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Thailand : Phuket - July 2008
Country Code: Dial +65 for Thailand
FROM THE AIRPORT
Taxi: Pick up a yellow taxi outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are charged on a meter and guarantee a direct route.
Bus: A coach service runs between the airport and Phuket City, leaving the airport exit gate at regular intervals from 6.30am to 8.30pm. The hour-long trip costs 52 baht.
Car hire: There are car rental stands at the arrivals terminal and outside the exit gate. Book in advance.
Limo: Limousine operators are available outside the arrivals terminal. Fares range from 500 to 600 baht. Share mini-buses are cheaper, but it will take you twice as long to get to your destination.
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic
(45 Chao Fa Road East, Chalong Bay. Tel. (0)76 280840)
Situated on the ground floor of an old Phuket lighthouse and looking out across the islandâs major harbour, the food is inexpensive and good.
Mid-range magic
(Royal Phuket Marina. Tel. Royal Phuket Marina)
Serving international cuisine plus excellent wines, Skipperâs features sports events on big-screen TVs and has a live singer and saxophonist. www.skippersphuket.com
Gourmet
(352 Phuket Road, Phuket Town. Tel. (0)76 250523)
Offering country Italian fare and a classy Italian cellar, friendly owner Giovani Ferrara will take you by the hand and talk you through his marvellous menu. Bookings are essential.
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour
(Watermark at the Boat Lagoon. Tel. (0)76 239730)
Locals and visitors meet by the bar overlooking million-dollar yachts on their moorings from 6pm onwards and oft en stay for dinner. Hear all the island gossip at this boisterous and friendly place. www.watermarkphuket.com
Late night
(Saxophone at the north end of Beach Road, Patong, Phuket. )
One of Phuketâs best live music venues, this grooving place rocks until late with jazz, rhythm and blues and reggae bands. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.
BODY & SOUL
(Atsumi Centre at Rawai Beach. Tel. (0)8 1272-0571)
Everything from a full detox, to daily yoga, meditation, massage and reflexology sessions, are all conducted in a nurturing environment. You can sign up for a residential programme or join in on a daily basis. www.atsumihealing.com
BOUTIQUE BEDS
(Burasari Hotel Patong. Tel. (0)2 227-9777)
This stand-alone boutique hotel is a beautiful hideaway in the heart of frenetic Patong Beach. There are sumptuous gardens spread around two inviting swimming pools, as well as the fine Mistyâs Bar and Keith Floydâs gourmet restaurant. www.burasari.com
HOT SPOTS
Joeâs Downstairs –On the north end of Patong Beach, Joeâs is the place to watch the sun slide into the Andaman Sea with a glass of wine in hand.INSIDER TIPS
Nuiâs Beach –Hike down to one of the quietest beaches in south-west Phuket. Take the coastal road from Kata Beach to Nai Harn and after the lookout, youâll see the sign for Nuiâs. Drive along a rutted track for half a kilometre, then hike down the rest of the way.DAY TRIPPING
Khao Sok National Park –One of the largest parks in Thailand is two and a half hours north of Phuket. Walking trails along the Sok River offer the possibility of seeing wild elephants and even tigers en route. Buses depart hourly from Phuket Town bus station, or take highway A2 north past Takuapa then east on highway 401.IN THE KNOW
Early morning in Phuket brings a sonorous symphony, not just of awakening bird song, but also of human sounds. You can hear the haunting song of the muezzin calling faithful Muslims to prayer, mixed with the chanting and bells of Buddhist monks. In many locations, temples and mosques are located close together, a reassuring testament to the religious tolerance and diversity of the region.
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Previous issues for Phuket
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| Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance. |