Phuket Travel GuideFor Beginners

Money ExchangeNever exchange money at the hotel. You will find rates cheaper at exchange booths and banks. The best rates available are usual found at booths along Patong Beach.

TransportationTaxis and TukTuks will generally charge you a fixed price regardless of where you want to go. Prices are known to be expensive. To give you a picture, Taxi from Phuket airport to Patong generally costs no less than 500 baht. The cheaper method of trans-portation in Phuket would be through car and motorbike rentals. The cheapest rental would be the Suzuki jeeps that are parked along roads of busy areas such as Patong beach (800 Thai Baht per day). If you choose to rent a vehicle, be cautious while on the road as the way of driving in Thailand can be very different from your home country.

TippingWhile tipping in many countries is considered the norm, you do not need to feel obligated to tip in Thailand. Few restaurants automatically add a tip to the bill, but most don’t. However, feel free to tip a staff or waiter who has gone above and beyond for you. In casual restaurants, tipping around 50 Thai Baht is usually enough.

Hair BraidingHair braiding is very popular among tourists in Thailand. It is usually cheaper to get this done on the beach (350- 500 Thai Baht), compared to shop-ping center shops and salons (600 Thai Baht).

Calling HomeTry to avoid calling internationally from the hotel. The cheapest way would be buying international phone cards and calling through the yellow inter-national phones/phone boxes.

Travel InsuranceWhile unexpected events don’t usually occur, it is wise to be prepared. Lost luggage, accidents, and sicknesses can spoil your trip, especially if you have no insurance to cover the costs. Insurance policies vary so be sure to carefully study them. Don’t for-get to keep all the receipts to avoid claiming issues later on.

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 2

Phuket Travel Tips

DO rely on the tourist police in cases of emergency. They can speak English generally well and have the reputation of being helpful. Use your judgment in determining which cases to report to the police. If someone threatens to harm you or steals your valuables then obviously it is appropriate to con-tact them for help Phuket Tourist Police emergency number: 1155 (Available 24 hours)

DO smile and show appreciation. Thai people are known to be friendly and helpful. If you notice a Thai stranger smiling at you, they are not making fun of you so remember to smile back! Showing appreciating by saying “KhobKhun” (Thank you) can also go a long way.

DO Bargain. It is acceptable to bargain for prices in Thailand (except in retail stores). While bargaining is expected and welcomed, be reasonable in offer-ing prices and don’t undercut the price too much as it may be seen as disrespectful.

DON’T disrespect the monarchy. People in Thailand highly respect the royal family. Do not make fun or ridicule the royals as Thais will find this highly offensive and you may get arrested.

DON’T drink tab water. While the local health authorities say tab water in Phuket Town and Patong is safe to drink, in all other areas water treat-ment systems are either non-existent or not scru-tinized. Drinking contaminated water could result in diarrhea or other diseases. Most hotels provide in-room bottled water. Another alternative is to purchase bottled water from supermarkets and convenient stores located all around Phuket.

DON’T sunbath topless. It is against the law to sun-bath topless in Thailand.

DON’T display too much PDA. Thai people are gen-erally very conservative and too much public dis-play of affection can make them uncomfortable. Holding hands and hugging are typically fine but kissing in public is generally unacceptable to many people.

Phuket’s Dos and Don’ts

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 3

Flying HanumanDon’t miss the opportunity to try the top rated rain-forest experience in South East Asia. Flying Hanuman is a zipline adventure through 80,000 square meters ofrainforest. Enjoy the thrilling adventure and fly from one centuries old tree to the next. Price starts at 2,300 Thai Baht.

Contact: 076-323264 Location: 89/16 Moo 6, SoiNamtokKathu,

Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120

Exhilarating Activities

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 4

Surf HouseSurf House Phuket delivers a continuous sheet of water up a trampoline-like surface, providing an alter-native but an ideal condition for surfing. Whether you are an expert surfer or beginner, enjoy the experience of surfing on perfectly consistent waves all day long. Price starts at 800 Thai Baht per hour.

Contact: 081-9797737 Location: 4 Pakbang Road, Karon, Muang,

Phuket 83100

Zorbing at RollerballRoll down a hill in a big plastic ball filled with water. Lots of fun and laughter is guaranteed! Be assured as the rollerballs (Zorbs) are specially designed plastic spheres which can safely descend down a hill with two passengers floating inside. With 190 meters of hill path, it is the world’s longest zorbing experience! Price starts at 950 Thai Baht.

Contact: 089-8726532Location: Two minutes from Patong Beach.

Soi 7 Kalim, Phuket.

The Escape HuntBe a detective for a day and enjoy this “escape the room” games in the fast growing themed entertainment industry. Get locked up for 60 minutes in specially designed rooms with your friends, find clues and solve puzzles, and navigate your way out before time runs out! Choose from four different games: poisen in the dining room, kidnapping in the games room, fire on the sinking ship, and bomb in the workshop. Prices at 1,980 Thai Baht for two people.

Contact: 076-323861Location: 46/42 Moo 6 Prabaramiroad, Kathu, Phuket 83120

For a Local Experience- Try These!

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 5

O-EawThe famous Phuket specialty desert “O-Eaw” is jelly made from banana with shaved ice, syrup, and

boiled red beans. This sweet desert is perfect to cool you down from Phuket’s sunny weather.

Where to find: SoiSun Utis on Yaowarat Road, Phuket, 83000

AhpongThis unique Thai snack is sort of like a crispy rolled up crepe, but very very thin. Ahpong is very popular among both locals and tourists

who visit old Phuket Town. To try the most authen-tic crispy Ahpong, visit the original shop at Ahpong Mae Sanee, located in the heart of old Phuket Town.

Where to find: Located right off Yaowarat road, about 5 meters down Sun Utis.

Lock-Tien NoodlesThe famous fried up Hokkienyellow noo-dles with an egg on top is a must-try local dish. The yellow noodles are wheat based egg noodles, and after being cooked just

the right way they provide a slightly chewy texture in a delicious way. Pair this delicious local dish with Moo Satay, grilled pork satay.

Where to find: ThanonDibuk, Phuket Old Town, 83000

Phuket Walking StreetEvery Sunday evening, Thalang road, situated in the heart of old Phuket Town, is closed to traffic and transformed into 400 meters of walking street packed with food, souvenirs and live street shows. Don’t come with a full stomach because you will discover plenty of cheap and tasty local food. The Sino-Portuguese architecture of the buildings lin-ing the Phuket walking street reflects the island’s history and culture. Walking alongside these beau-tiful buildings will take you back to the charm and the way of living of the locals a century ago.

Where to find: Thalang Road, between Yaowarat and Thepkrassatri Road. From 16:00-22:00pm

WatChalongWitness the beautiful temples and learn more about Buddhism. WatChalong is the largest and the most visited temple in Phuket. Many locals visit the temple to pay respects to several revered monks who were founders of WatChalong. As the temple can be rather busy at times, try to go early in the morning or late afternoon.

Where to find: Chaofah Road, (West), Chalong, Phuket, 83000.

Must-Try RestaurantsKanEang@PierIf you want a good seafood dinner while in Phuket, visit KanEang@Pier. KanEang is a long-established restaurant that specializes in seafood and local dishes. The restaurant is located on the shore of Chalong Bay, right next to the jetty, and will allow you to enjoy your food in a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Location: 44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road, Muang, Phuket 83130Contact: 083-1731187

Old Siam RestaurantFor a chance to try authentic “royal-inspired” Thai cuisine, Old Siam Restaurant is the perfect place to go. The food served at Old Siam is indeed genuine Thai cuisine presenting specialties from four main regions of Thailand. With currently two locations, you can choose to dine in the private beachfront of Nakalay Bay with your toes in the sand or on the sunset roof terrace of the Karon location with breathtaking panoramic views of Karon Beach.

Nakalay Location: On the beachfront of Thavorn Beach Village at Nakalay BayContact: 076-290334Karon Location: 311 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket Thailand 83100Contact: 076-290334

Raya RestaurantIf you find yourself in Phuket Town, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Raya Restaurant. The restaurant offers delicious local cuisine and is a popular visit among movie stars, prime minister, and royalty while they are in Phuket. While you are there, don’t forget to try their famous specialty dish, the crab curry.

Location: 48 New Dibuk Road, Phuket Old TownContact: 076-218155

CrustIf you are craving great tasting pizzas, visit Crust Café and Restaurant. The stylish but welcoming little place in the Sino-Portugese gallery serves Italian food, freshly baked pizzas, and bakery items.

Location: Bangyai Road behind IndexContact: 093-8730317

Baan Noy RestaurantRated in Tripadvisor as the top restaurant in Phuket, Baan Noy Restaurant is definitely a hidden gem in Chalong. The small and cozy restaurant serves a wide selection of Thai, European, and

fresh seafood- along with weekly Thais and European specials. Don’t forget to try their fish “Thabthim” dish (sweet and sour fish).

Location: 58/12 Moo 10 Patak Road Chalong, Mueng, Phuket Thailand 83130Contact: 082-8020162

Taste Restaurant

Taste restaurant is located right on Surin Beach and is a lovely place to enjoy the sunset. Indulge in Thai-inspired cuisine while enjoying idyllic views of the beach and the sea. Try the favorite appetizer among diners, the seared sashimi-grade blackened tuna with wasabi aioli.

Location: Surin Beach, near the car parkContact: 076-270090

Acqua Restaurant

For an upscale dining experience, visit Acqua restaurant. Taste both traditional and contemporary Italian dishes made from only the freshest of ingredients. Italian-born Chef Allessandro, exec-utive chef at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is excited to deliver refined imaginative dishes that he has been working on over the duration of his career.

Location: 324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, Patong, Phuket, Thailand.Contact: 076-618127

Boathouse Wine and Grill

Enjoy gourmet French and Thai cuisine along Kata Beach, accompanied by live Jazz performance. To satisfy wine lovers, this restaurant also features an impressive wine cellar with over 800 unique labels and has been awarded with the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator since 2006.

Location: 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, PhuketContact: 076-330015

On The Rock

Located on a rocky promontory, as its name suggests, this restaurant serves fresh seafood in a great setting. Dine out in the romantic atmosphere of fresh sea breeze with the sounds of the waves hissing by the rocks just meters below. The restaurant boasts a 100% Thai staff and ensures courteous and gentle service.

Location: In Marina Phuket ResortContact: 076-330625

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 6

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.

Hang-out SpotsCatch Beach Club

Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach is Phuket’s most inventive, style-setting beach club. Bringing glam-our and exciting tropical nights to the sands of Phuket, Catch Beach Club is open to all who love fashion, fun and fabulous seaside dining.

Simply sit back, relax and listen to the sensuous DJ rhythms and ocean waves, or talk to our hosts about exploring Phuket’s jewel-toned seas aboard a luxury yacht. As a Phuket resident join our mem-bership program and enjoy special prices and exclusive offers for dining, wine, spa treatments, yachting and more.

Where?: ChoengTalay, Thaland District, PhuketContact: 076-316567

Pint factoryIf you love beer, you will love Pint Factory! With a selection of over a hundred beers, including fresh and imported beers, Pint factory is definitely the place to chill for beer enthusiasts. Relax with friends in a chill vibe while tasting a variety of beers and food.

Where?: Limelight, TaladYai, Mueng, PhuketContact: 083- 6437974

Siam Supper ClubThe Siam Super Club is a chic destination bar and grill bringing cool to a place known for its tropical heat. Listen to the live mellow Jazz music and sip on equatorial cocktails. A change from what you typically find in Phuket, the classy and cozy décor will bring you back to the 50s.

Where?: 36, 38, 40 Lagoon Road, CherngTalay, Mai Khao, Thaland District, PhuketContact: 076-270936

Coffee TalkIf you find yourself with spare time, come and relax at Coffee Talk. Located in the prime Karon beach-front, this café offers you the ability to relax and enjoy views of the beautiful Karon Beach. Coffee Talk provides a variety of refreshing drinks, coffee, snacks, and deserts. With frequent compliments from customers on its great tasting Thai coffee, Coffee Talk offers you more than the typical café and will have you back craving for more of its deli-cious drinks.

Where?: Patak Road, Karon, Mueng Phuket District, PhuketContact: 076-396090

One-of-a-kind ExperiencesAndaman Passion

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the ocean in a one-of-a-kind experience on a luxury yacht. Relax and sunbath or dance to the hip music played by a live dj throughout the cruise trip. Enjoy this ultimate trip equipped with unlimited soft drinks, juices, snacks, and free WIFI on board.

Contact: 076-390577

Simon CabaretA spectacular musical show performed by “Ladyboys”, the Simon Cabaret show is something you are unlikely to have seen before. The biggest transvestite show in Phuket, the Simon Cabaret show will stun you with extravagant costumes, bright lights, and its excellent sounds system.

Contact: 076-342011

Upside Down HouseFor the opportunity to take extraordinary photos, the Upside Down House is an attraction that you would not want to miss. Unlike anything you typ-ically see, the three storey house is designed and built to give you the impression that you are upside down. You will literally be walking on the ceiling with all the furniture hanging above you!

Contact: 084-4565279

Tiger Kingdom

It is not everyday that you get to interact and take pictures with live tigers. Tiger Kingdom provides this opportunity and let you spend 10-15 minutes with real tigers. The proceeds from tourist visits are mainly directed to investments in captive bleed-ing of tigers and help alleviate tiger extinction in Thailand. With over 60 tigers, you can choose to play with baby cubs or go face-to-face with fully grown tigers.

Contact: 076-527662

Phuket Fantasea

Witness the breathtaking theatrical show that showcases Thailand’s myths, mysteries, and magic through extravagant special effects and sound systems. Packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment: a carnival games village, handi-crafts and shopping, and a 4000-seat theme restau-rant; a visit to Phuket Fantasea will surely delight the whole family.

Contact: 076-385000

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 8

Top “Hidden”BeachesFreedom Beach

Although it is the least accessible beach in Phuket, Freedom Beach is a good choice for those who enjoys exclusivity and wants to relax away from the crowds. The 300 meters beach is set in a bay dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by hills covered by thick jungles. Beach soccer, snorkeling, and vol-leyball are also activities available for those bored of sunbathing. The easiest method to get to Freedom Beach is through hiring long tail boats parked at the jetty at the southern end of Patong Beach. Price is around 1,100-1,500 Thai Baht depending on negotiation (round trip). It takes approximately 10 minutes to get to the beach.

Banana Beach

Not known to many people, Banana beach is the closest thing to a “hidden beach” in Phuket. The beach is 180 meters long and features crystal clear water. This beautiful beach can be found along Phuket’s west coast between Naithon and Bang Tao beaches. Enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing, and fresh seafood served by a single restaurant on the beach.

Paradise BeachWith a great view right across Patong Bay, Paradise beach is another attractive and convenient beach to visit. The 150 meters long beach features shade-giving palm trees and coral reefs around 100 meters out. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. The beach is situated about five kilometers southwest of Patong.

Naiharn BeachThis beautiful beach is rarely crowded and offers a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. The beach itself is large with thin soft sand and clear blue water. The beach also has all the food, shops, and activities you need for a great day out. The beach is located south of Kata Noi Beach and north of Promthep Cape.

Laem Singh BeachThis 150 meters of beautiful beach is situated under a steep promontory, as its name suggests, ‘Laem’ in Thai meaning cape. Nestled in a hidden bay surrounded by palm trees, it has a feeling of a secret beach. While the beach used to fairly quiet, its beauty has attracted tourists and it can now get fairly busy in the high season. Yet, despite the rise in tourism, the beach is still very beautiful.

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com.

For the best Phuket hotel deals, go to: www.thavornbeachvillage.com and www.thavornpalmbeach.com. 10

References...Catch Beach Club. www.catchbeachclub.com

Escape Hunt. The Escape Hunt Experience Phuket. phuket.escapehunt.comFlying Hanuman. www.flyinnghanuman.com

Michaels, L. Top Ten Phuket Beaches. http://www.intophuket.com/top-ten-phuket-beaches/

Phuket.net. Phuket Car Rentals and Car Hire. http://www.phuket.net/visit-phuket/about/tips/getting-around/car-rental/

Phuket.com. Phuket Restaurants and Dining Guide. http://www.phuket.com/dining/

Phuket.com. Phuket Night Entertainment. www.phuket.com/nightlife/

Phuket Picture. Do’s and Don’ts in Phuket Thailand. http://www.phuketpicture.com/dosdonts.php

Phuket Travel Secrets. Upside Down House & Maze in Phuket. www.phuket-travel-secrets.com

Phuket.com Phuket Island Thailand. www.phuket.com/island

Rollerball. Zorbing at Rollerball. www.rollerball.co

Siam Supper Club. www.siamsupperclub.com

Surf House Phuket. www.surfhousephuket.com

Wiens, M. Local Street Food. http://www.eatingthaifood.com/phuket-restaurants/

Wat Chalong. www.wat-chalong-phuket.com