Phuket to Bangkok – you have five days to secure your seat!
With just five days remaining to cut-off, we continue this count down by looking at Phuket, one of the stops our qualifiers will get to enjoy during the 2017 International Trip to Thailand.
Set in the heart of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and fondly known as the Pearl of the Andaman. This part of Thailand is well known for being the one of the hottest playgrounds of Southeast Asia with its tropical warm waters, magical white sands and rich greenery bordering its shorelines.
Patong beach is the most famous, and if you would like a more secluded experience, visitors are encouraged to head south. Nai Harn is increasingly becoming one of the island’s top destinations offering its retained quiet charm and relaxed feel. For a little more privacy, go through the club's grounds to Ao Sane Beach, a small bay where life's choices come down to warm sand or warm water.
And for the sporty travellers you can enjoy the Blue Canyon Country Club golf course where Tiger Woods made a spectacular comeback or experience another favourite, The Banyan Tree golf course at Bangtao which is set against a backdrop of luxuriant mountains.
Phuket is also known as a town where the night becomes neon with clubs and karaoke bars coming to life. From Soi Bangla where anything goes, Bangla Road is decorated with the incredible variety of things to do and see. Phuket offers so much more and encourage you to secure your spot, we highlight the top attractions for you:
1. Phang Nga Bay
A distinctive feature of the bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald-green waters. These islands are home to sheltered fauna that are possible to observe on certain tours. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay.
2. Old Phuket Town
Sino-Portuguese splendours and funky shops in the most unlikely places will surprise and delight you in the heart of Phuket's sleepy provincial capital. Phuket Town offers much more, with some excellent restaurants and local sights. The unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, along with a tangible quaintness, makes for a fascinating and unforgettable afternoon spent sauntering around Phuket's Old Town.
3. Big Buddha Chalong
Visible from most of the south of Phuket, the giant Buddha image sits on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. It cost 30 million Baht to construct and is 45 metres tall. Next to it stands a smaller golden image that is actually made of brass and there is a shrine near the site's car park. The drive up to the Big Buddha takes you through the 'real' Thailand and the view from the top is enhanced if you take a map to identify the many, many sights.
4. Simon Cabaret Show
Simon Cabaret is probably the biggest transvestite cabaret show in Phuket. This show features a spectacular musical floor show performed by the world-famous ladyboy cast. See for yourself - guys, can you tell the difference? And ladies - wouldn't you just die for a figure like that? Fabulous costumes, glitzy and fun.
5. Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is Thailand's superstar island, particularly famous for its central role in the 2000 movie The Beach. It's the topic of conversation for travellers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight.
