Phuket Info
No other tropical island in southeast Asia gained a worldwide recognition as one of the worlds most outstanding holiday destinations faster than Phuket, also called the “Pearl of the South”.
Phuket, with 540 square kilometers, is Thailand’s biggest island and about the same size as Singapore. Phuket is easily accessible by air (International Airport), land and sea and ideal for a short break or a relaxing vacation.
Phuket’s west coast features white sand beaches and low forested mountains with granite rock formations in between. Phuket has a rich infrastructure and specialized shops for any imaginable daily needs are in easy reach. Phuket town has a diversity of shops and businesses, which is comparable to European standard. From computer shops over web design companies to selected antique and handicrafts – all can be found here. Also much of Phuket’s forest has been cut down to be replaced by rubber plantations and tourism purposes, virgin rain forest and lush vegetation can still be experienced during a visit at the Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most popular beaches in Phuket are Patong, Nai Harn, Kata, Karon, and Kata Noi. From all of these beaches, Kata Noi has still the atmosphere and flair of Phuket’s old days, when it was an insider tip rather than a major tourist destination. You will find cosy beach restaurants and secluded beach areas without the fuzz and buzz of the wide beaches such as Patong.
The Andaman Sea invites for exciting snorkeling and diving adventures, besides the outstanding coral reefs of Phuket itself, the surrounding islands feature some of the most diverse and beautiful marine eco systems in Southeast Asia. Even the famous Phi Phi Islands, which gained fame, as it was the setting for the movie “The Beach”, are in easy reach by boat from Phuket. The Khao Sok National Park, just to the north and east of Phuket, features tropical forest still remote enough to inhabit wild tigers. Many safaris, day trips and overnight tours to national parks and surrounding islands are available.
Phi Phi Insel
48 kilometres Southeast of Phuket, in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea, is the archipelago of Phi Phi Island. At around 7.30 a.m. a mini bus takes you from your hotel to the boat pier, where the voyage for Phi Phi begins. Between 45 minutes and 2 hours later, depending upon the type of the boat, you arrive at the archipelago of Kho Phi Phi. This is a protected natural reserve, formerly researched by the famous aquanaut Jean-Jacques Cousteau. Upon arrival at the larger of the two islands, Phi Phi Don, you board a cruise ship for an unforgettable trip around the fascinating corral reefs.
After the lunch, you can snorkel, swim or just relax on the beach. After this break your speedboat leaves for Phi Phi Lae, famous for it’s swallow cave. High on the steep cliffs, and in the caves, the locals risk their lives to harvest the swallow nests three times a year. A kilogram of this, the basic ingredient for Chinese swallow nest soup, costs approximately 25,000 Baht. Now you can spend about one hour here in the place where all your dreams of the picture-perfect beach can become reality. On the way back to the port of Ao Chalong on Phuket Island fresh fruits and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. A waiting bus brings you back to the hotel by approx. 5 p.m.
Phang Nga Kanu Tour
The most interesting and fascinating way to experience the sea around Phang Nga Bay up close is a canoe tour. At approx. 8 a.m. we will take you from the hotel in an air-conditioned bus to the boat jetty on the north end of Phuket. From there you go in the escort boat along the coastline to the Phang Nga Bay archipelago.
Upon arrival you will be fitted with life jackets, and the staff will paddle you. – Now, you venture on into the fascinating and amazing world of the grottoes, caves, and islands of Phang Nga Bay National Park. You will experience unforgettable hours of canoeing in this wonderland. We’ll have you back in your hotel around 5 p.m. Meals and soft drinks are included, of course.
Big game fishing
The not always calm tropical waters around Phuket Island are famous for truly great “Big Game Fishing”. Early in the morning we take you from the hotel to the fishing boat, and the fun begins. You don’t have to be a pro, because sometimes the beginners catch the biggest fish!
And of course, the boat offers total relaxation. On board, the soft drinks and meals are free. The tour also includes ALL fishing equipment and bait.
Phang Nga, James Bond island
In the morning your bus takes you north, past plantations and temples, as we say goodbye to Phuket Island. Now its over the Japanese built Sarasin Bridge, the only one connecting the island to the mainland, on to Phang Nga province. After approaching the boat jetty you board one of the so-called Longtail-Boats. While passing the mangrove forests you dive into a totally unique landscape.
As the trip continues you pass bizarre rock formations, grottoes, and limestone caves (Tam Lod), like nothing you have ever seen before. You finally reach the famous “JAMES BOND” Island or Kao Tapoo, named after the famous 007-film “The man with the golden Gun”. Next you carry on to lunch at a Muslim sea-gypsy village, Ko Pan Yee, built on stakes in the sea. If time permits, and only with this tour, we’ll see the famous Monkey Cave (Wat Suwankuha) with its oversized laying golden Buddha Statue, a diamond grinding factory, and a cashew nut factory.
Simon Cabaret
The absolute highlight of a vacation evening is a visit to the Simon Cabaret Show. This is a world-famous transvestite theatre, unique in the world, with more than 120 actors. And there is no comparison with the too often copied tingel-tangel sex shows in the various bars. Let you be seduced into the world of the theatre, and enjoy songs and dances from all over the world. The actors will thrill you with fantastic costumes and lovely songs in many different and fascinating scenarios. This is an absolute must for any Thailand visitor who has never seen a performance like this before.
Phuket Fantasea
An entertainment park of the special kind is situated at the Kamala Beach approx. 9 kilometres away from Patong. Here you find the king’s palace, as well as reconstructed temples. There are many small businesses with handicraft art and souvenirs to be seen as you stroll by. Without a doubt, the unique Fantasy-Show is the highlight of the trip. This spectacle is a Las Vegas style show, combined with Thai culture.
There is an elephant circus (with more than 30 elephants!), magicians, acrobats and dancers; as well as pyrotechnic special effects. It is a masterpiece of theatre and show art that guarantees fun and excitement for both younger and older generations.
In the king’s palace is a sumptuous buffet to feast on, with Thai and international specialities that will satisfy even the most delicate palate.
