So how does a good hotel manage to keep dad, mum and the kids content and amused for days on end?

10. Evason Phuket Six Sense Spa
260 Rooms - Rawai Beach

Evason has an excellent kids club and even provides closely supervised 'sleepover' services, leaving quality time for mum and dad. Just Kids! also organises theme nights for the little ones (from four to twelve years old) and has environmentally aware children's projects such as learning about hers in the resort's own vegetable gardens. Family scavenger hunts are also a favourite and the resort even offers family packages. One of the favourite family activities at Evason is to take the free long-tail boat to Koh Bon, an island some 15 minutes south, where the resort has a 400-metre stretch of beach with open bungalows, a restaurant and plenty of water sports equipment.

9. Hilton Phuket Arcadia
677 Rooms - Karon Beach

At number nine in our Top Ten Family Hotels lies the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort. Set in sprawling and verdant grounds on Karon Beach, the Hilton doesn't do things by half. There's a health and fitness centre, a putting green, three swimming pools, free scuba classes, a spa and sauna, tennis and squash courts, snooker and table tennis amongst other facilities so you and your family will have your hands full here. A unique feature to the resort is the 'cinebar' where latest movies are played in a mini movie theatre. The kids club is set in a charming glade with outdoors and indoors facilities and a warm, friendly staff. The Hilton Arcadia lies in the largest resort grounds of the island and next to the beach. So much to do, so much space in which to do it

8. Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
530 Rooms - Kata Noi Beach

If it's tropical beachside opulence you and your family are looking for, then Katathani is certainly one to fit the bill. Even if Katathani weren’t situated beachside your holiday would still be leaning towards the aquatic as the resort sports no less that six, yes six swimming pools and three Jacuzzis! There is a nightly family-oriented musical revue and parents looking for some quality one-on-one time during the daytime there is a kids club for the little ones' amusement. But most of all, it's the 'no-worries' factor of being right by the beach that attracts families here and the fact that, with six food and drink outlets with many more over the road along with in-hotel shopping, the resort is the ultimate in relaxed family holidaymaking.

7. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
470 Rooms - Relax Bay near Patong

As the name implies, Le Meridien is located smack-bang on the beach, in this case Relax Bay – between Patong and Karon beaches. This means no hauling bag after bag into the taxi and spending priceless holiday time getting to and from the beach. Simply stroll out and set up on the sand. There are plenty of water sports for all ages to choose from as well as organised beach volleyball. Dad can practise his swing with the supervision of a golf pro on the driving range and if you are hoping for a romantic meal for two simply call the babysitting service. For the kiddies there is the hotel's Penguin Club, open from 09:00 to 19:00 daily that features an amazing array of games and activities – some 31 in all – ranging from aerobics to a treasure hunt.

6. Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket
405 Rooms & Villas - Bangtao Beach

With Asia's longest freshwater swimming pool at 323 metres long and an 18-hole golf course located within the Laguna complex, not to mention access to all Laguna hotels in this integrated complex and their wonderful facilities, the Sheraton Grande Laguna has all the moves needed to make a top family holiday. The VIP (very important kid's) club caters for the little ones in style with daily entertainment games and crafts (complimentary for children aged from 4-12) and the Sheraton's spa facilities are exemplary. Ning Nong and Yum Yum, the resort’s baby elephants, pay their daily visits to play with the little ones and the young at heart. As for family-style accommodation there are two-bedroom island villas as well as three- and four-bedroom private pool villas and residences with cooking facilities.

5. The Ramada Resort
121 Rooms - Karon Beach

The Ramada Resort is really one of Phuket's best-kept secrets when it comes to children's facilities but it's high time the secret got out… The design of the resort shows a tangible sense of humour, with theme bars (Joe Kool's – 'The World's Worst Restaurant!') and theme rooms, such as the Outer Space Room and the Underwater Room as well as the larger Castle Theme Duplex Suite with adult accommodation on the main floor with a kids room on the upper floor. There's also a two-bedroom family suite but the main attraction of this colourful resort is the peace of mind it affords parents when they see their children so well-catered for. On arrival, families are greeted by 'rangers' who are in fact children's minders and who look after all in-house activities as well as excursions.

4.Möevenpick Resort Phuket
382 rooms - Karon Beach

Möevenpick features the largest kids centre in Phuket as well as a fully equipped fitness centre, a spa with eight Thai-style treatment rooms, four swimming pools, two tennis courts, pool tables and the powder-white sand Karon Beach just over the road. With an array of facilities like this, there's something for everyone in the family. Of course there's more… in the shape of a jogging track around the property and individual villas to lend more of a family-like feel to your stay. Families can use the games room for free and it has the advantage of being both indoors and outdoors with everything from newspapers and magazines to billiards to computers with internet access to a 'jungle gym'.

3.Holiday Inn Phuket Resort
265 Rooms - Patong Beach

The Holiday Inn enjoys a great location in the heart of Patong Beach. It also features themed rooms just for families. The 'kidsuite' provides a children’s themed ‘room within a room’. For a little more than a standard room, kidsuites can accommodate two adults and two children less than 12 years of age, allowing all the family to enjoy their holiday. The resort also offers family suites which consist of two connecting rooms; one standard room connected to another specially designed children's room. Designed in a pirate theme, the kids room has beds set in ‘boats’ plus toys and themed furniture. Your children have their own room with TV, video, electronic games, toy box and Playstation. It’s a great concept as it ensures that everyone gets a holiday!.

2.Laguna Beach Resort
252 Rooms - Bang Tao Beach

Number Two on our Top Ten List is Laguna Beach Resort. With its extensive water sports facilities and three swimming pools and water slide, not to mention the beach right by, there's aquatic fun for the family to be had here. The resourceful kids' club with its many resources and age-differentiated activities is another of the many thoughtful touches put into making the LBR an excellent family resort. While mum and dad play tennis on one of the three outdoor courts or even at the indoor one, the kids can take a class in batik or visit the resort's two baby elephants. Afterwards, the whole family can sail a catamaran (complimentary) or hit the games room for more fun.

and The most popular is ...

JW Marriott Resort & Spa
265 Rooms - Mai Khao Beach

Sitting on Mai Khao, Phuket's longest beach, the Marriott literally has adventure at its doorstep. What's more, the facilities at this five-star resort and Number One family hotel winner are exceptional. There are no less than 10 restaurants and bars to choose from, all set in expansive grounds and there's certainly no need to get up at the crack of dawn to claim a sun lounger because the resort features three swimming pools. The main swimming pool is enormous with a separate section that caters especially for families, including a shallow bubble pool and a waterslide. The kids club features separate areas for young teens and smaller children. The little ones have a colourful cubbyhouse with a climbing frame, wooden toys, karaoke, a dolls house, computers and even their own pint-sized furniture.

Through a combination of good service, exciting activities with attractive and spacious accommodation, that's how. Here are our Top Ten family hotels, the ones that manage to find that magic balance for that most difficult of formulate: Keeping it in the family.

PHUKET: Laguna will offer a daily kid’s summer fun program from 2-5pm, from July 8 to Aug 30. There will be a daily evening BBQ and a beer garden where major international sporting events, such as The Ashes cricket series, will be televised on big screens. Local kids can take part in the afternoons of activity for as little as 200 baht per child per day.

Laguna is also offering fantastic promotions and discounts on spa, cuisine and much more. Join the launch party on July 10, with Phuket's 91.5FM spinning tunes throughout the festival.

Location Canal Village Laguna Phuket
Contact Mrs. Chureeporn Manabutr
Phone 076-362330
Email shopping@lagunaphuket.com
Website www.lagunaphuket.com

Reference : www.phuketgazette.net

Terms & Conditions
• “Let’s Fly Back to the Beach” campaign offer special price to Phuket starting from 1,490 Baht per sector (price is all inclusive).
• Enjoying “Let’s Fly Back to the Beach” get special coupons from Nok Air’s partners including;
- Adventure coupons include such adrenalin pumping fun as kite surfing, all terrain vehicles and scuba diving.
- Wellness coupons offer spa and yoga packages, as well as golf.
- Discovery coupons provide the chance to explore Phuket with city tours, island trips or fantastic shows.
• Also hotel deals, car rental and shopping benefits available for those who would like to travel around on their own.
• Let’s Fly Back to the Beach" campaign and special coupons from Nok Air’s partners available from 20 February through 30 April 2009.
• Coupons can be received only at counter check-in Bangkok-Phuket flight, Don Mueang Airport.

Remark:
- Master Car Rental reserved the right for two days advanced booking. For more information please call 02-9318900
- Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness reserved the right for one day advanced
booking. For more information please go through www.sukkosparesortphuket.com/nokair

P.S Nokair invites you to one of the most tranquil beach in Thailand. Offer 3 Style of package that suits your lifestyle!
ADVENTURE | DISCOVERY | WELLNESS

Laguna Phuket, in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, presents the 100,000 Smiles promotion.

The Laguna Phuket resorts are offering up to 100,000 complimentary room nights hoping to generate the equivalent number of happy smiles!

Asia’s finest destination resort, invites you to book online from 1-31 March 2009 to stay at any of the featured Laguna Phuket resorts from 15 March - 15 December 2009 and enjoy one complimentary night per online booking at Best Available Rate.

Members of the public can visit www.lagunaphuket.com/100,000-smiles and www.tourismthailand.org/thailandsuperdeal to take advantage of the offer.

Viewing the sunset - watching the great red orb of the fading sun being swallowed by a tranquil Andaman Sea - is one of the must do things for every Thai visitor to this island. It is de rigeur to do this on even on the shortest visit. Local tradition proscribes that every Thai visitor to Phuket must make the pilgrimage to Laem Phrom Thep, one of the country’s most famous landmarks at the very southern tip of the island, before he can claim to have seen Phuket.

Any of the many high points along the west coast road will give a grandstand view. The high view-point at the back of Kata Noi beach is a particularly spectacular one – always with people, but not by the traffic jam load. The headlands north of Patong Beach alos offer numerous vantage spots, many with restaurants or stalls selling cold drinks to top off the occasion. Good vantage points are available all the way up to Mai Khao beach at the island's far northern tip, where beach-side stalls thrive on Thai clients at this time of day.

Finding a small beach bar or restaurant, settling with a cold beer or cocktail and waiting for the sun to touch the water is also an especially memorable way to absorb this god-given display. Simply strolling on the beach as the sky casts reds and pinks across the heavens is also eloquent and memorable.

Rassada is cleaning up Silaphan Beach on Koh Sireh in a bid to draw more tourists. Photo by Youngyot Preuksarak.

RASSADA, PHUKET: Rassada Municipality will invest 20 million baht to develop the Silaphan Beach area of Koh Sireh into a new tourist destination.

Speaking at the end of his first year in office, Rassada Mayor Surathin Liangudom said the investment is one of many the municipality is undertaking to improve infrastructure in the subdistrict, which surrounds Phuket City to the north and east.

Infrastructure work completed during Mayor Surathin’s first year included improvements to Thepkrasattri Road to smooth traffic flow and drainage, he said.

On education, the municipality took over administration of the Ban Kuku, Ban Thungka Boonkajon and Ban Koh Sireh primary schools on January 20. The move is part of a national decentralization plan to move schools out from direct administration by the Education Ministry.

For fiscal 2009, the municipality has earmarked part of its budget for sports, educational and environmental development, including a “dust free” road project, he said.

The municipality has also applied for 30-million-baht in provincial funding to build a “health garden” on 11 rai in Village 1.

Kom Chad Luek (Youngyot Preuksarak) Via www.phuketgazette.ne

Wicked Diving and Golden Buddha Resort invite you to join a unique experience that supports eco-tourism and offers the opportunity to search for, identify, and track Whale Sharks in Thailand's Andaman Sea. The objective of the Whale Shark Exploration Program is to raise awareness by educating all participants about the elusive Whale Shark. Spend 4 days in an oceanfront house at Golden Buddha Resort, and 3 days diving (minimum 9 dives) at Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, and BonSoong Wreck.

Event Date : Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2009

For more details go to: wickeddiving.com

The shell of a Tridacna gigas giant clam on display in a Spanish museum. The species has not been seen in Thai waters for about 100 years.

CAPE PANWA, PHUKET: With the colorful shell of the giant clam highly prized by aquarium owners, the lucrative but illegal trade in the species is causing the population of this marine mollusk to decrease dramatically and experts fear it may become extinct in its natural habitat.

Out of the eight known species of giant clam in the world, five species were once found in Thai waters but two of these are thought to already be extinct, according to researchers at the Phuket Marine Biological Center.

Numbers in the wild have been greatly reduced by extensive over-harvesting for food as well as the aquarium trade. In Thailand, the population of the T. Squamosa species has dramatically decreased with numbers now thought to be less than 1% of the other two species found in Thai waters.

PMBC biologist Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong said giant clam shells are also used as decorative accessories, tableware and even sinks if large enough.

According to Thailand’s Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, giant clams have been declared a protected wildlife species, with no harvesting, possession or trade allowed.

Giant clams are also listed as an endangered species in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES.

The Giant Clam Rehabilitation Project now underway in Andaman coastal areas is working to preserve and spawn more giant clams, which have both male and female organs present in the same animal.

Yet while the illegal trade in the species continues, it is questionable how far releasing farmed clams into the wild will go to alleviating the problem.

Reference: MCOT

PHUKET: The fourth anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, which was triggered by an earthquake that measured close to nine on the Richter scale.

The tsunami hit Phuket on the morning of December 26, 2004.

More than 5,000 people, mostly international tourists, were killed in Thailand's six Andaman coastal provinces when the killer waves struck. Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka were also hard hit by the waves created by the earthquake.

According to the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification and Repatriation Center in Phang Nga, the bodies of nearly 400 tsunami victims remain unidentified.

Center director Nitinai Sornsongkram said that despite ongoing efforts, 388 of the 3,696 bodies that the center received in February 2005 have yet to be identified and retrieved by relatives. At present, 445 persons are still unaccounted for. Of these, 290 are Thai, 95 are Burmese and 60 are Scandinavian.

Reference: phuketgazette.net

Dec 15 - 20, 2008 The 23rd year of Patong Carnival is organized and funded by Patong Municipality. There will be One Tambon One Product (OTOP) sales, arts and culture displays, spa and massage services, and food and beverage services.

The entertainment will display traditional Thai culture from various regions across the country.

Highlights of the carnival include:

- Dec 15: Fireworks after dark.
- Dec 16: Beach clean-up and longtail boat competition, off Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 17: Adventure Competition at Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 20: Fancy Parade along the beach road at 5pm.

The annual King’s Cup yacht regatta will take place in early December off the south end of Phuket. It attracts the very best yachts and sailors from all corners of Asia, but one salty sailor who has more than half a million sea miles under his belt, says there is a place for the classic yacht. Managing Editor Roger Foley talks to Christopher Edwards about his life time at sea with some of the world’s great sailors, and why he donated the Xiphias Trophy.

Chris has always loved classic yachts. His first yacht was designed by the famous American designer Thomas Gilmer. The yacht Chris is better known for in the Andaman Sea area, however, is “Xiphias”, a Lyle Hess designed better known for in the Andaman Sea area, however, is “Xiphias”, a Lyle Hess designed Bristol Channel Cutter. Chris bought her in Singapore and lived on her and raced and explored our local waters for 12 years.

It was on Xiphias that Chris first went to the Mergui Archipelago in 1992 with an anthropologist to study the Moken sea gypsy maritime tribe and then later to Surin in northern Thailand. At the time, Chris believes he was the first yacht to have visited the sprawling archipelago which lies off the Burma coast with the Burmese Government approval.

“You still need a permit to get into the area, but now it has become a destination for expensive charter boats.”

The trip fuelled Chris’s interest in the maritime tribes of the region, and he got Indian Government permission to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The latter are still closed to general yachting traffic. Chris says the trip was fascinating as the Nicobar’s are home to one of the most ancient tribal people. “Genetically, these people are some of the purist tribal groupings in the world, but they face extinction. Going there was like the gold chest at the end of the rainbow. And on one occasion, we did see a group of the Shompen forest dwellers. It was a wonderful experience.”

Reference : Phuketmagazine | Read more : file.pdf

KATA: In fresh winds gusting up to 20 knots yesterday morning, Ray Roberts' Quantum Racing team snatched victory from Neil Pryde's Hi Fi and Winkelman and Dodd's Island Fling to win the final race of the Racing class in the 22nd annual King's Cup Regatta.

In one of the tightest competitions ever in the King's Cup, the win moved Quantum Racing into first place overall in the class and the right to have her name etched on the coveted King's Cup trophy.

Hi Fi finished second, relegating Neil Pryde and his crew to second place overall.

As an example of the high standard of sailing in this year's Cup, which had seven of the 11 race classes still up for grabs before yesterday's final races, Island Fling, who led the class just the day before, finished fifth by just 16 seconds to place third overall in the Racing class.

In another nail-biting finish, David Ross's Macquarie - Frangipani Girl beat Peter Cremers' Shatoosh to move into first place overall in the Premier class. The day before, Shatoosh had led the class.

John Wardill's Australian Maid, a long-term regular in the King's Cup, finished third in the class.

In a fine display of competitive sailing, Scott Duncanson and his crew on Raimon Land The Heights held off rival Kenichi Takahashi on Motor Net to place second and third respectively in the Sports boat class.

By focusing on keeping Motor Net in their wake instead of going for an outright win, The Heights, which is better known in Phuket as Somtam Express, held on to their first place overall and won the Sports boat class.

Matt Allen on Ichi Ban dominated the IRC 1 class throughout the regatta with six "bullets" (sailing jargon for "first place") and one second-place finish, and needed only a mediocre result to win the class.

Ben Copley's Phuket-based Katsu finished second overall in the hotly contested class.

Sailing proud for Thailand in the IRC 2 class were Royal Thai Navy 1 and Royal Thai Navy 2, which finished first and second overall.

In the Firefly 850 class, comprising only the high-speed, Phuket-built Firefly catamarans, Peter Dyer's SEA Property claimed top honors in the class, with Hans Rahmann's Voodoo Child finishing second overall and Brent Gribble on Twin Sharks placing third.

Despite Thailand's recent political upheaval and the temporary closure of Bangkok's two international airports just days before this year's King's Cup opened on November 29, the regatta attracted a fleet of 94 boats and well over 1,000 people.

Unlike some previous years, this year's regatta was graced with near perfect sailing conditions throughout, providing some of the most memorable racing maneuvers and results. Many of the racers told the Gazette that they look forward to returning to contest the cup again next year.

For more results from today's final races – and for the finalized overall results – visit www.kingscup.com.

4-7 December at the Royal Phuket Marina

PIMEX 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre with 2,500 sq metres of air conditioned display space adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water.

In it's sixth year the show is the largest on water Boat Show in the region and is the regions most effective showcase for boating and marine leisure.

Informa Yacht Group, organisers of the Monaco Yacht Show have recently acquired PIMEX and the world wide marketing of the show has risen to another level.

Fully supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Conference and Exhibition Bureau.

90 exhibiting companies and close to 50 yachts are booked in 2008

PIMEX 2008 update 24th November

Record number of yachts in water: 43

Companies exhibiting: 85

Luxury motor yachts afloat in 2008 include Sunseeker; Gulf Craft, Chris Craft, Formula, Princess, Riviera, Pershing, Maritimo, Crowneline, Cranchi, Sunnav, Horizon, Posillipo, Rodman, Tiara, Mustang, Bondway, Sea Ray, Seatboat, and Silkline International. Three of the yachts are over 60 feet long. For sailing enthusiasts Jeanneau, Bavaria Yachts, Elan and Hanse will be represented as well as a number of catamarans. A new development in 2008 is the emergence of new brands from mainland China some of which are exhibiting this year. And of course the electronics, all the outboard engines and other accessories and equipment that go with the marine lifestyle will be on show.

Several property and residential marina projects are also exhibiting.

A full list of exhibitors booked to date can be found in the exhibitors section.

With less than a week to go organizers are working overtime to fit in latecomers.

Only two spaces are left in the hall and the water display is fully booked and it looks like PIMEX 2008 is heading for 100% sold. .

The marina site is in a beautiful setting with five restaurants on the boardwalk overlooking the marina.
Kayak displays, music on the boardwalk and fun activities make this the perfect day out for the family. Sail training for kids and adults, Yacht charter, and Regattas.

Whether interested in boating or simply curious about how Phuket has become one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the world, visiting Royal Phuket Marina and PIMEX is a must during the 4th to 7th December.

Exhibitors… Still an opportunity to join.
Visitors… Register on line on this site.

For more information:
Andy Dowden, Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 7670 or info@phuketboatshow.com

Piyawan Songsawas,Tel +66 (0) 76 360808 or Piyawan@phuketboatshow.com
( Thai & English )

29th November - 6th December, 2008.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

NOR 2008 - Now Available here

On-line entries here

Schedule of events.

Registration for the 2008 Regatta and the functions listed below will take place at the Kata Beach Resort, Phuket.

Racing for all classes will be held in the waters around Phuket. The following schedule is provisional and subject to weather conditions.

Saturday 29 November 2008

10.00 - 17.00 Registration

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO RECENT CHANGES IN REGULATIONS FOR YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET. CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION FACILITIES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT REGISTRATION.

ALL YACHTS ARRIVING IN PHUKET MUST CLEAR CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION AT THE ONE-STOP SHOP SITUATED AT AO CHALONG PIER.

Sunday 30 November 2008

10.00 - 16.00 Registration

13.00 Practice race

16.30 Skippers briefing

18.30 Opening Ceremony

Monday 1 December - Saturday 6 December 2008

5 racing days and 1 reserve day

Saturday 6 December 2008

18.00 Royal Awards Ceremony and Closing Party

Entry Fees

The entry fee of 17,600 Baht (8a,800 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers) must accompany the Entry Form. Entries must be received by 1 November 2008. For late entries after 1 November 2008, the entry fee is 25,000 Baht (12,500 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers).

The entry fee includes participation of skipper. An additional Crew fee of 4,000 baht is payable at or before registration for each additional crew member and supporter participating in official functions and parties of the Regatta.

On-line entries here

Located 19 kilometers south of Phuket, the islands of Koh Racha Yai (also known as Raya Yai) and Koh Racha Noi (Raya Noi) offer visitors to Phuket an interesting day trip by boat. It's possible to organize an overnight stay, while the islands are also becoming increasingly popular destinations among divers.

Plenty of options

Longtail boats carrying a maximum of eight passengers can be chartered from Rawai Beach on the southern side of Phuket for about 2,000 baht (US$60). This is a return fare to Koh Racha Yai and includes plenty of time for snorkeling. The boat ride to the island takes about one-and-a-half hours in itself. If you're not part of a group, you may still find that you can join with a smaller group of people seeking to reduce their costs.

It's also possible to head for the smaller island of Koh Hai (Coral Island) on a half-day snorkeling trip from Rawai. A return fare costs 800 baht, but it should be noted that the boat trip is much shorter if you are simply looking to enjoy the cruise by boat.

A similar one-day snorkeling trip to Koh Hai departs Ao Chalong (Chalong Bay), just north of Rawai, and costs 1,500 baht. From November through April, you can also get to Koh Racha by speedboat. It departs at 9 am, returning from the island at about 3 pm. At 500 baht each way, this offers good value given the shorter journey time (about 45 minutes each way).

Most boat trips can be booked through travel agents located at popular resorts on Phuket.

An 'alternative' haven for divers

Divers visiting Phuket have got plenty of choices when it comes to seeking interesting dive sites thanks to the numerous smaller island located nearby.

While the nine islands making up the Similan archipelago are probably the best-known and most popular destinations among divers, it takes at least three to four hours to reach them.

A visit to Koh Racha therefore offers a 'best of both worlds' alternative – you still get to enjoy a few hours at sea, along with the opportunity to visit some interesting and beautiful sites. We recommend taking a day trip since accommodation options on the island itself are limited.

While the diversity of the marine life may not quite match those in the Similan archipelago, it is still mightily impressive. Indeed, the site is ideal for underwater photographers or videographers since the ocean floor is flat here and offers great views of hard and soft coral.

Among the colorful, tropical species of fish spotted off the islands are: Titan trigger; Moray eels; Puffer fish; Stingrays; Octopuses; as well as Cuttlefish.

Keeping it clean and 'green'

A visit to such impressive locations can sometimes spur the conscience of visitors. When diving out in the ocean, you get to see some exquisite examples of pristine coral. In order to help maintain these sites, try to promote the use of pre-determined mooring points by operators. Those operators willing to anchor wherever they are directed are contributing to the destruction of coral sites, so try to educate other passengers or the boat operator whenever you experience this kind of practice.

The case of Koh Phi Phi is a living 'bad example' of what can happen when the aggressive expansion of tourism prevails over every other aspect, including the environment. A lack of strict law enforcement has been a contributory factor in the case of Koh Phi Phi, while it is essential that operators understand that they have no right to destroy nature, the very thing that guarantees their businesses' well being. When traveling to such pristine locations, always remember to take your garbage home with you, or otherwise consider yourself 'part of the problem'.

reference : thaiasiatoday.com

Ko Yao Noi remains a beautiful island, where most people still believe that the island should be preserved from human degradation.

Sea Gypsies (Moken people) were inhabiting the Bay before anybody else, except maybe other nomadic people like forest hunters and collectors (Sakai, Negritos). The 3,500 or so inhabitants of Koh Yao Noi are thought to be recent migrants from the Malay Peninsula (Satun, Trang).

The Mon population, linguistically and culturally belonging to the Khmer ethnolinguistic group, did settled in peninsular Thailand since ever, ruling maritime states like the one of Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat). They melt continuously with Southern migrants from Malaysia and with Northern rulers (Thai), over centuries of commercial exchanges and political conflicts. Most probably the Mon stock remains prevalent for most of the people living nowadays in Southern Thailand, including people of Koh Yao.

Numerous cave paintings hidden in the many islands of the bay, extending from 2000 years ago to last century, attest the influence of distinct communities in the emergence of a mixed origin population, living now in the provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Satun.

The most recent migrations (17th-18th century) from Satun and Trang to Ko Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is attested by the fact that the particular dialect spoken on the island still bear obvious Malaysian lexical traces, particularely regarding toponyms and vernacular names of the flora species.

The main industries on the island are fishing and rubber planting. A little rice farming and some fruit, palm and coconut plantations are evident. Boat building and farming techniques here have been passed from father to son and, while some of the youngsters leave Ko Yao to seek the bright lights of Phuket, most return to their tight knit community.

Credit : http://wikitravel.org/en/Phuket

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21738115@N03 for Picture

If you are looking to spend most of the time on the beach enjoying the sea, this is a very good place to be. Beach is quite nice and is not too crowded. Sea floor is nice and sandy. In the afternoons the water spectacularly recedes leaving a blanket of rocks at the left end of the beach for local fishing and a beautiful swimming area at the right end of the beach.

On the beach, you won't be able to get around a Thai massage. These are offered at small stalls throughout the beach, and the rate seems fixed (300 baht/hour, March 2007).

The Kamala Wat is located at the southern end of the beach and is almost unnoticeable. The temple and its grounds have been restored since the Boxing Day tsunami and the Buddhist locals and resident monks welcome curious Australians and foreigners. It was the Australian television program Backyard Blitz that helped restore the gardens of the Wat after the tsunami. A memorial tree is placed in the garden with a dedication plaque and the walls of the main temple are a beautifully decorated story of Buddha. Visiting this Wat can be an enlightening and cultural experience; pictures and events of the Tsunami are displayed on a board for foreigners to see and the monks allow photos of the grounds as long as you're in the company of a local.

The extremely popular Phuket FantaSea is located in Kamala. Phuket FantaSea is an exuberant show/cultural theme park that combines the rich heritage of Thailand with unique 4D effects and animals. The park is 140 acres and presents a 4000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine and a shopping street offering local products. The park operates daily except Thursdays and opens at 8.30pm.

If more entertainment is desired you can take a taxi to Patong beach; however taxi's are unreasonably expensive ~500 baht one way (but less if you bargain). Tuk-tuks are a simple and (sometimes) cheap way to leave Kamala. Tuk-tuks to the more popular Patong cost around 300 baht. Some of the hotels provide an affordable shuttle to Patong.

Catching the local open-sided bus to Phuket Town or further is a cheap and cultural experience for travellers unwilling to pay expenses for taxis or tuk-tuks. The bus is fantastic and cheap - if you are willing to share it with curious locals. In Kamala the bus runs every hour and passes along the main road. You need only to flag it down and jump through the back - you pay the driver at the end of your journey.

Credit :: http://wikitravel.org/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mabsuuta/ for Picture

Phuket prime Chinese festival will be held on Sep 29- Oct 7, 2008. It’s an annual event during the ninth lunar month of Chinese calendar. The colorful festival take time for a nine day period that attracts not only Chinese –Thais. Traveler from over the world come to celebrate, enjoy delicious vegetarian diet, make merit and excited with the unbelievable Ma Song (medium) such as climbing an eight-meter ladder with bladed rungs while in trance, hundreds of local residents running across a bed of burning coals, piercing all sorts of skewers and knives through their body parts that everyone seemed shocked at this. Well, looks can be deceiving your eyes and…oh…you’d better keep your camera handy!
I have to say, as a long time resident of Phuket. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is something not to be missed as according to the Phuket Gazette, 23rd Oct 2007, the San Francisco-based Veg News magazine voted Phuket (during the festival) as one of the “10 Best Veg Destinations in the world” in its third annual awards. You’ll see that it’s a real buzz, full of life, full of noise, colorful parades and full of magic….that you can’t believe it’s really happening, but it’s a very real.
Hope to see you in Phuket.

Credit :: Photo from http://www.phuketvegetarian.com/

PHUKET: The government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has given the green light to the Ao Phuket development plan, a 100-billion-baht megaproject on 3,000 rai of reclaimed land that would include a convention center, marina and other facilities.

The latest movement in the Ao Phuket plan, first conceived over two decades ago, follows from PM Samak’s assigning responsibility for the project to the the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), a public organization under the direction of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports established in 2005 under the first Thaksin government.

Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit met with DASTA’s Ao Phuket working committee at the Phuket Merlin Hotel on May 2.

The Ao Phuket committee, accompanied by DASTA chairman Gen Soonthorn Khumkomkul, earlier that morning traveled to the waterfront to view the intended project site, which stretches across Phuket Bay all the way from Saphan Hin to Rassada Harbor.

Also attending the meeting were representatives from Phuket City Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand South Region 4 Office in Phuket, the Phuket Tourist Association, Muang District Office, Rassada and Wichit municipalities and other agencies.

PM Samak in March 2008 authorized the DASTA to take responsibility for areas it deems as appropriate for “sustainable” tourism development.

Rajathin Syamananda, who heads DASTA’s Ao Phuket project committee, is well acquainted with the project as a former director-general of the Interior Ministry’s Town and Country Planning Department.

The MICE facilities would comprise: “Phuket Arena”, a 40,000-square-meter convention center with the capacity to host events for up to 15,000 people; two exhibition areas of 60,000 and 30,000 sqm each; a 40,000-sqm business center with space for 100 businesses to rent; a 1,000-room hotel complex; and a 60,000 sqm shopping center featuring shopping malls, souvenir shops, restaurants, cinemas and other facilities.

The circular, 690-rai marina development to the south would include berthing facilities for superyachts, hundreds of slips for smaller vessels, a retail and commercial center, repair and maintenance facilities, and apartment or condominium blocks.

On the economic front, K. Rajathin said the original cost estimate of 63.5 billion baht when the plans were drawn up might no longer be practical.

The total price tag would probably hit 100 billion baht

Reference : www.phuketgazette.net

What makes a resort romantic? room? location? Perhaps it's wisest to say that a combination of many factors adds up to the magical feeling that you've at last found your romantic Shangri la. A lot of research to find out which are Phuket's most romantic resorts. Here are the top choices on an island that has some of the most romantic beaches and sunsets in the whole world!!!

5. Twinpalms Phuket Hotel

76 Rooms, Surin Beach
Twinpalms Phuket is one of Phuket's chicest resorts, the lagoon suites are superb and have direct pool access which means you hardly have to leave your room throughout your holiday. The well appointed and innovatively designed suites in this stylish resort are spacious, to say the least, and feature huge king-sized beds. Whilst not directly on the beach, you only have to walk 160m across a park and you're on Surin, one of Phuket's finest beaches.


4. Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket

121 Villas, Bang Tao Beach

Imagine a drawn sunken spa bath with floating flower petals, complemented by a villa bedroom dressed with scented candles, aromatic oils, fragrant flowers, wine and ambient music. That's the Banyan Tree Spa Pool Villa's "Intimate Moments" experience - this is truly a luxury resort.

Privacy is 100% assured, most villas offer private pools. You can also choose an in-villa midnight feast for two, this top-rated spa has been voted one of the best spa destinations in the world. Romance and luxury - what an unbeatable combination.

3. Andaman White Beach Resort

54 Rooms, Naithon Beach
White sand is romantic. The sensuous feel of this magical powder between your toes adds to the intensity of the Andaman White Beach experience. With 54 rooms set on a small beach with no access to outsiders, this resort nestles in a coconut plantation and features self contained villas that offer total privacy.

The resort also has a complete wedding package for those ready to commit and four romantic dining venues to woo your loved one in. In-villa dining makes the ultimate romantic experience that much closer.


2. SALA Phuket

79 Rooms, Mai Khao Beach
SALA Phuket was almost number one, however privacy is ensured by walls that hinder sea views. This deluxe pool villa resort has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic holiday. Its very location is Eden-like with Mai Khao Beach mere steps away.

Some 63 of the 79 villas here feature a luxurious swimming pool and all villas have total privacy for those intimate moments. The rooms themselves are straight out of the Arabian Nights with billowing curtains, soft textiles and even softer cushions and pillows. For that extra touch of totally private luxury, Sala Phuket delivers.



and The Winner is...
1. Trisara Phuket Resort

42 Rooms, Naithon Beach
Trisara simply oozes romance and is definitely the best romantic resort in Phuket. Who can resist the stunning sunset views from these private pool villas set into a verdant tropical hillside; the attention to detail; the lushness of a huge soft bed with sensual music on a Bose music system?

Lovers can choose from 33 pool villas and 12 villa homes, all facing the Andaman sea, many on the resort's private beach. In-villa dining ensures privacy and if you choose to dine out at this top-end resort the atmosphere is one of complete discretion. Trisara makes love easy.

Reference : phuket.com