Phuket Town

Asia : Southeast Asia : Thailand : Southern Thailand : Phuket : Phuket Town1541810

Understand

Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province. It has a population of 63,000 and is the economic hub of the island. For the most part just an ordinary, scruffy provincial Thai town, it's hardly a major tourist attraction, but the Chinatown area is worth a quick look and there are some great Thai-style shopping opportunities too. Overall, accommodation and food in the town is cheaper than near the beaches, and can provide a refreshing change of pace.

Get in

Buses and songthaews connect Phuket Town to major beaches around the island, and start from Thanon Ranong at the Ranong market. To get there if you are at the old (number one) bus station, walk back out to the road you came in on, and turn right. (Phang Nga Rd) Walk to the end of the road, about a kilometre, turn left, then right again and you will see the large blue songteows (three bench pick up trucks) a couple of hundred metres along on the left. The first ones you come to go to Patong. Further along, they go to the other beaches. You will also see buses going to Patong at the bus station itself, for B40. The most popular service at the market is the one to Patong (25 baht, 45 minutes) which leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00. Fares to other beaches range from 15 to 30 baht. If you miss the last bus back a taxi will cost 200-400 depending on your bargaining skills.
Number one (old) bus station mainly runs only buses to local destinations - can go to Khao Lak (and Takuapa) from here. To Khao Lak is B90.

Phuket International Airport is 30 km to the north of Phuket Town, about 30 minutes by taxi (500 baht), 45 minutes by shared minibus (100 baht) or 1 hr by Government Bus from the Bus Terminal (85 baht). This is still the old Number one, bus terminal. It is possible that they stop at the new terminal, but the Writer did not see any there at all. The timetable for these buses is to the airport 05:30 to 18:30, and from the airport 06:30 to 20:45. Every 1 to 1.5 hours. There is a large sign on the wall with times. Pay on the bus, and not at the terminal.
Number two (new) bus station. This is some distance from the old one and most of the distance buses come and go from there.
To get from this one to the other (and vice versa), you will see a pink songteow, three bench pickup truck, and this will take you to the old number one bus terminal for B10. From there they come back. If you want to go to Patong and the other beaches directly from this (number two)terminal,then you will pay B250 in a taxi per person, assuming they have a full load (or if not,you pay the full rate).
To get to the beaches far cheaper, take the pink songteow to the number one bus terminal and see the directions above from either the terminal or the market.

Get around

Phuket Town is just a little too big to be covered comfortably on foot. There's little organised public transport as such, but motorbikes and four wheel tuk-tuks whizz about looking for fares.

See

Detail of door relief, Put Jaw Temple

Phuket Town's low-key attractions are mostly related to its colourful Chinese history and heritage, found in the Chinatown area on the north-western side of the city around Thanon Thalang.

• Old Phuket (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต). The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and shops that are still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face onto the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving.

Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall, the Phuket Courthouse, and Siam City Bank.

• Jui Tui and Put Jaw Temples, corner of Thanon Ranong and Soi Phuthon (just west of the Ranong bus terminus). Put Jaw is the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in Phuket, first built over 200 years ago and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Im), while the adjacent and connected Jui Tui is its larger, more modern annex. If you have a question that is puzzling you, ask it and throw the two red mango-shaped pieces in front of the altar in the air: if they land the same side up the answer is "no", while if they land on different sides the answer is "yes". Free entry but donations welcome.

• Wat Mongkol Nimit, Thanon Dibuk. A classical Thai-style temple with a soaring roof and lots of colourful glass tiling.

• Phuket Culture Museum, at Rajabhat University. It's free and very informative. Phuket's history is told in pictures and still scenes.

• Khao Rang (เขารัง) A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.

• Saphan Hin (สะพานหิน). A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Saphan Hin, located where Phuket Road meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. There is a sport center in the park.

• Phuket Butterfly Farm (สวนผีเสื้อและโลกแมลงภูเก็ต). 3km from town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 300 bath for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel: 0 7621 0861, Fax: 0 7652 3609

• Phuket Cultural Center (ศูนย์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมจังหวัดภูเก็ต). Located in the area of the Phuket Rajabhat University on Thepkrasattri Road. It displays history as well as the arts and culture of Phuket, such as houses, ways of life, and utensils of the city of Thalang in ancient times. Furthermore, the library collects books on Phuket’s history and culture. The center is open daily for free from 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m., except public holidays. For a group of visitors who needs a guided tour, please address a letter of request to the Phuket Cultural Center at 21 Thepkrasattri Road, Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket, or call Tel. 0 7624 0474-6 ext. 148, 0 7621 1959, 0 7622 2370, Fax: 0 7621 1778.

• Thai Village and Orchid Farm (หมู่บ้านไทยและสวนกล้วยไม้ภูเก็ต). Located on Thepkasattri Road about 3km from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. The complex also houses a dining hall decorated with over 20,000 varieties of orchid and tropical trees. Digestion is aided by the lilting sounds of Thai classical and folk music played on tradition instruments. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. Cultural shows are performed daily at 1.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Admission is 650 baht for adults and 330 baht for children. Call 0 7621 4860, 0 7623 7400 for details.

• Phuket Zoo (สวนสัตว์ภูเก็ต) Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day. The zoo is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Admission is 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Call 0 7637 4430, 0 7637 4424 for details.

• Thaihua Museum Located on Krabi road in an old chinese language school, this museum tells the history of chinese imigrants on Phuket. 200 Baht entry, students 100 Baht.

Do

Spa

• Raintree Spa Phuket, The Rain tree Spa has a variety of spa treatment menus that include traditional Thai massage, body treatment, facial treatment and spa packages. Address : 1 Montree Rd., T.Talad-Yai, A.Muang, Tel : 66 76 232054, Mobile : 66 81892 1001,Email : info@theraintreespa.com

• The Bliss of Thai Chakras, a specially created combination of Thai Herb’s Body Scrub & Mask, aromatherapy body massage, Floral Water Body Spray and Thai Herbs Purifying Facial Spa. Address : 28 Phang nga Road, T.Talad Yai, Muang, Tel : 66 76 215712-3 ,Email : info@bhukittahotel.com

Buy

Shopping seems to be the main reason for visitors to come to Phuket Town. In addition to local markets and a slew of malls and departments stores, Chinatown's Thanon Thalang offers a large selection of boutiques and galleries retailing traditional handicrafts as well as antiques from the region. Phuket Night Bazaar is a large area, where you can get local stuff (though you might find the same things much cheaper at the Big C supermarket!).

Markets

• Ranong Market, Thanon Ranong, is the largest local market. A warren of stalls selling anything and everything, it can be a hot, sweaty and chaotic but an interesting experience if you've not been to one before. However it is closed (2008) as they are constructing a new building.

• Weekend Market, Wirat Hong Yok Road (Opposite to Wat Naka (Naka Temple) on western end of the road). Endless stalls with the cheapest of Thai souvenirs. Also Thai people shop here, but it's anyways full of fake goods. Food court is large and is alone worth a visit.  

Shopping malls

• Ocean and Robinsons are next to each other on Tilok Uthit 1 Road. Robinsons is a big department store, and there is a Tops supermarket, as well as McD's , KFC etc.

• Central Festival, Thanon Chaloem Phra Kiat - Phuket's branch of the Thai department store chain, also selling anything and everything but now in air-con comfort and a zero added to the price tag. It's still probably cheaper than the street markets at the beaches. The food section offers a large variety of western products and the fresh products seem to be of better quality than Big C or Tesco Lotus. Prices are much higher than the others though.

• SuperCheap claims to be the biggest and cheapest mall in Phuket, a cross between a Metro Market, Walmart, a Bazaar, and a normal local market for nearly everything from groceries to motorbike and car supplies and electronics. The best time to visit is in the evening. Take a small dinner in the nearby Thai restaurant (all you can eat for 69 baht - but when you leave something on the plate it costs 100 baht!) and afterwards join the Thai people at the market. SuperCheap is situated on the road to the airport, about 5 km out of Phuket Town centre, just behind the Esso site. Open until midnight.

Eat

• All You Can Eat, at Super Cheap. But you have to empty your plate - otherwise it costs double. That's not a joke, but very useful in keeping guests eating things they really like to eat and not wasting food. If you order water with ice, the ice costs extra! 

• Chaiyo Seafood, ☎ 0 7639 3124.  

• China Inn Cafe & Restaurant, 20 Thalang Road, T.Talad Yai, A.Muang, Phuket, ☎ 076 356239. Dinner in beautiful historic Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket old town with romantic atmosphere. Thai and European food. Open: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-6PM Thursday-Saturday 11AM-11PM Closed on Sunday  

• Circle Cafe, On the Ranong circle, between Rasada and Yaowarat, ☎ 0066(0)76 221458. 0800-2100hrs. Home of the best coffee in Phuket! Great mix of Thai and International food, and a very friendly, young owner who will offer you great advice on what to see and do while in Phuket. Probably the best value for money in Phuket Town! Internet/wii-fii,laundry service,DVD club. Pete/Nan. I agree - fabulous coffee  - have been :-) 50-200Baht.

• Farang Restaurant, next to Index (Chaloem Kiat Rd, next to Index, Phuket City), ☎ 086-9463142. Italian and Thai Food.

• Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Central Festival Phuket 3 rd Fl., ☎ 0 7624 9861-2. Fine Japaneses restaurant with reasonable price 

• Khrua Chamnong, Soi Ao Ke, ☎ 0 7622 0021. 

• Kra Jok See, 26 Takua Pa, ☎ 0 7621 7903. Serving Thai cuisine suited for western palates, the restaurant sheds its inhibitions at 10PM when the tables are pushed back and hostesses pull guests onto the floor for dancing. Guaranteed for heaps of fun! 

• Laem Hin Seafood (แหลมหินซีฟู้ด), 90/11 Mu 7 Ko keaw, ☎ 0 7623 9357.

• Laem Thong, Chana Charoen Road, ☎ 0 7622 4349. 

• Limoncello Italian FINE Restaurant, 63/202 Moo 2 Royal Phuket Marina, Thepkasattri Road, ☎ 0 76360869.

• The Living Room Restaurant, Dibuk Road just past Montri Road.. 80-200 baht per dishes.   

• Mai Pai Restaurant, 168/1-2A, Phuket Road (opposite The Books & Imperial Hotel), ☎ 0802270144. Pizza and German Food. German Bundesliga and Premierleage Live, very friendly People.Open at 11.00 AM. Motorsbike for sell and rent.  

• Mee Sapam, 58/6 Thepkrassartri Rd.

• N C Bakery and Food, 183/6 Phang-nga Rd.  

• Nai Yao, Phuket Road, ☎ 0 7621 2719.  

• Natural Restaurant, Soi Phutorn, ☎ 0 7622 4287.

• Pak Nam Seafood (ปากน้ำซีฟู้ด), 52/220, Moo 3, Rassadanusorm Road, ☎ +66 (0) 76 240 240.   

• Phuket View Khao Rung, Ko Sim Bi, ☎ 0 7621 6865.

• Raya, New Dibuk Road, ☎ 0 7621 8155. Thai Cusine Southern Styles. Poppular dishes such as Crab meat curry serve with white noodle. Shrimp with termarine sauce. Pork with garlic and black pepper. Fish with termarine sauce. Saulty Pork. Fish with yellow curry and Veg. 

• La Romantica, 70 Phang-Nga Road, across from the On-On Hotel. Best pizza in Phuket Town. Large authentic thin crispy margherita for 140 Baht or numerous pasta dishes for between 140-200 Baht. Thai family run with Italian chef/owner   

• Ruam Jai Restaurant, 215 Th Ranong, ☎ 076-222821. 6.00 - 16.00.   

• Siam Bakery, 13 Thanon Yaowaraj (north of the Ranong traffic circle). French-run bakery offering pastries and drinks (~50 baht) in pleasant air-con surroundings.   

• Siang Sian, Nimit Road.  

• Stek Sam Kong (สเต็กสามกอง), 367/26-28 Yaowarat Rd, ☎ 0 7621 7190 -1.   

• Thainaan Restaurant (ไทนาน), 16 Wichit Songkhram Road, ☎ 0 7622 6164-7.   

• Thung Kha Café (ทุ่งคา คาเฟ่), Khao Rang. average price per dish from 80 - 120 baht.   

• Watermark Bar Restaurant, Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina 22 /1 Thepkrassartri Rd, ☎ 0 7623 9730.   

• Weekend market, Opposite Wat Naka. 

• Watermark Bakery patisserie, Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina 20/17 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd., ☎ +66 (0)76 238941.  

Drink

• China House, 43 Thanon Yaowaraj. Chinese tea and other drinks in an impeccably tastefully restored shophouse that doubles as an art gallery. On the expensive side though, with drinks 50-100 baht.

• Coffee Max, on the roundabout where Thanon Ranong meets Thanon Yaowarat. Small, friendly coffee shop offering hot and cold coffee and tea drinks and a selection of pastries and cakes. Free Wi-Fi for customers.

• Michael's Bar, 12 Takua-Pa Road. Owned by a British expat, a friendly, low-key place to grab a few drinks at a reasonable price. Has Wi-Fi or a solitary PC for customer use, free for the first 20 minutes. Good Happy Hour prices.

• Smile Cafe Newly opened cafe near the junction of Thanon Montri and Thanon Phang-Nga, run by a friendly young Thai couple who make a great ice-blended coffee or green tea.

• O'Malley's Pub 21 Montri Road, Muang Phuket, 83000. Phuket Town's oldest pub, a mere 5 minute walk from the main bus terminal. Good selection of beers, wines and spirits at very reasonable prices. Free pool, darts and Wi-Fi internet. All sport shown on two large flat screen TVs. Good selection of food and bar snacks. Recently opened hostel above the bar with dorm beds starting at 190B per night, the cheapest in Phuket Town.

To get there: Come out of the bus station on to Phang Nga Road and turn right. When you get to the Phang Nga/ Montri crossroads, turn right and walk straight for approx. 300m. The pub is on the left, just past the large Seng Ho bookshop.

Sleep

Budget

• Ban Nai Inn, 22/98 Luang Poh Cham Rd, Soi 1 A. Muang. Tel +66 76-214907-9, Fax +66 76-232276. Small guesthouse directly behind the long distance bus terminal (walk past the motorbike taxi drivers). Rooms are basic, and include TV, refrigerator, A/C, separate shower and wardrobe with lockable drawer. Little English is spoken, suggesting that this is a destination more popular with Thai tourists.

• Crystal Guest House (คริสตัล เกสต์เฮาส์) 41/16 Montri Road (Tel: 0 7622 2774-5, 0 7622 6245), 26 rooms: 250-450 baht

• Damrong (ดำรงค์) 52 Luang Pho Road (Tel: +66 7621 1704), 45 rooms: 180-280 baht

• Down Town Inn (ดาวน์ทาวน์ อินน์) 56/19 Ranong Road (Tel:+66 7621 6884-5), 24 rooms: 250-450 baht

• Imperial Hotel 51 Phuket Road Tel: +66 7621 2311, 48 rooms, 650-750 baht

• Crystal Inn (คริสตัล อินน์) 2/1-10 Soi Surin Montri Road (Tel: 0 7625 6789 Fax: 0 7625 6666 www.phuketcrystalinn.com), 54 rooms: 900 baht

• Imperial Hotel 51 Phuket Road (Tel: 0 7621 2311, 48 rooms, 650-750 baht. Rooms have free WiFi, mini bar with fridge and cable TV.

• Lub Sbuy Guest House[10] - Tel. +66-7623-2210. Very new (2010) clean, safe and friendly modern guesthouse/hotel, just around the corner from the bus station but overpriced for what it is. Basic rooms (with fan) at 700 baht and air-con rooms at 1000 baht available, dorm 250 baht.

• Phuket Backpacker [11] - Tel: +66-7625-6680. New (2005) establishment for western travellers, with sociable common room and kitchen facilities. It is in the center of town, next to the local food market on Ranong Road. Fan cooled rooms at the back are popular with cockroaches and mosquitos, so be prepared to share or fight for your space (and bring your own lock for the door). Fast and free WiFi, but the range does not extend to the outlying rooms. At 550 baht for a double room with fan (July 2010) the rooms are pretty pricey considering the facilities and the condition.

• Phuket Cyberinn Hotel [12] - Tel: +66-76220 100. Phuketcyberinn on Soi 4 off Bangkok Rd is in the heart of Phuket Town. A 3-storey hotel is surrounded by many shops, street bazaars and wonderful old buildings. Easy to reach many beaches around Phuket. 750 baht.

• Phuket Resotel 2/6 Luangphor Rd. 076220965, email phuketresotel@yahoo.com. This hotel is some 500 metres from the Number One bus station. To get there, go to where the airport bus arrives/leaves the terminal, and go from the rear left of the bus station beneath the large tree and into the street beyond. Walk along this street to its termination some 200 metres distant, then turn left. The hotel is some further 300 metres to your left immediately before this road intersects with another. A/C throughout, with a lift, and for 690 baht a double, you also get breakfast, a quite good buffet. Price is still the same at May 2011, if you book as a walkin. Online is 800 baht. Rooms are a little worn, but clean. Plenty of channels on the TV, and the shower water is hot.

• Sino Inn Budget Hotel [13]-Tel+66 76234423-4, Fax +66 76234425. On Mea Luan Road close to 7-11. Rooms with en suite toilet and shower with hot and cold water, fridge, mini bar, TV and air conditioning. Clean, comfortable and fully furnished with a balcony. Free mini bar and WiFi internet access is available in all rooms. Contact : info@sinoinnphuket.com

• The Old Phuket Daily Apartment [14]-284 Phuket Rd. Tel+66 (0) 76 355 959. 5 minutes by foot from old Phuket Town. Spacious and very clean rooms with a very modern and artsy decor, A/C, cable TV, open air patio with free coffee/tea and free WiFi throughout the building. The staff is very friendly (English in varying degrees, but all very helpful). They even encourage you to leave your comments (with drawings) on their lobby wall. It would be advised to carry one of their business cards, as taxi drivers seem to still be unfamiliar with it by name. 500-750 baht.

Mid-range

• Bhukitta Hotel & Spa ((Bhukitta Hotel & Spa)), 28 Phang nga Road, T.Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand, [15]. Located in the heart of Phuket City providing easy access to old town and many attractions. The design of the hotel combines an elegant blend of contemporary design with a modern Thai touch, all the latest amenities and free WiFi. 1,250 - 4,500 baht.  edit

• Daeng Plaza (แดง พลาซ่า), 57 Phuket Road, ☎ +66 7621 3752, +66 7621 3966, +66 7621 6428 (fax: +66 7621 3884), [16]. 1,000 - 1,400 baht.  edit

• Metropole Phuket, 1 Soi Surin, Montri Road, ☎ +66 76 215-050, 214-020-9 (fax: +66 76 215-990), [17]. Large hotel, 5-10 minute walk from the main bus station and the market. May once have been an opulent choice, but it feels like a decision was made some decades ago to spend minimal effort on upkeep or cleaning of the hotel--at least the cheaper rooms and the "gym" are in desperate need of renovation. Free WiFi. 3000 baht/day.  edit

• Royal Phawadee Village, 3 Sawatdirak Rd., ☎ +66 76 344 622 (info@royal-phawadee-village.com), [18]. Thai-style pavilions are placed strategically throughout the resort leaving open spaces for our exotic Thai flora to flourish. From 2,500 baht.  

• Sino House Phuket Hotel and Apartment (โรงแรมชิโนเฮ้าส์ ภูเก็ต), 1 Montree Rd., Tambon Talad Yai, ☎ +66 76 232494, +66 76232495 (reserv@sinohousephuket.com, fax: +66 76221498). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Boutique business hotel in the heart of Phuket Town. Providing clean and fully furnished rooms with A/C and free high speed internet access in rooms.  

• Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel, 40/5 Chanacharoen Rd., ☎ (+66 76 222 240-50. The Thavorn Grand Plaza is an efficient city hotel with a relaxed resort ambience. 

Splurge

Get out

Catch a ferry from Rassada Pier to Koh Phi Phi, Rai Leh, or any of the surrounding islands.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Phuket_Town

Chalong Bay

Asia : Southeast Asia : Thailand : Southern Thailand : Phuket : Chalong Bay

Contents [hide] Understand Get in Get around See Do Buy Eat Drink Sleep Get out

Chalong Bay (อ่าวฉลอง Ao Chalong) is on the east coast of Phuket.

[edit] Understand

This is Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south of Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Get around

Numerous boats span out from Chalong to nearby islands, including Ko Hae (Coral Island), Ko Racha (Ko Raya) and more.

[edit][add listing] See

• Wat Chalong (วัดฉลองหรือวัดไชยธาราราม). A beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, who helped the people of Phuket, put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple during later times. Wat Chalong is about 8 kilometres outside town. Take Wichit Songkram Road to the bypass and turn left, and drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left.

[edit][add listing] Do

As the main boat harbour for Phuket Island, most Scuba Diving companies have now relocated from other areas to Chalong. Most of Phuket's speed boat,fishing boats, snorkeling companies and yacht charter are also located here. Destinations include Coral Island, Phi Phi Island, and Koh Racha for day trips, snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing. Chalong has a shooting range, atv, elephant rides, go kart track, paint ball and horse riding. One "Must Do" is to drive up to the famous Big Buddha which over looks Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, numerous islands and on a clear day even Phi Phi Island, 38 miles away can be seen. Steve Anderson.

• 1800Phuket at 48/12 Soi Sunrise for information and bookings. email: info@1800Phuket.com, tel toll free 1800Phuket or 0760383581.

[edit][add listing] Buy

In Chalong it is possible to buy scuba equipment at wholesale prices - for registered Thai companies. Diving professionals will get good deals on equipment from the local distributors. All scuba- and freediving, day trips to the islands, and fishing trips and boat charters are available. There is a large supermarket with just about everything one could need.

• Home Pro Village Chalong, Homepro Village Chalong, 10 West Chaofa Road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130. Small shopping mall in Chalong including Villa Market supermarket which specialises in western foodstuffs.  edit
• Asian Divers, 43/60 Moo 5, Soi Diving (on the way from the circle to Chalong Pier), [1]. Polish diving center  edit
• We Freedive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (We Freedive), Patak Road (300m west from Chalong Circle), ☎ +66 831857289, [2]. We Freedive have a specialty shop of high quality freediving equipment, some of which they produce themselves. Come here for custom freediving wetsuits, freediving fins and fin bags, masks, noseclips, Floats, Lanyards, ...  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Chalong has just about every type of restaurant. Delicious and cheap local Thai food is available as well as Italian, Mexican, Burgers, Indian, fish and chips, MK hot pot and Kentuky Fried Chicken and fresh bakeries. The area features some of the very best Thai Seafood waterfront restaurants.

• Mr. India - Best Indian food in Phuket. Patak Rd, going towards the Chalong Pier.

• Thatssani Seafood (ทัศนีย์ ซีฟูด), Ao Chalong.  edit

• Kan Eng, pier Ao Chalong, ☎ 0 7638 1212.  edit
• Sabai Sabai Restaurant and Cooking School (Sabai Sabai), Patak Road (300m from Chalong Roundabout towards Kata), ☎ +66896486843. Sabai Sabai has traditional Thai dishes and some favourits like the Roast Duck Pankakes and the best burger on the island. Ton, the owner, used to work as a chef in the UK before coming back to Thailand, where she now runs this very friendly and welcoming restaurant that has become a favourite with the local expats. 60-180 THB for a meal.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Chalong now has numerous beach front bars and street bars catering for a quiet, relaxed feeling for families and ranging to adult themes.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Mostly a stepping-stone for heading elsewhere, accommodation in Chalong now ranges from 200 baht for a share room to 5 star resorts. Chalong is a very good spot to stay before going diving or out on the water as it is only a short walk to the boats instead of traveling from the better known tourist areas up to one hour away.

[edit] Get out

Kamala

Western Phuket : Kamala

Contents [hide] Understand Get in Get around See Do Buy Eat Drink Sleep Contact Get out

Kamala (กมลา) is on the west coast of Phuket, just to the north of Patong, and immediately south of Surin Beach.

[edit] Understand

Kamala provides a haven for those who prefer the quieter life. Although the southern end of the beach can get busy in the high season, the northern end is peaceful all year round. "Rim Haad" (Beach Road), at the southern end, has a number of small 20-30 room hotels for the low/medium budget traveller. Friendly service and village feel and a diversity of restaurants and small bars can be found on this small road. Cheaper food options/market stalls can be found on the main Kamala Road.

[edit] Get in

By taxi - 500 baht from the airport.

[edit] Get around

they wont accept anything less than 600 baht. I have traveled from the airport to the kamala beach on 6th March 2012. And i paid 600 bahts.

[edit][add listing] See

The only two tourist attractions Kamala has to offer (besides the beach) are the Fantasea show and the Buddhist temple at the southern end of the beach.
At the middle of the beach, there is a small park with a tsunami monument.

[edit][add listing] Do

If you are looking to spend most of the time on the beach enjoying the sea, this is a very good place to be. Beach is quite nice and is not too crowded. Sea floor is nice and sandy. In the afternoons the water spectacularly recedes leaving a blanket of rocks at the left end of the beach for local fishing and a beautiful swimming area at the right end of the beach.
On the beach, you won't be able to get around a Thai massage. These are offered at small stalls throughout the beach, and the rate seems fixed (300 baht/hour, February 2012). Even if you're not comfortable with a full body massage, don't miss out on a heavenly foot massage. Get one daily and help support the local economy while enjoying a pampering.
The Kamala Wat is located at the southern end of the beach and is almost unnoticeable. The temple and its grounds have been restored since the Boxing Day tsunami and the Buddhist locals and resident monks welcome curious Australians and foreigners. It was the Australian television program Backyard Blitz that helped restore the gardens of the Wat after the tsunami. A memorial tree is placed in the garden with a dedication plaque and the walls of the main temple are a beautifully decorated story of Buddha. Visiting this Wat can be an enlightening and cultural experience; pictures and events of the Tsunami are displayed on a board for foreigners to see and the monks allow photos of the grounds as long as you're in the company of a local.
The extremely popular Phuket FantaSea is located in Kamala. Phuket FantaSea is an exuberant show/cultural theme park that combines the rich heritage of Thailand with unique 4D effects and animals. The park is 140 acres and presents a 4000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine and a shopping street offering local products. The park operates daily except Thursdays and opens at 8.30pm. [1]
If more entertainment is desired you can take a taxi to Patong; however taxis are unreasonably expensive ~500 baht one way (but less if you bargain). Tuk-tuks are a simple and (sometimes) cheap way to leave Kamala. Tuk-tuks to the more popular Patong cost around 300 baht. Some of the hotels provide an affordable shuttle to Patong.
Kamala Dive Center has half-day trips to dive sites around Kamala, like Kamala Rock- a boulder site with plenty of fish, Koh Weo- a small reef island, Tin Lizzy - a wreck of a dredger, and Tai Pau, a shallow sand bottom site. The dives are done by longboat and are often quite enjoyable with less divers and more fish as compared to other Phuket diving options. [2]
Catching the local open-sided bus to Phuket Town or further is a cheap and cultural experience for travellers unwilling to pay expenses for taxis or tuk-tuks. The bus is fantastic and cheap - if you are willing to share it with curious locals. In Kamala the bus runs every hour and passes along the main road. You need only to flag it down and jump through the back - you pay the driver at the end of your journey.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Kamala offers some small supermarkets, one of them a 7-11. There's quite a few souvenir shops on the road, along with some tour offices where you can book lots of different tours for diving or beach watching.
Most noticeable are about 20 to 30 tailors (including two just outside the Kamala Bay Garden Resort), which all try to guess your nationality and offer the 'best and cheapest suits in western fashion'. Before entering one of them, you should be well aware what you want and what you are willing to pay for it. Upon delivery, you should check all seams.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are quite a few restaurants directly on the beach. Usually they show some fresh fish and seafood on ice, where you can choose exactly what to eat.
One of them offers a weekly BBQ - all you can eat. You should make a reservation in time to get a table, but actually, its not worth it.
In the village you also find an abundance of restaurants, also with the seafood in the front on ice. Those which offer fewer Western dishes often have the best Thai dishes.
For breakfast, try the "Rockfish". This restaurant is located south of the beach, on the hillside. It is rather splendid, and not too cheap, but the breakfast special is only 99 baht for juice, coffee and some breakfast (several choices).
Another breakfast place is the Kamala Bakery, just a next door to the Siam Commercial Bank on the main road between Patong and Surin on the Patong side of Kamala. The bakery has good breakfast options and tasty breads. Clean and with aircon. Not that cheap and will charge THB5 extra for a little jam. Not as pleasant surroundings as Rockfish but the food is more substantial.
If you look for other beach-side restaurant, we would like to recommend "Salt & Pepper Restaurant" is better known for its steaks and pizzas than Swedish food. T: (076) 385 371, [[3]]
Insider tip: there is one Thai place on the beach that seems to get repeat visits from the locals that run the hotels. It is called "PP&P" -- hard to find, but absolutely worth it if you want quality, clean and authentic Thai food at excellent prices (sometimes hard to find in Phuket). The chef ("Wichet"), a friendly English-fluent former cook at the Four Seasons is incredibly approachable and gregarious. His Thai dishes are packed with local herbs and spices, and all made fresh. Get the pomelo salad, the coconut chicken soup, and anything you want in his special red curry/tamarind sauce. Right on the water, he can organize a romantic dinner in advance. About 650THB for a 5-course meal for two. Look for them in the middle of the beach, adjacent to "Smile Bar" and across from the big pink shop-houses.

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are several bars in Kamala - most designed to suit the tourists who flock to Phuket in the tourist season. For example the Welsh Bar and the Aussie Bar are bars that have a certain patriotic atmosphere but are rather quiet in the off season. Bob's Bar is located on the main road, towards the Southern end of the beach and provides standard cocktails as well as exotic original cocktails - notably the "Kamala Sunset" - a concoction designed by Bob himself.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Kamala beach has a lot of small bungalows and huts directly on the beach, at about 1600 to 2000 baht per night in the high season. If you don't want to book one of the bigger hotels, you should start with one night booked in advance and then look for accommodation yourself. Don't let some agency at the airport book rooms for you.

• Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa, 22/10 Moo 6, Kathu, ☎ +66 (0) 76 310 777, [4]. Grand Deluxe Ocean View rooms, Air-conditioning, Cable, DVD player and Internet connectivity. Facilities and services are Bar, restaurant, swimming pool and spa From THB 13,000.00.  edit

• Andara Resort Villas [5](อัน ดารา รีสอร์ท แอนด์ วิลล่่า) Brand new luxury resort in Phuket, nestled in the lush tropical hillside above Kamala Beach on the pristine west coast of Phuket. Offer world-class 5-star service and a range of accommodation options (from 1-6 bedrooms). 15 Moo 6, layi naka lay road, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: +66 76 338 777 Fax: +66 76 338 949

• Aquamarine Resort & Spa (อความารีน รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา) 17/38 Mu 6 ,Hat Kamala, Amphoe Kathu (Tel: 0 7631 0600 Fax: 0 7631 0630), 202 rooms: 4,500 baht

• Baan Chaba (บ้านชบา) 95/3 Mu 3, Tambon Kamala (Tel: 0 7627 9158), 8 rooms: 1,200 baht

• Benjamin-Resort is directly on the beach. 600 baht per night for a 2 person room, including breakfast (ham & eggs, toast, coffee, tea, fruits).

• Ice Kamala Beach Hotel, 84/1 Moo.3 Rimhad Road, ☎ (66) 076 385 437, [6]. All rooms equipped with Balcony/ terrace, Air-conditioning, Phone and Wi-Fi Internet access. Some of its facilities and services are Restaurant, Terrace, Laundry service and Airport shuttle. From THB 3,000.00.  edit

• Kamala Bay Garden Resort (กมลา เบย์ การ์เดน รีสอร์ท) 100/10 Hat Kamala Road, Tel: 0 7632 5722-7, Fax: 0 7632 5721, [7]. 200 m from the beach, has a great pool with waterslide, tasty hotel food, and all rooms are suites (choice of one-, two-, or three-bedrooms). 180 rooms: 4700-8,000 baht.

• Kamala Bay Terrace Resort (กมลา เบย์ เทอเรซ รีสอร์ท) 16/12 Hat Kamala (Tel: 0 2677 6240-5, 02 6776246-7 [8], 123 rooms: 5,900-15,000 baht

• Kamala Beachfront Apartment [9] located directly on the beach with one and two bedroom apartments, breakfast not included, for up to 5 person per apartment.

• Kamala Beach Hotel Resort [10] is right on the beach, has very nice and clean rooms, very nice and friendly staff, and is affordable (approx 2000 baht).

• Kamala Dreams [11] Located right along the beautiful beach of Kamala and conveniently close to many establishments such as seafood restaurants, shopping venues, and nightlife entertainment. All rooms equipped with Air-conditioning, Kitchenette with microwave oven, cutlery, and crockery and Balcony/lanai/terrace. Some of its facilities and services are Charoen Seafood Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Laundry service and High speed internet access.

• Layalina [12] looks like the most upscale option - run by an Austrian manager, offers plasma tv and jacuzzi in the rooms and a very nice pool on the outside. The downsides are the price and the position next to the canal in Kamala.

• hotel with no name consisting of three octagonal bungalows directly on the beach (first one south of the Muslim graveyard) - clean, stuffed with fresh flowers, and run by the owner herself only. 1600 baht per night without breakfast.

• Kamala Villa Getaways [13] Totally luxurious villas in Kamala Bay overlooking the crystal clear Andaman Sea. Villas range in size from 2 - 6 bedrooms so are ideal for everything from romantic getaways to family holidays. Many of the villas are built in the traditional Thai style while incorporating modern comfort, luxury and style. Villa Getaways are high end 5 star luxury villas.

• Villa Analaya [14]6 spacious bedrooms, decorated with traditional Thai artworks and antiques 6 large ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs. Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas. Gourmet kitchen. Well equipped gymnasium. Office. Full air-conditioning. Terraces with ocean views. TV, DVD, Cable, Stereo System, Telephone, Wireless Broadband Internet. 25m Infinity style Swimming Pool surrounded by sun chairs, tables and umbrellas. Absolute Beachfront, perfect for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking (2 kayaks available at villa). Cabana on Beach. Dining Sala with Ocean views. Indoor and outdoor dining areas. Tropical Gardens. The staff at Villa Analaya are there to cater to your every need.Included in the rate are villa manager, personal chef, concierge, maids and security.

• Alexanders Property [15] A property management company offering a variety of rental options, both villas and apartments. Short and long term. Ranging from 1 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom luxury villas.

[edit] Contact

Most Internet providers charge 1 baht/minute, usually with a minimum charge of 10 baht.
Jackie Lee Tours charges 1 baht/minute and no minimum, and all the usual tours and events can also be booked here.
25 baht/hour in Kamala (Main) Road 78/6 opposite of CLUB EURO - coffee or tea 10 baht.

[edit] Get out

Karon

Western Phuket : Karon

Contents [hide] Understand Get in Get around See Do Buy Eat Drink [+] Sleep Stay safe Get out

Karon Beach (หาดกะรน Hat Karon) is on the west coast of Phuket, south of Patong and north of Kata.

[edit] Understand

Karon is the second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches at 3 km length, some 20 kilometres from town. Not many hotels have direct beach frontage - most are across the road (which is not a busy one). Therefore practically the entire beach is public. Large resort complexes line the opposite side of the road from the shoreline, but the long, broad beach itself has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked upon. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu Island. Also, there is a wide pedestrian / bicycle path on the beachside of the road running the length of the beach.
Most Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north central end, near the traffic circle, or near the south end, on Bangla road connecting the back road with the beach road. Nightlife is pretty much confined to dining and a few beer bars.
The northern third of Karon Beach is essentially undeveloped and flanked by Nong Harn Lake which is the largest beach side park in Phuket offering a nice exercise/jogging/cycling path. North Karon also offers white beach and clear water with no crowds. Karon is arguably the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches.
At the south end of Karon a narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. There is a regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

[edit] Get in

If coming from Phuket Airport you can pick up a voucher from the airport transportation booth for a flat rate of 750 baht. The drive is just under an hour. Many hotels offer transport from airport to the hotel for 1000 baht.
You can also take metered (yellow) taxis - cheaper than from inside at c. 650 baht. Turn right as you exit the airport building (ignore the touts) and you'll see a stand at the end of the walkway. You tell your destination to the staff at the stand and they will give you a paper with the taxi driver number for you to keep in case you need to report a problem. Fares to other destinations in Phuket cost around 300 baht and up. The rate is what is displayed by the meter plus 100 baht airport fee. The meter will start with a 50 baht display. You may stumble upon a freelance taxi driver that will take you from the Airport to Patong for the flat fee of 400 baht. If the driver is pleasant, you may wish to ask for his mobile number for the return trip later. The same driver can take you from Patong to Phuket Town for 350 to 400 baht.
For those who are price conscious, the transportation booth inside the airport also sells seats on a minibus for 180 baht. The minibus makes several stops along the way to drop off other passengers.
For those who want to save even more, take a near-hourly (till 20.45) airport bus to Phuket Town (85 baht as of May 2010, 1 hour). From there, go to the downtown market (around 1-2 km away, but motorbike taxis will offer you rip-off prices like 40 baht, bargain or wait for a public songthaew), then wait for a bus/songthaew to Karon beach.

[edit] Get around

Probably the cheapest and most convenient way to get around is to rent a motorbike for yourself which is suitable for one or two people. These can be rented at various shops around the island, with one located a few hundred meters to the east of the traffic circle on Patak Road (East). Typical rates run 150(non-automatic) to 200 Baht for automatic shift models. This would allow you to get around anywhere on the island for one flat rate for 24 hours. Be careful with this though as driving up and down the winding mountain roads is not necessarily for the first time driver.

Another option to get around is by tuk-tuk or taxi, which are mostly needed to go to other parts of the beach or nearby towns. To get to Phuket Town taxis are available and cost around 400 baht. There are also public buses(Songthaews) which leave from Karon to different places every hour for around 20 baht.
Karon - Patong will cost you 300 baht per tuk-tuk ride - though if you keep moving through the drivers you will eventually find one for 250. (The local tuk tuk mafia seem to have stitched up the prices.) From Patong - Karon Beach should be cheaper as there are a lot more tuk-tuk trying to pick up passengers.

[edit][add listing] See

Karon Sunset

Unlike the bigger, busier, and noisier Patong further north, Karon offers visitors a nice long quiet stretch of sand, with plenty of beach umbrellas available for rent. Facing west, it gives a beautiful view of the sunset.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Dinos Park Mini Golf (ไดโนปาร์คมินิกอล์ฟ) Dinos Park Mini Golf is located beside the Marina Phuket Resort, Hat Karon. This 18-hole mini-golf course in a primitive atmosphere uses the light and sound techniques to feature dinosaurs and an erupting volcano. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Admission is 120 Baht. Green fees are 240 Baht for adults and 180 Baht for children. Tel. 0 7633 0625, Fax: 0 7633 0516.

• There are some nice snorkeling and diving sites located off Karon beach. Always seek local information before diving and snorkeling in Phuket. There can be dangerous currents present at certain times of the year. Sunrise Divers are based at Karon Beach.

• Sunrise Divers PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, Karon Beach (Tel: 076 398 040) [1]

• Mantra Herbal Steam Sauna and Spa Located at Pacific Club Resort, Herbal Sauna in garden atmosphere open 16:00 - 23:00 only 100 baht/person, spa treaments and massage available. Karon Beach (Tel: 076 398 350) [2]

[edit][add listing] Buy

Bars, tailors and clothing markets are plentiful at Karon, either in the main part of town or along the beach front. There are also a number of supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies; there's not much you need to travel elsewhere for.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Karon has a variety of restaurants to choose from including a surprising number catering to Scandinavian tastes. Most restaurants are lined along the beach front road.

• Angus O'Tool's International Menu ~ All Day Breakfast, Big Juicy Steaks, Sunday Roasts Open 10:00AM-Midnight, Karon Beach (Tel: 076 398 262) [3]
• Karon Cafe Steak N Ribs, 526/17 Patak Road, Established in 1989, the oldest foreign owned restaurant in Karon Beach [4]
• Las Margaritas Mexican Tropical Cuisine, 528/7 Patak Road [5]
• "The Dining Room" located at Pacific Club Resort 16 Patak Road Soi 24 [6]
• Harry's Restaurant & Pub, 15/5 Luangpohchuan Road (opposite Phuket Orchid Resort) +66 7639-8258 [7]
• Sawasdee Thai cuisine 38 Katekwan Rd, Karon Beach (Tel: 0 76330979) [8]

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Angus O'Tool's Irish Pub, (opposite Centara Karon Resort), ☎ +66 (0)76 39 82 62, [9]. 10:00-Drunk. Restaurant open 10:00-Midnight, all day breakfasts. Pub has Live Music & Sports on two big screens, and families are welcome. Draught Guinness, Kilkenny, Magners & Heineken. Free Internet & Wifi. Also has air-con rooms from 600 baht.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Angus O'Tool's, [10] Clean , Cool, Comfortable & Secure, two minutes walk to Karon Beach, Free Tea, Coffee & Water. Hot & Cold Power Showers, DVD/CD/MP3 Player. Free Wi-Fi & Internet From 600 Baht/Room/Night.

• Karon Cafe' Inn, [11] Serving budget travelers since 1989, now with free WiFi, located only two minutes walk from Karon Beach in the center of Karon Village. Good clean fully equipped rooms at rock bottom prices. Fine budget accommodation only 2 minutes walk from Karon Beach

• Divers Inn, [12], is a friendly, cosy little hotel located centrally at Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand. The hotel is on a quiet street only a few minutes walking distance to the beach, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. You have the choice of sea view or mountain view. A find for Budget travellers.

• Pang & Pum questhouse is a very friendly place for people on a tight budget. It is located exact opposite of Karon View Resort. Room rates are about 10$ per night depending if your visiting in a tourist season. They have about 10 rooms in different sizes.

• Jor Guest House (จอ เกสต์เฮาส์) 102/11 Mu 3 Patak Road (Tel: 0 7639 6546, 0 7628 6256), 9 rooms: 300-500 baht

• Legends Guest House 516/6 Patak Road Karon Beach. it is a hostel but you have your own room with AC, TV, free tea,coffee water, and private bathroom. Only a few minutes from the beach, with plenty of bars close by. It is almost staying at a hotel.

• Greenisland Guesthouse. Clean, central, friendly & cheap.

[edit] Mid-range

• Honey Resort, 100/69 Kata Rd, Muang, ☎ +66 (0) 76 330 938-9, [13]. Deluxe Rooms with pool access, Air-conditioning, Cable TV and Mini-bar. Facilities and services are Swimming pool, Restaurant and High-speed Internet access From THB 800.00.  edit

• Ban Karon Hill Phuket (บ้านกะรน น้อย) 8/3 Mu 1, Patak Road (Tel: 0 7628 6233 Fax: 0 7628 6209) 19 rooms: 1,800 baht

• Paradise Inn Phuket Modern economical accommodation, 2 minutes walk from Karon Beach. Free WiFi. Low rates, nice rooms - with friendly service in a laid back atmosphere. Book with the owner --> [14]

• Baan Karon Resort (บ้านกะรน รีสอร์ท) 213 Patak Road (Tel: 0 7628 6215-8 [15]) 45 rooms: 800-1,900 baht

• Baan Karonburi Resort (บ้านกะรนบุรี รีสอร์ท) 194/1 Karon Road (Tel: 0 7628 6481-2, 0 7639 6778-9 [16]), 48 rooms: 1,800-4,500 baht

• Centara Villa Phuket (เซ็นทารา วิลล่า ภูเก็ต) 701 Patak Road (Tel: 0 7639 8195 Fax: 0 7628 6276 [17]), 72 Villas: 2,200-7,180 baht

• Karon Living Room [18]. Very clean and friendly hotel with new room furnishing and a\c rooms, friendly service, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. From 1400 (when booked locally).

[edit] Splurge

• Access Resort & Spa (แอกเซส รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา) 459/2 Patak Road (Tel: 0 7639 8489 [19]. 129 Deluxe Pool rooms,3 Deluxe Family rooms, 8 Pool Villas Suites rooms: 4,500-15,000 baht

• Pacific Club Resort, Voted #1 Resort in Karon Beach on TripAdvisor six years running, Peaceful quiet location with spectacular views, only ten minutes walk from Karon Beach, +66-(0)76-398-350, more info and book instantly on the owner's website just click here --> [20]. May-Oct 1,500 baht up and Nov-Apr 2,500 baht up with FREE WiFi.

• Andaman Seaview Hotel (อันดามัน ซีวิว) 127/35 Patak Road, Tel: 0 7639 8111, 0 7639 8156-69 Bangkok Tel: 0 2719 9911-2 [21]. 161 rooms: 5,900-8,800 baht

• Centara Karon Resort, [22] - formerly the Central Resort. Modern mid-rise 316 room resort with panoramic views. From 3000 baht.

• Hilton Phuket Arcadia, [23], large hotel complex located on the main Patak Road and popular with Asian tourists. The hotel has a Caffe Cino, similar to the one in Hilton's Petaling Jaya hotel (Malaysia). From 3400 baht.

• Le Meridian Phuket (เลอเมอริเดียน ภูเก็ต บีช รีสอร์ท) 8/5 Tambon Karon Noi (Tel: 0 7634 0480-5 Fax: 0 7634 0479, Bangkok Tel: 0 2256 0767-8 Fax: 0 2256 0766 [24]. 470 rooms: US$ 290-1,250

• Mövenpick Resort and Spa, [25], is a Swiss-run resort located in the center of Karon town and is just across the road from the beach. From 3600 baht.

• Ramada Resort Karon Beach [26] - formerly the Felix Karon. A short drive from the main town, especially designed for kids and young families featuring the first and only magic castle of Phuket, the longest waterslide and the most diversified Kidsclub under the umbrella of the Siam Adventure Club. From US$48.

• Thavorn Palm Beach, [27], is next-door to the Hilton Arcadia and is distinctly more traditional as compared with its more modernistic-design neighbor. Features 209 contemporary Thai-style furnished rooms in 3 interconnecting low-rise buildings, and five swimming pools in exotic landscaped gardens.

• Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa [28].

• Horizon Karon Beach Hotel [29], Soi 2, Karon District, Phuket. Tel :+66(0)76 284 555, Features 90 rooms in 3 & 4 storey buildings. The resort is surrounded by nature and is spread over 16,000 square meters. Also, its elevated position ensures great views and privacy.

[edit] Stay safe

Beware of rip tides at the beach, especially during the summer rainy season — they killed 10 people in 2009 alone.

[edit] Get out

Transport back to Phuket Town is relatively easy, local buses (rather large contraptions with wooden benches in back) run between Phuket and Karon/Kata. The fare is 30 baht per person. From Phuket Town, connections to buses to Bangkok or other destinations on the Thai Mainland are available, as are shuttles, taxis and/or minibuses to transport you from the city centre to Phuket Airport.
Alternately, you can go straight to the airport by Taxi, which would be more expensive (unless travelling in a sizable group) running about 600 baht. Phone number for the Phuket International Airport Taxi is 086-478-1234.

Kata

Western Phuket : Kata

Contents [hide] Understand Get in Get around See Do Eat Drink [+] Sleep Get out

Kata Yai (หาดกะตะใหญ่ Hat Kata Yai) and Kata Noi (หาดกะตะน้อย Hat Kata Noi) are two adjacent beaches on the west coast of Phuket, directly south of Karon. Kata Yai is sometimes called simply Kata Beach (หาดกะตะ Hat Kata).

[edit] Understand

Kata Yai

Situated 20 kilometres from town, beautiful Kata is a scenic gem, its clear water flanked by hills, and picturesque Pu Island sits offshore. Kata retains a village feel at its northern and southern ends and is perhaps more family-oriented, its one-kilometer long beach more peaceful than Patong.
The main road runs from Kata center at the end near Karon Beach all the way to Kata Noi Beach. In Kata center you can find many shops that sell tourist gifts. These shops can be grouped into Gift, Suit, Music and Massage. Restaurants are well priced and food is good. Bars start further on down the road towards Kata beach.
There are more hotels than meet the eye and walking around for a couple of days you will find even more guest houses. This does not mean that Kata is packed with tall hotels.
Kata beach has safe swimming and does not have any dropoffs. It is safe for children and non-swimmers. But always take notice of the flags that fly, they will let you know if it is not safe to swim. There is a coral reef on the right hand side of the beach that goes out to Poo (crab) Island. Sitting on the beach and looking right you may see local fishermen on the rocks trying to catch their supper.

Kata Noi

Situated 20 kilometres from town or less than 1km south of Kata Yai is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with fewer hotels and less development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south.
There are some great waves for simply body surfing on. lot's of fun..

[edit] Get in

• From the airport, you can take a minibus to Kata Beach for about 180 baht. See the Phuket section for details.
• From Phuket Town, you can take a small open air bus (larger than a songthaew) to Kata for 30-40 baht. Buses leave from the municipal bus terminal, and from the backpacker area of Ranong St (just West of the traffic circle). Note that these buses will initially pass Kata Beach and make their first stop in nearby Karon. They then wind back through Kata and drop you near the beach where many hotels are located.

[edit] Get around

To get to Kata Noi, take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata Yai.

[edit][add listing] See

The local market which is on Thursdays just off the main Kata road. Here you will find the locals buying their fish and spices. A very interesting place for the first time traveler to Thailand. Beware the shrimp paste. At one end of the market near the main road to Chalong you might just see an old man shelling coconuts with a very old, and dangerous looking machine.
Try and find the sauna in the jungle. It has an old copper water boiler that looks like a kettle, there is a cafe there and a plunge pool. They put tree bark in the water to make the steam smell like menthol sometimes. The sauna can be found on the right, about 10 minutes walk at the south end of Kata along the road that takes you to Chalong Bay.
There is a small shopping area called KT Plaza (next to Black Canyon Coffee); selling souvenirs and apparel.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Diving and Snorkeling There is a great shallow snorkeling and diving location on the North side of the bay. Information and equipment is available from several divecenters in the Kata area.

• Surfing: In the rainy season, April to September. Mostly fast, mushy beach breaks and short rides. You can rent surfboards from Phuket Surf at the far southern end of the Beach. Kata Noi is a typical beach break that works best on low tides.

• Rumble fish Adventure, 98/79 Kata New Road, inside Beach Center (Beach Center is located on Kata New Road, connecting Patak Road and Kata Road (running behind ClubMed). Look for Dome Bungalow Resort as a land mark. Beach Center is on the same side as Dome Bungalow & Plaza (under construction)), ☎ +66 86092 4887, [1]. Daily 10-6. A PADI 5 Star full service facility is owned & managed by a team of PADI Pros from Thailand, USA & Japan. It is located inside the safe, quiet and very clean Beach Center, in central Kata Beach. PADI Courses available year-round (start as young as 8 years old), from beginner to divemaster and instructor levels. Full wholesales and retails showroom from 200 THB.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Summer Coffee House, 184/1 Khoktanod Rd, Kata Beach, Thailand (On the road between Kata Yai and Kata Noi). 9AM-10PM. Nice air conditioned cafe with internet stations and wifi. Purchase of a drink gets you 15 free minutes of internet access. Has good pastries and desserts.  edit

• Dino Park, Kata Beach Rd, [2]. 10.  edit

• The Tube, Koktanod Rd (across from 7-Eleven, walk east on Koktanod Rd, away from the beach and main road). From 7:30PM. Excellent all-you-can-eat BBQ. Chicken, pork chops, ribs, salad bar, bread, and baked potatoes. Try the delicious chili sauce. Watch surf movies while you eat. Owners are super cool. 199 baht.  edit

• Le Gran Prix, (On Taina Rd). Casual little French restaurant. Food is good and prices are reasonable. Entrees 150-300 baht.  edit
• The Red Chair Cafe, (On Koktanod Rd). 11AM-10PM. A great place for Thai food. Food is cheap, service is good, seems clean. Popular with locals and expats. Entrees 70-120.  edit
• Red Chair Plus, (On Koktanod Rd). Recently (2010) opened by the owners of Red Chair Cafe, this restaurant is more upscale, and serves a variety of Western and Thai food. It's a good value compared to other upscale restaurants in Kata. Try the excellent fajitas. Entrees 200+ baht.  edit
• La Gondola (italian restaurant), Thaina Road (200 mt from Kata Center). "Trattoria" style Italian restaurant with a wide menu of classic Italian dishes, Pizza and Seafood. Full portions at reasonable prices.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are many bars along the road from Kata centre to Kata Noi. No doubt you will hear the words "Hello Welcome" in most of them as you walk by.

• Ska Bar, (At the very southern end of Kata Yai beach). A funky ska/reggae oriented beach bar, right on the sand. They play good music, and have fire dancing shows on friday nights. Expats, tourists, and locals all hang out here. It's one of the main social centers of Kata Yai. Open day and night, seven days a week.  edit

• After Beach Bar and Restaurant, (on the hill overlooking Kata Noi Beach). A large, cool restaurant/bar with a fantastic view of the ocean. They play reggae and other good music, and have a bar to hang out at. A fun place to take a larger group to eat, or can work as a nice date spot too. Entrees 100-350 baht.  edit

• 75 Bar, (ask the locals, or take a taxi, not easy to find). Fun, casual reggae bar popular with expats and locals. Live bands on Sunday nights.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Kata Yai

• Club Med Phuket.

• Kata Palm Resort, just off the main road. Has two large swimming pools. There are rooms in the new section that have steps into the pool, very nice !

• Kata beach hotel is right on the beach.

• Peach Hill Hotel, 13 Karon Road, Kata Beach, [3], on a small hill between Karon and Kata Yai beaches, 400 metres from Kata Yai beach.

• Boomerang Village Resort, patak road 9/11-13 soi 10 Kata 83100, ☎ 076284480, [4]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00. Externally similar to mountain chalets, the cottages are furnished in Thai style, offering a very congenial and relaxing ambience. The property boasts panoramic views of Kata Beach and is located approximately 80 metres above sea level,the beach is about 900 mt. ,being virtually dipped in the nature of a tropical garden. 1,550 -4,440 baht.  edit

• Rico's, (on the main Kata road, big sign is hard to miss). Clean, mid-range hotel. Rooms are all ground floor, and surround the pool. Bathrooms are tiny, but clean. Free internet in the lobby. Doubles 1500 baht.  edit

• Tasanee Penthouse, Kata Beach, Phuket, ☎ +62 361 869 1881, [5]. Luxury private Penthouse with infinity plunge pool overlooking Kata Beach. Located within a modern, new boutique style condominium building which is walking distance to the beach, boutique shops, famous restaurants, and Kata’s nightlife. With a total of three bedrooms and four bathrooms, Tasanee Penthouse can easily accommodate six adults. Satellite TV on four flat screen TV’s, DVD, CD, and a Bose i-Pod Docking station, remote controlled climate control in all bedrooms and living areas are provided for your comfort convenience. Free Daily maid service, linen, & towels are provided. From US$475/night.  edit

[edit] Kata Noi

[edit] Budget

Go directly to Karon, Kata or Kata Noi beaches and have a look around. If you prefer a more hectic atmosphere go to Patong. At least this way you can see what you prefer and you would be able to negotiate prices then. For example along the southern end of Kata Beach there are many bungalow establishments with lovely views overlooking the sea. The establishment owners do not book in advance as most of them prefer to deal on a first come first served basis. Also most of them do not have websites and do not book over the net. Prices ranging from 200 - 1000 baht per day depending on your requirements.
Other similar establishments in the area are the Da Bungalows (ask or Mr Da), Coolbreeze, Friendship and Flamingo bungalows. If you prefer to go to a quieter area - go for Kata Noi and look up Tap Kaew Bungalows at the end of the street on the hillside overlooking Kata Noi beach.

[edit] Mid-range

• Kata Noi Club Bungalow (กะตะน้อย คลับ บังกะโล) 3/25 Patak Road (Tel: 0 7633 0194, 0 7628 4025), 20 rooms: 450-1,000 baht
• Kata Rock Inn Seaview. Aircon rooms with bathroom and toilet en suite, hot water, refrigerator, satellite TV, daily cleaning services, stunning views and 2 minutes from the beach. Prices about 800 baht per day, excellent value for money.

[edit] Splurge

• Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort (กะตะธานี ภูเก็ต บีช รีสอร์ท) 71 Kata Noi Road (Tel: 0 7633 0124-6 Bangkok Tel: 0 22675213-4 [6], 400 rooms: US $190. 4.5 star spa resort with great deals to be enjoyed during low season.
• The Shore by Kata Thani Kata Noi Road (Tel: 0 7633 0124-6 Bangkok Tel: 0 22675213-4 [7], 38 private pool villas: US $320+. 5+ star spa and boutique private pool villa resort with impressive pads. Famous for its gourmet cuisine and wine at The Harbor restaurant.
• Mom Tri’s Villa Royale (หม่อมตรี วิลล่า รอยัล) 12 Kata Noi Tel: 0 7633 3569 [8], 63 rooms: 14,000-25,000 baht

[edit] Get out

A mini-bus to the airport can be booked in advance at most travel agents. There are several on the main Kata road. Cost is about 250 baht. The bus will pick you up at your hotel.
Taxis to the airport cost 800-1000 baht. Negotiate the price before leaving.