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Directions on where to find good foods, shopping & place of interests
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Page 1 of 14 Chris’ Copyrights @ 2011
Phuket Taxi Metered taxis (Yellow) are new in the last few years. These taxis provide fair non-negotiated fares (400-500฿). "Tuk-tuks" on Phuket are not the three-wheeled vehicles you’ll find in Bangkok, they are small, usually red, Daihatsu & Suzuki trucks. You must negotiate your rate for your destination BEFORE you get in - don't break that rule or you’re subject to extortionate rates. At the Airport: Walk out of the arrivals hall & immediately turn right. Walk about 40-50m. You'll see the metered taxi stand straight ahead with a big sign - difficult to miss it. They’ll charge you a 100฿ "airport tax" that is a legitimate fee. Transportation to everywhere on the island will be cheaper with these taxis & you’re encouraging their growth on the island. Transport to the furthest point on the island should be in the vicinity of 550฿ total. Some recent examples of fares from the airport including the 100฿ "airport tax": To Kamala Bay 350฿; To Karon Beach 450฿; To Patong Beach 500฿. * Prices may vary as petrol prices go up and down. Away from the Airport: Get a business card from your taxi driver - they can often come & get you & take you where you need to go. Tuk-tuk & "limousine" services will often not allow them to pick you up in some locations - & then you must negotiate a rate.
Keep an eye out for posted tuk-tuk & limousine prices to different locations around the island. Do your best to be sure you don't pay more than the legal rate, though at times you’ll need to pay whatever is asked to get where you want to go. If you’re going anywhere remote, it is usually best to negotiate for the taxi or tuk-tuk to return & pick you up at a specified time or to stay with you during your visit there.
Renting A Car If you'd really like to get to know Phuket, renting a car is great idea. A car can get you away form the tourist hoards & out into the countryside & let you see rubber & pineapple plantations, rural villages, dramatic sea & bay views, & much more. You can head up off the island a bit & see deserted and beautiful beaches that are as yet untouched by tourism.
Drive a little slower than you would ordinarily, do the things you would back home & you'll be fine. Common sense is called for when driving in Thailand & Phuket. Keep an eye out for motorcycles, don't do anything suddenly.
Rent your car from a REPUTABLE international company & you'll have NO PROBLEMS with insurance, or police, or if you’ve an accident.
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Now . . . All that said, get out & see the island. Get off the island too. Drive up to Khao Lak (only an hour), over to Krabi (only about 2 1/2hrs) & see just how beautiful the area really is. A car will free you up greatly & you won't have to negotiate with a taxi or limo every time you see something interesting just down the road.
Tour Guides: Name: Mr. John Email: [email protected] Cell Phone: +668-9474-1990 Airport Transfer: 600� Tours:
• Phi Phi Island By Speed Boat - 1600฿/pax • Shopping Tour - 1200฿/2pax • Phuket Town & Culture Tour - 1500฿/pax • Fantasea Show With Dinner & Transfer: 1900฿/pax
Website: http://johnstaxiphuket.homestead.com/index.html Name: Panya Kamman Address: 34/245 M.3 Chaofa Garden Home 5 Phuket 83000 Email: [email protected] Cell Phone: +668-7800-2705 Website: http://www.ppkkservice.com/index.php Name: Mr. Mark Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Address: 17/93 M.6 Phra Phuketkeaw Rd Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand. Call from SG: +668-9728-6900 / +668-4054-7270 Call From Thailand: 0897286900 Airport Transfer To & Fro: 1200฿ (Do ask for discount) Tours:
• Phi Phi/Maya Bay/Khai Island by Speedboat - Good for Swimming/Snorkeling & Sightseeing Tour. It has beautiful beach & crystal clear water. Pick up from hotel about 8.00am & come back hotel 5.00pm.
1. 1400฿/pax [36 people] 2. 1200฿/pax [45-50 people] 3. 1000฿ By Big Boat
Tour includes Lunch/Soft Drink/ Full Equipment/ Professional Guide/Insurance & Transfer from Hotel
• James bond Island - Good for Sea Canoe under the cave, will take you to bad cave Hong Island Panak Island & Swimming
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1. 1300฿/pax [Speedboat] 2. 1000฿/pax [Big Boat] 3. John Gray Sea Canoe Hong By Starlight 3200฿/pax
• Similan Island - Good for Snorkeling but very afar & open just high season
1. 2200฿/pax
• Raya (Racha) Island by Speedboat - Good for Swimming & relax. Beautiful beach & more quiet
1. 1200฿/pax
• Khai Island By Speedboat - Good for Snorkeling a lot of fishes on the beautiful beach & water is not deep, also good for children
1. 1000฿ [Full Day] 2. 700฿ [Half Day]
• Coral Island By Speedboat - Good for Sport Activities It’s a one day tour package
1. 800฿/pax [Full Day] 2. Coral & Banana Boat: 1200฿ 3. Coral & Parasailing: 1200฿ 4. Coral & Sea-Walking: 1600฿ 5. Coral & Diving: 2000฿ 6. 650฿/pax [Half Day] 7. Coral & Banana Boat: 1100฿ 8. Coral & Parasailing: 1100฿ 9. Coral & Sea-Walking: 1400฿ 10. Coral & Diving: 1600฿
• Racha Yai Island 1. 1700฿ [Fishing] 2. 1200฿ [Non Fishing]
• White Water Rafting - Adventure Tour. it’s very fun with your friend or family 1. Just Real Rafting: 900฿ 2. Rafting with Elephant Trek: 1200฿ 3. Rafting with ATV [1hr]: 1700฿ 4. Rafting ATV [1hr] & Elephants [30mins]: 1900฿
• ATV Tour or Buggy 1. 1000฿ [1hr] 2. 1400฿ [2hrs]
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Includes transfer go & fro
• Elephant Trek on Jungle 1. 800฿ [1hr] 2. 600฿ [30mins]
• Fantasea 1. Show with dinner 1900฿/pax 2. Show only 1500฿/pax
Transfer from Mr. Mark no charge (In fact Fantasea charge 300฿/pax)
• Simon Cabaret 1. 700฿/pax [VIP] 2. 600฿/pax [Normal Seat]
With transfer round trip
• Bungee Jump 1. 1450฿/jump
Includes T-Shirt, Transfer & Certificate
• City Tours (e.g. Big Buddha Temple, View Point, Phomtep Cap & Make your activities about Go Kart/ATV/Bungy Jump/Shopping up to your request)
1. Between 800-1200฿/group Name: Mr. Mai Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Name: Mr. Kom Email: [email protected] Airport Transfer: 600฿/way Car Hire: 1400฿/day (8hrs) Tours:
• Airport transfer: 600฿/way • Similan Island: 2500฿/pax • Raya Island + Coral Island: 1200฿/pax • Phi Phi Island: 1400฿/pax
Name: Mr. Sam Email: http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/82819 Name: Mr. Mor Email: http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/82818
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Name: Ms. Tee Email: [email protected] Tel: +666-2816-602 Phi Phi Island The fastest & safety way to Phi Phi Island is by speed boat. Visit Phi Phi Ley which has stunning beautiful bays, Ao Pileh & Ao Lohsama. Stop at Ao Maya for snorkeling & swimming. Visit the "Viking" cave with cave paintings of sail boats, which look similar to Viking ships.
Maya Bay Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by 100m high cliffs on three sides. Inside the bay there are several beaches, most are small & some only exist at low tide. The main one is around 200m long with silky soft white sand, underwater colorful coral & exotic fish in exceptionally clear water; the whole bay is one big reef.
Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the film but now people around the world who haven't even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.
The best time to visit Maya Bay is between November and April during the high season when seas are calm & access to the bay is easy. Rough seas from May - October may hinder access but rarely deny entry.
The bad news; as it's so beautiful & so well known many boats are required to ferry all the visitors in & out. On any given day at any time there will be 30+ speedboats & longtail boats on the beach, with large ferry boats carrying hundreds of snorkelers & sightseers moored in deeper water. Beautiful it is, secluded it isn't – thousands of people visit each day. Try to visit early in the morning or after 5pm & you'll avoid the crowds.
Please note that if you enter the bay on your own there is a National Park entry fee of 200฿. This cost is included in the price of a tour.
* Note: Along Patong beach, you can get around 1100฿ for Phi Phi - Maya – Khai at tour booths (e.g.: Sunny Tour)
Similan Island The Similan Islands have beautiful sandy beaches, smooth granite boulders which tumble down into the sea & emerald water with an abundance of marine life. This group of eight islands lies to the northwest of Phuket, in a national marine park which is only open from November - April. The area contains a rich bio-diversity which includes the largest fish in
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the world, the Whale Shark. The Similan Islands are rated amongst the 10 best diving sites in the world. Speedboats normally leave from Khao Lak, with transfers by road from Phuket. Boats that leave from Phuket tend to be live boards, for diving, snorkeling or fishing trips
Raya (Racha) Island The Racha Islands, also known as the Raya Islands, are among the most visited scuba diving sites in the vicinity of Phuket. The waters surrounding the islands are also a favourite spot for snorkeling. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong, speedboats take about 30mins, while long-tail boats can take up to 1.5hrs.
Coral Island This small island, known as Koh Hae in Thai, is great for day-trips, due to the fact that its only about 20mins by speedboat from Phuket. Coral Island is encircled by reefs & crystal clear water which is perfect for water sports such as para-sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, sailing & scuba diving. If you’re feeling more sedate, the beach is great for working up a tan & there are also several good restaurants. You won't be the only one on the beach, but this is a fun island.
To Bring: • Sun block Lotion (SPF 50 & Waterproof) or Sun Play (SPF130) • For Snorkeling: Disposable Underwater Camera / Waterproof Camera For Your
Digit • Water if going Phi Phi Island as drinks there are expensive • Bread to feed fishes when going Phi Phi Island • Beach towel which you can borrow from hotel • Some money • Small carrying bag
ATV [8.30am – 6pm]
Discover Phuket or Phang Nga by ATV with our four programmes. Follow your guide & explore the countryside along natural tracks & paths through rubber plantations, forests & rivers. Get to know the local forest workers, learn about the environment & discover local plants you never knew existed in this unspoiled environment. These tours allow you to explore Phuket or Phang Nga without the crowds. Small groups with full instruction & helmet included.
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Gun Shooting Range [9am – 6pm]
If you feel like firing off a few rounds, Phuket Shooting Range provides safe but loud facilities. Located near Chalong Circle in the south of the island. There is an incredible array of weapons: AK-47s, M-16s, Colt .45s, Smith & Wesson .38s, 9mms, & .22 magnums. Bulls-eye, human & outdoor falling plate targets are available. Fees depend on the type & number of bullets used. A target, gun, use of the range, bullets, ear protectors, insurance & instruction are included in the price.
Go Kart [9am – 7pm] Phuket has a 750m go-kart track, the Patong Go-kart Speedway, with flood lighting for evening races & a wide range of go-karts. These include high speed super karts, standard single karts, two-seater karts & kids' karts. The track also has a 30-seat round-view restaurant & seating area for spectators. Patong Go-kart Speedway is located over the hill from Patong on the way to Phuket City. Paintball [9am – 6pm] Test your skills & bravery by playing soldiers with gas-powered paint guns & splatter your enemies. There are a number of areas & scenerarios to keep you entertained & coming back for more at Top Gun Paintball, operated by the Phuket Shooting Range. Guns & protective clothing are provided. Thai Cooking Class Take a break from sightseeing or relaxing on the beach and learn how to prepare authentic Thai food so you can impress your family and friends back home. These can range from half day cooking classes to week-long courses. Most include trips to local markets to learn how to select the best ingredients and you will also get the chance to sample lots of delicious Thai food. Classes are offered at the following establishments in Phuket:
• Kangsadaan Cooking School • Mom Tri's Boathouse: http://www.boathousephuket.com/cooking_class.htm • Pat's Home: http://www.phuket.com/thai-cooking/ • Phuket Thai Cookery School: http://phuketdir.com/pktthaicookery/ • The Hideaway School of Thai Cookery
Quite a few hotels also offer courses for their guests as part of their activities programme. Fantasea
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Phuket Fantasea Show: Inspired by Thailand's rich & exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm & beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology & special effects. The result is a stunning 140-acre theme complex, packed with a multitude of activities & entertainment: a Carnival village with games, handicrafts & shopping; a 4,000 seat theme restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai & international cuisines; and a breath-taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show, where state-of-the-art technology & special effects enhance the grace & beauty of Thailand's Myths, Mysteries & Magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight the whole family.
Schedule: • Dinner time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm • Show Gate Opens: 8:30pm • Show Starts: 9:00 pm • Show duration is approximately 1hr 15mins • The client is advised to be at the theatre 20mins before the show starts • Park operates 5:30pm - 11:30pm every day except Thursdays
Simon Cabaret [500฿/pax]
Probably the biggest "transvestite" cabaret show to be found locally. This show features a spectacular musical floor show performed by the world famous "ladyboys" of Simon Cabaret. See for yourself. Guys, can you tell the difference? And ladies - wouldn't you just die for a figure like that? Stunning costumes, bright lights, excellent sound system & expensive sets are all part of this theatrical extravaganza. Not to be missed!
Show time: Twice daily at 7:30pm & 9:30pm
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Jatujak Weekend Market [4pm – 10pm] Address: 187/26 Phang-Nga Road, Taladyai Muang, Phuket 83000 This market in Phuket Town is a smaller version of its namesake in Bangkok. It is at the east end of Phang Nga Road. It was a lot bigger until the Phuket Town Weekend Market opened & a lot of the stalls moved there. This market only opens on Saturday & Sunday but there are some shops & garden centers that are open every day of the week. Phuket Town Weekend Market This very popular market on the edge of Phuket Town sells a huge range of products. Clothes, accessories, toys, souvenirs, CD's, handicrafts & all kinds of other stuffs. It is a relatively new market located on Wai-Rat-Hong-Yuk Road. Drive from Patong to Phuket along Wichitsongkram Road. At the Central Festival traffic lights (Thai Naan restaurant is on the right hand side), turn right. At the next set of traffic lights, turn left. The market is on the right hand side of the road. The market is open Saturday & Sunday from mid afternoon to 10pm. It is worth getting there early as it gets very busy later in the evening. It will take an hour to walk round even if you are not shopping. Jungceylon Shopping Mall Website: http://www.jungceylon.com This major new development in Patong is now fully open. Business disputes delayed development by over a year but it opened in 2007. Certainly, it looks impressive & is a welcome addition to Patong's shopping scene. It is a large entertainment complex containing shops, restaurants, bars, a cinema & accommodation. There is a large Carrefour supermarket (open 10am-10pm). There is a fountains and lights show every evening at 7pm & 9pm in the central courtyard. There is plenty of parking underneath but not surprisingly they have started charging to stop people from using it as a parking base for their night out down Bangla Road. A shopping receipt from one of the major outlets will get 3hrs of free parking & only a small charge for staying beyond the allotted time. This mall will certainly have a significant impact on the shopping scene in Patong. The beachside stalls selling their vastly overpriced trinkets & fakes will take a big hit. In the long run this can only be a good thing for visitors to Patong who have been overcharged for their shopping for far too long. 100฿ T-Shirt It’s along Ratuthit Road above Jungceylon. Meaning when you travel along the road, you’ll see the shop before you hit Jungceylon. If you see Jungceylon, it means you’ve passed the shop already. It’s on the left by the way. The Azzuro Village signboard is in blue. Patong Otop Shopping Paradise [10am – 2am] Website: http://www.thai-otop-city.com/ Great place for products & restaurants at good prices, a mandatory stop for many shoppers in Patong. Located just across Rat-U-Thit Road from the Holiday Inn.
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Central Festival Website: http://www.centralfestivalphuket.com/index.html This new luxury shopping mall is on the outskirts of Phuket Town at the junction between Wichitsongkram Road & Chalermprakiat Road (Bypass Road). Boasting over 250 shops & more than 50 restaurants, it has just about everything you could want under one roof. There is a big department store, a supermarket, food hall & a fantastic variety of shops. Most of the shops are chains selling genuine designer goods. The prices are therefore higher than other shopping malls but still better than you will find in western countries for the same goods. There is a multiplex cinema screening English language movies with Thai subtitles. Originally, there were plans for a ten-pin bowling alley on the top floor but as yet, this has not opened. The only thing Central is really missing is a children's play area. Tesco Lotus Shopping Center Website: http://www.tescolotus.com/en This supermarket & shopping mall is on Chalermprakiat Road north of Big C. The British supermarket chain Tesco has a significant presence in Thailand. The supermarket is big & stocked with a wide range of goods. A wander around the fresh food department is entertainment in itself. Check out the range of tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood & other exotic foods. The supermarket stocks a wide range of other products & all at prices that are hard to beat. There is also a small shopping mall which includes shops, restaurants & a Home Pro DIY store. On the second floor is a food hall, games arcade & children's play area. Premium Outlets [10am – 9pm] Website: http://www.outletmallthailand.com/dt_perspective/phuket_per.html The first ever splendid western architecture design in Phuket, with the mixture of modernity & traditional style. The greatest shopping centre with 300 brand names in 18,000 sq.m. retail spaces & has over 500 parking spaces. Premium Outlet offers guaranteed branded clothing at bargain prices. Savings of 10%-80% every day includes fashions for ladies, gents & children, sportswear, golf, shoes, leather & luggage, house wares, home furnishings, accessories, gifts, toys. Located back over Patong Hill & towards the Airport. Aroonsom Patong Food Park Open until late, Aroonsom Food Park is one of the most popular open-air dining setups in Patong. Most stands start readying themselves at about 3pm & are serving food as early as 4.30pm. The food park offers various choices of Thai, Asian, & international cuisine plus seafood. This is a far cry from luxury dining (think plastic chairs & not-so-solid tables) but the food is usually very good & quite reasonably priced. Located Opposite Siam Commercial Bank. Beaches: Recommended:
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Kata Beach Kata Beach's 1.5km (1 mile) strip of golden sand is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket due to its combination of beauty, facilities & activities. Hundreds of people come each day to soak up the sun & swim. Often busy but never crowded, this beach is perfect in many ways.
During the north-east monsoon season (November - April) the warm sea is often as flat as a pancake, crystal clear & turquoise in colour.
The south-west monsoon season (May - October) can make for slightly rougher swimming conditions, but it's this time of year that the surfers flock to enjoy the waves. Rarely do the red flags come out, & on the days they do you probably wouldn't want to go the beach anyway.
Patong Beach Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities & nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party & play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, GoGo Bars & of course discos. The nightlife is centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.
Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights & chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water & learn the meaning of 'mai pen rai' - which translates roughly to 'It doesn't matter' or 'Don't worry, be happy'.
NOT Recommended: Karon Beach [Due to underwater currents] Karon, the second largest of Phuket's principal west coast beaches, is quiet & relaxed. Lots of good local restaurants & a good range of accommodation from small guesthouses to family resorts. The beach has lots of room & is rarely crowded. Snorkeling at the southern end which has a coral reef stretching toward Kata & a small offshore island (Boo Island.) From November - April, Karon offers perfect conditions, but from May - October swimming can be dangerous because of strong undertows, so observe the warning flags. Accommodations: Villa Zolitude [Can book @ Asiatravel.com] – 9198฿ Website: http://www.villazolitude.com/ Address: 53/25 Moo5 Soi Bann Nai Trok, Chaofa West Rd, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand
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Tel: +66-76-521-333 Email: [email protected] Kata Beach Resort & Spa Website: http://www.katagroup.com/katabeach Address: 1 Pakbang Rd, Tambon Karon, Muang District, Phuket, 83100 Thailand Tel: +66-76-330-530 [4] Email: [email protected] * Internet Service Avista Resort & Spa Website: http://www.avistaphuket.com/ Address: 4/4,1 Leam Sai Road, Karon District, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83100 Tel: +667-6298-888 Email: [email protected] Deevana Patong Resort & Spa [Can book @ AtSiam.com: Deluxe Spa Room] – 6440฿ Website: http://www.deevanapatong.com/ Address: 43/2 Raj-U-Thid 200 Pee Road., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: +667-6341-414[5] / +667-6341-705 Email: [email protected] * Internet Service / Wi-Fi / Fax & Mail Services & Complimentary Shuttle bus service to Patong Beach. Shuttled Bus Schedule:
• Hotel > Patong Beach 10:30am Departure
• Patong Beach > Hotel 4:45pm Departure
Burasari Resort Website: http://www.burasari.com/ Address: 18/110 Ruamjai Road, Tambon Patong, Amphur Kathu Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel: +66-76-292-929 Email: [email protected] Banthai Beach Resort & Spa Website: http://www.banthaiphuket.com/ Address: 94 Thaveewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel: +667-6340-850[4] Email: [email protected]
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* Mail & Telefax Service, Internet Corner (24 hrs), Foreign Exchange Counter & Free Shuttle Service to Phuket Town Al.fres.co Hotel Website: http://www.alfrescophuket.com/ Address: 162/48-50, 162/58-59 Phung Muang Sai Kor Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel: +667-6364-787[9] Email: [email protected] Complimentary Wi-Fi internet in room with password & free shuttle service to Patong Beach & Jungceylon Shopping Mall Shuttled Bus Schedule: 10:00am until 5.00pm in 4 drop points around Patong Beach Food Stalls: Red Boat Seafood Restaurant U Thid Road Across from Paradise Complex Patong Phuket Thailand Lair Lay Tong Restaurant At the end of Soi Dr. Wattana off the Beach Road Patong, Phuket Fuji Japanese Restaurant Jungceylon Plaza Ground Floor Phuket Cafe Nero Jungceylon Plaza Phuket To Buy:
• Barcardi Freezer Warnings: Patong is a tourist trap. Basically everything there is no cheaper than Singapore. Street food is @ food court price. Portion is no bigger either. Pasar Malam prices can be 3 - 4xs higher than that in the departmental stores. Word of advice: Compare prices before you
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buy anything (if you've time). Compare prices of what the shopping centre (Jungceylon) has, with the street vendor. You will be surprised that street vendor may charge you way higher than that of what is offered in the departmental store. REMEMBER: DO NOT EAT AT PATONG AREA! Please do wear helmet if you rent a bike if you’re going Phuket Town as there’s police around. If not, please prepare 300฿ as fine. Tickets to Island: http://phuketicket.wordpress.com/category/islands-tour-around-phuket/
