- Thailand Destination Guide - CBS Travel Asia

GOOD TO KNOW
Phuket is very popular and
can face all the problems
usually encountered by a
mass tourist destination.
Modern infrastructure,
excellent healthcare
and top-notch facilities
combine to make this
place easy for travellers.
that you could be active non-stop –
you could on the other hand also take
the time to simply relax and do nothing
much at all.
If you can tear yourself away from the
sea at some point there is also much to
be discovered inland and even on this
very touristy island it is possibly to find
some very tranquil and little-visited
spots in the unspoiled rainforest region
of the National Park and other parts of
the interior of the island. These spots
will allow you to see a different side to
the island, away from the crowds and
to get to know some of the island’s
native non-human inhabitants and see
the people who are doing what they
can to help them and to preserve the
fragile environment.
There is far more to Phuket than the
busy tourist beaches and so though
some people will just blaze on through
Phuket on their way to other popular
Thai islands, this is a shame as they
will miss out on a lot of the mystery,
beauty and nuance of this large island.
So if you want sun and sea but still
want something more in addition
then Phuket could be a good choice.
It also does make a good base to
explore the whole of this southern
part of Thailand, with a good transport
infrastructure that will easily take you
to wherever else you want to go.
PHUKET
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Acqua, Kalim Beach
This modernist Italian restaurant is a sleek,
chic space with clean lines and unobtrusive
décor that allows your gaze to focus on the
stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea as you
enjoy the modern offerings of the Sardiniaborn
chef.
Breeze, Cape Yamu
Breeze has only recently breezed into
Phuket’s fine dining scene. It offers an
enticing menu with a range of modern and
inventive meals.
Dedos Restaurant, Bangtao
This fusion restaurant offers astronomic
gastronomic delights. French cooking
techniques are blended here with
Mediterranean, Japanese and Thai influences.
One of the best dining experiences in Phuket.
Le Versace, Patong
This high open-air restaurant is one of the
most sophisticated restaurants on the island.
Enjoy classy French cuisine served in a
stunning setting with amazing views.
Boathouse Wine and Grill, Kata Beach
This is one of the most celebrated
wine houses and grills in Thailand. It
is located at the Boathouse boutique
hotel and is a five star establishment
that serves a range of sumptuous meals
in an idyllic beach setting.
Others places to dine:
Mom Tri’s Kitchen
La Gaetana
La Gritta
Joe’s Downstairs
Raya Restaurant
SHOPPING
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
This shopping complex has really changed
the downtown shopping in Patong. Its
flagship stores are Robinson, an upmarket
department store and the Big C
supermarket.
Jim Thompson
Jim Thompson was an American who
revitalised the silk industry in the 1950s
and 60s. His name is now synonymous with
high-quality silk products, which you will
find a range of in this store.
Phuket’s Old Town
If you have an interest in Thai craftsmanship
then you should be sure to stop in at the
many handicrafts and textiles shops in the old
town. Artists have set up studios that sell a
range of traditional and more modern works.
Phuket Walking Street
Also in old town, check out this latest
attraction, a street market held on Thalang
Road right in the heart of the Sino-Portuguese
section of Phuket town.
Banzaan Market
Here you can by a wide range of fresh
and tempting local produce in a pleasant
setting that is a cut above local markets
while offering the same range of delicious
foods.
Others places to shop:
Phuket Weekend Market
Central Festival Phuket
Karon Bazaar
Banana Walk
Premium Outlet
THINGS TO DO
Simba Sea Trips
Take one of these excellent small group
trips to explore off-shore from Rawai.
Explore a cave, canoe, visit islands, swim
and relax on deserted tropical beaches.
These are wonderful tours with helpful and
knowledgable staff.
Two Sea Tour
These tours are great at starting early to
reach the stunning destinations before the
crowds descend later in the day. See a range
of beautiful caves and lagoons and explore
the Krabi islands.
Bike Tours, Phuket Town
Take an amazing bike tour and feel the
wind in your hair as you make your way
to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall,
or discover some of the other wildlife
and scenery of the island on a range of
delightful routes.
Diving Excursions from Patong
There are a great many diving companies
offering dives for all abilities all around
the coast – take a diving excursion from
Patong to experience something very
special beneath the waves.
Sea Canoeing from Phuket Town
Paddle across idyllic lagoons and through
caves and round islands, from beach bliss to
sun-kissed adventure and back again on the
crystal clear waters.
Others things to do:
Phuket Heritage Trails Tours
Yacht Charter – from various locations
Kite Zone Phuket
Catamaran Cruise
Phuket Shopping Tours
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