Phuket Weather update from 23rd May till 5th June 2015

Finally it did rain, i know for those on holidays isn't a great news but believe me is a relieve from the heat and water reserves were very low.

Rain in Kathu

Despite rain we don't have wind and sea is almost flat making easy and possible to enjoy snorkeling at Racha Yai and snorkeling at Phi Phi Islands

View over Laem Singh Beach on 25 May 2015

Now time for rafting and tubing in Kapong and for beautiful tours in Khao Sok National Park.

Bring a t shirt to change a dry bag and light rain coat, that all need to enjoy holidays in Phuket during Summer

Always with my dry bag during summer

And here some more ideas on things to do in Phuket when it rains.

Like a nice evening tour in Old Phuket Town

Clock tower in Phuket Town

Or learn more about Thai Food and Phuket life with an home style cooking class

Home Style Thai Food

It is important to know that during Summer in Phuket it doesn't rain all day for few days and everywhere.

There are thunderstorms that locally can pour a lot of rain in a short time. So can rain at an hotel location and be sunny and fine all day at Phi Phi islands or other locations. As can be the opposite. in case of severe weather activities or tours are suspended but need first to get to the meeting points to have the correct picture about the weather situation. And some time take the "risk' of getting wet during the day.

Same is for the time could rain at Pick up time and then be good during the day or could be nice in the morning and then turn bad during the day

For these reason one of the tours we like to suggest during summer is the Phi Phi Premium that combines the comfortable transfers in premium class, where customers are always comfortable despite sea conditions, with fun speed boat ride to best sightseeing at Phi Phi Island

Premium Class salon

Or compare with weather in Phuket in June 2014

Sarasin Bridge - Phuket Island

What is commonly referred to as Sarasin Bridge is in fact three bridges over the Pak Prah Strait connecting Phuket Island to Mainland Thailand at Tha Noon in Phang Nga Province.

The original Bridge which was named the Sarasin Bridge (after a former Prime Minister) was built in 1967 replacing the old ferry which was once the only vehicle crossing to Phuket.

This bridge became famous in Thailand after the double suicide of “Dam and Gew” a Romeo and Juliet style story – him a lowly bus driver and her a student from a very wealthy local family. A Thai Film was made of this story called the Bridge of Love. More about the tragic story here.

Over the years the level of traffic crossing to and from the Island has increased massively, this lead to the construction of a second bridge (Thao Thepkrasattri Bridge) around the turn of the Millennium. This new bridge was used for all southbound traffic heading on to the Island while Sarasin Bridge then carried the Northbound traffic off the Island.

With the original bridge aging, traffic levels increasing and a call from the boating fraternity to allow passage through the strait a new bridge started construction in 2009 and was completed in 2011. This new bridge which lies in between the two older bridges has been named the Thao Srisoonthorn Bridge.

It is believed that the Thepkrasattri Bridge was named due to it being on Thepkrasattri Road, however naming the new bridge Srisoothorn links both bridges to Phuket's heritage as these were the Royal names bestowed on Than Puying Chan (wife of the then recently deceased governor of Phuket) and her sister Khun Muk – Phuket's “Heroines” - after they saved Phuket from Burmese invasion in 1785. A statue of these two women, known as the Heroines Monument stands in the centre of a traffic circle on the main highway south of Phuket airport.

With the opening of the Srisoonthorn bridge all the northbound traffic has been diverted to the new bridge and the old Sarasin bridge has been closed to traffic and renovated as a pedestrian promenade. As part of the renovations the central section has been raised (to allow boats to pass under) and a viewpoint tower has been added at either end of the raised section. Already this has become a very popular sunset viewpoint for both locals and tourists.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Koh Lanta ...

... Yet another beautiful island community not spoiled by over-development. 

Sunset "Pool View" in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta (เกาะลันตา) is an island off the coast of Southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea. Like many other destinations in Krabi Province, it is known for its diving and long white beaches. Koh Lanta consists of several islands, the two largest of which are Koh Lanta Noi (เกาะลันตาน้อย, "Small Lanta Island") and Koh Lanta Yai (เกาะลันตาใหญ่, "Big Lanta Island"). However, Koh Lanta Yai is where all the tourist action is so we will focus our attention there.

Koh Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the crowds and wild parties often associated with Patong in Phuket. It's popular with a significantly older crowd than nearby Phi Phi Island: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. However, there are ample bars and the long term residents are friendly and do know how to party! It is also popular with families with young children, and of course, with divers.

Only accessible by ferry...

Koh Lanta is a little less well-known than Phi Phi Island, which has become more commercialized and crowded, but it is hardly undiscovered: the several beaches on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows, although the farther down the island you venture, the less this is true. And even when the island is at it fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax AND the beaches are never full.

The main island is 6 km wide and over 30 km long, and is located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town. The island has 9 gorgeous white sandy beaches, more than 70 smaller islands and plenty with forests, coral reefs and under water life you can explore while diving or snorkeling. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills.

Snorkelling in Koh Rok

A paved road runs along the beaches from the northern part of the island almost all the way to the southern tip. The last 8 kilometers leading to the headquarters of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the south are quite hilly and aren't yet paved so can become quite tricky to negotiate if it rains. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with virgin rainforest. To the east features an old community that offers fascinating exploring

Koh Lanta is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The area however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Most of the folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.

Plenty of Beach for every one ... 

The unique lifestyle of the Chao-Le (sea-gypsy) in Koh Lanta is well-worth seeing, it is a life-style that has been almost completely unaffected by the booming tourism on the island.

Here is a quick reference list of things to see and do while in Koh Lanta:

• Lanta Old Town is a small village on Koh Lanta's East side. It's one of the region's most culturally diverse with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families and an ancient Sea Gypsy community. Many years ago, Koh Lanta's Old Town acted as the port and commercial center for the island and provided a safe harbor for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. Today, Old Town is the district capital; it has a post office, Buddhist temple, Chinese temple and the island's hospital as well as a long pier. It's a charming place to visit and boasts many good restaurants and interesting shopping like handmade Hammocks and an original Batik and Art Gallery. It's also a great jumping off point to other Islands like Koh Bubu and Koh Talenbeng.
  
• Ban Saladan, approximately 3 km from Klong Dao Beach, is the tourist center of Koh Lanta. Facilities include inexpensive and easy to find transport, diving trips, banking and shopping.
  
•  Khao Mai Kaew Caves - Getting away from the beach for the day, tourists can visit the stunning Khao Mai Kaew Caves which are located in the centre of the island, offering a wonder of rocks and caverns and housing spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the caves are just huge and one of them contains a pool. For getting around inside the caves you will need a guide, but one is cheap, around 200baht per person. You can also take an elephant-ride for arount 600baht per person. Take some good shoes, as the caves are slippery. The caves are located just off the lower of two cross-island roads, down a narrow 1.5 kilometer dirt path through the rubber plantations.
  
• Sea-Gypsy Village Known to the Thais as Chao-Le, sea gypsies have occupied the area for hundreds of years settling along the coast in stilt-built houses erected between the water level of high and low tide. They are unique in that they mix very little with the general population, speak their language and have their very own supernatural and traditional beliefs and rituals. And example of the latter is the Loy Ruea (floating boat) ceremony where the village men build a symbolic boat and place wooden statues of themselves in it along with nail pairings, hair and popped rice. By performing this ritual, they ask for forgiveness from the sea gods and for any wrongs that they may have done to the sea. It is believed that all evil is carried away in the symbolic boat.
  
• Orchid nursery farm is recommended to all those who like flowers. The farm is located at Long Beach (Pra Ae beach) and the entry fee is 30 Baht per person. It’s easily accessible by bike or motorbike.
  
• Koh Lanta Noi has no tourist facilities as such but is well worth a visit. Hire a motorbike and catch the ferry or long tail from Saladan Pier, there's a few circular roads, all well covered that will take you around the island to see the local way of life. There are a few local restaurants along the way so you can stop for some fried rice, pick up a map before you go from one of the tourist offices on Lanta Yai, and drive carefully!
  
• Kor Kwang beach, with its attractively curved shaped has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water.
  
• Klong Dao Beach, over the years, has developed into the most popular beach on the island with a spectacular 3km long beach of fine white sand and shallow clear water. Yet, because of its length, it is never really that busy. It is located just 2km from Saladan Pier. The beach has an abundance of accommodation ranging in cost from just a couple of hundred baht to a few thousand. It is more than ideal for those who like a quiet beach but prefer to have all the usual tourist facilities such as international food, music and bars etc.
  
•  Pra Ae (Long Beach) is situated on the north end of the island and is a stunning crescent of sand about 4km long. There is a lot of accommodation there but since it is spread out a lot, visitors get the feeling that place is peacefully quiet.
  
• Klong Khong beach, there is a klong (small river) running opposite the beach and an old coconut plantation. Towards the southern end is an area where the local fishermen tie  their boats to the shore. A rocky reef runs along the length of the shore making it difficult for swimming but great for admiring the sunset.
  
• Klong Nin beach is separated by a klong that runs down to the beach at the northern third of the beach dividing it in two. The beach is covered with coconut and pine trees and the back end is tropical rain forest. Like almost all beaches on Koh Lanta, Klong Nin offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and its sand is white and fine. The northern stretch is the best for swimming as it has far fewer rocky paths than the southern part of the beach.
  
• Kantiang Bay is a kilometer long beach on a gently curving shoreline. It is home to a limited number of hotels and resorts, leaving the pristine beach with an uncrowded feeling even during the busy holidays. There are excellent corals for snorkeling as well. Lying 18 kilometers south of Baan Saladan, Kantiang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was voted one of the "Top Ten Tropical Beaches in The World" by the Sunday Times of London.
  
• Koh Lanta National Park — there are two beaches in the National Park, such as Had Hin Ngam.

Koh Ngai (Hai Island)

There are no scuba diving sites on the island itself, all require a boat trip. However Lanta is the closest island to the famous Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Haa sites, so it is very popular with divers.

• Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Koh Lanta are perhaps the best dive sites in Thailand (frequently ranking in the world’s top ten) with more than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish species catalogued in a study underway, but thousands more organisms abound. Hin Daeng has the steepest and deepest reef in the whole of the country with fantastic marine life. Hin Muang next door is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. The sites also have one of the world's highest incidences of whale shark sightings. We recommend to dive there with our friends of MV Giamani.
  
•  Koh Haa - this is the best site in Thailand for mixed groups of snorkelers and divers. For divers only, it offers amazing swim-throughs. In recent years Koh Haa has seen a large increase in the number of fish present at the reefs, due to committed conservation policies.
  
• Koh Rok - some of Thailand’s finest snorkeling spots are located off Lanta’s coast. Koh Rok, 47 km south of Lanta, is considered by most to be the pick of the bunch, though other people say they rate Koh Haa’s snorkeling even more highly. Koh Rok actually consists of two islands, Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok, both graced with powdery white sand beaches and with an extensive bed of coral in between. This sheltered and shallow channel is an ideal habitat for reef fish, and the place swarms with innumerable shoals of them. Visibility is very good, and many interesting species of reef fish can be found in these waters. Many snorkelers are most amazed by the sheer numbers of fish here, which swirl and swarm around the swimmers.
  
• 4 Island Trip - Koh Mook's amazing Emerald Cave is the highlight of this trip. The cave is a window into a lagoon through which safety-vest-clad swimmers are towed by local guides. The swim into the lagoon is fully eighty meters in length and a real adventure.

Elephant Trekking rides can be arranged to take visitors to the top of the hill in Koh Lanta National Park.

The east side of Koh Lanta with its rich mangrove forests and caves is a great option for off-the-beaten-path kayaking. Kayaking can also be done on Ko Talabaeng, the limestone cliff near Koh Lanta.

Wanna-be fishers can catch the likes of marlin, sailfish, barracuda, red snapper and tuna. Three different kinds of fishing trip are offered by private long tail boat: half-day, full day and night fishing.

Besides diving, Thai cooking courses on Koh Lanta are where wanna-be Thai cuisine chefs can learn to cook up all their favorite dishes such as tom yum kung, sweet green curry and chicken with cashew nuts.

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favorite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.

As for Koh Lanta, reasonable priced and tasty seafood is obviously what most tourists long for when visiting a coastal province like Krabi. In this connection, the wing shell (หอยชักตีน) is Krabi’s famous cuisine. It is eaten with a spicy dip. In addition, stirred fried Spotted Babylon (หอยหวาน), which is found in mangrove forests, with chilies and basil is also famous and is common in Koh Lanta’s restaurants. Another great Krabi taste is, of course, seafood so as one would expect there are several restaurants with the 'catch of the day' displayed on ice outside. One can find all kinds of fish; juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, including giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters.

Koh Lanta has a wide variety of restaurants, the kind that most visitors travel to Thailand for: beach-front locations serving delicious and inexpensive Thai and seafood dishes. Eateries line the beaches in front of the bungalows and no visitor will starve from lack of variety or interesting places to dine.

There's not much in the way of party nightlife, which, for many, is part of the Koh Lanta appeal - Relaxed. But there is always something going on if you ask around — there are a few restaurant/bars at the harbor, beaches and most hotels. Since it is a small island free of crime and drunkards, the local law-enforcers are more lenient about allowing bars to stay open until what time they wish, and that is usually when the last customer goes home.

How to get to Koh Lanta

By plane

The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct roads and boat connections to Koh Lanta, and are the best options if you're only visiting Koh Lanta. Flying into Phuket is a better option if you're intending to spend time in Phuket and nearby islands, or, since Phuket has many more international flights, if you don't want to have to organize a domestic flight to Krabi or Trang from Bangkok. As an alternative to Bangkok, there are daily flights to Krabi directly to and from Singapore, as well as Kuala Lumpur.

Express transfer

The quickest service from Krabi Airport and Phuket Airport is by using the express transfer which is a combination of minivan and speedboat travel. If you arrive early you will not have to wait for the ferry and if you arrive late at these airports you can still arrive on Koh Lanta the same day.

From Krabi airport a 45 minute air conditioned minivan to the first car ferry port. You then go on board the speedboat which then takes you on a stunning boat ride across the water along the coastline of Koh Lanta. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes depending on weather and conditions. You will arrive directly in Saladan on Koh Lanta, where you are then transferred to your hotel by car. That means the total journey time should be 1.5 to 2 hours. This eliminates the waiting time at the car ferry and also if you are going from Koh Lanta to one of these airports allows you more time to enjoy your visit. The transfer costs are around THB 1950-2050 per person depending where you are going. In comparison, renting a private minivan only costs around THB 2500 in total, and there is not much gain in terms of duration with the speedboat, the private minivan will only take around 30 minutes more.

By car

Lanta ferry service  

Koh Lanta does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by car ferries. Take road 4206 off highway 4 about 20km south-east of Krabi airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there is a car ferry from Baan Hua Hin to Koh Lanta Noi. From the pier here, turn right and follow the "ferry" signs to the second car ferry to Koh Lanta Yai. Ferries operate 07:00-22:00.

There are plenty of car taxi and minivan taxi services from Krabi and the nearby airport. A seat in a ten person minivan from the airport to Koh Lanta will cost about 300 baht. These minivans usually don't have much room for luggage (although they can usually find room for one or two large suitcases together with backpacks for the rest of the passengers) so if you're not traveling light you might need to get a private taxi. This is what the dive masters do.

When travelling to/from Koh Lanta in the afternoon by road, allow 2–3 hours for the journey as the queues for the vehicle ferries can be lengthy. The passenger ferry which leaves Koh Lanta pier (high season) at 08:00 and arrives at Krabi pier at 10:00 is quicker.

By boat

Ferry services run from Krabi, Ao Nang and from Phuket via Ko Phi Phi to Koh Lanta Yai's Saladan pier. During high season, there are sometimes direct ferries as well. Ferry services are subject to weather and to demand: Many ferries have limited room for luggage. Often the ferries dock alongside each other, meaning that to get on and off passengers must clamber onto and across other boats with their luggage. However, boat staff often will be there to help you board your bags. All ferries can be booked online ahead on PhiPhiferry.com from all the destinations including Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang, Railay, and Phi Phi as well as hotel pickup service except for in Phi Phi where there are no roads.

Services from Krabi depart Krabi pier at 10:30 and 13:30, taking 2 hours to reach Koh Lanta (200 baht including free pickup from Krabi hotels). There's a transit bus from Krabi town center for 10 baht. Ferries depart from Ko Phi-Phi at 11:30 and 14:00, and take 1 hour.

Services from Phuket in a single day, you will need to leave Phuket on the 08:00 ferry to transfer to the 11:30 ferry. Tickets to Koh Lanta are 200 baht from Ko Phi-Phi and 450 baht from Phuket.

Once you arrive, if you have a booking at a hotel/resort, there should be a person at the ferry exit with a sign giving the name of the hotel you have booked.

From Koh Lanta to other islands. Private companies on Koh Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.

Koh Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 350 baht

Koh Lanta – Krabi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 300 baht (apparently, in high season, at least 400 baht)

Koh Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., 700 baht

Koh Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 700 baht

By passenger van

EasyDayThailand or all the travel agents in Krabi Town can arrange passenger vans to Koh Lanta. There is no regular, scheduled van service from Krabi Airport, although vans and taxis can be chartered to Koh Lanta for about 2,000 baht per vehicle (2500 Baht if you are going to the southern end of Koh Lanta). Taxis (usually vans) are also available at the airport at the same rate.

There is a mini van service that runs between Krabi and Koh Lanta, However it must be booked in advance through your hotel or someone local, the cost is 400 Baht per person. Book early as it fills up quickly. It will pickup, drop off at the Airport. You should factor in 3 to 4 hours to get from Koh Lanta to the airport, since the mini van will pickup and drop off other people along the way.

So you can see there are many options to get to Koh Lanta, and that each depends on catching a boat (either a speed boat or ferry) and it is sometimes best to pre-schedule these trip. Feel free to contact Easy Day Thailand to make all your arrangements, let us handle all the details so you don’t have to worry about them.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Bike Week 2014

Phuket Bike Week 2014, combines pure power and style with the gentle Thai culture; bringing together from all over South East Asia, some of the best motorbikes available today.

There are some machines here this week, if you are a motorbike lover, it’s the perfect atmosphere of mega machines, oil and beer, and of course some very interesting hair designs all down on Patong Beach.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the event being staged on Phuket, which might come as a surprise to some, each year since its inception it has become more and more popular with bikes coming from as far as the states.

The Bike Week will run for more than a week, attracting visitors to the island from all over Asia as well as the rest of the world. Every year the amount of visitors has grown and this year they expecting even more folk to flow onto the island.

Patong is well known for its night life restaurant and bars and nite-clubs. as well as for its great beach and world class shopping.

Part of the Phuket Bike Week, is the Rock Stars Life and Music artists of Thailand and will join the festival on the beach between the 8/10 of April. A 3 day event at the Loma Park Patong; will bring us some of the best music out today and from the past to.  

 

In addition to the concerts of famous artists in Thailand, we have a variety of shows to watch, such as acrobatic performances from Palazzo Phuket and performances from original Cowboys and Indians. Also there will be souvenirs on sale for bikers and non-bikers alike. Everyone is welcome, as Thailand embraces all travelers and anyone with a love of Motorbikes are especially welcome this week.

Of course, what would a Bike Week be without a Miss Phuket Bike Week Competition and this year is no exception. Every year as with any tradition Phuket Bike Week Beauty Competition will be fiercely fought out by girls from all over the country and beyond. The competition takes place at the Andaman Embrace on the 8^th April.

Also this week, there will be a competition of the strangest looking motorcycles in Thailand; this is always fascinating site to see. There will be many beautiful bikes on show this week, with bikes like Harley-Davidson custom bikes, Japanese Bikes, old Classic, like Norton and BSA, and of course Sports Bikes will be represented.

It’s not all about the bikes either, there will be a lot of charity work going on, with a mass planting of local trees planned all to help combat global warming. There will be a huge show from the Thai navy 3^rd fleet. There will also be bikes on show that are owned by Thai superstars like Carabao the rock star.

Rock concerts will be held throughout the week, as well as Thai folk music, there will masses of food stalls and beer tents. The whole week is one of the most exciting dates on the Phuket social scene do not miss out, it is truly a great spectacle

For a complete list of all the activities during Phuket Bike Week see the schedule below

The events as follows:-

Friday April 11, Patong:

1 pm: Motorbike show featuring some of Asia’s most beautiful and strangest bikes.

4 pm: Custom bike competition.

6 pm: Local culture show.

7 pm: Miss Phuket Bike Week Round 1.

8 pm: Official welcoming ceremony.

9 pm: Midnight: Rock concert and beach party.

Saturday April 12, Patong

1 pm: Motorbike show festival.

2 pm: Mass ride and tree planting to combat global climate change.

5 pm: Convoy around Patong.

6 pm: Show by Royal Thai Navy 3^rd Fleet.

7 pm: Official opening of Bike Week.

8 pm: Rock Concert.

10 pm: Miss Phuket Bike Week contest Round 2.

11 pm: midnight: Rock Concert and beach party.

Sunday April 13

1 pm: motorbike show including bikes of Thai superstars.

2 pm: Songkran on the beach party.

7 pm: Cowboy and Indian show.

8 pmt: Rock concert and beach party.

Monday April 14

1 pm: Motorbike and American car show.

7 pm: Tattoo competition.

8 pm: Midnight: Rock concert and beach party.

April 15-17 – No events planned so far.

Friday April 18 in Saphan Hin- Phuket Town

1 pm: Motorbike show and souvenir market.

2pm: Safe riding training.

6pm: Thai Folk Art Show.

8pmt: Rock concert and beach party.

Saturday April 19 at Saphan Hin

1 pm: Motorbike show and bike stunt show.

3 pm: Convoy around Phuket.

5 pm: Motorbike contest, final round.

7 pm: Thai Folk Art show.

9 pm: Fashion show and finals of Miss Phuket Bike Week 2014

10 pm: Rock concert featuring Carabao.

The Memory at On On Hotel Phuket town holidays package

On On Hotel in Phuket Town

The On On Hotel was Phuket's first hotel, opened in 1929.  It was featured in the 1999 film "The Beach".  During 2012 & 2013 the  Hotel was fully refurbished and reopened under the new name of The Memory at On On Hotel.

Originally designed as a place for international merchants and sailors to stay and conduct business this classic Sino-Portugese style building has been lovingly renovated to recapture it's original charm the Memory at On On Hotel takes you back to the 1920's

• Colonial style hotel in the centre of Phuket town ideal for a transit stop over
• Offers suites, rooms and dormitories to suit all budgets
• In the heart of the Old City
• Large communal lounge, Bakery and Coffee shop on site, close to many different styles of restaurant
• Free Wi-fi throughout the hotel





On On Memory Deluxe Room





The Memory at On On Hotel welcomes you with Colonial era charm and classic Thai hospitality. A different way to see Phuket and perfect for a transit stop over on your way to Phi Phi or the Islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

Enjoy your holidays at The Memory at On On Hotel Phuket starting from

2,500 Thai Baht per person
Three days, two nights

Inclusive of return airport transfers (Phuket Airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Superior room, tax and insurance.

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

How to get there -  Enter Phuket town on the main highway, Thep Krasattri Road, and continue along this until you enter the one way system. Once in the one way sytem continue straight on along the road until you reach the last junction in the one way system, here you turn right onto Ratsada road, continue straight on until you reach a traffic circle, here turn right and then then first right again onto Phang Nga road. Just ahead of you to your left is the hotel.
The Memory at On On Hotel
19 Phang-Nga Rd, Talad Yai, A Muang
Phuket 83000, Thailand
For more information about Phuket see our travel guide

If you have been at this hotel please leave your comment 

Ao Nang – the peaceful village in Krabi that people miss.

Phuket too full during high season to enjoy a relaxing vacation?  Heard others mention Krabi, but not sure what is there?  Well the answer may just be as close as Krabi province across the bay on the mainland.  The lovely, peaceful village of Ao Nang may be just the place you are looking for to spend some time away from the crowds.

Due to its central location along the Andaman Sea and to its fabulous geography and multiple sporting opportunities, Ao Nang is currently one of Thailand’s best all-round beach destinations. It is predominately a family and sports destination. It does lack a wild nightlife and young party travellers will find it boring, it does have a few relaxed bars and two nightclubs for the more mature adults to enjoy.

Many beach destinations get ruined by over-development and the resulting over-population results in excess of pollutants in the environment. But before reaching this situation there is an optimal state, where there are sufficient facilities, but a still ecologically-sustainable tourist population.  Ao Nang is now at this point and represents an ideal compromise between a pristine but boring destination and a fun but polluted one.

The southern half of the beach is not accessible by road, yet the town has a wide range of facilities, for example six Italian restaurants, which will keep most visitors happily occupied for a while.  Ao Nang is active but hasn’t lost that laid back, friendly small-town feel; it is developed but still retains its original beauty and charm.

Ao Nang has numerous spas, beauty shops and massage parlors to offer you a Thai full- body massage, lasting an hour and will cost around 250 Baht and, though you may feel that you have been pushed and pulled in improbable directions, you will feel rejuvenated afterwards.

It is one of Thailand’s most exciting soft and extreme adventure sports destinations. The town’s location on the eastern coast of Phang Nga bay puts it within easy reach of all the fishing, diving and kayaking sites in the bay.

Ao Nang has all standards of accommodation, from traditional wooden bungalows to luxury 5 star spa resorts.  Here are a few that we can help you book: 

• Phra Nang Inn is one of Ao Nang's first resorts (built in 1987) which is why it's in one of the best locations, right on the beach and close to the everything.  It's an old resort that has been renovated to modern standards but still has it's rustic charm. It is nestled under the limestone cliffs that Krabi is famous for.  The resort is separated from the beach by a small path so there is no road to cross to get to the beach. It's ideal for kids who also have their own pool in the resort (there are two pools).   Phra Nang Inn serves excellent seafood.    

• Ao Nang Sunset Hotel is located on Ao Nang beach, at the north end, just steps from the beach. It's the perfect base for whatever you want to do in Krabi. During the day enjoy the beach or a local tour and in the evening stroll along the promenade past the local restaurants and shops.  it is a small hotel of 3 star quality and offers good value for its location. Most hotels in this price range are not right on the beach.  Request a room on an upper floor and have a view across the Andaman Sea.  The hotel is spotlessly clean with all the facilities that you would expect.   Ao Nang Sunset is a very popular hotel with families.  Children under 12 stay free if sharing a bed with parents. Connecting rooms are available and the staff are friendly and attentive and on call 24 hours per day.

• Green View Village Resort is a beautiful tropical garden resort that offers seclusion without you feeling isolated. The resort is 15 minutes walk from Ao Nang beach (or 3 minutes drive in the free shuttle). The lush gardens create a relaxed atmosphere in harmony with nature and the dramatic limestone mountain views will refresh your senses.  The rooms are all individual bungalows and there are different budget options available. You can enjoy the exotic flora and fauna from your balcony or from the open air restaurant pavilion.The large free form pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with sun loungers and sun umbrellas. A great place to relax.

Ao Nang itself has two idyllic, unspoiled beaches, which are lapped by clear, warm water. Other, pristine beaches are located on a number of outlying islands which can be accessed cheaply and quickly from Ao Nang by local long-tail boats.

Thai food is abundance and is available 24 hours a day. So be sure to visit one of the traditional Thai restaurants and stop by the local market to sample the wide variety of food or experiment with one of the many street vendors, who are based on every street corner.  The smell and taste of the Thai dishes are enhanced by a variety of fresh, local ingredients; just don't forget to ask for non-spicy (mai pet) if you have a delicate, Western palette.   For those people who need a break from Thai food, a whole host of Western options are available in Ao Nang; these include traditional English food, Indian Food, Scandinavian food, steaks, pizza and pasta (there are 6 Italian restaurants).

Ao Nang offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including snorkeling, kayaking, island-hopping, climbing, diving, spa/massage/beauty, shopping, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, temple visits, fishing parks, elephant trekking, cooking classes, massage classes, market exploration and fishing.   Nopparat Thara beach is good for children and is only a few minutes away from Ao Nang.  In addition there are numerous offshore islands, some of which are not too busy, even in high season.  You can schedule a 4 island tour that leaves from the beach in Ao Nang.

Ao Nang to/from Phuket

The ferry service leaves at 3:30pm from Had Nopparat Thara pier and costs 650B, Children 3- 10years old at 500 Baht. Private taxis will take you to Phuket town for 3000B. Contact us to book.
To catch a public bus to Phuket you must first go to Krabi bus station. The public bus service leaves Krabi bus station hourly and takes 3 hours to reach Phuket. This trip costs 170B but the roads are very windy and it is a most unpleasant experience.

There is a much more enjoyable option available in the form of direct speedboat transfer to Bang Rong pier, which is 2/3 of the way up Phuket’s coast. From this pier taxis will take you into the town for 100B. The speedboat leaves at 11am and travels across Phang Nga bay, winding its way through the multitudinous karst islands that rear sheer from the sea. It is a beautiful trip which arrives at 12:15pm and costs 950B. Contact us to book.

From Phuket to Ao Nang, the ferry leaves Phuket town at 8:30am  and arrives in Ao Nang at 10:30am. The public bus leaves every hour to Krabi for 170B. See the above section entitled Ao Nang to/from Krabi for how to get from Krabi to Ao Nang. The speedboat leaves Bang Rong pier at 3pm returning to Ao Nang at 4:15pm. Contact us to book.


     Note: In the low season (May-November) only the over land option is available.

Lets recap the pro’s:

• Lots of beautiful natural settings and activities, both on the mainland and the offshore islands.
• Nice Hotels, perfect for families.
• No Traffic.
• Fair rates for transfers.
• Nice people
• Very relaxing

Now let’s review some of  the con’s:

• Offshore islands are National Parks and there is an entry fee.
• Very small area (walk side to side in 40 minutes).
• Shopping limited and expensive ( half the businesses closed during low season).
• Very tourist oriented place, not a sample of real Thai life.
• .Not a good place for pack backers or bargain hunters.

Phuket weather 30 May 2013

So far so good... the day started with only a thin line of clouds and keep going nice and sunny. However forecast say that in nest few days more storms and rain is coming, lets see and keep enjoying sun and mild wind.

Blue sky on 30 May 2013 - Karon Beach

Today went to visit the old Phuket hotel in Karon with is unique Sino Wing that looks like a replica of Phuket Town roads. Customers were enjoying sun sun bath at pool.

Sino wing pool

Bangkok Tourist Information

Bangkok Travel guide & Tourist Information

Sitting midway between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Bangkok is a major Asian travel and business hub as well as the capital and centre of political, spiritual and cultural focus for Thailand.

Featuring both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner Bangkok is a massive sensory assault, visitors are immediately confronted by the heat, the pollution and the irrepressible smile that accompanies many Thais.

Bangkok Is the only truly Asian Big City within South East Asia, the development of all the other major cities within the region was controlled by out side influences - colonialism. Thailand is the only country within South East Asia that was not under the yoke of the British, French, Spanish or Dutch, you can also include the two main Chinese cities in the region - Hong Kong (British) and Macau (Portuguese).  Because of this Bangkok has developed quite differently to to the other large cities, less homogeneous an more individual.

The Capital city of Thailand was moved to it's current location after the 1767 sacking of Ayutthaya, the then capital of Thailand. In 1782 King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phrya river to Bang Makawk (olive plum riverbank). Upon completion of the Royal Palace, temples and other buildings which made up the capital the city was given it's new name - ‘Krungthep mahanakhon amonratanakosin mahintara ayuthaya mahadilok popnopparat ratchathani burirom udomratchaniwet mahasathan amonpiman avatansathit sakkathattiya witsanukamprasit’ a rough translation of this is ‘Great City of Angels, the Repository of Divine Gems, the Great Land Unconquerable, the Grand and Prominent Realm, the Royal and Delightful Capital City full of Nine Noble Gems, the Highest Royal Dwelling and Grand Palace, the Divine Shelter and Living Place of Reincarnated Spirits’

Visting merchants continued to call the city  by the locations original name of Bang Makok which in time was abbreviated to Bangkok, Thai people generally refer to the city as Krung Thep (City of Angels)

How to Get There and Around

The most common way of getting to Bangkok is by air. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Suwanapoom) Airport is a major international transit hub which connects Asia and Australia with Europe and Arabia and has direct flight from all over Europe as well as Australia, China, Japan and Korea and the Indian sub-continent. Domestic flights from all over Thailand are split between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the former international airport Don Muang. Most of the country can be reached from Bangkok by air using budget airlines, the full service national carrier Thai also flys to most domestic destinations

If you are coming to Bangkok from within Thailand an alternative to air travel are the Bus and Train services. There are three Bus stations on the Outskirts of Bangkok, the northern Bus station (Mo Chit) serves the North -East (Isaan) and the North (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai), the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) serves Eastern Thailand (Pattaya, Koh Samet and the Cambodian border) and the New Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai) which links Bangkok with southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and the Malaysian border. Trains also provide a link between Bangkok and the rest of Thailand but the network is quite old and quite limited compared to the Bus network.

By far the easiest way to move around Bangkok is the public transit network consisting of the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Metro and the ART (Airport Rail Link) using these you can get around most of central Bangkok quickly and quite cheaply. Another useful an inexpensive way to get around is the Chao Phraya Express boat which travel up and down the river through Bangkok.

Taxis and tuk tuks which should be a convenient way to get to exactly where you want to go but due to the massive volume of traffic plying through Bangkok's streets it can often be slower than walking, if taking a taxi use a Taxi-Meter and insist he uses the meter, for short journeys a tuk tuk can be fun, but with the street level pollution, heat and noise the fun factor soon wears off. There is also a very comprehensive and confusing local bus service, unfortunately the bus stop have no more information than the numbers of the bus stopping there (no listed destination in thai or english). If you use this make sure you know exactly which colour and number bus you need (buses of the same number but a different colour can have different routes!)

When to Travel to Bangkok and the Climate

Bangkok is a year round destination but the best time to visit is November through to February when it is dry but thanks to the North-East monsoon has cool breezes which keep the temperatures more tolerable. March through to May is also dry but with little wind the temperature starts to rise. June to October is the monsoon season with the majority of rain coming in august and September which often leads to flooding in October, a good month to avoid unless you want to capture some different images of Thailand

Throughout the year the day time temperature is around or above 30 C with the night-time temperature never dropping lower than 21 C.

Where to stay

Bangkok is an ever expanding city and accordingly it has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets spread all over the city. Everything from five star hotels to backpacker hostels including guesthouses, B&Bs and apartments. Easy Day Thailands Bangkok Hotel Selection

Sukhumvit

This area is on the BTS skytrain line with easy access to the city. This exclusive district is popular with expats and Bangkok's upper classes and is filled with quality hotels, restaurants and night clubs. This area is also home to Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza two of Bangkok's more notorious night spots.

Sukhumvit is relatively close to Suvarnabhumi airport (40 minutes by taxi) aa well as a number of popular attractions such as the Erawan monument, Ancient city and the Crocodile farm.

China Town
At the heart of the historic city of Bangkok this area is a maze of old shop houses, narrow streets, markets and temples. Being the centre of the Chinese community this area also has a lot of gold shops.

During the Chinese New Year the area is filled with parades and dragon dances.

Being close to the river and many major temples this is a popular place to stay for people looking for something a bit different.

Silom
By day this is Bangkok's conservative financial and business district, but at night these two quiet streets transform into the massive and bustling Patpong night market surrounded by loads of theme bars offering a range of sex shows. This area has easy access to the BTS skytrain and the main railway station.

Pratunam

This is Bangkok's garment district with hundreds of fashion stores selling both wholesale and retail. As well as clothes this is a great place to buy electronics at the Panthip Plaza. The streets are lined with markets stalls and street food is everywhere.

Riverside

This area is about 1 hour from the international airport but gives easy access to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Po temples. Hotels on the west bank have shuttle boats to take you across the river. This area is also very convenient for tours to Katchanaburi and the River Kwai.

Siam Square

This more modern part of Bangkok is a shopping heaven with many glitzy shopping malls such as Central World, Gaysorn Plaza and the MBK shopping mall. With the skytain intersection here this is the nearest thing Bangkok has to a city centre.

Khao San Road

Just on the northern edge of of “Old Bangkok” Khao San road is Thailand original backpacker hub with a plethora of budget hotels hostels and guesthouses. Khao San road and the neighbouring Banglamphu markets provide everything a backpacker is looking for. Being close to the Chao Phrya river it's quite convenient for most of Bangkoks tourist attractions. There's no skytrain here but plenty of tuk tuks and taxis.

Things to Do and Sightseeing

Being an old, yet at the same time a modern city there is a huge number of things to do and see here.

With a huge number of massive shopping malls, markets and street stalls selling almost anything Bangkok is a shoppers paradise.

Wat Po in Bangkok is the home of Thai Massage, this is very popular with the locals as well as tourists so there are many inexpensive massage shops in every shopping centre and on many streets.

As for sightseeing there is so much to see here that one visit will never be enough, a great way to start would be a river cruise which is an expensive way of seeing many of the more famous attractions of Bangkok. Bangkok is full of Thailands cultural heritage, with the royal palace and a huge number of buddhist temples. But if you head a short way out of Bangkok there is even more. Within the distance of a day trip is the bridge over the river Kwai and the Tiger temple as well as the floating market in Samut Songkram. Alittle closer on the outskirts of Bangkok are the Ancient City (Muang Boran), the Erawan Museum and the Bangkok Crocdile farm – all well worth a visit.

Bangkok Pro and Cons

To have an Easy Holiday we believe it is important to say what we think is good and what we think is not so good about Bangkok. So this is what we think you should know.

Not So Good -  The massive number of vehicles on the road in Bangkok, either passing through,  bringing goods and people into or out of the city or circulating around the city's road network means that there is often heavy congestion and long waits in traffic.
All these vehicles as well as industry in Bangkok has led, as in many big cities, to fairly high pollution levels and a permanent smog cloud over the city.
Because of it's location in the tropics Bangkok is always going to be a hot place but with it's mass of concrete buildings and it's smog blanket Bangkok can become stiflingly hot and humid.  Due to this most shopping and eating areas are air-conditioned leading to the vicious circle of energy use - energy production - pollution

Prices - Being both economically and physically the centre of Thailand everything comes through Bangkok, this means that the prices here are as low or lower than any of the other tourist destinations in the country.  Bangkok has everything, if you're on a tight budget you can find low cost accommodation and plenty of good cheap food, if you want to live the life of luxury Bangkok can provide this too - at a price.

Shopping - Bangkok has over 150 shopping malls, including two of the 50 largest in the world, add to this the hundreds of weekly and daily markets and street stalls then this city is truly a shoppers paradise. The shopping malls carry everything from clothes and sporting goods to electronics and jewellery with many thing in between that you didn't realise you wanted, until now!  Some of the malls and markets specialise in electronics or clothes but many have a truly eclectic mix of shops and stalls, and the food outlets are often strategically placed to entice the unwary shopper.

Good - With the addition of the BTS Skytrain and the Airport Rail Link to the already excellent metro Bangkok's public transport system has removed the need for road travel.  Add to the train systems the very useful river ferry network and if you really need to the mindbogglingly complex but very efficient bus service everywhere in the City is in easy reach at quite low prices.
Not only is Bangkok the political and commercial capital of Thailand it is also the major repository of the Nations history and culture.  there is so much to see here that even after two or three visits you would still would not have seen all that Bangkok has to offer.