Patak Road 9/11-13 soi 10 Kata 83100 Phuket Thailandia

Tel 0066 76 284480

Fax 0066 76 284569
Web Site :
www.phuket-boomerang.com
www.phuketboomerang.com
E-mail :
info@phuket-boomerang.com
info@phuketboomerang.com
Skype : boomerangvillage

Imagine a country rich with a millenium of history, full of mystery, suggestive and colourful, a country of
friendly and fascinating people... Imagine a tropical archipelago of a thousand Islands. Imagine an island, a
green jewel inserted into a turquoise blue ocean. Imagine white sandy beaches with palms touching
transparent clear waters. Imagine a rich uncontaminated sea, warm all the year round (27 - 30 C)…Welcome
to Phuket!
A warm welcome and careful assistance. These are two basic concepts that in a country so different from
ours will enable our guests to enjoy a holiday full of emotions. You can visit extraordinary places and
experience unforgettable sights, sports and cultural activities.
The quality of our village here in the sun has been proven by media such as the TV
programme “Velisti per caso”, national radio and the International hall of Vacations at Lugano in Switzerland
during 2004.
In addition to this the quality of a stay at Boomerang Village is being continually proven by many sports
magazines about diving and Thai boxing.
We would like to thank the many people that choose to stay with us and have given their valuable
suggestions.....Have a wonderful holiday and sawasdee krup!
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.
Kata Beach

Boomerang Village Cottages is situated in Kata Beach: ex village of fishermen that developed in
harmonic way with the nature, a mix of thai tradition with the demands of a modern and variegated
tourism endowed with one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country. Kata is situated
behind the southern promontory of Karon and is divided into two parts: Kata yai (Great Bay) and Kata
noi (Small Bay),KATA is an interesting beach. The small island of KO PU is at short swimming
distance from the beach and along the run there are beautiful coral barriers.
Rooms and Services
The Cottages are a new structure, externally similar to mountain chalet, comfortable furniture Thai
style, with private terrace for chilling out and watching the sun set.There are all equipments of best
confort and they have an en suite bathroom, air -conditioning and fan with individual controls,
refrigerator, mini bar, satellite TV, safety box, hot water. Coffee and tea making facilities, Hair dryer
( in Suite room).
Superior room

They Are 40 sqm and have a private terrace, With panoramic views of Kata Beach and tropical
gardens, Are tastefully decorated in Thai style , All rooms have a King size bed or extra 3-4 bed , Air
Conditioning with individual controls and Fan, Satellite TV , Private bathroom with shower hot and
cold water and full set of toiletries, Refrigerator, MiniBar, Safety box, Room service, Non-smoking
rooms are also available .
Suite room

They Are 50 sqm and have a

private terrace,With panoramic views of Kata Beach and tropical gardens, Are tastefully decorated in
Thai style , All rooms have a King size bed or extra 3-4 bed, Air Conditioning with individual controls
and Fan, Satellite TV, Private bathroom with shower hot and cold water and full set of toiletries,
Refrigerator, MiniBar, Safety box, Coffe and tea making facilities, Hair dryer , DVD-DIVX-VCD
Player , Dressings gown, Slippers, Room service, Non-smoking rooms are also available.
Café’ del sol Lounge Bar Cocktails

Buffet Breakfast, comes served in the bower Thai style - Music in cable broadcast, great choice of
background music - Laundry service - Taxi service to / from airport - Car and motorbike for rent -
Excursions-trips-fishing - Thai Massage - Telephone-Fax and internet service - Coffee Shop and
Snackbar, Cocktails Bar - Taxi and Tuk Tuk service - Reconfirmation flight tickets - Baby-sitter at
request - Billiard terrace - Parking
 Excursions – Trips

We strongly recommend every visitor to Phuket take at least one day – or more if possible - to travel
off Phuket Island to experience some of the incredible beauty of the surrounding region. You can go
by boat to islands of many kinds, Phi Phi Island, Phang-Nga & James Bond Island, Phuket Safari,
Raya Island, Coral Island and more

Sub-Diving

If you want to learn to scuba dive, take a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open
Water Diver course, the most widely recognized and respected diving certification in the world.
Within a few days, you can be enjoying the underwater world.
Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI
Open Water Diver certification.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and
techniques. You earn this rating by completing five pool dives and knowledge development sessions
and by making four open water dives.
So what are you waiting for…Learn to dive today!

Fishing

About the Boat 16 m Length,3, 5 m Beam,Dieselengine 175 HP,Radio, GPS, Fishfinder,

PENN Senator Fishing Gear.
 Live-aboard cruises

In cooperation with “Colona Diving”, a Phuket based Dive Club, we organize diving and adventures
live-aboard cruises, ranging from 2 up to 9 days.Onboard our comfortable and well equipped fleet of
boats you’ll visit the Phi Phi Islands and the Similan & Surin Archipelago included the famous dive
site “Richelieu Rock” where the wale sharks are very often seen. Moreover, starting from November
2005 we’ll offer an exclusive tour: from 3 up 6 days onboard the newly built Chinese Junk “La
Fortune” among the thousands islands of the unexplored “Mergui Archipelago”.The “Colona” fleet is
made of 5 live-aboard vessels: 2 motor-boat and 3 sailing-boats built exclusively for satisfy all divers
and adventurers needs. You’ll have a chance to visit the most beautiful spots of the Thai and
Myanmar Andaman Sea starting from November until the end of April.Onboard you’ll find comfort
and standards at top, our crew members always ready to help you and guide you in all excursions.
Don’t worry: we guarantee your privacy too.The Andaman Sea is one of the few where Mantas and
Wale Sharks are often seen, the water temperature never go below 26 degrees and the visibility is
excellent all year-round. The Andaman Sea is an unfailing stop for the demanding diver.For the
adventures-lover a cruise with “La Fortune” within the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar is a must!
Unexplored Mangrove Rivers, flora and fauna never seen before nowhere-else, amazing unspoiled
lagoons hides amongst the many archipelago islands Don’t miss it!.

Carving Course

Whether you entertain your guests by cooking Thai food or Western cuisine, nothing enhances a
carefully prepared dish, like a graceful fruit or vegetable carving, or some simple but elegant
garnishes.
Thai culinary carving expertise is arguably unsurpassed for skill and finesse.Course including :
- 18 hours of lessons, 3 hours by day Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 12.00 AM
- Maximum 5/6 student = handmade carving knife
- Booklet with detailed color photos, (the same one used in our class)
 Night Show

Phuket Fantasea – “Fantasy of a kingdom” Culture – illusion Show:

The ultimate in Las Vegas – style theatrical productions. Created by international experts and local
professionals, this audio visual extravaganza incorporates, for the first time, nine stunning show
themes – Thai culture, magical illusions, 4-dimensional effects, aerial performance, acrobatics,
indoor pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant circus and stunts – intoone unforgettable theatrical
masterpiece guaranteed to thrill and delight visitors of all ages and nationalities.
The show takes place in the magnificent Palace of the Elephants,which is a state-of-the-art theater
with wonderful acoustics. Fronted by a glorious reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace with
intriguing elephant statues, the spellbinding show combining culture and illusion that is almost
beyond belief. beyond belief.

Simon Cabaret
It is a beautiful musical and melodious show for adults and children. Its grand scenery, the luxurious
customs and wonderful choreography make the Simon Cabaret one of the best cabaret of the world,
( such as Tropicana of La Habana, the Moulin Rouge of Paris,...)

Climate
Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It’s warm all year’round. The hottest time is from April
through May, with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 36°C). There are frequent short
heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity.The best time to
visit Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn’t so
humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75°F to
89°F (24°C to32°C).

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperatures
medium 25.9 27.6 29.2 30.1 29.6 29.0 28.5 28.4 28.1 27.7 26.8 25.5
(° C)
 Boomerang Village Cottages: Rooms Rates

Low Season High Season Peak Season

Room
16 apr - 31 oct 01 nov - 15 apr 15 dec - 15 jan

Superior double 32 € 38 € 48 €

Superior triple 48 € 54 € 64 €

Suite double 44 € 50 € 60 €

Suite triple 59 € 65 € 75 €

Extra Bed for quadruple

10 € 12 € 14 €
Room
Prices are for daily double or triple room. Prices include Tax & Service Charge
Children Policy:
One child under 4 years sleeping on the same bed as the parents: Free of charge
One child under 12 years sleeping with the parents in a triple room: 40% discount
FREE Buffet Breakfast
FREE Welcome Drink on arrival date
FREE Welcome Flowers at Phuket airport on arrival date
FREE Late Checkout until 14.00 pm. (subject to room availability)

Procedure for reservation:

To secure your reservation we need 30% advance Payment, with Bank Transfer, we have two Bank
account , one in Italy and one in Thailand, where you prefer.
We send you by email the our Invoice, with all details.
When you have make the payment send we the Bank receipt, by Fax at number 0066 76 284569 or
by email. When we received your Bank receipt we send you the Voucher reservation.The reservation
it’s confirmed.

Conditions for Cancellation

For cancellations made in the last 20 days before arrival a cancellation fee of 30% will apply. No
reimbursement is provided in case a guest will not show at the resort on arrival day or decide
to leave before check out date.
Special Packages
Enjoy your Holiday with our special Packages !
Package A
“7 nights / 8 days to Boomerang Village Cottages – Superior room “
( Overnight stay + Buffet breakfast )
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )

- 1) Day : Relax and acclimatization to the Boomerang Village Cottages

- 2) Day : Excursion to Phang Nga
- 3) Day : Day of beach and sun to Kata beach, to the evening show
“ Phuket Fantasea “
- 4) Day : Excursion to Phi Phi island (speed boat)
- 5) Day : Visit temple Wat Chalong ,extension and working Gold / jewels / pearls,
Sunset to the Cape of Phuket
- 6) Day : Escursion to Raya island
- 7) Day : Day of beach and sun to Kata beach, 2 hours of typical OIL THAI
Massage
Included transfer from and for the Phuket airport,trasfer for Kata beach (our zone) + beach umbrella
and bed, guide in English for escursion Phang Nga and Phi Phi island.Free T-shirt of the Boomerang
Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 549,00 €
Package x 2 persons 731,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 506,00 €
Package x 2 persons 689,00 €
Package B
“ 10 nights / 11 days to Boomerang Village Cottages - Superior room“
( Overnight stay + Buffet breakfast )
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )

- 1) Day : Relax and acclimatization to the Boomerang Village Cottages,

2 hours of typical OIL THAI Massage
- 2) Day : Excursion to Phang Nga
- 3) Day : Day of beach and sun to Kata beach,to the evening show “Simon Cabaret”
- 4) Day : Trekking with elephant / half day of sun to Kata beach
- 5) Day : Excursion to Phi Phi island (speed boat)
- 6) Day : Day of beach and sun to Kata beach, to the evening show
“ Phuket Fantasea “
- 7) Day : Visit temple Wat Chalong , extension and working Gold / jewels / pearls,
Sunset to the Cape of Phuket
- 8) Day : Visit to Phuket Zoo / half day of sun to Kata beach
- 9) Day : Escursion to Raya island
-10)Day : Day of beach and sun to Kata beach, 2 hours of typical
OIL THAI Massage
Included transfer from and for the Phuket airport,trasfer for Kata beach (our zone) + beach umbrella
and bed, guide in English for escursion Phang Nga and Phi Phi island.Free T-shirt of the Boomerang
Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 751,00 €
Package x 2 persons 1.033,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 702,00 €
Package x 2 persons 974,00 €

Package “ Simple 1 ”
“7 nights / 8 days to Boomerang Village Cottages - Superior room “
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )
Lodging to Boomerang Village Cottages + transfer from and for the Phuket airport + motorbike
“scooter “ + 2 hours of typical OIL THAI Massage + Escursion to Phi Phi island (speed boat).Free T-
shirt of the Boomerang Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 407,00 €
Package x 2 persons 478,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 365,00 €
Package x 2 persons 436,00 €
Package “ Simple 2 ”
“ 14 nights / 15 days to Boomerang Village Cottages - Superior room“
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )
Lodging to Boomerang Village Cottages + transfer from and for the Phuket airport + motorbike
“scooter “ + 4 hours of typical OIL THAI Massage + Escursion to Phi Phi island (speed boat).Free T-
shirt of the Boomerang Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 726,00 €
Package x 2 persons 819,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 642,00 €
Package x 2 persons 735,00 €

Package “ Wellbeing ”
“7 nights / 8 days to Boomerang Village Cottages - Superior room“
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )
Lodging to Boomerang Village Cottages + transfer from and for the Phuket airport + 2 hours of typical
OIL THAI Massage + 1 hour of Typical THAI Massage + 2 hours FOOT Massage + one Facial
Massage + Feet and hands cures. Free T-shirt of the Boomerang Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 405,00 €
Package x 2 persons 486,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 363,00 €
Package x 2 persons 423,00 €

Package “ Birthday ”
“ 14 nights / 15 days to Boomerang Village Cottages - Superior room“
( Excluded the period of tip from 15 Dec. to 15 Jan. )
Lodging to Boomerang Village Cottages + transfer from and for the Phuket airport + motorbike
“scooter “ + 4 hours of typical OIL THAI Massage + Escursion to Phi Phi island (speed boat) +
Escursion to Phang Nga.
Free The day of your birthday and T-shirt of the Boomerang Village

From 1 November to 15 April high season

Package x 1 person 771,00 €
Package x 2 persons 909,00 €

From 16 April al 31 October low season

Package x 1 person 687,00 €
Package x 2 persons 825,00 €
FAQ
UTILITY LIST
Often our guests made the same questions before They decide to came to visit Thailand. For that
reason You'll find here all the answers to satisfy your curiosity and bring You close to this beautiful
country able to give feelings of serenity and safety to all the people who came to visit her.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS

How can I get to Phuket? Many are the companyes that fly direct to Phuket and Bangkok ,from
Bangkok You can get to Phuket by plane or by bus,We can also provide for You a package
FLY+STAY as You wish!
Can You organize transfer from the airport for me? Yes ,no problem but You have to give us your
flight details so We can pick You up.
Where the BOOMERANG VILLAGE is located? We are in Patak road 9/11 13 soi10 & soi 7 29/18
83100 Kata,Muang,Phuket,Thailand. TEL:076 284480 FAX 076 284569.BOOMERANG VILLAGE
COTTAGES is located in Kata beach area,It is an ex fisherman village developed in armony with the
needs of modern tourism and the thai tradition .Kata has also one of the most beautiful and
uncontamined beaches of the region.Kata is located behind a promontory south of Karon and consist
on two beaches: Kata Yai (big bay) and Kata Noi (small bay).In front of Kata Yai about 400mt far
there's Ko Pu,a small island where You can get by swimming taking opportunity to see the beautiful
coral reef on the way to the island.
What's the weather look like in Phuket? In Thailand We have a tropical clima and Phuket island
has an average temperature of 29°C for 12 months a year,the dry season is from november to may
(hight season ) and during this time We have an average of 30°C on the air and on the water! From
june to october (low season) temperatures get a bit low (rarely under 23/24°C) and the wawes on the
sea grow up little. We also made a prospect about weather in Phuket during the year.

MONTH CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

GEN. hot,sun with light breeze and blue sea
FEB. hot, sun and dry with crystall waters
MAR. hot,sun and dry with crystall waters
APR. very hot ,sun ,dry with crystall waters
MAY very hot ,sun and wet sometimes short rains
JUN. sun, some rain and strong wind
JUL. sun ,some rain and strong wind
AUG. wind,sun and some rain
SEPT. wind ,not so much sun and rain
OCT. hot, a bit of wind with rain possibility
NOV. sun, hot, breeze
DEC. sun, hot, breeze

What I have to bring with me? Sun lotion protection,light sport wears ,a confortable soes , hat and
sun glasses,don't forgot your travel pharmacy.
What I don't need ? It's better travel light and no have many luggages anyway You won't need many
clothes!
If I forget something home there's a possibility of shopping in Thailand? Yes in Bangkok and
Phuket You can buy anything just like in Europe.
Do You organize excursions? We organize daily excursions to Phi Phi island (where the film" the
beach" with Leonardo Di Caprio has been made),Phang Nga (James Bond island), for Krabi and
Khai island only on hight season. We have alsoSimiland island , Raya island,Coral island and
more.....You can go by speed boat, traditinal thai boat or by sailing boat.The crew is able to speak
italian,french and english.Transfer with minibus withA/C from your room to the pier and back,tranfer
via sea by boat,assurance, lunch,soft drinks ,snaks ,snorkeling equipment and safety jaket. We also
organize elefant trekking ,canoeing and more....for sure You don't have to worry about get bored!!
What I have to do to confirm my reservation? To confirm your reservation You have to pay 30%
of the total cost by bank,(You can transfer the money by bank in Italy so You can save some money)
when You'll paid It send the receipt by fax at 0066 76284569 or via e-mail to our address,from that
moment your reservation is confirmed,later We'll send You your voucher.We'll also send You the bill
with all the details.
It's possible use ATM in Thailand? Yes You can use your cards in ATM around in all the places
and in tourist areas credit cards like Maestro,Cirrus,Visa and Mastercard.If You have specific
questions You can ask to your bank first.
It's possible to have informations about health service in Thailand? the ealth service here in
Phuket is excellent thanks to the presence of 3 big hospitals with modern tecnology and good
infrastructures.To not have any matter We suggest to follow the normal precautions for food and
water because with this clima is better drink a lot water, but from the bottle of course!For furter
informations We suggest to ask your personal doctor.
Do We have to make an assurance? We recommend to arrive there with personal assurance.
Wich is the best way to move around the island? It is good to rent a car or a bike so You can
move freely!
How much is the far for entry to Thailand? You pay a 500THB tax at the airport when You'll leave
the country.
What about visa and burocratics? To entry in Thailand You must have a passport valid at least for
six months from the day You entry the country.You dont need tourist visa if your stay is less than 30
days and You can extend your stay one more week at immigration office here in Phuket.For long stay
(more than30 days) You must ask for tourist visa at the Thai embassy or Thai consulate in your own
country.

Lugano Swiss
november 2004
International hall of Vacations
Stand Boomerang Village

Phuket Thailand Thursday 4 december 2003

Boomerang Village Team
Adriatica dei “ Velisti per Caso “
link
http://www.velistipercaso.it/cronaca/default.asp?id=1034&index=1301

Paolo Basso
Gen.Manager

Paolo Berlese
Director

Orfeo Pelosato
Resp.Services
 ing, Thai boxing, southern customs and
Phuket elephants. Handicrafts are also on display.
Thalang National Museum
P huket is Thailand's largest island, and
is approximately the size of Singapore.
Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea
Located near the Two Heroines Monu-
ment, this museum contains permanent
exhibition of life in old Phuket, ancient ar-
waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coast- tifacts and remains discovered on the coast
line 867 kilometres south of Bangkok. and , materials used during war with Burma
Phuket formerly derived its wealth from (Myanmar).
tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and
colourful history. The island was on one
of the major trading routes between India Island Attractions
and China, and was frequently mentioned Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline.
in foreign traders' ship logs. The Port- Beaches range from gentle crescents of
uguese, French, Dutch and English traded white sand with calm waters to rocky head-
with Phuket. Other visitors were less lands pounded by raging surf. Counter-
friendly. Phuket's most famous monument clockwise, from Phuket's northern tip,
is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao where the Sarasin Bridge connects the is-
Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who land with the mainland, Phuket's major
rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese beaches (and temples and botanical gar-
invaders. dens) are as follows:
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves Mai Khao Beach
Area featured in this brochure and bays, and powdery, palm-fringed (40 kilometres from town)
beaches; sparkling island-dotted seas; sin-
Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi and Trang This pine-lined stretch of sand is Phuket's
cerely hospitable people; superb accom- longest beach. Each year, from November
provinces modation and seafood; delightful turn-of- through February, gigantic sea turtles
the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; struggle ashore to lay their eggs on Mai
numerous sporting and leisure opportuni- Khao Beach.
ties; a lush tropical landscape -- all of which
combine to create a delightful ambience
Nai Yang Beach
for truly memorable holidays. (30 kilometres from town)
This forms part of a national park. The
tranquil surroundings are ideal for relax-
Climate ation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.
Phuket has two major seasons: the Rains
Season from May through October, and
Wat Phra Thong
T O URI
URISS M A U T H O RIT
RITYY the Hot Season from November through Inland from Nai Yang Beach, the temple
O F T HAIL AND
HAILAND April. There are many sunny days through- enshrines a famous, partially buried Bud-
out the Rains Season: showers customar- dha. Local legends relate how a boy teth-
Phuket Office
ily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. Sep- ered his buffalo to a post protruding from
73-75 Phuket Road the ground. Subsequently, both boy and
Phuket 83000 tember is the wettest month. The best
Tel: (076) 212-213, 211-036 months are November through February.
Average temperatures range between 22
Fax: (076) 213-582
and 34 degrees Celsius.
Airport Information
Counter: 327-110 Phuket Town
Krabi Information Centre The compact provincial capital serves
Tel: (075) 612-740 mainly as a dormitory and commercial and
shopping centre. Splendid colonial-style
residences built by late 19th-century tin
and rubber barons, and shophouses from
the same period, with shaded walkways,
provide distinctive character.
Rang Hill
This provides a pleasant view of town while
dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of
hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance
calisthenics.
The Thai Village
Also on Thepkasattri Road, the village
serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch
that is followed by a spectacular cultural
show including Thai dances, sword-fight-
animal fell mysteriously sick. Suspicious
villagers uncovered the post and discov-
ered it was the decorative topknot of a
buried golden Buddha. They were able to
unearth no more than the upper part of the
image, over which they constructed the
present chapel. Burmese invaders at-
tempted to remove the image in 1785 but
failed when they were attacked by vicious
hornets.
Ton Sai Waterfall
Forest Park & Khao Phra
Thaeo Wildlife Park
(22 kilometres from town)
The 22-square-kilometre area teems with
various mammals, including bears, porcu-
pines, gibbons and macaques, reptiles and
lizards, and over 100 bird species, in an
idyllic setting cooled by sonorous cas-
cades.
Pansea Bay, Surin Beach,
(24 kilometres from town)
Sing Cape & Kamala Beach
These unfold in rapid succession. Swim-
ming is not recommended at Surin Beach
due to powerful surf and a treacherous
undertow. The beach is a favoured spot
for witnessing sunsets. The northern end
of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming.
Patong Beach
(15 kilometres from town)
Phuket's most developed beach offers nu-
merous leisure, sporting, shopping and
recreational options along its 3-kilometre-
long cresent bay. Windsurfing, snorkelling,
sailing, swimming and sunbathing number
among popular daytime activities. Patong
is equally well known for its vibrant
nightlife, among which seafood restaurants
prominently feature.
Karon & Kata Beaches
(20 & 17 kilometres from town)
Both beaches are impressively long, rela-
tively peaceful and eminently suitable for
swimming, snorkelling, sailing,
windsurfing and sunbathing.
Nai Han Beach
(18 kilometres from town)
The white beach fronts a shallow lagoon
between rocky headlands. Swimming,
windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing num-
ber among popular activities.
Phromthep Cape
Adjacent to Nai Han Beach, Phuket's
southernmost point is the perfect place
from which to view spectacular sunsets.
Rawai Beach
(17 kilometres from town)
The palm-fringed beach is best known for
'sea gypsies', a formerly nomadic fishing
minority believed to be of Melanesian de-
scent.
Chalong Bay
(11 kilometres from town)
This beach has several restaurants selling
some of Phuket's best seafood.
Wat Chalong
A few kilometres inland from Chalong
Beach, this Buddhist temple enshrines stat-
ues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho
Chuang, Phuket's most revered monks.
Phanwa Cape
(10 kilometres from town)
The southernmost tip of this cape is home
to a Marine Biological Research Centre and
Phuket's Aquarium where visitors may
inspect several hundred exotic, grotesque
and flamboyantly colourful marine species
found mainly in Phuket's teeming waters.
Pearl Farms
Pearl farms are located on islands neigh-
bouring Phuket, including Nakha, Rang
Noi, Rang Yai and Bon. Special permission
is needed to visit threm. Details are avail-
able from Phuket's TAT office.
Sporting
Opportunities
Golf
There are now 4 challenging, 18-hole golf
courses in Phuket, including the Phuket
Country Club (Tel: (076) 321-038-40)in
Kathu, Blue Canyon (Tel: (076) 327-440-7)
in Thalang district nears the airport, the
Banyan Tree Club (Tel: (076) 324-351-60,
324-358) at Bangtao beach and the Phuket
Century Country Club (Tel: (076) 321-929,
321-933-4) ain Kathu.
All courses offer reasonably priced golf
club rentals, green fees and caddy ser-
vices.
Horse Riding
Three riding clubs, one on Patak Road, on
the way to Kata Beach, Ban Sai Yuan on
the way to Nai Harn Beach, and Laguna
Phuket, Bangtao Beach, offer facilities for
beginners and experienced riders alike.
Windsurfing
This popular sport is enjoyed at most ma-
jor beaches. Boards may be rented by the
hour, half-day, full day or week. Expert tu-
ition from Thai teachers is free.
Sailing
Enjoyed mostly at Nai Han, Patong and
Kata beaches. Toppers and dinghies are
available at Patong. Catamaran, Hobie Cats
and Top Cats are available at Kata.
Waterskiing
Popular at Patong on a half-hour or hourly
basis. Automated cable water-skiing is
available at the Phuket Waterski Cableway
behind the Phuket Century Golf Course in
Kathu district.
Deep Sea Fishing
Daily tours are available, making early
morning departures and late afternoon re-
turns, mostly to lesser islands to fish for
Red Snappers, Rainbow Runners and other
game fish.
Swimming
This can be enjoyed throughout the year,
and is mostly safe. However, undertows
can be problematic during the Rains Sea-
son. It is best to seek the advice of local
people regarding swimming conditions.
Snorkelling
This can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all
around Phuket. It is particularly enjoyable
at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon
and Kata beaches. Fins, mask and snorkel
can be rented on a daily basis from shops
all over the island.
Scuba Diving
Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for
dives around neighbouring islands, and
further afield, most particularly around the
enduringly popular Phi Phi Islands in
neighbouring Krabi province, some 2
hours east of Phuket, and the Similan Is-
lands, in Phangnga province, some 110
kilometres northwest of Phuket, and the
Raya Islands, 1-3 hours due south of
Phuket, depending on the type of boat.
Several dive shops concentrated in the
Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have
Asian and European expatriate(s) (spea-
king English and several other languages)
and bi-lingual Thai dive instructors who
offer inexpensive beginner's courses. All
diving equipment is available for hire.
Sea Canoeing
This form of eco-tourism is available in sev-
eral forms, as popular one-day tours, or
more extended tours involving overnight
camping on island beaches, and occurs prin-
cipally in the neighbouring Phangnga Bay
and Krabi province, where mangrove
swamps and island grottoes are accessible
only by canoe.. Complete details of the
several companies offering such tours is
available from the TAT office in Phuket,
and the TAT information centre in Krabi.
Yacht Services
Yachtsmen visiting Phuket can enjoy a full
range of services, including dry dock fa-
cilities and boat repairs, and safe and sec-
ure moorings, principally at Ao Chalong,
the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina and Laem
Prao Marina. Yachts of ever shape and
size can be chartered, either as bareboats
or with full crew. Please check with the
Phuket Immigration Office for details re-
garding bringing in a yacht, or leaving by
yacht.
Special Events
Chinese Vegetarian Festival
Each year, beginning on the first day of
the 9th lunar month (usually October),
Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry com-
mit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet,
a form of purification believed to help make
the forthcoming year 'trouble-free'. The
festival is marked by several ascetic dis-
plays, including fire-walking and ascend-
ing sharp-bladed ladders.
King's Cup Regatta
Early each December, the Phuket Yacht Club
hosts international yachtsmen, largely from
neighbouring countries who compete in
the Nai Han Beach area for royal trophies.
Phuket Triathalon
Each December, the triathalon (a 1,000-
metre swim, a 5-kilometre bike race and a
12-kilometre run) attracts world-class ath-
letes from all over the worrld and qualifies
winners for the prestigious Hawaii ironman
Triathalon.
How To Get There
By Air
Thai Airways operates daily jet flights be-
tween Bangkok and Phuket. There are fur-
ther domestic connections with Surat
Thani and Hat Yai. Phuket also enjoys in-
ternational connections with Penang,
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan a
Hong Kong and Australia. Reservations
may be made in Bangkok (Tel: 280-0060
and 628-2000), and in Phuket (Tel: 211-195,
212-946, 212-499 and 216-755) for both
domestic and international flights.
Bangkok Airways (Tel: Phuket (076) 225-
033-4, Bangkok: 229-3434, 229-3456, 535-
2429, 535-3756) offers direct flights linking
Phuket with Ko Samui, the principal island
in the Thai Gulf.
Orient Thai Airlines (Tel: Phuket (076) 232-
302-3, 327-270-1, Bangkok: 267-3210-5, 535-
2021-2) offers direct flights linking Phuket
with Bangkok.
By Bus
Airconditioned coaches and non-airc-
onditioned buses leave Bangkok's Sou-
thern Bus Terminal every day. For further
details, please contact Bangkok 435-1200,
434-3233, 435-3018.
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through
Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan,
Chumphon, thence through Ranong
province's Kraburi and Kaper districts,
Phangnga province's Takua Pa and Takua
Tung districts and onto Phuket island
across the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. The
total distance is 867 kilometres.
By Sea
Foreign and domestic cruise ships fre-
quently berth at the Port of Phuket at Ao
Makham, and off Patong Beach, yachts at
Ao Chalong, the Phuket Lagoon Marina
and the Laem Prao marina.
Please note that all pleasure boats and
yachts arriving at Phuket must stop first
and register with ther Immigration Office
and Customs Office, and with the Harbour
Office within 24 hours of arrival
Accommodation
A comprehensive list of airconditioned
and non-air-conditioned accommodation,
and restaurants, in Phuket, can be obtained
from the local Tourism Authority of Thai-
land office on Phuket Road. The office is
open seven days a week, throughout the
year, from 8.30 AM until 4.30 PM.
Souvenirs
Cultivated pearls, batiks and pewterware
are Phuket's best known products. Shops
specialising in such products are found
on Rasada, Phangng, Yanwarat, Montri
and Tilok Utit 2 roads in town, and on
tourist beaches such as Patong, Kata,
Karon and Rawai.
Excursions & Tours
Phuket is the ideal place from where to visit
popular attractions in neighbouring prov-
inces, either on day tours or as overnight
excursions. Principal destina-tions include:
Phangnga Bay
Located northeast of Phuket, and con-
taining scores of limestone islands, some
riddled with aquatic grottoes, (see
Phangnga information for further details)
this picturesque bay is an enduringly popu-
lar excursion. Tours are offered by hotels
and tour companies throughout Phuket.
Phi Phi Islands
These picturesque islands in Krabi prov-
ince (see Krabi information for more de-
tails) are probably Phuket's most popular
excursion.
Similan Islands
Phuket dive shops operate daily excursions
to the Similan islands (see Phangnga in-
formation for further details) during the
high season of November-May when un-
derwater visibility is at its best..
Etiquette
Polite behaviour is welcomed everywhere.
What is considered polite in other coun-
tries is probably considered polite in Thai-
land, too. However, there are a few cultural
pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos,
the breaking of which can cause offence.
For example, visitors should dress neatly
in all religious shrines. They should never
go shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other
unsuitable attire.
Shoes should be removed when entering
private Thai homes, chapels where Bud-
dha images are kept, and any of the Is-
lamic community's mosques.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined
or not, is regarded as being a sacred ob-
ject. Never climb onto one to take a photo-
graph, or do anything that might show lack
of respect.
It is considered rude to point your foot at
a person or object.
Thais regard the head as the highest part
of the body, both literally and figuratively.
Therefore, they do not appreciate anyone
patting them there, even as a friendly ges-
ture.
Phangnga
This province is directly north of Phuket
and covers an area of 4,170 square kilom-
etres. The provincial capital is 788 kilo-
metres south of Bangkok. The province's
major attractions are the marine national
parks of Ao Phangnga (Phangnga Bay),
Mu Ko Similan (Similan Islands) and Mu
Ko Surin (Surin islands). Phangnga Bay
has been
featured in
several in-
ter-national
movies, in-
cluding the
007 adven-
ture The
Man with
the Golden
Gun, and contains some 100 largely unin-
habited limestone islands scattered around
almost perpetually calm waters. Many is-
lands are riddled with aquatic grottoes, and
are best explored aboard sea canoes which
are able to enter inner chambers, essen-
tially collapsed cave systems, sometimes
only at low tide. The timeless 'Jurassic Park'
atmosphere of such islands contrasts viv-
idly with more popular venues such as
James Bond island, Nail island and Panyi
island which supports a Muslim village
built on stilts embedded in the sea. The far
less commercialised Similan islands, nine
in all, are renowned among diving enthu-
siasts for the variety of dives, superb un-
derwater visibility between November and
May, and teeming marine life. The Similans
offer more than 30 dive sites, with coral
walls, huge sea fans and barrel sponges,
big rocks, swim-throughs, coral gardens
and plenty of shallows for snorkelling. The
five Surin islands, equally secluded, offer
similarly good diving opportunities and,
because of seasonal weather changes, are
best visited between December and March.
Phangna is conveniently accessible by
road or boat from Phuket and offers ac-
commodation ranging from bungalows to
deluxe hotels. Full transport and accom-
modation details are available at the TAT
Phuket office.
Krabi
This coastal province covers an area of
4,709 square kilometres. The provincial
capital is 814 kilometres south of Bangkok,
and is conveniently accessible by road
from the capital (Tel: (02) 435-1200 and 435-
1195-6 for bus service information) and
Phuket. Krabi's major attractions are lo-
cated largely along its extensive coastline,
which contains several well-known
beaches and bays, and numerous offshore
tropical islands. Most such attractions fall
within the aegis of national parks. Major
islands include the Phi Phi cluster which
is popular with yachtsmen, scuba-divers,
snorkellers and day trippers from Phuket.
The islands are characterised by rocky
cliffs, tranquil seas, dazzling underwater
life, birds' nest caves and fine white sandy
beaches. Accommodation is available on
Phi Phi Don island. The Ko Lanta National
Park, conveniently accessible by regular
boat services from Phi Phi Don island, of-
fers several coral-fringed islands, and prime
diving sites, and comparative solitude. The
largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is the site of
park headquarters, and is also home to
Chao Le, or sea gypsies who sustain them-
selves largely through fishing. The islands
are best visited during the non-monsoon
months of October through April. Yet more
islands, some 80 in all, and most relatively
small, are located off Ao Nang beach on
the mainland. Ao Nang is some 6 kilome-
tres from Hat Noppharat Thara, probably
Krabi's finest mainland beach which is
fronted by pine trees, coconut groves and
resort hotels. One of Krabi's most unusual
attractions is a 'shell graveyard', known
locally as Su San Hoi, where fossilised
shells, believed to be 40,000,000 years old
form coastal slabs resembling ancient
concrete.Two predominantly mainland na-
tional parks, Khao Phanom Bencha and
Than Bokk-horani, offer scenic attractions
including waterfalls and caves, and oppor-
tunities for trekking, birdwatching and sa-
vouring the lush southern tropical land-
scape in natural surroundings. Krabi of-
fers a wide range of accommodation at
major attractions, including award-winning
resort hotels. Accommodation details may
be obtained from the TAT office in Phuket.
Trang
This coastal province covers an area of
4,917 square kilometres. The provincial
capital is 828 kilometres south of Bangkok
and is conveniently accessible by air, road
and rail. Contact Thai Airways (Bangkok
628-2000), the Transport Company Ltd.
(Bangkok 937-0261-70) and State Railways
of Thailand (Bangkok 223-0941) for rel-
evant details. Trang's major attractions are
scenic, largely within the confines of ter-
restrial and marine national parks such as
Mu Ko Petra and Hat Chao Mai featuring
Andaman Sea beaches and islands, and
wildlife sanctuaries such as Khao Chong
and Khlong Lamcham Waterfowl Park fea-
turing waterfalls, nature trails and caves.
Accommodation ranges from resort
bungalows to urban hotels.