Setting Sail in Phuket

Friday, June 10, 2011

Phuket

If you have enough time, check out the Phi Phi Islands, the most visited and most famous attraction in the area, which gained fame after the filming of The Beach on Phi Phi Ley.

The scenery is literally spectacular, and this is foreseeably the most popular of all the full day excursions.

For divers, many islands offer prime sites, such as Dok Mai, Racha, and Shark Point

The preferred choice however is the remote but renowned Similans, a chain of 8 islands 90 kilometres NW of Phuket, which according to those in the know, has some of the best dives in the world.

Deep Sea Fishing can be arranged privately or jointly with fully equipped boats in pursuit of tuna, marlin, shark, sailfish and other big ones. 

Yacht Charters can be arranged by the day, or for longer, with or without crew.

These cool things can be arranged through the friendly staff of Amari Coral Beach Phuket

A Land Lover's Guide to Pattaya

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Prone to seasickness – or just want to stay on solid land for the day? Check out our list of top ‘on land’ attractions in Pattaya. 

Amari Orchid Pattaya

Some of the most popular attractions include Suan Nong Nooch, a Thai village style theme park with superb gardens, an orchid nursery, and entertaining cultural performances including an elephant show. 

Khao Kheaw Open Zoo with 1,200 acres of forest and natural beauty is one of the largest zoos in Asia, offers the basic open zoo excursion and night safari and Asia's Largest Butterfly Garden.

The Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm, houses over 1,000 crocodiles, plus a zoo and a bonsai garden set amongst some interesting rock formations and fossils.  

The Bottle Art Museum comprises a collection of more than 300 glass bottles containing miniature replicas of churches, temples, palaces, and much more, the clever handiwork of a resident Dutch sculptor.  

Mini Siam & Mini Europe, puts on a daily cultural show, and features an interesting selection of beautifully crafted scale models of major buildings both in Thailand and elsewhere, on a scale of 1:25 and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum , is an entertaining retreat on the odd rainy day.

Pattaya Park Tower rises some 240 metres and provides a revolving restaurant as well as spectacular views and Pattaya Water Park, which provides thrilling water slides, whirlpools, and swimming pools for family fun. 

Pattaya boasts a wide range of land sports, and it is unlikely that Tiger Woods (whose mother is Thai) would have anything but praise for Pattaya's golfing choices, with over a dozen top golf courses, including the Laem Chabang International Country Club, and the Sriracha International Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player respectively. 

Dressing the Part in Bangkok

Friday, June 3, 2011

Bangkok

There is a curious tendency for tourists all over the world to dress as though they might be appearing in a circus, and Bangkok is not a city that suffers such ostentation gladly.

Things to remember:
  • Most Thai people dress conservatively and well
  • A tourist who appears in public attired like a clown will silently be judged to be one
  • "Smart casual" is the order of the day
  • Garish or revealing attire should be reserved strictly for the beach
  • Ladies should avoid bare shoulders, and low dresses
  • Shorts are not recommended for either sex, except at the seaside or the tennis court