Phuket - The ultimate paradise for scuba diving

The largest and the most beautiful island in Thailand, Phuket is undoubtedly one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Southern Phuket has remarkable coral islands like Similan and Phi Phi which are suitable for scuba diving.

Scuba diving uses underwater apparatus for breathing and is used for viewing underwater spectacles like floras, faunas, beautiful fishes, coral reefs, especially in coral islands. ‘SCUBA’ is the short form of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Scuba diving is the main attraction of tourists in Phuket. There are many agencies which provide scuba diving gears and packages for tourists. Day trips as well as night trips to diving areas are also included in the packages. There are dive boats which will take you to the diving destinations.

Coral reefs in Phuket are some of the best spectacular reefs in the world. Over 200 species of hard corals in Phuket create an amazing underwater ecological kingdom. Some of the exotic fish varieties that are seen in Phuket are dolphins, whale shark, manta rays, pelagic and numerous reef fishes and some of the turtle varieties that enchant the Phuket are Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Green Turtles and Leather Back.

Scuba diving in Phuket can be done all the year round except during rainy season spanning from month of May to October. The best time though is December when the water temperature is normally of 26-29 degrees. In March- April it can plunge to 10 degrees temporarily due to thermo clines. Visibility in water of Phuket in dry season is around 40 metres. While the visibility range changes according to the rain during rainy season. Scuba diving in Phuket is an experience of a life time which you can cherish.

Phi Phi Don voted among Top 100 World Destinations?

Phi Phi Don in Krabi was voted as one of the Top 100 World Destinations on www.tripadvisor.com, a tourism website owing to its virgin natural beauty and tranquility winning the 82nd rank. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Director Pornprapa Lorsuwan is overwhelmed and said tourists voted through this website which has over 25 million visitors per month. Phi Phi Don ranked 5th in the top 25 for Asia Tourist Destinations. Other Thai destinations which were also rated in the top 25 included Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pha-Ngan Island, Koh Tao in Surat Thani and Krabi province itself, which ranked 25th.

Try the bird’s nest soup at the Viking caves!

One of the most famous places to do a little Phi Phi Island sightseeing is on the island of Phi Phi Lei. Here is the famous Viking Caves, a 3.2 square kilometers place where the extremely expensive swallow-nests were once collected. Contradictory to its name, there have never been Vikings, but the cave has numerous paintings of vessels, resembling Viking longboats and that’s where this attraction draws its name from.

The Viking Cave has tour boats queuing up through the height of the day to pay an entrance fee, though they have started to levy the entrance fee for the caves (much to the relief of the tourists). There are many interesting points inside the cave. Stay at the landing point where the clarity of the water in this area is very good. You could have clarity to great depths. At the entrance there is the precious swift’s nests, used to make Bird’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy for which the Chinese aficionados will pay handsomely.

You may also notice ropes and bits of bamboo scaffolding on the cliffs outside. These are used by local villagers to climb metres up into the dark recesses of the cave to retrieve these nests, occasionally falling to their death in the process!

Viking cave may be temporarily closed at bird-nest harvesting season. In fact, the best season to visit the Vikings is from February to April. A bids’ nest company has the concession for the cave, and they must be asked if you want to visit the cave. You can rent a longtail-boat for a reasonable price or join a one-day or half-day tour to Phi Phi Lae island which stops at “Viking Cave”.

Phuket Fantasea is all about myths, mysteries & magic

It is named as the ‘Fantasea’ show and truly enough, inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea is a real fantansy depicting the charm and beauty of Thailand. Technology and special effects make the show extra-ordinary in a stunning 140-acre theme complex, packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment like games, handicrafts and shopping. The 4,000-seat restaurant offers a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine. The breath-taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show unfolds Thailand’s Myths, Mysteries and Magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight everyone.

The Palace of the Elephants is a grand 3000 seat state of-the-art theater that houses this show with the one in which illusion reaches its heights when an elephant flies and disappears before your eyes!

Fantasy of A Kingdom encompasses magical illusions, 4 dimensional effects, aerial ballet, exotic songs and dances, acrobatics pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant circus & stunts into one unforgettable show.

Now, I told you all about the show missing the vital information. Coming to it, the show is held at Phuket in Thailand everyday (excluding Thursday) from 17:30 pm to 23:30 pm.

Experience the ultimate beach fun at Krabi

There is a place called Tambon Pak Nam in Thailand where the Krabi river opens to the great Andaman Sea. Quite a few other rivulets originating from the mountain ranges in the province , Kao Panom Benja ; the Klong Pakasai, Klong Krabi Yai and Klong Krabi Noy, also joins the sea at this area. Divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong, this is a paradise for tourists and nature lovers.

There are so many things you can do at this destination that it would be difficult for you to fit all of them in your schedule. Some places and activities which are a must in your schedule include:

HONG ISLAND This limestone island has a beach and is surrounded by coral reef. To get to the islands takes about one hour by boat from Ao Nang beach.

AO NANG BEACH Off this Beach, there are around 83 small islands of various size and shapes and a boat trip or a sightseeing tour can be arranged either through long-tail’ boat skippers or through an organised tour one of the hotels or tour agencies offer.

BEACH FUN Frisbee throwing (either on sand or in the water) or a game of football with the locals at the low tide beach area of Railey beach would not be a bad idea. There’s a permanent volleyball net too, where you can play for hours with other enthusiastic players.

CANOEING There are various establishments particularly on Ao Phra Nang and Railey beaches where you can hire canoes, either by hour or by day. A few charter companies in the area also offer canoeing expeditions along the coast or around the islands in the area.

SNORKELING, SCUBA DIVING and FISHING TRIPS are organized from most beaches, some offering canoeing in two-person kayaks, sailing and windsurfing. If some sport is not offered at your beach, you can easily take one of the regular long-tail boats to the next beach and probably find it there.

ROCK CLIMBING is a must at Krabi for the limestone cliffs in the area seem to have been created by nature for this very purpose. Where the palce sees avid climbers annually, there is also scope for inexperienced climbers who can opt for the climb to see the Princess Lagoon and the scintillating views across the karst landscape both inland and out to sea that lies next to Railey Beach. There are fixed ropes for assistance at the steeper points, but most of it is a forest hike. Access is at the south end of either Railey East or Phra Nang beach.

PHI PHI ISLANDS The superb scenery of these islands include beaches of silvery sand, emerald green sea, coral reefs and an abundance of colourful marine life.

Krabi province has a great public transport system with buses departing from Krabi Town to Aonang Beach, Noppharatara Beach and Aonammao Beach which is one route. Along the coast and to islands, ferries and water taxis operate. On land, open air buses, converted pick up trucks, motorcycle taxis, all relatively cheap (average 20 Baht for local trips in Ao Nang Beach) run very efficiently and regularly around Krabi town and the beach areas.

Koh yao noi - A hidden treasure of Thailand

In this world so full of stress and disagreements, there are not many options available for us to relax our senses. Amidst the ever-growing over-populated cities is the idyllic Koh Yao Noi island, situated in southern Thailand, where a small, award-winning home stay project has fast developed into a top tourist destination.

In 2002, Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for the eco-friendly home stay programs offered by its local residents.

Actually the Yao Noi is a community-based tourism village offering plenty of fun filled activities and opportunities for discussion and cultural exchange using translators of English and Thai. The in house guests get involved in fishing and make fishing equipment or batik cloth. Some of them work in the rice fields, or visit the housewife working group and also learn how to make the local Muslim Traditional dress!

Everything is pretty cheap on the island. Highly recommend seeing the island is either on a pushbike (mountain bike) or via moped. It’s only 11-12 miles all the way around…so it’s pretty easy.

So how would you reach the island? Long-tail boat ferries make daily trips to Yao Noi from Bang Rong Pier on the east coast of Phuket. The fare is 50 Baht for the one-hour journey, with daily departures from Phuket at 9.30 am, 12 noon and 5 pm. A taxi route will take approximately 25 minutes from the airport.

With no stunning views or fast paced activities like scuba diving or parasailing, the Koh Yao Noi with its quiet roads reveals a place of true harmony and simplicity for the traveler. Come here only to experience leisure time and complete peace of mind coz Koh Yao is all about rice patties, livestock, beaches, water, rainforest and nature at its best!

Tiffany Pattaya - An unbelievable show

You haven’t been to Pattaya if you miss the world-famous Cabaret Shows here. Undeniably one of the most recommended tourist destinations in Thailand is the well known “Tiffany Show”. With over 28 years of stage experience, it is the First ever truly transvestite cabaret show in South East Asia. Millions of international visitors from every part of the world flock to Thailand’s popular resort city, Pattaya to witness the spectacular performances by the marvelous, talented and beautiful Tiffany’s performers.

With around 300 VIP seats, 200 deluxe seats and 400 mezzanine seats which are house full for almost all the shows, goes on to state the popularity and the decadence of this unique show. The beautiful looking dancers and the extremely well co ordinated sound, lights and dance moves make it difficult to believe that they are any less than a bunch of gorgeous looking young girls. But in reality they are only a group of transvestite humans.

The show timings for the one hour Tiffany show are 6pm, 7:30 pm and 9pm. While the VIP seats will cost you roughly 600 Bahts, the deluxe and Mezzanine seats will cost 500 Bahts and 400 Bahts respectively.

Price Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide.
- Admission fee as mentioned on this program.
- Transfer from/to hotel in Pattaya.

Price Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.
Being one of its kind, the show definitely should find a place in your visit to Pattaya.

Phuket Calling - How and when to get there!

Though Phuket seems like a heaven on earth, getting to this island is not as difficult as the way to heaven. You can get there by air, road, rail (in a roundabout way), and of course by sea if you have your own boat.

Perhaps, the easiest and the most preferred choice is by flying to Phuket. The island has an international airport with an increasing number of scheduled and charter flights arriving from Europe and Asia, as well as a dozen daily flights from Bangkok.

By road, you can opt for a bus or car. Buses from Bangkok take approximately 14 hours. Government buses can be boarded at the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Thonburi. Private tour companies also operate coaches and minibuses. By Car the 867km journey from Bangkok to Phuket will take 10 hours or more also giving you the opportunity to explore the beauty on the way.

There is no rail link between Bangkok and Phuket but you can get to Surat Thani and take a bus to Phuket. Trains in Thailand are slow, but cheap and very comfortable.

As for deciding the best time to visit Phuket, it would be helpful to know a bit about Phuket’s climate. Phuket has tropical monsoon climate with warmth all year round and temperatures ranging between 25 - 34°C (77 - 93°F).

The dry season in Phuket is also the cooler season. It begins in December and usually lasts until March. With the climate is at its best, characterized by gentle breezes, calm seas and clear blue skies, this season is the peak for the tourists.

The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October. This is not exactly the best time to visit Phuket as it is hot, humid and wet now with the strong winds bringing warm moist air from the Indian Ocean and plenty of rain. This also affects boat tours and ferries, often prohibiting boat trips to other islands. Stirred silt reduces visibility for divers.

But there is a brighter side to this period. Lower volume of tourists during this period means that prices plummet and hotel rates are often half that of the high season. So, this period can be ideal if you are the one on a budget or if you simply wish to avoid the crowds during the high season.
Average Rainfall in Phuket:

Average Temperatures in Phuket:

I would rather be sailing at phuket!!

Suppose you have always wanted a private yachting experience but have had no idea how to go about hiring one? This time we take you on a virtual journey to Phuket’s most exciting and memorable Yachting experience where you can not only set your own itenary but also share the space with only close ones…..those you want to spend your holidays with.

Chartering a yacht with a professional captain, crew and a cook is just one more way to get a feel of cruising in Thailand. They will take care of your every minor need. With endless options available from bareboats to crewed yachts, you can fulfill your every desire. If you want to swim, then some yachts have a permanent dive instructor on board, otherwise rendezvous dives can easily be organized.

Once you are aboard your luxury cruise, there are no daily battles for a place in an over crowded bays, in most cases you will find you will be the only yacht in the anchorage. Thus, feeling away from the maddening crowd will be an ultimate experience. Some of the most essential things which you need to carry with you are:

1. sunglasses : to stand under the sun
2. cameras: to capture every moment
3. swim suits: to enjoy the cool blue waters
4. music system: there might not be such an arrangement on the cruise
5. binoculars: to zoom into the distant areas

Now that you are ready to hit the waters, book your chartered yacht pack your bags and go…and if any of you have already had a yachting experience in Phuket, then share your experiences with us too.

Phuket regatta race week

One of the most fascinating events in Phuket Island’s marine sporting calendar is definitely the “Sixth Sense Phuket Race Week”. Scheduled to begin on the 23rd of July, 2008, this 4 day long event is strongly recommended for those of you looking for a relaxed yet fun filled yatching regatta.

The Phuket Race Week begins from the eastern coast of the Phuket island and is a professionally run, international standard racing experience. Attracted by excellent sailing in reliable breezes of 15 knots, this year, there is an event within an event. For the first time the NRG Cup will also be a part of this festival honouring those in the oil and gas industry.

News is that for the very first time, again, the entire competiton will be closely covered by the electronic media and will be broadcasted in Eurosports, Star Sports and CNN Main Sail with an expected viewer ship of more than 140 million!

With only a few weeks more to go before the competition, the registration response has been more overwhelming than ever. So if this sounds like what you always wanted to do, then don’t miss this life time experience. Just register online before July 9th and avail special entry discounts too!

Phuket - Month wise events and festivals at a glance

Phuket is undoubtedly a happening place in Thailand - always on celebration, be it the traditional Thai festivals or wet, wild and bizarre celebrations. With Phuket, you will never have to wonder what to do and what is on… With a variety of tournaments and festivals each year featuring international competitors in surfing, volleyball, rugby, jazz and blues festivals, boat shows, art exhibits, there is always enough to keep you as busy as you want to be.

January

January is happening with colorful and lively New Year celebrations with decorations and fireworks as well as shows all the month round.

February

The large Chinese population of the island celebrates its new year this month. The Chinese shrines are decorated and there are food festivals, and again fireworks and decorations. Also Phang Nga Bay Sailing Regatta falls in this month.

March

March 13 is the commemoration of an important historical event in Phuket history, when two sisters led the defense of Phuket against Burmese invaders in 1785.
The Phuket Gay Pride Festival, comprising of lively parties and events for gay locals and visitors, is held here at the end of March and beginning of April. This flamboyant festival began in 1999 and has grown each year as word spreads. Ao Yon Sailing Event also often takes place at the end of March.

April

Songkran, the wet and wild Thai New year celebration is held in April. On this day the baby sea turtles are released on many beaches throughout Thailand.

May

The Phuket International 10s Rugby Tournament is held each year in May at Karon beach.

June/July

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is held for two full months and features deep discounts at hundreds of shops throughout the island with special discounts on goods made in Thailand. Phuket Race Week in late July is a week full of international-standard yacht racing. Parties every night are open to all.

August

There is the three-day Kata Surfing Contest in April. The Por Tor Festival is a 15-day festival celebrated at the Chinese shrines on the island. Chinese make offerings to the spirits of the dead who are released from the underworld during this time. Cakes in the shape of turtles are a popular offering.

October

The Vegetarian Festival, held over nine days in October, is the largest and most colorful of all the year’s festivals. This celebration features daily processions at the many Chinese shrines throughout the city and features vegetarian food and ancient rituals by devotees.

November

The first week of November holds the annual Phuket Carnival with parades, activities, and nightly entertainment light up Patong. The festival of Loy Krathong is held on the full moon night in November. Thai people send their bad luck out on lotus-shaped floats (krathongs) made from banana tree trunks and leaves and decorated with flowers, candles, and joss sticks.

December

On December 5, the island celebrates the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, an international sailing event that attracts the world’s best yachtsmen, is held the week of December 5. The party scene is in high gear every night after the races.

With this annual calendar at your help, you will definitely be able to plan your trip to Phuket in a better way.

Walking street pattaya

If you think you are born to party, then don’t miss the vivacious parties that happen every night at Pattaya’s famous “Walking Street” all the year round. Located in south of Pattaya, it is perhaps the most illustrious hang out zone for every age group. The pulsating music and the grooving crowd will force you to leave all your inhibitions behind and put on your dancing shoes.

Walking street is another name for revelry, food and night life. Though it has every thing from junk jewelary stores to unique gift shops and from painting galleries to department stores, you cannot possibly miss one thing and that is the uncountable no. of “Go Go Bars” and their barely clad dancers tempting you to join them and have fun. There are countless such bars not even 5 metres apart, throughout the stretch, and if that doesn’t impress you then head for the pleasing cabaret shows and live music bands etc etc….the choices are infinite.

The Strip pubs and night clubs are a special attraction for all bachelors. It is said that the country’s prostitution gang is also concentrated here at night. So all those going with their Spouses…..Be careful!

Though the Walking street is for those who need a place to indulge in drinking, dancing and partying, pick pocketing is a common problem in this over crowded narrow lane. So let me tell you one way of escaping the thieves…….and that is to get as much money as you plan to squander and come back drained out!

Unseen Beaches of Thailand!

Planning a trip to Thailand with your spouse? Then I’m sure you have Pattaya, Phuket or Phi Phi in mind. But if you are looking forward to the most memorable trip and destinations where there is not much population to disturb your peace of mind, then this one’s just for you.

We have found out a no. of unseen beaches across Thailand which will captivate your mind and soul with its serenity and sheer beauty.

Railay beach:

Though situated only 15minutes away from Krabi’s town Ao Nang, the natural limestone formations, jutting out of huge solid rocks, give you a feeling of being miles away from humanity. It is famous for its rock climbing sessions apart from its splendor.

Koh Lao Liang:

White sandy beaches and clear blue waters sets this majestic beach apart. You can arrange for boat tours and enjoy as you behold the finest arts of nature.

Ko Chang:

It is the second largest island situated in the Trat Province of Thailand. Aptly named the “Lonely beach”, it is famed for its national park-a protected area of thick forests and natural bays.

Ko Kood:

This beach is not usually filled with tourist and here you can actually relish a private Thai Beach experience! Inland water falls and lush hiking trails mark the entire regions. But it might be difficult for you to get a cheap accommodation because the options are limited.

Nai Harn beach:

Situated in the Phuket island, this shallow watered beach is perfect for beach football and Frisbee. Children can also play on the sandy beaches. A no. of bars and restaurants lines the back of the beach where mouth watering sea food is also sold.

The golden rule of hitting any of these beaches is that, do not plan a trip of more than 2 days and carry all the necessary clothes for bike riding or mountain climbing ‘coz u might not get them in these limited luxury offering islands.

Water Activities In Thailand!

Thailand is the home for one of the most exciting lot of water activities. The warm waters off and around the country have paved way for not just unforgettable serene beauty but also some of the most adventurous water sports.

The tropical island of Phuket and Phi Phi are a haven for divers who have always been fascinated by the underwater world. Here you will get to see the most amazing coral reefs and some rare amphibians too. Scuba diving tops the list of water sports here, apart from under water walk and river rafting, where you can feel your body move with the high waves!

The lovely Pattaya Island offers thrilling high speed boat rides. Banana boat ride, Wind surfing and Jet Skiing will surely sweep you off your feet. Another very exciting water sport in Pattaya is Parasailing. Stuck in a harness, soaring up in the sky, you are bound to feel like a weightless bird.

Water sports activity should be a vital part of your trip to Thailand. It is an experience of a lifetime and does not cut much of your pocket too. While the parasailing in Pattaya will cost you around $10 per ride, a one hour breathtaking banana boat ride will make you spend just 900 bahts. So next time you plan a trip to Thailand, make sure to try all the adventurous water sports on offer.

Hot-n-happening places at Thailand

If I were to tell you about ALL the places worth visiting in Thailand and ALL the things worth doing in this amazing land, then I would need pages and pages of this blog to cover all of them. Nonetheless, slowly and surely, I am going to give you a complete and detailed taste of tourism is Thailand.

To start with, the best and the most happening place in Thailand is definitely its capital city Bangkok. Everything about Bangkok is wonderful…The smell of wonderful food cooked on the street, the historic temples to boast of the glorious culture of the land– The Emerald Buddha, Temple of Dawn, etc, the all alluring and tempting shopping malls… The famous and unique floating markets,… canal tours,… and of course, the nightlife giving way to girlie bars, clubs and shows, which has made Bangkok infamously famous… everything deserves a mention. The BTS skytrain adds ease, tech and glamour to the city. Bangkok, being an easy reach from many destinations, you can easily take a trip to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui from here.

Again, Phuket is a must in every tourist’s agenda. Phuket has lovely beaches of duvet-soft sand, offshore islands, and offers a lot of water activities like diving, snorkeling. You have excellent resort hotels and posh restaurant with superb hospitality to make your stay comfortable here. Just 70 minutes flying time south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is a must go for all nature lovers.

Phi Phi Island, is just 45 minutes by boat from Phuket. It makes its presence felt with its classic white sandy beaches which are surrounded by magnificent limestone cliffs.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. A new entrant in Thailand tourism, the island is sure to enchant anyone with its virgin beaches and hundreds of coconut trees. The island is more famous for its nightlife having lots of live music, clubs, pubs and restaurants.

These are just a few to begin with. Keep watching this space for more on Thailand……..