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[edit] AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Phuket hotels available.
[edit] No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
[edit] Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices under US$200, $150 or $100 (depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Phuket tend to be expensive, but we have done our homework and all hotels listed on this site are under US$150, but most are far less. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
[edit] Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
[edit] We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
[edit] Phuket Crash Course
The Island of Phuket is one of Thailand's southern provinces with the closest neighbouring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. Phuket Town is the provincial capital to the south-east. The name is pronounced 'poo-get' which apparently originated from 'bukit' which in Malay means 'mountain' or 'hill', as Phuket appears from a short distance away.
Its first name before that in Thai was 'Talang' meaning 'cape' from the malay name 'telong' still used as one of Phuket's main areas.
[edit] History
Who first inhabited southern Thailand, and Phuket specifically remains a thing of endless scholarly debate.
Several millennia ago, inhabitants of central Phuket, specifically Kathu district, discovered and used seemingly endless amounts of tin (valued like gold), mixed with copper to make bronze. They found it in easily-accessible veins in the rock, or on the surface in gravel after the rains washed away the topsoil. There are no written records but artifacts, recovered art and cave drawings date well back to the Stone Age. The Island of Phuket was on the maps followed by ship captains coming from the Arab nations and the Indian subcontinent. Phuket was ideal for obtaining fresh water, food, firewood and pitch to caulk the holes in their hulls. They would anchor in the calm harbors of Phuket awaiting the monsoon seasons to pass to voyage across the Andaman Sea. It is theorized by some that these sailors actually found the tin, where others argued northern Thailand has used tin for eight or nine thousand years.
The earliest known permanent residents on Phuket were a type of hunter-gatherer pygmy quite similar to the Semang pygmies of Malaysia today, who survived in the jungle eating exotic fruits and roots of the lush rainforests canopies and sub-surfaces. They survived in Phukets until the 1850s when they werwe permanently displaced by the tin mining operations.
Phuket's coasts were first populated by namadic sea gypsies (Chao Nam), who travelled from bay to bay, exhausting them of shellfish, pearls and other survival resources, then moving to the next bay, allowing each bay time to replentish and reach its normal ecological balance before the next nomads appeared, starting the cycle all over again. But the sea gypsies also made their living as pirates (saliteers) as excellent sailors in small yet sturdy boats plying the coastal waters between present-day Burma (Mayanmar) and the Straits of Malacca, preying on unsuspecting cargo boats laden with goods from both east and west, robbing the sailors and enslaving them, and selling them in the Sumatran Kingdom of Atjeh, Indonesia today. The Chao Nam did not have any written language, they practiced an animist religion, and were always described as barbaric heathens.
The fierce existence of the Chao Nam possibly explains why it took so many centuries for trade and mining settlements to become established on the Island of Phuket.
From 200 AD traders from southern India had established settlements along the western coast of Thailand, seemingy interested in the trade of cloth, tin and spices. Recently archaeologists unearthed a four meter high stone statue of Vishnu, the Hindu god of universal preservation from nearby Phang-nga, which can be seen in Phuket's Thalang National Museum. It is only one of many artifacts of art and sculpture that have been recovered representing this era.
Phuket along with other areas on the western coast of thailand suffered enormous damage on December 26, 2004, when they were bowled over by a huge tsunami resulting from a huge earthquake on the northeast coast of Sumatra. The waves upended several highly-populated places killing over five thousand people in Thailand, and a hundred thousand more throughout the Indian Ocean theatre. All the beaches, resorts and villages on the western coast particularly Kamala, Patong, Kata and Karon and most on the southern coast of Phuket sustained significant damage. However, within a couple of months all of the undamaged resorts reopened, and life has slowly returned to normal.
[edit] Geography
Though Phuket is Thailand's second smallest province, it is its largest island. It is an elongated shape running north and south forty eight kilometers by twenty one kilometers at its widest. Phuket is in the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean on the southwest coast of Thailand. It appears to hang from a tip of the Phang Nga province by two strong bridges attaching Phuket to the mainland.
70% of the island is covered by forest. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point. In the mountainous north of the island is the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting more than 20 km² of rainforest. The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area), including the Nai Yang beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai. Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong. There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the north west, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. All the islands are suitable for diving.
[edit] Climate
Phuket is humid and hot year-round. The nicest season to visit is November to May. The other months deal with the summer monsoons, slightly cooler and where the mornings and afternoons are pleasant and sunny, but the winds and thunderous rainstorms come in the late afternoon and evenings, clouding up the coastal waters somewhat, 25C to 33C, surfing is better at this time of year on the western coast of Phuket.
Phuket has a moist, tropical climate, influenced chiefly by monsoon winds that vary in direction according to the season. From March to September, as the sun's rays strike directly above the equator, the land mass of Asia is heated more than is the Indian Ocean. This draws moist hot air from the ocean over Phuket and southern Thailand, bringing the rains of the southwest monsoon. By mid-April the winds are mainly from the southwest and are heavy with moisture.
During the month of May, it will rain an average of 25 days making it one of the wettest months of the year. When the tilt of the earth brings the direct sun rays south of the equator, the heating of the Indian Ocean draws the cooler dry air of the northeast monsoon from the highlands of Asia across the countries of South and Southeast Asia. By October the direction of the wind will have shifted to the northeast and Phuket will experience another intense but briefer wet period as the northeast monsoon sweeps down the east coast of Thailand and moves back into the Indian Ocean. By mid November the weather on Phuket will be somewhat cooler and dryer, until March when the weather becomes perceptively warmer and more humid preceding the onset of the next monsoon. Visiting Phuket during the monsoon season is not unpleasant because most days are rain-free except for showers in the afternoon. Phuket averages 2540 mm (or about 100 inches) of rain each year.
[edit] Economy
As of today, March 26th, 2007, one US dollar equals 32.37 Thailand Baht. Tin mining has been a major source of income for the island since the 16th century. Chinese businessmen and Chinese workers were employed in the mines. Most were Hakka Chinese, and their influence on Phuket culture and cuisine can still be felt today. With falling tin prices, the mining has now all but ceased. Today, Phuket's economy rests on two pillars: rubber tree plantations (making Thailand the biggest producer of rubber in the world) and tourism, with a thriving dive industry attracting thousands of divers each year. Since the 1980s the sandy beaches on the western coast of the island have been heavily developed into tourist centers, with Patong, Karon and Kata being the most popular ones. Along with its stunning beaches, and picture-perfect landscape, the increase in tourists has been amazing. Since the 2004 Tsunami, all damaged buildings and attractions have been restored.
[edit] Demographics
As with most of Thailand, the majority of the population is Theravada Buddhist, but there is a significant number of Muslims (30%) in Phuket, mainly descendants of the island's original sea-dwelling people.
[edit] Tourism
[edit] Visas and Passports
Travellers should check visa regulations at a Thai Embassy or consulate before staring their journey. All foreign nationals entering Thailand must have valid passports. At the airport, nationals from most countries will be granted a free transit visa valid up to 30 days, provided that they have a fully paid ticket out of Thailand. Tourist visas allow for a 60-day stay from the date of entry into the Kingdom. People who are waiting for a work permit to be issued can apply for a non-immigrant visa, which is good for 90 days, from their Thai Embassy or consulate at home. A letter of guarantee is needed from the Thai company you intend to work for.
[edit] Visa Extensions
Visas can be extended before they expire by applying at the Immigration Bureau on Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Tel : 0 2286 4231, 0 2287 3101 ext. 2271 (8:30 a.m.-4p.m., Monday-Friday) Visitors wishing to leave Thailand and return before their visa have expired can apply for re-entry permit prior to their departure at immigration offices.
[edit] Safely.travel
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling in Phuket, and the Third World in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely Travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
Safety in Phuket, on the whole, should not be a big concern. Thailand is a peaceful, non-violent place, and the good tourist infrastructure protects Thailand’s visitors. Phuket safety presents few risks to the traveller but there are several possible problems to be wary of.
From May through October water conditions can become hazardous as the southwest monsoon rolls in. While there have been some improvements in beach safety such as the installation of lifeguard towers, every year there are drowning deaths in the surf off beaches along Phuket’s west coast.
Don’t go swimming if you see red flags flying, and check conditions carefully if no warning flags are present. Even if the waves look manageable, there may be a strong rip tides or undercurrents lurking under the surface. If you do get caught, don’t try to fight against it – swim parallel to the beach and let the waves bring you in. Fortunately the Andaman Sea is largely free of large surf.
Another danger when swimming off most of the main beaches is of the man-made variety: jet-skis and speedboats. Even though there are serious accidents every year, the simple solution of limiting motorised water vehicle use to designated zones has not been carried out. There is also no regulation on rental – anyone, it seems, can rent a jet-ski: children, drunks, whoever, so long as they cough up the cash. It’s not only annoying for swimmers to have to share the waters with these fume-spewing machines; it’s dangerous, and sometimes fatal.
Driving on the island of Phuket is an undertaking that is not for the faint of heart. The roads are full of aggressive, unskilled and intoxicated drivers, and casualty rates, especially among motorbike riders, are exceptionally high. If you choose to drive, do so with extra care and attention, and always expect the unexpected. In Phuket’s rainy season, roads can become especially hazardous with slick conditions and flooding in some areas. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
Pickpocketing and theft is not a huge problem in Phuket, but it can and does happen. More violent acts of theft such as muggings are quite rare and probably less likely to occur here than in your home country. Many hotels provide safes in the guestrooms as an additional security measure.
While it’s unnecessary to keep your cash and valuables hidden away in a money belt, it’s best to keep watch of your bags and wallet in busy tourist areas. Thefts seem to happen most often to unsuspecting visitors gaping at the ladyboys on Soi Katoey off Bangla Road in Patong. Bag snatchers occasionally target lone motorbike drivers, so be sure to keep your valuables secure while riding.
Gem scams are not as big a problem in Phuket as in Bangkok and other areas, but they have been known to happen. The most common scam involves convincing visitors that the cheap/fake gems they’re buying at hugely inflated prices will be worth a fortune when they resell them back home. It’s a sophisticated and elaborate scheme that has taken in quite a few people who should know better. Buy gems only if you are completely knowledgeable otherwise I hope you truly want them for yourself or your loved ones, not with a view of future riches.
Credit card fraud is a common occurrence in Thailand, so common, in fact, that the country has been blacklisted by many financial institutions around the world. This makes it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to get a replacement card sent should yours be lost or stolen. Use your card only in dealings with reputable companies, always keep an eye on your card during transactions, and make sure the slip you’re signing has come from the machine. If at all concerned, pay only by cash and regularly check your account statements on the internet.
Drugs are illegal in Thailand and those caught with any quantity are dealt with severely. Even possession of a "personal use" amount of recreational drugs including marijuana, methamphetamines and opium/heroin can result in large fines, deportation and/or jail time. Drug dealers risk life sentences or even death, which may be preferable considering that Thai prisons are infamous for their horrid conditions. Drug raids on bars are occasionally carried out, and no amount of pleading will convince the police that forcing you to pee in a cup for drug testing is an abuse of your human rights.
Hustlers and touts: are often seen and heard in the tourist areas, though the vast majority are unthreatening, even friendly. Simply walking on and refusing their offer is usually enough to get them off your back. If they persist, just ignore them and move away.
Watch out for timeshare touts, too. They sometimes pose as "tourism surveyors" and will hand you a form to fill out. It’s a ruse to get your name and hotel telephone number, upon which you will be called with the great news that you’ve won a free day trip to some island. You’ll get to do the trip, but you’ll also have to sit through a timeshare sales presentation – perhaps not an ideal way to spend your valuable holiday time, free or not.
Violence: is not something to worry about in Thailand, as random attacks are extremely rare. Thais, in general, are calm and tolerant by nature. Be sure, however, not to push it by acting aggressively or being insensitive to the culture. It can sometimes result in a nasty act of revenge, especially if you’ve caused someone to "lose face" in front of his peers. While it may be your instinct to refuse to back down from an argument, even if it’s clear that you’re in the right, it may be in your best interest to walk away before things get ugly.
Like the rest of Thailand, prostitution is quite prevailent in Phuket. To read more about the industry, the legalities, how the business operates, as well as health and safety concerns, please check out the information from our Bangkok website by clicking here
[edit] Arriving in Phuket
Phuket connects to the outside world by air, land and sea.
[edit] By air
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is on the north end of Phuket, and though small, it is Thailand's second most active airport. International departure tax is 700 baht cash, where on domestic flights it is included in the price of your ticket.
Domestic
Air Asia nd Nok Air are the two main domestic carriers costing about $50 each way if bought in advance, maybe double that if bought at the last minute. Bangkok Airways has flights going to Phuket, U-Tapao (Pattaya/Sattahip) and Koh Samui. To quickly get around the local area of Phuket, Destination Air Shuttle has seasonal seaplane transfers from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Krabi, Trang, Ranong, Similan Islands plus other Andaman Sea destinations upon request.
International
AirAsia has a flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phuket. Plus there are lots of flights within the region including Singapore with Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia Airways, and charters from Europe and Australia during high season demand. Other low-cost direct flights include Macao, Hong Kong, Seoul and Jakarta.
Airport transfers
- Limousine (blue) taxis from the airport are expensive, costing 500-600 baht to Patong Beach or Phuket Town
- Metered (yellow) taxis (available outside the car park gates) cost 300+ baht
- Minibus services (basically door-to-door share taxis) charge 100-200 baht per seat. One realworld example is from airport to Chalong for six persons was 1100 baht and there was no possibility to lower it more.
- Airport shuttle bus service (6:30-20:30, every 30 minutes) to Phuket Town bus station costs 52 baht; local buses run from there to all the major beaches until around 18:00
[edit] By bus
The best buses to mainland Thailand such as Bangkok, Hat Yai, Chumphon, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga, Sungai Kolok, Surat Thani and Satun leave from the BKS terminal in Phuket Town off Thanon Phang Nga.
Coming from Bangkok, go to the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Khao San Road buses have a dodgy reputation with theft from your stored luggage and surprise transfers to minibuses in Surat Thani.
[edit] Getting around Phuket and area
[edit] By bus
Getting from Phuket Town to the beaches on the west coast is easy, regular buses to Patong Beach are 30 baht and irregular services to other beaches runs you 25 to 40 baht on both big buses and songthaews. The last bus leaves early, like 6pm.
[edit] By taxi
Phuket has two main kinds of taxis - many songthaew minivans painted bright red or yellow, and a few taxi-cars painted red and yellow with a taxi meter sign on top.
Minivans, though having four wheels and not three are referred to as tuk-tuks. With no meters, get a price before getting in, or they'll take advantage of your trust. Short jaunts around Phuket Town should be 50 baht or less, but getting to Patong will run you about 250 baht.
Long distances to the rest of Phuket Island should be done in taxis with meters.
[edit] By car or bike
This is the best, cost effective and most fun way to get around if you don't take into account the annual carnage on the roads due to the hilly, windy terrain, idiot speeding drivers, dark unlit roads at night, and drunks. Statistics show that on Phuket more than ten thousand people are injured each year, and more than 250 are killed, ninety percent involving motorcycles.
Rentals are amazingly cheap from about $6 per day for a motorbike or scooter, and half that if you rent by the week. Helmuts are required by law, and drivers licences are spot-checked by police though the rental agency may not ask for it. Many rental agencies will not require to see your licence. Some say you need an international driver's licence, but if your drivers licence from your home country is written in English, that should confuse the police enough to let you go. In either case, without a licence the fine is like ten dollars, and they let you go.
Though dangerous, driving in Phuket isn't that bad compared to Vietnam, Indonesia or India. Let someone drive you around for a while, until you feel confident you can do it yourself, and remember, driving is on the left. The really congested places are Phuket Town and along the beach by Patong.
[edit] By boat
There are ferry services connecting from Phuket Town at Rassada Port to Ko Phi Phi Island then east to the Krabi mainland twice daily. It takes about 1.5 hours and costs about $12 one way, $22 return. Great views of the spectacular islands as they jut straight out of the sea.
Also, there are boats leaving for Ko Racha (two hours), or the Similan Islands (nine+ hours) or other island destinations during high season. Or you can charted a boat or yacht at the Boot Lagoon, Chalong Pier or Yacht Haven.
[edit] Things to see and do
Phuket is a little short on cultural or historical attractions, and the majority of tourists spend much of their time on the beaches or frollicking in the bars. Phuket Fantasea
If you want to support the remaining domesticated elephants in Thailand, have a ride on one. To pay the mahout (driver), give your money to the elephant who will in turn trunk it up to the mahout.
There are about seven excellent, scenic golf courses on Phuket, all reaching international standards of quality. You can get a discount on your green fees by booking through a local agency.
You've seen it on TV, now experience it first hand, Thai kick-boxing.
If you like water sports, you have found the right place, from SCUBA diving and jet-skiing to yachting and parasailing. The more popular the beach, the more these activities are offered. Start from Chalong Pier to locate a dive shop and boat that will take you to nearby islands.
[edit] Beaches
Particularly in the monsoon season, there are strong currents on many of the beaches and drownings are a depressingly common occurrence. Heed the warning flags on popular beaches and play it safe if off the beaten track.
The major beaches from north to south along the western shore of Phuket are:
- Bang Tao - a long, very quiet beach, many prefer Bang Tao beach for a relaxing holiday, no crowds, no noise, no bars, just peace.
- Surin Beach - still with a small village appeal, it is growing with housing and hotel developments. Accommodation is rising in price starting from around 600 baht in the off-season. Tall casuarina trees and small Thai-style restaurants line the beach. Forget nightlife, but there are great restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Surin Beach is known for its rip-tides in the monsoon season, but grat for surfing.
- Laem Singh Beach - wedged between Kamala and Surin Beaches, you can only access this beach down a steep hike through a lush forest, but well worth it, and two nice restaurants with good reasonable food and cold drinks. Be careful of the rocks at both ends of the beach while you swim.
- Kamala Beach - just up and around the big high bend north of Patong, Kamala is much quieter than its southern neighbour. The further north you go on the beach, the quieter it gets. 'Rim Haad' or Beach Road at the south end has a many mid-size 20-30 budget hotels, friendly service and that small village feel, plus lots of restaurants/bars for cheaper food options. There are even a few market stalls on Kamala Road.
- Patong Beach - this is the biggest and most well-known beach resort on Phuket known especially by its nightlife. Sex, drugs and booze saturate the Bangla Road area. There is a plethora of nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and several gimmicky tourist attractions, and did I mention the excellent beach? Your choice of female, transgender and/or male prostitutes is unlimited if this is your ambition, sexually-oriented massage parlors or amazingly, the therapeutic (Thai Nuad) type are also available, even on bamboo mates on the beach, if health and relaxation are your need starting at a hundred baht The beach is anything but unspoiled and pristine, but it is beautiful and stunning.
Patong Beach
Patong strip
If you want the seedier side, you'll find it all here. If not, you can avoid it by staying away from the Soi Bangla area to find highly-sophisticated holiday resort with many world-class restaurants and entertainment venues with dance routines to old rock and roll, and places like Saxaphone with top quality jazz, funk, blues and soul, or Rock City is easily found with its huge, neon guitar outsidem and inside is live, tribute and hard rock bands well-performed in a great atmosphere.
- Karon Beach - a quieter beach to the south of Patong, about a mile long, the waves are quite strong in the monsoon season, most hotels are back off the water. Bars, tailors and clothing markets are plentiful at Karon, either in the main part of town or along the beachfront. There are also a number of supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies; there's not much you need to travel elsewhere for.
- Kata Yai Beach - busy, clean tourist beach. Kata Yai Beach is approximately 1 km long. Much smaller and less crowded than Patong Beach. In the monsson season, it seems a bit more preotected from the direct blast of wind coming in from the west, so the beach is more pleasant to paddle around in. Also, there is a backdrop of trees that make it easier to seek shade.
- Kata Noi Beach - quieter sister of Kata Yai, great for families.
- Ao Chalong - home to Phuket's most popular yacht anchorage
- Rawai Beach - set off point for lots of local islands, popular with locals for eating on the beach. Located on the southern point of Phuket, Rawait is less for tourists than Kata and Patong Beaches nearby. As such, it is a good place to ubmerge yourself in the authentic Thai culture. Rawai Beach is not good for swimming, but rather a place where fishing boats moor, and the older crowd hangs out. Nearby places to swim and snorkel are Promethep Cape and Nai Harn Beach.
[edit] Out Islands
[edit] Ko Phi Phi
is a pair of islands in Krabi Province.
- Ko Phi Phi Don is the populated island, with back to back beaches as the main natural attraction beside spectacular cliffs jutting straight out of the ocean, topped in jungle.
- Ko Phi Phi Lai is the smaller island to the south popularised when parts of the movie "The Beach" were filmed there - although it's uninhabited apart from bird nest harvesters and a few Maya Bay wardens, expect plenty of tourists.
Although rapidly becoming less and less attractive due to the masses of tourists as well as the construction on the island, Ko Phi Phi Don still a very beautiful place to visit, and is one of those places everybody should go at least once in their lifetime. Although the beaches are not the best in Thailand, the place has a good vibe and nightlife and there are dozens of dive shops to choose from. Ko Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island's infrastructure was wiped out. Services like electricity, water, Internet access and ATMs are up and running again, but waste handling has been slower to come back online.
[edit] Getting there by boat
Ferries leave from Phuket and Krabi daily (several times a day during the high season). Tickets are 450 baht to/from Phuket, Krabi (390 baht) or Ko Lanta, and if bought in advance should include transport to the pier. Open tickets (you can fix the day at a travel agency on the island) are 400 baht, however there are rarely any advantages with buying open or return tickets, whereas one-way tickets are a good way to avoid hassle and often end up costing less overall.
[edit] Getting around
Long-tail taxi-boats ply between all beaches; on Phi Phi Don, you can also walk to any beach. From Ton Sai to Long Beach, expect to pay 40 baht/person in the afternoon, at least 80 baht at night. To have a complete boat to yourself, expect to pay at least 100 baht. Wheelbarrows are used to transport goods, including your luggage if you like. Expect free "transport" from the pier to your room, but not necessarily in the opposite direction.
[edit] Things to see and do on Ko Phi Phi
- Highest point of the island - walk the (long) trail or (short) staircase for a nice view.
- Monkey Beach - accessible on foot or by renting a canoe, or be lazy and charter a long tail boat. Don't forget to take some bananas for the monkeys!
Paradise found
- Ko Phi Phi Ley - take a longtail boat and visit Maya Bay - the "secret beach" where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Water directly around the island is sometimes disappointingly murky and not so good for diving. The beach on the other side of the island, across from where the boats land, is slightly nicer. It is highly recommended to arrive at Maya Bay before 8am, when the place can still be enjoyed in solitude. As from 9am hoards of speedboats arrive with European and Japanese tourists on package tours from Phuket. At 11am we counted 40(!) speedboats in the bay, many of which were revving their engines unnecessarily loud.
- Snorkelling - there are two rocks within swimming distance of Long Beach, where blacktip reef sharks can be seen (dive schools organize guided tours for this). Dive schools take snorkellers on their dive boats, but expect to see only a hint of the underwater marvel visible to scuba divers. The snorkelling off Bamboo and Mosqito Islands is quite good although the reefs are a long way below you at high tide.
- Diving - there are many dive shops, and some very good dive locations. Prices are regulated, so expect to pay the same everywhere. Good diving spots away from the main islands are Shark Point and Anemone Reef.
- Party - no visit to Phi Phi is complete without a night at Apache's, a bar with stand-up tables on two floors and dance floor at the top where local dj's play mostly european dance, hip hop and r'n'b. Once Apache closes most people head over to Hippies Bar further down the beach which stays open longer, albeit without music as from 2am.
Krabi
[edit] James Bond Islands
On your way across to Krabi on the mainland, get blown away zipping around in a longtail or speed boat through the spectacular James Bond Islands (for lack of a better name, I believe, Goldfinger was shot in part here in the 1960's) in Phang Nga Bay, huge limestone cliffs blasting straight out of the ocean hundreds of feet high (also on dry land) with literally thousands of caves formed by water eating through the soft rock, most caves still unexplored, jungle tops where monkeys live unhindered by man, and many islands with secluded pristine beaches for your utmost enjoyment.
[edit] Similan Islands
Similan Islands National Park is fifty kilometers west of the Island of Phuket, and recognized at the best diving location in Thailand. It covers a hundred and forty square kilometers, one tenth is land in the form or a nine island archipelago. Though they each have a name, for ease, they are numbered from one to nine starting from the south. Two new extra out islands, Ko Bon and Ko Tachai are not so often explored as 'Sembilan' in Malay means 'nine'.
[edit] History
Sixty five million years ago during the Tertiary-Cretaceous period these islands were caused by granite-magma pushing upwards, then later smoothed-off by glacial ice and sea erosion. Today the coral reefs are the oldest in Tahiland at five thousand years. They made it a national park in 1982, and a World Heritage Site a copuple of years ago.
The 2004 Indonesian tsunami did little harm to the islands as the water surrounding the islands is quite deep.
[edit] Landscape
The landscape is picture perfect, powder-white sand, and a jungle backdrop. But it is under the water that is absolutely impressive with amazing visibility of the enormous diversity of the flora and fauna, and rated one of the top ten dive sites in the world by Skin Diver Magazine.
[edit] Flora and fauna
Too much to describe here, just take my word on it, colourful fish such as the clownfish (Nemo) and the lionfish and manta rays and even giant whale sharks. The various coral-types are vibrant and healthy.
On Koh Huyong the Thai marines operate a turtle-breeding program, however, you likely will ot be able to see it as access is limited.
[edit] Climate
The best season is from November to April with no monsoons, March is the peak when the winds are calmest while the water clearest. They close the park from mid-May 16 to mid-November each year.
[edit] Getting there
Many diving trips leave Phuket to the Similan Islands, both day trips and live-aboard.
Jonathan Cruiser, +66 76 281529, is based in Phuket. They offer four-day live aboard dive cruises to the Similan from USD700 plus fees per person. Similan Diving Safaris, +66 76 485470, is a PADI Divecenter in Khao Lak (north of Phuket) offering four-day live aboard dive cruises from 17,800 baht plus fees per person.
Non-divers need not be sorry. They can get pretty much the same Similan experience as the divers do with Similan Tour, +66 76 443 258. This Thai-Swedish agency based in Khao Lak offers a highly recommended live aboard snorkeling tour of the islands. The three-day tour is 6,900 ฿ all inclusive.
Similan Scuba Adventures is another Khao Lak-based operator. They mainly focus on divers but have a day trip where divers and snorkelers go to different sites to get the most out of the experience. The day trip is 52 Euro for snorkelers and 76 Euro for divers (2 dives).
[edit] Fees/Permits
The Similan National Park fee is 200 ฿/day (children 100 ฿). For Thai citizens the fee is 40 ฿, children 20 ฿. Diving fee is 200 ฿/day regardless of passport.
[edit] Phuket hotels
As mentioned above, the following Auckland hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$150 per night. We have also listed budget accommodations as well as popular bed and breakfasts.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
[edit] Our most qualified Phuket hotels under $150 (in order of value for money)
In Phuket, there is a glut of hotel rooms of all sizes and classifications, serviced (catered) apartment complexes (so-called 'mansions') and homestays. It's a buyers' market even in high season (Nov-May), with air-con room rates starting at under 500 baht, and 2-3 bedroom furnished houses available for 7000-10000 baht/month. For budget accommodation, the best rates are usually those negotiated in person.
- Pacific Club Resort - Pacifc Club Phuket is nestled in a valley just above and behind the first row of hotels on the north end of Karon Beach. Unlike the hotels on the beach hiway, our quiet slightly elevated ocean view location has no road noise or bar noise. We are surrounded by tropical mountains with a panoramic view of the beach. All this is only five minutes walk from Karon Beach Lagoon (400 mtrs on a safe footpath) and another three minutes walk (200 mtrs on a safe footpath) around the Beach Lagoon to Karon Beach itself, or less than ten minutes walking (600 mtrs on safe footpath) to shopping & entertainment in downtown Karon center. Plus an added bonus we are surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean and mountain views of Karon Beach National Forest. Welcome to a jungle paradise only minutes from town.
- Kamala Dreams - perfectly positioned between the bustle of high street seafood restaurants, shopping, nighttime entertainment, and your own secluded beach.Phuket long recognized as a world class destination is Thailand's premier holiday resort. With its fine white beaches, water sports of every description, island hopping discovery opportunities, golf courses, seafood, and Thailand's exotically spiced world-renowned food. Plus much much more. The Kamala valley bounded on three sides by lush green covered hills of tropical rainforest is just 6km north of the well recognized nightlife hotspot of Patong. Sample if you will, or dare, alternatively settle for the more leisurely paced nightlife of Kamala - perfect after a hard day on the beach. A small laid out garden area fronts directly onto the beach, which is accessed by a private footbridge. Kamala Dreams, located directly on the beautiful beach of Kamala, offers a total of 18 comfortable studios built around a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Eight rooms are on the ground floor and give direct access to the pool. Nine rooms are on the first floor as well as the only so-called Beach Studio that has an extended terrace directly overlooking the beach as well as the pool. All rooms have sea view. All studios are between 35 and 40 square meters and have king size double beds, teak furniture, a small kitchen corner with fridge and microwave, satellite television, telephone and/or an internet connection.
- Beautiful Sand Resort - Welcome to the beautiful island of Phuket and our 'boutique' resort, located 1 minute from Phuket International Airport. Constructed in 2006, the resort features 10 luxury bungalow rooms nestling in a tropical garden, some 600 metres from the golden sands of Nai Yang beach. A swimming pool, bar and Thai/European restaurant are provided.
- Karona Resort and Spa - Karona Resort & Spa is located at the heart of the Andaman Sea, on one of the most perfect spots in the Phuket Island. The resort has been designed to bring you the most moderate, cozy and harmony surroundings of the tropical rain forest. Rooms have been decorated with tropical plants and trees where cultivated sculptures would be found at every corner of the landscape. Genuine pieces of ceramic arts are decorated on designed wall to reflect the tropical resort by the sea. Karona Tropical feature 55 superior rooms in 9 low rise buildings, 37 deluxe rooms with seaview in the main building 4 suites. We have connecting rooms which are sultable for families as they are two deluxe rooms with connecting door, and three honeymoon deluxe, where we have a bathtubs over looking sea view. You may also opt for one of the four luxerious Karona Suite. These are connecting rooms of Deluxe and Superior (1 single - 1 double) best for a quality family or friends get together.
- Karon Sea Sand Resort - Set just across white sandy Karon Beach, landscaped gardens and conveniently close to both Patong beach and bustling entertainment centre, Karon Sea Sands Resort is designed to provide guests with the finest service and facilities. Guests can make use of four excellent food & beverage outlets, state of the art fitness center & massage facilities. Spacious rooms with Garden & Pool views, tasteful decor, available with king or twin beds, IDD phone lines, tea & coffee making facility, hairdryers, electronic combination safe and mini bar. You can step right into the free form pool from the terrace of the room and swim up to pool bar to enjoy your favorite drink. The rooms are spacious and offer all facilities as Deluxe Room.
- Club Andaman - Club Andaman Beach Resort is located right on Patong Beach, one of most delightful beaches of Phuket Island. A spectacular scene of glass blue sea crossed with white sand powder are prices apart from comfortable transportation and complete facilities, shopping, restaurants, recreation activities, and entertainment.
- Old Phuket Hotel - The Old Phuket at Karon Beach is a Sino-Portugese-style creation that evokes memories of 19th century Southeast Asia. The atmosphere will take travellers back to the days of the spice trade, of tin mining, of Chinese junks plying the straits of Malacca and the golden age of travel before resorts and package tours. Built as a replica of the architecture that still remains in the old sections of Phuket Town, the The Old Phuket provides guests with an historical alternative to the typical hotel holiday.The golden sands of Karon Beach stretch out in front of the hotel to the Andaman Sea, beckoning you to join us when the hotel is officially opened in October 2001.
- Deevana Patong Resort - Surrounded by twelve secluded acres of lush tropical gardens on Patong Beach, Deevana Patong Resort and Spa offers tranquillity and a relaxing pace of life away from the bustling crowds yet still within easy walking distance of the vibrant night life and entertainment that Patong is renowned for. Experience the ultimate in relaxation and get a real taste of Thailand in this tropical oasis just 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport and a 10 minute walk to Patong beach.
- Square One Resort - Welcome to Squareone in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand! Opened in 2006 we offer Patong’s newest, coolest accommodation with great facilities, friendly service and hard-to-beat prices. Squareone offers luxury rooms at budget prices in the south end of Patong, only a five minute walk to the fantastic white sand beach and local entertainment spots. We are in easy reach of the town centre, bars, restaurants and shops. Squareone has a swimming pool where you can chill out and relax, or browse the net using our free wireless WiFi. Connect wirelessly to our hi-speed broadband internet in the lobby and pool area with your laptop, or use one of our two PC's if you don't want to bring yours with you. Check your e-mail and surf the web while relaxing by the pool!
- Kata Minta Hotel - Kata Minta, a classical, stylish Thai hotel and boutique restaurant, is ideally located on Phuket's finest coast by the secluded sea of Kata Beach. Only a couple of minutes walk from the beach and very convenient for the shopping centre. A home-like atmosphere with genuine warmth while away from home. To fulfill your meaningful holiday pleasure, you could never miss our relaxing Jacuzzi in classical Thai style. All 12 new, state-of-the-art, first class guest rooms are decorated in a classical, stylish Thai design with elegant teak wood furniture.
- Duangjitt Resort - We offer a choice of accommodations, consisting of 403 hotel rooms. With views of the pool and garden, all rooms are designed to blend with their surrounds. Facilities include balcony, air-conditioning, colour satellite television, cable TV, en suite bathroom with hot and cold water, telephone and mini bar. After breakfast, relax and bathe the tropical sun. To cool off, take up a dip in one of our three swimming pools. Enjoy a refreshing drink or snack from either the Sea Otter Poolside Bar, the Sea Turtle Poolside Bar or the Conch Poolside Bar.
- Patong Bay Garden Resort - Welcome to Patong Bay Garden Resort, Phuket where we pleasure provide you with flavour of your stay with us. Our seventy-one room family owned and run hotel provides a blend of traditional Thai courtesy and hospitality with comfortable surroundings, creating an informal atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy yourself. The magic of our hotel begins with its location, directly on the beach, in the middle of the two miles of powdery white sand that is Patong Bay. The bay, which is gently lapped by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, is the largest and best known resort on Phuket. The beach with the pool, children’s pool and sundeck complete with hotel sun beds and parasols are sometimes tranquil, and sometimes full of the sound of laughter and enjoyment.
- Baan Laimai Beach Resort - Come stay with us one and you will want to come back again. Only 50 meters from the beach, decorated with traditional Thai furnishings and teak furniture. Baan Laimai Beach Resort & Spa. Restaurants to choose from, each its own distinctive style and ambience and wide range of international cuisine. Resort dress is always appropriate and dining atmosphere always aims to be friendly and relaxed. We offer five type of rooms, each is equipped with : Balcony, Shower/wc, phone, Terrace, Hairdryer, Tea / Coffeemaker, Airconditioner, Minibar and Satellite TV channels.
- The Palm View Resort - is located in Patong Beach away from the noisy city centre at Nanai Road. Patong, famous for it’s vast variety of shopping venues & restaurants, it’s vibrant night life and the endless water sport activities, is the secret Capital City of Phuket Island. Our friendly and helpful staff will make your vacation a truly delightful experience. From 21:00 till 07:00 between this time there is a night auditor for your safety and emergency belongings. All this sums up to be the ideal holiday destination and the perfect resort to spend your vacation. An absolutely unforgettable experience that you wish would never end. An excellent choice for accommodation based on quality/price, we serve you a wide range of services. Palmview is German managed and ranking as the first choice of small private hotels in Patong offering 12 Standard Rooms, 6 Superior Rooms, and 2 Suites.
- Kata Poolside Resort - Kata Poolside Resort (formerly a living place resort) is the ideal location for any body wishing to visit Phuket, Thailand. Kata Poolside Resort is an ideal residence for your ultimate relaxation. You can free your mind in the pristine natural surroundings amongst our friendly and courteous staff. Come and spend your most valuable time for holiday with Kata Poolside Resort for the most memorable experience of a lifetime. Our new resort offers 72 air-conditioned Deluxe rooms including Double/Twin and connecting rooms. Each room is decorated modern Thai-style and is equipped with modern amenities and private balcony.
- Ramada Resort Karon Beach - The newly opened Ramada Resort Karon Beach Phuket has quite simply re-invented the concept of family vacations in Thailand, setting new standards for family resorts everywhere. No other resort offers such a comprehensive range of facilities and activities for families with kids of all ages. Featuring a unique "Mexican Hacienda" design for both the exterior as well as guest rooms, the Ramada Resort Karon Beach Phuket features a total of 121 rooms and suites. Standard and Deluxe rooms all feature bold colours, warm lighting and a comfortable, functional design, while magical theme rooms, such as the Underwater, Outer Space, and Castle rooms are designed with kids of all ages in mind. Other rooms and suites offer great sea views of one of the most spectacular yet serene beaches in Phuket--Karon Beach. Only a short 10 minute drive from Patong--Phuket's popular shopping and nighttime entertainment area--Karon Beach itself offers a wide range of shopping, entertainment and dining venues.
- Access Resort - This is a truly ultimate relaxing private getaway, with a classy welcome on your first step in The Access Resort & Spa. Even the streamlet could make a difference. You might find yourself happily wandering around our pool services from your very own room with direct access. This classy welcome treat will give you a holiday of a lifetime. Our uniquely designed resort allows every room to have its own direct access to the pool, yet gives you a private getaway to enjoy our first-class services. Be treated as you have never experienced before from elsewhere. With a short distance to Karon beach, it makes The ACCESS Pool Resort even more pleasurable to visit. A warm welcome to The Access Pool Resort & Spa, a sanctuary resort which offers you 80 uniquely designed rooms with direct pool access, an ultimate fresh and beautiful shrubby landscape garden to create an ambience of luxury during your holidays. We provide 77 deluxe rooms, 3 deluxe family rooms, with facilities for handicapped and interconnecting rooms to serve different needs of our guests. And you can expect the most hospitality and a classy treat from each corner of the resort.
- Sino House - in Phuket town is a stylish apartment hotel offering 57 rooms in deluxe and suites that are modern in there design of Sino-Portuguese influences featuring a collection of Sino–Portuguese antiques adorning the hotel reception foyer. Sino House Hotel Apartment also includes Café de Sino for al fresco dinning, Coco House for light refreshments and RainTree Spa for the total relaxation. Sino House Hotel Apartment is located opposite Sang Ho, the largest and oldest book store in Phuket built in 1925 and within walking distance to central Phuket downtown. Our hotel apartment location also places us within 30 minutes drive to the most beautiful beaches, International golf courses, ancient Buddhist temples & attractions of Phuket. All transfers and bookings from our hotel to anywhere on Phuket or other destinations can be made courtesy of our friendly staff, here to make your holiday experience with us pleasurable and most memorable when you choose Sino House.
- Boomerang Village Cottage Bungalows - Boomerang Village Cottages is situated on Kata hill side, with panoramic views of Kata Beach and is approximately 80M above sea level , The village is dipped in the nature of a tropical garden and is approximately 6000 Sq.m. in area. The beach is about 650/750 mt away (5-10 minutes) and Kata center is just 300mt away. We're just a 45 minute drive from Phuket International airport. The Cottages are relatively new and are externally similar in appearance to a mountain chalet. The Cottages are comfortably furnished in traditional Thai style, with a private terrace for chilling out and watching the sun set over the Andaman sea.There are all equipments of best confort and they have an en suite bathroom.
- Baan Karonburi Resort - Elegance awaits you in the heart of Karon Beach at Baan Karonburi Resort.Prime beachfront location, classic Siamese architecture, friendly multilingual staff and spacious rooms make us the perfect choice for your vacation.Set only a few meters from the large expanse of Phuket's finest white sand beach, it is ideal for sun seekers, ocean lovers and sunset admirers alike. Baan Karonburi Resort is a four-storeyed in classic Thai design.It is of perfect size to offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere yet still offer full amenities. Each room is equipped with A/C,satellite TV, hot water, hair dryer, refrigerator, minibar, coffee and a private ocean view balcony.
- The Bay Hotel - The Bay Hotel is a charming seafront property within a short ten to fifteen minutes drive from Phuket town. This is a hotel with a difference; following a new trend that is becoming more and more preferred around the world, each room makes the most of its surroundings, breaking away from the traditional "standard" hotel room design to offer you unique hotel experience. At The Bay Hotel, we offer spacious, fully furnished studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rooms. Each of these type of rooms has a living area with comfortable furniture and a dining table. You will find terra cotta tiles and wooden floors instead of the usual carpet. Every room also has its own stereo set.
- Royal Phawadee Village Resort - Royal Phawadee Village is a newly renovated boutique resort located in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand. This boutique resort offers all of the services and amenities as the larger hotels and resorts in Phuket, but we are much smaller, less expensive, and have placed our bungalows and rooms spaciously throughout the resort. Royal Phawadee Village is the ideal choice for tourists wanting a quiet, relaxed atmosphere while still being in the central tourist area of Patong Beach.
- Coral Island Resort - is situated 9 km off the south east coast of Phuket. The island is surrounded by colourful coral reefs, hence the name Coral Island. The island has two long stretches of white, sandy beach on one side, and a few quiet bays on the other. Only 15 mins. by speedboat or 30 mins. by ferry from Phuket, there's total seclusion in this lovely resort. A short trek over the small hill and rocks will lead you to a small, quiet cove with a beautiful beach. All bungalows have a private bathroom with hot and cold water and are individually controlled air-conditioning. There are 44 Deluxe bungalows. 12 face the sea and 32 are situated by the pool. 20 Standard bungalows.
- Tropical Garden Resort - Tropical Garden Resort provides 209 of Superior Rooms with Thai style hospitality and comfort. Each room incorporates a balcony venue on Kata Beach facing spectacular panoramic view of Andaman Sea and Kata Beach . Tropical Garden Resort provides two swimming pools overlooking Andaman Sea. "The South" pool is filled with sport activities from November til February. Parents can enjoy swimming and sunbathing while watching their children swimming in the near by pool while "The North" pool offers higher level of your privacy.
- Surin Beach Resort - Located on Phuket's famous west coast, Surin Beach is considered by many to be one of Phuket's finest beaches: the white, soft sands and inviting warm sea of Surin remain peaceful and idyllic. Only 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport , Surin Beach Resort is conveniently located for a weekend break or a week or more long relaxing vacation. Surin Beach Resort is ideal for family holidays with plenty of space and a large centerpiece pool with two long winding water slides meandering through the tropical garden. The resort has 256 elegantly appointed deluxe studios and suites, generally overlooking swimming pools. All have private balconies, are spacious and decorated in contemporary Thai style. The Suite rooms are larger and have adjoining kitchenette. Both have en suite bathroom with shower, while the Suites also have a bathtub. Rooms are equipped with safety deposit box and IDD telephone.
- Ya Nui Resort - Each of our apartments and bungalows are created with confortable living in mind. Spacious rooms, discrete lighting, tastefully selected furniture. A small kitchen, air-con, 40-channel TV... - and just outside is the swimming pool and the tropical environment. Each of our apartments and bungalows are created with comfortable living in mind. Spacious rooms, discrete lighting, tastefully selected furniture. A small kitchen, air-con, 40-channel TV. - and just outside is the swimming pool and the tropical environment.
- Diamond Cottage - located in hillside at the southern end of Karon beach, with short walking distance to Karon beach, Kata's center.
- Leelawadee Boutique Hotel - The allure to the lifestyle of Patong Beach, one of the top beaches of world class tourist destinations like Phuket, is now further enhanced by the newly open Leelawadee Boutique Hotel nestled on the hill within walking-distance to Patong Beach. Leelawadee Boutique Hotel reflects a great blend of Bali style and the elegance of Thai culture. The resort area is covered with a natural garden and includes a waterfall that creates a mood of true relaxation. Leelawadee is a perfect retreat for anyone wishing to stay in an atmosphere designed within the concept of tranquility and privacy.
- The Expat Hotel - We are a small 46 room hotel, located in the centre of Patong, just a short walk from the beach and right by the famous nightlife of Patong. We have a large swimming pool, set in relaxing landscaped gardens, and a coffee shop / restaurant serving Western and Thai food at reasonable prices. Our deluxe air-con rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, plush carpet, king size bed, private bathroom with shower, hot water, TV with satellite programs and in house movies, and a fully stocked mini-bar. Our coffee shop serves a full range of Thai and Western food. The coffee shop also has full bar facilities and shows in-house video movies from midday to 2:00 am. It is air-conditioned for your comfort. We also have an outside bar and beer garden in which to relax in the evenings.
[edit] About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
[edit] Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
[edit] Asian hotels
- Japan hotels
- Beijing hotels
- Taiwan hotels
- Taipei hotels
- Macau hotels
- Macao hotels
- Hainan hotels
- Philippines hotels
- Manila hotels
- Hanoi hotels
- Bangkok hotels
- Chiang Mai hotels
- Koh Samui hotels
- New Delhi hotels
- Kuala Lumpur hotels
- Jakarta hotels
- Bali hotels
[edit] Australian hotels
[edit] New Zealand hotels
[edit] Pacific Island hotels
[edit] Micronesia
- The Federated States of Micronesia hotels
- Marshall Islands hotels
- Palau hotels
- Northern Mariana Islands hotels
- Nauru hotels
- Kiribati hotels
- Guam hotels
[edit] Melanesia
[edit] Polynesia
- Cook Islands hotels
- Niue hotels
- Samoa hotels
- Tonga hotels
- American Samoa hotels
- French Polynesia hotels
- Easter Island hotels
[edit] Hawaii
- Hawaii in general
- The Big Island hotels
- Maui hotels
- Moloka'i hotels
- Lana'i hotels
- O'ahu hotels
- Kaua'i hotels
[edit] Central America
[edit] Central America hotels
- Guatemala hotels
- Belize hotels
- Honduras hotels
- El Salvador hotels
- Nicaragua hotels
- Costa Rica hotels
- Panama hotels
