Thailand – Phuket

Phuket, Thailand by Gautam Khattak

Last updated: November 10, 2016

Disclaimer: These are notes I’ve written or gathered from various sources. I have not experienced all things in this document nor is it intended to be a definitive guide.

General Tips

Currency: Thai Bhat

Conversion Tool: http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=100+usd+to+bhat&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

(Update for current rates)
100 USD = 3,277 Bhat
1 USD = 32.77 Bhat
1 Bhat = 0.03 USD
100 Bhat = 3.05 USD
1000 Bhat = 30.51 USD

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=1000+Bhat+to+USD&btnG=Search

Random tip: If you’re near the Thai Airlines Airport Lounge try the following for their WiFi WEP password: E688FBC85F

Tipping:

There is no mandatory tipping policy in Thailand. However, this does not prevent you from giving a small gratuity to a service provider for truly exceptional service or fulfilling requests of an extraordinary nature.

Both Thai and local ex-patriots alike will commonly “round-up” the final fare to an even number. As example; your final meter reads a fare of 51?. You might give the driver 60? total.

Local Advice:

Avoid wandering into non-touristy or unfamiliar areas in the night-time, especially if alone. When possible stick with friends and travel in numbers. Robbery, although rare does happen. Don’t make yourself an easy target and take precautions to stay safe.

Cars and motorbikes will rarely give-way to pedestrians. Pay good attention to all traffic when walking.

Do not carry around large amounts of money, avoid wearing expensive jewelry or looking too flashy. Drawing unnecessary attention to yourself may be asking for trouble. Try to blend into the crowd instead of sticking out.

Never take your eyes off your drink when in pubs and clubs, drink spiking has been known to occur. There are lady-boys here that can easily be mistaken for female. Check your personal phobia’s at the door, and don’t aggravate them.

Transportation

The airport is one of the few places you can pick up a legitimate metered taxi where you can be sure not to get ripped off. Beware the the “taxi mafia” have made it difficult for the unsuspecting visitor to even find this option.

Walk out of the arrivals hall and immediately turn right – walk about 40-50 meters.
You’ll see the metered taxi stand straight ahead – with a big sign – difficult to miss it.
They will charge you a 100? “airport tax” that is a legitimate fee.
Transportation to everywhere on the island will be cheaper with these taxis – and you are encouraging their growth on the island.

Transport to the furthest point on the island should be in the vicinity of 550THB total.

Some recent examples of fares from the airport including the 100? “airport tax”:
-to Kamala Bay 350THB
-to Karon Beach 450THB
-to Patong Beach 500THB
Prices may vary as petrol prices go up and down.

Rental Cars – Phuket has numerous car rental companies, most of which are reputable and reliable. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit and your National License. Most companies will not ask to see the International Permit, but having one is the LAW

Motor-Scooter Rental: Legally you will need a motorcycle license from your home country AND an International Drivers Permit. This is a fun (dangerous) way to get around Phuket, remember road accidents are very common, tourists and locals die on the roads, so it is not recommended for the novice rider. You will find motorbike rental places scattered around the island, and rates will start at around 200? per day, with reductions for longer term rentals. A deposit of around 1000? is normal, but ensure you get a receipt so you can claim it back at the end of the rental period..

Lodging

Now with AirBnB you can get villas for 8-10 people for very reasonable prices but if you are still looking to go old school here are some hotel options:

My first time in Phuket I stayed at the Le Méridien and it was great! The resort has its own private beach so it was nice, clean and not packed with tourists. It was only 15 minutes from Patong which is where the nightlife (and craziness) of Phuket happens if that’s what your’e lookin for

I’ve also stayed at the Novotel Phuket Resort
Patong Beach Road, Patong, 83150, Thailand
This hotel was nice, decent priced had several pools and good food. The resort does not have its own beach but its only 100THB to Patong which can be convenient. It is also very close to Baan Kalim Restaurant which was delicous!!

Another time I needed a place to stay for a quick night and found the MAZI Design Hotel by Kalima. This hotel was in Patong area, but a tuk tuk ride down the road. I’ll tell ya, for $25 a night I wasn’t expecting much but I was remarkably surprised. The boutique hotel was clean, trendy, had all the basics down plus a pool. Rooms and bathrooms were perfectly fine. Better than a courtyard marriott and again only $25!

Here are a few links to some pages that might be useful for you.

Tourist Destinations
There are a number of tour packages of things to do in Phuket. For example, Elephant Trekking, ATV riding, Rafting, Ziplining, Island Hopping. You can pick and chose from any of the number of tour package shops in town or book from your hotel. You can almost always negotiate a cheaper deal than price printed in the brochure, especially if you call directly and cut out the hotel/tour shop. Almost all the packages include a pickup and drop-off to your hotel.

Phang Nga Bay – This bay near Phuket, with its fantastical scenery, is a popular spot with tourists. It used to be that the only way to see it was on a tour boat from Phang Nga city, although you could take a boat from a small fishing village near Phuket for a more “personal” tour by the people who lived and worked in the bay. You would still see the infamous “James Bond Island” but the fishermen know at least a dozen more truly beautiful and unique spots.

http://www.phuket.com/island/phangnga.htm

Simon Cabaret – So I was with some people that wanted to see this show…It is a cabaret show BUT it is put on by ladyboys (and yes all of them because some are pretty hard to believe). To be honest, it was an entertaining production. The set is pretty impressive with a lot of different scene changes. The talent varies where some are good performers and others are okay. It was definitely a unique experience, but make sure you have an open mind!

Thai Boxing in Phuket – One of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand, and now gaining world renown, is the martial art of Muay Thai. Exciting enough on TV – the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks and artful feints are even more riveting when seen live.

Ziplining is a popular thing to do in Phuket. The experience is safe and a lot of fun. I do recommend it, especially if you’re afraid of heights, it’s time to get over that!
I ended up going with the Flying Hanuman Zipline group. All the packages from the various companies seemed comparable but this one had times that suited us. All the groups i looked at had similar # of platforms, offer a free meal or snack and a t-shirt.

Jungle Bungy Jump
61/3 Wichitsongkram, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand
T:+66 – 076 321 351
Open 9am – 6pm. Packages range from 2100 to 3000 Baht. Depending on if you want pictures, video or both. The 3000 price comes with a free 2^nd jump, 25 prints and a video.
GK Editorial: The process takes about 15 minutes if there’s no wait. The pictures are taken from the crane from above so it’s a good perspective but definitely have someone on the ground taking pictures or a video as well.

World Bungy Patong – Claims to be Southern Thailand’s highest bungy. I just found out that they’ve been operating without a license for more than 13 years and someone just died (May 2015).
(+66) 076 345 185
Soi Kepsap,
2 Sai Namyen Rd,
Patong Beach.
Open daily 10am-7pm.

Dining & Nightlife
Food in Thailand is amazing. It’s hard to find a bad Green Curry or Pad Thai.

Baan Kalim – This restaurant is right at the bottom of the hill from the Novotel Phuket Resort. It over looks the water and has FANTASTIC food. It was the best Tom Yum Kung Soup I’ve had! The restaurant is also very relaxed, has a lot of seafood and the food is not pricey at all. I highly recommend this place if it is convenient.
221 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu
(+66) 08-8180-6936

Baan Rim Pa – This restaurant is on the mountain just past the Novotel so just about 10 minutes from Patong. It has an excellent view overlooking the water. It is one of the fancier restaurants I’ve been to in Phuket, so make sure you make reservations in advance. The food was good but I wouldn’t say spectacular but if you’re looking for a nicer dining experience with an excellent view then check it out.
Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand
(+66) 76 340 789

The main area for nightlife on the island is located on the Southwest side and is called Patong Beach. If a bland night out is on the agenda, go somewhere else because this place is spicy and flavorful. With a unique atmosphere, live music, delicious food and excellent entertainment, Patong beach is an amazing place.

For a more low key and mellow experience, head towards Karon beach, which is located just south of Patong. More family friendly, the main attractions here are the great food and ethnic dancing shows.

A more local feel can be found in Phuket town. This area is famous for its authentic Thai food.

Other areas offering nightlife are Rawai Beach, Kamala Beach and Bang Tao bay.

For something completely different, Coral Island Club has an evening beach barbecue on Banana Beach, Coral Island just 15 minutes from Phuket. The beach is totally deserted and is the most beautiful in the region. After dark there is NIGHT SNORKELING by underwater flashlights. It’s fully guided and completely safe. For a night show, the view from a deserted beach, drink in hand is as good as it gets.There are salas (Bamboo beach huts) for overnight sleep over or return to Phuket about 9.00pm.

Scuba Diving
At close proximity from each other, all of the Phuket dive sites allow for a most amazing day trip out on the boat. Always promising you of some most interesting sightings, Phuket’s dive sites are famous for their vast array of colors, large and small marine life, and incredible soft corals and multi-colored anemones.

Phuket has dozens of Scuba Diving operators. Trips offered range from day trips to 10 day live-aboard scuba adventures. There is something in Phuket for every diver at every level. BUT Before you book check their reputation as well as their safety record.

http://www.thailand-divers.com/
198/12 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road
Patong Beach, Phuket 83150
Thailand
info@thailand-divers.com
+66 (0)76-292 052

GK Editorial: These guys were great, very professional and accommodating! I highly recommend their services. I went out on Sunday which was the day they go out to see the Manta Ray’s. Unfortunately there was no current so the Ray’s didn’t come to the bay. We did a ship wreck dive and 2 other dives.

Helpful Links

Helpful Thai Phrases

English Phrases	Thai Phrases

English Greetings	Thai Greetings:
Hi!	sa-was-dee สวัสดี
Good morning!	a-roon-sa-was อรุณสวัสดิ์
Good evening!	sa-yan-sa-was สายัณห์สวัสดิ์
Welcome! (to greet someone)	yin-dee-ton-rab ยินดีต้อนรับ
How are you?	sa-bai-dee-mai สบายดีไหม
I’m fine, thanks!	sa-bai-dee, kob-kun สบายดี, ขอบคุณ
And you?	leaw-kun-la แล้วคุณหละ
Good/ So-So.	kor-dee/ reauy-reauy ก็ดี/ เรื่อยๆ
Thank you (very much)!	kob-kun-(mak) ขอบคุณ(มาก)
You’re welcome! (for “thank you”)	mai-prn-rai ไม่เป็นไร
Hey! Friend!	yai-puan ไงเพื่อน
I missed you so much!	chan/phom-kid-thung-kun-mak ฉัน/ผมคิดถึงคุณมาก
What’s new?	mee-a-rai-mai-bang มีอะไรใหม่บ้าง
Nothing much	mai-mee-ar-rai-mak ไม่มีอะไรมาก
Good night!	ra-tee-sa-was ราตรีสวัสดิ์
See you later!	leaw-jor-kan-mai แล้วเจอกันใหม่
Good bye!	la-korn ลาก่อน
Asking for Help and Directions
I’m lost	chan/phom-long-tang ฉัน/ผมหลงทาง
Can I help you?	hai-chan/phom-chuay-a-rai-mai-ka/krab ให้ฉัน/ผมช่วยอะไรไหม คะ/ครับ
Can you help me?	chuay-chan/phom-noi-dai-mai-ka/krab ช่วยฉัน/ผมหน่อยได้ไหม คะ/ครับ
Where is the (bathroom/ pharmacy)?	houng-num(bathroom)/ ran-kay-ya(pharmacy) …. you-tee-nai-ka/krab ห้องน้ำ/ร้านขายยาอยู่ที่ไหน คะ/ครับ
Go straight!	trong-pai ตรงไป
Turn left	leaw-sai เลี้ยวซ้าย
Turn right	leaw-kaw เลี้ยวขวา
I’m looking for john.	chan/phom-kam-lang-ha-John-you ฉัน/ผมกำลังหาจอห์นอยู่
One moment please!	pab-neung-na แป๊บหนึ่งนะ
Hold on please! (phone)	theu-sai-roo-sak-kru-na-ka/krab ถือสายรอสักครู่นะคะ/ครับ
How much is this?	an-nee-tao-rai อันนี้เท่าไหร่
Excuse me …! (to ask for something)	kor-thod-ka/krab- ….. ขอโทษคะ/ครับ …..
Excuse me! ( to pass by)	kor-tang-noi-ka/krab ขอทางหน่อยคะ/ครับ
Come with me!	ma-kab-chan/phom/si มากับฉัน/ผมซิ