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

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

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

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

The various Buddha postures and what they mean The Buddhist culture  is hard to miss wherever you go in Thailand but why are there various Buddha postures, and what do they mean? Throughout Thailand. no matter where you go, you are likely to see a wide range of Buddha statues. You’ll instantly notice that the various statues are displaying many different poses and this is by no accident. In fact, there are 7 various poses representing the 7 different days of the week. Each holding a certain significance and representing different personal traits. Sunday Buddha – Pang Thawai Net The Sunday Buddha, Pang Thawai Net translates to “Seven Days Looking”. This posture consists of a Buddha standing with across crossed in front with the right hand always covering the left. It represents a time soon after Buddha obtained enlightenment after he stood for 7 consecutive days in front of a bodhi tree without blinking an eye. What it means if you were born on a Sunday? You are deemed to be respectable, loved by both friends and family, and wise. Likely type of occupation: Professional Lucky colour: Green Lucky day: Wednesday Unlucky colour: Blue Unlucky day: Friday Monday Buddha – Pang Ham Yati The posture of the Monday Buddha is one where the figure is standing with its right hand raised at shoulder height with the palm facing out. It represents Buddha pacifying the relatives after returning from heaven after three months to relatives arguing about waters flowing through their respective lands. Buddha was able to persuade them to compromise. What it means if you were born on a Monday? You are a serious individual with a love of travel and an exceptional memory. Likely type of occupation: Skilled Lucky Colour: Black Lucky Day: Saturday Unlucky Colour: Orange Unlucky Day: Sunday Tuesday Buddha – Pang Sai Yat The Tuesday Buddha is represented by a pose whereby it is lying on its right side with head resting on its right arm and the toes perfectly parallel to each other. The image represents Buddha making himself bigger than the evil Asura Rahu in a reclining position as to lower the pride of Asura Rahu. Seeing the sheer magnitude of Buddha in this relaxed position led to Asura Rahu succumbing to the Buddha and accepting his teachings. What it means if you were born on a Tuesday? It means that you are serious, active and brave. Likely type of occupation: Quite possibly one in the services Lucky colour: Yellow Lucky day: Thursday Unlucky colour: White Unlucky day: Monday Wednesday Buddha – Pang Umbat The Wednesday Buddha posture is one where it is standing with both hands wrapped around an alms bowl. The statue signifies caring for others. While many initially believed that the statue illustrated a “begging” Buddha – this is in fact not the case. Rather, they collected alms from others which afforded others to acquire merit (i.e. good karma). Unlike the other days of the week, your characteristics are determined by the time of day in which you were born: What it means if you were born on a Wednesday Morning? You are polite, emotional and artistic. Likely type of occupation: Something in the creative fields Lucky colour: Green Lucky day: Wednesday Night Unlucky colour: Pink Unlucky day: Tuesday What it means if you were born on a Wednesday evening: You will likely be honest and hardworking. Likely type of occupation: Professional Lucky colour: White Lucky day: Monday Unlucky colour: Yellow Unlucky day: Thursday Thursday Buddha – Pang Samti The Thursday Buddha is often referred to as the meditating buddha and is represented in a seated pose with hands resting in the lap. The story goes that having received bundles of grass, Buddha scattered them and remained seated on top vowing to stay seated until completing full enlightenment. Due to his steadfast determination he was able to achieve this. What it means if you were born on a Thursday? Generally, a person born on a Thursday will be peaceful, honest and calm which is reflected in the most relaxed of buddha postures. Likely Type of Occupation: Something in the legal profession Lucky colour: Orange Lucky day: Sunday Unlucky colour: Black Unlucky day: Saturday Friday Buddha – Pang Ram Pueng The Friday Buddha is represented with a statue showing Buddha standing with arms crossed over the chest with the right hand covering the left. This pose symbolizes silent determination and tolerance for others. What it means if you are born on a Friday? Those born on a Friday tend to be friendly, ambitious and fun-loving Likely type of occupation: Celebrities are most likely to be born on a Friday as most entertainers and public figures belong to this category. Lucky colour: Pink Lucky day: Tuesday Unlucky colour: Light Green Unlucky day: Wednesday Night Saturday Buddha – Pang Nak Prok The Saturday Buddha is represented in full lotus position in the midst of meditation under the protection of the Naga Muchalinda. It is said that the pose reflects a time following enlightenment when the Naga King protected a meditating Buddha against exposure to heavy rainfall by using his multi-headed hood for shelter while lifting him above flooded waters using his body. What it means if you were born on a Saturday? Normally a person born on a Saturday will be introverted yet calm and logical. Lucky colour: Blue Lucky day: Friday Unlucky colour: Green Unlucky day: Wednesday during the day Famous Buddha Statues in Thailand There are a number of famous buddha statues in Thailand that draw tens of thousands of visitors every year. So which are the ones most worth visiting? Phuket’s Big Buddha The 45 metre tall Big Buddha Phuket is amongst the most frequently visited temples in all of Thailand. Perfectly positioned at the top of a hill, the view that this buddha statue provides, especially during sunset hours, is well worth witnessing. Wat Muang Impressive due to its size. Wat Muang’s giant Buddha sits at 92 metres tall

Wat Chalong (Chaithararam Temple) – Phuket If you are the kind of person who travels just to enjoy the history and culture of various places, then you will love the Wat Chalong temple when in Phuket. The temple’s official name is Wat Chaitararam. The temple was built early 19th century, as some sources say, it was built in 1837 precisely. Considered one of the top things to do in Phuket, the temple is a sight to behold. Located along Chao Fa West Road, North of Tambol Chalong, this Buddhist temple is a historical landmark that the Thai people are proud of. It is known worldwide for being the largest, most honored and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. It is one of the must see places to go whenever you are in Phuket – whether you love history or not. Plus, you get to kill two birds with one stone because it is relatively close to the Big Buddha of Phuket. For years on end, the Thai people go and pray there every day. As for tourists, they learn about Buddhism while they are on holiday in Phuket. And there have been claims that the temple experiences miracles. And people believe in its pivotal and healing role it played in the fight between Chinese secret societies (Angyee) in 1876. Some remnants of older buildings have been found here but people have no idea exactly how old they are. The grounds of the temple contain a viharn, a mondop, a ubosot, a chedi which has a secret relic, a sala and a crematorium. Things to see in Wat Chalong Phuket One of the most important Budhist statues within the temple is Poh Than Jao Wat. There are also 2 statues of an old man known as Ta Khee-lek. As history goes, Ta Khee-lek was a famous local who was famous for winning many lotteries after he consulted the statue of Poh Than Jao Wat. The other important statue in the hall is that of Nonsi. As you explore you will come across a guilt covered statue Luang Poh Cham in one of the Wat Chalong’s halls. Here you will also find a display of two temple ex-abbots, Luang Poh Chuang and Luang Poh Gleum. The highlight of the temple is a tall building, 60 meters’ tall stupa (chedi), which contains a splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone. The temple’s walls and ceilings have intricate wall paintings depicting the most significant points of Buddha’s life story. The Chedi is built on three floors. You will also feast your eyes on large donated golden statues on each floor so don’t hesitate to climb to the top to get the beautiful bird’s view of the entire temple grounds. As you walk ahead, you will get a large display of the much anticipated Buddha’s bone splinter. From there, you will also have a view of the Big Buddha Phuket. What you will learn about the temple As expected, temples are very sacred to the Thai people. So as a visitor, be on your best behavior when visiting this infamous temple. The best thing is to watch and copy how the locals behave. Frequenters to Wat Chalong NEVER stand higher than any of the Buddha statues. The central temple is where most locals show their honor by offering lotus flowers and a piece of gold paper to the monks’ statues inside. Now, we understand that Phuket can get quite hot, but no matter how hot it gets, it’s wrong to wear revealing clothes inside the temple – or any temple for that matter. It’s a place of worship so it needs to be respected. So does this mean there is a dress code? You could say so in passing. For instance, your shoulders, chest, tummy and legs need to be covered. So theoretically, one needs wear long pants. And sleeveless shirts or tops are considered inappropriate. That said, things are not as strict as they used to be before. So you won’t be asked to remove your shoes before entering this sacred place of worship. However, be prepared to be welcomed by a sea of shoes aimlessly abandoned in front of the temple. Getting to the temple Wat Chalong temple is about 8.6 km southwest of Phuket Old Town, on the eastern side of Kata beach. If you are coming from Chao Fah Nok Road (Chao Fa West Road) from Central Phuket Floresta Shopping Mall the temple is located on the left side of the road. If you are traveling from Patong, the temple is about 18 km southeast of Phuket beach. The temple is open from 7 am until 5 pm. The ideal days to visit is during weekdays. The grounds get pretty busy and crowded on weekends and Thai public holidays. It also gets very crowded around the Chinese New Year (end of January) during which the Wat Chalong Festival is held over a period of 8 days. There is no admission fee. However, any donations, which go to the maintenance of the temple are highly appreciated. More about the history and legends of the temple There are many stories and legends about this infamous Buddhist temple. And the main take develops around the Chinese Coolie Rebellion of 1876. The Chinese Coolie Rebellion The tin mining industry has been one of the pillars of Phuket’s wealth during the earlier centuries. Most of the people working in the mines were Chinese immigrants. The Chinese Coolie Rebellion also known as the Angyee Rebellion broke out across Phuket in the 19th Century (1876 to be precise). During the rebellion, as significant number of people got killed. Locals visited the temple for advice and help. The Abbott of Wat Chalong at the time, Luang Phor Cham helped people in the fight against the Angyee. But seeing as he was the monk, he himself couldn’t participate in the fight. After the uprising was over, King Rama V invited Luang Phor Cham to Bangkok, where he was adorned the title

Rawai Beach in Phuket Rawai Beach in Phuket is one of the most beautiful beach villages that you can find on the Island. Compared to most places in the island, most areas are under minimal development. Lying on the further southern tip of the Island, this beach is pleasantly beautiful and has lots of trees to provide visitors with enough shade. One thing that Rawai boasts itself with is being the very first tourist beach on Phuket. Being near Phuket town, it is the most preferred family outing choice on weekends by most people, especially for Sunday picnics. So people would drive and enjoy the weekends under the beach’s casuarina trees. There is a small peninsula, the Promthep Cape (Laem Promthep), west of Rawai Phuket. It has the perfect view of the Andaman Sea. Getting to Rawai Beach Phuket Rawai Beach is very close to Phuket town – about 15.3 km south of the town. To get there, you can use a vehicle and take the 402 road, the main central road which will take you right to the center of the island. Facilities to enjoy in Rawai The beach is the perfect launching spot for boat excursions to other Phuket’s islands that surround Rawai. So with the many boats anchored there, swimming and sunbathing is not advisable. Plus, the sea is a bit shallow. So when the tide moves away, rocks and mudflats get exposed. There are other activities that tourists can enjoy besides swimming. One can hire a long-tail boat to take you to islands like Coral, Koh Lone or Racha for fishing or snorkeling. Located to the eastern end of the beach is a seafood market in the Sea Gypsy Village, that operates on a regular basis. If driving, you will have to park on the side of the road in the direction which your car is heading otherwise you will run the risk of getting fined. Dining in Rawai There are plenty of places to eat and dine while visiting Rawai. You will find hotel-owned restaurants, eateries, and food stalls. Some of the delicacies you need to try are the sticky rice, barbecued chicken and fish, and grilled crab. They also have bars along the beachfront with views of Koh Bon and Koh Racha. Now, if you are looking for luxurious dining spots, when headed towards Chalong, you will find Phuket Resort. There is also the infamous Friendship Beach after Phuket Resort where you can take a dip in their pool as you treat yourself to an afternoon snack. Here are some restaurants worth checking out at Rawai Beach Phuket Rawai View Café and Bar Sea Gypsy Fish Market – For fresh seafood market and dining Flip Side and Burger Bar – Offers a wide range of international beers and unique burgers and snack Lucky 13 sandwich – For fresh healthy snacks on the beach What to do in Rawai Phuket Rawai is a taste of the day-to-day life of locals in Phuket. This beach is mainly used for navigation purposes. Fishermen anchor their boats, while some fix their nets or work on new boats. One of the best things to do on Rawai Beach Phuket is to just sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Seeing as Rawai is still under minimal development compared to other places on the island, most expats love settling in this small, friendly island which offers both modern facilities for the expats as well as a small-town haven. Below are some of the activities you can engage in during your stay on Rawai Beach| Batik painting at Baan Batik Phuket Island hoping using taxi speed boats and long-tail boats Enjoy a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports at Phuket Sports and Tennis Club. For instance, tennis, beach volleyball, darts, pool… Learning to cook Thai food Thai boxing at Suwit Gym where they organize fight nights on Fridays that are open to the public. Visit the Ayurveda Spa at Mangosteen Resort for a wide range of natural healing treatments in the ancient Indian way. And so much more… The thing is, even if you can’t swim or sunbathe on the beach when in Rawai Phuket, you will find something to do…

Koh Poda (Poda Island) – Krabi The Poda Island, also known as Koh Poda is a beautiful island in South Thailand. It is found just off the coast of Krabi. It’s the largest of four islets in the Poday Group of Islands. What makes it easy to explore is that its near major holiday spots like Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Klong Muang. So you only need a day or half a day tour for you to cover this holiday destination. This islet is heavenly… from the smooth sandy beaches to the clear turquoise sea water that just invites you to jump in, the reefs which are perfect for snorkeling a magnificent backdrop with rock formations, this is a place worth visiting… It’s dreamy I tell you. If you are looking for a place to unwind, then this is the perfect spot. How to get to Koh Poda Ko Poda island can only be accessed by boat. The long tail boar tour is an experience to die for. So if you are planning a boat tour when in Krabi, then this is your first choice island. This island is owned by Had Noppharatthara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. So you will have to pay a National Park fee to park – which is about 400 baht per person. And the fee needs to be paid to the park rangers. How to get from Ao Nang to Ko Poda Island Good old national park fees will bleed you dry in Thailand. It’s like a tax you can’t avoid and you’ve no idea what it actually contributes to. At each end of Ao Nang beach, you will find the long tail boat ticket offices where you can choose your Krabi boat tour. What to expect and explore Ok. You have to hand it to Ko Poda. It’s a beautiful island. The surroundings alone are just enough. But once you get to that amazing shore, trust me, you will be tempted for more… The Poda island is very popular despite being small and with no fancy bars, restaurants and beach resorts. There are plenty of long-tail boars and speedboats at the shores ready for customers. One thing I have never understood is why tourists normally crowd themselves in a small patch of water while swimming when there are the other sides of the island that are pretty much empty. Catching up, maybe? So when you find people crowded in one place, this is me letting you know that there is more to explore and you can find your own perfect spot. Activities to enjoy Koh Poda is surrounded by fine white sand and super clear water that’s ideal for swimming as well as snorkeling. Don’t get me started on the coral reef that has a numerous number of colorful fish. If you are planning on snorkeling while visiting Poda island, there are some tour companies that will sort you out equipment-wise. However, if you are not using a tour company you might have to carry your own snorkeling equipment. You can get them at a fair price from shops around Ao Nang beach before getting on the boat. Snorkeling Phuket is the perfect way to explore the crystal clear turquoise water and the colorful fish that the region has in huge supply. Seeing as the waters are calm and clear, they make the island a great place for kayaking. This is also included in most tour packages. Plus, you could also rent the boats and kayaking gear from vendors on the island. So how about booking a kayaking excursion and paddle the amazingly beautiful corners of Ko Poda as you take pictures of the beach scenery. The calm, clear waters of Poda island also make it a great place to enjoy a spot of kayaking, which are often included in tours but can also be rented from vendors on the island itself. Of course, if you are in Krabi for a sustained period of time, it is always worth considering scanning more than just Ko Poda. This is best achieved as part of a boat tour with one of the credible operators in the area. Of course, boats can get crowded in the region, especially in the summer months. This is why choosing a boat tour that provides smaller intimate groups is the way to go, and nobody does this better than Simba Sea Trips. Book a Krabi Island Tour with Simba today and you’re guaranteed a day to remember. The perfect view Ko poda is about a kilometer in diameter. So before settling on a spot just because you see a number of people there, you could easily walk through the entire and pick a spot that is perfect for you. If you are looking for a breathtaking view, then the northern shore is the place to go. Then there is an amazing view of limestone karst from the beach protruding out of the sea. This image is similar to that one used to market Poda island to tourists. At the center of the island is the perfect mix of pine trees and palm trees so you need not worry about the sun much as there is plenty of shed. That said, sunscreen is still important. Food, drinks and accommodation The Poda island has a small bar that sells drinks and snacks. Nothing too fancy. If you are using a tour company, lunch comes included in the package. IF you are on your own on the other hand, you must make your own lunch arrangements. OR… work with what’s available. There is a beach kiosk where visitors can buy food. Alternatively, one can grab a snack from the beach vendors. Just a heads up… there are some monkeys there so watch out for your stuff… especially food. Koh Poda has one resort that provides bungalow accommodation. However, they are a bit on the higher side in terms of pricing. That said, the island is close to the mainland so

Nailing the Thailand and Phuket pronunciation If you are planning on traveling to Thailand, you’re probably interested in getting the Thailand and Phuket pronunciation correct. The chances are you are pretty stoked about the holiday and you’ll be telling everyone you know of your trip. In doing so, there is nothing more embarrassing than getting a city or country’s pronunciation wrong. So with that said let’s outline the correct way to pronounce the cities you’ll be spending the majority of your time in. We’ll also provide a video to illustrate the correct pronunciation, being put into practice. How to pronounce Thailand? This one is pretty simple and if you get it wrong, chances are you are going to look pretty silly. So lets minimize that risk by making sure you aren’t including the ‘H’in your pronunciation. To get it right, you need to understand that the T is a ‘hard T’. Therefore, you basically bring it down into two words: Thai (pronounce it TIE) and Land (pronounced in the same way you would LAND generally). There you go, TIE-LAND. It’s as simple as that! How to pronounce Phuket? The pronunciation of Phuket follows a similar strategy. You again need be aware that the first letter is a hard P, and then split the word into two. So in this case to correctly pronounce phuket: Phu (pronounced POO) and Ket (pronounced exactly as it looks). There you have it, POO-KET. Just as easy! Don’t forget Phi-Phi One final consideration. Because you will be likely embracing the best that Phuket has to offer, you’ll likely be considering journeying to the Phi Phi Island region, one of Phuket’s biggest attractions. This is a very popular location whose pronunciation trips a lot of people up. So let’s make sure you’ve got this one right as well. Much like the Thailand appearance, glancing at Phi Phi Island in your travel guide means that you are likely wondering what role that H plays in the pronunciation. Well it’s very much like the Thai process, basically ignore the H: Phi Phi (pronounced Pee-Pee) Done and done!   There you have it Now you are ready to boast to everyone about your trip without running the risk of messing up the Thailand, Phi Phi or Phuket pronunciations. And if Phi Phi is indeed a keen point-of-interest, stop by in Phuket for a comfortable Simba Sea Trips boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands in the absence of the large crowds that you’ll normally encounter on board the boats of our competitors. See you soon!

Why Bang Tao Beach is well worth a visit Bang Tao Beach is one of Phuket’s longest beaches – about 6 km long. It’s the second-longest strip of sand on the island and is located between the airport and Patong Beach on the western side of the island. So if you aren’t used to such big beaches, then it can be quite an overwhelming walk. Lots of people hail it for having some of the region’s leading beach clubs. There is lots to see and do – scenery, restaurants, hotels and activities – and is free from the noise of business of Patong. At BangTao Beach you will also find some of the finest hotels and restaurants that Phuket has to offer. So if luxury is what you are going for, then luxury is what you will get. That is not to say that a person on a budget can’t have a great time. So if you are on a budget, then this guide will show you some of the great places to visit while you are in Bang Tao Beach. Plus, the good thing with this place is that it’s got more family oriented spots as opposed to the extreme nightlife of Patong. So briefly, here is what to look out for. A Brief of BangTao Beach  On the north end is the Layan Beach, which we could say is mostly in its natural and unspoilt state. Moving towards the south you’ll find classy beach clubs. And in the middle, there is the Laguna complex that hosts lots of five-star hotels and restaurants. Pros Beautiful long beach Classy restaurants Great boutiques for shopping Some of the world’s best beach clubs Great surfing opportunities Possible Cons Long distances between attraction spots Few sight-seeing attractions Fairly quiet nightlife Things to do in Bang Tao Beach Much as there may be less unique things to see, you have the beach and the beach clubs. This isn’t such a bad thing though. Good thing is that you’ve got lots of sand and pretty much no rocks near the club evening show. So can enjoy lots of sandbathing. Some of the beaches to check out while there are: The Beach of Bangtao, Layan Beach and the Dream Beach Club – Phuket. Places to shop at Bang Tao Now, if you are a shopaholic, you might not appreciate the place since it has no shopping malls. However, you will find a few big-brand designer labels and some great little shopping arcades. These arcades host small local boutiques which have unique stuff at reasonable prices. There are also a number of night markets that operate on a regular basis (check out Boat Avenue on Friday night  – possibly our favourite ‘small’ market in Phuket) and many small shops around the busier areas where you can get some souvenirs. Bang Tao Beach is one of the best places in Phuket where you can something really special and unique to carry back home. Some of these shopping spots are:  Ma-Kin Market – Phuket, Canal Village at Laguna and Boat Avenue. BangTao Beach night life As we mentioned earlier, Bang Tao Beach has been hailed for apparently having the world’s best beach club. Plus, quite a number have also been ranked among the best in the world. So if you are a person who appreciates some night clubs, then you will appreciate the Bang Tao beach clubs. So what makes them special you might ask… I will start you off with their beautiful set ups, then they also have great cocktails and fine food. That said, the nightlife in Bang Tao is fairly quiet in comparison to places like Patong’s. But you will definitely find some stand-out bars away from the sand that are pocket-friendly. Some spots to check out at night are: Catch Beach Club, Peppers Sports Bar and Xana Beach Club. Bang Tao Restaurants When it comes to the food at BhangTao beach, you are in for a major treat. This place prides itself forr having some of the best quality restaurants in Phuket with most of them associated with to five-star hotels.  That said, there are also lots of independent eating spots. Seeing as there are lots of restaurants, the competition is very high. So every restaurant goes out of their way to offer food that is of high standards, great setting, quality service and value for money. Here are some of the 3 restaurants we have picked out for you that you must visit: Palm Seaside which has a fantastic view, Bampot Kitchen & Bar – Phuket famous for its exceptional food and Black Cat which offers great local flavors. Our choice of hotels Bang Tao hosts many of the Phuket’s leading five-star hotels and a number of these can be found within the Laguna complex. You will find luxurious villas and expansive resorts. Here if your money allows, then luxury was born here. That said, there are also budget friendly hotels to stay in which are usually further from the Bang Tao Beach. The Laguna properties is one example and it has great facilities, lots of activities to engage in, great restaurants and swimming pools. We’ve picked out the three that we personally recommend: Outrigger Laguna Beach Resort, Sunwing Resort & Spa and Bangtao Beach Chalet in Choeng Thale. Is it close to any tourist islands While the beach has a lot to offer, it is not that close to many of the main hotspots – namely Phi Phi, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay. If you are looking to incorporate one of these places into your itinerary then you’ll need to book a boat tour. Simba Sea Trips offers boat tours to all the aforementioned places and our tours are provided to those looking to avoid the crowds in comfort and luxury. Book your Simba Sea Trips boat tour today! Hope this guide will help you select the best spots that Bang Tao Beach has to offer. Enjoy your stay.