The Top 8 Phuket Attractions Every Traveler Should Visit

Phuket is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. Phuket has a lot to offer its visitors. There are a large number of excellent Phuket attractions which travelers can visit during their stay on this Thai holiday island. There are many wonderful attractions and activities on Phuket for both the young and old.

Tourists planning their first trip to Phuket should definitely plan to visit the top 8 Phuket attractions which have been listed down below.

• Phuket Fantasea

If you enjoy visiting shows then no visit to Phuket can be complete without having been to the Phuket Fantasea show. This ever so popular Phuket attraction is located in the village of Kamala and offers a show which includes wild animals, amazing visual effects and spectacular acrobats.

• Simon Cabaret Show

A wonderful Phuket attraction which any member of the family can visit is the Simon Cabaret Show located just on the outskirts of Patong which is the most popular Phuket beaches. This wonderful cabaret show performed by gracious Thai lady boys will be the highlight of your stay on Phuket.

• Bangla Road

The nightlife of Phuket is famous around the world and is one of the main attractions for many travelers visiting Phuket. If you want to experience the Phuket nightlife at its best, then be sure to plan an evening visit to Bangla road in Patong.

• Wat Chalong

Thailand is a Buddhist country and there are many impressive temples located throughout the country. The largest and most popular temple on Phuket is Wat Chalong which is located in the Southern section of the island.

• Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a form of martial art which originates from Thailand. If you have never been to a Thai boxing fight then be sure to visit one of the Muay Thai fights which are organized regularly in both Patong as well as Phuket town.

• 
  Phromthep Cape
  

Phuket is well known for its spectacular sunsets and the best place to enjoy one of these sunsets during your stay on Phuket is at the Phromthep Cape. This ever so popular Phuket attraction is located between Kata and Rawaii.

• Big Buddha Statue

One of the newest Phuket attractions is the Big Buddha Statue which is located on the top of a large hill overlooking the island and the Andaman Sea. The Big Buddha statue on Phuket is over 45 meters in height and cost nearly 1 million dollars to build.

• Diving in the Andaman Sea

Phuket is a world class diving destination and the Andaman Sea offers the ideal diving destination. If you have never done any diving before then what better time to get your PADI certificate then during your vacation on Phuket.

James is currently 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 where you can also find additional information about Phuket activities.

The Best of Phuket

There is perhaps nothing more romantic then planning a getaway for two in beautiful Phuket, Thailand. Blessed with beautiful beaches and small lively towns, Phuket is perfect for the ideal honeymoon or romantic date, as it offers many places to travel around in, and is often considered by many to be the paradise island. There are many tings to explore in Phuket that appeal to every kind of tourist, and many possible routes where a couple can spend some private time and still be able to enjoy the beautiful sights in store.

The numerous beaches around the island are perhaps Phuket's best draw. While many tourists often flock to these areas during the hot summer months, Phuket still remains relatively clean, unlike other destination spots. Despite thee rise of visitors in the area however, there are still many secluded beaches where a couple can spend time together with relatively little noises and disturbances. The Kata Yai beach, for example, is renowned as a surfing spot for some, but is considerably less crowded than nearby areas. For those who prefer exploring underwater by snorkeling or scuba diving, then the Laem Singh Beach is the perfect place to swim and watch the breathtaking sunsets. Kayaking is a popular recreation where couples can spend some time to themselves while a hired guide paddles them around. Other beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, and Karon Beach, where restaurants and bars are frequent, but with lesser customers at any one time.

For couples who would like to take an active part in the island's nightlife though, there is always the ever-popular Patong beach, considered Phuket's party capital. There are many bars here that are actually aimed at couples looking to relax and have a great time, and rock joints and jazz clubs are frequent along most of the main roads. Shopping is also Phuket's national pastime, and cheap merchandise is found in both roadside stalls and air-conditioned shopping malls.

For couples who would like a more modern romantic getaway, the nearby Phuket town is the administrative capital of the island, and is easily the best place to go to view cultural landmarks such as the fascinating Phuket Culture Museum or the beautiful Wat Mongkol Nimit temple. Vendors and shopping malls are easily very common here at the most bargain prices. Despite having a thriving business climate, some of the cheapest and good quality hotels can be found here for the thrifty couple, such as the On On Hotel.

For couples who would like to experience something exciting and unique for their honeymoon trips or romantic getaways, then why not try a safari cruise? The Elephant Safari Hills camp, which is located at Khao Suk, offers a adventure-packed journey where visitors can travel on top of an elephant, spend the night underneath the stars in high quality tents served with topnotch meals and cocktails, and hours of exploration amidst the awe-inspiring tropical jungles found all over Phuket. Daytours to other travel packages that can last up to four days are available.

One can never get enough of the sea at Phuket, and romantic cruises are one of the selling points of the island. Couples can take a comfortable trip around Phuket, where the intimate atmosphere and stunning views of the seascape only adds to the romantic mood. Dinner cruises are available at the Banyan Tree, where couples can explore the area in a traditional Thai long boat, serenaded by musicians and first-class meals. For something to while away the hours a little longer, the Hong by Starlight tour provides stunning views of the sea and land, and offers fine dining and comfortable rooms to further the romantic atmosphere.

Thank you for reading my article. Please visit Salwar Kameez for more information on Kurtas

Sailing and Scuba Diving in Phuket

Looking for something new to do? Phuket has been known as one of the best tourist spots all over Asia. It has offered many beautiful places for sightseeing, and many activities for those who have a thirst for adventure. Now, there's something more that the hot spot is willing to offer to foreign and local vacationers: Sailing and scuba diving.

Over the years, the tourism industry in Thailand has been progressively developing into a global attraction. Phuket is one of the main contributors to this success. Its luscious beaches and tourist spots have been causing attention traffic from people al over the world, especially those coming from countries with colder climates. Phuket, coined as the Pearl of the South, is a taste of heaven for tourists, particularly sailors and scuba divers. It is without doubt a crown jewel of the Andaman Sea and of Thailand, all in all.

One of the most renowned diving spots in Asia and in the whole world is Thailand's Andaman Sea. The port or hub of diving is situated in Phuket, making it an important part of the whole experience. The shores of this beach boast of its beautiful sands, clear waters and abundant marine life. The physical features of the sea are a sight to see that is worth the cost. The tropical climate and the rich seas make the experience all the more wonderful.

Sailing and scuba diving can be experienced at any time of the year. The months between October and May, though, prove to provide the best winds and conditions for the best experience. The waters of the sea has its fleets of dive boats.

Locals say that in the old times, these ships used to be the way of trade and transportation of explorers, merchants, missionaries, and even pirates. However, there remains a large portion of the seas and islands that is unexplored at the present time. This brings about elated excitement with the diving and sailing activities.

The enthrallment coming from the mystery of the undiscovered areas gives off a thrill-seeking vibe to the tourists. The possibility of seeing new frontiers, more diverse water creature and sea life keeps the experience surreal. Whale sharks, unprecedented growths of coral reefs, different types of fish and animals are just a few of the aquatic life that can be found in the depths of this sea.

The best diving sites in Phuket and Andaman Sea include the Burma Banks in the archipelago of Mergui, the Surin Islands, the Similan Islands, the Andaman Islands, sites around the Phi Phi Islands, the King Cruise Wreck, Koh Dok Mai, Phuket West Coast Dive Sites, Rachai Noi, and Rachai Yai. All dive sites mentioned are diverse with marine life and clear waters, each offering something different for a varied and exciting experience with every encounter.

Visitors can choose between day trips or tours. For a more luxurious experience, more distant and deeper explorations are also offered. These are called "liveaboards". Wall diving and shallow water wrecks are some of the other activities that could be done depending on the vacationer's liking.

Michel Gerard is a Travel author based in Asia. Visit the Guest House Phuket website to book a room online and download your *free* ebook: "Stories of Authentic Eco-adventure Destinations for Travellers in Thailand" =>> http://www.guesthousephuket.com/ebook.html

Luxury Phuket Villa - Your Dream Destination in Thailand

Phuket the destination

Phuket is the biggest island of Thailand. It lies on the southern part of Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman Sea shore, on the southern point of Phang Nga Province.

Tourists love Phuket for the diverse range of attractions it offers. Some of them include the Phuket Aquarium, Crocodile Farm, FantaSea, Butterfly Farm, Chalong Temple, and the waterfalls. You will never run out of places to explore and new experiences to try in Phuket.

Phuket accommodation

For the tourist especially, accommodation is one of the main concerns on every vacation or trip. The question always arises: where to stay? If you're the type that wants to splurge, villas are the in thing now. Luxury villas in Phuket are increasingly becoming more and more popular as a favored option as opposed to the extravagant holiday accommodation offered by resorts and hotels.

Phuket villas

Phuket luxury villas are available for rent or for sale; you choose. Either way, booking is easy and can be done online. However, be aware the villas are booked out in no time especially during peak season, so do your reservations beforehand.

Long term villa rental

Villas is a perfect abode for those who opt to stay in Phuket for a relatively long period of time. It's always nice to have a place to go home to after your day of travel, business or even schooling. For those planning on having a permanent vacation house each time you visit, there are villas for sale in a wide range of locations with a wide range of prices. If, on the other hand, you're merely on a momentary holiday and have no definite plans of going back, you can always rent the villa of your choice.

Summary

In Phuket, you can always have a dose of nature and fresh air in the perfect holiday location in the villa of your choice. There are a multitude of locations varying from seafront, hillsides with spectacular views of beaches and bays and quiet areas inland.

If you're planning to spend your next holiday in Phuket, better book your villa before others beat you to it. With Phuket luxury villas, your holiday and vacation experience is a splendid guarantee.

CB Richard Ellis is Thailand's market leader in real estate sales, lettings, research, valuation and property management with over 20 years experience in Thailand. The Phuket villa market is well positioned with the island's supporting infrastructure including world-class amenities and leisure facilities and an International Airport offering good accessibility. Many investors choose to invest in the Phuket villa market as it offers a combination of western luxury and an exotic tropical lifestyle.

More information on Phuket Villa Sale. Visit http://www.cbre.co.th/en/phuketvillavillasinformation.asp

The Por Tor Festival of Phuket

The Por Tor or Hungry Ghost Festival of Phuket is an ancient religious ceremony originating from a Chinese tradition. In the seventh month of the lunar calendar, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors descend to revisit their earthly homes. Spirits are usually feared in Thai culture, but the Por Tor Festival of Phuket is a happy, auspicious occasion.

Food and cakes are offered to placate the hungry spirits, which earns merit and good fortune for the worshippers. The festival is a colourful testament to the Chinese presence in Thailand and the intertwining of the two cultures. This unique occasion offers travellers an inside look at the deep religious and cultural history of the famous island.

The celebrations are centred around the Por Tor Kong Shrine in Bang Neaw, located centrally in Phuket Town. It takes place for about two weeks in August. It is believed that Por Tor Kong (the god of devils, who rules the underground) opens the gates of the spirit world to allow the Spirits to return to the earth during these two weeks. The shrine itself is colourfully and intricately decorated in the style of Chinese temples, and is worth a visit.

During the festival the shrine is bustling with activity as worshippers come from all over the island to bring offerings for their ancestors. Visitors will see mountains of red cakes shaped like turtles being offered at the shrine. The turtle symbolises longevity in Thai culture, while red represents prosperity for the Chinese, so these turtle cakes will give the bearer a long, happy life. Other gifts of food are brought to feed the spirits and are presented with incense sticks and prayers.

While you are at the shrine, you may have the opportunity to watch a likay, a traditional Thai performance. Look for a stage set up near the shrine, or just listen for loud music and singing, and you will be guided to the event. A likay is a traditional form of entertainment, incorporating singing, dancing, music and colourful costumes for an exciting show.

Movies about the Por Tor Festival will also be shown on stage at the event. The Por Tor festival in Phuket is an event not be missed; so, if you find yourself in Phuket this August, be sure to head over to the Por Tor Kong Shrine to take part in all the festivities.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Paris accommodation, France and Venice accommodation Rentals.

Club Lime Still Phuket's Best Clubbing Venue

Rewind a few years and clubbing in Phuket was in a dire state. There was nothing but pop and cheesy techno, along with clubs playing local rock and country music. Times have changed, and visitors to Phuket now have a far superior choice of clubs to select from, and nowhere does it better than Club Lime in Patong.

What Phuket was missing for a long time was a venue championing the finer sounds of dance music. It was possible to hear zany chipmunk techno music, but for something with a little more soul, you had to look to Bangkok or else outside of Thailand. There are currently a small group of DJs in Phuket who have been steadily helping to build a vibrant clubbing scene in Phuket.

Club Lime first opened its doors a couple of years ago. The club had style and was a far cry from the typical beer bars and cheesy discos that Phuket is famous for. Club Lime was more like the type of venue you could find in England or America. It had the drinks prices to match, but it was difficult to complain because of the music policy.

From the beginning, the people behind Club Lime made a point to book serious DJs with a passion for the music they were playing. DJs such as Eddy and D[r]eadmongey rose to fame at Club Lime, playing everything from house to techno. But Club Lime didn't stop there. Every week it was possible to hear breaks, electro and even drum n bass.

What has helped cement Club Lime's reputation has been the string of quality DJs booked to play from overseas. These include everyone from Barry Ashworth and Jo Mills to Kraft Kuts and Inland Knights. These were DJs that might previously have played Koh Samui, but nobody was interested in bringing them Phuket.

The only problem that Club Lime has come across has been attracting a steady crowd of people on quieter nights. On the weekends the club has almost always been full, but during the week, except for the occasional group of tourists, numbers are usually no more than 20 or so.

The same, however, can be said of many clubs in Bangkok. It takes a big night to get people to make the effort. Club Lime is still one of Phuket's most enjoyable night spots and one only hopes that it continues to be so.

While Club Lime in Patong is a great place to spend a night, Phuket nightlife has a lot to offer travelers, including everything from indie clubs to hip hop venues.

Popular Holiday Islands in Thailand

Thailand is one of the leading travel destinations in the world and is home to many beautiful tropical islands. Some of these isles you might have heard of and some you will most likely never have heard of. This Thailand related travel article will list and review some of the most beautiful holiday islands in Siam.

Phuket

Phuket is the most popular island and is along with Pattaya and Bangkok the most popular tourist destinations of the country. There are many beautiful beaches on this isle which include Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn. If you enjoy the nightlife then perhaps either Phuket or Samui should be your choice for your next vacation.

Koh Samui

Samui is ranked among the top 5 vacation destinations in the country and has been known for a very long time as a backpacker heaven. Samui has however been under development a great deal during the last decade and visitors can now choose from a wide range of luxurious hotels and resorts. The beaches on this island rank among the finest of Thailand. Chaweng beach is the most popular beach resort area of Samui.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is still relatively unknown to the general public however it is one of the fastest growing travel destinations of Siam. If you would like to visit Koh Chang then you should take the ferry boat from Rayong as there is no airport on this Thai isle

Koh Samet

Although Samet is not a very large island, it is one of the most romantic of all the Thai islands. Many travelers are like to visit Samet as it is located not too far from Pattaya. A lot of day trips are also organized to this wonderful isle.

James is a 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 and for information about Samui please visit his Samui Guide.

Indulge Yourself in Lavish Settings With Phuket Accommodation

Tourists and travelers often pick a hotel or resorts while coming to visit any place of historical importance far from their own native land. There are a lot of hotels in metropolis that appears as an appropriate preference for travelers who decide on for luxurious accommodation. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand is distinguished for its white sand beaches and tranquil milieu.

The soothing climate and hospitable natives makes a visit to this place enticing and beguiling. The courteous and trained staffs and hotel members are ever ready to provide sophisticated Phuket accommodation and utmost services for making it as a best choice for the travelers during their stay. They will be enthralled and overwhelmed after receiving an oasis of warm hospitality from these hoteliers. The type of luxury and comforts are a part of the Phuket deals that every member of these resorts and hotels reckon and thus put their best efforts to covers all the demands and desires of any individuals boarding their hotels for staying during their vacation or holiday trip.

Often hotels and resorts are situated at the heart of an urbanized place or town or even a city so that all other business oriented travelers too can accomplish their works and cherish the moments of stay in these reputed hotels. Some of the renowned names in this niche industry segment are: - holiday inn resort, le meridian Phuket resort, Sheraton Grande Laguna, The Westin Siray Bay, Best Western Allamanda, Kata Beach Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Phuket Resort, Burasari Resort and a lot more.

The hoteliers also keep in mind about the budget of an average family or a group of individuals planning to stay and accordingly packages and menus are prepared. Based on this facet, different categories and sections are made starting from average but countable facilities to luxurious Phuket accommodation so that the joy and happiness of the travelers can be treasured. Special discounts and lucrative offers too are provided in their services so that every individual can enjoy their stay besides relishing the luxuries through the Phuket deals that staff members organize. Accordingly, even different room tariffs are maintained as there are some travelers, who make frequent visits and also want to enjoy the luxuries and comforts.

Evaluation of the budget is one of the basic factors that a traveler should keep in concern before even making plans for a visit to any place of historical importance or even in some private business tours. This is because based on this facet. The class of Phuket deals can be made to enjoy without even a trace of hesitation. Cost of meals, room rates and particular amenities like utilization of the Internet etc. comes into these Phuket accommodation schemes which a tourist should carefully note and observe before relishing their embedded luxuries. Even transportation cost and other means of communication to reach a particular location where a selected hotel or a resort is located counts a lot during the planning of a visit or tour is made for perfect seeking of fun and amusement with family and friends.

Mr. Pankaj is providing SEO Services to las-margaritas, Phuket Hotel & Restaurant at Karon Beach. Now you can sample flavours from Mexico, Thailand, South America, and more, all under one roof at reasonable prices. Plus Las Margaritas also offers many traditional Continental Cuisine items. Explore phuket hotels, phuket inn, phuket resorts and much more.

Phuket Private Jet Terminal

In the expansion plans for Phuket International Airport are considerations to open a dedicated private jet terminal.

It is proposed that private investors will be responsible for the development and that it will be constructed separately from the main terminal building. It's thought that if the plans go ahead, the terminal will offer VIP ground handling services and hospitality that rivals five star hotels.

Phuket International is already the second busiest civil airport in Thailand and has seen an increase in the number of private jets, mostly used by property developers seeking out land a development opportunities in the area.

If plans go ahead for the new terminal, Phuket will be sure to attract more private jet charter clients and will be a popular destination for charter operators and brokers.

Private Jet Charters are a growing business and are being recognised by many to be the most time efficient way to travel. Many airports have or are considering private terminals to enhance their service offering and increase their revenue. Airports with dedicated private travel facilities are the perfect partner as they promote a speedy departure and reduce delays on arrival.

Ground handling is an essential part of the private jet charter experience and offers many benefits over travelling on commercial airlines. Predominantly offering a check in time of an average of ten minutes and in many cases allowing the passengers car to drive directly to the steps of the aircraft. A real benefit for regular business travellers who would otherwise be spending up to three hours at the airport prior to departure.

Rob Dore is co-owner and Marketing Director of Jet Booking Direct who offer private jet charters and jet charter management services.

How to Find the Right Lawyer in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest island of Thailand found in the Andaman Sea. Its economy mainly relies on the rubber industry (being the biggest rubber producer in the world) and tourism. Though relatively one of the most expensive retirement destinations in Thailand, thousands of expatriates still prefer to reside in Phuket.

Due to the enormous progress in the island, services of Thailand lawyers have become more in demand for both Thai nationals and foreigners alike. Instead of personally handling Phuket real estate transactions, for instance, people hire legal experts in order to save them time and effort, as well as to prevent any complication with Thai property laws. Investors who want to establish a business in Phuket also prefer to hire a lawyer for the Thai company registration, visa and work permit and other legal matter concerning to registering a company in Thailand.

Increasing demand for legal services in the island has brought in many small and big time law firms in Thailand to expand their practice to Phuket. Though there are few licensed local attorneys based there, not all can be classified as competent and knowledgeable on the legal technicalities involving law from the foreigners' home country as it relates to their activities in Phuket. Samples of such instances are the Thailand prenuptial agreement and its relationship to the laws in the foreigners' home country or drafting of a Thai Will to fully cover both the assets in their home jurisdiction as well as in Thailand. A Thailand lawyer with experience handling legal works with foreigners is a necessity.

Extra care must be observed in order to protect your interest and by way of making sure that the Phuket law firm that you will hire is worth the fees. Take the following tips to save yourself from the hands of inept attorneys.

1. Do not grab the first lawyer who offers his service. Always check all the available options. Talk with 2 or 3 lawyers and select the one you feel most comfortable with.

2. Do not be deceived by advertisements. Some are actually too good to be true. It is better to select one that proposes realistic claims.

3. Do check the internet. Typically, the most popular and established firms are able to create websites that covers the Phuket legal services they render. Some even render free assistance via chat or emails. Their replies will reflect their expertise on the field and will actually reveal if they are capable enough to handle the case.

4. Do try to check their law office in Phuket. A personal visit at the place of business can show you how professional the Law Firm operates. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the Phuket lawyer some questions such as the field of legal expertise, services being rendered and the corresponding rate being charged.

Jose Darrel Bella works as a Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Email us or call +66 (0) 253 8100 to speak with our Phuket Lawyer or if you need an English-Thai speaking lawyer in Phuket.

Phuket Inn and Phuket Resorts Will Rejuvenate Your Bonds With Your Near and Dear Ones

The stress and traumas of daily lives can take a toll on the personal relationships of a specific individual. Indulging in too much of work load can affect personal liaisons to a great extent and unknowingly you will drift towards a gap which will be hard to bridge. Thus taking some time off and planning a trip to a distant destination with your family can revitalize and rejuvenate your bonds with your near and dear ones.

One name which stands out in the crowd when it comes to blissful and ambient tourist destination is Phuket which is the largest island in Thailand. This southern province of Thailand is laced with white sand beaches and awe inspiring scenery which will undeniably sweep you off your feet. The multi hued and affluent culture, traditions and history of this place will also astonish you to great lengths. The fact that Phuket is witnessing a huge input of tourists, which seem to be growing in number virtually every year.

The Phuket inn and Phuket resorts also proffer a wide assortment of lavish amenities which will let you breathe in peace and let you explore inner peace. These Phuket inn and Phuket resorts cater to a wide variety of tourists; so irrespective of your financial stamina, you can look forward to having a good time in Phuket. The pearl of Thailand as Phuket is often fondly termed can also act as a stress buster which will seem inviting you to a dream island of happiness and fun filled environments.

There are long stretches of white sand beaches wherein you can sun bathe, water ski, wind surf and scuba dive. You can also go topless bathing at some of the beaches which are free from hawkers and witness fewer crowds than other popular beaches. Some of the most renowned and awe inspiring beaches are: patong beach, mai khao beach, surin beach, rawai beach, kata beach, karon beach, kamal beach and a horde of other beaches. The vivacious nightlife is an open invitation to those who wish there were timeless celebrations and love to indulge in parties not caring what hour of the day it is.

The cheap shopping accessible at Phuket will also make you crave for going on a shopping spree. Phuket inn and Phuket resorts also proffer every feasible mean to pamper and spoil your self. You just name a thing and it is there for you. Some of the services include: rooftop swimming pool, spas, saunas, gym, cinema, high security, internet connectivity, home country direct, maid services, laundry services, Room services and a lot more. But before plunging into the all important decision of choosing a specific Phuket inn or resort, it is imperative to consider certain factors which might prove decisive.

Doing a bit of research on the World Wide Web will prove handy as it will escalate your know how and acquaintance with Phuket inn and Phuket resorts. Equipped with this savoir faire, you are now ready to relish the joy of Phuket.

Mr. Pankaj is providing SEO Services to las-margaritas, Phuket Hotel & Restaurant at Karon Beach. Now you can sample flavours from Mexico, Thailand, South America, and more, all under one roof at reasonable prices. Plus Las Margaritas also offers many traditional Continental Cuisine items. Explore phuket hotels, phuket inn, phuket resorts and much more.

Lady-boys in Phuket, Thailand

If you come to Phuket, your itinerary will surely include the famous side shows by those Katoey's or lady-boys. Be ready for a rich sensory experience and a time of enjoyment as they go all out to please the weary customers and patrons or tourists. It is not just about making a living, it is about a way of life. It is not a sleazy existence but a means of maintaining a lifestyle as a lady-boy they would not be able to in their own native village. They wear very revealing dresses showing their ample silicone emphasized breasts while they sing and dance in their performances. Their perfect measurements and their beauty makes them the envy of many real women.

The men and the women watch transfixed as they go about their routines. In Malaysia, they are known as Maknyah's or the derogatory term 'pondan' or 'she-males' in the West.

It is sometimes difficult to discern who is real or who isn't. Some of them are indeed beautiful. I believe God in his immense mercy is giving them a chance to live a life they should have been given since birth. They are obviously more ladies than men. Transsexuals or trans-gender are those who think they are a woman born in a man's body, while a transvestite is a man who likes to dress up like a woman.

In Thailand, being a lady-boy is less derogatory for example than in the west. They are accepted by society as the third sex and are not openly discriminated against. Many Thais have a slight stature, sport smaller bodies like a woman and quite hairless. Boobs are easier to fix but a sex change operation is more complicated, and expensive. My heart really goes out for them as they undergo it to reach their quest of being a real woman. Injection of female Hormones are also part of the routine they have to undergo.

One of the country's most famous lady-boys is Nong Toom, who went from champion Thai kick boxer to being a transsexual. A movie, Saitree Lex, was made about the true story of a lady-boy volleyball team known as the 'Iron Ladies' won the national championships in 1996 against the odds.

Maria is the founder & owner of Patongbeach-hotel.com. http://www.patongbeach-hotel.com

A Few Days in Phuket

Phuket has a mixed reputation, partially deserved but also partially unfair. The first image that pops into many people's minds is the overdeveloped and rather seedy stretch of Patong beach. However, remember that this is just a small part of a big island and is easily avoided if that's not your thing.

Recently, my family and I stayed at Kamala beach, a bit further north of Patong and a world apart. Kamala is quiet, with no accommodation built directly on or behind the beach. It is a beautiful natural cove offering great photo opportunities and peace and quiet. Another advantage (for me) is the lack of vendors on the beach, here you really will be able to relax without having to refuse the Henna tattoo and doughnut sellers every 5 minutes!

We chose Kamala because it seemed ideal, having a young family. We didn't want to be in an area that was too crowded, but still with a nice beach and swimmable sea. We stayed in the Marriott Courtyard, and it was a choice between either that one or the Marriott Courtyard on neighbouring Surin beach (I had a promotional offer to use up at one of these two hotels). As we were travelling with my in-laws (who are Thai) the choice was simple. Surin was badly affected by the Tsunami and many people died, especially in the Courtyard hotel. Kamala was left untouched. Thai people fear ghosts and that is a big reason why tourism was slow to recover in the affected areas. They wouldn't even entertain the idea of staying at Surin for fear of upsetting any trapped souls. So...Kamala it was! If you wish to pay your respects while in Phuket there are a few memorial sites around the island. At the southern end of Kamala there is a monument just behind the little river that runs behind the beach and a little grassed area and pavilion.

What to do in Phuket when you get bored of the beach and the hotel pool though....well there is a lot! We hired a car so it made accessing these places easy for us, but the "songthaews" are regular and there's always a taxi or your hotel will usually arrange something for you. Of course we sampled the more family orientated activities, starting off at the rather more off-the-beaten-track Gibbon Rehabilitation Sanctuary.

This is worth a visit, even if slightly out of the way, to do your bit for a good cause. The centre is run by volunteers (European when we visited) and attempts to rehabilitate gibbons that were orphaned by poachers or kept as pets. They go through several stages of training before being released back into the wild, although of course some don't make it. The only ones you can see are the latest arrivals who are still used to a lot of human contact, as they develop through the programme they are moved further into the rainforest and away from human contact. There are a couple of nice trails you can walk while here, a few refreshment stalls and elephant rides. If you're interested, the staff are happy to talk to you about their programme as well.

Following on the animal theme we then visited Phuket Aquarium and it's related attractions. Most people only look around the aquarium itself and then go, and the aquarium is fairly sizeable although beginning to look a little shabby. They do have a great selection, and some especially large fish that scared my daughter! If you're travelling with kids this is a great way to entertain them for a couple of hours. If you've got an appetite for some more, the entrance fee also gets you into the "Baby Farm" as my daughter called it! It's a building at the back of the main aquarium where they run breeding programmes for many varied species of sea life. Be careful if you go in there as the Thai's are never that hot on health and safety, there are plenty of opportunities to fall over! And just a bit further down the road is a small facility that breeds turtles.

Phuket Zoo is, in my own opinion, a grim place best avoided. Sure if you have a little child, they probably will enjoy it and again it's a good way to pass some time. But any older children may be upset by the cramped and dirty enclosures and the obviously stir-crazy animals. A lot of the facilities appear uncared for and dirty. This place does have a poor reputation and fully deserved, if you can....stay away.

If temples are your thing there are plenty of those to visit. We went to the Phuket Big Buddha, which is really only accessible on wheels, it's a 6km winding road up a big hill. But when at the top you are rewarded with magnificent views all around. The Buddha itself wasn't complete when we visited in October 2009 but was still a magnificent sight. Also worth a look in is Wat Chalong, probably one of the most visited temples in Phuket. We were (or rather I was) treated to a procession of Miss Teen Thailand contestants in the temple grounds during our visit!

If you find that you need to hit the shops then Phuket Town should cater for your needs, as well as the nearby hyper-global-mega malls (!!) of Big C and Central Festival. Phuket offers many superb photos opportunities and if you're able to hire a car, I'd recommend a trip to one of the many viewpoints (they're shown on any good map). You can get some spectacular sunset shots.

There are countless other activities such as trekking, boat trips, fishing trips, go-karting, Muay Thai fights and training camps and much more. Phuket can be a sleazy, booze trip if you want and Patong can certainly offer you that. But don't think that this is all Phuket has to offer! You should have a great time!

Matthew's Travel Website, http://www.matthewt.co.uk
My blog, http://matthewted.blogspot.com

International Soccer Teams Participate at Phuket Invite

The 8th Phuket International Soccer 7s Tournament will take place on November 27-28, 2010. Different teams from different countries will meet again to compete against each other in the goal to win the championship title of the annual soccer tournament. Now in its eighth year as an annual event, the Soccer 7s organizers and the people behind the event have been successful in inviting teams from all over the globe to showcase their talent, athleticism and camaraderie both in and out of the playing field.

Participants from all over the world include different teams from England, India, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Cambodia, China, Germany, and of course, from its host country, Thailand. The global diversity of the teams and their players add up to the excitement of the game and the challenge of pure skill. Everybody is openly invited to form a team and join the competition.

The thing that separates this competition from other soccer tournaments is the lack of prize money for the winners. The thing that drives the participating teams to travel all the way to Thailand is showmanship and the desire to play. It is just passion in its purest form. The principle behind the success of the tournament is sincere camaraderie between the playing teams.

Healthy competition is the key to this contest. Proof that this works is the fact that it has been a continuing annual event, lasting for eight years already. Passion for the game, for friendship, for sportsmanship and for fun is what keeps the spirit of the game alive.

There are basically two categories in the Phuket Soccer 7s Tournament. These are the Open Men Category and the Masters Men Category. There are currently 24 teams registered under the Open category and 20 teams signed to the Masters category. There is also another tournament for soccer players, the Phuket Spicy Soccer 7s. The said tournament is turning three years old on February 2011.

An estimate of 300 games to be played by 88 teams originating from 18 countries is expected in the 8th Phuket Soccer 7s, together with the 5th Andaman Soccer 7s. Both tournaments are watched-out for events in Thailand by players and fans alike. The two tournaments will commence on November, with the Andaman tournament happening one week before Phuket's.

The venue of the games is tentatively decided to be at the Phuket International Academy (PIA) or the Karon Stadium. The locations are not only amenable to the playing field for the games; they are also convenient for players flying from different countries. This is because these venues are situated proximal to the hotels where the teams will check in and to the airport, too.

Of course, the organizers will not permit for the soccer teams to not experience the night life of Phuket. Relaxation and de-stressing are only fit for the players after a day of serious football business. Parties will be all around the city. The players can enjoy local food and specialty cuisine in various restaurants. Clubs and bars are open for their night time enjoyment.

Michel Gerard is a Travel author located in Asia. Visit the Phuket Soccer 7s website to read more information on these International Soccer 7s tournaments in Phuket, Thailand. =>> http://www.thai7s.com/phuket

Water Sports For All to Enjoy in Phuket

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is a destination where visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports. Fishing, yachting, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat riding are the main water activities visitors can find in the province.

All levels of swimmers can snorkel and experience the joys of swimming over coral reefs with colorful fish. The best locations for snorkeling in Phuket are Laem Sing Beach, Kata and Kata Noi Beach, and Ao Sane Beach among a few others. Snorkelers are advised to wear a T-shirt and protective UV cream as the sun is usually very hard.

For people who want to try deep water scuba diving, Phuket has lots of fantastic diving sites. A multitude of diving shops offer to beginners PADI Open Water courses, and for the experienced divers a selection of diving trips are organized around smaller islands. The Similans, Phi Phi islands, Koh Racha Yai & Noi have the best spots for a dive.

Besides swimming, snorkeling and diving, other water sports can be enjoyed on the water like fishing. A fishing boat can be rented for the day for five or six persons where not only fishing, but sunbathing, can be experienced in the Andaman Sea. All the fish caught, mainly Tuna, will end as a dish for lunch, prepared by the crew on board of the boat.

Sea kayaking is another good way to explore the coast of Phuket from the sea. Kayaks with one or two seats can be rented at several beaches: Nai Harn, Ao Sane, Tri Tra and Yanui Beach. Kayaking tours are also organized to explore Phang Nga Bay's cliffs and caverns. It is recommended to ask if it is safe to kayak on the western coast as big waves and courant can be dangerous at times in Phuket.

Jet skis are available for rent in the main beaches but are regrettably overpriced because renters are together in an agreement not to compete and prices will be never discounted. There have been reports of tourists being scammed into paying huge bills for damages to the machines they did not do. The advice would be not to rent them and at the same time help for a better environment with less noise pollution.

Para-sails and banana boats are other activities available. Parasailing is safe as there is someone present during the short trip to make sure that the parachute goes the correct way. Banana boat is a great way to share with five other friends a few minutes of fun on an inflatable banana towed by a speedboat on the water. The fun is over when everyone is eventually thrown into the water.

Phuket definitely has everything that a visitor would want to do on a vacation at the seaside. From very busy beaches to smaller ones, everyone can find a favorite place to go and enjoy water sports.

Michel Gerard is a Travel author located in Asia. Visit the Phuket GuestHouse website to book your accommodation online and grab your *free* ebook: "Stories of Authentic Eco-adventure Destinations for Travellers in Thailand" => http://www.guesthousephuket.com/ebook.html

Bargain Asia Cruise Deals

Surreal views, great thousand-year old temples, ultra modern cities, genuine cuisine, and additionally some of the most beautiful beaches worldwide. Asia has it all, a delicious mix of traditions and modernity that gives this region of the planet an edge over many other tourist destinations, and a great way of enjoying this magic is taking advantage of the best Asia cruise deals.

Top cruise lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian will offer you excellent accommodation, a broad selection of special meals, and professional entertainment. Aboard these luxury structures life is casual and relaxing, keeping passengers busy and happy with a wide range of activities such as dancing in the nightclubs, gambling a bit in the casinos, and enjoying the shows and movies.

Besides all this you can enjoy hanging out with new friends while sunbathing on the decks in the middle of the ocean. Some great ports of call in a cruise to Southeast Asia are Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Phuket, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Kong

Formerly a small fishing village, Hong Kong is now the most sophisticated and international city of China, and the world's fourth largest financial center after New York, Tokyo and London.

In terms of tourism, the main city of Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling business center and a shopping mecca famous for its food and markets.
Aside from the Hong Kong's heart with its harbors and jammed streets, the area has a lot more to offer, like rural islands of isolated beaches, hilly landscapes, and wee farming and fishing villages.

Singapore

Once home of pearl reapers and corsairs, Singapore is nowadays a hugely-developed city-state with a very high standard of living and a prime tourist destination. More and more visitors from all over the world are coming to Singapore to let themselves get seduced by the many entertainment options that so cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Bangkok

Besides a main economical hub of Southeast Asia, Bangkok is a major travel destination, a national treasure, and definitely a place which the traveler can easily fall in love with. In this Asian metropolis you will find all the possibilities of shopping and nightlife, as well as stunning temples and an untold number of exotic restaurants.

Tokyo

Tokyo combines the highest technologies of the world with the Asian devotion to its ancestral traditions. It is maybe the most eye-catching particularity of this astounding mega city, the 3rd worldwide after New York and London.

Phuket

If you like beautiful beaches, Phuket is one of those places that you should really try to visit sometime in your lifetime. A resort of world renown where visitors from all the corners of the planet are attracted like flies to be able to experience the magic of this large Thai island, located on the west coast of the Andaman Sea.

Shanghai

It would seem like the present does not exist in Shanghai. Walk along the Huangpu River to gaze some fine relics built a hundred years ago and catch a bit of the past. As for the future, you can gape at the ultra modern financial district, a Feng Shui craze of steel and glass.

Kuala Lumpur

The booming Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, is a remarkable travel destination. This astonishing metropolis has the power to captivate the traveler's senses and steal their hearts with its unique blend of ancient and modern, East and West.

In short, Southeast Asia is a great place to discover to everyone who is looking to have an experience really unforgettable.

Find out more
Get Free information on how to find Exclusive Deals on the most popular cruises to Asia.

Phuket Travel Information

Phuket is a large tropical island in southern Thailand and is becoming a popular destination for a holiday. The weather, beaches, tours, and nightlife, attract holiday makers from all over the world. For tourists coming here, they have the choice of a relaxing holiday, or an action packed one. You can stay at luxury resorts and spas, that cater for people wanting to unwind and get away from it all, and there are quiet secluded beaches where you can relax, catch some sun and take in the magnificent views.

For the people who want an action packed holiday, there are plenty of activities such as, jet skis for hire, para sailing, elephant trekking, go karts, and white water rafting. There are also tours to many islands which surround Phuket, one of those islands is Phi Phi Island, and is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.
The nightlife here in Phuket, is wild, especially if you are staying in Patong, which is where all the bars and nightclubs are located. There is more laid back nightlife in other areas of Phuket such as, Karon, Kata, Kamala, and Surin.

There is plenty of shopping in Phuket, with lots of markets selling cheap clothes and souvenirs, and some large shopping malls to keep the tourists busy. You can get cheap massage here in Phuket, for around 5 to 10 dollars US for an hour, and the massage places are everywhere. If you want other services from the massage ladies, then this can be provided too, for an extra cost of course.

The accommodation in Phuket ranges form very cheap to very expensive, and you can stay in a cheap guest house for only 15 dollars US a night in the off season. There are hotels and resorts here that relatively cheap and you can get a good deal in the off season, which is from the end of April, till the end of October.

Please use this link if you want to know more about Phuket -

Phuket Holiday Info

Different Building Arrangements When Building a House in Phuket Thailand

If your idea of building a house in Thailand sounds like fun, this article on building a house in Thailand may help you. There are many facets to building a house from the building permit to the final construction. For the sake of keeping this not too long, we will assume you have already purchased you land and acquired a building permit.

There are several different building arrangements you can work out with builders in Phuket, Thailand. You can hire people to work for you and you pay them a daily wage. This pay as you go can work quite well but there are a few drawbacks. Usually the workers won't be moving at top productivity to stretch the job out longer. You may also find your costs can get out of control as you won't be able to calculate how long something will take. The other problem is you need to be around every day to make sure your not paying for people that are not showing up or not there at all.

Another variation of this theme is you for labor and buy your materials yourself. The foreman will give you a quote for the labor for whole job. Usually the builder will not include things like electric, pluming, doors and windows. You want to make sure what and what not is included in the price they give you. You also want to be able to pay them when they hit certain milestones during the construction process.

A good variation one of my friends does is pay his builder a daily wage times the number of people he has working on your site. So for example if the builder has ten people on the site he pays his builder about one hundred fifty percent going rate for his labors but the builder has to be responsible for them. The contractor makes his money on the markup difference on what he pays his people and what he charges my friend.

You can also hire people to small jobs by the meter on what the the Thais call "by the job". This means you pay them for the work they do. This is common in painting and rendering crews where they k now how long it will take them and you just buy the materials. The one thing you have to watch for here is they tend to waste materials when you hire them this way.

Paying the builder to do all the work is very common on the island also. I build a small bungalow this way about four years ago as a model unit. The one major thing to have to watch here is the builder will usually ask for a large down deposit and you will wait a long time for them to start your house. Many builders keep the deposits of unsuspecting farung and you never get your money back even if you take them to court and win. Never trust builders too much and always have a start and finish date on your contract.

The last way I like to talk about is hiring your own crew and doing the work yourself with Thai laborers. One way to do this is hire a foreman who has contacts in Issan and can get five to ten workers to come down on the bus to work on your housing project. You will have to pay transportation and have to build housing for them. When the project is finished, they will take the bus back home.

In summary, there are many ways you can go about hiring a builder or Thai people to build your house for you in Phuket, Thailand. You can hire your own, hire and pay by day and or pay as you go. You can choose to work with a builder or building company or hire your own and build your own way. Building a house in Phuket Thailand can be a rewarding experience if you have the time to try it.

Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Phuket Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing.

You can sign up for my newsletter at: Phuket apartments

Getting to Know Phuket's Beaches

I spent a little more than a year living in Phuket and came to know the Phuket beaches well. Before I moved to Phuket I wasn't a big fan of beaches, but after seeing what the island had to offer, I eventually warmed to them.

For anyone visiting the island, the Phuket beaches are one of the primary draws. However, Phuket's most popular beaches are definitely the ones I would try and avoid. The beach that seems to attract more people every year no matter how much good advice is written about the place is Patong Beach.

It defies belief that people still flock to Patong Beach and continue to leave with the same complaints. The food is overpriced, there are too many people, the beach is dirty and so on. There's a reason why the people who live in Phuket only really venture to Patong Beach for the nightlife or else occasionally for shopping. It's a bit of a dive. There are much better Phuket beaches around the island.

My personal favorite Phuket beach will always be Mai Khao Beach. I first visited Mai Khao Beach about three years ago. It was the first time I had been in Phuket, but it didn't take long to decide which beaches to avoid.

Mai Khao Beach is an enormous stretch of untouched paradise. There are countless spots where there is nothing else except the sand, sea and you. If you want beautiful natural surroundings and the kind of beach you see in brochures, all you need to do is go to Mai Khao.

However, most tourists forsake Mai Khao, either because it's too far or too difficult to get to. Mai Khao Beach is located in the north of Phuket and can be reached a number of ways. The most obvious, if traveling from Phuket Town, is to take a songthaew as much of the way as possible and then hail motorcycle taxis. Otherwise you could rent your own motorbike for 200 baht or so and make the trip north.

The journey might take up to an hour from Phuket Town, but it's certainly worth the effort.

Another beach that receives little attention is Yanui Beach, a tiny little stretch of sand located just around the corner from Nai Harn Beach. As Phuket beaches go, Yanui is great during the high season when there are people keeping it clean. During low season it has a kind of romantic charm and is a great place to watch the sunset, but there's usually an accumulation of garbage along the beach.

There are heaps of other beaches dotted around the coast of Phuket. They all have something to offer. Patong Beach is definitely one to avoid, however.

After traveling to the majority of Thailand's beach destinations, I think that if you do Phuket right, you'll have a better time than at places such as Samui or Pha-ngan. Thailand has long been on the tourist trail and so no beach destination is perfect, but Phuket can get pretty close.

To find out more about Phuket visit Phuket Vogue.

Restaurants in Phuket - Where to Eat on Thailand's Top Island

If you're planning a trip to Phuket, Thailand, you'll most likely be looking for information about two things: nightlife and restaurants. As one of Thailand's most popular destination, the restaurants in Phuket have a lot to offer. However, if you're only visiting Phuket for a fleeting visit, you won't have the time to weed out the good from the bad.

Thai restaurants in Phuket are everywhere. There is less of the street food than you might find in Bangkok, but there are countless small restaurants where you can eat like a king for a couple of bucks. With its close proximity to the sea, there are a large number of seafood restaurants in Phuket. The Thais have a knack for concocting some of the most amazing seafood dishes around.

Italian restaurants in Phuket are seemingly everywhere, but the quality of the food is usually a bit hit and miss. Furthermore, a lot of the Thai restaurants that also serve Italian food create such bizarre dishes as pasta with ketchup. If you've never had pizza with ketchup, you'll be in for an experience, too. Breaking the mold are a few places in Phuket City.

Some of the best restaurants in Phuket can be found at the high-end resorts. While they are expensive, if you want incredible Western or Japanese dishes, you often have to pay for the privilege. Some of the luxury resorts in Mai Khao play host to some fine restaurants.

There are far too many Indian restaurants in Phuket, most of which are located in Patong. Patong is expensive and the focus is on mass tourism. As a result, the food is often substandard. If you want to eat Indian food in Phuket, you'd be better off checking out places in Phuket Town.

Find out more about restaurants in Phuket at Phuket Vogue.

La Quinta Inn Airport Locations - Rest and Relaxation After a Long Flight

Now You Can Have Ease of Access to a Hotel Accommodation after Flying

Do you want to make sure that you have a place to rest and relax after a flight? I'm sure you've made the proper travel arrangements before heading out to your business appointment or travel destination. If you want to get a place that's near the airport and provides good lodging with adequate amenities and service then book in a La Quinta Inn hotel before your flight. It's pretty easy to get the room you want by going online and looking for La Quinta Inn airport locations scattered all throughout the US. Just type in the nearest airport location in the place you are about to travel to and select a proper check in and check out date; the reservations tab in the website should easily guide you in choosing the room or suite that you wish to book.

You'd be surprised that you'll get free Wi-Fi access, complimentary breakfast, and comfortable king or queen sized beds just for you. Checking in a La Quinta Inn really has good benefits.

If you're also thinking of getting special deals with your La Quinta Inn lodging then check out their special deals and packages available for all hotels throughout the US. You can even get free airport parking and a frequent flyer shuttle just for you if you become a patron of their hotel! That's really added value and benefits that stack up for your air travel.

What are you waiting for? End those last-minute struggles of finding a good airport hotel.

Choose any La Quinta locations in airports and satisfy your travel needs and accommodations!

Erika Ayala is a writer for the web. When she's not spending her time writing about helpful reviews, she spends it writing about everything you need to know about airport locations of La Quinta Inn.

Breaking Tradition in Phuket City

Phuket: Thailand's most famous island, with a rich history in tin mining. An island lost to overdevelopment, whore houses, package tours and traffic. Twenty years ago, Phuket was... well, who cares what it was 20 years ago? And who cares what cynical journos and travel writers think they know about the island? Clued-up travellers are starting to scratch Phuket from their itineraries because their buddies stayed in Patong and came back with horror stories about how dirty the beach is and how trashy the bars are.

News flash, folks: there's more to Phuket than Patong. Phuket City, despite feeling more like a large village than a city, is the backbone of the island and the capital of the province. From a base in Phuket City, it's possible to see beautiful beaches, captivating culture and the real people of the island. All you need is 24 hours, a thirst for adventure and nerves of steel on the back of a motorcycle.

First up, check into some hip digs that won't break the bank. Digs don't come much hipper than Phuket 346 (346-348 Phuket Rd, 076-256128). For upwards of 1,200 baht a night, you can stay in one of three rooms in a guesthouse that doubles as an art gallery. After a good night's sleep, the fun begins.

To travel around Phuket City, you're going to need some transport. Motorcycle taxis are the easiest way to get around. Forty baht is a fair price for a trip in Phuket City.

Head straight to Kwan Khanon Jeen restaurant on Thung Kha Rd, next to the entrance to Phuket Merlin Hotel. Khanon jeen is about as local a meal as you'll find in Phuket. For the same price as a can of Coke, you can feast on a bowl of rice noodles and curry that tastes so delicious it's almost criminal.

After breakfast, you could follow your guidebook and trundle around the island... or you could ride 20 minutes in a tuk-tuk (about 150 baht) to Laem Hin Pier (north of Phuket City, on the east coast) and catch a longtail boat (15 baht per person) to Coconut Island, where you'll find a tiny community that uses solar panels to generate power. When you arrive, ask a motorcycle-taxi rider to take you to Yao Beach (15 baht per person). You'll need to take down the cellphone number of the rider to take you back to the pier when you're done at the beach - it's that deserted. Take a picnic for lunch because there are no restaurants or 7-Elevens on the island.

After a day at the beach, travel back to the mainland. Catch the sun setting beyond the backdrop of the city at the top of Khao Rang hill. It's easy to get to and motorcycle-taxi drivers know the spot as "Khao Rang viewpoint". As the night begins, catch a ride down to Chumphon Rd, where you'll find the perfect spot for dinner at Fine Day (www.fineday-phuket.com). This is the place the local kids hang out, eat and drink until about midnight.

For after-dinner activities, you have a wealth of options. You'll see references to Timber Hut and KorTorMor in your guidebook, but these places have lost their shine thanks to their own popularity.

For something a bit more local and with a lot more space, check out Music Matters (off Surin Circle, past T2 and turn right) for some pre-club drinks. It's a tiny jazz bar hidden out of the way. The owner, Jeff, is a laidback dude who likes to chill and play his music. A bunch of Jeff's friends form a makeshift band some nights.

Once you've had enough of Music Matters, Oasis on Mae Luang Rd beckons. A small Thai club, Oasis is a typical Thai party zone where a band rattles through Thai favourites and random Western oddities before a DJ loses control of his beats, causing a frenzy on the dancefloor with techno remixes of Eminem and 50 Cent. Foreign faces are rare, but welcome.

Most clubs in Phuket close at 1 am or 2 am. After Oasis, it's time to really go into the heart of the city. Head over to Barzah in Phunpol. It's dark, dirty and obnoxiously loud, but it's a blast. Despite being in one of shadier parts of town, you won't find any trouble. Hip hop beats are the order of the night.

By the time Barzah has closed, your options are limited. Short of heading into Phunpol's underbelly, there is James Garden on Poonpol Rd Soi 1. You can order jugs of beer and toast to a successful day and night that most visitors to Phuket won't find themselves anywhere near.

And there you have it. Twenty-four hours in Phuket, a whole lot of fun and not a guidebook in sight. They said it couldn't be done.

The author of this article blogs about restaurants and nightlife in Phuket Town over at Phuket Vogue

Fantasy Hotels Take You to Your Imagination

If you are a fan of science fiction, fantasy or horror, then these fun fantasy hotels are right up your alley! Imagine going on a vacation where the very hotel you stayed in catered to your genre travel tastes? You could be Captain Nemoy aboard the Nautilus. You could be James Bond from The Spy Who Loved Me. You could be the next Carl Sagan gazing at billions and billions of stars. You could even be a prince or princess living in your own medieval castle.

Let me take you on that journey:

Berlin, Germany: Propeller Island City Lodge
This hotel has 30 rooms, each with its own unique ambiance. The first room built features a bed nestled inside a "gigantic, colourful wooden fortress, between dwellings harbouring both wardrobe and desk." The room even has a miniature golf course in it! There is an upside down room, a room full of mirrors and a room where you can sleep inside coffins.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica: Hotel Costa Verde
This hotel reminds me of the TV series Lost. This hotel features a suite created from a salvaged 1965 Boeing 727-100 that once served South African Airways and Colombia's Avianca Airlines. It juts out from a cliff, making it look like it had crashed into the Costa Rican jungle (much like the plan that brought Mr. Echo's brother to the Island).

Vlissingen, Holland: The Capsule Hotel
Want to sleep in something that looks like a flying saucer? You'll want to check into The Capsule Hotel in either Vlissingen or The Hague. These 1970s-era escape pods were once hung outside oil rigs in case an evacuation was needed. Now they serve as place of respite away from the day-to-day world. Want to make it feel that much more like genre travel? You can opt to book your pod with a disco ball and a bunch of spy movies on DVD. (Do not confuse these Danish capsules with the Japanese Capsule Hotel in Tokyo... a very different kind of experience.)

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Palacio de Sal
This hotel makes use of the natural resources found in the largest salt flat in the world... yep, you guessed it... salt. 28 salt-domed guestrooms branch off a central courtyard and instead of beds, mattresses sit atop chunks of salt. If you've ever driven through the salt flats outside Salt Lake City, Utah, then you now how other-worldly a salt flat can be. Besides, there aren't many places you can look upon an alien-like landscape while dining on barbecued llama.

Elqui Valley, Chile: Elqui Domos Astro Lodge
Imagine gazing at the stars... unfettered by light pollution... while lying in your bed. You can do that at the Elqui Domos Astro Lodge, the upstairs bedroom has a detachable ceiling and comes with a telescope. Astronomy tours and nighttme horseback rides are available and your suites are geodesic dome tents. This is the life for stargazers!

If you would like to read more about places to visit that have a horror, science fiction or fantasy twist, visit The Genre Traveler, the travel resource for SF/F/H enthusiasts. From science fiction museum exhibits to epic fantasy film locations to horror film fests, The Genre Traveler covers it all. Find more articles like this one at http://www.thegenretraveler.com.

Take A Walk Around Phuket's Butterfly Farm & Insectarium

What's more delighting than a day at a gorgeous garden on a clear sunny day? The Butterfly Garden and Insect World offers this and proves to be a perfect outdoor adventure for you and your family to enjoy.

Located in Sam Kong, at the northwest border of the city, this picturesque farm is Phuket attraction that is home to a number of butterfly species and insects.

The Butterfly Farm and Insectariums is an ideal getaway for relaxation and sightseeing.  If you are an enthusiast of insects and the beauty they possess, this is the ideal recreational activity for you.  

This Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World, is nestled graciously in a tranquil setting surrounded by trees, flowers, pathways and more. The Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World in operation since 1990 has provided visitors with a genuine and accomplished tour around the site according to many travelers that graced its tropical house.

While among natures best, you will come across a selection of over 40 different species of butterflies fluttering freely in the colorful garden. This authentic sanctuary covers about an acre of habitat for over 10,000 butterflies and its garden is covered under a large dome to prevent predators such as birds from entering. A portion of the garden is used as an artificial habitat for the insects that live under moist forest like atmospheres generated by a humidifier. This ambience provides the insect with perfect mating environments and extra life span.

At the park, you will not only have butterflies fluttering all around and landing on on your palms but you will also have a chance to learn about them and see the way a butterfly lives. With the parks official educational tour and breeding grounds, you can see live eggs, pupae and mating rituals.

Further to the butterfly sanctuary, the place dedicates a portion of its landscape to an interesting display of insects at the Insectariums - that houses a number of creatures such as spiders, bugs etc.

Looking for a Phuket hotel that provides the comfortable accommodation for your next trip? Look no further than a reservation for Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. This lodging option boasts luxury and comfort is a Phuket resort to experience.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

How to Lose Belly Fat in Exercise and Diets

It seems virtually impossible to lose the unwanted belly fat for many people. It is a high time and we hardly find time for ourselves. Very often we cannot go to gym even. So it becomes really hard to lose body weight for many people. It is really not a hardcore process to lose unwanted belly fat.

All you need to do is just a little hard works and little changes in your lifestyles. The combination of diet and workout is the best way to lose belly fat in an easy way. If you need to eliminate the belly weights then you need to target the specific area at the time of exercising. When you are going to follow the tight diet schedule then you must eat the smaller portions of foods which are healthier. Dieting does not mean totally stop eating. Always eat the healthy foods throughout the day.

Try to keep the record of the portion sizes and foods that you eat every day. It is very important to burn the more calories that you consume in daily basis. A little trick you might want to take advantage of is before you eat any meal you should drink a large glass of ice cold water.

It will really help you to have long time without foods. Always drink more water because water always increases the metabolic rate. When you are doing exercise then always concentrate on the belly area. Consistent and concentrated exercise is really helpful to burn the fat from the particular area. Exercises are good but do not over train because it is really bad.

If you want to learn more about belly fat exercises or if you're interested in training to lose fat fast, then be sure to stop by the site.

Phuket Island - Popular Travel Destination in Thailand

Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.

What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?

Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.

Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.

Phuket Beaches

The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.

Phuket Nightlife

The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.

Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.

You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.

Phuket Shopping

Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.

Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.

If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.

James is currently living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for a great Phuket hotel then do consider staying at Club Bamboo Resort. Read more about Samui in his Samui Guide.

Thailand - The Land of Smiles

Thailand, or the 'land of smiles', is one of the most exotic places to visit for tourists on the face of the planet. Thailand will definitely be in the list of '10 places to visit before I die' for many. Why is Thailand so popular and one of the most visited countries in the world? There is more than one reason for that.

Not for nothing do they call Thailand the 'land of smiles'. There is a good reason why the country has by christened by that name. Thai's are one of those who are known for their hospitality and well mannered behavior. These people are very good at heart and make sure that all the people who visit their country have the best time of their life. This is a very good reason to visit Thailand but there are more in the list of 'why you should visit Thailand'.

The rich culture and history that Thailand flaunts is another factor that makes it traveled by number of people every year. There are numerous temples beholding some unique history within them. The Grand Palace and the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok are worth a visit. From there, weather you travel North to the Chiang Mai or South towards Phuket, you will come across temples with distinct history that teaches various aspects of Thai culture. Ayutthaya ruins is another major tourist spot and is UNESCO's world heritage spot. However there are more than temples and ruins in Thailand to visit.

Mountainous rainforest of the north thrills many. If you are interested in trekking Jungles and looking for some real adventure, you can get it in Chiang Mai. You will also have the privilege to visit small but beautiful Thai villages with people who may go out of their way to make your Thailand experience a one to remember. If you are looking for some serenity, you better head towards South. Southern Thailand offers you some of the most pristine beaches you will ever come across in the East. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand. This is the same beach that has been portrayed in the Di Caprio starring movie, The Beach.

Shopping is another reason why people would visit Thailand. Bangkok is becoming shoppers stop for many around the world. There are gigantic shopping malls all around the city with some great prices that they offer for their products. Siam, Paragon and Central World are the names of the biggest shopping malls in Bangkok, if you want to do some branded shopping. Having been done with the malls, do not forget to miss out the weekend Chatuchak market, which is the biggest open market in the world with more than 15,000 stalls and hundreds of thousands of people visiting the market.

All these factors attract visitors from all around the world and there is no wonder that Thailand is such a 'must visit' place. Everyone should visit Thailand at least once in their lifetime.

Top 10 Vacation Islands to Go in 2008

The top 10 vacation islands varies according to the individual's preference. The top ten vacation islands may also vary from one author to another. Before starting, ask yourself this question, what you really look for in a vacation island? As for myself, I like islands with good environmental landscape and have a variety in its scenery. Now let me start on my list of top 10 vacation islands.

My first choice would definitely be Hawaii because it provides spectacular beaches, amazing waterfalls, it has a rainforest and most of all seeing the erupting volcano nearby is a spectacular phenomenon to watch and who can forget the hola dance. I'm pretty certain that everybody knows it.

The next would be Bermuda of the Caribbean Islands. It has a creamy white beach with a touch of pink on it, amazing forest and its magnificent green waves that splashes in the seashore is amazing.

The third island on my list would be Phuket in Thailand. They have magnificent beaches and also they have an elephant for an added tourist attraction.

Fourth on my list would be San Juan in Caribbean. The architectural structure is an art in itself. Its Spanish influenced building and cobblestoned streets best complement each other.

The island that is on fifth place would definitely go to Palawan Island in the Philippines. It offers not only its beaches but it has miles Long River in one of its caves. They also have many resorts which is definitely world class.

The sixth place would be the Maldives of the Indian Ocean. Its blue clear waters and its beaches is magnificent to watch. It is somewhat unspoiled and fresh on the eyes. Being in the island makes you feel calm and at peace.

The island that is on seventh place would be Santorini, Greece. The sunset is definitely something to look forward. It probably has the best sunset. It has also its historical appeal which makes it even more interesting.

The eight place in my list would go to Bora Bora of French Polynesia. Including their beautiful beaches, one of their main attractions is their natives which showcase their ethnicity.

The ninth would be Sicily, Italy. Do you remember the God Father? Yes, the mafia started in that place. Moreover, they really do have good pasta, wineries and do not forget the spaghetti. The people there is very cordial and interesting.

The last and definitely not the least would belong to Fraser Island in Australia. It has a magnificent rainforest. It has also various exotic animals like the dingoes just wondering around and most of all, whale watching, is something the tourist are looking forward.

These are my personal top 10 vacation islands. You probably have your personal choice but I hope my list hit some of your favorites. Remember that the best island depends on your taste. Your decision should be based on your own needs and not because somebody says so. When you know what you want. It will be easier for you to decide on what and where your vacation should be.

Don't start your vacation in 2008 without reading more of Pierre Smith's best vacation tips where you'll find many amazing island vacation reviews of the best vacation islands.

Leisure Golfing in Asia

Golf fever is very hot in Asia. The excellent golf courses are designed by world renowned golf experts to guarantee players a challenging time this side of the globe. Golf professionals and enthusiast will be swinging clubs and will be amazed with the scenic greens and beyond.

Top Thai Golf Courses

Putt it in in Phuket and enjoy the great greens and beaches. You can visit Laguna Phuket Golf Club, one of the top golf resorts in this land of curry. Golfers can choose from several hotels: Laguna Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Laguna Resort, Sheraton Grande Laguna, and Allamanda Laguna. The golf course is by Max Wexler and David Abell with rising and falling greens at par 71.

Bangkok has Alpine Golf Course designed by Ronald Garl that is set in rural Thailand landscape 80 minutes from the city. It has been a venue of the Johnnie Walker Classic PGA tournament.

A short drive to the sea side town of Pattaya brings you to a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. It offers two challenging courses, the Mountain 9 and the Valley 9 with a beautiful stream of water in between

Malaysian Options for Golfers

The prime golf course in Kuala Lumpur is the Mines Resort and Golf Club. Enjoy the holes while being mesmerized by the Palace of Golden Horses. This course which was once a tin mine was built by Robert Trent Jones.

The Saujana Golf and Country Club have hosted several Malaysian Opens. It boasts of courses designed by Ronald Fream-The Bunga Raya and the Palm Course.

Other prime golf courses in Malaysia are Cameron Highlands, Golf Club Datai Bay, and Bukit Jambui.

Swing It in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to several world class golf courses. The Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club is 34 Km south of the capital Manila. Jack Nicklaus designed the two courses- The Masters and The Legends- which have been witness to international golf tourneys.

Less than an hour from the Makati business district, Sta. Elena Golf Club can be enjoyed in the 120 hectares of gentle terrain. Challenges are spread out in its 27 holes.

There are other world renowned courses spread in the 7,107 islands of this tropical archipelago. Some of this are the Alta Vista Golf Club in Cebu, Apo Golf Club in Davao, Camp John Hay in Baguio, and Fairways and Bluewater Country Club in the paradise island of Boracay.

Fulfilling the Golf Mission in China

The vast Mission Hills Golf Club in China attracts golfers of the Asian Region and the rest of the world. It spans from Shenzhen and Dongguan provinces. This is club is recognized by Guinness as the biggest golf resort in the world at 25 sq kilometers still with provisions for development. Some of the courses are designed by legendary golfers like Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, and Vjay Singh.

The Spring City Golf and Lake Resort in Yunnan province boasts of a Jack Nicklaus golf course and overwhelming view of the mountains and pristine lakes.

Golfing in Asia has been attracting tourists from all over the Globe. Aside from the world class golf clubs mentioned above, golf lovers still has a lot of options to putt holes in Japan, Vietnam, Brunei, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Indonesia, India, and Afghanistan.

As you can see, Asia is a vast world to discover for golf lovers.

Benedict Yossarian is specialises in internet marketing. Benedict recommends Dream Swing as a golf swing trainer. Dream Swing is one of the easiest ways to improve your golf swing.

What You Need to Know About US Tourist Visa Application

While it is easy for Americans to come to Thailand for a holiday, Thais and other nationalities have to undergo a thorough procedure in obtaining a tourist visa that they may be able to enter the US for vacation.

Nature of a Tourist Visa Obtaining a travel permit to visit the US proves to be very difficult to obtain particularly for ordinary Thai applicants relying on the invitation of their American friends, fiancé, spouse or relatives. The US government's rigorous immigration procedure may be accounted for their inherent assumption when dealing with non-immigrant visa applications. The officer when evaluating the application immediately assumes that the tourist visa applicant who is seeking admittance to the US is in fact eyeing for a permanent stay in the country.

As such, this assumption needs to be overcome successfully by the applicant in such a way that he/she will be issued the necessary entry permit. However, it's important to note that the application is evaluated subjectively and its approval or denial is entirely on the discretion of the officer evaluating the application. This is the reason why compared to other entry permit types a tourist visa has a lower success rate. It is also the reason why an application is still denied despite the applicant's providing all the necessary requirements to substantiate his/her visit to the US.

Preparing for the Application As the evaluation of the tourist visa application is solely based on the applicant's capacity to prove that he can support himself financially through out his stay in the US and that he comes back to Thailand after his allowed visit, it's a must that the applicant has the following qualifications in support of his entry permit application. First would be a decent and a stable job in Thailand.

An employment letter or contract, income tax and pay slips are some ways to substantiate this. A 6-month job stint might not be enough to establish the stability of your employment but it's definitely better than nothing. A job involving prostitution or working in a bar or night club doesn't add appeal to your application so it might not be good declaring it. Second, you have to show assets and properties in Thailand. Assets can be in the form of cars, a piece of land, a house among others. Land or House Title deed, Mortgage agreement, Car registration certificate and other documents can be submitted to prove your possession of these assets. Supposing you own a business in Thailand, you would need to show your business registration certificate, income tax, balance sheet among others. A savings account with substantial amount of deposit in it could also serve as one of the evidence to prove your financial capability.

You can ask your bank for your latest 6-month bank statements or you can show your passbooks for this matter. Just a note on the savings account, having a big money in your bank account doesn't guarantee a successful application though it helps establish your financial status. However, if your sponsor abroad plans depositing an amount of money in your bank account just to show that you have money, make sure that the funds have been deposited discretely not in a lump sum as this will be obvious.

Finally, if you have your family or children in Thailand, then you can mention them as your dependants to support your visa application. Don't also miss to provide an outline of your itinerary detailing the whereabouts of your trips i.e. accommodation and places to visit. What if you don't have most of the above qualifications as you rely on the sponsorship of your American relative, boyfriend or friend? This would considerably make your chances even more slimmer. However, you can still proceed with the application. As mentioned above the approval or denial of your application is entirely on the discretion of the officer. For family members visiting their relatives or families in the US their situations are viewed differently.

The Application Process After familiarizing yourself with the requirements and procedure of the tourist entry permit application, you may now start collecting the required documents. You have to collect as many evidence as you can to support your application. If your documents are in Thai, make sure to translate them into English. If you are going to the US via sponsorship, make sure that your sponsor provides sponsorship letter detailing your relationship and his intention to support you while you are in the US. He might need to provide bank statements or employment certificate to validate his good financial status in the US.

When everything is in order you can already contact the US embassy to schedule the submission of your documents and for the interview. The US embassy in Bangkok as well as the US consulate in Chiang Mai accepts and processes tourist visa applications. The processing time normally takes 2-3 business days and the result of the application is issued accordingly. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions like how will you support your stay in the US, what will you do in the US among others. A confident applicant would likely give a better impression on the visa officer than a nervous one. In this regard, you have to anticipate all possible questions that the officer may ask you in relation to your visa application and practice answering them. Using a Visa Agent

If you want to increase the chances of your tourist visa application getting approved, it might be good enlisting the services of US visa professionals to assist you with this endeavor. You would greatly benefit from their expertise in going over the visa application therefore ensuring better chances for your visa application. Be mindful though about unscrupulous visa agents. Look for the established and registered ones with proven track of record in US visa assistance.

Summary

Obtaining a US tourist visa proves to be a difficult ordeal especially for ordinary applicants. Apart from proper planning and familiarizing yourself with the requirements and procedure, it would also be good to consult with US visa professionals to personally guide you with the visa application. A money you spend for them maybe worth it if you don't need to do the application again the second time.

George M. Londob works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and licensed US visa attorneys that provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.