Is Patong Beach the Place to Go in Phuket, Thailand?

Phuket, the largest island of Thailand, is nearly the size of Singapore and is located in the green waters of the Andaman Sea at around 850 kilometers south of the capital, Bangkok. As Thailand's most popular beach destination, whether the visitor is looking for a quiet place or an active area with plenty of colorful night life, Phuket island has everything someone would want on a holiday.

With beautiful beaches and some of the best resort hotels, the island is ideal to create a delightful ambiance for a truly memorable vacation. Phuket has 2 main seasons, which are the rainy season from May to October and the hot season from November to April. During the rainy season, showers last not more than two to three hours in a day and many sunny days still can be enjoyed.

The most favored beaches are situated in Bang Tao, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Patong. In addition to the beaches and night life of the island, many other activities can be enjoyed such as water sports, visit of temples, treks in the forest or motorcycle rides. Phuket also hosts one of the most famous International soccer 7s tournament in south-east Asia in November.

Bangtao beach is one of the longest beach in Phuket island and a luxury resort area dominated by a Laguna complex, a massive luxury-hotel development with golf course. Swimming is excellent during the dry season, and at the end of the bay is a smaller bay, which is nearly completely enclosed, with some fine corals.

Kamala beach, which is mostly a fishing village, is less crowded even during the summer season. A two kilometers long quiet beach where fishermen can be seen casting their net near their boats, is the only entertainment of the area together with the buffalo herds that come down sometimes to cool off.

Patong beach is the leading tourist district for water sports activities such as snorkeling, parachute flying, windsurfing, jet-skiing and sailing. Patong has the most unbelievable nightlife in all Phuket. Pubs, restaurants, go-go bars and discotheques are dispersed all over a 3,000 meter long beach front. The greatest concentration of night places are in Soi Bangla, where pubs with live music, bars with local entertainers and an important choice of excellent restaurants can be found.

Karon Beach is a lot quieter than Patong and is the second largest tourist beach in Phuket. A long and broad almost unspoiled beach with a very white sand can be enjoyed there. A superb coral reef is extending towards Kata and Bu Island at the southern point. Restaurants, bars and tour companies, but also non-hotel businesses are located at the north end.

Phuket has its own International airport and can be reached directly from overseas or from Bangkok with a 70 minutes flight.

Michel Gerard is a Travel author located in Asia. Visit the GuestHouse Phuket website to book your accommodation online and grab your *free* ebook: "Stories of Authentic Eco-adventure Destinations for Travellers in Thailand" http://www.guesthousephuket.com/ebook.html

Popular Holiday Islands in Thailand

Thailand is one of the leading travel destinations in the world and is home to many beautiful tropical islands. Some of these isles you might have heard of and some you will most likely never have heard of. This Thailand related travel article will list and review some of the most beautiful holiday islands in Siam.

Phuket

Phuket is the most popular island and is along with Pattaya and Bangkok the most popular tourist destinations of the country. There are many beautiful beaches on this isle which include Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn. If you enjoy the nightlife then perhaps either Phuket or Samui should be your choice for your next vacation.

Koh Samui

Samui is ranked among the top 5 vacation destinations in the country and has been known for a very long time as a backpacker heaven. Samui has however been under development a great deal during the last decade and visitors can now choose from a wide range of luxurious hotels and resorts. The beaches on this island rank among the finest of Thailand. Chaweng beach is the most popular beach resort area of Samui.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is still relatively unknown to the general public however it is one of the fastest growing travel destinations of Siam. If you would like to visit Koh Chang then you should take the ferry boat from Rayong as there is no airport on this Thai isle

Koh Samet

Although Samet is not a very large island, it is one of the most romantic of all the Thai islands. Many travelers are like to visit Samet as it is located not too far from Pattaya. A lot of day trips are also organized to this wonderful isle.

James is a travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide and for information about Samui please visit his Samui Guide.

What You Need to Know About Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is one of the biggest islands in Thailand, located in the Amdaman Sea off the southern coast of the country. The island is rugged with a mountain range present in the west of the island. The mountains in Phuket Thailand grace the southern end of the island, stretching about 440km from Kra Isthmus. Mai Thao Sip Song, which stands at 529m, the highest point in Phuket.

Phuket has a total area of about 570 square kilometres and the main island is about 50km in length and 20km wide. About 60% of the land is covered in forest, rubber and oil plantations.

There are several beaches along both the coasts of the island. The western coast is covered by sandy beaches, whereas the beaches in the eastern coast are muddy. In the southernmost part of Phuket is Laem Promthep, which is a spectacular sunset viewpoint.

The northern part holds the Khao Phra Thaeo nature preserve, where more than 20 square kilometers of rain forest are protected. Khao Prathiu (384m), Khao Bang Pae (388m) and Khao Phara (422m) are the three highest points in this rainforest. On the northwestern coast is the Sirinat National Park, which protects both forest and marine life. Nai Yang Beach is near here where sea turtles come for nesting.

Patong beach is one of the most popular tourist areas. It is on the western coast of Phuket Thailand. The nightlife over here is very vibrant and shopping here is cheap and cheerful.

Adjacent to Patong, there are plenty of other beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches are Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. At the southern tip of Phuket Thailand you will find Nai Harn Beach and Rawai Beach. Towards the north of Patong are the beaches of Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao. Although much less developed than Patong, these beaches are some of the very best in the world. These places provide isolation for those who seek it.

There are also many smaller islands dotted around the coast of Phuket. Bon Island is one of the better ones and is a few kilometers away by boat. Coral Island is also very nice and this is where the marine life is particularly diverse. The Similan Islands to the northwest and the Phi Phi Island to southeast handle lots of activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Care to find out more about Phuket Thailand? Get all the latest info from Phuket Thailand at these links.

Top 10 Best Places and Interesting Destinations in Thailand For Vacationing Family With Children

Thailand is the best place to spend family vacations. The country has plenty of beautiful and attractive places which parents and their children will definitely love. There are top ten best places in Thailand where most families from around the world love to visit. Here is the list of the ten most recommended vacation destinations in Thailand:

1.    Pattaya, Thailand - located along the Thailand Gulf. It is the most popular ocean site resort in the Southeast Asia. Pattaya has 300 affordable hotels to choose from, which are perfect for vacationing families of any size. There are also a number of markets and shopping malls. Lots of affordable restaurants are also found in Pattaya serving the delicious Thai delicacies.

2.    Phuket - the most popular tourist destination in the country with its beautiful white sand beach coasts. Phuket is also known as the "pearl of the South". Here, one can find the best variety of restaurants offering the best of Thai cuisines.

3.    Koh Samui - perfect to spend family summer vacations. Koh Samui has a large number of beach hotels where one can enjoy the amazing beauty of the white sand beaches along the coastlines. Resorts offer good budget accommodations which will surely please families.

4.    Chiand Mai popular tourist destination mostly because of the best shopping experience it offers. Here, one can buy a lot with just a dollar. Tourists often swarm the market of Chiang Mai that opens from 5pm and opens until midnight daily. The night marketplace has many products that will surely suit and satisfy everyone. Goods such as clothes, baggage, souvenir items, shoes and a lot more can be found here. There are also clubs in several places which offers very affordable prices. This is definitely a place for any family vacation.

5.    Koh Chang Thailand - is a marine national park which attracted thousands of visitors worldwide. The island has a nick name of "the last untouched paradise in the Southeast Asia", because much of its place are not yet been discovered by modern explorations and haven't been built in with establishments and infrastructures. Here, one can fully appreciate the pure gifts of nature. Koh Chang has everything nature has to offer. Perfect getaway place for families who wants to have a quiet and peaceful vacation. Families can rent natively designed bungalows where they can feel at ease and comfortable all throughout their stay.

6.    Krabi, Thailand - an island territory of Thailand that has fine-looking coastline and offshore islands. This location was used in the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo di Caprio. These beaches are truly pictures perfect panoramas, together with the coconut palm trees and the blue waters of the ocean. Krabi has been a favorite place for vacationers coming from different countries.

7.    Hua Hin - a place which combines pleasure and beach holidays and also a place for several sports. Golf has been the most famous sport here wherein visitors can play under the shade of the coconut trees.

8.    Chiang Rai - a located in the mountainous regions of Thailand, which are said to have retained much Thailand's culture. Popular attractions here include the White Temple, which is the only handcrafted temple in Thailand with striking botanical gardens. Visitors love to visit here and take a look at the Buddha statues built in Buddhist temples which truly spectacular.

9.    Cha-am Thailand - located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok, about two hours drive via car.  Cha-am beach resort is known as the longest white sand beach in Thailand. It is also a place for golfing which many of vacationers enjoy to play. Perfect for vacationing families.

10.    Bangkok - the main attractions in Bangkok are the magnificent temples and shrines along the city. These religious buildings were made with artistic architecture design which are truly captivating to the eyes.

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com.

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food at: http://www.goingplacesinasia.com.

Flights - Staying Dry In Thailand

For a taste of Asian culture, many western tourists and backpackers choose to visit Thailand during their trips, in order to enjoy the Buddhist temples, spicy foodstuffs and crystal clear coastal waters.

With a range of beautiful reefs and picturesque islands, wildlife holidays through dense jungles and national parks and health spas that offer the chance of some much needed relaxation, there's something for everyone.

Cheap flights to Bangkok are usually the best option for those looking to visit the country. However it is best to shop around for flights, as there are also options to travel to different parts of the country by air.

The coastal town of Phuket is served by an airport, and remains one of the most popular destinations for western tourists.

However it is always best to plan ahead for visits by doing a bit of research, particularly into the unpredictable weather system around the continent of Asia, particularly when it comes to the rainy season - when the country is prone to the annual monsoon.

However there are some parts of the country which are less affected by the weather than others. If you're visiting a coastal resort such as Phuket during the monsoon season it's best to stay safe and not embark on boat tours and snorkelling tours during bad weather periods.

It is advised to try and plan your Thai holiday around the rainy season. And whilst flights may prove a little more expensive, you can lessen your chances of running into difficulties during the rainy season - when rainfall can be pretty fierce and frequent.

Thinking of going to Thailand and on the lookout for flights? Compare cheap flights to Bangkok and a wide variety of other cheap flights to help plan your perfect trip.

Islands of Thailand

If Kashmir is popular as the 'Paradise on Earth', the islands of Thailand, particularly in the southern end, are not lagging far behind - they are famous as the "Island Paradise". This is not for nothing. All this is attributed to the charming seaside and temperate humid atmosphere as well as distinctive and exceptionally comforting existence of the islands of Thailand drawing tourists from across the globe. These isles offer the vacationers an ideal change from their mundane, but hectic routine urbane lifestyles to a world of peace and tranquility.

At an initial glance all islands of Thailand may appear to be the same to the vacationers seeking freedom from their habitual city life. They appear to be the same - enjoyable humid tropical isles. But, when one descends on any of these 'Paradise Islands', they gradually, but without doubt realize the difference. As one gets familiar with the isles and the surroundings, they appreciate that each of these islands are as different and unique as the individual tourists. A visit to these 'Paradise Islands' is indeed a revelation - both inwards and outwards.

Significantly, while the expenses of vacationing in several of these 'Paradise Islands' is very high, while others are not. In most of these isles you can negotiate the cost of your stay. Each of these islands is different - some are tranquil, while others offer stimulating and exhilarating nightlife events. On the other hand, a few of these isles are ideal destinations for divers, while others offer innumerable opportunities to trekkers. Like all individualistic tourists to this nation, Thailand's islands too are different in character and spirit. Believe it or not, islands in Thailand have it all - from the absolute filthy seaside to the ridiculously gorgeous beaches. They also offer an assortment of lodging facilities - from huts offering nothing more than a blanket to elite and lavish resorts suiting everyone's taste and budget.

If one moves further south, he will come across the Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan islands that are not only sizable, vivacious, and also attractive. Of the two, Koh Samui is a business center with its impressive malls and the hotels there are dearer too. Pha-Ngan, on the other hand, is famous as a party island and a place to sight the full moons, half moons and black moons. The Phuket that has been hit adversely by the tsunami too is nearby.

All said and done, the best thing about the islands in Thailand is that here you can visit all the beaches; enjoy the parties and nightlife without a hole in your pocket. The best way to enjoy a vacation in the Thailand islands is to select a small isle, away from the more commercialized ones, and enjoy the scenery and serenity without the modern day technologies.

Author is an SEO copywriter.

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Cheap Flights to Thailand, Sites to See and Travel Tips

Cheap flights to Thailand give you a memorable trip. There are cost effective tickets available to vacationers as well as business people. There are flights coming in to Thailand from all over the world. In fact, Phuket International Airport is a mere drive of one hour from Khao Lak. Khao Lak is said to be the most popular of all the resorts in Thailand.

Visitors are anxious to make their way to this particular location because it is peaceful and serene. The standard of the accommodation at this resort is extremely high and it is set in a very beautiful part of the country. Think of timeless green hills and soft white beaches going on for miles and miles.

There are many travelers who are under the impression that a location offering luxury spas and a top quality lifestyle set in spectacular surroundings is going to cost a lot of money. The good news is that it's possible to make a visit to this stunning location cost effective due to cheap flights to Thailand. If you have your heart set on Thailand, or you are duty bound to attend a business conference, you should make use of cheap online flights. This is the most convenient way to see exactly what is available. You will also be able to immediately compare the prices of the cheapest flights.

You will have the option of booking a straightforward air ticket to Thailand or making use of a ticket that is part of a package deal. There is little doubt that a package deal is what allows most of us to afford a stay at a luxury resort such as Khao Lak in Phuket. However, if you want to get the benefits of cheap flights to Thailand then make sure you book as far in advance as you can. This is the only way to ensure you will definitely get serenity and the best value for your money.

To learn more about cheap flights Thailand and more important information about how you can take advantage of all cheap flights domestic and international, head on over to my blog at CheapFlightsReview.com

Travel to San Antonio This Weekend! We'll Tell You Why and How

Riverwalk

At the heart of the city lies the Riverwalk district. Take the stairs from the street level down to the Riverwalk, where a lush, shady refuge awaits. There the San Antonio River is lined on both sides with pedestrian walkways that are closed to bicycles and motor vehicles. Hotels and shops line the Riverwalk and delicious scents emanating from restaurants beckon to passersby. Many of the buildings have entrances on both the street level and the Riverwalk level. Visitors can take relaxing river cruises and some restaurants offer lunch and dinner cruises.

Alamo

A short walk from the Riverwalk is the famed Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, which stands as a testament to American courage. On March 6, 1836 the 189 men defending the Alamo fell to the Mexican troops of General Santa Ana after a 13 day siege. Today the only two buildings left standing of the original fort are the chapel and the long barracks. Take a free guided tour of the grounds, then visit the Long Barracks Museum and Library to learn more about the fort from the displays there.

La Villita

Adjacent to the Riverwalk is La Villita, a collection of restaurants, arts and crafts stores and other shops. Wander among the shops featuring a variety of works such as glass figurines, original paintings and pottery.

Shop at Market Square

Another popular shopping district is the Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, designed to look like an authentic market in Mexico. Here you'll find pewter and enamel bracelets, bright porcelain wall crosses, clothing and more. There are additional shops located across the road at Farmers Market Square.

Churches?

San Antonio is famous for its beautiful mission churches along the San Antonio River. In the 18th century Spain built the missions as part of its effort to convert the area's Native Americans to Catholicism. In addition to the Mission San Antonio de Valero at the Alamo, visitors can tour Mission Concepción, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, Mission San José and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Culture

If you're itching for a dose of culture, the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, is the place to go. The museum houses a fine collection of European, Asian, Latin American and ancient art.

And the Zoo!

Finally, on a pleasant day you can visit the San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., which includes the usual mix of monkeys and zebras as well as a butterfly garden, an area for the preschool crowd and a wonderful collection of unique birds.

Getaway this weekend to San Antonio through last minute vacation deals located Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

Copyright Statement

This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any travel-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. Copyright © Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out his blog for the latest weekend getaway deals called getaway this weekend!

Thailand - 5 Things to Do That You Might Regret Not Doing

If you're thinking about a place where you can enjoy this summer to the best of its potential, then the best place to go is Thailand. From beaches to bars, and from shopping to movies, this country is the epitome of enjoyment and relaxation when on holiday.

To start off your journey, here is a list of five things you must do when in Thailand. This check list is to make sure that you not only see the regular tourist spots, but also experience the best that this country has to offer to its tourists, besides its beautiful attractions.

- First, go to the beach. You can go to Phuket where you can either check into a cheaper hotel off the coast, or a slightly more expensive one, depending on your budget. You can also book yourself accommodation on Koh So Mui or Koh Phi Phi, both of which are beautiful islands with warm water and a wide variety of touristy things to do. When on the beach, you can take part in water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, or para-sailing, or you could also go scuba diving by booking through one of the local tour operators.

- Next, make sure you see the nightlife on Patong Beach in Phuket. The main beach on Phuket Island is crowded with people at night, and the endless line of pubs and bars is filled with party goers till early morning.

- Go to a Muay Tahi match. This is the land where Muay Thai originated, so once you are here make sure you watch at least one. This is one of the most popular sports in the country. However, if you cannot tolerate violence then you are advised to skip it. Most matches are held on Friday nights, and you can ask a local tour operator to guide you in purchasing tickets for one.

- Watch a movie. While this may seem like a waste of time on a vacation, you will discover for yourself that Thailand has the best cinemas in the world. They are extremely modern and equipped with the latest systems. Thailand offers VIP and First Class cinemas too, where you are given service akin to a five-star hotel. With massive lounges, complimentary snacks and beverages, and only 20 to 40 people in the cinema with you, you will feel as if you are at a private cinema screening. Most cinemas even offer pillows and blankets, and waiters who serve you food.

- Bangkok is filled with malls and markets offering you all sorts of products at quite reasonable prices. You can usually bargain items down to half the original price, and even if you end up paying slightly more than a local would, it will still be much cheaper than the goods you may buy from some other place - definitely at home. Moreover, you can go to Sukhumvit or the Night Plaza in Patpong for good prices.

So, these are the five things that you must do when in Thailand in order to experience the best that this country has to offer to its tourists. Of course, you should also do the regular tourist sightseeing, but these five things will truly cause you to fall in love with this country, and draw you back again and again.

For Luxury Holidays in Thailand try the Banyan Tree Phuket Hotel

Thailand - The Land of Smiles and Cheap Travel

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can't beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you'll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you're looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.

Da North

Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.

Prices

If you're on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.

I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won't want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Thailand travel and Adventure Travel.

Top 5 Beach Experiences in Thailand

Australia is reputed to have one of the strongest beach cultures in the world, but many Australians still choose to travel to Thailand to experience their beaches. Although there have been some suggestions that Thai beaches are not as safe as Australia's, and many tourists suggesting that ordinary travel insurance will not be sufficient, this is largely an exaggeration.

Of course, the main difference is that Thai beaches do not offer the same rolling surf that can be expected in Australia. Instead, you can look forward to peaceful tree-lined tropical beaches, with pure white sand and friendly locals that will make your stay a magical one.

As with all tourist destinations, choosing the top five beaches in Thailand is a near impossible task, but we will try to narrow it down so you can plan your holiday with at least a little more certainty. And you won't have to worry about your travel insurance being in adequate!

• Phuket. This is possibly the most famous Thai beach destination for Australians attracting tens of thousands every year. Despite its popularity however it is not the most peaceful destination but it is certainly the most developed. Some tourists appreciate the choice of accommodation and the nightlife but if this is not your scene you can give it a miss. Nevertheless it needs to be included in the top five list because of its reputation and popularity.


• Songkhla. This is a virtually unknown beach destination located in the deep south. It consists of a beautiful beach punctuated by rocky outcrops and tropical jungle. And lack of tourists is the main attraction in this area but there is limited accommodation. As far as other attractions are concerned you can visit nearby temples and still enjoy the wonderful food distributed by the many street vendors. If you're looking for peace, serenity and quiet then this is the destination for you.


• Lamai Beach. Located just south of Chaweng, this sparsely populated area is attractive to those in the know. It is not quite as remote as Songkhla, and has a much wider choice of accommodation and nightlife. The beach is beautiful and relaxing making Lamai a great choice for those wanting a beach without the crowds, but still with a semi-tourists feel to make your stay a comfortable one.


• Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Ley.This beautiful beach is often described as the most picturesque in Thailand. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and nestled in a small bay, the beach is the perfect place to completely unwind in natural surroundings. Although it is a little remote, you won't have to worry about your holiday insurance being inadequate!


• Ko Chang. A long-time popular destination for backpackers, many other tourists have now joined in the throng of tourists who visit the west side of the island. With beautiful white sand and gentle sloping hills, all set against a backdrop of coconut palms, this is a quiet haven for tourists who are not afraid to get off the beaten track.

So, from the many hundreds of choices, we have narrowed your search down to five Thai beaches any tourist will enjoy.

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