Phuket Information for travel

Review : Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

i-pokz — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:38:02 +0000

Resting along 850 meters of unspoilt white sandy beach, embraced by lush green hills and sparkling blue ocean, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort recalls a tropical dream. Warm sands, the soft rhythm of lapping waves, and gently swaying coconut palms relax your senses—while our five swimming pools, six restaurants, and full-service spa delight them.

Every interior was recently renovated in graceful contemporary Thai style, blending elegant design with the quiet sensuality of natural teakwood, sandstone and silk to create a feeling of complete relaxation.

Room Details

Rates are in Thai Baht inclusive of 7% VAT, 10% Service Charge and Breakfast

Family Plan
**Baby cot for child under 2 years old is complimentary.**
**Child 4 - 11 years old on sofa bed in Superior, Junior and Grand Suite is THB 250 net per child per day.**
**Maxium 2 children per room except Superior Room which allows only 1 child per room.**

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort offers 479 low-rise guestrooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces facing onto the ocean, pools or our tropical gardens.

Choose from the beach-front suites in our luxury Thani wing or, just across the lane, the garden setting of our superior Bhuri wing—both newly remodeled in contemporary Thai design that weaves the sensual beauty of nature into every element.

Superior Rooms (Bhuri Wing)

Set against the forest-covered hills, featuring pool-, garden-, or ocean-views, our superior rooms are designed to envelope you in an atmosphere of natural tranquility.
• 36 sq. m.
• 148 rooms with king bed or twin beds
• Suitable for 2 adults (3 with opt. extra bed)

Family Superior Rooms (Bhuri Wing)

Our best-value accommodation has ample room for a family of four. Generous balcony overlooks garden or ocean, with interior day bed for relaxing out of the sun.
• 40 sq. m.
• 65 rooms with king bed, single bed and day bed
• Suitable for 3 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children

Junior Suite (Thani Wing)

Deluxe, carefully appointed ocean-front suites feature panoramic vistas of the Andaman Sea from the balcony/terrace, bedroom or day rest area. Bath is tucked behind louvered panels that can be opened for ocean gazing or closed for complete intimacy.
• 50 sq. m.
• 218 suites with king bed or twin beds, plus day bed
• Suitable for 2 adults, plus child under 12 on day bed (3 adults with opt. extra bed)

Grand Suite (Thani Wing)

Natural Thai gracefulness merges with the most modern comforts to create this elegant, expansive suite with balcony offering stunning ocean views. Other luxury features include private entryway along the lotus pond, wood-paneled dressing area, oversized bath set amidst a field of sea-polished stones, and natural rain shower
• 75 sq. m.
• 44 suites with king bed or twin beds
• Four separate living spaces, including day bed area
• In-room DVD and CD player
• Ceiling fan
• Suitable for 2 adults, plus child under 12 on day bed (3 adults with opt. extra bed)

Remark :

Room capacity : Junior Suite and Grand Suite : 2 adults and 2 children (with a sofa bed and a rollaway bed) or 3 adults (with a rollaway bed ). Superior : 2 adults and 1 child (with a rollway bed) or 3 adults (with a rollway bed). Family Superior : 3 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children (bed setting : 1 single bed, 1 double and 1 sofa bed; the rate for family superior covers the maximum capacity.)

Facilities and Services

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort has everything you need for a complete holiday getaway, so that you can do as much—or as little—as you want.

Pool
Five nature-inspired Swimming Pools, both fresh- and salt-water, and three Jacuzzis complement the azure Andaman Sea, just steps away.

Dining
We offer you a choice of six Restaurants to suit your taste and mood, from beachside barbecues to fine gourmet dining, featuring both European and Thai cuisine, as well as 24-hour Room Service

Personal Care
Pamper yourself with one of the complete body and spirit packages at our luxury Tewson Spa or relax to ocean breezes and the sound of the surf with a poolside Massage, Manicure or Pedicure. Other personal care facilities include a full-service Hair Salon and private Health Clinic.

Sports and Recreation

For the active vacationer, we feature two Fitness Centers, Sea Fun Divers Dive Shop, two Tennis Courts, Aqua-Aerobics*, Petanque and Table Tennis. If your taste runs to quieter pleasures, try our Sauna, Game Room, Billiards, Thai Cooking Classes, or Library. And to please the whole family, we have a Nightly Musical Review*, as well as a Kids’ Club to keep the little ones active, so you can do nothing at all.
* High Season only

Shopping

From our Jim Thompson Thai silk boutique to our fine Jewelry and Gift Shops, we make sure you don’t have to go home empty-handed. On selected nights, our private Night Market* offers you a charming array of work by traditional artists and craftsmen from around the island.

Guest Services

• Tour Desk
• Shuttle to Phuket Town and Patong Beach
• Airport Pickup and Return
• Computer/Hi-speed Internet (with optional in-room hookup)
• Car Rental
• Laundry/Dry Cleaning
• Currency Exchange

Nearby Activities

World-class 18-hole Golf Courses at Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm Golf Club are less than 30 minutes away. Other nearby activities include diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing and mini-golf. Our tour desk arranges a variety of tourist activities as well as excursions to neighboring islands.

Spa

The graceful Tew Son or casuarina trees sway in the tropical breezes along the front of the Katathani Phuket Beach Resorts which occupies most of beautiful Kata Noi beach.

Amidst this peaceful and tranquil surroundings is the recently expanded Tew Son Spa, part of Asian Wind’s collection of fine Phuket spas which offer a broad range of therapies based on their success with both the local and international visitor.

It is a haven of relaxation where the secrets of beauty and balance are at your finger tips. In the sanctuary of your single or couple suite, we offer a divine menu of Massages, Facials, Body and Beauty Treatments, utilizing both professional Aromatherapy products and carefully selected age old Thai beauty formulations, aimed to heal your body and clear stress from your mind. In particular, the Casuarina Leaf Enzyme Wrap, our signature treatment is not to be missed! It has been designed exclusively to pamper your body with the healing enzymes from the casuarina pine needle and to refresh your mind with the heavenly aroma of bergamot.

Tew Son Spa also incorporates private and shared Aromatic Herbal Steams and the mesmorising views from our rooftop Jacuzzi of the Andaman sea. So, step in, unwind, and let our exquisite service, the healing touch of our therapists and the unforgettable essence of the spirit of Thailand, restore the lustre of life that you’re searching for.

Location & Map

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

Address: 14 Kata Noi Road. Karon, Kata Noi Beach,
Muang, Phuket 83100. Thailand

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort - Online Booking Click Here

Review: Tropical Garden Resort Thailand

i-pokz — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:54:00 +0000

Tropical Garden Resort is ideally situated in a peaceful corner of Kata Beach, on the western coast of Phuket Island, one of the most popular spots in Thailand. Less than a minute’s walk away from the Beach and twenty minutes’ drive from downtown Phuket, the Resort is within easy access of shopping areas and a 45 minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

Recreation

Thai Traditional Dance
- Ramakian
- Local Dance Show

Special Show
Art and Craft Demonstration Thai Dessert and Fruit Carving

Shops
The shops locating at the corridor step next the lobby offer most necessities for supporting your activities.

Travel Information Desk
Tropical Garden Resort offers an array of tour programs to meet the needs of those seeking to discover Phuket and the surrounding areas at ” Your Desk” Golf, Sea Canoe, Elephant Riding and Diving. Our Professional staff are always to adjust you on those activities to make your vacation memorable.

Services

Airport Taxi Service
24 hours Assistant Manager
Safety Deposit Service
Doctor on call
Laundry and Valet
Florist
Tour and Travel Agent Desk
Internet
Mini Mart
Beauty Salon
Kids’ Room
One minute walk service station
Convention Room

Location

Less than a minute’s walk away from the Beach and twenty minutes’ drive from downtown Phuket, the Resort is within easy access of shopping areas and a 45 minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

Tropical Garden Resort - Online Booking

Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2008

i-pokz — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:13:56 +0000

Date: 28 September - 07 October 2008

Phuket’s Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island’s principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners

When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.

Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods’ images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).

Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

The Legend of Por Tor

i-pokz — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:19:57 +0000

During Por Tor festival, all Chinese people believe this festival is the day that spirituals are released for visit their home and relatives. At Bang Niew and fresh market (Baan Saan) are hold Por Tor festival up so this is a descendant festival generation by generation and it’s a hilarious festival. Por Tor festival can be a tourist attraction also.

Por Tor festival falls on the first day of the seventh lunar month by Chinese calendar with the purpose for offering food to ancestor and worship ghosts. Por Tor festival is occurred for long time ago so it cannot specify when did it occur for the first time in the past? But it happened with belief in the seventh lunar month by Chinese calendar before midnight of 30th the sixth lunar month, the ghost door will open for released spirituals to visit their home and relatives in human world after that the spirits will stay in human world for 1 month. Therefore, in that time when the sun is out of the horizon, people will stay only in their home for avoid bad luck that may be happened.

People will prepare altars for worship their ancestors. Generally they do in the afternoon of the first day of the seventh lunar month by Chinese calendar. Every house will prepare the offering food that consisted of fish, pork, fowl, vegetable, fruits and sweetmeats. They have to stick a joss stick on each of food on the altar. Then paying worship finished they will burn gold & silver paper that refer to disburse the traveled expenses to all of spirits.

Besides, by the Taoism belief and Mahayana Buddhism are held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month by Chinese calendar is Sart Chin day after Chinese New Year day. Taoism believes this day is “Te Kuan Tai Te” birthday. He was a monk who looks out the human behavior. On this day Chinese people have to prepare food for worship the hungry ghosts. In part of Buddhism is also believed the Buddhist will offering food to Lord Buddha for released starvation of all dead spirits.

Don’t forget the red turtle (Ang Koo) for propitiate. Red Turtle sweet is made from wheat flour with sugar, form into turtle figure and dye in red color. The legend said Pra Tang Sam Jung (Chinese monk) invites the Tripitaka at Sri Lanka. While he sits on a junk, there is a strong wind and make his junk founder. After that he prays and then the huge turtle is appeared. It swims for guide his junk until reach Sri Lanka. Other belief is Chinese people are often think the turtle is a longevity. In any ceremony Chinese people like to use the turtle be apart of their ceremony. So they will longevity also.

Por Tor Festival 2008

i-pokz — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:12:55 +0000

15 - 30 Aug 2008 (annual)

Ancient Chinese tradition states that the gates of Hades burst open to unleash restless spirits, or “Hungry Ghosts”, during the seventh Chinese month (ninth in Thailand). Phuket, with its large ethnic Chinese population, celebrates with the Por Tor Festival.

A hungry spirit can soon be a malicious one, so relatives pay their respects and appease them with gifts of food. The most popular offerings are turtle cakes. The turtle symbolises longevity and by giving these cakes the worshippers believe they will prolong their own lives.

This is also a time to pay homage to the god of the devils, known to the Chinese as Por Tor Kong. The god has a special shrine on Phuket (near the Bang Neaw School) where a stage is erected for likay (a Thai folk performance) and outdoor movies.

Phuket Gay Festival 2008

i-pokz — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:05:56 +0000

Once a community project, now an annual event, the is becoming a widely anticipated attraction for Patong’s visitors and residents. Beach activities, a colourful parade, street parties, lots of outrageous costumes and stage shows.

6-9 August 2008: Patong Beach and Paradise Complex, Patong

Multi-National Line-Up at the Phuket Cricket Sixes 2008

i-pokz — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:12:39 +0000

Twenty-three teams from ten countries, including local sides from Phuket, will compete for the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon titles at the 2008 Phuket International Cricket Sixes being played next to the beach at Karon Stadium, Phuket, Thailand from 17–20 April 2008.

This is the fifth staging of this popular International Cricket Council award-winning tournament which helped to kick start the development of cricket in Phuket.

“It’s fantastic to see such a multi-national line-up of of sides, including New Zealand and Bahrain for the first time,” said Tournament Director Mr Brad Tarr.

Teams will be flying in from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Bahrain, UAE and New Zealand to compete along with local Thai teams.

Also confirmed for the Phuket Sixes are the former England pace bowler Alan Mullally who will take to the turf along with the former Australian international and Phuket regular, Trevor Chappell.

Matches start at 9.15am daily from Thursday to Sunday. Finals in all divisions will be played Sunday afternoon.

The ‘Sixes by the Sea’ gets underway with a beach cricket tournament. The tournament also features social functions at The Green Man, Joe Kool’s bar and the Gala Awards Dinner at the Hilton Arcadia Hotel.

On Friday 18th from 6.30pm a Charity fundraising Twenty20 match featuring all the best players from the tournament will be held under floodlights at the Karon Stadium.

Entry for all spectators is free and food & drinks are available at the ground.

The Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2008 is one of a series of cricket tournaments on the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour which also includes events in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, Shanghai and Singapore.

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008

i-pokz — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:59:58 +0000

July 23rd to 27th 2008: Chalong Bay

Four days of racing, no lay day. Five nights of parties.

The regatta HQ — registration, results, prizegivings and all regatta administration — will be operated from the lower sea view terrace (Into The Beach) of Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, adjacent to the jetty, which will also be the venue for the post-race Regatta Tavern and four of the five official regatta parties.

All race starts will take place at 10:00 hrs off the Evason Phuket Resort. There will be shuttle boats from the Evason for boats anchored in Ao Chalong, although past experience demonstrated that there is ample available anchorage right off the regatta venue.

RACING: Registration Wednesday 23 July. First race day will be Thursday 24 July. Last race day Sunday 27 July.

SOCIAL: Opening party Wednesday 23 July. Closing party and overall prizegiving, Sunday 27 July.

Upgrades to the programme in 2008 include full buffet parties (no more little ‘cocktail’ parties) each night and the Rodenstock Happy Hour with free flow of drinks for the first hour of each Evason-based party.

Kalim Surfing Contest 2008

i-pokz — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:06:22 +0000

4th ANNUAL KALIM SURFING CONTEST 2008
Kalim Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Presented by: Phuket Boardriders Club

The Phuket Boardriders Club is pleased to present the 4th annual Kalim Surfing Contest, to be held at Kalim Beach on July 18 – 20, 2008.

In its 4th year, this annual contest aims to promote the sport of surfing to the general public as well as promote tourism to the island of Phuket.

The contest has grown in size and interest every year and continues to draw more and more participants from around Thailand as well as internationally.

Foreign contestants come from a wide variety of countries such as the United States, Australia, the UK, South Africa, the European Union, and Asian neighbors including Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Having gained popularity over the years, the Kalim Surf Contest appears on the calendars of surfing related websites around the world. With this contest, the Phuket Boardriders hope to continue promoting tourism to Thailand and help raise the level of surfing amongst the Thai surfing community.

Goals of the Contest
To encourage the people of Phuket and the community of Kalim to participate in the sport of surfing for health and fitness as well as discouraging the use of illegal drugs amongst Thai youth.
To promote tourism to the island of Phuket, especially during the low season
To introduce surfing to the Thai public at large and encourage interest in the sport
To raise the standard of Thai surfing to international levels

Date and Time
July 18-20 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) – subject to suitable surf and weather conditions.

Competition Details
Open Division – Maximum of 60 competitors in 15 first round heats. Competitors must use a “shortboard” shape no longer than 7 feet long. The Open division heats will span all three days of the contest.
Grom (youth) Division – Maximum of 16 competitors in 4 first round heats. Competitors must be 14 years of age or younger and may use any kind of surfboard. The Grom division heats will be held for 2 days on Saturday and Sunday.
Longboard Division – Maximum of 24 competitors in 6 first round heats. Competitors must use surfboards longer than 7 feet with a “longboard” shape. The Longboard Division will span all 3 days of the contest.

2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon

i-pokz — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Date:	June 15, 2008
Races:	Marathon, Half Marathon, 10.5 Km Run, 5 Km Walk, 2 Km Kids Run
Location:	Phuket, Thailand
Start & Finish:	Laguna Phuket Resort
Time Limits:	Marathon 7 Hours Half Marathon 4 Hours 10.5 Km Run 2 ½ Hours 5 Km Walk 2 hours

Categories:

Marathon / Half Marathon		10.5 Km Run
Male	Female	Male/Female
18-29 yrs	18-29 yrs	39 yrs & under
30-39 yrs	30-39 yrs	40 yrs & over
40-49 yrs	40-49 yrs
50-59 yrs	50 yrs & over
60 yrs & over

Course:		The marathon course is an out and back course with a loop for the last 7 km. The course is flat for the first 11 km with some rolling hills between Km 11 and Km 15 and again between Km 23 and Km 28 and Km 35 and Km 37. The half marathon follows the marathon course and turns at Km 9 of the marathon course. It then follows the marathon course back to the finish line. The course is flat except for some rolling hills between KM 14 and 16. The 10.5 Km Run and 5 Km Walk are flat loop courses looping around Laguna Phuket. See the course map here.
Aid Stations:		Every 1.5 - 2 Km there will be an aid station providing water (in cups & bottles), electrolytes (from Km 12.5 onwards) and fresh fruits. In addition there will be sponges with ice water to keep everyone as cool as possible.
Toilets:		Toilets will be located along the course every 4-5 Km.
Awards:		There will be trophies for the top three of every age group and for overall winners.
Medals:		Every finisher will receive a commemorative medal.
Registrations:		For race only registrations please click here.
Packages:		We prepared several packages including overnight stays and activities. Please click here.
Accommodation:		If you are looking for hotel accommodations before or after the race click here.