The Old Phuket - Karon Beach Holiday packages

The Old Phuket on Karon Beach in the south of Phuket is designed as a replica of the Sino-Portugese residences that dominated Phuket town in the 19th century, some of which can still be seen in Old Phuket town. This styling evokes memories of tin mining, Chinese Junk merchantmen and the heady days of European colonialism in Asia.

The hotel has two contrasting and complimentary wings, the Sino wing with classic 19th cetury styling and the more modernistic elements of the Serene wing.

• Quiet resort in the centre of Karon ideal for families and groups of friends
• 100 metres from the beach. 
• There are two pools, one with a children pool attached , a kids club and a poolside massage service
• Wifi is available throughout the hotel

Classic Colonial era styling crossed with modernism right on the beach in easy reach of all the islands facilities make The Old Phuket the perfect base fo your vacation.

Enjoy your holidays at The Old Phuket Resort starting from

3,850 Thai Baht per person
Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfer (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Deluxe Sino Wing room with breakfast, tax and insurance

Valid from now till 31 October 2013

Single supplement 3,850 Thai Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team


How to get there - from Phuket Airport head south toward Phuket town, when you reach the bypass junction turn right and follow this road all the way until you reach a roundaboat, at this point take fourth exit (right turn). Continue along this road past 2 sets of traffic lights, after the lights the road goes up a hill then straight for a while before a long left bend followed by a short straight then a sharp right hand bend. Just before the right hand bend the entrance to The Old Phuket is on your left.

The Old Phuket

192/36 Karon Road, T. Karon A. Muang
Phuket 83100 Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

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The Old Phuket at Karon Beach, Phuket, is a Sino-Portugese style Resort. The atmosphere in the resort will take you back to the old days of the spice trade, tin mining and Chinese junks that dominated the Phuket of the old days.

The Old Phuket

Deluxe Room - Sino Wing

Pool at The Old Phuket Sino Wing

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Adventure in Phuket – Bus Between Patong and Phuket Town

OK, OK, so it is not a BIG adventure, but it is a good way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day and it will not cost you an arm and a leg.  And you will get to see some of the scenery between Patong Beach and Phuket Town as well as a good overview of parts of Phuket Town.

Need a Taxi? Than check out our >> Phuket Airport Transfer 

Just head on down to Beach Road and you will see the bus coming on a semi-regular schedule (after all this is Thailand and the buses run on Thai’ time like everything else.).

"Bas Stop" at the southern end of Patong Beach

You can’t miss the bus, it is big and blue and has Patong – Phuket written across the wind shield.

The actual start of the bus route is at the south end of Beach Road where you will see several sitting waiting their turn to make the journey over the mountain.

The trip to Phuket Town will take about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions, plus how many stops the bus makes along the way.   If you have been close to one of the stops along the way as you have walked on beach road, you have heard the driver yelling out the window that the bus was heading to Phuket Town.

These are now your big luxury buses that you may have experienced before, heck these are not even buses like you might ride in most major cities around the world.  These are quaint, almost cute buses that you have probably seen in old movies; one of my friends did comment that he has been riding the same bus back and forth for over 23 years.

I saw the same bus displayed in the Tin Mining Museum as an antique.  As you can see in the pictures there is no air conditioning in the buses, only some small fans in the ceiling if you are lucky with all the windows open, just like cars from my childhood.


Once the bus begins its run to Phuket Town, it slowly crawls along Beach Road, stopping occasionally to pick up passengers that have flagged it down, or at proscribed ‘bus’ stops.  At the far north end of Beach Road, the bus make the turn and heads toward the three way intersection to travel over the ‘mountains’ to Phuket Town, be prepared for sudden stops along the way as many drivers seem to have trouble seeing the bus coming right at them and turn in front of the bus.  At the three-way intersection at the base of the mountains, near the Temple, a pickup truck did just that in front of the bus I was on, but our driver skillfully avoided hitting it and we proceeded merrily on our way at a snails pace up and over the mountains.
At the bottom of the mountains we enter the Kathu area and pass the one of the go-cart tracks on our right and the beautiful offices of Easy Day Thailand on the left (notice our luxury van parked in front).   If you get off at the stop just past the office with the Caltex Gas station  across the road on your right you can walk up to the Kathu Market for some real Thai Style food shopping and then just cross the road to stand in front of the station to wait for the return bus to Patong.  But remember the market does not get into full swing until around 5 – 5:30 pm and the last bus heads back over the mountains from Phuket Town at 6 pm and you don’t want to miss that last bus because it gets expensive in a taxi or tuk-tuk and it is a long walk back over the mountains.

The bus makes a right turn at the intersection and heads through several smaller towns, by the Damn and then stops at the Central Festival Shopping Mall (another great place to spend a rainy day and it rivals JungCeylon in size and number of stores).  Once past Central Festival, the bus makes its way through the narrow, crowded streets of Phuket Town, stopping along the way to discharge passengers.  It passes Chinatown, one of the older parts of Phuket Town into the center of Old Phuket Town, which is the last stop.  Notice your surroundings, the return bus leaves from the ‘Family Mart’ across and up the street from where you get off.

The lady on my bus that collected the fare, all of 25 baht per person is extremely helpful and will be happy to help you find places in Phuket Town, she has a map that shows the actual bus route through town and knows where most things are in town.  She speaks good English and is very pleasant and more than willing to help you out, even pointing out specific stops along the way if you have asked her to.

Once off the bus, I suggest you wonder about to see the sights in town, it is quite different then Patong and has multiple shopping areas within walking distance, if you like walking in the rain or heat depending on the conditions.  There are also a number of local taxi’s and tuk-tuks available at a price to take you to specific locations for the right price (negotiate).  But be sure you are aware of how to get back to this spot to catch the bus back to Patong, and as I mentioned it leaves at 6 pm, so if you don’t want to be stuck in Phuket Town or spend 400 to 500 baht to take a taxi back to Patong, don’t miss that last bus.

Please be aware that Phuket Town can be very confusing once you start wondering about, I know I always get lost there, regardless of how many time I go.  After a few minutes it is evident that many of the streets and areas look similar, even if the are not and although there are some signs in English, don’t count on it.  But as I said, this is a mini-adventure and you are on vacation after all and here to experience all that Phuket has to offer.


The return trip on the bus retraces the same route back over the mountains, if you sit next to the window, don’t look down while traversing the mountain curves unless you like getting a bit scared.  Once back in Patong the bus makes its way along Rat-u-tit Road (Second Road) making several stops along the was, one right in front of JungCeylon, for those passengers wishing to stop there.  Once past JungCeylon the bus returns to its original starting point at the south end of Beach Road.

All in all, it is a good way to spend a lazy afternoon seeing parts of Phuket you may not have had the opportunity to visit as a tourist.  You will notice that there are many locals and long time expat residence that use the bus, which tells you a little about it.

Photo Friendly Tours

Adriano Trapani

Here at EasyDayThailand, we understand everyone wants to take amazing photographs of theirspecial holiday to Phuket, and share the wonderful memories with their family and friends back at home. Therefore, we have developed specially tailored photo sightseeing tours, with this just in mind.

We work with one of the top professional photographers on the island, Adriano Trapani, who is a long term resident in Phuket, and knows all the best spots to capture those amazing shots and experience the true wonder of Phuket's history, culture, nature and people.

You do not need to have any fancy or expensive camera equipment to enjoy our unique photo sightseeing tours, any camera will do. And we guarantee you will be pleased with the results.

>> Adriano Trapani's - Digital Photography Courses

 

Phuket Island Private Photo Tours

Phuket is a big island with many attractions and things to see, that you should not miss during your stay. There are big cultural diversities between the different areas of the island, each one has its own unique style, charm and points of interest. Some of these attractions are very popular with the tour operators on the island, with many visitors each day while others are not so popular. Those destinations off the beaten track are still very much worth a visit, especially to get those great photographs.

Here at EasyDayThailand, we make sure that your private sightseeing tour stays as private as possible, by avoiding the peak tourist times of the main attractions and taking you to our favourite 'off the beaten track' hot spots!

Private Half Day Photo Tour

Chalong Temple

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once you've visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch your driver will take you back to your accommodation, arriving around 13:30.

This program can also be done in the afternoon starting around 13:30 and ending around 18:30

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 5 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Book / Enquire Now!

Full Day Tour

Old Phuket Town

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 morning destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch you will be heading for more Island touring and photo opportunities. For example, one of the most characteristic destinations is Old Phuket Town to enjoy the heritage and in particular the Sino-
Portuguese architecture, not to mention the several attractive old Chinese shops. Probably you have some more time to enjoy some other interesting spots nearby at your leisure.

Back to the hotel around 17:30.

Price: 3,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 9 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

 Book / Enquire Now!

Weekend Evening Tour

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick up at hotel at 16:30-17:00 and bring you to Kata View Point where you can take stunning photos of the coastline and its lush nature. From Kata View point you will then be taken to Promthep Cape which is located in the extreme southern tip of Phuket Island. From this location you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. And take beautiful photos to show back home.

After sunset you will be taken to enjoy a tasty set menu dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Last and most iconic destination is the famous Naka Market (also known as Weekend Night Market) in Phuket Town where you can find a lot of interesting things for shopping and street food stalls.

You will be back to the hotel around 22:30-23:00.

NOTE: this tour is available only on Saturday and Sunday as the Naka Market (Night market) only operates on weekends.

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 6 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Interested? Ask us for details...

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Phuket is a big island and it's great to get out and explore. Below you will find information about places you should see while visiting Phuket.

Phuket Travel Guide

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

The Thaihua School Museum in Phuket Town

Learn About Phuket’s Chinese Heritage.

Thai Hua School Museum

 Interested in Phuket’s Chinese heritage, not sure why there seems to be such a Chinese influence in and around Phuket Town?   Well here is a great way to learn more about Phuket’s history so you can impress your family, friends and expand your knowledge in general.

I do remember always trying to take the kids to interesting museums when on vacation to widen their general knowledge while enjoying a fun family outing.

Upon entering the museum after paying the 200 baht entrance fee you are greeted by a beautiful room with multiple piano’s that have played roles in Phukets history.
While enjoying the ambiance of this room, take a few minutes to look through the pamphlet given to you as you paid.  This will give you an understanding of the museum, its purpose and history.

Briefly, the build was established as a Chinese language learning center, the oldest in Phuket.  The school was originally established in 1934 and was only recently converted in 2010 to a museum to showcase the Chinese-Phuket people’s way of life from their early arrival to work in the tin mines to a position of prominence and patronage in Phuket.

The objectives of the Museum are clearly outlined on a sign in this lobby area:

In the thirteen exhibit rooms the various aspects of this progression are displayed as to how these immigrant people became the model of success.  The first set of rooms you mainland China to Phuket, where did they come from and why did they come.  Which parts of Phuket did that choose to settle and why.  The migration is broken in multiple periods, starting as early as 1,000 years ago lasting through the Ayudha era (about 300 years ago) and the Rattanakosin era (about 200 years ago) until now.

The second and third rooms contain displays outlining the various alliance’s and close relationships existing between China and the Chinese residence of Phuket.  These rooms contain displays showing the supporting associations of the overseas Chinese with organizations here in Phuket and demonstrate the good relationships that existed and still exist between Phuket and mainland China.  The fourth room follows this same theme, in the specific role that patrons played in establishing the Thaihua School.

The fifth room displays continue the focus on building the history of the school, presenting the principle of Chinese housing construction, and architectural identity.  The sixth room concentrates on displaying the various ways the Chinese influenced the Phuket way of life, including the occupation and livelihoods; literature and intellect.  There are histories of common Chinese people from the past 100 years that made Phuket their home.  A prominent point is the display of the 3 Phuket-Chinese intellects in puppet (Kateh) form.

The seventh room displays the importance of tin mining to the migration of the Chinese to Phuket.  In here are exhibits of mine construction and what role these mining operations played in the development of Phuket city, chronicled are the various periods in the development and decline of tin mining in Phuket.  In the eighth room displays of the attire worn by the Chinese people from over the centuries are presented.  Display on one wall is a mural of a Chinese wedding and many pictures of various manner of dress.

The ninth and tenth rooms again focus on portions of the history of the Thaihua School, the ninth concentrating on the biography of the first headmaster, Master Surpin.   How he helped navigate the school through troubles and problems related to foreign country policies of the western superpowers of that time with sacrificing the integrity of the teachers.  The tenth focusing on the feeling of the actual classrooms from the school, including the desks and chairs from the classroom, with pictures of students prominently displayed.

The eleventh room focus’s on the influence the Chinese people and their knowledge had on the buildings in Phuket city, with many pictures of the various homes and buildings highlighted on a map of the old town area.  The twelfth room refocus’s on the valued heritage the Chinese people brought with them in their traditions and ceremonies.  The displays chronicle many such ceremonies, from birth to the death; with a set of photos of the annual Phuket Vegetarian festival help in Phuket Town. Finally the thirteenth room shows the various influences that the Chinese had on the local cuisine, both ingredients and cooking methods.

The Thaihua Museum runs under the management of Kusonsongkhroh Foundation (aka Lok Xian Kok), a charitable organization with a long history dating back to the mining era in Phuket. It was set up by a group of the local well-to-do immigrant Chinese businessmen. Their original plan was to help their unfortunate fellow immigrants and to help improve living conditions for the islanders by building hospitals and schools. They still carry on the same mission today.

OK, now we know what is in the museum’s thirteen separate exhibit rooms, the question looms, do you have to start in room one and go consecutively through the various displays.  No, actually the museum is not laid out in a manner conducive to ding this; rooms 1 thru 7 are located on the second floor along with the library and the stairs to the second floor are on either side of the entry lobby.

 I actually started my tour in room 10 while trying to find the stairs and then wondered around the first floor until heading upstairs.

The museum is not very large, but the exhibits are very nice and informative.  The building itself is located on Krabi Road and was not difficult to find and I often get lost in Phuket town so it must have been simple.  It is not far, within walking distance ( keeping in mind that I don’t like walking) of the last stop of the Patong-Phuket Town bus, just ask when you get off the bus.

Phuket Heritage Tour

Falling in love with Phuket again......

Getting more quiet in the office this week so I decided to go with our tour guide “Bee” and check out our new tour which we will organize for our customer to see enchanted Phuket old town, “Phuket Heritage Private Tour”

We were planing to meet at the Chinese temple to follow the tour program that we've set and to avoid long walk at the end of the tour but since we wanted to start early and breakfast is my important meal of the day we decided to meet at Roti place on Thalang
road.

Khao Yam (Rice Salad)

After breakfast we started our route here. Before today I thought I was a queen of Thalang road since I came here quiet often buying my crafting stuff, fabrics and many times just come here for a cup of coffee and sitting for hours with my favourite book but it turned out that I know nothing about this place and thanks to guide Bee who is very knowledgeable and told me all stories and history that I wanted to know.

The buildings here are unique and you could see different cultures through them. We stop at one of the house which open as Tour information so tourists can see how the building look like from the inside.

Old Building

We continued walking, Bee kept answering my questions while we walked, same time I tried to take as many pictures as possible and it was amazing that on this road you can find so many different kind of store (ribbon, fabrics, fishing net, hardware store, gold, etc.) and most of them are family business which been passing through generations. Then Bee take me to old Chinese herb shop which been running by same family since 1917. I like the smell in the shop and get to have a little chat with nice old man the owner and also bought some herb medicine home.

 Our next stop is “ Phuket Thai Hua Museum”  which for me it's very interesting museum with many exhibition rooms and short movies that telling history of the connection between Phuket and China.

Thaihua was the first Chinese-language school in Phuket which still running but school had moved to Vichit Songkram road and turned this building into the museum with two floors full of knowledge and history in this charming and well maintenance Sino-Portuguese building. I could have stayed for the hold day if not because we still have a few more places to visit so I decided that I will be back again with my daughter and we can learn Phuket history together.

 It didn't feel like much walking we've done but we started to feel Phuket sun, however it was perfect time to go to the local fresh market since the busiest time is in early morning so even though it was getting hot but not too crowded.

If you like to buy some Thai spices back home this market is just perfect! You can also find all different kind of curry paste, fresh vegetables and fruits, Thai snacks, fresh juices, etc.

Then from the market we walked up to Ranong road to one of the biggest Chinese shrine in Phuket town “Jui Tui shrine”

It very fascinating to be in these colorful buildings and see all displays of Chinese gods, they even play Chinese music in the background. For Thai people it is in our mind that you have to be calm and dress politely when you are in the temple. I don't really know much about Chinese shrine so I was following Bee who seem to know exactly what she was doing and there was also apattern to walk in which they put number on each door so you can follow. Bee and I also tried “Fortune stick” which what you have to do is to sit, hold the box of fortune sticks in your palm, make a wish to Chinese gods then shake the box until one of the stick fall off and there will be the number on the stick that will lead you to pick up same number of the paper which will tell you roughly what your life would be like in your near future and if you get good one you should keep that paper but if it not good then you leave it at the shrine, my was good so I keep it.

Lunch time! Bee ask what I would like to eat and since we are now doing Phuket Heritage tour why don't we just eat something that goes with our tour, something that represent Phuket so we agree on having Hokien noodle and Bee know the best place in town for it.

Bee walked me to “Ko Yoon” restaurant which according to Bee and the sign in front apparently it is the best Hokien noodle in town, I had seafood noodle soup and Bee had one with pork. It was really tasty and for me it was best Hokien noodle I've ever tried
and since they running restaurant in their house there was nothing like sitting in restaurant so don't expect any luxury just eat your best noodle and enjoy looking at picture frames of family members at the same time.

After lunch we were suppose to go to Khao To Sae or Monkey hill for last stop of our Phuket heritage tour for our customers to visit viewpoint and see Phuket town from the top view and see some monkey but since we've been there many times already and I have to go back to the office we decided to end our tour after lunch.

It had been a really fun day for me and definitely coming back with friends and family to show them this charming old Phuket town.

If like to experience this Phuket private tour  in old town see the details and prices here

Chinese Shrines in Phuket

Phuket has a large percentage of Chinese residents descended from those who emigrated from southern China a few centuries ago to work in the tin mine business as coolies.

These people brought with them their rich culture and traditions and these influences are evident in the number of Chinese temples and shrines around the island and more markedly so in the yearly Vegetarian Festival.

Their religion was and still is predominantly a mixture of Buddhism with a Chinese influence as well as Taoist gods. Red and yellow are the main colors used and animals such as dragons, lions and monkeys are also important symbols, seen around Chinese temples and shrines.

Bang Neow Shrine

The Bang Neow Shrine (also spelled Bang Niew), known also as Tao Buang Keng and Thep Rasi Foundation Shrine, is a beautiful place of worship in Phuket Town. Founded in 1904, it was originally part of another shrine at Soi Romanee in the Old Town. It has moved a few times – strangely enough always because of fire.

If looking in from the road, you’ll notice that the shrine is unusually long and has many doors. This is because it houses many shrines (almost 10 of them) that lie immediately next to each other. The most important shrine is the one in the middle, where the main deity is.  The shrine has an elegant interior design with many lovely color printings on the walls recounting stories from Chinese literature. The dragon, an important Chinese legendary creature, is represented well here as you will see them everywhere not only in the paintings but beautifully carved and lifelike on the shrine’s supporting columns. The smaller unit on the left side of the main building is used as an administration office but is conveniently turned into a vegetarian kitchen and canteen during the Vegetarian Festival.
Opening Hours: Daily from 08:30 – 22:00
Location: On Phuket Road at the Bang Neow intersection and not far from Robinson Department Store and MacDonalds. If heading to Saphan Hin Park, the shrine is on the left-hand side of the road.

Jui Tui is a popular Chinese temple that plays a pivotal part in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Located not far from Phuket’s main market, it’s a must-see site.  Located on Soi Phuthorn, Ranong Road, not far from Phuket’s main market, it’s a must-see site for all newcomers to Phuket as one of the oldest and the most respected spiritual centers around.  Jui Tui Temple was previously located in Soi Romanee in Phuket Old Town and was moved to its current location after a fire many years ago. The grounds are quite impressive and display photos of the temple dating back to 1911 when it was just a single, stand-alone construction without side buildings or walls.

Jui Tui Shrine main building itself has been through a number of renovations, resulting in an attractive exterior and interior with three large altars featuring statues of Chinese gods. Its principal deity is Tean Hu Huan Soy, the god associated with performing artists and dancers (The Chinese opera regards him as their patron).  His image is set in the middle and at the highest position on the main altar, accompanied by a statue of a dog and a chicken to each side. They are said to have been his favourite pets since childhood. Photography is allowed inside the hall.

On the left-hand side of Jui Tui Shrine’s main building (when facing the street) stands an attractive ‘firecracker house’ that was completed in 2011. It’s a tiny red building with a double-tiered roof and four slim columns that have dragons around them and it’s where burning firecrackers are thrown, thus reducing noise and air pollution.

For visitors who have never experienced fortune sticks or who want to know what the future will bring them, here is a chance to learn more. Shake the bamboo cup holding the fortune sticks. Stop when one stick has dropped to the ground (repeat if more than one stick falls out.) Each stick has a designated number and you should fetch the matching fortune paper available at the nearby red cabinet. It’s free of charge. The papers are written in Thai and Chinese only.

Why is the Jui Tui Temple so important for many islanders? Basically, it’s the place where they can come to celebrate (birthdays, weddings, newborn babies and healing, you name it!) as well as to share their sorrows and hard times in life. Tean Hu Huan Soy is very much counted as a senior family member by locals, especially those who live in neighbouring communities and has a special place in their hearts. It’s common for Phuket students who are going away to pursue a higher education to visit the shrine and invite the deity to go along with them to their new location.

Also, there is a small area inside Jui Tui Shrine devoted to those who participated with its works and activities over the years. After they pass away, their names are posted here and their family can come and pay respect to them. Some have family members listed for up to three generations and that says a lot about the strong connections between this old temple and the local community.
Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 – 20:30
Location: Next to Put Jaw Chinese Temple on Soi Phuthorn, Ranong Road, not far from Phuket Town’s main fresh market

Kathu Shrine has shared a long history with Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival and is known as the original home of the festival. Rumor has it that a Chinese opera from mainland China came to town and for no particular reasons, members of this group started to fall ill. After a while they realized that they had forgotten to carry on with their important traditional vegetarian diet.

Finally, they held a vegetarian diet ceremony at their temporary opera house at Kathu and within no time all the sickness and problems amazingly disappeared. Locals couldn’t believe their eyes when witnessing what had happened. They too participated in the ceremony and have been carrying it on until today. This is the roots of the great annual Vegetarian Festival that Phuket is known for.
The original Kathu shrine was very small and not at all grand.  Over the years, a lot of work and effort was expanded to renovate its condition and nowadays this shrine is considered by many islanders as the most holy of all in Phuket. Traditional materials and techniques were used and the restoration was done following traditional Chinese architecture as visitors can see, starting from its main entrance.

The shrine also houses some impressive and historical items including wooden crafted Taoist deities in lively poses and a variety of vintage implements once used for body piercing by spirit medium (aka ‘mah song’ in Thai) during the festival many years back.

Guests are welcome to visit the shrine as long as they don’t disturb a private hall, home of a deity that is named as the ‘chairman’ of the festival. It’s a small chamber that has beautiful decorative yellow curtains drawn at all times and with a big sign (in Chinese) above its entrance. You’ll know when you see it. Not even the Kathu villagers know what it looks like inside as only a few chosen people are allowed to enter, so don’t feel bad about it!
Opening Hours: Daily

Location: In Kathu Village, it’s about two km from the Kathu- Patong junction on Samkong-Kathu Road once you turn right

Kiew Tien Keng Shrine is stunning and is located in Saphanhin Park and is one of the most beautiful places of worship in Phuket.  It’s the only shrine that is located near the seashore and is considered the departure spot to send all gods/deities back to heaven on the final night of the Vegetarian Festival. It’s where the colorful parades of each of the other shrines officially end when the festival is finished and a normal diet can resume.

There are artistic images of various deities on the altars and quite a few life-size statues here and there. Among them is a silver statue of Ji Gong who probably is the most non-traditional monk in all Chinese folklore. Not only did he eat meat and drank, his image was also projected as a smiling monk who wore nothing but beggar-like clothes and always holding a torn bamboo hand fan as well as carrying funny stuff with him (the one presented here has a chicken on one knee, you can’t miss it.) Legend has it that he was a talented medicine man with a big heart therefore he was a hero for the poor.

Also, there are the impressive eight immortals of the Taoist tradition standing tall on the terrace looking out to sea. Overall, the quality of the workmanship and choices of materials chosen here are quite amazing. Truly a must-see shrine and it is open daily!

Nobody knows exactly when the Samkong shrine was built.  All that is known is that a well-to-do family donated a plot of land together with images of some Taoist deities to start it off.   Since then the shrine has been a major part of Samkong villagers’ lives especially when someone fell ill or needed some advice to improve their health.

The only way for folks to communicate with the deity was through a spirit medium but the medium too was having a hard time and could not understand anything at first. According to locals, this very particular deity once was a human who worked in the Chinese Imperial Palace therefore he used the regal terms that were used in the palace. But then things worked out for the good once the deity switched to Hokkian, a dialect that was better known.  Nowadays, many people still come here to pray for good health. Some of them bring along traditional medicine from local shops and pray for the deity to bless it before using. Visiting the shrine is free; however donations supporting shrine renovations and charities are appreciated.

Opening Hours: Daily
Location: Along Yaowarat Road, on the north side of Phuket Town (about midway between Bangkok Phuket Hospital and Tesco Lotus.)

If you go in or out of town using Thepkrasattri Road you will notice an elegant Taoist Shrine. This is Tha Rua Shrine, the fourth-oldest on the island. Once a tiny shrine it has now relocated to a much bigger plot of land right near the original site and features many striking carved dragons, traditional Chinese paintings plus an outstanding red-gold-and-green color theme.

In the centre of the front terrace stands a huge brass container with dragon motifs. This container, brought all the way from China, is used for incense burning. Inside the hall you’ll find Kwan Yin statues (the Goddess of Mercy) of various sizes as well as traditional Taoist deities. This shrine complex consists of the shrine itself as its centre point, a spacious car park and in the future it will have a large kitchen, a garden and more.

The Tha Rua Shrine is no doubt the largest and probably the best-looking shrine in Phuket. So far the restoration project has cost about 40 million baht since the start in 2002 and is funded purely by donations. If it is possible, avoid wearing black clothes when visiting any Chinese shrine/temple in Phuket. While white is the most auspicious color, any color other than black will do. This is a great place to take photos.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 – 18:00. Opening hours are extended on special days including during the popular Phuket Vegetarian Festival when the shrine opens its gates 24 hours a day.
Location: Thepkrasattri Road, not far from the Heroines’ Monument

Phuket Hotels and Resorts

Phuket hotels and Resorts if you are thinking of coming to Phuket then you will need somewhere to stay, look no further. We have added many different kinds of accommodation all of various prices and class.

Thai hospitality is renowned world-wide and they have the hotels too match. With so many places to see, places to explore, beaches to chill out on and adventures to undertake; Phuket has never been so popular.

We offer a wide selection of all the major resorts and places much quieter like Phuket Town. With up to the minute deals and availability. You can secure your next hotel with us, all made so easy.

Your accommodation is possibly the most important part of the trip. So after a long day in the hot sun or shopping and souvenir hunting, it is important you have somewhere safe and secure, and amid pleasant surroundings. A nice clean bed is paramount, keeping you fresh and ready for the next day’s action.

With resorts like Patong, Kamala, Surin, Kata Noi and Kata Beach offering spectacular hotels and resorts all bang in the middle of some of the best entertainment hotspots on the island. Phuket Town also offers some incredible places to stay.

For those not wanting not so much a beach holiday, then Phuket Town shows a different side to the island, rich in historical culture with great restaurants, Bistro's, coffee shops and bars aplenty, look no further for a completely different angle on holidaying in Phuket.

Place of interest including Rang Hill and Naka Night Market, down in Chalong take in the magnificent views of Big Buddha, Sarasin Bridge is another great sightseeing excursion to take in. 

Let us take you on a journey of just a few of the amazing places you can stay while in Phuket. With such a wide range to choose from, there is easily something for everyone. We can help you plan every hotel you need for your stay here on the island of paradise.

We can help with every trip you would like to take, our excellent multilingual guides are there for you and you can be assured of a great holiday on the beautiful island of Phuket.

Our website is very easy to navigate through, by just clicking on the highlighted link, will enable you find everything that is happening on the island, don’t miss a thing, let Easy Day take the stress out of your impending holiday.

Some hotels in:

Patong: A Patong Beach Hotel is the right choice if you like the full range of holiday entertainment. Patong Beach was the first tourist area on Phuket’s west coast.

·         The Nap - The Nap is a chic & stylish resort hotel just a few steps to Patong beach

·         The Allano  - If you are looking for a place to stay within the vibrant night-life

·         Eden Bungalow Resort -  is located in a tropical garden just 2 minutes from Patong

Plusmany many more in this exciting resort can be found here

 Kata Beach – Is for those that would like to have a more relaxed holiday

·         Kata Country House - The Kata Country House is set in landscaped tropical garden

·         Malissa Villa Suits - Malisa Villa Suites in Kata offers private relaxing surroundings

Plusmany many more in this exciting resort can be found here

Karon Beach - Karon is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket Island.

·         Andaman Seaview - This modern Karon Beach built in a Sino-Portuguese style.

·         Old Phuket  Karon Hotel - Beautiful Styled Hotel reminiscent of the old days 

There is just so much to choose form we have only listed a few to whet your appetite, please click the links to find your ideal hotel and other trips and activities available for your pleasure.

Chinese New Year 2014 Year of the Horse

Chinese New Year will bring celebrations all over the island next week, with cultural events,

festivals and concerts and parties in Phuket Town. In fact Phuket Town will become a hive of activity, and at the time of year, people come from all over Thailand to visit relatives and celebrate this New Year; which incidentally is the year of the Horse.

The most important event on any Chinese calendar is of course The New Year and this year being the year of the horse, will be no different here in Phuket, firecrackers fireworks being let off at all times of hours over the period will keep you informed of its arrival.

There is a large Chinese Thai community here on the island and none more so than Phuket Town. Inside the town there is a small China Town. And it is in this area where most of the celebrations will be taking place: there will see other events around and about on the Island, but not in the same capacity as in Phuket Town.

When you go down to Phuket Town, be sure to check out the old Sino Portuguese architecture and it is that area of Dibuk, Talang, Yoawarat and Ranong roads where there will be a lot of action. Small concerts, art displays shopping stalls food stalls, more fire crackers, bars, the works, it’s a full on, all singing, all dancing New Year festival and no one does it better than the Chinese.  

Most of the main roads will be shut to traffic. There will be lots of people, and it’s a real pleasure to walk around the town without all the traffic clogging up everywhere, it’s a great atmosphere, we go every year.

All the old Chinese houses will be decorated, in red decorations and beautiful colourful flowers, and offerings of fruit and sweets to Buddha.

All the shops and restaurants will also be festively decorated, giving a complete sense of joy at the year of the Horse. It is a wonderful experience this time of year. The parties go on well into the night with plenty of live music been played and several outside venues.

Accommodation is hard to come by this time of year and you really need to book in advance, otherwise a long door knocking around the town will may be required. There are literately hundreds of places to stay in Phuket Town; from world class hotels down to the small guesthouses and backpacker establishment.

The food on offer by the local street venders is not to be missed, you should definitely take the time to sample as much of the local and Chinese dishes as possible. There is more food on offer at this time of the year, than there is even at Song Kran, Thai New Year (most are too drunk to cook).

As you walk along any of the main roads, they will be bordered by a vast array of small market stalls, all selling their goods from souvenirs to food to paintings to antiques.

All the food on offer is completely delicious, and you will find dishes that you may have never tried before. I recommend that you give it all ago, count the calories when you go back home.

There will be a troupe of 50 acrobats headlining this year’s festivities. The Henan Troupe will entertain us with their own adaptations of old Chinese Fairy Tales, it will be magnificent.  The shows will be free and be shown near the Provincial Hall throughout the week.

It is tradition to wear red at this time of the year, it is believed that what you wear at New Year sets the tone for the rest of your year. So wearing nice bright red colours give you the appearance of happy, bright and ready for what lies ahead.

It is common for children to be offered small gold and red, envelopes in side will be a few small coins for good luck.

Get ready for midnight, as when those firecrackers start to kick in, you will think that the world has exploded. Such is the racket they make, all adding to a unique blend of cultures coming together to celebrate of the great festivals of world religions.

Come down to Phuket Town, you will have the time of your life. So much to do, so much to see, eat and drink, it does not get much more exciting than this.