May
15
2010
Well, it’s been 23 days since my arrival in this beautiful country called Thailand …Since then I have had the opportunity to visit incredible places, and when I say incredible I really mean exactly this. Obviously all the amazing beaches and nearby islands you can visit in this island are the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. They are like a perfect and harmonious set of sun, sand, sea, flora and fauna. I am not going to tell you anything more about these beauties because we already described the scenery earlier in this blog.
But come on, the beaches are not the only striking attractions in this place, I must also mention its fascinating culture, which comes from their religion and their customs. If you are surrounded by these people you can really feel the deep respect and a friendly atmosphere, something really nice. About the typical Thai food I cannot say much except that Thai people really love spicy food. I can only mention that it’s not my favorite type, but that’s not a problem here, as you can choose from a wide variety of food. You will find a great and huge choice of restaurants to visit, from Japanese to Italian. If you really want to try something totally hot like traditional Thai food, you can enjoy it at local small food vendors which are everywhere on each street.
On the other hand something that has really caught my attention here is how important religion is. Here it is not only a choice of belief it is really a lifestyle. Every day early in the morning you can see the monks from their respective temples walking in different directions in order to collect food and other offerings off Thai people. The only things which they can not accept are monetary offerings.
The temples are really beautiful places, designed from the largest to the smallest detail. The last time I went with my friends to visit the Wat Suwan Khiri Khet in Karon, which was really unusual because the whole altar is surrounded by giant snakes, all were very colorful. Additional to the amazing temple, there were really nice people who offered drinks and fresh fruit at the end of our visit, which is definitely an experience to remember.
But don’t think we have always leisure time, still the main reason for my stay here is my internship at the Thavorn Grand Plaza hotel. So in my workdays I have to train professionally with the help of all my colleagues (I have to note that in our office there is a real mix of nationalities). I honestly find this whole experience is really nice and it is a pleasure to work at this hotel in this community with all these people!
I hope I am not alone with my opinion, because there are no words to describe this wonderful place. So hopefully we can meet during the next months here in Phuket … LA PERLA DEL SUR!
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
15
2010
Sunday, May 2nd, my mother arrived at Phuket airport to visit me and to enjoy a holiday in Phuket. I rented a car with my boyfriend to make the best of the week with my Mum. The first night we went to eat in Kata Beach at a seafood restaurant. Kata is a lively resort with many shops, restaurants and bars. The next two evenings, we went out for dinner in new places. On Monday, we dined at Fantasea (near Kamala beach) and then enjoyed the fabulous spectacle of acrobats, performance with elephants … Tuesday evening we had dinner in a restaurant located on a view point, between Kata Beach and Nai Harn Beach. We ate very well for less than 20 € for 3 people.
Wednesday was a public holiday in Thailand, so we went to go and view the Big Buddha, located near Chalong. The Big Buddha in Phuket is the largest in Thailand. There is also a magnificent view of the southern island. There were renovations to the Buddha when we visited, but it was still very impressive.
Then,in less than 15 minutes we went to Wat Chalong, the most important temple in Phuket. It is truly a magnificent temple, one can see people praying, monks and of course some tourists.
We then spent the afternoon in Nai Harn Beach, a beautiful beach located at the southern tip of the island of Phuket. That night we dined in a seafood restaurant in Nai Yang beach, a wide beach north of the island, 5 minutes from the airport. On Thursday evening, after an intense and interesting day of work, we went for dinner at Surin beach in a small cozy restaurant with very nice staff. The next day, I had a day off to enjoy a bit more time with my Mum. We were in the center of the island to do an elephant trekking tour, followed by a visit to the beach of Kamala. Then we went shopping to the Jungceylon Centre in Patong and Central Festival near to Phuket Town.
On Saturday, after my work day, we went in the car to the weekend Market. The market is 10 minutes from downtown Phuket and is a great place to visit. You can find everything from souvenirs, clothes to very good food …
On Sunday morning,my mom, my boyfriend, a friend and me went to Krabi. Krabi is a province located in the northeast of Phuket. We paid 3 euros for 3 hours by bus, which is really cheap. Then we took a boat to Railey beach, a peninsula located about a half hour from the city of Krabi. We stayed two days on this beautiful beach. On Tuesday my mother returned to France.
This week, we (students) are in charge of various projects, such as the establishment of the backpackers bar upstairs in the social area on the 4th floor and the restructuring of the reception… So stay tuned!!!
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
14
2010
The business hours for most offices in Phuket are between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that opening hours are subject to change on and around public holidays. Generally speaking, banks in Phuket are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm, although a number of small branches in shopping centres and department stores such as Robinsons in Phuket Town, stay open as late as 8pm. Post Offices in Phuket are generally open between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday with some branches opening from 9am till noon on Saturdays. Many convenience stores such as Big One, Family Mart and 7 11 are open from 7.30am till 10pm, 7 days a week with stores in Phuket Town and the busier resorts opening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The larger retail outlets including Tesco Lotus, Big C, Central Festival and Index living Mall are generally open 7 days a week between the hours 10.30am and 9pm.
Banks/Currency Exchange/ATM
It is common for people to worry about how they will access their money when on holiday and whether they will be able to find a bank or ATM. Be assured that this is not a problem in Phuket, and the island has many facilities for you to get at your money and many ways to help you spend it. Generally speaking, Banks in Phuket are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm, although a number of small branches in shopping centres and department stalls stay open as late as 8pm. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted by all banks and local stores. ATMs are also very easy to find, especially in Phuket Town and the major resorts such as Patong, Karon and Kata. Most banks and currency exchange kiosks have an ATM accessible 24 hours a day and nearly all 7-Eleven convenience stores have an ATM outside at the front of the store.
ATMs are the easiest way to obtain local currency and to get the most advantageous rates. Most places only charge a nominal handling fee, so if you withdraw large amounts you will minimise any transaction fee from your own bank and help your money stretch that little bit further. All ATMs in Phuket have an option to display in different Languages including English and German, so it is very easy to check your details and make sure you are withdrawing the correct amount.
Currency Exchange Kiosks are operated by the major banks in Thailand and can be used to cash travellers cheques or exchange foreign currency. Most kiosks open seven days a week between the hours of 8am and 8pm. Hotels will also exchange foreign currency, but should be avoided if possible as they will usually offer lower rates than the banks.
Banks In Phuket
-
Bangkok Bank
- 147 Rat-U-Thit Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 076 344906/9 - 22 Phang-nga Road
Phuket Town
Phuket 83000
Phone 076 211292/5 - 142 Thepkarasattri Road
Phuket Town
Phuket 83000
Phone 076 223076/8
- 147 Rat-U-Thit Road
Sub-branches in Central Festival and Tesco Lotus in Phuket Town.
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Bank of Asia
- 110 Thaweewong Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 076 340142
(member of ABN-Amro) - 206 Phuket Road
Phuket Town
Phuket 83000
Phone 076 214901 or 211566
(member of ABN-Amro)
- 110 Thaweewong Road
-
Bank of Ayudhya
- 145 Rat-U-Thit Rd
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 076 340809 or 340810
- 145 Rat-U-Thit Rd
Sub-branches in; Central Festival, Index Living Mall in Phuket Town, Jungceylon in Patong,
-
Siam Commercial Bank
- 83, Thaweewong Rd
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 076 321467 or 321469 -
Unit 21, Canal Village
Laguna Phuket
Cherngtalay
Phuket 83110
Phone 325514 or 325515
- 83, Thaweewong Rd
(Sub Branch) Patak Road, Karon (076) 286503-4
(Sub Branch) Patak Road, Kata (076) 333593-4
(Sub Branch) Kamala (076)27-9227-8
Sub-branches also in; Central Festival, Big C, Tesco Lotus in Phuket Town, Jungceylon in Patong, Karon and Kamala Beaches.
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Thai Farmers Bank
- 133/1-4 Rat-U-Thit Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 340447 or 340449
- 133/1-4 Rat-U-Thit Road
-
Krung Thai Bank
- 90-96 Rat-U-Thit Road
Patong Beach
Phuket 83150
Phone 076 344301 or 344302 - 6 Rasada Road
Phuket Town
Phuket 83000
Phone 076 214101
- 90-96 Rat-U-Thit Road
- Siam City Bank
- 33/124 Patak Road
Karon Beach
Phuket 83130
Phone 076 396980/1 or 396095
- 33/124 Patak Road
- Kasikorn Bank
- 133,133/1-4 Rat Uthit 200 Year.Rd. Patong Kathu, Phuket 83150
- 14 Phangnga Rd. Talat Yai, Phuket 83000
- 39/2 Chana Charoen Rd Talat Yai,Phuket 83000
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
10
2010
Muay Thai Boxing is a popular form of martial art and is similar to other forms of kick boxing, although is often referred to as the ‘art of the 8 limbs’ as fighters use punches, kicks, elbows and knees to strike an opponent. Muay Thai is the No1 traditional sport in Thailand and is also an important part of the Thai culture. Local fights are aired weekly on TV. These fights are even more thrilling when experienced live in one of the two most popular Thai boxing stadiums in Thailand, Rajadamnern or Lumpinee Stadium, both located in Bangkok.
You can also witness the intense passion and drama of Thailand’s national sport here in Phuket, where you can be amidst the crowds of onlookers whose cheers blend with the strains of high-pitched Javanese clarinets, drums and finger cymbals that accompany the fights from beginning to end. Tourists all over Phuket come together to see the spectacular fights at the Patong Beach area stadiums on Soi Sai Namyen or on Bangla Road, which are held nightly.
Training, Traditions and Ceremonies
Muay Thai is demanding on the body, mind and soul and therefore training is heavily focused on body conditioning as well as mental preparation for combat in the ring.
A training session will include activities designed to get the body in peak physical condition such as shadowboxing, running, skipping, abs workouts, weight resistance exercises, medicine ball, and weight training. Fighting training will include combat moves on Thai pads, focus mitts and heavy bag. Once in the ring, students will spar with their trainer and other students, practicing the key methods of attack using punches, kicks, elbows and knees.
The relationship between the Thai Boxer and his teacher consists of a special bond and the teacher is always held in high esteem. This relationship is particularly expressed during the so called “Ram Muay” dance, an aesthetic ritual, performed with a series of gestures and movements in rhythm to the ringside musical accompaniment. With the ceremonies complete, the fight begins.
The Fight
Each fight consists of five rounds lasting three minutes. Music is accompanying the fight, rising and falling as the boxers battle it out. All parts of the body can be considered a target and a fighter can use most parts of the body as a weapon, but is not allowed to strike an opponent with the head.
Punching and kicking are considered the weakest of all blows and are used more as a way to weaken the opponent. You can expect to see a range of attacks including uppercut and cobra punches, roundhouse, diagonal, spinning heal kicks, elbow blows such as horizontal attack and uppercut, knee hooks, bombs and slap. Most of the fights end with an elbow or knee strike to the opponents’ stomach or head.
History of Muay Thai
The origins of this martial art and sport are claimed to stretch back to the wars with the Burmese during the 15th century. What was once an actual fighting technique for warfare soon became a spectator sport and an integral part of the Thai culture.
The sport has changed a lot from its original days as a bare-knuckle, no holds barred fighting contest. Many changes have been initiated to make the sport safer in a bid to reduce the incidence of death and injury. But Thai boxing is still a violent contact sport and considered by many as the ultimate in unarmed combat. Demonstrations of Muay Thai are held in many of the tourist areas but they are mostly for show.
List of Thai Boxing Camps in Phuket
Tiger Muay Thai | www.tigermuaythai.com
Tiger Muay Thai is Located in the Chalong highlands to the south of the island and is Thailand’s no.1 Muay Thai, Thai Boxing, Fitness and MMA training camp. Located in idyllic mountain top surroundings of coconut palms, banana trees and tropical forest, students can focus on their training and take part in programmes running from beginner level right up to professional fighter.
Sinbi Muay Thai | www.sinbi-muaythai.com
Dragon Muay Thai | www.muaythaidragon.com
Patong Boxing Gym TrainingCamp | Patong Boxing Gym Training Camp
Lion Muay Thai Gym & Training Center | www.lionmuaythai.com
Suwit Muay Thai | www.bestmuaythai.com
Rawai Muay Thai Boxing Camp | www.rawaimuaythai.com
Promthep Muay Thai Camp | www.thailandmuaythai.com
Popularity: 2% [?]
May
10
2010
Gay Scene
The Gay Scene can be found around the Royal Paradise hotel in Patong and takes place at a small side road of the famous Rat-U-Thit Road. From Soi Bangla it is only about 300 meters walk. Should you consider staying overnight at a gay hotel, this is the place to be. There are not only Gay Hotels in this area, but also Gay Bars, clubs and a discotheque with two shows per evening. The gay community is very strong around the paradise complex and is becoming an upward trend.
Simon Cabaret
One of the highlights while coming to Patong and a must see is of course the Simon Cabaret show, which is probably the biggest and most famous Transvestite-Show in Phuket. Here you can enjoy professional dancing, music and singing. The main attractions are the ladyboys, which the Simon Cabaret show is most famous for. Performing a glitzy, glamorous and highly professional show you won’t be able to tell the difference between those beauties which are a lady or a man.
Phuket Fantasea
Another very entertaining possibility is the Phuket Fantasea, a show with a touch of Las Vegas. With acrobatics, spectacular fireworks, air ballet, special effects and disappearing elephants, the whole show is a mixture of visual effects and elements of Thai tradition. The fantasea show is located in kamala a 20 minutes ride from Patong. You can either purchase tickets only for the show or for both show and buffet. Phuket Fantasea is a suitable for the whole family.
Mini Golf
The Dino Park is located half way between Kata Beach and Karon Beach and it is a perfect experience for a family excursion. The dinosaurs appear very real and the fake volcano spits fire and smoke. Furthermore the dino park provides a bar and a restaurant where you will be served one of the best burgers in the area.
Tel: 076-330625
Go-Karts
Push the gas pedal to the limit and enjoy the race track in Kathu, close to Patong.
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
8
2010
Phromthep Cape
Located at the southwestern corner of Phuket is Phromthep Cape, just to the south of Naiharn beach and just to the west of Rawai beach. One of the most special attractions about this place is that if you climb up the steps you’ll find a great view, along with an elephant shrine. Beyond the shrine is an odd looking lighthouse, built in 1996 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Big Buddha (Ko Nakkerd)
This 45-metre tall image can easily be noticed from most locations in South Phuket. Follow the red signs along Chao Fa West Road and turn down the road with the red arrow and a Buddha sign. Near the top there is a restaurant with breezy views over Karon and the Andaman Sea. If you choose to enter into or to participate in any ceremonies in the shrine please remember that beachwear is not recommend but more formal attire. There is not only a Big Buddha image but also another smaller, golden one and a large bronze bell with a wooden clapper.
Khao Rang Hill (Town)
Rang Hill Fitness Park, located at the top of Khao Rang off Mae Luan Rd, is a nice shady area to go jogging, or to simply sit and relax under the large, old-growth trees and let the wind blow on your face. An interesting part for those who like to study a bit about Phuket’s history, the hilltop features a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit – the first Governor of Phuket.
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
8
2010
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is approximately 50 minutes away from Phuket by speedboat. It is open to visitors all year round. There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The larger and inhabited, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores. Loh Sama and Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh are the location for the Hollywood film ‘The Beach’.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga is a province located north of Phuket, approximately 45-minute by car. The Phang Nga Bay National park is a popular excursion from Phuket, with scenic views of literally hundreds of limestone cliffs rising over the sea. You can also explore the sea caves and their interior lagoons (knows as hong) by sea canoe and tour James Bond Island (Khao Phingkan) famous for providing the backdrop to the movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. While exploring this stuning national park you will also experience the sea gypsies’ way of life and enjoy lunch on Ko Pannyi.
Similan Island
The Similan Islanda are located approximately 100 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Consisting of nine small islands that form the group, these are, running from north to south: Koh Ba Ngu (No. 9), Similan (No. 8), Payu (No. 7), Miang (No. 4, No. 5 and, in some opinion, No. 6), Payan (No. 3), Payang (No. 2), and Hu Yong (No. 1). Hin Pousar, or “Elephant Head Rock”, is alternatively designated No. 6 by some. Koh Bon, lying 17 nautical miles north of Ba Ngu, is part of the Similan National Park and may be granted honorary status as No. 10. Diving is the main attraction of these islands. Huge granite boulders, caverns and swim-throughs produce a fascinating underwater landscape which attracts a huge variety of marine life, from tiny creatures to great Manta Rays. Water clarity is excellent and the scenery varies with each island. It ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Khao Lak & Khao Sok
Located in the mainland province of Phang Nga, just north of Phuket Island, Khao Lak is a relative newcomer to tourism. Khao Lak and Khao Sok, offers beaches, jungle covered mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. The area covers 3 national parks, which include long stretches of sandy beach fringed by the surrounding mountains, mangroves, estuaries and tropical forest.
Krabi
Krabi offers idyllic beaches, islands, amazing limestone scenery, tropical forest, National Parks and amazing, crystal clear waters. In the interior, the two predominantly mainland national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bokk-horani, offer eco tours and elephant trekking, waterfalls, the chance to explore unusual caves, or go trekking off the beaten track.
Coral Island
Coral island, which is also known as Koh Hae, is located nine kilometres southeast of Phuket. The island features two main beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach. The snorkelling off Banana Beach is exciting and if you go out far enough from Long Beach you will also discover lots of impressive coral reef.
Racha Island
Racha or Raya Island is about 12 km south of Phuket. It is a well-known and popular destination for diving and snorkelling daytrips. Racha Yai reveals itself in splendid fashion, with most arrivals landing onto a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long, U-shaped main bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Ao Siam which is another large bay is a pretty place where lonely strolls in solitude are possible. Racha Noi is uninhabited and has no services or accommodation, but there’s some great diving in the area.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are located about 60 km off the west coast of Phang-Nga Province and are very popular for diving, snorkelling and hiking in a stunning setting that is designated a national park area. It consists of five islands that make up the group, Koh Surin Neua (north island) and Koh Surin Tai (south island) are the principal islands – lying just across a small bay from each other, offering some basic bungalow style accommodation and camping grounds for those who are looking to stay overnight. Surin Islands are best visited during the months of December to March when the seas are at their most calm, and for divers and snorkelers, water visibility is good. To get to Surin Islands, you could charter a boat from any of the major piers in any of Phang-Nga, Phuket or Ranong provinces.
Popularity: 2% [?]
May
8
2010
Thalang National Museum
Phuket’s national museum contains ancient artifacts of Phuket’s long history and exhibits the famous Battle of Thalang where the Two Heroines defended the island against the Burmese in the 18th century. The museum also exhibits the tin mining history, the indigenous Sea Gypsy culture and the island’s Chinese heritage.
Opening time: Daily except holidays 8:30am-4pm.
Location: Just East of the Heroines’ Monument on Pa Khlok Rd, north of Phuket City
Tel: 076-311025, 076-311426
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
The Sea Shell Museum contains some of the most valuable seashells from all over the world. Many are among the most sought-after by collectors and are from Phuket and Thai waters. In addition there are also some rarities and odd shells including the world’s largest golden pearl (140 karats) large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils that represent the earth’s earliest life-forms, and a shell weighing in at 250 kilograms!
Opening time: Daily from 8am-6pm.
Location: 12/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, just south of Chalong Bay
Tel: 076-381266 or 076-381274
Thavorn Hotel Lobby Museum
Thavorn Hotel has a wide collection of artifacts and photos of Phuket as well as photos of the Thai royalty, traditional Chinese wedding hats, tin mining equipment, toy trains, opium smoking beds, pillows, and movie posters which all gathered by the Chinese-Thai family who run the Thavorn group.
Opening time: Daily, 24 hours
Location: Thavorn Hotel, 74 Rassada Rd, Phuket City
Tel: 076-211333-5, 076-211339
Phuket Rare Stones Museum
Phuket Rare Stones Museum is all about a brief look at all the stones. Then simply select 5-6 of the one’s you find most interesting to study in more detail, as each stone can conjure up a different picture in each person’s imagination.
Opening time: Daily 09:00-18:00 hrs.
Location: 58/34 Thepkasatree Rd., Km.5 (about 700 meters from Super Cheap Store),
Tel: 076-238451-2
Phuket Zoo
Visiting Phuket Zoo could be one of your most enjoyable trips in Phuket. With the lush tropical gardens that invite you to walk around in the shade of giant trees, cross over the bridges onto islands containing all kinds of strange animals.
Daily Shows
Monkey Shows: 09.00, 12.00, 14.30 and 16.45 hrs.
Crocodile Shows: 09.45, 12.45, 15.15 and 17.30 hrs.
Elephant Shows: 10.30, 13.30 and 16.00 hrs.
Opening time: Daily 08:30-18:00 hrs.
Location: 23/2 Moo.3, Soi Palai,Chaofah Rd., Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: 076-374424
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
8
2010
SPAs provide lifestyle improvement and health enhancements for guests through professionally administered spa services, specially designed to provide the guest with maximum comfort and relaxation. They can also be used for medical treatment and healing purposes. Below please find some SPA recommendations and brief information about each SPA:
Six Senses Spa – Rawai Beach
The spa has lofty views out over the sea and offers healing programs via a comprehensive menu of signature treatments and specialist practitioner programmes for holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty.
The Royal Spa – Phuket City
The Royal Spa & Health Club situated on 4,800 sqm. of land in downtown Phuket and set in the lush hills of well-known landmark Kao Rang’ in a tranquil natural area. The Royal Spa’s architecture is a combination of traditional Thai arts and contemporary designs.
Banyan Tree Spa – Banyan Tree Resort – Cherng Talay
The spa is beautifully designed in back marble and elegant fittings throughout and features air-conditioned and ‘open-sided’ treatment rooms. There are countless treatment-and-massage combinations available and you are guaranteed absolute top-quality therapists at the Banyan Tree.
Angsana Spa – Laguna Phuket Resort – Cherng Talay
Guests can enjoy their treatments in serene open-air pavilions or in the cool air-conditioned comfort of indoor treatment rooms. Each location features individual treatment rooms or pavilions so that guests can enjoy complete privacy and personal service.
Twin Palms Spa – Twin Palms Resort – Surin
With a real sense of privacy, luxury and exclusivity, Palm Spa takes a holistic approach to your wellbeing, combining ancient Eastern therapies with the latest Western techniques to encompass mind, body and spirit.
Nakalay Spa – Thavorn Beach Village & Spa –Patong
The traditional Thai design incorporating arched roofs, open ceilings, polished teak wood, flowers, inviting furnishings and tasteful artifacts both emphasize and personify the serenity of body mind and soul about to befall you.
Popularity: 1% [?]
May
8
2010
Elephant Trekking
Elephant trekking can be a memorable experience not to be missed during your stay in Phuket, especially for children. Places such as the Chalong Highlands to the south of the island as well as Khao Lak and Khao Sok offer Elephant trekking and you can ride on an elephant along a trail through jungle and rubber plantations. For most of the time, elephant treks will also involve a ride on bamboo rafts or buffalo cart as well. There is also usually an elephant show in which trained elephants perform various tasks such performing in the circus.
Bungy Jump
If you are a thrill seeking, extreme sport enthusiast or just looking for something to take you out of your comfort zone, then this is the perfect activity for you. Here you can jump from 50 metres over the green-blue water of the Jungle Lagoon at the Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu. It is located on the main road leading out of Patong to Phuket Town near the major intersection at Kathu. Set over a picturesque pond, formerly an old tin mining site, it has now been transformed into a safe location for experiencing big-time thrills. The jump site is the only licensed one in Thailand and the only insured site in Asia.
Go Karts
Located on the main road in Kathu between Patong Beach and Phuket City. The Patong Go-kart Speedway is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Pit your driving skills on a challenging racing track. Single and double karts plus helmets are available and there’s floodlighting for evening races. The track has a car park, restaurant and seating area for spectators.
Rock Climbing and Abseiling
Only a few hours away from Phuket are some of the most challenging and beautiful climbing sites in the world, attracting both novice and hard core climbers. Most of the action is on the towering limestone rocks in the headland between Tham Phra Nang (Phra Nang Cave Beach) and Railay East beach in Krabi. Get there by bus (about 2.5 hours from Phuket to Krabi Town, then a long-tail boat ride from either the pier at Krabi Town or from Ao Nang Beach). Phuket has also climbing wall, located at Quest Laguna Phuket, which offers instruction in climbing and abseiling techniques for people of all ages and experience.
Phuket Aquarium
Phuket Aquarium is located at the tip of Cape Panwa and it was created with the purpose of increase the understanding about Thailand’s marine and coastal environment. At the aquarium, it offers a nice and quiet air-conditioned venue to spend an afternoon. When you enter the bar & souvenirs shop area, look for the stairs located on the left of the terrace, they will lead you to a path near the sea which will bring you to the sea turtle’s ponds. Babies and adult turtles are being taken care of there.
Phuket Shooting Range
This is the first shooting range in Phuket. Offering variety of courses such as indoor accuracy training, outdoor combat courses. The Phuket Shooting Range is fully equipped with a variety of firearms and bullet sizes to suit all your Hollywood desires with a wide selection of guns such as pistols or revolvers, rifles or shotguns. This is a sport where one can physically measure progress towards that ultimate aim, a field in which perfection of equipment and self are essential to reach the top.
Fitness
If relaxing by the beach all day is not energetic enough for you, then you may be in need of some physical training. Fortunately, there are a number of fitness centres and gyms on the Island to meet your needs, and it’s an ideal way to make sure you keep in shape while spending your holiday on Phuket’s beautiful shores. The facilities are modern and have well maintained equipment, as well as all the ancillary services (juice bars, saunas, locker rooms) that take the pain out of the gain.
Fitness centre in Patong beach
Tailife Health and Fitness
Open daily from 8:00 – 23:00
Soi Sunset, Patong Beach
Get your training on some of the most hi-tech total fitness machines you can find in Thailand, bask by the pool, take a dip, grab a snack or coffee and even get a massage, sauna or steam room. Do as much or as little as you want before showering up and getting ready for dinner and a night on the town in the liveliest resort in Phuket.
Phuket Gym Patong
Open Daily from 8:00 to 22:00
103 Sainamyen Road, Patong Beach (near Patong City Hotel)
Tel: (66 76) 341 804
Aerobic classes every Afternoon. English speaking trainers.
A large selection of fitness equipment including Treadmills, bikes and steppers, all in excellent condition plus Lockers and Sauna
Blue Dolphin
135/12 Rat-U-Thit Rod
Tel: +66 (0)7 634 1611
Coralia Health Club
Novotel Coralia Phuket Hotel
Tel: +66 (0)7 634 2777; Fax: +66 (0)7 634 2168
Fit Club Phuket
191/1 Rat-U-Thit Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 629 4109
Email: fitclubphuket@yahoo.com
Royal Paradise Fitness Club
135/23 Rat-U-Thit Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 634 0666; Fax: +66 (0)7 634 0565
Email: ryphotel@phuket.ksc.co.th
Fitness centre in Chalong
Ban Wanphum Natural Health Centre
91/13 Soi Yod-Sane Chao Fa West Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 635 2066
Email: info@phukethealthcottage.com
Fitness centre in Kamala
Kamala Gym
73/28 Moo 3 Kamala
Tel. +66 (0)7 638 5621
Kamala View Fitness Centre
68/31 Moo 3 Kamala
Tel: +66 (0)7 638 5621; Fax: +66 (0)7 638 5621
Email: kamalagym@hotmail.com
Fitness centre in Kata Beach
Don’s Gym
57 Ket Kwan Rd
Tel: +66 (0)9 652 2331
Email: donsgym@hotmail.com
Fitness centre in Karon Beach
BodyWize Fitness and Racket Club
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, 29 Soi Karon Nui
Tel: +66 (0) 7 637 0136; Fax: +66 (0) 7 634 0479
Karon View Residence
Soi 18 Patak Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 628 6454, +66 (0)1 263 3965; Fax: +66 (0)7 628 6453
Email: omegageejib@phuketinternet.co.th
Fitness centre in Nai Yang
The Fitness Centre
Crown Nai Yang Suite Hotel
Tel: +66 (0)7 632 7420; Fax: +66 (0)7 632 7323
Email: info@phuket.com/crown-naiyang
Fitness centre in Phuket Town
Club Asia Fitness
3rd Floor, Royal Phuket City Hotel, 154 Phang-Nga Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 635 4027, +66 (0)7 623 3333 Ext 3811; Fax: +66 (0)7 623 3335
Email: hotel@royalphuketcity.com
Fitness R Us Professional Training
14/1 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd
Tel: +66 (0)9 866 3736; Fax: +66 (0)7 623 8306
Email: jlewis@loxinfo.co.th
Ladies ‘Fit Club’ America
9/4-5 Vichit Songkhram Rd
Tel: +66 (0)7 620 9424; Fax: +66 (0)7 620 9424
Email: Info@FitClubAmerica.com
The Royal Spa and Health Club
367/63 – 64 Yaowarat Rd
Tel: +66(0)7 623 6663, +66 (0)9 874 8365; Fax: +66 (0)7 623 6056
Email: info@theroyalspa.com
Fitness centre in Rawai/Nai Harn
Vita Personal Training
135/37 Moo 4, Patak Villa
Tel: +66 (0)7 628 1382, +66 (0)1 088 0422; Fax: +66 (0)7 628 1382
Email info@vitagroup.net
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