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Everything you need to know before you visit Nai Harn beach When it comes to beaches in Phuket that remain largely untouched after decades of tourism, yet still possess glorious white sand and crystal clear waters, it is hard to beat Nai Harn Beach. Hidden between lush green hills, Nai Harn has long been a favourite location for both locals and expats and its not difficult to see why. We’ll delve into the reasons why Nai Harn Beach is one of the top things to do in Phuket right now: It’s Never too Busy When you venture to Nai Harn beach you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the space afforded. This includes during the peak season when the majority of beaches throughout Phuket and Thailand are filled to the brim. While December and January at Nai Harn can get a little bit crammed for space, overall, in the high season you’ll comfortably be able to find some space. Plenty of dining options Nothing builds up an appetite more than a day on the beach. Thankfully, Nai Harn Beach and its surrounding streets provide a range of eateries to choose from. The majority of these establishments are located along the beach and shaded by the greenery that surrounds the area. As for which eatery to choose from, the choice really only need come down to which view you prefer as all options provide classic Thai dishes at affordable pricing and are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger. If, however, you are looking for something a little different then we’d highly recommend venturing down to the end of the beach and dining at the Rock Salt restaurant. Located within Nai Harn resort, the food is slightly pricier but well worth the experience as the view is unmatched. If you venture down after sunset then we’d highly encourage you to take a spot on the rooftop bar – a fantastic way to end your day at Nai Harn. Activities around Nai Harn Don’t be worried about having time to spare when traveling to Nai Harn Beach. If the sun gets a little overbearing and you fancy venturing off the beach, you’ll have much to witness in the surrounding area. We’d suggest starting by capturing a glimpse of the region with a Birdseye perspective, with a number of viewpoints recommended to accomplish this feat. You can’t go wrong at the Windmill Viewpoint, or the Black Rock Viewpoint – although be warned that this will require a bit of an effort to reach from Nai Harn Beach – both in travel time, exploration and climbing (so consult Google Maps!). A bit further down the road, the Promthep Cape is well worth a visit. This is especially advantageous in the late afternoon before the sun sets in so that you can witness the greater Phuket region in all its glory in the early evening. The scenery that the Cape provides combined with the beautiful setting sun is impossible to beat. For those looking for a more religious experience, venturing to the nearby Wat Nai Harn Temple will afford the opportunity to open up your spiritual side while feasting your eyes on this historic and gorgeous temple. Where to stay near Nai Harn Due to the close proximity of Nai Harn Beach to many other tourist locales, there are not a vast number of options of places to stay. However, those few options available to tourists are absolutely superb. Some of the best hotels in phuket lie within this region. These include the Nai Harn and the All Seasons and both offer a magnificent stay combined with excellent service. Our pick of the two would be Nai Harn. While we have heard great things about the All Seasons, we can only speak from experience about the former. Nai Harn offers all guests a stunning sea view, with sunsets viewable from the very long balconies that each and every room provides. The restaurants and bar are also first class and well worth leaving you room to dine in during the later hours of the day when looking for some R&R. Stroll around Nai Harn Lake Nai Harn lake is well worth the visit if you are looking for a beautiful walk after a visit to the Nai Harn temple. During the day the lake is used by many runners, in large part due to its flat terrain. At the southern end of the lake you’ll likely find some nice food stalls offering corn on the cob, chicken kebabs and fruit drinks. Also, to the south of the lake sits a large workout area containing a few machines in case you prefer to work out more than just your legs. Nai Harn lake also shines during Loi Kra Thong, a famous Thai event that involves the floating of candlelit flowers on body of waters throughout the Thai region. If you happen to be in Nai Harn during Loi Kra Thong then we highly recommend heading down to the lake in order to take in the masses of candle-lit flowers making their way across the lake. How to get to Nai Harn The journey to Nai Harn can be quite an enjoyable one. It affords visitors to the Nai Harn region with a scenic drive through (and over) lush hills complete with winding corners. If traveling to Nai Harn from the Kata region, you will find some great activities along the way. Most relate to forest adventure and the most common revolve around ATV and motor cross trail riding. From the Phuket Old Town region the journey is much more straightforward and largely uneventful and can be completed in approximately 40 minutes. A small minority travel to Nai Harn from the South (it is so close to the South that the majority come down from the North), yet most of these people will venture up from Rawai. There are 2 ways to get to the Nai Hai Beach from Rawai: Front Route – If you travel this way you’ll drive past

Why you should visit Kata beach Quite likely the finest beach on Phuket island that can be reached without a boat trip, Kata Beach is a must-see for many tourists who travel to the region. Much like many of her sister beaches throughout Thailand, Kata is blessed with crystal clear water and glistening white sand. These are not uncommon features amongst the hundreds of Thai beaches but there are some major reasons why Kata stands alone as the pre-eminent beach in the Phuket region. So why should Kata beach be at the top of your things to do in Phuket list? Well there are a number of reasons: The Beach itself It’s an obvious statement but it really needs to be said – the reason most venture to kata beach is for the beach itself. Upon arrival, visitors are met with a 1.5 kilometre strip of brilliant white sand that meets crystal clear blue waters that is a pure feast for the eyes. The value of the kata beach region lies in the amount of people that it serves to great satisfaction. The southern end of the beach is ideal for mothers and fathers looking for a massage or a trip to the local shops while the northern end suits those looking for water fun with a range of heart-racing activities ranging from kayaking to scuba diving and everything in between. It’s perfect for Families One of the main reasons that Kata Beach continues to be a winning destination for travelers is thanks to the focus on the young. There is a very deliberate focus from resort managers within the Kata region to provide entertainment and activities specifically designed to entertain the kids. The beach itself provides a lot of natural shade in the late afternoon on the South end of the beach, plus plenty of vendors, making it an ideal place for families to set up camp and ensure child complaints throughout the ‘day of rest’ are kept at a minimum. The glorious weather Kata provides visitors with the most amazing sea conditions for the vast majority of the year. Like every attraction in Phuket, there are times of the year that are more appealing than others (monsoon season is always lower in appeal). However, where Kata separates itself from the pack is due to the bevy of low-season activities on offer as well as the ample areas of cover available along the strip to avoid the short downpours of rain that frequent the monsoon season. With that said, most visitors will find the December through May period the most attractive as the hot conditions make for ideal water temperature and swimming conditions. A laundry list of activities on offer A visit to Kata Beach is guaranteed to provide such a wide range of activities that you will never be bored. At the North end of the beach the activities on offer include surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. These activities can be enjoyed by all irrespective of their age and/or experience level. At the South end of the beach you will find the drier, less intense activities including shopping, dining and massage. This is why this section of the beach is often the preference of those with young families. Where kata beach really delivers is if you venture slightly off the beach. Within a short distance there is much on offer including the opportunity to soak in the spectacular view from the Karon viewpoint, play Dino Park mini golf, or get up close and personal with local culture at the nearby Kata Temple. It comes alive at night While ideal for the younger members of traveling parties, Kata also provides a number of fun-filled venues for those looking to let their hair down with a couple of drinks once the sun has departed for the day. Over time, Kata has developed the perfect balance between entertainment and relaxation and you’ll find it a lot less hectic than a night out in Patong. This means that you can enjoy some great tunes, great company and not be drowned out with excessive chatter and music allowing you to hold a conversation without screaming at the top of your lungs. That’s not to say that the region doesn’t have Patong-esque venues that offer a hectic night out if that is what you prefer. Guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds Nothing leads to hunger more than a complete day swimming and soaking in the sunshine. This is precisely why the restaurants and eateries surrounding Kata Beach are such an advantage. These aren’t merely the types of establishments that you settle for. These are world-class venues that are guaranteed to satisfy. The Boathouse Phuket is obviously the most well-known of the eateries in the kata region and renowned for the luxurious dining experience that it provides. However, it is not alone and the area affords visitors ample choice including the sensational Kampong Kata Hill (Southeast Asian cuisine) and the Horn Grill Steakhouse (incredible selection of high quality). Wonderful accommodation options One of the most important factors when deciding on places to visit, especially ones that will provide much entertainment, is ensuring that there are a wealth of accommodation options available. Kata beach answers the call thanks to the vast number of high-quality and affordable (especially in the low season) accommodation options that line the entire strip of kata. Kata Beach is featured in our list of best places to stay in Phuket. The best option for a luxury stay is the world famous Boathouse Phuket that not only offers guests a luxurious stay but also a restaurant of tremendously high quality. For those looking at other options in kata, it is hard to beat the beyond resort kata. Previously known as kata beach resort & spa, this hotel sits directly on Kata Beach and affords its guests access to one of 275 stylish rooms with most offering exceptional views of the sea. A memorable experience The visitors that we speak to on our

Karon beach Karon Beach Phuket is located on the west coast side of the Island of Phuket. It is a very popular holiday destination in Thailand. It is also one of the longest beaches in Thailand, at third place and is located between the north of Patong and the southern side of Kata. One of the things that makes it very popular is its calming setting which makes it a perfect sport for water sports and activities such as diving and snorkeling. Much as it usually attracts lots of tourists, believe me when I tell you that its large enough to accommodate them as the beach is wide enough, giving enough room for people to spread out without feeling like they are too crowded. At Karon Beach things to do are numerous. But for the sake of this article, we are going to focus on the top 8 things that you can enjoy when you visit this large, popular beach. The Top 8 things to do near Karon Beach 1) Chill at the beach at every opportunity Ok, ok, we know that there are many beaches throughout the Phuket region that you can relax on but what makes it special? Well for starters Karon Beach is perfectly located within short distance of urban life yet venture down to the beach and you wouldn’t know you were so close to the hustle and the bustle of the city. This provides you with the opportunity to soak in the sunshine in perfect peace yet walk back into town for a bite to eat. 2) Head out to the Phi Phi Islands on a boat tour Glancing out from Karon Beach out of the waters will no doubt leave your mind wandering to other nearby destinations that provide ideal water conditions and activities. One of the most spectacular things to do in the region is visit the Phi Phi Islands and this is only possible by boat. That is because there are many well worth it things to do in Phi Phi Island. The Phi Phi Islands are an island group located between the coast of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast. The most well-known of the Islands is Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le and these are the islands most people are itching to visit. As mentioned previously, entry by boat is the only option and this is achieved either by ferry or speedboat. For those looking for an exclusive, intimate experience – ferries are out. Therefore, a speed boat is your best bet in order to experience the region the way that nature intended – early and in quiet comfort. Simba Sea Trips provides a tour of the region that ensures you’ll see the Phi Phi Islands in comfort and largely in the absence of crowds. You can book a Phi Phi Sunrise tour with Simba to ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible experience. 3) Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage You can’t help but feel relaxed while in the Karon Beach region, but what better way to elevate that feeling than with a tranquil massage. While a traditional Thai massage is definitely something to consider, we would recommend an aromatherapy oil massage. During an aromatherapy massage, you either inhale essential oils or they can also be absorbed through the skin. Most massage parlours in the region provide this service and offer a diverse menu of services including standard massage and facial therapies. 4) Go visit the Karon Temple Make sure to extract yourself from the beach for long enough to go and explore the Karon Temple, situated a short distance away. The Temple’s main building features two large Nagas (snakes) whose bodies wrap around the entire building. One of the other major buildings is protected by Yak, these are weird looking blue monsters that are commonly featured in old Buddhist texts to keep the images of Buddha safe from harm by warding off spirits. You’ll commonly see Buddhist Monks working in the garden or around the grounds to ensure the temple remains clean and tidy. 5) Time your Temple visit with the Temple Market opening hours The Karon Temple Market is well worth visiting and contains a large amount of street food as well as souvenirs. In addition, there are a large amount of bugs available to try if you are willing to expand your palette and try something a little different. The Market opens every Tuesday and Saturday from late in the afternoon until close to Midnight so make sure to add it to your calendar! 6) Engage in some Water Sports Maybe you’ve been relaxing all day in the comfortable beach surrounds but you feel like getting your heart pumping? Well you are in luck because Karon Beach affords tourists with plenty of activities to pass the time. Just some of the activities that you can undertake include: SUP Paddle Kayaking Snorkeling Parasailing All of the above are activities that can be accomplished thanks to the crystal clear calm waters. Without doubt our favourite is taking out some snorkeling gear and dipping your head underwater while navigating around the rocks at the south end of the beach. 7) Hike up for a spectacular view The Karon Viewpoint offers a spectacular view of Karon Beach and the surrounding areas. It is a bit of a hike to reach the viewpoint but it is well worth a visit. You’ll need to trek approximately 6 kilometres to reach it but take some water with you and quench your thirst while beholding the sight before you. If 6 kilometres seems a bit too far of a journey by foot, you can reach the viewpoint by car. The trip by car might not burn the same calories but the view will be spectacular so who cares about burning calories anyways!? 8) Day Trip to Phuket Town While the Karon Beach area is bound to provide enough entertainment, especially if you are able to book a tour out to

Day Trip to Monkey Hill Phuket One of the most commonly sought after activities while in Thailand is a day trip to Monkey Hill Phuket. Let’s be honest, a major draw card when holidaying in the region is to witness monkeys up close and personal. Many of the travelers who venture to the Phuket region are coming from locations where monkeys are not inhabiting (such as Australia, England and the USA) and therefore have not witnessed monkeys in the flesh. This is where Monkey Hill comes into play. This popular attraction affords visitors with the opportunity to trek up to a location where monkeys are rife. Enabling tourists with the chance to interact with wild monkeys up close. Where is Monkey Hill Located Monkey Hill, known to the locals as Khao To Sae, is an extension of Toe Sae Road and can be reached easily. The most common route to the hill is via Thepkasattri Road. If travelling up Theapkasattri Road, turn left following Phuket Prison. This places you onto Toe Sae Road and in perfect position to either park your car and hike up to the top of the hill, or to take the car directly to the top. Please be aware: The road to the top of the hill is closed to motor vehicle traffic between the hours of 5pm and 8pm. Walking up the Hill For the best experience, consider walking up monkey hill phuket in order to maximize the experience. Walking up the hill is a fair hike, and the distance from bottom to top is approximately 3.5 kilometres. Doing so it will be one of the best sunset view points in Phuket region. Contrary to popular belief the best views are experienced on the walk up the Hill and not at the top as the views from the summit are obscured by an excess of antennas and satellites. In addition, travelling to the top by foot allows you to wander shoulder to shoulder with the monkeys but make sure to keep a firm grasp on your wallet (and especially your food) as monkeys are notorious for their thievery. The walk up monkey hill begins with a shady section that affords you with shelter from the sun. This is vitally important in the summer months in particular when the hot summer sun can become quite unbearable. Despite the initial gradual incline it does angle up quite significantly as you progress and can be quite difficult for those that are not in great shape. So if you have been experiencing health issues or are carrying a niggling injury or two then a scooter might be a better option. Riding a Scooter up the Hill The benefits of travelling up Monkey Hill phuket on a scooter aren’t just for those that are older or experiencing minor injuries that would make the hill climb uncomfortable. It is also highly beneficial for those that are looking to reach the summit quickly and also for those keen to avoid sweating it out in the humidity. Best Time to visit the Monkeys While the Hill can be visited at any time during the day, generally you’ll not be spending the entire day up there so you’ll want to trek up at a time that allows you to get other activities done during the day. Whether you have a trip to Patong Road, Big Buddha or other Things to do in Phuket will likely dictate the time of day you’ll be visiting. We suggest that the best time if you have other plans for the day is late in the afternoon after the hottest part of the day has passed. This allows you to trek up and not worry about the heat and the humidity as all your activities prior to a return to the hotel or hostel have been achieved. Conversely, you could also trek up Monkey Hill during the early morning hours before the sun is at its most potent. What should you bring with you We’d highly recommend bringing some essentials with you on your trip to Monkey Hill. Based on our experience, the items that we would consider essential include: Water – this is due to limited opportunities to purchase items on the walk up to the peak First Aid essentials – this is a no-brainer for any nature trek as the possibility of injury is always there Smartphone or a Camera – duh! Of course, you’ll want to take some photos to catalogue your experience (make sure to keep an eye on these items and a firm grasp as the Monkeys will be curious) Money – you won’t need much but it is also handy to carry some in case you misplace/forget your water or anything else that you may have forgotten Bananas and/or Nuts – In order to draw the monkeys closer of course. It’s best to buy these at the bottom of the hill especially if you are walking up What are the Monkeys like? In one word – cheeky. At the end of the day these little critters are wild animals so you must remember to be extra careful around them. But with that said, there is definitely nothing to worry about in terms of safety. Just make sure that your valuables are kept safe and secure. As wild animals, they’ll often fight and scrap but this is natural behaviour and nothing that should concern you. They are just monkeys being monkeys. You’ll see a wide range in the age of monkeys on Monkey Hill – from young, to grown up and the elderly. One thing to consider is to leave any monkeys alone that are carrying a child as, like most mothers, they can be protective and as such you should afford them their space. In Conclusion Monkey Hill Phuket is definitely well worth visiting and likely to provide you with fantastic memories of the region. The chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals is a rare opportunity and

The ABC’s of Phuket Weather PHUKET WEATHER If you are planning a holiday to the spectacular Phuket region it is essential to know the best time to visit Phuket and the weather conditions that you are likely to encounter while on your island adventure. This article will detail all the crucial information you require in order to best plan your island getaway to, what we consider, to be the most incredible place on Earth! Phuket Weather by Month Thanks to a tropical climate, the weather in Phuket varies drastically depending on the period in which you are visiting. Below is a monthly breakdown of the Phuket weather so that you can be best positioned to plan your island escape: JANUARY – The Phuket weather in January is generally hot with minimal rainfall. The average maximum temperature in January is 32 degrees Celsius with an average minimum of 22 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall is 40mm and there are approximately 8 hours of daily sunshine. The average sea temperature in this period is 28 degrees centigrade making for ideal ocean swimming conditions. FEBRUARY – In the short month of February the temperature really starts to rise with rainfall really drying up considerably. The average maximum is 33 degrees Celsius with an average minimum of 23 degrees. Rainfall in February is at an annual low with just 30mm falling on the island during this period. There are also 9 hours of sunshine per day making February the brightest month of the year. MARCH – Throughout March the temperature will reach its highest point with an average maximum of 34 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperature is also considerably high with the average minimum for March coming in at 23 degrees Celsius. There is slightly more rainfall in March compared to February but not by much, with just 40mm of rain likely to fall during the month. There is also an average of 8 Daily Sunshine Hours throughout the 31 days of March. APRIL – In the month of April, Phuket experiences a significant change in the amount of rainfall that it receives. While the temperature is similar to that of March, you’ll be likely to experience between 10 and 11 days of rain, with an average 150mm falling on the region within this period. The average maximum temperature in this period is 33 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature climbs to 24 degrees. There is also likely to be 9 hours of sunshine on average during the month of April. MAY – During May, the average high temperature drops to 32 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature rises to 25 degrees which is indicative of a tropical climate. This is Phuket Weather to a tea! The average rainfall also climbs to 200 mm for the month with an approximate 18 days of rain. The amount of sunshine hours decrease. This is especially the case towards the end of the month with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. JUNE – As we reach the middle of the year, the average maximum temperature remains stable at 32 degrees. While the average minimum continues to also remain stable at 25 degrees celsius. In Phuket during June, the average monthly rainfall reaches 240mm with approximately 18 of the 30 days likely to experience rainfall. There is also likely to be a reduction in daily sunlight hours with an average of just 7 hours of sunlight per day during June. JULY – The month of July is one that is generally to be avoided for those looking for the ultimate Phuket holiday. With an average maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and an average minimum of 25 degrees Celsius, Phuket weather might seem great at this time but that is not the case. A sign that monsoon season is approaching, the average rainfall for July hits 300mm with 20 days likely to experience significant rainfall. AUGUST – The upwards trend in monthly rainfall is reversed usually during the month of August. There is usually a reduction in total rain during this period with an average of 260mm falling throughout the month. The average maximum temperature remains steady at 31 degrees Celsius and the average daily minimum also remains stable at a warm and balmy 25 degrees. SEPTEMBER – Considered the height of the monsoon season, the weather in Phuket during September can be considered temperamental to say the least. During this period the average maximum temperature drops to its lowest level at 30 degrees Celsius while the average daily minimum also drops a degree to 24. The rainfall during this period is the major issue with a sizable increase to 400mm of average rain falling at this time in phuket. There are also likely to be at least 21 days of rain during this period which makes it the least desirable month to travel to the region. OCTOBER – In October, you are likely to experience constant rain throughout the majority of the month, although the severity of the downpours are unlikely to match that of September. The average minimum temperature remains stable at 24 degrees Celsius, although there is a slight increase to the average maximum to 31 degrees Celsius. Residents of Phuket Thailand in October will likely have the umbrella out for 23 days of the month. NOVEMBER – Come November, the rain is starting to disappear with 200 mm of average rain a big decrease on the previous 4 months, the number of rainy days also decreases to approximately 16. The average maximum temperature remains constant at 31 degrees while the minimum average temperature drops to 23 degrees Celsius. During the November Phuket time period, tourists start returning in droves. DECEMBER – To round out the year, the December period spells a return to the height of tourism with average maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 31 degrees and the minimum average remaining at approximately 23 degrees. In December, the rain practically dissipates with only approximately 60mm of monthly rain falling

Experience the spectacular Hong Island  ­ Widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Krabi region, Hong Island is a must-see for tourist visiting Thailand. Known for its breathtaking scenery and crystal clear waters, the island­­­ is located within Thanbok Khoranee National Park. Koh hong highlights Pilae beach Hong lagoon Refresh your thirst at the Koh Hong shops Things to do in Hong Island There are plenty of exciting things to do in Hong Island. This is precisely why most recommend setting aside at least a complete day to explore the island. Below are our selections of the best hong island Thailand activities that you just have to experience for yourselves: STROLL ALONG PILAE BEACH Considered one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ locations in Thailand, Pilae Beach offers the perfect backdrop for that perfect photo. A glorious white sandy beach offers the perfect opportunity to stroll hand in hand with a loved one while embracing the company of huge limestone cliffs and casting your eyes on idyllic crystal clear waters. But don’t stop there, grab a snorkeling mask and head out into the shallows for a glimpse of hundreds of tropical fish frolicking beneath the water’s surface. BATHE IN HONG LAGOON If you are travelling into the area via boat then an absolute must is a visit to the Hong Lagoon. The exclusivity of this location (it is only able to entered via speedboat or longtail boat) ensures that you won’t be elbowing others for space. You arrive in this location via a narrow rock opening and are instantly greeted with glistening crystal clear water that is surrounded by glorious limestone cliffs. It is the ideal place to slip on a snorkeling mask and explore the underwater life.  It’s naturally also a fantastic place for a swim in total solitude. REFRESH YOUR THIRST WITH A LOCAL BEER Nestled between the two beaches located on Koh Hong Thailand are two small shops that offer the opportunity to purchase a refreshing beverage. This is going to be absolutely crucial if you haven’t packed your own drinks and have been swimming the day away to your heart’s content. Consider it a break well-earned as you pop open that tab and sink that beer as you cast your eyes on the superb scenery surrounding you. Do be warned however that the prices of drinks in these shops are much higher than you’ll find on the mainland (so if possible just pack your own drinks). Hong Island General Information TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO THE  ISLAND There are a number of ways that Hong Island can be reached. These include: Via Plane having arrived at Krabi International Airport Ferry from Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi to Ao Nang With a Bus to Krabi Town then to Ao Nang With a private boat tour operator CAN YOU STAY ON KOH HONG ISLAND? While you can’t stay on Hong Island itself as it offers no accommodation to visitor, there is an abundance of accommodation selections available in nearby Ao Nang. There are affordable hotels that are strewn all through this region, be wary of the location of those that you are checking out because some of these hotels are situated far away from the beach (and we you’d be spending the majority of your time). Despite this, both main beaches on Ao Nang are reachable by scooter or taxi within several minutes. WHAT HAPPENS UPON ARRIVAL Once you anchor up on Hong Island Thailand, you’ll be asked to pay an additional fee for use of the National Park. The fee, as of 30th June 2019, was 200 Baht per person. Following this you are then able to head straight to the beach in order to start soaking in the glorious beach and its surrounds. WHAT IS THE LAYOUT OF KOH HONG ISLAND The island is split into two by a gigantic rock. The most attractive section is that which is situated between the rock and the giant limestone cliffs. This is where you’ll find most visitors, due to the idyllic snorkeling and swimming conditions, glistening white sand and breathtaking scenery. The less popular section is not as spectacular but may afford you a bit more solitude if this is something that you are after. WHAT TIME IS BEST TO ARRIVE Low Tide normally strikes the island in the afternoon which makes the swim much less enjoyable. High tide is ideally when you want to be immersed in the crystal clear waters so try and get there in the morning in order to enjoy this. How to get to Hong Island WHEN TO VISIT While it is permissible to visit Hong Island Thailand all year around, the best time to visit is anywhere between November and May as the weather conditions will be ideal during these times. If you are travelling on your own accord, obviously you can venture to Koh Hong Thailand at your convenience but if you decide to go via an organized boat tour then make sure to check the tour operating schedule to ensure that the tour is open in the off season period. LOCATION Hong Island is directly off the coast of Krabi and is most easily accessed from Ao Nang Beach. The island can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by speed boat or in 45 minutes if travelling on a long tail boat. THE WAY TO HONG ISLAND FROM AO NANG If travelling of your own accord, the most important step in reaching Hong Island from Ao Nang is to get your butt down to Ao Nang beach. Here, you have the ability to buy tickets from the ticket booths situated in close proximity to the beach. At these ticket booths you choose the time and operator to reach your desired destination. The options here are rather limited as you’ll need to rent a longtail boat (that accommodates up to six people). This option is available during the daylight hours (8am – 4pm) and will cost between 2500 and 3000 Baht. Perhaps

Elephant Trekking Phuket – What you need to know Elephant Trekking Phuket is one of the most famous activities in Thailand and it is definitely bucket list material. Fun fact, the elephant is the official national animal of the country of Thailand. There are plenty of ways you can enjoy the company of elephants in Thailand. There are many people who visit places that offer Elephant trekking as an activity that you can do. At these places, you are able to take a ride on the elephant on a special seat mounted on his back, and go through jungles and nature trails that are around the sanctuaries and the rescue parks. There is elephant trekking available in locations across Thailand including Krabi, Koh Samui, as well as elephant trekking Koh Phangan. Elephant Trekking Krabi Elephant trekking Krabi is super popular since the elephants traverse through some of the most beautiful locales in Krabi. The jungle trekking is amazing. The vistas you can see on your ride are breathtaking and the nature is vast. Besides the ride on the elephants, some tours also offer some distance to be traversed on foot. Besides trekking, there is Krabi Elephant Sanctuary, where you can go and meet elephants up close, feed them and play with them. It is an awesome experience if you get the chance to go to the sanctuary. Feed and wash them and have fun with the elephants in one of the many sanctuaries for elephant rescue. If you are not that motivated to see Elephants in the Krabi Region, you can always bypass this activity and take a breathtaking Krabi Island Tour via boat instead with Simba Sea Trips! Elephant trekking Koh Samui Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, simply because of its natural beauty. You can ride elephants in Samui and enjoy elephant trekking Phuket at its full potential. At Koh Samui, you will be able to travel through paths that not many people have seen and you will experience the tropical jungle first hand. During the elephant trek, you will see unspoiled beauty that will stay in your memory forever. The nature of the island is hidden away from tourists since the path you will take is a path that not many people do. Elephant trekking Koh Phangan Koh Phangan is another famous place for people to ride elephants during a trekking trip. Elephant trekking Phuket is a popular activity, but what you need to know about Koh Phangan is that the elephants are not native to the area, they are brought over from other places of the cooler parts of Thailand. Before you visit the trekking site make sure that the season allows for elephant trekking. Activities like elephant trekking Phuket Elephant trekking Phuket is a great opportunity to ride an elephant and see what Thailand hides in the beautiful natural nooks, but make sure that you also visit places such as the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai, the Elephant Sanctuary Krabi and other elephant rescue park locations. Visiting one of these rescue parks will offer you the chance to develop a different kind of relationship with these adorable and majestic animals. At the sanctuary, you can find many activities that you can do with elephants such as feeding and washing them. Many people play with them in ponds and there is where you can see how gentle and playful these beautiful animals really are. The opportunity of seeing these huge cuties in an environment where they feel safe, and they are having fun eating and interacting with humans is one of the best things to do in Phuket. Elephant jungle sanctuary Chiang Mai In case you don’t want to go for Elephant trekking Phuket, you can still have an amazing time with elephants at one of the sanctuaries in Thailand. One of the most famous sanctuaries is the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai. The sanctuary has been around for some time now, and it has saved tens of elephants over the years, by offering them safe environments to stay and healthy nourishment, alongside everything they need to have a good life. This sanctuary can offer you something as, if not more exciting than elephant trekking Phuket. Once you arrive at the sanctuary, you will be able to undertake many activities involving elephants. You will be able to make medicine for the elephants and see how they are being taken care of at the sanctuary, you can have a relaxing spa day with elephants at the mud spa, you will be able to walk with the elephants to a river and wash them, you will feed the elephants, play and interact with them and so much more. Visiting an elephant sanctuary with your family can be one of the most unforgettable days you can have in Thailand. The elephant rescue park is an amazing opportunity, to meet the most gentle and kind animals on planet Earth and spend a whole day with them. Not only will you get the chance to meet them, but you will also be able to walk through the jungle with them and see the nature around the sanctuary as well. You can visit the elephant jungle sanctuary, and the elephant nature park, by also booking it in advance. Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Also known as Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary, this location is also a great alternative to Elephant Trekking Phuket. This sanctuary provides an amazing place for people that visit, and for elephants to live. These guys are responsible for saving many elephants by providing them with a place to stay and humane conditions to live in. It’s a great opportunity to meet these cute giants up close and spend a day with them. You will find many activities such as mud baths, feeding and washing the elephants, having a walk through the jungle with them, swimming with them and much more. If you are a lover of animals and love elephants in general, you will remember

Phuket Old Town – Things to do! We all know that there are many things to do in Phuket. Phuket Old Town is one of the places that need to be on the list of things you plan to do when visiting Phuket. The experience is different from the beach scenery that you have read about over and over on the internet. The place simply tells a story of its own which most historians and people who just love to know more than what is on the surface of a place will appreciate.  Besides learning about the history, there are lots of other activities than you can engage in while here. From upside-down museums, to the Old Phuket Town market and taste-bud tantalizing cuisines there is lots to enjoy that’s for sure. So, what is there to look forward in this place they call an old town? Let’s dive in so that you don’t miss out on anything… Get a chance to experience the other side of Phuket! The one great thing that Old Town Phuket offers its visitors, is the chance to visit Phuket’s infamous museum and exhibition – the Thai Hua Museum. Nothing offers visitors so much history about Phuket that this spot. There is lots of information you can gather from the architectural artifacts that are present as well as the art. Much as the Thai Hua Museum is sometimes used to host functions, visitors are allowed whenever they please. In a beautiful courtyard inside the building of the museum are tools that were used during the era when Phuket was tin mining centre. There are several exhibition rooms where visitors can learn about the history of Phuket by watching lots of films. And one of things that people get to discover is the lasting connection between China and Phuket that was forged over the years. Historical Phuket comes to life as you look at the inviting walls of the museum. So whenever on Krabi road, just dash in and check it out. Check out the Colourful Soi Romance Trust me when I tell you that there is lots to enjoy in Phuket Old Town. One of the things you will notice are the vintage Sino-Portuguese style shop houses. Lined up on a specific street in the middle of the old town, these buildings are very traditional. Also on this street are some cute little shops, guest houses, as well as café bars. This is a street that you will enjoy taking a walk through especially on a breezy evening or night. The colourful buildings normally come to life especially on clear starry night skies. With the Chinese inspiration that’s there, you won’t miss new things to do in Old Phuket Town. There is a different atmosphere to be experienced and appreciated. It feels like you are on an entirely new place from the Phuket that you are used to. Now if you are looking for a romantic stroll with your significant other, then this is the perfect road to follow. This is one of the most romantic places in Old Town Phuket, that has an array of activities you can experience together – romantic dinners, exotic drinks. Plus, to add some spice some spice to its romance, this place had the reputation of having a naughty past as it was a popular red-light district in Phuket.  Get spiritual at Jui Tui Shrine If you have booked a tour of Phuket, chances are very high that a tour to this spiritual Jui Tui Shrine will be part of the old town itineraries since its hailed to be one of the most beautiful Chinese shrines this part of Phuket has to offer. Huge crowds flock here every year to check it out as it has the reputations of being the most important attractions of Phuket Old Town. Much as it is a part of the old town, I will have you know that it has undergone lots of innovations over the years and it is dedicated to Tean Hu Huan Soy. There is a lot to learn here. If your spirituality lies on the superstitions side and you want to know what the future holds for you, then don’t forget to stop at the fortune sticks here. The other thing you need to know about this shrine is that people also come here to celebrate their personal events like the sad or happy things that may have occurred. Seeing as the locals here are very spiritual, the place is usually packed because this shrine is one of the most popular ones in the areas. Night Shopping Experience  At this old town you can shop till you drop. There are plenty of markets here, each presenting their own appeal. The town gives visitors enough opportunities to shop affordable shoes, clothes, souvenirs and much more. Make sure you try out the Old Phuket Town market shopping experience and get the chance to take advantage of their competitive prices which you might probably not get anywhere else. The market is a street market and locals hail as one if the best local night markets in Old Town Phuket and has a wide variety of products. New or slightly used, from handbags to mobile phones, souvenirs to pirated CDs, be sure to find it all here. This night market will meet and even surpass your expectations in terms of cost and variety with a mix of exotic and urban shopping experience. The thing that adds more spice to the awesomeness to this street market is the aromas of the delectable cuisines tickling your nose. They have the best local snacks you can find in Phuket markets. So, you get to shop as well as enjoy the tastes of Thai snacks that are made when you order – that’s how fresh the food is. To the freshly made food, you can also enjoy refreshing tropical drinks and fruits. Enjoy a Simple, Relaxing Walk on the Street The other way in Phuket Old

Bangla Road Phuket and everything you need to know Bangla Road Phuket is one of the busiest streets in Phuket, and for a good reason! If you ever find yourself in Patong and close to Patong beach, then it is super easy to go to Bangla road. You just have to walk for a few minutes and you will find yourself there. Or take a Tuk-tuk, and you will be there in no time whatsoever. Bangla Road, Patong, is considered to be the epicenter of nightlife in Phuket. There, you will be able to find many places to have a great night and it has something to cater to every taste. What to expect to find at Patong Bangla Road During the day, you can still have a walk to Bangla road, since it is only a few mins walk from the beach. But the real fun at Bangla Road Thailand starts after 6 pm in the evening. For Phuket Nightlife Bangla road is one of the best solutions. People visit this amazing road from all over the world, and many know it as THE place to visit for nightlife in Phuket. When in Bangla road Patong you will be able to find the following activities: Visit the beach near the Bangla road Soi Bangla is even better when you have a hotel within walking distance. Near the famous road, you will be able to find a beach that you can visit. It is a beautiful beach with cool waters and white sand. The beach itself is super famous with the people who are visiting Patong and Phuket. There are plenty of activities at Patong Beach and you can have plenty of food and drinks at various establishments in the area. Find your spot on the beach and spend your day there until it’s time to go do something more exciting. The Patong Beach Bangla Road is one of the most exciting beaches you can visit in Phuket with loads of people visiting it every day. Near the Patong Beach Bangla Road, you will also find the JungCeylon Shopping Center, where you can go for some shopping after a day at the beach. Grab a bite at Soi Bangla Phuket Bangla Road has some awesome food at probably the lowest prices around. You can visit a whole new fresh market of food options and check out the restaurants that serve plenty of flavorful local dishes. One of the reasons that people fall in love with Thailand, Phuket is because of the amazing cuisine that the place is renowned for. No matter how many times you visit you will find something amazing and super tasty to entertain your taste buds with. And Bangla Road Bars and restaurants offer some amazing flavors for you to remember forever. Finding food won’t be difficult since there are plenty of options available for every palette. Have drinks and enjoy the Bangla Road Nightlife Once the time passes and the sun goes out, the road turns to a whole new experience. If you live at any of the hotels near Bangla Road Phuket, then you will be able to spot the road at night from your balcony! It’s a bright gathering of lights and happy people walking around enjoying the beer bars, live music bars, and the loud music. During the night there are numerous places you can have a drink and listen to music! You can find places with a huge bar area and a dancing area in the middle where you can enjoy pole dancers plying their trade! You won’t only find drink bars there though! There are plenty of Go Go Bars as well if you are into that kind of entertainment. There are many bars where you can go for a snack and a simple drink. There you will find amazing drinks that won’t break the bank since most of the drinks are incredibly well-priced. On Bangla Road, you will find many famous old bars as well. Some of these famous bars are the U2 Bar, the Aussie Bar, Sunset Bar and the now updated Soi Tiger and Tiger Entertainment complex. The Tiger Entertainment Complex is a place where you can spend a whole night since it consists of 3 tiers for you to explore. You can sit at any one of the bars in the street and have fun, while watching all the different kinds of people walking by. Now if you are looking for another kind of fun, you can visit all the Go Go bars situated on the road of Bangla. Soi SeaDragon is one of the most famous places to go for Go Go Bars. At many Go Go Bars you will also get the chance to experience such things as Ping Pong shows and more! Just make sure you keep in mind to avoid some more expensive and less friendly places such as the Moulin Rouge. Sex tourism is not unusual in Thailand, Phuket so be aware you may encounter some unusual scenes at some of the shows that you can see along Bangla Road. Dance your heart out at Patong Bangla Road Nightclubs If the night is still young and you can take some more, then visit some of the world famous Bangla road nightclubs! Bangla road is world famous for the nightlife and the entertainment it can offer to visitors and that is one of the reasons that it is always packed. People know that if they visit Bangla Road Thailand, they will have a good time no matter what. The nightclubs are a big part of the huge nightlife in Bangla. Places like Illuzion Phuket are famous for the huge parties and crowds that attend the clubs. You can dance all night long in a crowd of people that are not judging you if you dance good or bad since they are likely already kind of tipsy off the nicely priced drinks at the bars. You can let yourself dance as much as

Celebrate at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival On the eve of the ninth lunar month, people of Thailand come together to celebrate the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a celebration of the Nine Emperor Gods. The Nine Emperor Gods festival might be a little bit different than what you think when you think of a Vegetarian Festival. If you find yourself in Thailand during the time of the festival (Usually at the end of September) then here is all you need to know. What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival? The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most famous events in the country, especially because of its extreme celebrations and the ideas behind the festival itself. Mainly, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods festival since it celebrates the invocation of the Nine Emperors and their welcome into the world. The Emperor Gods are believed to arrive in the world through places of waters such as rivers, the sea, and other waterways. That is why most of the celebrations take place at temples, major shrines or locales near this kind of places. “Vegetarian” comes in place when for the period of nine days, those who participate in the festival wear white and they abstain from eating meat, dairy products and everything in between. Vendors and food restaurant owners mark their places with special signs or tickets in order to indicate that their menu offers options for the vegetarians that attend the festival. The streets are packed with places that offer (basically vegan) vegetarian options for food and they are marked with the yellow and red flags. The food is mainly vegan since this ritual expects people that attend to stay away from everything animal-produced including dairy. Here is where things might get weird for some people. See, in Thailand, the vegetarian festival may mean something different than what you are thinking. The festival itself comes with some of the wildest rituals of the country. Some of the rituals are not for the faint of heart, that is why we want to issue a spoiler alert for what’s about to follow! What to Expect at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival? This is one of the bloodiest festivals on the planet. Although there is no carnage when it comes to the festival itself, the tradition has kept some rituals that are unusual for many of us. That is why this specific festival has inherited the title of one of the most extreme and eccentric festivals in Thailand and possibly in the world. If you are a peaceful vegetarian that seeks no violence and a serene experience then maybe you would want to stay away from this festival. One of the main themes of the festival is a form of self-mutilation. We are talking from simple piercings all the way through to coal walking and tongue slashing to celebrate the arrival of the Emperor Gods. The piercings and the mutilations are usually supervised by medics, but there are still some cases of extreme behavior when it comes to self-mutilation during the festival. There are plenty of people that pierce themselves and pierce their cheeks, not only with small needles and piercings, but during the festival you will see many people with larger items through their cheeks and skin such as rods, tubes, flag posts, and other unusual things. It’s not the most serene of festivals, but it is still an important one for the local communities both social and religion-wise The event is a Taoist event and it is being celebrated by thousands of people throughout the whole country. It is mainly for the Chinese and Thai-Chinese communities since this specific event is interconnected with the Chinese calendar and it takes place during the month of the Chinese celebrations as well. The food and rules of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival During the event, the food is going to be loved by vegan people, since it’s everywhere. There is a huge amount of places that offer vegan food during this period, and everything excludes dairy and meat. From the various restaurants and food stalls to local favorite places. There is plenty of food during the festivities in Phuket. This is because this period demands the devotees of the festival to exclude those things from their diets, including alcohol and sex. Especially the masong. Masong are the people who are spiritually connected with the vegetarian festival, Thailand. This group of people is inviting spirits to enter their bodies, and this is one of the groups that inflict the most mutilations and piercings during this period. Another thing they do is coal walking since they believe if they allow their bodies to get hurt, they can let spirits inside them. In order to be a masong, you have you be an unmarried pure man or women though, so, that is also the reason many pregnant women and people that are mourning during the time of the festival usually do not attend. Vegetarian Festival Thailand: One of the loudest demonstrations of faith If you have the luck and the guts to attend this festival, there are plenty of people around the world that gather in order to watch the festivities or even join the crowd. Are you one of the people that will join the Thailand Vegetarian Festival? While in Phuket…. If you are traveling to Phuket for the festival, there are plenty of other wonderful things worth doing while you are here. From dining in fine restaurants to strolling down the main district and partaking in the street food experience, Phuket has much to offer. The islands are glorious and should be seen first hand. Do that by avoiding the crowds as well, with one of our amazing tours in Phuket. So what do you think, are you one of the people that will join the Thailand Vegetarian Festival?