Adelphi Suite Hotel Editor’s Review & Visit

Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Travel Articles

Editor’s Review

The Adelphi Suites Hotel offers accommodation similar to serviced apartments, and has not been open long, but seems to have had a stronger than expected response from tourists and business people. What impresses guests most about the hotel is not just its prime location in the central business district, or the short 3 minute walk to Nana BTS station, but more importantly, its new, modern, spotless rooms offering a wide range of facilities, some
of which cannot be found in other hotels, such as broadband internet access and microwaves.

Accommodation

Guests traveling in family groups will not be disappointed by the size of the rooms,
and the room rates are not expensive, as the standard of the rooms seems higher than the cost. Guests say that
it’s essential to make reservations a month in advance during the high season.

Services

Guests also remarked on the hotel’s good quality service, saying that the hotel staff offers a fast, friendly service.

Hotel Facilities

The hotel offers a high level of facilities, and guests are always satisfied, whether it be with the fitness centre, appealing new facilities or the Internet service in the lobby area. The only exceptions are the swimming pool, which is quite small, and the insufficient number of sunbeds, although those with experience staying in downtown hotels would understand the hotel’s spatial limitations.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
  • Located in the central business district, 3 minute walk to Nana BTS station.
    		•
  • The swimming pool is quite small.
    		•
  • New, modern and clean rooms.
    		•
  • Limited choice on breakfast.
    		•
  • More space in the rooms.
    		•
  • Free broad band internet in the rooms.
    		•
  • Fast and friendly service.
    		•

    More information on Adelphi Suite Hotel

    Editor’s Visit

    The surrounding area

    This was the first time that the editor team had had the opportunity to explore the other
    side of Sukhumvit. There seemed to be fewer tourists on this side, and various renowned luxury
    hotels, such as the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, Landmark , JW Mariott and many others,
    stood out noticeably. Although the hotel that we were about to visit was not five-star,
    based on the comments of guests, it could probably be classified as high-end.

    Sukhumvit Soi 8.

    Sukhumvit Soi 8

    We entered Soi 8, the location of the Adelphi Suites Hotel. At the beginning of the road
    were various shops, mostly restaurants, and we had to walk on the road to avoid the street
    vendors on the footpaths. The hotel was very easy to get to. The hotel entrance is just
    a few steps into the road off Sukhumvit, and only 3 minutes walk from Nana BTS station.

    The Hotel Building

    From the outside, the hotel is a brand new 17 storey modern hotel with a futuristic design,
    which no doubt leads many to guess correctly that it has only recently been opened. In fact,
    it was just opened at the end of 2007.

    The hotel lobby

    When we walk into the hotel, the first thing that we must admire is the design of the lobby area. Although it isn’t very large, it’s well arranged and comfortable, not too restricted. The modern interior décor, whether in terms of the front reception area, the guest sofas, the fresh aroma, the soft lighting in tone with the glazed tiling, or the soft soothing music in harmony with the atmosphere, all add much to the hotel’s charm. However, what we were especially interested in was the accommodation. After speaking to the hotel staff, we learned that most of the hotel guests were European or Japanese, and consisted of both tourists and business people.

    The front reception area.
    Front reception.
    Internet access in the lobby area.

    Accommodation

    The hotel offers 93 rooms, classified into three different types: Studio, 1 Bedroom Deluxe and 1 Bedroom Executive, situated on the 5th to 17th floors. The selling points of the hotel are its spacious rooms and facilities, similar to those of serviced apartments, which include kitchenware, microwaves, TVs, DVD players, refrigerators, irons, personal safes, sofas, broadband Internet access and many more.

    The Studio Room

    We will start with the most inexpensive type of room, the Studio, available with a King-size single bed or a European-standard twin bed. This 36sq.m room should be sufficient for guests traveling alone or as a couple, and as previously pointed out, offers a wide range of facilities. There is also free broadband internet access in each room.

    Studio Room
    Studio Room

    The Studio is designed to appear long, so it can easily be divided into its various sections: the living area, kitchenette and office corner.

    View from the Studio room window.
    Living area in the Studio room.

    The Studio bathroom has an attractive, stylish design and is quite large. It includes a shower cubicle and a chic, stylish hand-basin and tap, but unfortunately there is no bath.

    Studio Bathroom.
    Shower cubicle in the Studio.

    The Deluxe & Executive rooms

    Now, let’s visit the 1 Bedroom Deluxe and 1 Bedroom Executive rooms. The additional features in these rooms are the
    washing machine, personal living area, and extra space. These two types of room have a similar range of amenities, and only differ in respect of the size of the living area in the 1 Bedroom Executive, which is more spacious. This, of course, is reflected in the higher room rate.

    1 Bedroom Deluxe
    1 Bedroom Deluxe
    Living area in the 1 Bedroom Deluxe
    Living area in the 1 Bedroom Executive
    Kitchenette in the 1 Bedroom Executive.

    All types of accommodation offer King-size beds, and both bedrooms and living areas are equipped with LCD TVs and free broadband Internet access. These two types of room are very good value for families and long–stay guests.

    1 Bedroom Executive Bathroom.
    Shower Cubicle & Bathtub in the 1 Bedroom Executive.

    And now to the bathroom, which is decorated in the same style as the Studio bathroom, but is larger and more spacious, divided into shower cubicle and bathtub areas.

    Another attraction that we would like to mention is the attractive city view, as the hotel is not surrounded by tall buildings (except the rooms on the right hand side of the hotel), so there is a clear view of the city.

    View from the 1 Bedroom Executive

    We could not help thinking whether this was the reason that, whatever part of the building we were in, there were transparent glass windows providing a city view. The hotel staff told us that one of the design concepts was to use light to illuminate the colour scheme inside the building,
    thereby also helping to reduce global warming.

    The hotel facilities

    The hotel facilities, in our opinion, are not its strong point, as the hotel is not very large and there are limitations on space. At the front of the hotel, half of the 16th floor is designated to the swimming pool, and the other half is used as a fitness centre, situated at the back.

    The swimming pool
    The fitness centre

    Guests are no doubt satisfied with the fitness centre, as it is sufficiently spacious and offers a wide range of new exercise equipment. Furthermore, the 16thfloor provides a great view of the city, especially on the swimming pool side.

    the Rojo Restaurant

    We would like to end by commenting on the Rojo Restaurant, which is used for the buffet breakfast, and serves Latin-American style cuisine after breakfast. The restaurant’s opening hours are 6.00am to 10.30pm.

    The Rojo restaurant

    The Adelphi Suites Hotel tour has come to an end, and we sincerely
    hope it will be beneficial for travellers looking for a place to stay. Most importantly,
    we would like to thank the Adelphi Suites Hotel and hotel staff for allowing us the opportunity
    to visit, assisting our tour, and providing much helpful information for travellers. If we has
    printed any erroneous information, we apologize in advance.

    More information on Adelphi Suite Hotel

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    Bel-aire Princess Hotel Editor’s Review & Visit

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Travel Articles, Where to Stay in Phuket

    Editor’s Review

    Why is the Bel Aire so popular among its guests? In addition to the hotel’s modern
    appearance, there are many other important reasons why guests flock here.

    Location

    The hotel is
    surrounded by shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife venues, and is just 5 minutes’
    walk from Nana BTS sky-train station. This saves time and money, and allows easy access to various well-known Bangkok shopping locations such as Siam, Silom and Chatuchak Market. In fact, many hotels are situated in good locations and represent a suitable choice for guests, but another hotel like this in a central area with a peaceful atmosphere may be difficult to find. This is our mission: to locate and recommend hotels for your benefit.

    Accommodation

    All types of room
    are spacious, clean and beautifully decorated. Electrical appliances are modern and safe, as
    they are remote-controlled. Something that guests won’t expect are good offers such as free
    room upgrades. Although only given under special circumstances, guests often remark that
    they are impressed with this offer.

    Services and breakfast

    It cannot be denied that a wide selection of excellent, tasty breakfast
    dishes is served here, both Eastern and Western fare. The hotel staff is polite, friendly and
    willing to provide assistance. Although there are a few faults to be found, these are only
    small points which guests understand and do not dwell on. Guests admire the efficient service,
    especially the easy and fast check-in procedure.

    Hotel Facilities

    Guests are generally satisfied with the facilities, although there are small complaints about the sizes of some facilities such as the swimming pool and the restaurant. However, this is standard when compared to other hotels in the Sukhumvit area, and quality, location, rooms, services and facilities are the reasons why most guests choose to return again and again, as the hotel is great value for money.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros Cons
  • Only 5-minute walk from sky-train station, surrounded by shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife venues.
    		•
  • There are small complaints about the size of some faciliteis such as the swimming pool and the restaurant.
    		•
  • Peaceful atmosphere
    		•
  • All rooms are spacious, clean and beautifully decorated.
    		•
  • Excellent breakfast.
    		•
  • Friendly staffs. Very helpful.
    		•

    More information on Bel Aire Hotel

    Editor’s Visit

    The ModernThailand.com team was honoured to be invited by the Bel-Aire Princess to tour the hotel. We decided to travel by the MRT underground. Immediately outside Sukhumvit station (Exit 3) is Asok BTS sky-train station; this is one link between the BTS and MRT networks. Our destination is Sukhumvit Soi 5, and in fact, if you opt to travel by BTS, we recommend that you exit at Nana station (Sukhumvit Soi 7 Exit), as it is not far from the hotel, only around 5 minutes’ walk. However, as there is only one MRT station on Sukhumvit Road, we must walk from Asok intersection to Sukhumvit Soi 5.
    This is not inconvenient however, as it only takes around 10 minutes.

    The surrounding area

    We also used this opportunity to explore the surrounding
    area, thereby killing two birds with one stone. This is one of the shopping areas popular
    with tourists. Small and large shops line the roads, but it is the smaller stalls stretching
    along the footpaths that seem to be more attractive to tourists. They sell a variety of goods,
    such as clothing, bags, jewellery, souvenirs, handicraft, CDs and many other products.
    Unfortunately, not many places were open when we passed by, as it was still early; the vendors had just started to set up their stalls, but if you come after 6pm, you will see crowds of tourists looking for good deals. Most importantly, products may still be bargained for here, but I must mention that every Monday the footpath stall vendors have a day off on order of the Bangkok administration.

    Sukhumvit Soi 5

    Before meeting the hotel staff, we have enough time to explore Soi 5, where the Bel Air is situated. From the beginning of the soi, there are shops lining both sides of the street: clothes shops, minimarts, tour agencies and restaurants. 7-Eleven and Foodland, which are open 24 hours, are situated in the middle section of the street. There are also two restaurants popular with tourists: Gulliver’s is on the right and the Thai Food Terrace is on the left, in the centre of the soi.

    The Middle-East Street

    There is also a minor road in this area connecting Soi 5 and Soi 3/1, which is full of shops and tourism businesses. It’s called Middle-East Street. Most of the shop signs are in Arabic, and most of the restaurants serve Mediterranean and Arabic fare. In fact, you can tell by the name of the road that this accommodation and tourist area is popular with Middle-Eastern tourists, especially from July to September, which is regarded as their holiday period. So, it wasn’t strange that we found Middle-Eastern tourists wherever they went, among the crowds walking in and out of the side roads and in the cars which made the roads feel very narrow.

    In front of the hotel.
    The Hotel Building

    What was most strange was that it was reasonably quiet from
    the middle to the end of Soi 5, without many shops or crowds. It made us feel that if we
    wanted to find a place to stay in Nana, this area would be a very good place to relax.

    The hotel lobby

    As we almost reach the end of the road, we finds the Bel Aire Princess, which is located on the right hand side. This is the very first time we’ve seen the hotel and surrounding area. The hotel is new, and its entrance opens onto the soi. When we enter, we receive a friendly welcome from the hotel staff.

    The reception area is not very spacious, and its design is simple, but pleasing on the eye

    Although the lobby area and guest Internet corner are limited in size, their cleanliness and brightness are admirable.

    Internet access in the lobby area

    The Superior & Deluxe roooms

    Most hotel guests are European or British, according to the hotel staff assisting us during our visit. The first place they invite us to see is the guest rooms, which are divided into 5 types: Superior, Deluxe, Superior Plus, Deluxe Plus and Club Room. The hotel contains 160 rooms altogether, but only offers 150 rooms to guests. Unfortunately, we are unable to visit the Superior and Deluxe rooms, as they are fully-booked, so the hotel staff invites us to visit the Superior Plus, Deluxe Plus and Club Rooms. They tell us that the amenities in the Superior Plus and Deluxe Plus rooms are no different to the Superior and Deluxe rooms, apart from the fact that the Plus type double rooms contain Queen Size beds and offer Internet access.

    The Superior Plus and Deluxe Plus rooms are situated from the 11th floor up
    City view
    Faclities available in all rooms.
    personal safe

    The selling point of the Superior rooms is the high availability and lower room rate. Although the amenities are not very different to the more expensive accommodation, if you would like a more spacious room, we would suggest that the Deluxe room would be more comfortable.

    The Club Tribeca room

    For those travelling as a family group, the Club Tribeca is recommended, as its size and amenities are similar to the Deluxe Plus.

    Club Tribeca Room
    Club Tribeca Room

    The additional features in the Club Tribeca room are the DVD player (but no CDs!) and a sofa, but if guests reserve a triple room, arm chairs are provided instead.

    Club Tribeca Room
    View from the window

    The Club Tribeca room seems to be more spacious than the Deluxe Plus, and according to the hotel staff, this is due to the room’s position in the corner of the building.

    After visiting each type of room, we are able to summarise that all rooms are beautifully decorated in modern style and the various in-room amenities are new and state-of-the-art, as they are replaced regularly. The rooms are bright and fresh, and most importantly, extremely clean. It is unfortunate that there are no balconies, but the windows provide a city view.

    Club Tribeca Bathroom

    The bathrooms in all types of room are the same. They are not very large, but clean, with chic hand basins. Bathtubs are provided in all rooms except the Club Tribeca Room on the 17th floor. However, if guests would like a bathtub, they may request a different room from the hotel staff.

    The hotel facilities

    After our tour of the accommodation is over, the hotel staff takes us to the 3rd floor by elevator in order to visit the other facilities.

    The hotel staff told us that every evening they put fruit on the tables in the elevator area for guests, another impressive service.

    The 3rd floor contains many of the hotel’s facilities, such as the fitness centre, swimming pool, massage parlour and conference room.

    The fitness centre is small, but the equipment is in good condition, and may be used by around 6 guests at any one time.
    The Massage Parlour on the hotel’s 3rd floor.

    The swimming pool

    Another facility we were intent on visiting was the swimming pool. We asked the staff to take us to the swimming pool, which was located near the fitness centre. As we arrived, we noticed that some guests were using the facilities, but not many. This may have been because it was still early. The swimming pool’s opening hours are 7am-7pm.

    The swimming pool is not large, but looks very cute. The various facilities are in new and clean condition.

    The number of sunbeds is limited by the size of the pool, which is probably the reason why guests complain a little that they are insufficient for hotel guests. Another issue is that because the hotel is surrounded by high-rise buildings and the swimming pool is situated on a low floor, the amount of sunlight able to reach the swimming pool is restricted. This may disappoint sun-bathers slightly, but is perfect for those who would like to swim without the worry of sunburn.

    The Tiffin restaurant

    Before bringing today’s tour to a close, the staff introduced the hotel’s two restaurants. Tiffin is situated on the Ground Floor, and guests reserving Superior and Deluxe rooms with breakfast dine here. This restaurant has a maximum capacity of 60 guests.

    The Tiffin Restaurant

    As we entered the restaurant, they were, in a word, very impressed. It was impossible to find flaw with the restaurant in any respect. The restaurant was clean and attractive, and was divided into various different sections. The furniture and cutlery were modern, whether it be the tables, chairs, lamps, plates, bowls, spoons or glasses, and in harmony with the atmosphere of the restaurant.

    Comfortable and lavish seats are provided if required by guests.

    Before arriving, we interviewed guests about the breakfast service. Most of them said that the food was nice and that there were a variety of dishes to choose from.

    The Club Lounge restaurant

    The hotel’s other restaurant is the Club Lounge, situated on the 2nd floor, with a maximum capacity of 40 guests. The Club Lounge is smaller than Tiffin, and there is also an Internet corner at the entrance.

    The Club Louge Restaurant

    The restaurant’s atmosphere, interior décor and
    various amenities, including the tables and chairs, are quite luxurious and stylish,
    and provide a feeling of privacy. Guests that reserve Superior Plus, Deluxe Plus
    and Club Tribeca rooms may take breakfast here or in Tiffin, which offers a wider variety of cuisine.

    The free Internet service in the Club Lounge is reserved for guests staying in the Superior Plus, Deluxe Plus and Club Tribeca rooms (Club Rooms).

    We must bring our visit to the Bel Aire Princess Hotel to a close; however, we sincerely hope that our review will be beneficial for tourists looking for a place to stay in the heart of Bangkok. Most importantly, we would like to thank the Bel Aire Princess Hotel and hotel staff for allowing us the opportunity to visit, assisting our tour, and providing much helpful information.
    If we have printed any erroneous information, we apologize in advance.

    More information on Bel Aire Hotel

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Phuket Town

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Phuket Town
    Phuket Town is around 35km to the south of Phuket Airport,
    and is resplendent with old Sino-Portuguese architecture.
    It is also a commercial centre and offers various opportunities
    for shopping, such as Ocean, Robinson and Central Festival
    department stores. Phuket Town is also a tourism hub for visitors traveling to other provinces or islands, such as Koh Phi-Phi, Koh Yao, Koh Hae, Koh Rang and Koh Raya. One of Phuket’s stunning viewpoints is Khao Rang, from which Phuket Town, the sea, Chalong Bay, Phuket Bay and the
    surrounding islands are clearly visible.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    Phuket Town

    Phuket Town offers both budget and five-star accommodation.
    Hotels in this area are suitable for budget tourists, but it is
    still easy to travel to the various beaches by bus or taxi.
    Celebrated hotels in this area include The Metropole Hotel ,Royal Phuket City
    and ,The Taste Phuket.

    Recommended Restaurants

    Dibuk

    A Thai and French restaurant where recommended dishes include
    mussels with garlic and butter sauce and beef
    stew bourguignon style.

    Address : 69 Dibuk Road, Phuket City, Muang,
    Phuket 83000 Tel.: (667) 625-8148

    Website :
    www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dibuk.html

    La Gatetana

    An Italian-style restaurant located in the downtown district
    characterized by old Sino-Portuguese architecture, where the
    mixed bruschetta and pork
    osso bucco come recommended.

    Address : 352 Phuket Road, Phuket City, Muang,
    Phuket 83000 Tel.: (667) 625-0523

    Website :
    www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/lagaetana.html

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Panwa Cape

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Panwa Cape
    Panwa Cape is situated on the southern-most tip of the
    south-east coast of Phuket and is characterized by white
    sand beaches. One attraction of Panwa is its natural
    landscape, where you may witness the beauty of both
    the Thai Gulf and Andaman Sea. The cape is also
    surrounded by verdant green foliage, the first attraction for
    visitors who fall under the spell of nature.

    Panwa Cape is peaceful and quiet, and suitable for relaxing walks to watch the twisting waves crashing against the sandy shores, to sit and watch the sunlight glistening on the sea’s surface or to watch the stunning sunset. Panwa Cape is also the site of the Phuket Aquarium, where exotic underwater creatures are showcased and part of the beach is suitable for swimming,
    although it is not so popular with tourists.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    Accommodation in this area is another option for
    tourists who prefer being close to nature and a peaceful
    atmosphere. Well-known hotels in this area include the
    Cape Panwa, By The Sea Residence and Sri Panwa.

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Nai Harn

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Nai Harn
    Nai Harn is a clean white sand beach with clear waters
    suitable for swimming, although caution must be exercised
    as the beach is set at a steep incline. The months of May
    and October bring the monsoonal rains, and this area sees
    high waves, so visitors are not recommended to swim as it
    may be dangerous. The beach is not shaded by large trees,
    so in the daytime, the weather is quite hot. However, the
    atmosphere
    is quiet and peaceful, providing a real sense of privacy.

    Visitors enjoy sunbathing on this beach, and anchored yachts
    float offshore, their brilliant colours brightening the beach.
    On the right of the beach, shops, tour agencies and bars line
    the streets of the beach road. On the left of the beach is
    Phromthep Cape, a well-known place to watch the stunning sunset.
    Large rocky hillocks surround Phromthep Cape, and are suitable
    for fishing, but care must be taken,
    as high waves and strong winds may be dangerous.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    Nai HarnPlaces to stay in this area are few and far between.
    Most are 4 to 5 star hotels, but are not too expensive,
    and may also sometimes be cheaper than lower class hotels
    on other beaches. In addition, the atmosphere is peaceful
    and the hotels are close to the beach, so the beach is very
    suitable for relaxation. Staying in a beachfront hotel on Patong
    Beach would be much more expensive. Renowned hotels in this area
    include the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club
    ,

    Mangosteen Resort and Spa

    , the Evason Phuket.

    Recommended Restaurants

    Regatta

    Le Royal Meridien’s Italian restaurant, where recommended dishes include the
    chilled tomato consomme with caviar.

    Address: Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, 23/3 Moo 1, Viset Road,
    Nai Harn Beach, Phuket 83100

    Website :
    www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/regatta.html

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Nai Yang

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Nai Yang
    Nai Yang is the most beautiful beach in the Sirinart National
    Park. The beach is wide and long, the sea is shallow and calm,
    and a line of large casuarina trees and beach mangrove plants
    provide shade. In front of the National Park Office lies a large
    shallow water reef home to branching, disc, and finger coral,
    but no boats or diving equipment are available for hire in this
    area, so it is not popular with tourists for diving.

    The beach is also the habitat of sea turtles which lay eggs
    on the beach between the months of November to February, although at present their numbers have greatly
    decreased, and sightings of turtles laying eggs are rare.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    The major attraction of this beach is its peaceful atmosphere,
    but it does not offer a wide range of accommodation. Choosing to
    stay in this area may be a good idea during the high season for
    tourists who wish to avoid the commotion of other beaches,
    in favour of a more relaxed environment. Celebrated hotels in
    this area include
    the JW Marriott Resort and Spa
    , Adamas Resort & Spa.

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Bang Tao

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Bang Tao
    Bang Tao is located between Surin and Nai Yang beaches,
    and is 6km long. It is very suitable for water sports, especially wind-surfing and sailing, but the monsoonal months bring rough seas, when it is not possible to swim. To the north of the bay, off the coast, there is a striking coral reef for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling. The best time to visit this area is between November and April,
    as the waters are calm during this period.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    Bang TaoBang Tao is home to many luxurious resorts, as well as
    five-star hotels and the Laguna golf course. The surroundings
    are quite private, and in addition to the Laguna hotels,
    there are also other accommodation and hotels situated to
    the north and
    south of Bang Tao beach, mostly four or five star hotels.

    There is a dearth of budget accommodation on offer in this area, although tourists may look for places to stay in the Patong or Kata-Karon beach areas, where there is a wide range of accommodation of varying quality and price not far from Bang Tao beach. Renowned hotels in this region include
    The Banyan Tree Phuket
    , Ayara Hilltops
    , Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket,
    Sheraton Grande Laguna

    , Chedi Phuketand many more.

    Recommended Restaurants

    Tatonka

    An international restaurant where recommended dishes include
    the eggplants stacks and fish wonton.

    Address : 382/19 Moo 1, Srisoontorn Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
    Tel.: (667) 632-4399

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Kata-Karon

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    Karon

    Kata Beach

    Kata beach is long and sandy, but not very wide. Its sand is clean and white, and the water is calm and safe for swimming. The beach is lined with large casuarina trees, with deckchairs for those who enjoy lying by the beach. Alternatively, if you prefer slightly more exciting activities, the beach area also offers various water sports, such as jet-skiing, parascending, banana boat rides, water skiing and diving packages. Yachts anchor offshore, and Koh Pu may be seen nearby. Boats may also be chartered for diving in this area.

    Karon

    Karon Beach

    Karon is the next beach to the north of Kata beach, and may be reached by foot in just a few minutes. The beach is much larger and longer than Kata beach, and the sand is especially clean, fine and white, a major attraction of Karon beach. However, as there are no large trees to provide shade, the beach is quite hot. Tourists enjoy sunbathing here because it offers private surroundings.

    Laem Sai may be seen to the left of the beach, and the small island off the coast is Koh Pu, where diving schools bring students to practise scuba-diving, although boats may also be chartered for diving in shallower waters. Kata and Karon beaches also offer a wide range of facilities, including the shopping centres and shops located at the
    roundabout to the far right of the beach, as well as nightlife entertainment.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    This area offers a wide range of accommodation in various different styles,
    and prices vary from budget to high-end. Most hotels are located by the beach,
    providing a stunning view of the sea, and offer a good standard and quality of
    service, evidenced by their reservations which increase every year. Celebrated
    hotels in this area includeMom Tri’s Boathouse, Malisa Villas, Aspasia Phuket,
    Village Resort and Spa and Centara Villa, amongst others.

    Recommended Restaurants

    Locanda

    A Thai and international restaurant where the Antipasto misto and King prawn salad
    come recommended.

    Address: Bougainvillea Terrace Resort, 86 Patak Road, Phuket 83100
    Tel.: (667)633-0139, (667)633-0087

    Website :
    www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/locanda.html

    Mom Tri’s Kitchen

    A seafood and international restaurant very particular about the freshness and cleanliness of its ingredients and seasonings. Recommended dishes include the
    soft-shell crab salad and lamb cutlets.

    Address: 12 Kata Noi Road, Karon, Phuket 83100 Tel.: (667)633-3568

    website: www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/momtriskitchen.html

    SMarina’s

    One of the Aspasia Phuket’s restaurants, serving Thai fare, but offering a harmony between local Thai and Mediterranean cuisine. The Thai appetizer assortment and selection
    of Mediterranean dips are recommended.

    Address :The Aspasia Phuket, 1/3 Laem Sai Road, Kata Beach, Karon, Phuket 83100 Tel (667)633-3033

    Website : www.aspasiaphuket.com

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    Where to stay in Phuket : Patong

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    PatongPatong is the tourism centre of Phuket.
    It boasts a clean soft white sand beach, indigo waters and unparalleled beauty.
    Patong also offers a full range of facilities, including hotels, restaurants,
    banks, parks, entertainment venues and department stores ready to cater to tourists,
    and has therefore become a favourite
    destination for tourists from all over the world.

    Visitors know well that the beach is also a centre for nightlife. In the evening,
    after the beach, Soi Bang La becomes alive with lights and music. This is another
    feature of Patong beach, dubbed the ‘Patpong’ of Phuket. All sorts of services
    are on offer, such as haunted houses, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), cabaret shows
    and so on. The beach roads are lined with stalls selling imitation goods of
    almost all the famous brands, such as watches, clothing and leather products.
    There are also a variety of restaurants serving both eastern and western fare.

    Patong Travel from Patong to Phuket Town
    is possible by bus, or more convenient by tuk-tuk. However, visitors who prefer
    to rent a car at Patong beach should be skilled at driving up steep inclines,
    as it is necessary to drive up a hill before you reach the beach, and the route
    is quite steep and winding, so caution should be exercised,
    especially during rainfall as the road may be quite slippery.

    Accommodation and Facilities

    The Patong beach area offers an abundance of hotels and resorts,
    but there are few next to the beach, as most are situated on the road
    behind the beach. However, there is a wide range of hotels for all
    types of visitor. The accommodation in this area is more expensive
    than in Phuket Town, but during the rainy season (November to October)
    hotels are very cheap and there are many special promotions on offer for
    visitors. Renowned hotels in this area include the Diamond Cliff Resort,
    Le Meridien Phuket, Holiday Inn Resort, Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resortand many others.

    Recommended Restaurants

    Baan Rim Pa

    One of the most celebrated Thai restaurants in Thailand, Baan Rim Pa is popular
    with tourists from all over the world. Recommended dishes include the
    lobster with black pepper and baked herb rice in pineapple.

    Address : 223 Prabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel.: (667) 634-0789

    Website :
    www.baanrimpa.com

    Da Maurizio

    An Italian restaurant with a seaside atmosphere. The bacon-wrapped goat’s cheese
    and Ahi tuna
    carpaccio come recommended.

    Address : 223/2 Prabaramee, Kalim Beach, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
    Tel.: (667)634-4079 (667) 634-4276

    website : www.baanrimpa.com/damaurizio/index.html

    Sala Bau

    An international restaurant in the Impiana Cabana Hotel. The layers of scallop
    between wanton sheets is recommended.

    Address : Impiana Cabana, 41 Taweewongse Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150
    Tel.: (667)634-0138

    Website : www.impiana.com

    Three Spices

    This Thai and international restaurant in the Impiana Phuket Cabana Hotel serves
    delicious cuisine prepared by Chef Ronnie Macuja.
    The smoked salmon salad is recommended.

    Address : Impiana Cabana, 41 Taweewongse Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150
    Tel.: (667)634-0138

    Website : www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com/restaurants/threespices.html

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    Where to Stay in Phuket

    Written by admin on January 8th, 2014. Posted in Where to Stay in Phuket

    phuket Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Tourists know Phuket as a beautiful natural travel destination, especially renowned for its white sand beaches and indigo seas. Phuket is developed and equipped with facilities to cater to all types of traveler, offering an international airport, five-star hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants and eateries. It can be said that Phuket is a tourism hub on the shores of the Andaman. In addition to Phuket’s tourist destinations, it is also easy to travel to the surrounding islands and nearby provinces.

    The most suitable time to visit Phuket is from November to April, as there are no monsoonal rains during this period. The weather is good, the sea is beautiful and calm and diving and snorkeling trips to the surrounding islands is possible. Visitors should not forget to book accommodation 2 or 3 months in advance for the low season (May to October) and 4 to 5 months in advance for the high and peak season (November to April) as Phuket is popular year round, and tourists from all parts of the world come to visit.

    There are 2 main accommodation areas in Phuket: firstly Phuket Town, and secondly the various beaches, its most popular destinations. Choosing a place to stay will depend on your budget and travel preferences. Accommodation along the celebrated beaches such as Patong, Kata-karon, Nai Han and Bang Tao may be more expensive than in other places, especially during the high season, although Patong and Kata-karon are considered a great option for all types of visitor because they offer a wide range of hotels, bungalows and resorts at a variety of prices to choose from.

    If money is no obstacle, and you are looking for a peaceful atmosphere where you can also be close to nature in private surroundings, you can book a hotel in Phuket along Bang Tao, Nai Yang and Nai Han beaches. On the other hand, if you are looking for budget accommodation from which you can still travel to the beaches or other attractions easily by bus or taxi, you should consider staying in the town.

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