New glitzy resort on Patong beach will open soon

The US hotel and resort management chain LaTour Signature Group, which always heavily promoted the branded boutique hotel concept, has joined forces with IndoChine group from Singapore and together they’ll soon open a brand new resort on Patong beach. This Phuket venture will be their first in the region. There are plans to establish similar projects in the Thai capital and several other popular resort areas.

The IndoChine group enjoys an excellent reputation and is renowned for the award-winning bars and restaurants such as Bar Opiume, Bar Cocoon, Waterfront Restaurant and the Forbidden City. Besides managing 17 Singaporean venues, the company also runs establishments in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

At present the accommodation occupancies are as low as they’ve been in decades but the worldwide economic recession didn’t slow down LaTour Signature Group’s plans. On the contrary! The most ideal time to begin a business is at the bottom. The IndoChine Villa Santi is beautifully located overlooking the Patong area’s Kalim Beach and will definitely offer a luxury resort experience.

Phuket’s real estate market

Since the eighties when the island was ‘discovered’, Phuket has become one of Thailand’s most costly destinations for real estate outside of Bangkok.

Expatriates, the jet-set and Bangkok business people all wish to spend several months a year on tropical Phuket. Add to that small time businessmen, resort and property developers and investors and you’ll understand that the competition here for limited sea views is huge.

Should settling for something inland not be a problem then there are many opportunities for everyone, and numerous local property agents on Phuket offering assistance. There are dozens of projects, which offer brilliant investment or retirement villa accommodations, some with million dollars prices, with a steady stream of customers.

The less-wealthy that wish to realise a home on Phuket can opt for inland housing projects, such as Chalong within a short distance of Phuket Town. Others prefer to construct by themselves in one of the traditional neighbourhoods, which is the less expensive opportunity but it comes with many challenges. Bangkok real estate

The East coast on Phuket, which only has a few beach areas, is far less developed and it isn’t surprising that many property developers are looking towards this area…

Cheap Phuket holidays

The Phuket Tourism Association has forecast hotels in the province would see occupancy rates as low as 25-30 per cent, compared to 60 per cent in last year’s low season. Only tourists from the Middle East, India and Australia are likely to be visiting Phuket.

It seemed that promotional offers were not enough to tempt tourists back to Thailand as they were trying to avoid the possibility of catching the flu and were also concerned about political instability.

This situation offers a great opportunity for travellers that appreciate a less crowded Phuket and discounted hotel rooms. Your Phuket holiday will probably never going to be cheaper as during this year’s low season! Don’t let the flu scare you away and start packing your bags for an unforgettable Phuket holiday experience.

Phuket hotel discounts

Phuket’s cuisine

For many visiting tourists Thai cuisine may be one of the principal attractions or even their journey’s highlight. Renowned for its delicious seafood dishes, Phuket represents a wide range of other Thai food as well. 

The flavours’ harmony is one of Thai food’s most distinctive things. Many meals will contain a combination of sour, sweet, salty and spicy flavours. Another great thing about Thai cooking is the abundant use of freshly harvested herbs. 

Rice is the basic ingredient and practically every Thai meal contains it. The Thais are lovers of (very) spicy food, and if their dish isn’t really intended to be hot, they’ll usually add chilli powder or fresh chillies to make it spicy enough. To make sure that your dish will not be too spicy you can say: “mai aow prik”, (I don’t want chillies).

In general, most restaurants in Phuket know that foreigners aren’t used to eat very spicy and they’ll adjust the food to a more western style. If you’re a die-hard chilli lover and disappointed by the, not spicy enough, served food, say: “aow pet maak”. (I want it very spicy). Not recommended for most tourists!

Thais can’t have enough of these!

The authentic way of eating a Thai meal is to have a portion of white rice and share several different dishes with the other guests. This allows adventurous visitors to sample many differently prepared dishes. A decent Thai meal should consist of a bowl of soup, vegetables, a curry dish and a dip with accompanying meat or fish. The ultimate Thai food guide

Thai food is consumed with a fork and spoon. You’ll never need to use a knife in Phuket’s restaurants as the meat is already cut into small chunks. Especially at the noodle eateries chopsticks are often used together with a soup spoon but no worries as it should always be possible getting hold of a fork.

Phuket shopping

One of Asia’s most popular holiday destinations, Phuket is truly a haven for shopping addicts! Thailand’s largest island boasts a wide and varied range of shopping places, from vibrant open-air fresh food markets, atmospheric night bazaars, street vendors and local outlets to spacious western style shopping malls and trendy specialist boutiques.

 With wonderfully designed costumes, traditional handicrafts, silver and gold jewellery, house interior goods, antiques, paintings, leather goods, silk, lacquer ware and many more items to select from, most likely the sole thing you will regret about shopping on the island is that you forgot bringing a bigger bag along!

The majority of the outlets housed in the department stores as well as the larger retail shops sell products that have fixed prices, so it is not possible to bargain. Bargaining is common at the smaller stalls and shops, markets and street vendors. Depending on the buyers’ bargaining skills and the vendors’ will of the vendor it might be possible to purchase goods at prices 10 to 40 per cent less than the original asking price. Those shoppers bargaining with smiling faces mostly will be rewarded. Most vendors here work very long daily, so some good humour and a smile will certainly be appreciated and you’ll get the best deal.

Guide to Koh Samui shopping

Racha Island in southern Thailand

Koh Racha provides an ideal retreat for those travellers wanting to get away from the tourist crowds on Phuket. Positioned in the southern part of Thailand, Racha Island has become a renowned beach destination. Tranquilly located surrounded by the Andaman Sea’s sparkling deep blue waters, there are two more small and gorgeous island destinations.

Those holidaymakers having heard about their unbeatable natural beauty sneak away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket to lie freely on Racha Island’s immaculate beaches, allowing themselves to revitalise in the natural environment’s wonderful embrace.

Actually being twin islands, Koh Racha boasts crystal clear waters, well-kept wilderness and a colourful underwater life around the jaw-dropping reefs. On the exotic beach you can also find a shady corner to fully appreciate your private paradise on one of these precious and remote island destinations.

Patong tourist information

Patong on Phuket boasts a superb beach area sparking with frenetic electricity. The lively streets are crammed with numerous girlie beer bars, souvenir shops, outstanding seafood eateries, dive agencies, tour operators, resorts and hotels, entertainment venues and many more tourist facilities.

Scantily tanned foreign holidaymakers dance the night away on techno beats in one of the sweaty, booming nightclubs or relax while sipping on a tropical cocktail under the nightly sky, filled with sparkling stars at sandy beach bars. Demurely dressed gastronomists dine on giant lobsters and French wines at glitzy, charming restaurants where the offered panoramas are as worthwhile as the served cuisine.

Phuket’s most popular beach area is Hat Patong, and it tries eagerly to become a second Pattaya. Flashy fluorescent signs lighten the dark and streets with a red lurid glow – but it is not nearly as spooky and during daytime it is quite nice for children. The type of travellers attracted to this surrealistic, neon-lit ambience will definitely love the Patong area, while peace-loving visitors most likely prefer to stay far away from the scene.

Pattaya nightlife resource 

Phuket diving guide

Often rightfully nicknamed, ‘Pearl of the South’, this popular holiday destination is definitely the Andaman’s gem for scuba diving enthusiasts. Phuket boasts one of the globe’s most famous diving playgrounds. Enjoying an ideal geographical location, tropical Phuket’s surrounding waters have an average temperature of 780 F (24oC) that house an abundant, varied and colourful underwater life.

The period between October and May is probably the most ideal time for enjoying some mind-boggling underwater experiences here. However, quality diving options are available year-round. The Andaman Sea’s best hidden treasures can be found below the waters’ surface where underwater life explodes, creating a virtual spectacle of corals and corals.

The clear and clean waters attract huge shoals of brightly coloured exotic fish, whale sharks and manta rays along with many other fascinating pelagic species. The rich marine life and varied underwater landscapes combined with clear visibility offer a delightful experience for both marine naturalists and underwater photographers.

The available playgrounds vary incredibly and offer extensive diving opportunities. There’s the option to begin with a laid-back dive taking you through vast coral gardens, or go for a swim exploring some of the many grottos and caves. You could also discover a ship-wreck or perhaps join a multi-level diving trip, taking participants along a granite sheer wall with different marine life species to be seen in every cranny and nook.

A number of professionally operated dive centres on Phuket provide three main services in addition to gear sales and hire, certified PADI training courses, diving daytrips as well as live aboard diving tours that last several days.

Getting away from the crowds

When staying in Phuket or Krabi you may want to consider a trip to Koh Siboya and Koh Jum. Both islands are actually close to mainland, but for some reason they are rather difficult to reach, particularly out of the tourist season. From Krabi’s Laem Kruat Pier, a ferry operates to Koh Jum and Koh Siboya can be reached by a ferry service departing from Laem Hin Pier.

From tiny Koh Jum, also known as Koh Pu (Crab Island), you could hop to Lanta Island, 15.5 miles to the south. Dense jungles and rubber plantations drape Koh Jum’s northern mountains’ shoulders, where the locals call the land Koh Pu, while the island’s southern part is flat and shaded by palms and casuarinas trees.

This Robinson Crusoe-style island destination hasn’t changed much over the years and is popular among budget-minded backpackers. Six beaches house less than 20 relaxed bungalow resorts, though some have upgraded their décor to appeal to “flashpackers”. The locals are friendly and the beaches are fine but not really superb.

Medium-sized, Koh Siboya is closer to the mainland than Koh Jum. Tourist visiting here will discover a quaint fishing village rather than a holidaymaker destination. There are only three bungalows offering lodging options. Go ahead and explore the undiscovered!

Phuket sightseeing tours

Whatever your ultimate dream vacation may be, Phuket tours may give you the option to make it reality. On the island there are several outstanding agencies that organise and operate some of the most rewarding Phuket trips and tours. Each of these tailor-made adventurous tour itineraries offers its participants the highest level of convenience, value and service on this popular tourist destination. In addition, travellers have the option to customise the tour to suit their needs perfectly.
 
Blessed with eye-catching limestone peaks, sparkling blue waters and immaculate exotic island destinations, Phuket is an earthly paradise. Here you may experience unforgettable diving and snorkelling adventures above breathtaking coral reefs, seek adventure in the tropical forest or explore the islands by kayak. You even have the option hopping on the back of an elephant riding into the mesmerising sunset.

Several of the greatest tour schedules, make Thailand’s largest island one of the globe’s first-class holiday destinations. The Andaman Sea’s unparalleled splendour is waiting for you to explore it! Some of the most favourite tours include: elephant trekking & white water rafting, Phi Phi Islands speedboat tours, Phuket Island and City tours, Phuket safaris, kayaking daytrips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phuket Fantasea Show.

 Phuket offers unforgettable kayak trips