Stunning Daytrips From Phuket

Nicknamed 'Jewel of the Andaman', Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions and all year round the island welcomes huge crowds of visitors coming from every part of the world. Phuket is like a vast beautiful playground. And even if you think you've found the perfect beach to sunbath and chill out on, there still a lot to see. Therefore Phuket sightseeing trips are simply a must.

Joining day trips from Phuket is an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience. Within a few hours drive or navigating by boat are some mind-boggling landscapes such as the famed Phi Phi islands, the pretty Khao Lak coast, the breathtaking Pha Nga Bay, great scuba diving options off the Similan islands, and Krabi's stunningly beautiful karst-scapes. There are national parks which feature lush forests, idyllic fishing villages, dramatic waterfalls, blue crystal clear waters, tiny private islands, secluded mangroves and fabulous beaches to seek out.

Phuket is definitely the most visited and best developed island you can find in Thailand. During the last 20 years Phuket has transformed into an upmarket and jet-set travel destination. If you're decided to visit Phuket for your next vacation you'll find yourself located at one of the several wonderful bays dotted along the West Coast. From this spot you can both hire a private vehicle or use the opportunity taking one of the various day trip tours to your chosen destination. A daytrip is really a great idea and there are numerous options as well as travel agents.

If you come here for the first time it is absolutely wise to explore the island itself. There are plenty of lively and wonderful beaches. Located south from Kamala you'll find some of the best beaches, past the crowded and always popular Patong, and onwards to the sweeping Karon and trendier Kata. You should make a stop at each beach and sunbath for a few hours while enjoying some barbecued freshly caught seafood. Keep going south and you'll finally arrive at the unspoiled Nai Harn beach, an excellent spot for enjoying the serene atmosphere and get away from the crowds. Phuket beaches all have their own special atmosphere.

To reach the northern part of Phuket will take a drive lasting about one hour. This non-developed area is not crowded with tourists while the mangroves on the eastern shore provide different scenery of the island. While you find yourself in this region you might want to cool off in the Bang Phrae Waterfall situated in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park's or visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre where you can observe these fascinating and clever animals. Touring this area is extremely rewarding!

Some of the most beautiful panoramas can be found offshore, on top of your itineraries list should be travelling to the Phi Phi Islands. This distinctive craggy island has the form of a butterfly. The island was the main location for the Hollywood feature The Beach and Phi Phi was world news when the Tsunami struck. Actually there are more than two islands, and usually all of the trips stop off giving you the option to snorkel en-route. Your lunch is served once you access Phi Phi Ley's heavenly Maya bay. The only souls which are allowed to spend the night here are campers and park rangers so you'll have the unspoilt beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don features more dramatic scenery and unfortunately the island started to overdeveloped before the powerful Tsunami washed everything away. On a little sandwich of coconut trees the resorts are positioned between two lovely bays, with sky karst cliffs, rising up to the blue sky, all around. Once you've arrived here you may find it a drag going back to Phuket!

Similarly astonishing and popular is Pha Nga Bay's distinctive karst seascape, which enjoyed a lot of free promotion in the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now the island is even renamed as the James Bond Island, on all trips from Phuket this is a must-see but its all part of an enormous theatre of pillars, positioned along this extensive bay and it is probably one of the world's most photogenic spots. Koh Phan Yee is a picturesque fishing village which is situated in the sea on stilts and it is here where lunch will be served. Buying some souvenirs is something that you should not forget and also walking around this peaceful community. Particularly popular is kayaking among the impressive karst cliffs and wonderful caves.

If you are a diving enthusiast and there is only one chance to see the finest sites, then you might want to take a diving trip to the gorgeous Similan islands. These islands are situated West of Phuket and the trip lasts a few days. Also located here is a protected marine reserve and boat tyrips are the only means of reaching the area's untouched reefs, or enjoy swimming in the clear soothing waters. You don't have a dive certificate? No worries, there are many courses offering dive lessons. Hong Island makes a great daytrip as well. This remarkable island lies between Phuket and Krabi and features a hidden lagoon which is only accessible via a cave tunnel during low tide.

Drive into the hinterland by rented car is also a rewarding option. Phuket is connected by a short causeway and after you reach the mainland you are free to explore the beautiful Southern Thai provinces. Driving north to Khao Lak, you have the option to explore a wilder and unspoiled coastline, and some impressing coastal parks. The Khao Sok National Park is just a bit beyond this with its enormous lake, lush rainforests and idyllic landscapes. The park's chalets offer overnight accommodation. The tropical national parks in Thailand boast fabulous ecosystems full of birdlife, waterfalls, streams, nature trails, and a few animals.

If you're driving out of Phuket it is a great idea to explore the region for a couple of days, with its rubber plantations, and weird landscapes. Visiting the majestic and less visited parks such as Than Bokkharani National Park and Sa Nang Manora Forest Park as you travel en-route through Pha Nga onwards to Krabi town, is especially a great experience.

Andrew Bond lives four months of the year in Phuket, he is a travel writer and when planning his journeys he uses:
http://www.1stopphuket.com
http://www.1stopkrabi.com

Phuket Shopping

Phuket has plenty to offer its visitors including some outstanding shopping venues. Phuket is well known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and exiting nightlife however during the last decade a large number of world class shopping venues have opened in Phuket.

When people think about going shopping in Phuket they will often think about counterfeit software, DVD movies and fake brand name clothing. If this is the type of goods that you want to purchase during your holiday on Phuket then there are plenty of small stores where you can find these types of products.

If however you would like to purchase high quality products and designer clothing then there are a number of world class Phuket shopping malls where you can go buy these items.

Travelers planning a trip to Phuket and who would like to do some shopping during their holiday should definitely plan a visit to some of the outstanding Phuket shopping venues listed down below.

Jungceylon Shopping Mall

The Jungceylon shopping mall is the newest shopping mall on Phuket and is located in the Patong beach resort area. There are hundreds of stores at this mall as well as plenty of restaurants and other types of entertainment venues. If you feel like catching a movie then you should definitely check out the multi screen movie theatre which is located on the top floor.

Phuket Central Festival

The Phuket Central Festival mall is located along the bypass road of Phuket and is home to some of the finest shops and boutiques found anywhere on the island. If you plan to do some shopping in Phuket then be sure to visit the excellent Central department store which is located inside of this large and modern shopping mall. The Phuket Central Festival mall is also home to a multi screen cinema and there are plenty of food and beverage outlets from which shoppers can choose.

Big C Mall

The Big C mall in Phuket is where most of the local Thai residents seem to enjoy doing their shopping. The main retailer at this Phuket shopping mall is the Thai Big C department store however there are also a number of other restaurants and stores at this shopping venue. The Big C mall is located close by to the Phuket Central Festival shopping mall and is as well located along the Phuket Bypass road.

Ocean Plaza Patong

Another popular shopping destination in Patong is the Ocean Plaza mall. There are dozens of small boutiques which together form the Ocean department store. There is also an excellent supermarket located in the basement of this Phuket shopping mall. If you enjoy bowling then be sure to visit the modern bowling alley which is located on the top floor of the Ocean Plaza mall in Patong.

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section with Phuket car rental information.

Top Things to Do in Dubai

As one of the world's most popular holiday destination, Dubai has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tourism. Below are a few of many things you can do when you are in Dubai.

Burj Al Arab: The iconic landmark of the Emirate, be sure to visit the Burj Al Arab if you can to eat in either restaurants. If not then take some time out to just appreciate this marvellous architectural masterpiece which can be seen from pretty much everywhere in Dubai.

Wild Wadi: Based in Jumeirah as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, this water park is fun for all the family. Water slides and everything water based, this will keep you entertained for hours. If you are part of the resort, you will get in free. It's always a good idea to visit just before it gets too hot as it can get incredibly hot during the day.

Desert Safari: You cannot visit Dubai without going on Safari in the desert. You will taken in a 4x4 where you will be driven on the dunes. You will then experience some belly dancing, local cuisine and be able to purchase some novelty items not to mention the camel ride too. A great deal of fun and certainly worthwhile.

Quad Biking: Similar to the desert safari but a lot more of an adrenaline rush. You hire your own vehicle and can fight the dunes. A bit more expensive but definitely worth the money. More suited for adrenaline junkies.

Take a trip on the Abra - Water Taxi and Dubai Creek: If you visit the Creek, then be sure to take a trip on the Abra. This will take you to the other side to the old spice souk. The cost is very minimal and the experience of riding on the water is very pleasant.

Ibn Batutta Mall: The world's largest themed shopping mall, just further up form Dubai Marina it celebrates the life of renowned traveller Ibn Batutta, it has over 260 retailers, 50 restaurants an eateries as well as over 20 cinemas, one of which includes Dubai's only IMAX cinema.

Mall of Emirates: One of the biggest shopping centres in Dubai if nor the world, but then again most of them are large. This mall boasts most designer names you can think of. There is lots to do here and you probably will definitely have to come back to finish off what you started. One day is just not enough. There are plenty of places to eat and lots to do for the whole family.

Jumieriah Beach: The most famous beach in Dubai and probably the middle east. Crystal clear waters, blue skies all year round and warm waters make this somewhere you have to go. Ideal for all the families. There is also a women's only day once a week.

Madinat Jumeirah Resort: This consists of several five, six and seven star hotels grouped to be known as the best hotel resort in the whole of the middle east. This encompasses, the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah beach residence and a few others.

Ski Dubai: Located inside the Mall of Emirates shopping centre, Ski Dubai has been a phenomenon not only in the UAE but in the Middle East. It is approximately about a quarter of a mile long and caters for all types of skiers, even those of a professional standard. It even has a kids area. You can't miss the weird shape as you approach the venue which looks like something weird that has just crashed made of metal. Overall an incredible day out for the family and suits all.

Gold Souk: This is an absolute must if you are visiting the Emirate. The souk is like a shopping centre which is just dedicated to gold. Even if you are not purchasing anything it is definitely worth visiting. One thing that springs to mind is with all the Gold, where is all the security?

Dubai Museum: Learn about the history of where Dubai was and where it is now.

Palm Jumeirah: These man made Islands can be seen from space and are a cluster of residential and commercial properties. These comprise of mostly villas which have been purchased at a premium. This is where the rich and famous generally buy their homes.

Deira Shopping Center: One of the first major shopping areas in Dubai. Not as big as The Mall of the Emirates but this seems like more fun. There is a huge food court where you will see all the usual fast food outlets as well as a children's area next to it. It has all the major international brand names as well as a fantastic cinema that shows Hollywood, Bollywood and local films.

Z Fazal has been writing articles for many years and one of his many interests includes travel. One his latest websites talks about Cheap Hotels Benidorm one of which includes the Rosamar Hotel Benidorm. The aim of the site is to help people find budget accommodation in this popular Spanish town.

Patong Remains Phuket's Most Popular Beach Spot

Phuket is one of Thailand's top tourist destinations. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the white isle in search of sun, sea and a lot more besides. Tourism has taken a lot of knocks in recent years, what with the tsunami and internal problems, but Phuket still manages to attract a decent crowd no matter what. Although numbers are down after the latest spat of political turmoil, Phuket is still the island of choice for most visitors, and no beach seduces tourists quite like Patong Beach.

To look at Patong Beach, you'd wonder just what it is about the place that keeps travelers coming back in their droves. Patong isn't Phuket's most scenic place, but it does have a lot going for it. The beach itself has seen better days. What were once stretches of gorgeous white sand have become overcrowded and inundated with sun loungers and parasols.

The beach is also not as clean as it has been in the past, thanks to the large number of tourists and hawkers. But Patong is about more than just the beach. If you want unspoiled scenery, Mai Khao, Nai Yang and a host of other beach spots are just a short drive away. What Patong Beach has going for it is convenience. Everything you could think of for a holiday is right their on your doorstep.

The variety of accommodation in Patong is unsurpassed anywhere else on the island. Whether you're a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a honeymooner looking for something romantic for you and your loved on, Patong has it all, with no budget left uncatered to.

Then there is Patong's dining scene, which remains more vibrant and chock full of choice than any other part of Phuket. Whatever your preference, be it for pasta, seafood or fajitas, there are enough restaurants in Patong to please even the choosiest of travelers.

You can't, however, talk about Patong Beach without mentioning the nightlife. It's what makes Patong famous, and also very noisy. For a long time, the nightlife in Patong was primarily about go-go bars and beer bars. To a certain extent, this is still the case. Throngs of tourists come with one thing in mind: meeting Thai girls. Romantic, it ain't, but the sex industry in Patong is not likely to disappear any time soon.

Patong has more to offer than just girly bars. Rockers can mosh at Rock City, dancers can boogie away at La Salsa and serious clubbers can get down at Club Lime. There really is something for everyone at Patong Beach.

There are so many Phuket beaches that it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. There's no doubt that Patong Beach has a lot to offer, but Phuket is large enough that there is no harm in moving about from one place to the next to get a feel for which areas are the best.

Alternative to Bali Villa Accommodation in Peak Season

Being one of the most sought after tropical destinations, Bali welcomes million of foreign tourists every year. Along the year, number of visiting tourists significantly increases in certain periods known as peak season. During the peak season price of all tourism-related products increases, and even if you can afford the price, availability is getting very difficult.

The situation also applies to luxury services including private villa accommodation. With its continuously increasing popularity, Bali villas are now even more popular than resort hotels, and getting one available in peak season is only possible if you make your booking way in advance, even more than a year ahead.

Other than holiday season in the tourists' origins, these periods are also related to seasonal weather cycle in Bali. By calendar, peak season in Bali falls between July and September, two weeks around Christmas and New Year, and the whole week of Chinese New Year and Easter holiday.

To those who do not want to pay more or hate the crowd of spending tropical holiday in Bali, Phuket is a perfect alternative. Providing almost similar atmosphere and attractions, Phuket has different holiday seasons from Bali. Except for Christmas - New Year period, when Bali is in peak season, Phuket is in low season. The other way round works the same, when Bali is in low season, Phuket is in peak season.

Getting to Phuket is not more difficult than Bali anyway. There are flights available from almost all international hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Jakarta. If you prefer low ware airliners, AirAsia X flies from London and Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur where you can easily find a connecting flight straight to Phuket.

Those who prefer to stay in ultimate privacy of private villa will find Phuket the perfect alternative to overcrowded Bali in its peak season. Most villas will be available and therefore offered at significantly lower price. With a little luck you can get a bargain price of less than 50% off the published rate. Other tourism services such as restaurant, car hire, tours, activities, even souvenir shops are also significantly cheaper and easily available. Talk to your travel agent to find suitable villa accommodation in Phuket.

If you have been visiting Thailand too often you want to go even further, try Vietnam or Cambodia. Luxury accommodation have gone so far even to this newly emerging destination, you can easily find and rent Vietnam villas and enjoy the same level of luxury villa living, just like in more matured destinations. With less tourists coming, you can avoid crowds almost all year round.

Adi has been spending more than five years focusing on helping his clients in private villa and holiday rental industry in Asia-Pacific to gain better online exposure. Combination of information technology and marketing backgrounds brought him to become the man behind most commercially successful websites. Find more about Adi at his blog adiarifin.com

The Best Hotels in Phuket

Phuket is a beautiful island adorned with natural elegance, it is an island as big in size as Singapore, Phuket is the country's largest island, located off the west coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea. Over the years, Phuket has been a major tourist destination drawing visitors from all over the world to try hotels in Phuket. The island has pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and has the facilities for numerous water sports activities.

Hotels in Phuket have the capacity to accommodate visitors of all categories, from low budget casual tourists, to wealthy and high profile tourists. For low budget tourists, there are many mid-range economy hotels in Phuket, along with small cottages, apartments and rest houses.

Hotels in Phuket will definitely cost less than other Asian country's, yet they will provide a high standard of facilities. Among the higher range hotels in Phuket, there are a number of five star hotels to choose from, all of which have state of the art facilities.

Situated nearly 870 Km away from Bangkok, the island is joined with the mainland by a bridge. Phuket is a southern province of Thailand and Phuket city is the administrative centre of the province.

The climate is at its best in Phuket during the months of December to April. The rest of the year it mostly stays hot and humid, but this is a great time for finding bargain hotels in Phuket. As it has become an international tourist hot-spot, English has been a common second language, so visitors do not have to worry about difficulties in communication.

Phuket has an international Airport situated in the north, where there are direct flights to Australia and Europe during high season, and regular charters to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok throughout the year. There is no shortage of bus services in and out of Phuket, and a railway station is 5 hours away from the island. Ferry services to other tourist destinations like Krabi and Ko Phi Phi are available also.

Phuket is famous for its snow white, sandy beaches including, Surin, Patong , Bang tao, Kamala , Laem sing , Kata Yai , Karon, Rawai, Ao chalong are some of the beaches that draw majority of the tourists. Coral island and Ko Yao are two other nearby islands that are strongly recommended for any tourist.

There are plenty of sites to visit in the town itself, including Chalong Wat Buddhist temple is an interesting place to visit, so is the Phuket Fantasea show. There is a golf course available, and also an animal sanctuary. Hotels in Phuket can be reserved online, although it is a good idea to book early.

Get more info and the scoop on hotels in Phuket at these links. Don't book a Phuket hotel without researching it thoroughly.

Services and Facilities of Phuket Hotels

Phuket, the biggest island of Thailand, has turned out to be a popular beach destination, thus, attracting tourists from different corners of the world. Beach activities, water sports, pristine sandy beaches, tourists' sites and sea water have made it an ideal place to visit as far as recreation and relaxation is concerned. Phuket hotels had made the required provision of accommodation for the tourists to make their trip comfortable. December to April is the best time to visit the place due to pleasant weather in the area. In order to meet the needs of different kind of tourists, hotel Phuket offers excellent accommodation to welcome and entertain its tourists.

The broad array of accommodation ranges from cheap budget Phuket hotel to mid-range hotels and star luxury hotels and resorts, thus it before you a wide choice of list to select from, depending upon your taste and budget. Many of these hotels are well equipped to suit the needs of business and leisure travelers. No doubt, that friendly milieu and unfailing courtesy of the staff would provide you the homely comforts. Manifestation of style and elegance can easily be noticed in the facilities and services provided. Well equipped latest technologies and fine dining all form the part of long list.

Many economy hotels and budget hotels ensure comfortable stay with standard services at low price. Exquisite cuisines at in-house restaurants of these hotels at reasonable price are awesome to taste. All these feature of Phuket hotels had made their best efforts to serve tourists and Phuket itself not lagging behind as some of the main attraction in Phuket are: -

o Hat Patong- it is the most developed beach in Phuket, offering sporting, shopping, leisure and recreational options. There are many activities to entertain the tourists such as snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, sunbathing and sailing. The place is equally known for seafood and its vibrant nightlife.

o Phuket waterfalls- these are some interesting gathering places for people seeking cool places for picnic and a dip. Bang Pae and Ton Sai are two of the main falls located in the town. Its great fun to visit the places during monsoon as it offers one of the best sites for trekking.

o National parks: - to the north of Phuket island, natural beauty and serenity of national park and wildlife reserves can be easily seen. There is diverse range of wildlife so it's better to hire guides at the entrance.

o View points: - Prom Thep Cape is one of the spectacular view points on south-western tip of the island. One can easily see all the way to Phi Phi and other islands on a clear day.

Nancy Eben

Hotels in Phuket

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Phuket Hotels

5 Best Countries to Retire For Singles - Find the Best Places to Retire in the World For Singles

It's never too early to plan for your retirement especially now that the value of dollars is volatile. To make the most of your hard-earned money, retirement outside your home country will go a long way. Here are some of the best countries to retire for singles:

Thailand is not only a tourist magnet but also a good place to stay for your retirement. The food is fabulous, the people are laidback and the weather is just right for your muscles and joints. Plus the beaches in Phuket are absolute charmers too.

Ecuador's main attraction is the low cost of living. If you want to make your money go a long way, this is the place to go. Visit Quito, one of UNESCO's first world heritage sites, enjoy the airline promos for retirees and the tropical climate. Ecuador makes it easy for you to have a grand time anytime.

Panama is full of adventure so for those who don't want to totally leave behind what they have back home, this is a perfect place to set your retirement home. Americans will enjoy Panama City's conveniences. But if it gets too hot, you have an option to head for the cooler mountain places. Just learn Spanish.

New Zealand welcomes retirees for six months at a time. If you want a retirement place that is relaxed, laid back and has the convenience that you've gotten used to, then New Zealand will provide you all that and more.

Belize may not ring a bell as a place for retirement but not for long. Its tropical climate is attracting a lot of retirees. Its retired person program gives perks and exemptions too hard to resist. Its beaches are best for your aching bones and muscles. And the official language is English!

Keep in mind that what you are looking for in a best place to retire may not be the same as someone else. Good thing there are sites available that help you make better choices.

Learn more about the best countries to live and spend your retirement. Who knows, you may just find that special someone you've been longing for. Best Country To Live