Here is a subject you won’t often here much about or see many blogs on, health care in the Phuket area. I know it is not a great subject and sort of a downer if you are anxiously planning your dream vacation to paradise, but let’s face it, sh*t happens sometimes and it is helpful to know a little in advance of needing these services. I am by far no expert on the various services here in Phuket, although through experience I have had a chance to sample several of the hospitals and dentist.
Let’s start with the easy one, dentist; there are lots of them spotted around Patong and Phuket Town as well as all the other areas of the island. Of the ones I have used, they are all quite competent and seem to specialize in pain free dentistry, a high priority on my list. Some, perhaps over half specialize in teeth whiting services and of the people I have talked to that have utilized these services were quite pleased. The good thing is the prices are very reasonable, as example, I had one tooth pulled for less than 1,000 baht and several filled for under 800 baht each, don’t try doing this in the US. So if you are here and have any kind of tooth discomfort or pain, I would not hesitate going to one of the local dentist. As a side note, most speak very good English, which is most helpful when explaining your particular problem.
For small ailments or cuts and scrapes, a visit to the local pharmacy may be all that is required. Most of the pharmacies I have stopped in have staff that speaks at least a bit of English and some are excellent English speakers. Here in Phuket you can get many medicines and drugs that you can not get elsewhere without a prescription. The pharmacists I have spoken with are usually very knowledgeable about simple remedies for minor ailments or minor cuts and bruises. And as with the dentist, the cost of medicines at your local pharmacy is very reason, to the point of perhaps being considered cheap. Don’t worry about finding a pharmacy when you need it (except in the very early morning hours, they do have to sleep), there are countless pharmacies all over the island and most are open from 9am until 9 or 10pm. Some do stay open later, but that is usually in the Patong night life district around Bangla Road (hey some men need a little help after a successful evening on Bangla Road).
Heaven forbid you should have something major happen concerning a medical condition, there are several world class hospitals located here on Phuket. I have personally had experience with four of these hospitals and will not comment on those that I have not visited. As a bit of history and to put my comments in some context, I have lived in Phuket for the past four years and have experienced two major heart attaches as well as other minor aches and pains, including two minor and one not so minor motor bike accidents. I have also spoken to friends that have had other medical conditions as well as motorbike accidents and been to the local hospitals.
By far the best hospital as far as services offered and comfort is the Bangkok – Phuket Hospital and is rated as one of the top hospitals in the world. This is where I went with each of my heart attaches and am still here to write this blog. OK, maybe I am being a bit sarcastic but with the one in 2009, I actually did died some 15 times, the heart stopping completely, but was able to survive thanks to the doctors and care at Bangkok Hospital. I say this not to down grade International Hospital, located up the road from Bangkok-Phuket Hospital on the bypass, but as an illustration. When I first present with my symptoms at International Hospital, they though it was a stomach problem and attempted to treat me for only that. Since I had already had 3 previous heart attaches, I knew it was more than just a stomach problem. But the doctor there tried to insist on doing an Endoscopy (where they shove a tube down you throat), which I refused. He kept insisting saying he needed to see what was in my stomach, to which I replied, ”Wait a minute and I will show you!” since I was throwing up so much. They did keep me over night to be on the safe side and charged me about 30,000 baht, not inexpensive. Next after my heart attach the following evening, I eventually ended up at Bangkok-Phuket Hospital where they went all out to save me, immediately implanting a temporary pacemaker. After many tests and diagnostic procedures and some wrangling about costs we went ahead and did an angioplasty and a permanent pacemaker implant.
Cost was an important factor for me since I do not have health insurance, so luckily Bangkok-Phuket Hospital’s doctors’ worked with me to keep the costs within my budget. Now I do not want you to think that Bangkok-Phuket Hospital is inexpensive and is by far the most expensive one of those I have experience with. And the added expense does show when you first walk in the door there, it is by every standard a modern, clean, well run hospital, right down to the comfortable waiting areas and central air-conditioning.
About a year after my heart problems, I experienced a liver and kidney infection, which Bangkok-Phuket Hospital cured immediately. And I continued to go there for my quarterly heart checkups. So this past January when I again felt the symptoms of a heart attach, rushed back there for treatment. This time the situation was a bit worse and I needed a triple bypass, which should have cost 500,000 baht all in. But again lacking insurance and being way beyond my brother’s ability to cover, I had to tell the doctors no. They were quite upset, mentioning that without it I would die, but facts are facts and I could not afford it, so I figured it must be my time to go. But the leader surgeon intervened and went to the administrator and got him to waive the fee (nice!). So I had the operation, not really any fun and seemed to be recovering OK, so they released me, but not before demanding I pay the remainder of the 500,000 baht. I mentioned that the surgeon had gotten the fee waived, which he confirmed, so they let me out paying only for the room and associated services, about 35,000 baht.
The recovery process at home did not go well and I returned to Bangkok-Phuket Hospital to be re-admitted, but was refused, saying I still owed the balance of a couple hundred thousand baht. After some discussions, this didn’t go well partially because of language and partially because I was in no condition to argue; I took an ambulance to the government run Vachira Hospital down the road about 3-5 kilometers. To say the least Vachira Hospital is different in appearance than Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, no shiny reception lobby, no comfortable seating anywhere to be found, generally not as modern a hospital. Plus it is crowded; being the government run hospital it is much less expensive and for the Thai’s in some cases offers free medical help. But given these differences does not affect the level of care provided by the staff, although the number and level of English speakers in limited. After several hours of being shuffled about in various halls within the hospital, I was placed in a ward with 15 other people in various states of health. I was in Vachira Hospital for about a month and a half and the last 2 weeks actually had a very nice private room with air conditioning, private bath and a couch where my girlfriend could sleep.
This is a very important point in Thai hospitals, having your significant other stay with you is essential. I discovered this on my first visit to the hospital, but it became abundantly clear while recuperating in Vachira that without Oi (my Thai wife) I would not have survived. Unfortunately the Thai hospitals appear to be under staffed in nurses and nursing assistants. But in the long run I recovered completely while at Vachira due to the fine care of the doctors and nurses and thank in no small part to Oi and the best part of the experience was the cost, only 32,000 baht for a month and half of round the clock care and medicines. This included the charge for the private room for two weeks. If you were to compare this to the cost of Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, the cost would have been at least 3 or 4 times as much.
The fourth hospital I have had experience with is the Patong Hospital, which is conveniently located in the heart of Patong. It is also a government run Hospital and is similar to Vachira Hospital although not nearly as large or extensive. I have never stayed in Patong Hospital over night but do go on a weekly basis to treat and dress the remaining surgical scars on my ankles from the triple bypass. These wounds are very deep and taking a long time to heal, obviously since it has now been almost 5 months since the surgery. Again like the other hospitals I have received excellent care from the staff.
OK to recap, the hospitals on Phuket are very good and if cost is no object, I would recommend Bangkok-Phuket Hospital in terms of services provided and efficiency. To be honest the biggest drawback to Vachira and Patong Hospital are the wait times, because they are government run and inexpensive, they are crowded causing long waits to see doctors. If you have an emergency, it is no problem because they will take you in through the emergency room. But for minor problems or illnesses there is definitely a much longer wait at the government run hospitals, but the up side to waiting is the lower costs.
I feel that I should also mention that because it is a commercial hospital, Bangkok-Phuket Hospital does offer elective type surgeries that I am sure are excellent and less expensive than other parts of the world. Of course in my experience I have found that the cost of the services offered at all of the hospitals in Phuket are far less expensive than any other part of the world.
Please if you are planning a vacation in Phuket, do your homework and get the necessary vaccination and bring any prescription medicines. It would be a good idea to have a brief discussion with your doctor about you trip and any precautions you might need to take. IF you are already here, don’t worry, the medical establishment can take care of whatever ails you and probably for a lot less than at home.
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Dining in Nai Harn - Banana Corner
Situated on the corner of Soi Yuan in Nai Harn, as it turns left to go down to the beach, is the restaurant “Banana Corner”.Surrounded by Banana trees, it is predominantly a picturesque garden restaurant with patio furniture and bamboo pagodas that offer some privacy along with the trees and bushes creating little sectioned off areas. It does also have some tables sheltered under a
roof if preferred. The garden has water features to make for tranquil surroundings. It also has its own car park.
The food offered is both Thai and Western and aimed at the holiday maker. From sashimi to burgers to green curry, it is good quality food in a nice atmosphere at reasonable prices.
They also have high chairs for kids. Just ask if you need one.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Phuket Visa Run
Luca, a friend and colleague of us just went up to Ranong to do his Visa Run from Phuket.
Below a brief description of his trip to Myanmar.
RANONG (Myanmar Casino) VISA RUN UPDATE 2011- by Luca Baberi
"Just to update this Visa run as of this week.
We went in a private car (Vios) and left Kamala Beach at 5.50am arriving comfortably at the Andaman Club pier at 9.42 am and checked through to the 10.00 am ferry.
On arrival at the Myanmar side they had a second ferry to come back.
The Casino hostess had a wheelchair ready for me and asked if I wanted to go straight back.
Answering “Yes” she had someone escort me to the return ferry and scurried off up the pier with my passport and 1000 baht. She returned in a few minutes with a passport stamped in and out of Myanmar and 150 baht change (which I tipped her).
It's 850 baht for return ferry and Visa fee.
I doubt if you could do this without her queue-jumping ability – maybe if you were 1st off and hurried. The ferry is 20 minutes each way and 10 minutes each end loading .
They start at 0830 then hourly from 1000 (excepting 1300 lunchtime) until 1700.
DIRECTIONS UPDATE: 04/01/2011
Head north through Ranong on the dual carriageway HWY 4 through a set of traffic lights.
IGNORE any signs for Thai Immigration.
Firstly on the LHS is a Toyota dealership, then Honda (LHS) and Chevrolet (LHS).
50m further there is an Andaman Club sign and turn Left 160 degrees, doubling back around the barricade to take the 90 degree left turn.
You can no longer take a direct 90 degree Left turn here.
Head down the 90 degree road to a T intersection and turn right.
Keep going straight ahead . Looking for the Multipurpose pier, on Hwy 4044 through a 4 way crossing, (sign in Bronze lettering Andaman Club - keep looking for these) in rural areas, past a fishmeal factory on the Left and two cemeteries on the Right.
Turn Right at the Andaman Club sign and Left at the next Club sign (in Thai!) to the carpark and to the departure lounge.
You need to clear Thai Immigration (make sure you have filled out your Departure card which was stamped on your previous entry and pinned to your passport).
Take an Arrival card and fill out for your return journey.
Then go to the counter near the door where you get your ferry ticket and 3 photocopies of your passport (you pay on arrival in Myanmar – 850 baht.)
Proceed up the pier to the ferry. (VIPs get a golf cart ride! 555)
On disembarkation at the Myanmar side proceed up the jetty to Myanmar Immigration and pay at the next counter your 850 baht (60 baht I think for Thais – no visa required, just ID).
They will return your passport when you leave.
Buses will then take you to the casino and back for the next available ferry to Thailand (on the half-hour). There is a restaurant and some duty free there.
On arrival make sure you go through Thai Immigration again ( or you will be on illegal overstay) where you will get 15 days (or 90 days for One year multiple-entry Visa holders) permission to stay."
Need help with your Phuket Visa? Read more...
Below a brief description of his trip to Myanmar.
RANONG (Myanmar Casino) VISA RUN UPDATE 2011- by Luca Baberi
"Just to update this Visa run as of this week.
We went in a private car (Vios) and left Kamala Beach at 5.50am arriving comfortably at the Andaman Club pier at 9.42 am and checked through to the 10.00 am ferry.
On arrival at the Myanmar side they had a second ferry to come back.
The Casino hostess had a wheelchair ready for me and asked if I wanted to go straight back.
Answering “Yes” she had someone escort me to the return ferry and scurried off up the pier with my passport and 1000 baht. She returned in a few minutes with a passport stamped in and out of Myanmar and 150 baht change (which I tipped her).
It's 850 baht for return ferry and Visa fee.
I doubt if you could do this without her queue-jumping ability – maybe if you were 1st off and hurried. The ferry is 20 minutes each way and 10 minutes each end loading .
They start at 0830 then hourly from 1000 (excepting 1300 lunchtime) until 1700.
DIRECTIONS UPDATE: 04/01/2011
Head north through Ranong on the dual carriageway HWY 4 through a set of traffic lights.
IGNORE any signs for Thai Immigration.
Firstly on the LHS is a Toyota dealership, then Honda (LHS) and Chevrolet (LHS).
50m further there is an Andaman Club sign and turn Left 160 degrees, doubling back around the barricade to take the 90 degree left turn.
You can no longer take a direct 90 degree Left turn here.
Head down the 90 degree road to a T intersection and turn right.
Keep going straight ahead . Looking for the Multipurpose pier, on Hwy 4044 through a 4 way crossing, (sign in Bronze lettering Andaman Club - keep looking for these) in rural areas, past a fishmeal factory on the Left and two cemeteries on the Right.
Turn Right at the Andaman Club sign and Left at the next Club sign (in Thai!) to the carpark and to the departure lounge.
You need to clear Thai Immigration (make sure you have filled out your Departure card which was stamped on your previous entry and pinned to your passport).
Take an Arrival card and fill out for your return journey.
Then go to the counter near the door where you get your ferry ticket and 3 photocopies of your passport (you pay on arrival in Myanmar – 850 baht.)
Proceed up the pier to the ferry. (VIPs get a golf cart ride! 555)
On disembarkation at the Myanmar side proceed up the jetty to Myanmar Immigration and pay at the next counter your 850 baht (60 baht I think for Thais – no visa required, just ID).
They will return your passport when you leave.
Buses will then take you to the casino and back for the next available ferry to Thailand (on the half-hour). There is a restaurant and some duty free there.
On arrival make sure you go through Thai Immigration again ( or you will be on illegal overstay) where you will get 15 days (or 90 days for One year multiple-entry Visa holders) permission to stay."
Need help with your Phuket Visa? Read more...
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rawai Beach - Fancy some Fish?
Where to eat fish and seafood in Rawai Beach, Phuket written by James Bagely
Fancy some Fish?
From Chalong Circle (roundabout), take the 5m dual carriageway south. At the end of this road it turns hard right. If you don’t take this bend, you will find yourself driving down Rawai pier. A clear sign that you have gone wrong somewhere.
100 meters after the right turn the now single lane road opens up onto Rawai Beach. No sun-loungers or umbrellas in sight. At high tied the sea rises all the way up to the sea wall, on the other side of that is a wide footpath lined with a sort of pine tree that runs the whole kilometer length of the beach road. In the water or lying on the sand you will find scores of speedboats and traditional Thai longtail fishing boats. This is a more traditional Thai Fishermans beach, which is why you are here.
At the North end you will find “Nakita’s” bar and restaurant. A popular, western owned and influenced, establishment with Thai lanterns hanging in trees and a view of the sea and the pier at Rawai that remains virtually unused by boats but is popular with pedestrians in the evenings. The pier, simply lit with occasional street lights, makes for a far more attractive picture than the multi-coloured neon lighting that runs along Chalong pier. If you are not hungry you can sit and just have a beer or cocktail, but they also offer a mixture of Thai and Western dishes. If you are missing your traditional English fish, chips and mushy peas, then it is definitely worth a visit. The staff all speak English and it is priced at the tourist. It has some parking.
At the other end of the Beach road is a more Thai style restaurant which, again, overlooks Rawai Beach and Pier. Baan Rawai Sea Food. A more basic ambience, but the sea food makes up for it. You can choose your prawns, fish or crab etc. directly from the tank. Certainly cheaper than its Northerly counterpart, more traditionally Thai and arguably better seafood. It also has its own car park.
My choice, however, is to find somewhere to park along the beach road and find a free table and chairs (Or mat and cushions if you really want Thai style). From there order from one of the many little Thai seafood restaurants that run for about half the length of the beach. The waitresses dance with the traffic to take your orders and serve you some of the most fantastic fish brought in on the longtails that day (or even while you watch sometimes). You still have the sea view and you are on the pavement to take a stroll when you have finished. It is certainly more basic than either of the restaurants, bring your own wine if you want it, but I my opinion the food is better. The locals eat here so it has to be good.
Some options to try:
Just click here for more about Dining out in Phuket ...
Fancy some Fish?
From Chalong Circle (roundabout), take the 5m dual carriageway south. At the end of this road it turns hard right. If you don’t take this bend, you will find yourself driving down Rawai pier. A clear sign that you have gone wrong somewhere.
100 meters after the right turn the now single lane road opens up onto Rawai Beach. No sun-loungers or umbrellas in sight. At high tied the sea rises all the way up to the sea wall, on the other side of that is a wide footpath lined with a sort of pine tree that runs the whole kilometer length of the beach road. In the water or lying on the sand you will find scores of speedboats and traditional Thai longtail fishing boats. This is a more traditional Thai Fishermans beach, which is why you are here.
At the North end you will find “Nakita’s” bar and restaurant. A popular, western owned and influenced, establishment with Thai lanterns hanging in trees and a view of the sea and the pier at Rawai that remains virtually unused by boats but is popular with pedestrians in the evenings. The pier, simply lit with occasional street lights, makes for a far more attractive picture than the multi-coloured neon lighting that runs along Chalong pier. If you are not hungry you can sit and just have a beer or cocktail, but they also offer a mixture of Thai and Western dishes. If you are missing your traditional English fish, chips and mushy peas, then it is definitely worth a visit. The staff all speak English and it is priced at the tourist. It has some parking.
At the other end of the Beach road is a more Thai style restaurant which, again, overlooks Rawai Beach and Pier. Baan Rawai Sea Food. A more basic ambience, but the sea food makes up for it. You can choose your prawns, fish or crab etc. directly from the tank. Certainly cheaper than its Northerly counterpart, more traditionally Thai and arguably better seafood. It also has its own car park.
My choice, however, is to find somewhere to park along the beach road and find a free table and chairs (Or mat and cushions if you really want Thai style). From there order from one of the many little Thai seafood restaurants that run for about half the length of the beach. The waitresses dance with the traffic to take your orders and serve you some of the most fantastic fish brought in on the longtails that day (or even while you watch sometimes). You still have the sea view and you are on the pavement to take a stroll when you have finished. It is certainly more basic than either of the restaurants, bring your own wine if you want it, but I my opinion the food is better. The locals eat here so it has to be good.
Some options to try:
- Tempura (battered) squid : It’s always good but if it is really fresh it’s amazing.
- King Prawns in Tamarind Sauce : Prepare to get sticky.
- Yam Pladook Fu : Flaked catfish fried until crispy then served on a papaya salad with a strong lemon sauce. It usually comes spicey so let the waitress know if don’t want the chillys.
- Fish of the day : either fried, barbequed or, in my opinion, best steamed and with a sauce or flavouring of your option.
Just click here for more about Dining out in Phuket ...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Comments & Reviews - Alexandra
Hello
Im writing to you guys because we used you guys in October and loved loved your service !!!!!!! You definitely made our trip amazing !!! and your staff what can I say they were lovely !!!!!
I want to go back to Thailand in April Next year with agroup of about 10 of us! And we were wanting to find a Villa or a house or something you could recommend for all of us to stay in, with a private pool kitchen etc. Something in Patong, we are all in our 20’s and going there to celebrate My Birthday.
We would also like to book all tours/transfers everything else we could possibly need through you guys & would love if you guys could help !!!!! Please !!!
Thankyou, Hope to hear from you soon !!!!
________________________
Alexandra Sanchez
Client Services
eStrategy Group Pty Ltd
Im writing to you guys because we used you guys in October and loved loved your service !!!!!!! You definitely made our trip amazing !!! and your staff what can I say they were lovely !!!!!
I want to go back to Thailand in April Next year with agroup of about 10 of us! And we were wanting to find a Villa or a house or something you could recommend for all of us to stay in, with a private pool kitchen etc. Something in Patong, we are all in our 20’s and going there to celebrate My Birthday.
We would also like to book all tours/transfers everything else we could possibly need through you guys & would love if you guys could help !!!!! Please !!!
Thankyou, Hope to hear from you soon !!!!
________________________
Alexandra Sanchez
Client Services
eStrategy Group Pty Ltd
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Comments & Reviews - Weng We
Comment from a customer that enjoyed our Half Day Phuket Island Private Tours
Dear Francesco,
Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate fantastic customer service! I really did enjoy our trip but a shame it was so short!
I really do appreciate the offer. The lunch was 1300 Baht but the food was lovely! We left Phuket yesterday morning as it was our mini honeymoon and we have to get back to Amsterdam tonight.
However, thank you so much for your hospitality, fantastic service and fitting us in in such short notice! I will be leaving positive comment on your Facebook wall!
Kindest regards,
Weng Yee
Dear Francesco,
Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate fantastic customer service! I really did enjoy our trip but a shame it was so short!
I really do appreciate the offer. The lunch was 1300 Baht but the food was lovely! We left Phuket yesterday morning as it was our mini honeymoon and we have to get back to Amsterdam tonight.
However, thank you so much for your hospitality, fantastic service and fitting us in in such short notice! I will be leaving positive comment on your Facebook wall!
Kindest regards,
Weng Yee
Comments & Reviews - Pampa
Comment from a customer that enjoyed our Half Day Phuket Island Private Tours
Dear Diego,
Sorry, I am little late to communicate. Coming back home, had been occupied with Meghna's Holiday work and other immediate works.
We r fine here. Hope all of u r fine there too. It was a great trip which we loved and enjoyed more than 100%. Thailand indeed a beautiful place but we thank u whole heartedly for such good arrangements.
I have started working with the pics. As soon as it'll be done, I'll send u the link.
U must be very busy now as pick season is coming. Have great business always. Our best wishes for your success.
Bye.
--
Pampa
Shakuntala Park, Kolkata
Dear Diego,
Sorry, I am little late to communicate. Coming back home, had been occupied with Meghna's Holiday work and other immediate works.
We r fine here. Hope all of u r fine there too. It was a great trip which we loved and enjoyed more than 100%. Thailand indeed a beautiful place but we thank u whole heartedly for such good arrangements.
I have started working with the pics. As soon as it'll be done, I'll send u the link.
U must be very busy now as pick season is coming. Have great business always. Our best wishes for your success.
Bye.
--
Pampa
Shakuntala Park, Kolkata
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Phuket Vegetarian Fastival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coal and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".
The History
Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the governor of Thalang district, Praya Jerm, moved the islands principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners.
Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (which called Ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners.
When the whole opera company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared.
This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically.
Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.
It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.
The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.
Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking.
The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kro) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).
Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck.
Ma Song fall into two categories:
Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.
Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.
10 Rules for the Vegetarian Festival
It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coal and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".
The History
Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the governor of Thalang district, Praya Jerm, moved the islands principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners.
Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (which called Ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners.
When the whole opera company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared.
This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically.
Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.
It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.
The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.
Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking.
The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kro) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).
Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck.
Ma Song fall into two categories:
- Those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives
- People specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.
Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.
Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.
10 Rules for the Vegetarian Festival
- Cleanliness of bodies during the festival
- Clean kitchen utensils and to use them separately from other who do not join the festival
- Wear white during the festival
- Behave physically and mentally
- No meat eating
- No sex
- No alcoholic drinks
- People at mourning period should not attend the festival
- Pregnant ladies should not watch any ritual
- Ladies with period should not attend the ritual
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Golf in Phuket
For golfers from around the world, Phuket is probably the nicest place of all for hitting a golf ball.
Thailand has plenty of good golf courses, however only in Phuket is it possible to enjoy first class golf, plus hotels in all categories, beautiful beaches and coral reefs, in case you like to diving too and last but not least, excellent food and a varied nightlife.
Many people visit Phuket to enjoy the sun, sand and beach and in addition, golfers find excellent golf courses. The number of courses on the island is growing and they are well maintained and constantly upgraded with facilities to cater all your needs. And most important – you will always find a smile.
Caddies, who are all women, are obligatory on Phuket Island’s golf courses. They add a sense of fun to every round of golf. A birdie, and your caddy will smile - miss a putt and your caddie will mourn. They know the courses and have good knowledge of the game. The golf is good everywhere.
These are all reasons that I started myself 2 years ago. Now I spend as much time on a course as possible.
Phuket Golf courses:
Thailand has plenty of good golf courses, however only in Phuket is it possible to enjoy first class golf, plus hotels in all categories, beautiful beaches and coral reefs, in case you like to diving too and last but not least, excellent food and a varied nightlife.
Many people visit Phuket to enjoy the sun, sand and beach and in addition, golfers find excellent golf courses. The number of courses on the island is growing and they are well maintained and constantly upgraded with facilities to cater all your needs. And most important – you will always find a smile.
Caddies, who are all women, are obligatory on Phuket Island’s golf courses. They add a sense of fun to every round of golf. A birdie, and your caddy will smile - miss a putt and your caddie will mourn. They know the courses and have good knowledge of the game. The golf is good everywhere.
These are all reasons that I started myself 2 years ago. Now I spend as much time on a course as possible.
Phuket Golf courses:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Diving Phuket
Phuket Island offers good dive sites and plenty of none diving activities and you also find a wide range of excellent hotels in Phuket. The reefs around Phuket are mainly healthy and suitable for all kind of experience levels. Underwater you find colorful soft corals, hard corals and an abundance of marine life.
Phuket Island is also a popular departure point for Liveaboard trips to Similan Islands and Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar (former Burma).
The most popular Phuket diving sites around are Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Shark Point, Koh Doc Mai, King Cruiser Wreck and Phi Phi Island.
Phuket Diving Season
You can visit all Phuket dive sites all year round. The best conditions you find from November through April. From May to October the south-west monsoon winds bring surface swells, which make the boat trips to Phukets dive sites sometimes a bit choppy. May, September and October also brings normally a lot of rain.
Follow the link for more Information about Phuket
Info about available diving day trips and dive packages you find here: Phuket Scuba Diving
Phuket Island is also a popular departure point for Liveaboard trips to Similan Islands and Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar (former Burma).The most popular Phuket diving sites around are Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Shark Point, Koh Doc Mai, King Cruiser Wreck and Phi Phi Island.
Phuket Diving Season
You can visit all Phuket dive sites all year round. The best conditions you find from November through April. From May to October the south-west monsoon winds bring surface swells, which make the boat trips to Phukets dive sites sometimes a bit choppy. May, September and October also brings normally a lot of rain.
Follow the link for more Information about Phuket
Info about available diving day trips and dive packages you find here: Phuket Scuba Diving
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Phuket Island
Tourist Information for Phuket Island
Phuket also called Pearl of the South is Thailand's largest island, is 21 kilometers wide and 48 long.
To drive from the north tip of Phuket to the south takes about 1½ hour, depending on traffic.
The island located in the Andaman Sea just a short flight from Bangkok (approx 70min). Phuket is Thailand's most popular beach destination and has everything that you want while on holiday: plenty of beautiful beaches, excellent resort hotels, international and Thai cuisine, a lot of temples, water sports, coral reefs and Sunshine — So all you need for an Easy Day in Thailand.
Getting there
Located in the south of Thailand, on the Andaman Sea coast, Phuket International Airport has direct flights to/from Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Flights from Bangkok with Air Asia, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or One-Two Go are daily, almost hourly, and take just over one hour.
Phuket International Airport
Flight Status you can check at Phuket Airport Website.
From the airport you are in less than 60 minutes at most of Phukets main tourist beach resort destinations, like Patong Beach, Karon Beach or Kata Beach.
Alternative to flying in is the Bus with daily bus services that run between Bangkok and Phuket.
Where should I Stay?
Probably the best why to find a hotel in Phuket or else where in Thailand that matches your requirements is an Online Hotel Reservation Service as our hotel affiliate Agoda.com. They have a huge range of accommodation.
Like a personal service and prefer a recommendation? Check out Easy Day Hotel recommendations.
How to get to your Phuket Hotel
Most convenient way from or to Phuket Aiprot is a private Phuket Airport Transfer by Easy Day Thailand.
Transfer alternatives - The Phuket Airport Bus, airport limousines and meter taxis.
Beaches on Phuket
Kata & Karon Beaches
Only a ten minute drive from Patong Beach lays Karon Beach. Karon Beach is a beautiful; 4 kilometer white sandy beach which is rarely crowded. Karon is a good choice for a peaceful style of vacation, with fine resorts near the beach with excellent sea views on the hills overlooking the bay.
May to October has a strong undertow so need to be careful when you like to swim, so look out for warning flags. The waves at this time of year on Karon Beach can become big enough for surfing.
Located south of Karon you find Kata Beach and Kata Noi, which are both quiet beaches with clear waters and a wide choice of recreational activities.
Koh Puu, the small island off the north end of Kata Beach has a nice coral reef that is worth a few scuba dives.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach, located 15 kilometers west of Phuket Town, was once a remote island village which is today Phuket's most famous beach and one of the most developed beach resort areas on the island.
The beach of Patong is and almost 3 kilometers long, with white sand, set in a deep oval bay, surrounded by green hills.
The beach promenade is almost a solidly lined of hotels, ranging from guesthouses to luxury resorts together with restaurants, shops, super markets, banks and lots of tour operators.
Patong is the centre of nightlife activity on Phuket. The heart of it is Soi Bangla where you'll find restaurants, beer bars, discos, go-go bars and plenty of tailor shops.
Other beaches of note are Kamala, Surin, Laem Sing and Layan Beach to the north of Patong, and Naiharn and Ya Nui further to the south.
Weather
Phuket Islands climate is tropical and warm throughout the year. The northeast monsoon from November into March is the best time for a beach holiday with average 26 sunny days per month. This time is the High Season for the Island. December and January is Peak Season, when accommodation can be hard to findso book well in advanced.
There are two hot periods, April and May & September and October but the frequent short downpour have a wonderful cooling effect.
The southwest monsoon, from May to October, brings rain and winds to the west coast of southern Thailand. That not means that it’s not worth coming as only the month May and October having a lot of rain. June to early September is nearly as good as in high season.
Recreational activities
Phuket Island offers nearly everything for everyone.
What you shouldn’t miss:
Sea Canoeing through hidden caves in Phang Nga Bay.
Snorkel or scuba diving Phuket to explore some of the best coral reefs on the Andaman Sea's.
Golf - Sailing - big game fishing - river rafting – trekking – mountain biking...
Phuket has something for everyone to do. Don’t miss it.
Phuket also called Pearl of the South is Thailand's largest island, is 21 kilometers wide and 48 long.
To drive from the north tip of Phuket to the south takes about 1½ hour, depending on traffic.
The island located in the Andaman Sea just a short flight from Bangkok (approx 70min). Phuket is Thailand's most popular beach destination and has everything that you want while on holiday: plenty of beautiful beaches, excellent resort hotels, international and Thai cuisine, a lot of temples, water sports, coral reefs and Sunshine — So all you need for an Easy Day in Thailand.
Getting there
Located in the south of Thailand, on the Andaman Sea coast, Phuket International Airport has direct flights to/from Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Flights from Bangkok with Air Asia, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or One-Two Go are daily, almost hourly, and take just over one hour.
Phuket International Airport
Flight Status you can check at Phuket Airport Website.
From the airport you are in less than 60 minutes at most of Phukets main tourist beach resort destinations, like Patong Beach, Karon Beach or Kata Beach.
Alternative to flying in is the Bus with daily bus services that run between Bangkok and Phuket.
Where should I Stay?
Like a personal service and prefer a recommendation? Check out Easy Day Hotel recommendations.
How to get to your Phuket Hotel
Most convenient way from or to Phuket Aiprot is a private Phuket Airport Transfer by Easy Day Thailand.
Transfer alternatives - The Phuket Airport Bus, airport limousines and meter taxis.
Beaches on Phuket
Kata & Karon Beaches
Only a ten minute drive from Patong Beach lays Karon Beach. Karon Beach is a beautiful; 4 kilometer white sandy beach which is rarely crowded. Karon is a good choice for a peaceful style of vacation, with fine resorts near the beach with excellent sea views on the hills overlooking the bay.
May to October has a strong undertow so need to be careful when you like to swim, so look out for warning flags. The waves at this time of year on Karon Beach can become big enough for surfing.
Located south of Karon you find Kata Beach and Kata Noi, which are both quiet beaches with clear waters and a wide choice of recreational activities.
Koh Puu, the small island off the north end of Kata Beach has a nice coral reef that is worth a few scuba dives.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach, located 15 kilometers west of Phuket Town, was once a remote island village which is today Phuket's most famous beach and one of the most developed beach resort areas on the island.
The beach of Patong is and almost 3 kilometers long, with white sand, set in a deep oval bay, surrounded by green hills.
The beach promenade is almost a solidly lined of hotels, ranging from guesthouses to luxury resorts together with restaurants, shops, super markets, banks and lots of tour operators.
Patong is the centre of nightlife activity on Phuket. The heart of it is Soi Bangla where you'll find restaurants, beer bars, discos, go-go bars and plenty of tailor shops.
Other beaches of note are Kamala, Surin, Laem Sing and Layan Beach to the north of Patong, and Naiharn and Ya Nui further to the south.
Weather
Phuket Islands climate is tropical and warm throughout the year. The northeast monsoon from November into March is the best time for a beach holiday with average 26 sunny days per month. This time is the High Season for the Island. December and January is Peak Season, when accommodation can be hard to findso book well in advanced.
Up To Date Phuket Weather Reports by Easy day Thailand
There are two hot periods, April and May & September and October but the frequent short downpour have a wonderful cooling effect.
The southwest monsoon, from May to October, brings rain and winds to the west coast of southern Thailand. That not means that it’s not worth coming as only the month May and October having a lot of rain. June to early September is nearly as good as in high season.
Recreational activities
Phuket Island offers nearly everything for everyone.
What you shouldn’t miss:
Sea Canoeing through hidden caves in Phang Nga Bay.
Snorkel or scuba diving Phuket to explore some of the best coral reefs on the Andaman Sea's.
Golf - Sailing - big game fishing - river rafting – trekking – mountain biking...
Phuket has something for everyone to do. Don’t miss it.
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