has 15 air conditioned bungalows as well as 5 dorm-like rooms opposite the boxing rings. Besides the four boxing rings, it also has other facilities such as an in-house cardio gym, weights section as well as enough kick and punch bags to release steam on. So if you are looking for a Muay Thai camp in Phuket, while sampling some out, make sure this one is on your list. This is because all its trainers are veterans who can boast of having participated in over 100 fights. Foreigners can also get a Thai Education Visa through them if they are looking to train long-term. Sumalee Boxing Gym – Phuket East Coast Now this gym is the perfect mixture of traditional Muay Thai training and western standards when it comes to the accommodation, service rendered, as well as food and the facilities. Some of these facilities include weight sections, a swimming pool, and a yoga studio. This particular Muay Thai Phuket camp can also organize private lessons on request. Some of the well renowned fighters you will find here are Ganchai Fairtex and Petchmai. Suwit Muay Thai Camp – Chalong This one has been around for over 25 years. Apparently, it is the first ever Muay Thai camp in Phuket. The students who pass through here fight all over Thailand as well as globally. As expected, the camp has highly experienced trainers. Whether it’s serious training in the hopes of taking part in a fighting competition or just shedding a little weight, you will be catered for here. The camp hosts Friday night fights that are exhilarating to watch. You will get value for money here. Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp – Rawai Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp is one of the other Muay Thai Camps in Phuket that have state-of-the-art facilities as well as experienced trainers, some of these fighters have participated in international matches. One thing that makes it the perfect go-to in Phuket is the fact that it is just a few minutes away from the infamous Nai Harn beach. Still wondering which Phuket Muay Thai gym will be suitable for you? Book one test class and get a feel of what one has to offer before making a long-term commitment.

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!!!