‘ARYSA’ GUIDE TO PHUKET !!!
Phuket is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Located on the southern most tip of Thailand, the island jewel has more than 20 scenic white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and colour reefs rich with sea life. Phuket also features green tropical jungles, spectacular views, limestone cliffs, cool waterfalls and dozens of lush neighbouring islands. Here you will find all the information you need to plan your dream vacation (or relocation!) to beautiful Phuket.
Phuket information |
Phuket is an island on the southwest side of Thailand in the Andaman Sea (which is in the Indian Ocean) lying between 7' 45" and 8' 15" north latitude and from 98' 15" to 98' 40" west longitude. 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration with a total area of 570 square kilometres surround Thailand's largest island, Phuket. Phuket measures 21.3 kilometres at its widest point and 48.7 kilometres at its longest. It is bounded thus: Since the early 1980's the tourist business has been Phuket's chief source of income. Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and souvenir shops are much in evidence on the west coast. However, while the once all-important tin mining has ceased, tourism is by no means the island's only activity. Agriculture remains important to a large number of people and covers by far the largest portion of the island. Principal crops are rubber, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. Prawn farming has largely taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming is also important. Phuket's fishing port is at all times filled. Processing of marine products, mainly fish, makes a significant contribution to the economy. With so many healthy industries supplying income, construction has become a major factor in employment. This ranges from massive public works projects, large office buildings, hotels and housing estates with hundreds of units down to single family homes, apartments and room additions. |
Interesting Places in and around Phuket |
Phuket is the gem of the Andaman Sea with golden-sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and coral reefs rich with sea life. Surrounded by 32 smaller islands, all close enough to visit on a 1-day cruise, Phuket is a Mecca for diving, snorkelling and sun bathing. Experienced and novice divers can enjoy a variety of underwater landscapes with professional guides throughout the year where the water temperature always hovers at around +30 degrees centigrade (86 Fahrenheit). For land-lovers, there are also many sights from which to choose. The island hosts spectacular views from high mountain peaks accented by limestone and lush green jungles. There are also a number of beautiful waterfalls, parks and nature reserves for the outdoor explorer. Butterflies, tropical fish and orchids can also be enjoyed at the local farms and aquariums, while cultural and architectural attractions include Buddhist Temples and Nineteenth Century mansions.In this Guide is a list of some of Phuket’s most interesting places for travellers. Rent a car (or a boat!) for a couple of days and take your time to see all the island has to offer. If you would prefer a tour we can organise everything for you!!! (just ask Daz or Pui) We invite your feedback and questions, and hope to help make your dream trip to our beautiful island paradise a reality! |
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Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga - North east of Phuket -
By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour
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Old Phuket Town
Phuket Town -
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Bangla Road Nightlife
Patong Beach -
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Simon Cabaret Show
Patong Beach -
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Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples
Chalong
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Big Buddha
Chalong -
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Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)
Patong Beach - Rawai -
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Phuket Vegetarian Festivals and other Events
Phuket Town -
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Phuket Viewpoints
Kata - Nai Harn - Panwa -
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Phuket FantaSea Show
Kamala Beach -
YOU COULD ALSO TRY
National Parks & Nature
A rich and fertile tropical interior, rambling elephants, colourful birds, hooting gibbons, shady groves, lotus ponds, fragile mangroves, inspiring views and more. Cast away those big-city worries and explore the island's green bits. National Parks, Waterfalls, Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, Viewpoints, City Parks.Phuket Waterfalls
It's rare to see a Thai family spend a day out on a west coast beach if the sun is shining, so where do they go? The answer is to Phuket's shadier east coast beaches, the parks and the waterfalls. This is where to really cool off and socialize, Thai-style. The three best-known waterfalls in Phuket are Bang Pae, Ton Sai and Kathu Waterfall. Phuket Aquarium
Located are the end of Cape Panwa, the Phuket Aquarium is open having undergone an 81-million-baht renovation. The aquarium's new major attraction, is a new 10-meter-long glass tunnel, a design similar to the popular aquarium in Singapore. Phuket Zoo and Gardens
Phuket Zoo, on Soi Phalai off Chao Fa East Rd, near Chalong, houses a wide variety of species in the animal kingdom, from Monitor lizards to tropical birds, butterflies to camels. Also has crocodile, monkey and elephant shows several times a dayPhuket Golf ( some of the best courses in Asia)
Blue Canyon Country Club
Blue Canyon Country Club, set on 730 acres of land in a secluded valley overlooking Phuket's famous hills, is one of the premier courses in Phuket.Laguna Phuket Golf Club
The Banyan Tree Golf Club is a resort style 18 hole golf course located within the Laguna Phuket development. Situated on the exclusive Bang Tao Bay on the western shore of Phuket Island, this par 71 layout stretches 6,850 yards from the championship tees.Mission Hills Golf Club
Mission Hills has been carved from rubber plantations and sits among Phuket's environmentally-friendly mangroves.Loch Palm Golf Club
Loch Palm Golf Club spreads over a lush, rolling 400 rai (160 acres) hilly plateau. This 18-hole, par 72 course has been masterfully designed to blend beautifully with the natural terrain.Phuket Country Club
Phuket Country Club established in 1989, is the first and one of the finest golf courses built in Phuket, and lies on a reclaimed tin mine site. The stunning beauty and elegance of the course, together with the typical Thai charm and hospitality will make your golfing joyful and memorable.Phunaka Golf Club
Phunaka is a new 9 hole course with driving range and floodlights for golfing in the cooler eveningsUnusual & Funny Things in Phuket
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Beer on the Rocks
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Soft Drinks Served in a Plastic Bag
Just take some iced tea/coffee, add ice cubes and a straw and away you go.
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Soaked Policemen on Songkran Day
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Toilet Paper used as Tissue on Restaurant Tables
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Several People on a Motorbike
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Driving a Bike with an Umbrella
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Abandoned Helmet on the Road
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Gasoline in Whisky Bottles
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Beach Chairs Made of Plastic Blue Pipes
And here it is: Collect the spare plastic plumbing left over from your hotel bathroom construction and build your own sun loungers...
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Bamboo Scaffolders
Indeed, for small Thai companies 'Safety at Work' is by and large still just a 'western concept'...
Getting around Phuket |
Going from Patong to Phuket town only takes about 20 minutes and in less than an hour you can reach just about any point in the island! The main roads in Phuket are generally in good condition. You can find road signs in both English and Thai this to make navigation easy for every body. The roads are limited in Phuket thanks to the High Mountains that is stopping the way. Many times you will be required to drive around the mountain in stead of driving over them.
When you travel in Phuket or other parts of Thailand we recommend that you do drive carefully, the Thais are a kind and smiling people until they get out in the traffic.
In the traffic Thais are never willing to let any one else go first; the traffic is more or less with out working rules and regulations. The best thing to do is follow the flow of the traffic and watch your rear mirrors on both sides. The Thais drive pas other cars on both sides and not like the west world on one and same side! The motorbikes they drive on the side that is simplest at the moment to drive on.
If you are passing a road on foot, there is no one that will stop to let you go over the road. Do be very care full even if it is a marked crosswalk. Most of the Thai people do have driving license, but they get it buy going to the police station and asking for one. The knowledge that is needed to get the license is almost non existing! Thanks to this they do not have any trained skills in driving and regulations.
We do not want to scare you, but we like to show you the traffic as it is so that you can handle it when coming here.
Driving Safety - If you drive in Thailand, try to bear in mind the following:
- Drive slowly. Most accidents happen to drivers travelling in excess of 65 kph on the highway and 30 kph in built up areas; conditions in Phuket rarely warrant going faster. At low speeds, a driver can cope with sudden changes in the traffic situation. Remember, the faster you go, the harder you crash, and the more serious your injuries. Most insurance policies do not cover injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.
- As a matter of practical etiquette, larger vehicles have right-of-way. This means that, if a dump truck pulls into your lane travelling in the opposite direction because he wants to pass slower traffic, you should pull to the left. Also, at intersections with traffic circles, vehicles in the intersection have right-of-way; you must stop and let them enter your lane.
- Use your rear-view mirrors frequently to monitor the situation behind, and pull to the left for faster vehicles trying to overtake you. Look over your shoulder when changing lanes.
- Motorcyclists should use the left-shoulder motorcycle lane where available, and always wear crash helmets. Watch out for dogs and other animals--if you hit one on a motorcycle, chances are you'll be hurt more than the dog!
- It rains here often, making roads slippery. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists slowing to a stop at intersections. Beware of potholes hiding beneath puddles of water after heavy rains.
- Drive defensively. Put no faith in stop signs, traffic lights, or the rules of the road; honour them yourself, but don't be surprised when others don't. Fasten your seatbelts where provided.
- Don't allow yourself to become agitated by rude drivers, it's pointless and it only aggravates an already chaotic situation on the roads.
USEFUL PHRASES
Hello (sa-wat dee)For sure this is the word that all tourists need to learn first. It is used for both "hello" and "goodbye"
Thank you (khorb koon)
When you are in Thailand don't forget you are representing your country so please always try to be polite. This is a useful word to say "thank you" if someone gives you something.
How much? (gee baht)
If you are shopping you wil need to ask "how much?" You don't really need to learn "..is this?" or "...is that?" as you can use sign language at the same time
Where is ...? (... yoo tee nai)
I think you will find this phrase very useful. Just point at a place on your map or in your guide book and say "yoo tee nai". Also useful when you are trying to find the right bus to go to Phuket etc.
I don't want (mai ow)
When you are walking down the street or even sitting on the train you will sometimes be approached by vendors who are trying to sell you something. Some of them are very insistent so try this useful phrase.
Sorry (khor toat)
Another useful phrase to help you be polite. Use this when you have to push by someone on the train or you accidentally stepped on their feet.
Can you make it cheaper? (lot noi dai mai)
If you are doing a lot of shopping then try this handy phrase. By speaking a little Thai you might get a better discount.
Delicious (a-roi)
After a delicious meal the cook would love to hear that you found the food delicious. You never know, the next time you go back to the same place she might give you an extra helping
Any other words or Phrase you would like to know just ask Pui (not Daz)
Well we hope this little guide has been helpful to you, if there is anything you still don’t understand or anything that’s not covered (yes there’s lots more) then just ask Darren or Pui and we will do what we can to help.
Services we can help provide include:
· We can organise any Trip for you, Scuba diving , Snorkelling, Fishing etc
· Organise a Taxi or a Driver for the day
· Airport Transfers
· You can Rent a Car or Motorbike from us
· We can make you food from our menu or we can ring in for deliveries **(McDonalds, KFC & Pizza’s all deliver :-)
· Give you directions if we can
· We may even come with you if you want to go to for a night in Patong ( just to show you around obviously ha ha).
Basically we are here at your service and if we can help in any way we will try our best!!!
We hope you have a great stay at Arysa Phuket Resort, and feedback good or bad will be welcome as we are always looking to improve our service.
Sawat dee,
Penchan , Darren & Pui
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