Patong Beach

Patong beach is the most popular beach area of Phuket. Most of the travelers that spend their holiday on this popular Island in Thailand will end up staying at a resort or hotel which is located in Patong. We would like explain why this resort area is so popular compared to other beach resort areas such as Kamala beach, Karon beach, Kata beach and Surin beach.

Patong beach is where the largest variety of activities, restaurants, nightlife venues and tourism infrastructure can be found. Travelers can also select from an overwhelming range of hotels and resorts.  Tourists who enjoy shopping will also most certainly enjoy spending their holiday as there are a number of excellent shopping venues such as the Jungceylon shopping mall and the Bangla Ocean Plaza.

Attractions

There are plenty of fun and interesting tourist attractions for travelers to choose from in Patong beach. Obviously there is the beautiful white sandy beach and all the water sport activities which are organized there. Another very popular tourist attraction is Simons Cabaret. This Thai ladyboy cabaret show is one of the most popular attractions of Phuket and their shows are suitable for visitors of all ages. Another popular attraction is the elephant rides which are organized opposite the Safari Club.

Hotels

There are plenty of excellent Patong beach hotels and resorts for travelers to choose from. This popular destination is also home to a large variety of guesthouses which are an interesting option for those tourists who are traveling on a budget. The main differences between a guesthouse and regular hotel or resort lies in the amount of facilities offered at each type of accommodation. Guesthouses generally offer spacious guest rooms however do not have facilities such as swimming pools and fitness areas.

Nightlife

The nightlife of Phuket is well known around the globe and Patong beach is where travelers can find the best that the nightlife has to offer. There are a number of really great discos in on the island and these include the Tiger Disco, Safari Club, Seduction Discotheque and the Banana Disco. Other popular nightlife venues include the many beer bars found along Bangla Road as well as the Go Go bars found in Soi Sea Dragon.

Restaurants

There are hundreds of restaurants in Patong beach and you can basically find food from all corners of the world. As this resort area is such as popular place for expats to live and for tourists to visit, many foreigners wishing to live there  have opened a restaurant serving food from their home countries. If you enjoy fresh seafood then you will also be more than happy as some of the finest seafood restaurants of Thailand are located there.

3 Places You Must Go in Thailand

For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit. The beautiful scenery of the coastal islands compliments the rich culture and mountainous regions to the north, not to mention Bangkok, one of South East Asia's most intriguing cities. There's a multitude of places to visit and things to do in Thailand, and whether you're a tourist or a backpacker, you're almost sure to never get bored by the country's rich offerings. Indeed, you could choose to spend a week bronzing yourself on a beach in the south, or spend months exploring the highlands to the north and the borders with Laos and Cambodia. If you've got a trip to Thailand in store for this year, then take a read of this article to find out about some of the top destinations.

Phuket
Located to the west of the country, Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. The island was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami, but recovery has surged through tourism in the time since. With miles and miles of idyllic beaches and a collection of hotel resorts that wouldn't look out of place in a list of the world's best, tourists pour here by the bucket load. Some of the top resorts lie in the northern town of Ao Bang, where serious pampering comes at a serious price. This is home to a 7km long white beach and the Laguna Phuket golf club. Further south is Patong, a popular resort that lights up with neon during the night while providing home to the island's most popular beach - Hat Patong.

Ko Chang
An island for those who want a little more than the offerings of the more tourist centric islands, Ko Chang is a rock that soars out of the sea, complete with jungle, rugged terrain and of course, many of its very own beaches. Located to the East of the Gulf Thailand near Cambodia, you won't find the regular sellers of knock off Ray-Bans and DVDs in a hurry, and the tourist hubbub is replaced by a more natural tranquillity. The island is home to an array of stunning wildlife that inhabits the scenery. Sea eagles, Andaman kites and hornbills all nest here, while you may even see a reticulated python if you venture inland! When visiting make sure you take on of the dirt pathways for a nature adventure.

Krabi Province
Most travellers choose to breeze through Krabi town, as people are keen to move on to the paradises of Ko Phi Phi and Railay. These two gems of the Andaman Sea boast some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Thailand, which is a spectacular feat if you consider the extent of beautiful coastland and mountains in the country. Railay is located behind a layer of impenetrable cliffs, and it is only possible to get there by boat. Surreal limestone formations make it a fantastic place for rock climbing, while the beach is possibly the revered in the country. Ko Phi Phi don, meanwhile, is an island 30km to the South West of the mainland of Krabi. As the backlot for The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, it's not difficult to see why the place is thought of as one of the world's top island paradises.

5 Thailand Vacation Routes to Explore

1. Phuket - For an unforgettable Thailand vacation a stop in the Phuket area is a must. This island offers an exquisite tropical paradise, with a fascinating culture and many different attractions and activities to fill any vacation no matter how long. Whether you plan on spending a few days or a few weeks this island should not be overlooked. Fantastic world-class diving, numerous spas, beautiful sunsets, golf, shopping, beautiful beaches and ocean views, and a culture that is intriguing all combine to make Phuket a one of a kind place to visit.

2. Bangkok - No Thailand vacation would be complete without a visit to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand an amazing experience. From the Amulet Market, where you can buy a charm to keep you fertile or protect you from evil or bad luck, to the state of the art shopping malls which glitter and include designer clothes and the rich and elite, Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Enjoy an evening cocktail with an exquisite sunset at the Moon Bar at Vertigo, which is situated on the top of a skyscraper.

3. Sukhothai - Sukhothai is the capital city of Sukhothai Province, and this area is a very popular place to explore during a vacation to Thailand. This city is full of interesting and historic places to visit, and was the capital city of Thailand more than eight centuries ago. Sukhothai Historical Park attracts visitors from all over the world, and the friendliness and culture of the population make this city one that rates high with most who have been here, and the authentic cuisine is outstanding.

4. Crabi - The laid back and relaxing atmosphere and setting of Crabi makes it an excellent choice for a Thailand vacation. You can wander through any of the eight districts in the province, or take a short trip to the Andaman Sea. Whether you are looking for a budget vacation or the ultimate in luxury and pampering you will find it here. Attractions include the limestone cliffs, the Shell Cemetery, and the beautiful beaches and fun water activities, as well as delicious and authentic cuisine and interesting people.

5. Chiang Mai - A Thailand vacation in Chiang Mai offers so much to see, do, and experience that you may need to come back again to do it all. Take an elephant tour of the jungle, because a ride on the back of an elephant through this exquisite landscape is incredible, or visit historic temples and landmarks, some of which are more than seven centuries old. Numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and markets offer fabulous food, goods, and social opportunities. If you plan a trip to Thailand then this area can be an excellent destination choice.

5 Things to Do You Must Do in Phuket, Thailand

1. Go to the beach! If anything that should be the first thing you do when you get to Phuket. Phuket is renowned for having one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand and some of the top beaches in the world are found just off the coast of Phuket and even on the island. If you like the face paced kind of life, then you would love Patong Beach. Said to be infamous for its nightlife and abundance of activities, Patong is great for those who want to play by day and party by night.

If you are the kind who prefers solitude more, then Nai Thon beach is just for you. This picturesque beach has yet to be discovered by the masses so head there while its still unspoiled and at its natural best.

2. Visit Wat Chalong - Wat Chalong (Chalong Temple) is filled with history and culture of Phuket. Legend even states that miracles were performed here on Wat Chaitararam (known by royal decree), and that the Wat had healing capabilities. See famous Buddhist statues such as the Poh Than Jao Nonsi and even some of the ex-abbots of the temple like Luang Poh Chuang and Luang Poh Gleum. The Grand Pagoda that dominates the temple contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone ( Pharmahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat) Take a stroll through the place and relive the life of Buddha as depicted on the paintings hanging all over the walls.

3. Go to a Muay Thai match - This one may not be for all but (especially if you don't like violence) but it's certainly something to give a try especially since you're in the land where Muay Thai originated. One of the most popular spectator sports around, head for the boxing stadium in Phuket town on a Friday night to catch the spectacular sport of boxing with its pre-fight rituals and even music accompaniment.

4. Go for a walk through Khao Phra Thaeo National Park - One of Phuket's last untouched rainforest has been turned into a national park with simply breath-taking beauty all around. If you like trekking, go for an 8km trek throughout the park and end off at the majestic Tonsai waterfall

5. Visit Old Phuket - Streets are filled with 100 year old shop houses that have been remade into small hotels, restaurants and shops. Spend a little time here and feel the character of this island come to life as you explore the older yet attractive side of town.

Things to Do on Phuket

One of the nicest parts of Thailand to visit is Phuket Island. There are so many things to do on Phuket Island that it will take you a couple of weeks to experience everything. This is probably the main reason why so many people who holiday on this island choose visit Phuket every year.

Your activities will depend on what you like to do on your holiday. For those who like a relaxing, laid back holiday, you can visit one of the many pristine beaches on the island and spend the day soaking up the sun. The most popular beach on Phuket Island is Patong Beach, but some of the beaches further north are totally isolated. The southern beaches, such as Karon and Kata are also very popular with the tourists.

Along the beaches are souvenir shops and food vendors. You never have to worry about going hungry when visiting any part of Thailand as Thai people love to eat and cook the most delectable foods. Thai food is a fusion between Chinese and Indian and while some of it is spicy, you can ask for non-spicy foods.

Other things to do on Phuket Island include getting a full service spa. There is nothing like a relaxing Thai Spa to really sooth and relax you and most of the larger hotels offer a wide variety of full service spa treatments.

Visit Phuket Town for sightseeing. Here you can see the many Wats and Shrines that are scattered all over this Southeastern part of the Island. Shopping and dining is also a big part of the attraction of Phuket Town. Some of the buildings in this area are from when the area was colonized.

No matter what type of food will tempt your palate, you can find it on Phuket Island. One of the most popular things to do on Phuket Island is to eat. There are cuisines of every culture on the island and iit seems as if every few feet you run into a restaurant of some sort. In addition to the restaurants, there are also countless street vendors selling delectable sweets and other foods from their carts.

There is a lot of nightlife and entertainment available on Phuket Island, especially in the Patong Beach area. Nightclubs, go-go clubs and bars are located throughout the city. No matter what your tastes, you can find it at Patong Beach.

If you enjoy getting bargains, Phuket Island is a great place to shop. One of the most delightful things to do on Phuket Island is to shop at the night markets that sell just about everything from mobile phones to designer clothing. You can also find some value priced 24 karat gold jewelry in some of the shops, particularly those around Patong.

Whether you are interested in relaxation or an exciting nightlife, there are plenty of things to do on Phuket Island, Thailand. You never have to worry about being stressed, bored or hungry when you visit the tropical paradise of Phuket Island, Thailand.

Copyright © 2008 Up-Front Groups. All rights reserved.

Enjoying Your Holidays to Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is home to many beautiful beaches, set against the background of verdant coconut palms and sparkling lagoons. Every bay is unique, every creek has its own charm, and the sunsets are invariably spectacular. Visit shimmering temples and colonial mansions, indulge in Phuket's many activities including golf and scuba diving or enjoy an excursion to the many surrounding islands during your holidays to Phuket.

Highlights of holidays to Phuket include a speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay, which deserves its reputation as one of the loveliest in the world. This dramatic collection of limestone outcrops, rising sheer from the emerald sea, will be familiar to fans of The Man With The Golden Gun and The Beach.

During holidays to Phuket, for the keen golfer, four wonderfully scenic golf courses are available - Phuket Country Club, first and still one of the finest of the island's courses, the Blue Canyon Club (former home of the Johnny Walker Classic), Laguna Phuket Golf Club beside Bangtao Bay and Mission Hills Golf Club.

In Holidays to Phuket you will discover the "Pearl of Thailand", regularly voted one of the worlds top holiday destinations, lies just off the southwest coast, surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Phuket (pronounced poo-KET) is the country's largest island, some 50 km (30 miles) in length and 16 km (10 miles) across, and home to almost 200,000 people. At its northern tip, a road bridge carries traffic across the narrow strait that separates it from the mainland.

Some of the famous white-sand beaches are on the west coast, happily facing the often dramatic sunsets. Phuket offer water sports are the main attraction: all the main resorts offer sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing and snorkelling, and you can learn to scuba-dive with experienced instructors. For variation in holidays to Phuket there is golf or tennis, a tour of the hilly interior of the island or a boat trip among the spectacular isles of Phang Nga Bay. In Phuket tropical showers can last for an hour or two, rarely interrupting the fun for long-when it's this warm, getting wet hardly matters. And the climate keeps the landscape lush and green, a backdrop for huge, vivid butterflies that flit among the flowers.

While on Holidays to Phuket you will find that the rapid growth of tourism has brought a rash of development at the main resorts, especially Patong. But tranquil spots are not hard to find, and a variety of boats can take you to Phuket's own offshore islets where you may be completely alone. By contrast, bustling night markets are a Southeast Asian tradition. The cool of the evening is a time for strolling and shopping, and when you're ready to dine, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Ko Samui - Crown Jewel of Thailand Tourist Spots

A lot of us tend to underestimate the grandeur, splendour and majesty of the many beautiful islands of the country of Thailand. While we are on this topic it is unfitting not to remember the magical contribution that Ko Samui makes to the tourist attractions of Thailand. It plays its part perfectly providing every vacationer with a valid reason to return again and again.

This island, Thailand's third largest, is located approximately 35 kms. from the town of Surat Thani and offers commuters an international airport, which is humble in its design and yet boasts of a uniqueness that is yet to be matched. This is the perfect place to land giving you a subtle hint of a vacation spot out of a fairytale world. Transportation within the island is not a problem. Samui is known for its Pickup taxis that will take you around the island, and are easy to come by during the day and at night. You can also rent yourself a jeep or motorbike at an extremely reasonable price, if you want to explore the island for yourself; highly recommended by any tourist.

The main areas to visit in Ko Samui are Chaweng and Lamai. They are famous among all tourists alike for their bustling streets during the day offering exquisite Thai cuisine, an exhaustive range of shops for the compulsive shopper and their generally inviting atmosphere. Night life in Cheweng and Lamai is no less exciting. They have their own selection of bars and discotheques and pubs to welcome their visitors to arguably the best nightlife around. The Green Mango, Reggae Pub, Santa Fe and Bauhaus are the most famous night spots on the island.

We can't forget one of the major reasons anyone would want to visit Thailand. Of course, it's the sprawling Thailand beaches, giving all tourists the opportunity to soak up the sun. Ko Samui offers no less to its tourists. Some of the better known Thailand beaches in Ko Samui are Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach and Mae Nam Beach, each providing the tourist with different experiences and activities, but all providing the same warm Thai hospitality.

The tourist attractions in Thailand are also its various Thailand festivals. In Ko Samui, just like any other part of Thailand, they celebrate, in addition to New Year's Day and the Chinese New Year, the Thai New Year. It is known is Songkran, a word derived from Sanskrit, and is celebrated every year from 13th April to 15th April. Loy Krathong is another unique Thailand festival held in Ko Samui.

So if you want a truly Thai branded experience, Ko Samui is no less a haven than any other mysterious island of this magnificent country. A journey to this fascinating place will leave you always coming back for more.