- 21st to 24th October 2013
- 18th to 20th October 2013
- 14th to 17th October 2013
- 11th to 13th October 2013
- 9th and 10th October 2013
- 7th and 8th October 2013
- 4th to 6th October 2013
- 1st to 3rd October 2013
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Weather in Phuket Thailand in October 2013
Renting a Motorbike in Phuket
Interested in renting
a motorbike here on Phuket? Well is it the most common way locals and tourists alike
travel around the island. It is very easy to rent motorbikes here, although
different rental shops have differing ideas of what they want from you, with
regards to security for their precious bikes.
Some shops seem to
think it is OK for them to use your passport as security, now this may seem
like a good idea to them, but it is illegal. As stated in most passports, they
are not own by the person pictured in the passport, but they are owned by the
government of the country that the person comes from. They are a legal document
and can be recalled at any time.
I strongly recommend
that you do not leave you passport with anyone for any reason, leave a copy of
it by all means, but if you relinquish your passport, then all sorts of problems
can find you.
You can find motorbikes
of all shapes and sizes for rent and on almost every street in Phuket. From
little twist and go’s to the massive Super bikes and Harley Davidson's, the
choice is yours, as long as you have a license, well almost.
Most shops do not
usually ask you if you have a license, but the police certainly will if they
stop you. And they will stop you, they tend to set up road blocks around the
island to catch those that are not riding correctly, those who do not wear a
helmet or have not paid their tax and insurance.
If everything is in
order, then you will be on your way in no time, however, if there is a problem,
then they can fine you, invariably they do fine you. And you will be whisked
away to the nearest police station to pay the fine, while they hold your keys
for you until you return with your receipt. It’s all well organized so be ready,
come with your license and wear your helmet.
The cost of motorbike
rentals can vary tremendously, depending on what bike you have rented and what
kind of bike you prefer. Normal automatic 100cc bikes can be rented for as
little as 150 baht a day and you can also get great deals for the week and
monthly deals are in place too.
You can rent bigger
bikes too, regardless of what it says on your driving license, the theory being
you pay for what you break. The bigger superbikes vary again from 500 baht a
day well up to 2000 or 3000 thousand baht a day for the old classic bikes.
I would not be doing my job here, if I said
that renting such big machines here on Phuket without adequate experience is a
good idea; the roads can be a dangerous place and in particular somewhere where
you do not know the roads too well. What with the many sharp turns and high cliffs
and small paths, be careful.
If an accident does occur,
then the rider / renter will be held responsible for the bike and will have to
pay to have it fixed or by a new one, it’s that simple.
If the bikes needs a
new tyre or gets a puncture, then it is easily fixed, there are small bike
shops all over the island and they can fix a puncture in minutes and all for a
small fee. If the bike is suffering mechanical problems and they are it is not
your fault, simply take the bike back and the owner will either offer you
another bike or get the one fixed, at no cost to you
.
With regards to
gasoline, there are garages everywhere, there are the usual Shell, Caltex and
Esso garages splattered about, and these are the cheapest and best places to
fuel up, guarantying the best fuel at the best price.
There are also small
shacks about offering fuel at marked up prices they are usually brightly coloured
with a fifty gallon drum by the side of the road and they literally pump the
fuel into your bike at a markup of about twice the price.
You will also see
small shops selling bottles of gasoline, usually in old whisky bottles these again
are greatly marked up and I do not recommend you fill your bike up at one of
these little filling stations, they are to be used in an emergency only, put
enough in to get you to the next legitimate filling station.
So to clarify when
renting a motorbike here in Phuket:
- Take it easy on the
road
- Do not drink and
drive (the hospitals are full of people who drive too fast and drink)
- Wear your helmet
- Do not leave your
passport with the bike shop (photo copy will suffice, if not, go somewhere
else)
- Always carry a little
spare cash in case the police wish to have a chat with you.
- Make sure you have
enough fuel for the trip
- People tend to drive
on both sides of the road here and exit junctions without looking, be aware of
this
Biking can be fun in
Thailand, but, please be careful, enjoy your experience here and look after
yourself!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Sunset Dinner Cruise
 |
| MV Sai Mai Sunset Dinner Cruise |
Sai Mai is the perfect vessel to enjoy a romantic sunset meal with your loved ones. She has the facilities that you would expect from a quality vessel such as her. Every thing is taken care for you, and all you have to do is take it easy and let our experienced crew take care of you.
Our captain will gently glide you around the many small islands of the southern area of Phuket, all you have to do is sip Ice-Cold Cocktails from out extensive bar and simply take in the breathtaking views.
Our Chef will conjure up the magic in the kitchen. Every dish we served is freshly prepared that day and cooked fresh on the boat that evening. The sunset cruise is one of the most popular trips that we do and you will see why, once you have witnessed the spectacular Andaman Sea Sunset.
After we have picked you up from your hotel, we will drive the short distance to MV Sai Mai, where you will indulge in all the tropical delights that this trip can bestow. You do not really need to bring much with you, as we supply everything, but, I would recommend a camera. Looking forward to seeing you real soon
- Up 10 guests on board our dinner cruises
- Cruise around the southern Islands of Phuket
- Thai Set menu Dinner – Genuine Thai food
(with daily changing menu) - All Inclusive
- Available every day
- Masseuse on board for a relaxing massage during sunset (extra charge)
On-board Menu
Our Menu for the sunset cruises changes daily please see below for your favourite Thai dishes all prepared by our expert chef freshly for you on-board MV Sai Mai.Monday:-
- Thai Chicken Green Curry
- Fried Shrimp with a Tamarind Sauce
- Tom Kha Gai (chicken and coconut milk soup)
- Deep Fried Shrimp Cakes
- Steamed Snapper in Lemon
- Freshly Fried Rice with Chicken, Pork or Shrimp
- Thai Desert with Jack Fruit
- Fresh Fruits
Tuesday:-
 |
| Sunset Dinner Cruise |
- Local Curried Chicken and Beef
- Chicken and Cashew Nuts
- Fresh Snapper with Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Lightly Battered Squid
- Tom Yam Gung (Prawns)
- Steamed Rice
- Sticky Rice with Mango
- Fruits Freshly Prepared
Wednesday:-
- Freshly Prepared Fish cooked gently in Thai Curry Sauce
- Palo ( Thai Soup Dish)
- Deep Fried Snapper with Sweet Sauce
- Stir Fried Shrimp in Vegetables
- Chicken Cooked with Chilli and Pepper
- Baked Rice with Sausage
- Thai Dumplings in Coconut Milk
- Local Fresh Fruits
Thursday:-
- Yellow Curry with Beef/Pork or Chicken
- Fried Chicken in Ginger
- Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables
- Seafood Salad
- Lightly Battered Mushrooms
- Fried Rice with Crab Meat
- Thai Dessert
- Seasonal Fruits
Friday:-
- Special Indian Chicken Curry
- Praka Pow Chicken (fried chicken with fresh basil)
- Pork Spare Ribs with Garlic and Pepper
- Stir Fried Prawns with Crushed Black Pepper
- Freshly Prepared Fish with Mango Salad
- Thai Dessert freshly prepared
- Local Thai Fruits
Saturday:-
- Massaman Chicken Curry
- Freshly Cooked Seafood on a bed of Noodles
- Chicken Wings
- Curried Snapper
- Mince Pork and Vegetable Soup (Local Favourite)
- Baked Rice with Seafood
- Fresh Mango and Coconut Cream with Sticky Rice
- Fresh Fruits
Sunday:-
 |
| Sai Mai |
- Massaman Chicken Curry
- Fried Fresh Snapper
- Tom Yam Seafood (spicy soup)
- Lightly Battered Large Prawns
- Spicy Chicken Salad
- Baked Rice served inside a Pineapple
- Thai Jelly Desert served with Coconut Milk and Custard
- Fresh Seasonal Fruits
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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.
This year marks the 20th 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 8th 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 3rd 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 3rd 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. Monday, February 3, 2014
MV Sai Mai (Six Knots)
MV Sai Mai, oh how I dream of days cruising
the crystal clear waters of Phuket. When life could be so easy, take me to a
place where no one knows me and I can escape the reality of it all, if only for
a little while.
With the advent of the Mobile phone
and media sites, do we ever seem to get any peace or any quiet, we all need
downtime, we all need to simply switch off; people can get in contact with us
24/7. The world we live in moves at such a fast pace these days, that we sometimes
just do not know whether we are coming, going or if we have already been.
Now hold on! Let’s just slow it all
down for a minute, just take a moment and take a deep breath. Maybe on a cold
dark winter’s day on the way to work, your mind wonders off to a faraway place,
where time almost stands still.
If you have ever dreamed of exotic
islands in the sun, where the skies are always blue, the waters always warm and
clear and where beaches of gorgeous white sands are almost left untouched. Then
do we have a treat for you!
The MV Sai Mai‘s sole mission, is to
bring peace and tranquillity into people’s lives. It travels the waters of the
Andaman in search of the places that you have only ever held in your dreams,
moving at a pace that can only ever bring tranquillity into your life.
Sai Mai or Six Knots as she is known affectionately,
we call her Six Knots because that is the speed she travels, gently ploughing the
locals seas in and around Phuket is the perfect vessel for such days or
relaxing.
She is perfectly fitted out to accommodate
a small group of family and friends, accommodating up to 8 guests all in her luxurious
air-con, en-suite cabins or if a day trip is required, then she can easily
manage up to 12 guests.
Sai Mai is available throughout the
year, visiting all the islands around Phuket, such as Phi Phi Islands, Koh
Lanta, Taurutao, Phang Nga bay, Krabi, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, Similans, Surin
Islands even trips up to Burma are possible, in fact she will go almost anywhere,
such is the versatility and flexibility of her schedule.
She has three spacious cabins on board,
which are all en-suite with running hot and cold water and showers, all cabins
have individual controlled Air Conditioning units to. The cabins have TV and
DVD players, the large suite cabins on the port and starboard sides both have a
double bed and single bed inside, while the double cabin at the front of the
boat has bunks beds accommodating two.
The food on Sai Mai is second to none;
the cook is an expert chef and is always ready to offer cooking lessons to
those interested in Thai cuisine. We
know that there are many people with different dietary needs. If there is
anything you need or like or for that matter do not like, let us know and we
will make sure you dine like royalty.
Sai Mai was built in the mid-nineties
to a very high spec and has be maintained in similar fashion using only the
finest Asian hardwoods. When she first started cruising these waters she was
exclusively a dive boat, taking divers all the way to Burma and the Mergui Archipelago.
Back then she won several awards for being the finest dive vessel in the
Andaman Sea, the awards came from the International Diving Association.
The way Sai Mai works is like this,
you tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go, whether
you want to go only to the best beaches in the area, chilling out on the sands
and having barbecues for the week, or you want to dabble into the underwater
world of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling or even a mixture of the three e can
arrange it for you.
All of our staff are highly qualified and
very experienced scuba diving instructors, all of whom have worked in the area
for years and know every island and dive site. We offer a full range of
differing schedules or you can even build your own, we go where you want to go,
not the other way around.
If you are interested in Scuba diving,
we can supply all the necessary equipment and if you would like to complete a
dive course on board, this is also possible. This season alone we have seen
Several Whale Sharks and about twenty Manta Rays.
The marine life in this area will
simply take your breath away, what with the large predators like Barracudas, Trevallies,
and Tunas and Mackerel’s hunting, all the way down the food chain to the exotic
Seahorses and Pipefishes, to the happy go lucky Hawksbill Sea Turtles, it is
all there come and explore and see for yourself.
The Captain and crew of Sai Mai
await you, your family and friends to join them on one of the most beautiful and
relaxed boats around Phuket. Six knots will take you wherever you want go, come
and join us and see for yourself just what life is really like on the seas
around here.
There is so much to explore and
see and do.
No need to get stressed, leave the phone at home and come cruise
around the beautiful islands of Thailand and all at only at six knots. See you
soon.
We also have another boat we
called twenty five knots, now this is a totally different experience come and
see what we mean
Written By Jason Butler
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Phuket Weather Update 28 Jan/03 Feb 2014
Phuket Weather Update
28 Jan/03 Feb 2014
Here is the latest
weather report for those keeping a check on your next holiday destination.
The Weather just keeps
getting better and this time of year is still very steady and quite mild for
Thailand, the cooler winds blowing down from the North seem to be slowing and
the temperature is rising slightly. Being February and as the rest northern
hemisphere is still suffering the winter blues Phuket is basking in its more
favorable time of the year.
There is still a
little confusion with the problems in Bangkok. But this is no reason not to
come to Phuket as there are many flights each day from European airports direct
to Phuket. Even So flying to Phuket via Phuket is very straight forward.
Come and enjoy as Phuket
benefits from these cooler winds, although we are in February now Phuket basks
in glorious sunshine, it is the humidity that has been switched off. The
weather this time of year does not change too much, but it is pretty much near
perfect.
It is this weather in
the winter months that attracts mass migration from European shores to the
wonderful tranquil beaches of Phuket.
It’s also perfect
weather for one of our Snorkeling trips.
Here below is the last
week’s weather:-
Monday January 27th: Max Temp 31 - min Temp 21 degrees with slight
breeze wind 15km an hour. Some cloud cover; it’s a great day for the beach and
swimming.
Tuesday 28th
January: Max Temp 31 – Min
temp 21 degrees again slight breeze of 18km, broken cloud still not a shower of
rain in sight.
Wednesday 29th
January: Max Temp 30 degrees
and at night hit a low of 20 degrees at night the wind is up to 18 km an hour
hardly blowing the trees.
The dates for Chalong
Temple Fair have been announced: Coming Shortly..
Thursday 30th
January: Max Temp 30 degrees
down to a very pleasant 22 degrees. The cloud cover was minimal with very
gentle breezes. The beaches are booming and the fishing is excellent this time
of year.
Friday 31st
January Max Temp 32 degrees,
down to an overnight of low 23, hardly chilly, just refreshing; We have been
looking into two were to take the children for the weekend maybe a beach or two
is on order
Saturday 01
February: Max Temp 32 degrees
today with a night time low of 20 degrees. Another hot day with minimum humidity,
perfect weather beach today on Ya Nui, a tiny little beach sandwiched in
between Nai Harn and Rawai beaches near Promthep Cape
Sunday 2nd February: Max Temp 31 degrees down to a night time low
of 23 degrees another great day out today at the Tin Mining Museum. Let’s see
what the next week conjures up on the weather front
As Chinese New Year
has now started in Phuket, it has gotten a little busier than normal and
accommodation is a little hard to come best to book in advance other than just
turning up. A lot of the action over this festival is located in Phuket Town.
COMING SOON!!!
Wat Chalong Fair is probably the biggest of all temple fairs on the island. It was first started in 1933 by local farmers who lived near and around Wat Chalong.
Also
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