Page 43 - EV

weekenders PHUKET, THAILAND
10,000 motorcycles on parade. At night, the Patong nightlife unveils flashy party streets featuring beer bars, ‘Go-go’ shows, nightclubs and pubs.
As one of Asia’s most popular beach getaways, Phuket is a welcoming tropical island with temperature hovering around 30 degree celsius throughout the year. The hottest season typically lasts from April
to May. November to March brings cool sunny days, drawing in the highest flow of tourists. Take the road less travelled for less-crowded sunny shores of Surin beach, Mai Khao beach and Layan beach. Freedom beach is accessible only with a longtail boat during high season, but its soft powdery
EAT
Kan Eang @ Pier
T: +66 7638 1212
44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road, T.Rawai A.Muang, Phuket Thailand
Kan Eang means ‘at ease’. For close to 40 years, the restaurant serves up live seafood caught fresh by local fishermen every morning. Catches include fish, lobsters, tiger prawns, cuttlefish and blue crabs, slow-grilled on coconut husks to bring out their juicy flavours.
Baan Rim Pa
T: +66 7634 0789
223 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket Thailand
Baan Rim Pa literally translates into ‘house
next to the cliff’. Overlooking Patong Bay, this open-air diner is set in a 2-storey teak house with waves crashing onto the rocks below. For more than 20 years, the restaurant has been serving up sensational Royal Thai cuisine in a spectacular atmosphere, perfected by live jazz and blues in the piano bar.
Raya House
T: +66 7621 8155
48 Dibuk Road, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand
Raya is housed in a Sino-Thai old mansion. Unpretentious yet effortlessly classy, Raya serves original Phuket-style Thai food from the heart. Ingredients are picked fresh from the market by the owner, who cooks using her family’s recipes. Many wealthy and famous personalities from around Thailand patronise Raya for its curry crab dish with coconut milk.
RELAX
Oasis Turquoise Cove Spa
T: +66 7633 7777
71/10 Moo 5 (Soi Fantasea), Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket Thailand
Oasis Turquoise Cove Spa is the newest opening by the award-winning Oasis Spa group. It is tucked away in the serene outskirt of Kamala Beach, close to the ocean. Oasis Spa combines traditional Thai therapy with contemporary wellness techniques for a unique Lanna-style spa of grace and attention.
sand and untouched nature will make all planning worthwhile.
There is really not much downtime in Phuket except for the monsoon season from September to October. Even during less favourable climates, Phuket’s west coast remains dotted with surfers catching the swelling waves. Kata beach, Karon beach, Bang Tao beach and Surin beach are most popular with surfers. Keep an eye out for any red flag on the shores, as they are a signal of dangerous sea conditions.
While Phuket offers more than sufficient activities to entertain, smaller surrounding islands have even more to give. Take a short island-hopping voyage
weekenders PHUKET, THAILAND
Cher Aim Spa Village
T: +66 7624 9670
16 Wichitsongkram Road, Muang, Phuket Thailand
Be charmed by its surroundings of tranquil ponds, palm trees and lush tropical gardens. Cher Aim Spa Village is set in Thai-style teak pavilions for a restful, lavish experience. Besides having an alluring atmosphere, the spa offers signature treatments that incorporate native ingredients such as tropical fruits with ancient Thai healing practices.
EXPLORE
Big Buddha
Yot Sane 1, Karon, Phuket Thailand
Visible from half of Phuket island, the 45-metre Big Buddha sits at 400 metres above sea level. This most revered landmark of Phuket brings
a sense of peace, surrounded by tinkling bells and fluttering yellow Buddhist flags. Avoid beachwear and short skirts during visits as a gesture of respect.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand
Discover unique culinary delights and be intrigued by its heritage at the old quarter of Phuket town. Museums, temples and Sino- Portuguese mansions are everywhere for an authentic immersion of culture. The town is a web of 5 roads and several ‘sois’ (small streets), with rows of interesting shops, cafes and diners.
The Little Yoga Room
T: +66 84 442 4634
Soi Palai (Phuket Zoo Road), Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand
Set in a humble bamboo shala, The Little
Yoga Room is a peaceful spot for mindful
yoga practices. Owner and yoga instructor, Becky teaches Ashtanga yoga in a safe and welcoming environment. Suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners.
to the east to Phang Nga Bay for limestone karsts rising out of emerald green water. Koh Phi Phi offers thrilling activities
set against beautiful landscapes for the adventurous, such as rock-climbing and scuba diving. World-class dive sites are located further up northeast, in the pristine waters of Andaman Sea at Similan and Surin islands. Book a liveaboard dive cruise to
get closer to leopard sharks, octopus and colourful fishes.
Phuket is accessible by bus, car, train and air. Many international airports now operate direct flights into Phuket, making air travel the most convenient choice of transport.
Siam Dive n Sail
T: +66 81 892 0474
E: dive@siamdivers.com
85/15 Sai Yuan, Soi 9 Mu 7, Rawai, Phuket Thailand Siam Dive n Sail has been providing professional liveaboard and scuba diving services in South East Asia since 1996. Co-owner John Williams and Bent Posejpal will personally plan your dive itinerary for exploring the underwater beauty of Andaman Sea to its fullest.
STAY
RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS IN PHUKET INCLUDE:
LHC@Allamanda Laguna Phuket #4973
Resplendent in scenery, the Laguna Holiday Club at Allamanda Laguna Phuket faces tranquil lagoons and is a short walk to the beach. The interiors are casually elegant with a refreshing Mediterranean feel. There are 3 swimming pools, a fully equipped Marine Centre and a Kid’s Club. Other activities offered by the resort include fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding and water skiing.
Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort #8715 Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort offers the
luxurious services of a resort with the comforts of a home. Guests can enjoy a multitude of activities ranging from riding majestic elephants, relaxing at renowned spas, teeing off at an award winning 18-hole golf course, or simply unwinding at the picturesque Bangtao beach.
For additional resort listings, visit RCI.com ENDLESS VACATION 41