Trip to PhuketTrip to Phuket

Phuket Island MapPhuket Island Map

Phuket’s GeographyPhuket’s Geography

• Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok. Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok.

• It is Thailand's largest islandIt is Thailand's largest island• Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak

Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.connects the island to the mainland.

• Phuket is quite hilly. The most beautiful beaches are found Phuket is quite hilly. The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands. on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands.

• The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the horizon. the horizon.

• Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.pressures and human activities.

AttractionsAttractions

• Phuket is a heaven for leisure activities, both on land Phuket is a heaven for leisure activities, both on land and in water.and in water.

• Whether you like action in the water, there are water Whether you like action in the water, there are water sports available such as sailing, windsurfing, water-sports available such as sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and jet ski. They are available for rent at skiing and jet ski. They are available for rent at watersport centres, Kayaking or canoeing is available watersport centres, Kayaking or canoeing is available at most of the resorts and watersport centres located at most of the resorts and watersport centres located throughout. throughout.

• As the island abounds with magnificent marine life, As the island abounds with magnificent marine life, scuba diving and snorkeling should not be missed. scuba diving and snorkeling should not be missed.

Places to visitPlaces to visit

• If diving is not for you, there is submarine tour service to take If diving is not for you, there is submarine tour service to take to down to explore the ocean. to down to explore the ocean.

• Tropical forest on the island allows an exploration on foot or Tropical forest on the island allows an exploration on foot or on elephant’s back. on elephant’s back.

• More adrenaline-driven sports like paintball, bungee jumping More adrenaline-driven sports like paintball, bungee jumping or go-kart are available too.or go-kart are available too.

MARKETS AND BEACHESMARKETS AND BEACHES

•

Weather and ClimateWeather and Climate

• Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has a tropical monsoon Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate with dry and wet seasons. climate with dry and wet seasons.

• In its hot season, the weather is bright and sunny. It can be In its hot season, the weather is bright and sunny. It can be sweltering hot in some months. sweltering hot in some months.

• During the rainy season, some beaches in Phuket can be During the rainy season, some beaches in Phuket can be dangerous due to the undercurrents. dangerous due to the undercurrents.

• But in general, the downpour takes only a short time and But in general, the downpour takes only a short time and followed by the sunshine.followed by the sunshine.

Best time to visitBest time to visit

• The best time to visit Phuket is during the months of The best time to visit Phuket is during the months of November to March. November to March.

• During this time of the year cool, moisture-laden North During this time of the year cool, moisture-laden North Eastern winds keep flowing in from the sea.Eastern winds keep flowing in from the sea.

• The average temperature during this period remains at a The average temperature during this period remains at a comfortable 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC), which is really comfortable 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC), which is really attractive for tourists from coldest regions of the world.attractive for tourists from coldest regions of the world.

Currency and time Currency and time differencedifference• The currency used in Phuket as well as in the rest of Thailand The currency used in Phuket as well as in the rest of Thailand

is the Thai Baht. is the Thai Baht.

• The present conversion rate for 1 US Dollar equals to around The present conversion rate for 1 US Dollar equals to around 32.09 Thai Baht according to international Foreign exchange 32.09 Thai Baht according to international Foreign exchange rates.rates.

• Time difference:Time difference:

2hrs ahead of india2hrs ahead of india

Phuket City MapPhuket City Map

Air TicketsAir Tickets

• Date of trip: 15Date of trip: 15thth October- 17 October October- 17 October 20102010

• 2 nights/ 3 days trip2 nights/ 3 days trip

• Airlines: Air IndiaAirlines: Air India

• Round trip for 1 adult price: 24,550Round trip for 1 adult price: 24,550

HotelHotel

• Patong Beach Lodge Patong Beach Lodge

• 207/21-25, Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong, 207/21-25, Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong, Kathu, 83150 PhuketKathu, 83150 Phuket

• 2 star Hotel2 star Hotel

• Cost: THB 1900 for 2 nightsCost: THB 1900 for 2 nights

About the hotelAbout the hotel

• Patong Beach Lodge is located along Patong Beach, a 5-Patong Beach Lodge is located along Patong Beach, a 5-minute drive from Jungceylon Mall and Bangla Road. The minute drive from Jungceylon Mall and Bangla Road. The hotel offers 24-hour reception, an outdoor pool with jacuzzi hotel offers 24-hour reception, an outdoor pool with jacuzzi and a restaurant.and a restaurant.

• The air-conditioned rooms at Lodge Patong Beach come with The air-conditioned rooms at Lodge Patong Beach come with a cable/satellite TV and minibar.a cable/satellite TV and minibar.

• Standard amenities include a tea/coffee maker and free bottled Standard amenities include a tea/coffee maker and free bottled water.water.

• Guests can enjoy water sports such as skiing and snorkelling Guests can enjoy water sports such as skiing and snorkelling by the beach. by the beach.

• The hotel features a 24-hour business centre and a The hotel features a 24-hour business centre and a quiet library. For convenience, safe deposit boxes at quiet library. For convenience, safe deposit boxes at the front desk and laundry services are provided.the front desk and laundry services are provided.

• Orchid Lounge overlooks the pool and serves Thai Orchid Lounge overlooks the pool and serves Thai and international dishes. and international dishes.

• Cocktails and light refreshments are served at the Cocktails and light refreshments are served at the Pool Bar. In-room dining is available.Pool Bar. In-room dining is available.

• Hotel Patong Beach Lodge is a 20-minute drive from Hotel Patong Beach Lodge is a 20-minute drive from Phuket’s city centre. The hotel is 25 km from Phuket Phuket’s city centre. The hotel is 25 km from Phuket International Airport.International Airport.

Phuket Events & Phuket Events & FestivalsFestivals

Phuket Vegetarian Festival: 8th - Phuket Vegetarian Festival: 8th - 1616thth October, 2010 October, 2010

• The Vegetarian Festival takes place at the start of the ninth The Vegetarian Festival takes place at the start of the ninth Chinese lunar month, which falls in late September or early Chinese lunar month, which falls in late September or early October. October.

• This is Phuket's most famous and spectacular festival. The This is Phuket's most famous and spectacular festival. The rituals, which rituals, which last for nine dayslast for nine days, are performed to purify both , are performed to purify both body and mind. body and mind.

• During this time, participants go on a strict diet, which is During this time, participants go on a strict diet, which is technically vegan as no animal products are allowed to be technically vegan as no animal products are allowed to be consumed. consumed.

Loi Krathong: 21Loi Krathong: 21stst Novenber, 2010 Novenber, 2010

• Loi Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon in Loi Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon in November and is the most magical of all Thai festivals. November and is the most magical of all Thai festivals.

• Small lotus-shaped boats woven from banana leaves, called Small lotus-shaped boats woven from banana leaves, called krathongskrathongs, are floated on water. , are floated on water.

• These vessels contain small flowers, candles, incense and These vessels contain small flowers, candles, incense and offerings to thank Mother Water for providing water for them offerings to thank Mother Water for providing water for them to use. to use.

December 2010December 2010King's Cup Regatta: 4th - 11King's Cup Regatta: 4th - 11thth December December The King's Cup is Asia's premier regatta. The event takes The King's Cup is Asia's premier regatta. The event takes

place in the first week of December as it was inaugurated to place in the first week of December as it was inaugurated to honour the King's birthday, which is on December 5th. honour the King's birthday, which is on December 5th.

Sailing enthusiasts from around the world come to Phuket Sailing enthusiasts from around the world come to Phuket every year to take part in the event, which not only involve every year to take part in the event, which not only involve lots of sailing but plenty of parties in the evenings. lots of sailing but plenty of parties in the evenings.

Laguna Phuket TriathlonLaguna Phuket Triathlon This annual competition takes place in the Laguna Resort This annual competition takes place in the Laguna Resort

complex at Bang Tao Beach. It attracts professional and complex at Bang Tao Beach. It attracts professional and amateur triathletes from around the world. The event amateur triathletes from around the world. The event comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run through comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run through beautiful natural surroundings.beautiful natural surroundings.

• Patong CarnivalPatong Carnival

The event is held to celebrate the start of the high The event is held to celebrate the start of the high season at Patong Beach. There will be 3 stages on season at Patong Beach. There will be 3 stages on the beachfront featuring displays of traditional the beachfront featuring displays of traditional Thai culture performed by university students Thai culture performed by university students brought in from various regions across the brought in from various regions across the country. There will also be plenty of stalls selling country. There will also be plenty of stalls selling handicrafts, food and beverage, fireworks handicrafts, food and beverage, fireworks displays, and parades. displays, and parades.

March 2011March 2011

• Phuket Gay FestivalPhuket Gay Festival The Phuket Gay Festival is one of Phuket's largest annual The Phuket Gay Festival is one of Phuket's largest annual

events. Taking place in Patong, the festival runs over four days events. Taking place in Patong, the festival runs over four days with many parties, a volleyball tournament and a street parade with many parties, a volleyball tournament and a street parade that is the highlight of the festival.that is the highlight of the festival.

• The Thao Thep KrasatriThe Thao Thep Krasatri - Thao Sri Suntorn Festival (mid- - Thao Sri Suntorn Festival (mid-March)March)

This event is held annually in mid-March to honour Phuket's This event is held annually in mid-March to honour Phuket's two heroines.The festival takes place in the area around the two heroines.The festival takes place in the area around the heroines' monument on Thep Krasatri road. There is a fun-fair, heroines' monument on Thep Krasatri road. There is a fun-fair, food stalls and stage performances throughout the week.food stalls and stage performances throughout the week.

April 2011April 2011

Songkran: 13th - 15thSongkran: 13th - 15th• Beginning on the 13th of April Thai people all over Beginning on the 13th of April Thai people all over

the country celebrate the Thai New Year, the most the country celebrate the Thai New Year, the most important holiday on the Thai calendar.important holiday on the Thai calendar.

• The holiday is best known for revellers playfully The holiday is best known for revellers playfully splashing water on each other and dabing scented splashing water on each other and dabing scented powder on each others faces as a new year powder on each others faces as a new year blessing. blessing.

• People roam the streets armed with high pressure People roam the streets armed with high pressure water pistols or stand by the side of the road with water pistols or stand by the side of the road with buckets and hoses, ready to drench any passer-by. buckets and hoses, ready to drench any passer-by.

• If you venture out during this period, the 13th in If you venture out during this period, the 13th in particular, expect to get soaked!particular, expect to get soaked!

Phuket Food & Dining Phuket Food & Dining GuideGuideStreet Food and Hawker Stalls in PhuketStreet Food and Hawker Stalls in Phuket• Day or night, you will see them everywhere.Day or night, you will see them everywhere.• Along the beach front, the roadside, the markets and at any Along the beach front, the roadside, the markets and at any

major event. The Hawker stalls (some permanent, some major event. The Hawker stalls (some permanent, some temporary) sell an incredible range of food from fruit to spicy temporary) sell an incredible range of food from fruit to spicy salads. salads.

• These vendor stalls may be treated warily by some visitors These vendor stalls may be treated warily by some visitors because of hygiene fears, but many visitors find that what is because of hygiene fears, but many visitors find that what is on offer is deliciously satisfying, and incredibly good value. on offer is deliciously satisfying, and incredibly good value.

• Some of the foods offered by such vendors are not available in Some of the foods offered by such vendors are not available in standard restaurants or food outlets, and offer your only standard restaurants or food outlets, and offer your only chance to sample some really unique tastes.chance to sample some really unique tastes.

Rattan BasketsRattan Baskets

• The simplest of vendors carry their wares in The simplest of vendors carry their wares in balancing rattan baskets slung on a pole, which is balancing rattan baskets slung on a pole, which is carried across the back. carried across the back.

• From these vendors you can buy grilled bananas, From these vendors you can buy grilled bananas, sweet potato or corn, grilled eggs (still in their shell), sweet potato or corn, grilled eggs (still in their shell), steamed groundnuts or corn, BBQ chicken, satay, steamed groundnuts or corn, BBQ chicken, satay, meatballs on skewers, garlic sausage, sticky rice meatballs on skewers, garlic sausage, sticky rice mixed with banana and shredded coconut or red mixed with banana and shredded coconut or red beans wrapped in banana leaves. beans wrapped in banana leaves.

• Some even have a tiny hotplate for grilling tiny Some even have a tiny hotplate for grilling tiny coconut puddings! coconut puddings!

Stainless Steel CartsStainless Steel Carts

• The next step up in sophistication is the mobile The next step up in sophistication is the mobile vendor selling wares from a stainless steel cart with vendor selling wares from a stainless steel cart with wheels, pulled or pushed along the road. wheels, pulled or pushed along the road.

• You can find a great range of natural ice creams. You can find a great range of natural ice creams. • The cart is equipped with a stainless steel container The cart is equipped with a stainless steel container

packed with dry ice to keep the ice-cream icy cold. packed with dry ice to keep the ice-cream icy cold. Often you'll hear them coming before you actually Often you'll hear them coming before you actually see them as they often have a small cow bell attached see them as they often have a small cow bell attached to their stall to attract customer's attention. to their stall to attract customer's attention.

• Flavours include the favourite - coconut ice-cream, Flavours include the favourite - coconut ice-cream, sometimes decorated with corn, red bean and sometimes decorated with corn, red bean and coloured noodles made from yam paste. coloured noodles made from yam paste.

Motorbike Side CarsMotorbike Side Cars

• The most sophisticated of vendors have stalls attached to a The most sophisticated of vendors have stalls attached to a motorbike. motorbike.

• They usually have a favourite spot to settle down in for the They usually have a favourite spot to settle down in for the day or night, where they place a few small plastic or wooden day or night, where they place a few small plastic or wooden chairs and tables around so that customers can sit and eat on chairs and tables around so that customers can sit and eat on the side of the street. the side of the street.

• Depending on the food, the stall might be equipped with a Depending on the food, the stall might be equipped with a charcoal grill, hot plate and preparation area, with all the charcoal grill, hot plate and preparation area, with all the ingredients either hanging down from the top, or stacked ingredients either hanging down from the top, or stacked around the sides protected by Perspex walls. around the sides protected by Perspex walls.

• Serving more than just snacks, these stalls can provide Serving more than just snacks, these stalls can provide substantial meals and attract dozens of customers at busy substantial meals and attract dozens of customers at busy times of the day. times of the day. 

Vending AreasVending Areas• Often you will come across clusters of such vendors - each Often you will come across clusters of such vendors - each

offering something different, so that the customer can pick offering something different, so that the customer can pick and choose from a variety of stalls and have a veritable and choose from a variety of stalls and have a veritable feast for 40-50 Baht. feast for 40-50 Baht.

• You might find the following being sold - egg or rice noodle You might find the following being sold - egg or rice noodle soup, with or without broth, containing beef, chicken, pork, soup, with or without broth, containing beef, chicken, pork, or fish balls, ground beef or seafood, vegetables or tofu; or fish balls, ground beef or seafood, vegetables or tofu; fried noodles with chicken, seafood or pork, vegetables and fried noodles with chicken, seafood or pork, vegetables and egg; Thai style sukiyaki; fried vegetables with or without egg; Thai style sukiyaki; fried vegetables with or without tofu or meat; glutinous rice with chicken and broth; red tofu or meat; glutinous rice with chicken and broth; red pork or duck with rice; stewed pork with pickles and greens pork or duck with rice; stewed pork with pickles and greens and boiled egg on rice; northeastern Thai food such as and boiled egg on rice; northeastern Thai food such as papaya salad, mango salad, warm chicken , beef or pork papaya salad, mango salad, warm chicken , beef or pork salad, grilled pork or beef accompanied by sticky rice; salad, grilled pork or beef accompanied by sticky rice; Biriyani chicken with soup; mango and sticky rice; fruit Biriyani chicken with soup; mango and sticky rice; fruit shakes; and much much more.shakes; and much much more.

LinksLinks

• http://www.agoda.in/asia/thailand/phuket/patong_beach_lodge_hotel.htmlhttp://www.agoda.in/asia/thailand/phuket/patong_beach_lodge_hotel.html• http://www.hotels.com/search.do?pointName&searchParams.arrivalDate=15-10-http://www.hotels.com/search.do?pointName&searchParams.arrivalDate=15-10-

2010&searchParams.departureDate=17-10-2010&searchParams.departureDate=17-10-2010&lon=0.0&queryFormState=CLOSED&searchParams.hotelId=273079&searchPar2010&lon=0.0&queryFormState=CLOSED&searchParams.hotelId=273079&searchParams.resolvedLocation=destination%3A1308721%3AUNKNOWNams.resolvedLocation=destination%3A1308721%3AUNKNOWN%3AUNKNOWN&monthCheckOut=10&fromHotelDetails=false&destination=Phuket%3AUNKNOWN&monthCheckOut=10&fromHotelDetails=false&destination=Phuket%2C+Thailand&fromLandmark=false&showSimilarDestinations=true&searchParams.%2C+Thailand&fromLandmark=false&showSimilarDestinations=true&searchParams.rooms[0].numberOfAdults=1&asaReport&dayInMonthCheckIn=15&destinationId=13rooms[0].numberOfAdults=1&asaReport&dayInMonthCheckIn=15&destinationId=1308721&fromDisambiguation=false&destinationForLandmark&monthCheckIn=10&acti08721&fromDisambiguation=false&destinationForLandmark&monthCheckIn=10&activeTab=DESTINATION&dayInMonthCheckOut=17&lat=0.0&rooms=1veTab=DESTINATION&dayInMonthCheckOut=17&lat=0.0&rooms=1

• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Discount_Hotels-g293920-Phuket.htmlhttp://www.tripadvisor.com/Discount_Hotels-g293920-Phuket.html• http://www.travelchacha.com/outbound/Phuket.htmlhttp://www.travelchacha.com/outbound/Phuket.html

• http://www.phuket.net/visit-phuket/http://www.phuket.net/visit-phuket/

• http://internationalflights.yatra.com/flight/intl/searchIntl?http://internationalflights.yatra.com/flight/intl/searchIntl?depart_city_1=DEL&destination_city_1=HKT&flight_depart_date_1=15/10/2010&classdepart_city_1=DEL&destination_city_1=HKT&flight_depart_date_1=15/10/2010&class_1=E&ADT=1&CHD=0&INF=0&type=R&ci=AGR_TRP_OB_AIM&depart_city_2=HKT&d_1=E&ADT=1&CHD=0&INF=0&type=R&ci=AGR_TRP_OB_AIM&depart_city_2=HKT&destination_city_2=DEL&flight_depart_date_2=17/10/2010&class_2=Eestination_city_2=DEL&flight_depart_date_2=17/10/2010&class_2=E

• http://www.phuket.com/dining/index_cuisine.htmhttp://www.phuket.com/dining/index_cuisine.htm