Easy and Fun with shopping in Phuket

Whereas in the past you needed to go to Bangkok for any serious shopping, Phuket now has shopping oportunities to satisfy all but the most fanatical shopaholic. In addition to the roadside stalls and markets there are quite a few shopping centres and department stores, as well as a good selection of boutiques and speciality shops. Fine examples of traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as clothing and everyday items are sold all over the island. The best bargains and widest range of goods are found in Phuket City and Patong, though there are plenty of shops and stalls to be found in beach areas such as Kata and Karon. For a complete list of all the shops in Phuket, take a look at our business directory.

Bargaining
Prices are fixed in department stores and larger shops, but at most other places bargaining is expected, especially at markets and shops where the prices are not displayed. Roadside stalls will often quote double the price, and sometimes even more, which the seller will accept. So start low, maybe at a third and aim for half.
Some small shops that have prices marked can also be cajoled into giving a “special discount”. Don't expect to able to bargain down too much though. If the prices are already displayed, this should mean that they are fair. Nevertheless, its quite rare to find a merchant who won't budge at all.

Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy and fun. But remember to shop smart, go around and compare prices and obtain a receipt for expensive items. Be wary of touts, tour guides, taxi/tuk tuk drivers or friendly strangers who offer to take you shopping. In nearly all cases they will receive a commision, which of course is added to the price you pay.

VAT Refunds
To encourage tourists to shop in Thailand a VAT refund for tourists scheme was introduced for tourists to be able to claim back the VAT paid on certain items.
“Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying VAT Refund for Tourists signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must be shown to an excise official at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card.”Source: Revenue Department of Thailand.

A golf holiday

Phuket is a great destination for a golf holiday, with seven international standard golf courses set amidst idyllic surroundings. The island is attracting an increasing number of golfers due to its year-round mild climate, beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Green fees are generally higher than the rest of Thailand, but the pleasure of playing these courses is usually well worth the expense. Bear in mind too, that fees are still very low in comparison to other countries.
There is no need to show handicap cards at any of Phuket's golf courses. Dress code is not strict but most clubs expect visitors to wear golf shirts with collars, short or long trousers, socks and golf shoes. Generally spike-less shoes or soft spikes are required. These can be hired at the courses.

Phuket Golf Courses
All courses on the island, as well as Thai Muang Golf Club in Phang Nga, provide an extensive range of practice facilities, such as driving ranges, putting greens, practice bunkers as well a high standard of instruction. Other facilities include clubhouses, bars, restaurants and accommodation. It can be uncomfortable playing golf in Phuket's tropical climate, so sessions in the early morning or late afternoon are recommended. Make sure you put on some sunblock and drink plenty of fluids.

Blue Canyon Country Club
Recognized as one of the best courses in the region, the Blue Canyon Country Club comprises two 18-hole championship courses.
Laguna Golf Club
Formerly known as the Banyan Tree Golf Course, this elegant 18-hole golf course is located within the Laguna Phuket development.
Loch Palm Golf Club
Built around a 48 acre lake, this 18-hole course is conveniently located approximately half-way between Patong and Phuket City.
Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
Located in the northeast of Phuket, Mission Hills is a new 18-hole course with an additional 9-hole floodlit course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Phuket Country Club
Built in 1989 over a reclaimed tin mine, the Phuket Country Club was the first championship standard course to be built in Phuket and has a total of 27 holes.
Thai Muang Golf Club
Thai Muang is one of Thailand's few links courses and is located by the sea in Phang Nga province, a short drive from Phuket Airport.
Royal Thai Navy Sport Development Centre
Located in Khao Lak, Phang Nga, about 50km from the Sarasin Bridge, this 18-hole course is a cheap and cheerful alternative to Phuket's plush courses.

Nai Harn Beach: A picturesque beach

Nai Harn Beach: A picturesque and quiet beach near the southern tip of the island. There aren't many places to stay here but the beach is easy to get to from Kata and Karon. One of the loveliest beaches in Phuket, Nai Harn is relatively undeveloped thanks to the Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery which occupies a large portion of the beachfront land.

At its northern is Le Meridien Phuket Yacht Club which has a few bars and restaurants just before it, but generally the area is quiet. Behind the beach is a lagoon where there are some upmarket housing developments and a few good bars and restaurants.

Kata Beach: Perfect destination for beach lovers

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. This the perfect destination for beach lovers.

Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. The Club Med takes up most of the beach road, resulting in a shaded footpath that makes for a pleasant stroll. Continuing on through the village, visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores. There are also plenty of dive shops and tour operators to assist those looking to explore beyond the beach.

Kata Beach is many people's favourite beach in Phuket. Stunningly beautiful with surfing from May to October, from November to April surfing is replaced by snorkeling and sunbathing and other watersports. The beach is palm lined and fairly busy but never too crowded to be annoying. In the high season, yachts moor just offshore, adding to the ambience and the sunsets here are some of the best in Thailand. Restaurant lined or tree lined, there's a perfect spot for everyone at Kata.

Tom Yum Kung: The most famous food

Tom yum is a soup originating from Thailand. It is perhaps one of the most famous dishes in Thai cuisine. It is widely served in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, and has been popularized around the world. Tom yum is characterized by its distinct hot and sour flavors, with fragrant herbs generously used. The basic broth is made of stock and fresh ingredients such as lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallots, lime juice, fish sauce, tamarind, and crushed chili peppers.

In Thailand, tom yum is usually made with prawns (tom yum goong), chicken (tom yum gai), fish (tom yum pla), or mixed seafood (tom yum talay or tom yum po taek) and mushrooms - usually straw or oyster mushrooms. The soup is often topped with generous sprinkling of fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves. The less popular variety of tom yum is tom yum nam khon, where coconut milk is added to the broth. This is not to be confused with tom kha or tom kha gai - where the galanga flavor dominates the soup. Tom yum nam khon is almost always made with prawns, whereas chicken is often used in tom kha. Its other cousin is less well-known outside Thailand - tom klong. Commercial tom yum paste is made by crushing all the herb ingredients and stir-frying in oil. Seasoning and other preservative ingredients are then added. The paste is bottled or packaged, and sold around the world. Tom yum flavored with the paste may have different characteristics to that made with fresh herb ingredients.

You will find the most famous Thai food, "Tom Yum Kung", in every Thai restuarants. If you going to Phuket, we recommend to try it.

Spa Phuket: The Island of Wellness and Relaxation

Spa Phuket: The Island of Wellness and Relaxation

source: http://www.thai-spa-guru.blogspot.com/

Phuket is one of the best holiday destination with beautiful sea and white-sand beaches. However Phuket has evolved into a major centre for spas and wellness in recent years. Several world-class facilities have been built around the island, and all of the island's top resorts are scurrying to either expand or develop their own in-house spa services. Many offer a blend of Eastern and Western techniques in a tranquil environment, often at lower prices than spas with similar standards of service and luxury in the West.

Without a doubt, the spa industry in Phuket is booming. Hotels and resorts added spas to their services and several types of spas. Many tourists and locals head to these Island of wellness and relaxation making spa a part of their holiday itinerary

Living Thai Culture: Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness Resort

Spread over 20 acres and surrounded by verdant woods and watercourses that spring from high mountains, Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness Resort presents the culture of ultimate happiness, wellness and exquisiteness of Thai living which visitors can embrace and then embark on a journey for the well-being of both body and soul.

Thai culture: the philosophy of traditional medicine, the practices for a healthy life and the rituals of respect for the earth are woven together to become the art of Thai living, which is simple, yet subtle and full of senses. Thais live hospitably, joyfully and are helpful to all. They have a beautiful life: eating natural healthy food with seasonings from various herbs and spices, acting as both flavorings and medicine. The way of caring for their own wellbeing and of those that are dear to them is through massages, botanical compresses and herbal steaming and baths. Thais are taught to live amongst the nature with love and respect, looking after the trees, rivers and the environment in general.

Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness Resort is the perfect destination to explore the richness of Thai culture and traditional holistic remedies. Sense the Thai touch with Sukko Cultural Spa whilst living the Thai life in Jantra Spa Villa. Test the Thai taste through the Cultural Cuisine and feel the life force throughout the Cultural Wellness Activities. Living at Sukko Cultural Spa& Wellness Resort is as that of staying in an ancient Thai village where the guests will experience the every essence of Thai-ness through traditional Thai living in absolute fun and comfort.

Patong Beach: The heaven of night time

Patong beach is the most famous beach in phuket. This is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over 30 year ago, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island's two cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach remain as they were, with development limited to the area back of the beach road. There, however, virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable awaits visitors, with bars catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in many places, and there are also discotheques. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. Whatever one's culinary disposition, a restaurant catering to it will be found. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations.

Thai Beer: Fulfill Night Life Experience

Brewing beer in Thailand began in 1934. Locally produced Thai beers face competition from major international brands, but have successfully found their own niche in the Thai market and abroad. Thai beer is typically lager. Thailand have 2 mojor brands of Thai Beer, Sigha and Chang.

Singha Beer is the main national brand, asking simply for a beer will get you one of these. A peculiar tasting brew, not to my liking. A draught version is available with a slightly different taste, but still not very palatable.Some people like it, and if you ask for a beer without specifying a brand, this is what you will usually be served.The version that is exported in cans and bottles is slightly better tasting.

Chang Beer took place with the visionary outlook of the top executives to expand the beer market with a Thai taste albeit with international quality, to give the consumers an alternative with the fervent belief in the brewing and production capability of the Thais. With its attractive taste and a price that appealed to consumers at all levels, the response and success of Chang Beer marked a new era and turned a new page for the Thai beer industry. In 1998 Chang Beer was awarded the "Gold Medallion" at the International Beer Competition in Australia in the category of "Lager, Unlimited Degree". Since then, Chang Beer has become known as "the international Gold Medallion winner beer of Thailand".

You should try the thai beer to fulfill the perfect night life experience at Phuket.

Robinson @ Jungceylon Patong Phuket:

Robinson's downstairs majors in perfumes, cosmetics, watches and timepieces. The brand names featured here are Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clinique, H20+, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Revlon and Paul Smith. The watches are mostly Japanese and are of middle-range quality. Upstairs, Robinson features women's shoes and accessories, and probably the biggest selection of bras and women's underwear in Thailand - certainly the largest in Phuket.
Further through, there is a very attractive child's clothing section which, predictably enough leads to the toy department. To one side here you will find an interesting collection of pewter goods; vases, cups, cigarette lighter covers and souvenir plaques as well as salt and pepper shakers, all at reasonable prices. There is also a household appliance department as well as a sensibly priced men's shoe section - this appears to be a bargain area in Thailand and Robinson features shoes with labels such as Pierre Cardin, Lacoste, Matino, and Polo.

BIG C: Super center

Just 300 metres north of Central on the Bypass Rd is another shopping mall called Big C. The western-facing outside car park (there is also underground parking here) is the site of quite a few clothes stalls and several stalls selling car accessories as well as decorative household goods.

Once inside there is an extensive range of mobile phone shops, opticians, VCD and DVD outlets and the supermarket itself - with a counter to obtain your VAT refund slip. Quality is lower here than at Central but then so are the prices. The main attraction of Big C lies downstairs where the electronic shops shine with the latest in palm pilots, computers, TV's of all sizes and makes, and stall after stall after stall selling mobile phones and mobile phone accessories. There's also an extensive shoe shop and a good bookstore, as well as a play area for kids and a food court. Oh, and if you're looking for air-brushed motorcycle helmets you'll find them down there. On the top floor there's little of interest except a bowling alley.

Tesco Lotus: Discount Store

Further up the road on the right-hand side at the next intersection stands Tesco-Lotus. This mall was the first major modern shopping centre in Phuket and it has goods of a higher quality than Big C - indeed many visitors come from Patong buy Tesco's colourful beach shirts and shorts. Tesco-Lotus also has a decent liquor/wine outlet but don't forget those 'closing times'! It's basically a supermarket with a decent toys department and a pretty good electronics section. Tesco-Lotus mall also features perennials such as McDonalds, Boots, a good electronics shop, lots of fast food and more ATMs than you can shake a credit card at.

Upstairs in the food court the amount of decibels hurled at shoppers trying to lunch is almost unbelievable. Even Patong's Rock City can't beat the music coming out of the CD/DVD outlet, an 'Entertainment Center' with at least five games going at full blast, no less that two different flatscreen movies going at the same time, a 'Guitar Hero' game by the escalator and - on top of this cacophony the store girl makes tinny announcements over the tannoy. Perhaps the one redeeming feature here is the 'ball room' - a fun activity for small children; just remember to bring earplugs.

Jungceylon "The International Shopping and Leisure Destination"

“Jungceylon”was the name of “Phuket” back in 1511 A.D. when it was a fertile and prosperous port town embraced by the Andaman Sea. The name is now being used again for the Jungceylon project, a world class shopping and entertainment destination that will revive Phuket’s great history and reputation and make it becomes known around the world.

A center for shopping, drinking, dining, entertainment and leisure that will impress local to all international visitors set in a tropical resort ambience. Being the biggest Shopping and Lifestyle Center among all in the Southern part of Thailand makes it easy to understand WHY? Jungceylon is the Pearl of the Andaman.

Right on the famous Patong Beach, the liveliest and must visited area of Phuket.
• Strategically located on the intersection of Bangla Road and Rat-U-Thit (200 Years) Road (Patong Sai 2).
• 5 Minutes walk from Patong Beach.
• Covering over 200,000 sqm. equivalent to 55 Rai.
• Over 300 local and international shops to satisfy your shopaholic pleasure.
• The largest parking area on Patong Beach, with spaces for 120 coaches and 2,000 cars.

Central Festival Phuket: The Andaman's world class shopping destination

CENTRAL FESTIVAL PHUKET120,000 square meters bursting with world-class products, Central Festival Phuket is the consummate one-stop shopping, non-stop entertainment complex for every Phuket resident and visitor. Enjoy the newest, largest, most complete shopping and entertainment complex in the South.

CENTRAL DEPARTMENT STORE (http://www.central.co.th/)Central Department Store's Phuket branch is the newest in Thailand's most popular department store chain - a genuine shoppers' paradise. Admire broad and enticing selections of men's and women's fashion such as Marks & Spencer, Liz Claiborne, Nautica & more. Find the best in beauty & cosmetics with world-renowned brands such as Lancome, Clinique and Clarins. Check out Central's award-winning home decor department and don't forget to deck out the kiddos in the best in children's wear - brands such as Benetton are sold exclusively at Central.Unparalleled service and convenience await you. Simply contact Central's Customer Service for further details about the following:

7% Tourist VAT Refund with 2,000 Bht.- minimum purchase.
5% Tourist Privilege Discount - Simply bring your passport to our Customer Service Counter and your Tourist Discount Card will be activated. All credit cards are welcome without surcharge.
Shipping service and reliable freight forwarder to ship for you.
Foreign Currency Service.
One Point Payment Service - Shop and choose from every department, we'll arrange all your purchases at our easy one-payment counter.
English speaking staff.
Western Union Money Transfer Service

Pure Car Rent: Phuket Car & Jeep Rental

Pure Car Rent is a good family owned and reasonably priced car rental company of Phuket, Thailand. With our good range of well maintained and insured cars and jeeps, you can enjoy your stay and explore Phuket the easy way. We are the best answer for your trip.We are located in central Phuket Town, but for your convenience we can offer a drop off and pick up service anywhere on Phuket Island (Phuket international airport, Phuket town, Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bangtao, Surin, Rawai, Ka Cape, Panwa Cape, ...).Pure Car Rent has been in operation since 1974 and is one of Phuket’s largest and leading car rental operators. We offer a range of rental cars, jeeps and motorcycles, which are well maintained and in excellent condition.

Why choose - Pure Car Rent?
All our rental cars, jeeps, motorcycles are maintained to the highest standards.
Honest, reliable, friendly car rental business.
The longest reputation in car rental in Phuket.
No hidden extra costs - what you see is what you pay (tax, insurance all included in rental rates).

Please see the online reservation http://www.purecarrent.com/car_rentals/rental_rates.htm

Elephant Trekking in Phuket: The most popular activity

In former times wild elephants roamed Phuket Island but as tin mining and rubber plantations changed the natural environment elephants slowly disappeared. As recently as three years ago the only elephants to be found on Phuket were at tourist attractions like the 'Thai Village' or the 'Crocodile Farm'.

In late 1994, 'Siam Safari Nature Tours' pioneered the concept offering visitors to the island an opportunity to ride on an elephant on their property in the hills overlooking Chalong Bay. Regulated and controlled properly 'elephant trekking' can offer a much-needed lift to the tourism industry, and generate the funds to assure the survival of thousands of elephants in a dignified manner.

Unfortunately, the opposite is equally possible in the current uncontrolled rush to 'cash in' on this latest business opportunity. As the number of new elephant camps increase so do the reports of overworked and abused elephants. Informed visitors who demand humane treatment for the elephants may be the last best chance to save many of these majestic creatures.The unpleasant reality is the natural habitat of the Asian Elephant has diminished to the point that only an estimated 2,000 survive in the wild. A number not generally believed large enough to maintain the essential genetic-diversity to ensure the survival of the species in the wild. Traditionally domesticated elephants were used as transport, and in the logging industry moving cut timber. All logging was officially banned in Thailand in 1989. Elephants that had been employed to move logs in the forest became unemployed, that is why they can now be seen in Bangkok and tourist areas literally 'begging' for a living. It costs approximately US$500 per month to feed and care for an elephant in captivity. In the modern world elephants have an almost human-like problem of needing to be gainfully employed in order to survive. With the survival of these majestic and highly intelligent creatures increasingly in doubt. It is more important than ever for visitors to understand they have the power to make a positive difference. Informed visitors to Thailand can support the humane treatment of these gracious beasts by carefully selecting the elephant camp they visit. As with any high growth industry 'elephant trekking' is subject to abuse.

Trisara: Living Luxury

Trisara, Thailand's most intimate exclusive resort & spa has become a landmark since opening in 2004. The only resort in S.E. Asia offering private pools & magnificent ocean views from all accommodation, Trisara is a sanctuary of privacy, space & simple good taste. The resort sits within beautiful tropical gardens over our own private bay on Phuket's quiet undeveloped northwestern coastline.

Trisara, Phuket Island's luxury, private hideaway of 39 private pool villas and pool rooms, all with stunning sea views.Our beautiful deck, incredible outlook, natural beauty and luxurious surround are just some of the reasons why our guests return and why Trisara is the ideal destination for your tropical wedding.

Sawasdee Village

Please relax and enjoy our elegant garden village that provides 41 intimate guest rooms for your pleasure.

We aim to introduce you to the celebration of Thai culture with our charming traditional buildings set around our lush gardens and beautiful ponds. Our five star spa is considered to be the most exotic on Phuket Island featuring ancient therapies from India joined with world famous Thai massage. An extensive variety of authentic Thai cuisine from the Central region is served in our Sawasdee Thai Cuisine restaurant.

Relax with quiet leisure around our garden swimming pool shaded by fragrant flowering trees and featuring a convenient open air pool bar.

Sala Phuket Resort

SALA Phuket Resort and Spa is a stunning new deluxe pool villa resort, featuring private swimming pools in 63 out of 79 total rooms, villas, and suites. An impressive compliment to it's popular sister property, SALA Samui, SALA Phuket combines rare historical Sino - Portuguese architecture and design (indigenous to Phuket, Thailand), with modern 5-star facilities.

Located on pristine Mai Khao beach on Phuket's northwest shoreline, SALA Phuket is just 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport and the famous Blue Canyon Golf Course, and only 15 minutes away from picturesque Phang Nga Bay. In addition to friendly, professional and personalized service, SALA Phuket facilities include 2 large beachfront swimming pools, a world class international beachfront restaurant and bar, lobby bar, SALA Spa, Gym, activities desk, library, gift shop, in-room wifi-internet connections, and business traveler services.

Experience Thainess at Manathai Resort

Manathai Resort is a small boutique resort hotel, located in the heart of beautiful Surin Beach Phuket Island. This exciting stylishly presented property faces the turquoise Andaman Sea. It is an exclusive area adjacent to the Amanpuri & Laguna resorts with direct access to the white sands of Surin Beach.

The resort is only 20 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport and from Patong, the around the clock entertainment venue of the island. We trust that Manathai will provide all international and local travellers who visit the beautiful island of Phuket with a uniquely Thai experience.

Baan Yin Dee

Baan Yin Dee is a small luxury boutique hotel in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand... one of the most exclusive place to stay. Located close to the beach on a hillside with breathtaking views over Patong Bay, the contemporary Baan Yin Dee is perfect for those seeking comfort and traditional Thai char and hospitality.

Baan Yin Dee - meaning 'Warm Welcome' - has 21 first class and spacious rooms including 2 Junior and 1 Presidential suite, all located around three magnificent tiered swimming pools. With superb Boran Thai style accommodation, friendly service and excellent food, Baan Yin Dee is the alternative in unprecedented luxury.

A hidden retreat in heart of Patong

Burasari Phuket Resort welcomes you to its warm embrace of nature, style, fine dining, and comfort. With the best location of any Patong Beach hotel, Burasari is a Phuket boutique hotel offering a calm oasis of tropical tranquility in the midst of Patong’s vibrant beach scene, busy shopping and buzzing nightlife. Burasari’s chic, contemporary interior design, serene pools with gentle waterfalls and peaceful garden atmosphere marks it as one of the Special Hotels of the World, highlighted with the Mood Collection rooms, nine individually-designed fantasy rooms that offer unforgettable holiday retreats different from any other Patong Beach hotel.

Burasari’s unique allure lies in our Feel At Home philosophy - a truly special feeling of good style, relaxed comfort, warm service and great food, making Burasari the most inviting choice among Phuket resorts for discerning travelers and honeymooners wanting a memorable holiday experience with all the comforts of home.

A stylish apartment hotel: Sino House

Sino House Hotel Apartment in Phuket town is a stylish apartment hotel offering 57 rooms in deluxe and suites that are modern in there design of Sino-Portuguese influences featuring a collection of Sino–Portuguese antiques adorning the hotel reception foyer.

Sino House Hotel Apartment also includes Take a Seat for al fresco dinning, Coco House for light refreshments and RainTree Spa for the total relaxation. Sino House Hotel Apartment is located opposite Sang Ho, the largest and oldest book store in Phuket built in 1925 and within walking distance to central Phuket downtown.

This hotel apartment location also places us within 30 minutes drive to the most beautiful beaches, International golf courses, ancient Buddhist temples & attractions of Phuket. All transfers and bookings from our hotel to anywhere on Phuket or other destinations can be made courtesy of our friendly staff, here to make your holiday experience with us pleasurable and most memorable when you choose Sino House.

http://www.sinohousephuket.com/

Indigo Pearl Phuket

"Some you can touch."
"Some you can see."
"Some you can feel."
"Some you explore."

The Indigo Pearl experience is an encounter with Phuket's collective imagination – a gathering of intriguing details, re-envisioned through imaginative design.

Architecture inspired by Phuket's tin mining past. Decor that evokes a Thai factory of a century ago. A landscape overflowing with surprises: the postmodern transformation of a mature plantation, spiced with modern sculpture and found industrial art. An experience as rare as an indigo pearl.

From XVI to The Taste of Phuket

After being assigned numerous interior projects throughout the Kingdom - an impressive collection of ventures which spans boutique hotels, villas, bars, nightclubs, shops and homes, a group of talented designers decided to serve their own passion for their love of old Phuket Town. This is when they found the shop house, No. 16, Rassada Road which was to be the catalyst for The XVI , Bed & Breakfast, Cafe' and Bar, soon to be know collectively as ‘The Taste’ Phuket.

The XVI initially started with two guest rooms located on the second floor and a cocktail bar with house DJ’s spinning funky house, chill out and lounge at ground level. Supremely successful, visitors from all over enjoyed this new sophisticated style of partying, until then never experienced on the island of Phuket. Resident DJ’s spinning vinyl, patrons partying till 1 or 2 with the DJ’s, their friends and other happy revelers. Nightly fun was had by all! As a result of this success, they expanded into an extra shop house and made ten more rooms to invite more guests to experience this new taste of Phuket lifestyle.

With the expansion came the change of name. Now known as The Taste Phuket, but still at house No. 16 (formerly XVI ) this unique ‘lifestyle venue’ features live piano and trio jam session every Friday night, cocktail bar, succulent cuisine and 12 innovative and well appointed rooms to reside in when you need a bit of shut eye. For private functions, guests have the option of 5 private function rooms, ideal for small parties, in addition to a sun and moon roof deck where the provision of DJ’s, Jazz bands, food and drink can also be arrange.

http://www.thetastephuket.com/

Experience The World's First Cultural Spa: Sukko Spa

In the last decade, Phuket has put itself on the map as one of the world's premier tourist destinations. It's reputation as a spa haven has only added to its popularity, particularly in the past 5-6 years with the opening of several world-class centres around the island. Now Phuket has the new spa concept, the cultural spa, with professional standard and professional staffs. You must experience this spa if you come to Phuket.

Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness is the world's first cultural spa with the unique Thai cultural service and design of architect derived from the ancient capital of Siam, with three categories of rooms and 160 treatment beds in the new five-star day spa in Phuket with more than 12,000 Sqm. spa area and full wellness facilities. We provide individual spa packages based on the philosophy of Thai Ayuraveda and other ancient wisdom descended through the generations, and they can be tailored to fit your requirements, including weddings, honeymoons, outdoor sports etc.

You will not only experience time-honored wisdom straight from the pages of history books and relax with life aesthetics and various ways to nourish your happiness, but also be spiritually enriched by the spa superior cuisine, traditional Thai cookery, elegant clubhouse with traditional Thai martial art and exercise regimes, Salon of the legendary angel with secret techniques passed down by Thai ancestors, the kid's club with range of rewarding activities and traditional Thai plays, and many other services and cultural attractions.

Aam Pud-Joh-Kuan Im Shrine

Aam Pud-Joh-Kuan Im Shrine: So that we fully understand the subject of this story, let me first explain to you the meaning of “Aam Pud Joh”. ‘Aam' is the name for the Chinese shrine in Phuketien language. ‘Pud-Joh' refers to Kuan Im (Chinese God). Therefore, we are talking about the shrine of Kuan Im. There are many shrines of Jao Mea Kuan Im in Phuket. Phuketiens believe that she is the god of mercy and gratefulness. To attain prosperity in life, Phuketiens like to pay respect to her.

Finding the shrine is not difficult. From the main road in Phuket town, take Rassada Road to the water fountain circle and turn left onto Bangkok Road . The shrine is about 20m on the left. You will notice a red fence around the shrine and stupa-figured burner within the shrine area. Once getting inside, you will smell fragrant incense and hear a beautiful prayer song in Chinese language. Look around the shrine, you will see many images of other Chinese Gods such as Jao Mea Tub-Tim, Teppajao Kuan-Au, Tep Hok-Lok-Sew, etc. hanging on the walls.

The most popular offerings are silver and gold papers, joss sticks, candles, tea and a variety of fruits (particularly those which have significant meaning). On one occasion I recall an old woman who assisted all visitors throughout the worship process here. While paying homage to all Chinese gods, we should wait for one joss stick to be burnt out (to protect the shrine from fire). The next step is burning gold and silver papers. After the process is over, we take home some fruits for good luck. That is all for today. Wherever you may be, enjoy your day.

A heaven of tranquility

This tiny island off Phuket’s southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters;ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort.

Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makam Deep Sea Port. Only 15 minutes from deep sea port. This is the perfect place for relaxation and recharge your energy.

Phuket FantaSea: The Ultimate Nighttime Cultural Theme Park

Inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects.



The result is a stunning 140-acre theme complex, packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment: a Carnival Village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping; a 4,000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine; A breath-taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show, where state-of-the-art technology and special effects enhance the beauty of Thailand's Myths, Mysteries and Magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight everyone.

Created at a cost of over 3,500 million Baht, Phuket FantaSea adds a whole new dimension to theme park entertainment, with marvelous attractions not found anywhere else in the world.

The Sino-Portuguese, The old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town dates back to the tin mining days of a century ago, when Chinese immigrants sought to make their fortunes from this precious ore. For millions of international visitors, Phuket is an island paradise, wrapping sun, sand and sea into a glamorous package that attracts them back again and again.

The bustling, administrative centre of Phuket is often overlooked in favour of the beaches, but there's a lot to see and do (and spend your money on!) in Phuket City. Having been recently upgraded to city status, Phuket City features an exciting mix of old and new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating. The activity in Phuket City is nearly around-the-clock. In the early morning, stoic monks take to the streets on their daily alms round and the fresh market buzzes with restaurant owners buying ingredients for the day's meals. Non-stop bustle characterizes the daytime, and lasts well into the evening. Nights are reserved for enjoying good company, whether at a restaurant, a disco, a quiet bar, or a combination of all three.

From the gleaming shopping centres to century-old shop houses, small noodle shops to upscale restaurants, cheap massage parlours to trendy spas, this patchwork offers something for every taste and every budget.