Phuket Blog

News and stories from Phuket Thailand

Villa for rent in Phuket Thailand - High season rental available

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Based in the exquisite and exclusive Cape Panwa, these villas are right on the beach. There are 3 apartments / condos / villas available in this project which was finished in July 2007. Each villa has 282 square metres living space over two floors with 3 bedrooms (all en-suite). For those who need extra beds, we are fit to convert the chill-out room into a fourth sleeping room.

Click me Click me Click me Click me

Relish your Phuket vacation in a condominium style, double storey villa, located right on the beach in Cape Panwa, the Southern part of Phuket. You are just 15 mins away from Phuket Town and 35 mins off from Patong, so you won’t miss out on the night life nevertheless you can still take in the local life-style.

Total unwind in your tranquil surrounds, hearing the sound of waves breaking in front your villa and feeling the cooling winds from the sea. The scene is just amazing; panoramic sea, island and mountain panoramas can be enjoyed from each room.

The condominium layout has a great open plan living area, dining area and kitchen, fully decorated with outstanding premium furniture. There are 3 & 4 bedroom apartments with 4 bathrooms each.

A 40 m salt-water swimming pool lies along the shore where delighted restaurants and beach bar are 2 minutes walk away. And if you fancy a game of golf or a day at the spa, there are an abundance of choices situated near.

Each room has sensational 180 degrees ocean ocean view of the Andaman and its islands, and opens onto a large patio on the living floor and, onto a enjoyable balcony on the sleeping level.

There are no roads to cross or busses to take, these units are right on the beach. There is a individual eternity, 40 metre, salt-water lap pool (not sea-water) surrounded by sun-beds and shade for those caring to take things slowly. All apartments have wireless internet access and are fully furnished and furnished. Each apartment contains 3 double bedrooms, all en-suite. The master bedroom has a especially deluxe bathroom with a large bath positioned for you to enjoy the sea scenes. The big modern kitchen is outfitted with electrical appliances and superiority pots/pans and cutlery/crockery.

All room is elegantly outfitted; there is an airy and spacious living room fronting south and a dining area for 6 - 8 guests. In addition there is a chill-out room where you can use the cyberspace, lean back on a couch and loosen up or, play on the latest X-box technology. Or Else this room can be changed to a fourth bedroom if preferred.
Both the living room and the master bedroom have 42 inch plasma Television Sets with DVD players and satellite Television - there is a home theater in the living room.

On the terrace (10m x 3.5m) is an al fresco dining suite, sun-beds and plants and, access to the most beautiful vistas and ocean-breezes.

Finally we have a 38 foot Sports Cruiser for those who want to explore the infinite of tropical islands around Phuket or try scuba diving.

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Phuket sights - there is a lot to see ……

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Phuket is the tropical paradise, located in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, about 850 kilometers south of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Occupying an area of about 950 square kilometers, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with about the size of Singapore. Phuket is also credited to be the only island in the country with provincial status.

With incredible dazzling blue seas, enchanting tourist spots, awesome scenery, lush tropical rain forests, beautiful waterfalls, incredible views of sunset, stupendous coves and bays, exquisite Thai seafood cuisines, and services of warm amicable Thai people, Phuket has now become one of the most sought after tourist spots in South-East Asia.

The major draw of Phuket is unquestionably its stunning coastline, with soft sandy beaches with warm sparkling waters to rocky cliffs. Many of the top beaches in the area concentrated on the island’s west coast. Just few among many of the gorgeous beaches in the area are Bang Tao Beach, Patong Beach, Kalim Beach, Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Mai Kao Beach, Nai Thon Beach, Nui Beach, Pansea Beach, Rawai Beach, Surin Beach, and Ya Nui Beach. All of them are truly a haven for ocean as well as water sport lovers.

However, attractions in Phuket are beyond beaches as well as its activities. Phuket also has a number of other attractions to woo countless tourists visiting here year-round. Among which most famed are Thalang National Museum, which has on display exhibits related to the battle of Thalang as well as artifacts that throw light on the ancient history of the place.

The Heroine’s Monument, which is built to commemorate two heroines under whose control the Burmese invaders were defeated during the Battle of Thalang; Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, with a plenty of butterflies as well as varied species of other insects; Phuket Zoo, which is a great place to view some rare types of animals.

Phuket Orchid Village and Thai Village, with an astounding variety of orchid flowers; Khao Rang, a low hill which provides incredible views of surroundings; Wat Phra Thong, whose prime attraction is an image of Lord Buddha that is half buried; Phromthep Cape, a great place to savor the beauty of sunset; and Wat Chalong, a highly revered temple enshrining statues of Buddhist monks such as Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.

The growing number of tourists has led to a tremendous increase in number of accommodations options in Phuket. Depending upon the preferences, needs, and budget of vacationers, different types of accommodation choices are available in the place. The most preferred accommodation choice among the short stay vacationers are hotels and resorts. Mostly, these hotels are replete with top-end facilities such as stylishly appointed guest rooms, sumptuous dining facilities, state of the art fitness rooms, awesome spa centers offering a variety of massage and beauty treatments, and swimming pools.

Some excellent choices are also available for budget conscious travelers in the form of boutique hotels and bungalow type resorts. Al though they are inexpensive, these accommodation types render almost facilities that a luxurious option offers.

Despite any other choices, perhaps the best accommodation option is private rental villas. Villa vacation rentals are a great alternative over expensive hotel rooms. Further, they are an excellent option for long stays as well as for those seeking privacy and freedom. If you are a luxury lover, then go for villas that are complete with top end amenities such as spacious deluxe bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, and fully equipped European style kitchen. There are also villas that are exclusively designed for people with vacationing with large family, and they mostly include five or six bedrooms. Above all, villa rentals are within walking distance from stunning beaches as well as some of the top attractions in the destination.

But, it is necessary to plan in advance in order to make your Phuket vacation enjoyable and unforgettable. Many of the villa and hotel providers in Phuket have their own sites on the web. Some of them even contain full features of a villa coupled with their pictures, pricing details, and features. This in turn enables a tourist to choose an accommodation option of your choice and make bookings online.

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Phuket Property Outlook

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Phuket properties, what’s next?

These days, visitors to Phuket / Thailand can’t help but notice the number of premium property projects being marketed on the island. Developers on this tourist hotspot are going all out to woo buyers with projects running the gamut from luxury villas to upmarket resort condominiums with ultramodern facades and interior design.

Post-tsunami Phuket’s property market is enjoying a boom fuelled by rising demand from expatriates. Real-estate consultants say foreign investors from Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and the Mediterranean from the bulk of buyers who are snapping up properties across the island.

Traditionally hot market

Property on Phuket has always been sought after, owing to its status as a top resort destination in Southeast Asia. About the size of Singapore, the 570 sq km island attracts tourists and investors with its striking natural beauty, unique brand of Thai hospitality and cost of living that is lower than other markets in the region such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

“Phuket distinguishes itself by its unique blend of safety, unrivalled hospitality, and the degree of sophistication of its economy and property market. It is a fully serviced island with first-class facilities, very accessible from anywhere in the region, thanks to its international airport, and benefits from a fantastic natural environment,” notes David Simister, chairman of CB Richard Ellis Thailand.

Bouncing back post-tsunami It’s not just luxury villas that are being snapped op on Phuket. Consultants say the island is enjoying strong demand across the entire spectrum of properties available. Supply has also evolved to fit all budgets, from US$70,000 ($1 approx US$ 0.64) to above US$ 7 million.

Where are these investors coming from? Analysts say demand has historically been from cosmopolitan Hong Kong and Singaporean residents, as well as western expatriates living in the region. That profile, however is changing. “ We are now seeing an increasing number of high net worth individuals coming from areas such as China, and expect to see more and more buyers from Europe as Mediterranean resort prices continue to rise and people realise that Phuket can offer a very good value-for-money exotic lifestyle.” says Simister.

Choice investment properties Potential buyers on Phuket invariably look for ocean-view properties, which are highly sought-after because of limited supply. These fast-selling developments include Trisara, which consists of exclusive US$ 2.6 million to US$ 5.3 million ocean-view and ocean-front villas on 1,300 to 2,900 sq.m. land plots adjoining an eponymous six-star hotel. Another sought-after development is The Heights, with 200 to 415 sq.m. sea-view condominium units priced from US$ 400,000 to US$ 950,000. Both projects sold half the units released within months of launching.

While buyers previously looked to projects on the traditionally popular west coast of the island. Phuket’s south and east coast are steadily gaining prominence as an alternative, as a result of the exhaustion of prime land in the west coast. A high-end project with prices lower than that on the west coast is Supalai on Ao Por, which offers three-and four-bedroom villas with sea views for less than 20 million baht. Just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the area is less crowed and located near amenities such as golf courses and marinas. Such properties represent much better value for money, with higher capital-appreciation prospects as the area develops.

While consultants say Phuket’s property rental market is still in its infancy and most investors buy for owner-occupation, properties can offer healthy yields depending on their type, location and furnishings. Simister of CB Richard Ellis estimates that yields for an actively managed property can range from 6% to 12% a year, based on 100 nights’ occupancy. He adds that rental returns usually reach their full potential once the property and development it is in are fully completed and have been in operation for high seasons.

Room for more growth CB Richard Ellis is more bullish. Simister says, “Far from being a bubble, the high level of real estate activity seen on the island is only the beginning. Phuket is in the early stages of a long-term growth curve. The market has only one way to go, which is up, in terms of volume of sales, and range and sophistication of properties and facilities offered.”

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Travel around on Phuket’s Beaches

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Phuket to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Phuket experts.

Sailboats and motor yachts arrived from all over the world for the sixth annual Phuket Invitational Superyacht Rendezvous. The event gathered even more cachet this year at its new venue, the exclusive Resort on Phuket’s Andaman coast.

The champagne flowed at the opening cocktail party on board the classic motor yacht Maid Marian II, which was celebrating her 75th birthday. Following cocktails, owners and crew were whizzed ashore for another party. Hein Velema of the principle sponsor Feadship then announced “The Feadship Challenge” over finely flavored canapés. The objective was simple: Teams had to design and build a model Superyacht in 15 minutes!
Feadship knows a thing or two about boats but wasn’t giving away any secrets, leaving teams scrambling. Hein looked on with amused curiosity as the teams tackled the challenge, paying homage to ancient shipbuilding traditions with balsa wood, plastic, superglue, sailcloth and a few basic tools. Suitably inspired by generous quantities of Moet and fellow guests, the teams came up with some super - and not so super - yachts while pondering the age-old question, “Does size matter?”

The boats took to the water in the specially built racing trough. Wind power proved tricky as team members attempted to blow maximum gale force to propel their boats. To separate the men from the boys, a beer had to be downed at the halfway point. The team from Sylvia encountered steering problems, while superior wind power assisted Maid Marian through several heats until Yanneke Too - built for speed, emerged the fastest. “The Best Design” award went to the Silvertip team for sleek clean lines. “The Ugliest Design” (fast but ugly) went to Cordelia for an extreme flat bottom.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Phuket experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Phuket.

The following day dawned with glorious weather conditions. The sun shone; a fantastic fresh wind blew to fill the sails; the sky was a brilliant deep blue - all set against the lovely coastline of Phuket. Veteran King’s Cup race master Andy Dowden, reminding everyone “it’s a rally not a regatta,” set the triangular course leading the yachts close to land. Long legs and downwinds provided spectators with a magical sight, as sails were unfurled in majestic splendor.

The classic ketch Sylvia, always memorable, was an inspiring sight as southwest winds filled her 600-square meters of sail setting her on course for Sri Lanka. “Everyone got their passport?” joked Capt. Bryce after Sylvia missed the starting line. The 5O-year-old lady was challenged with rigging and renegade sails that took a lot of combined muscle to rein in. As every year, she followed a slightly different course. Capt. Bryce acknowledged that perhaps a few regatta rules had been broken, but everything was fine.

Yanneke Too - operating with push-button efficiency led the field. After an exciting start, which had Yanneke Too and Intrigue neck and neck, Yanneke the only boat that hoisted her fabulous spinnaker, made headway. Unfortunately the spinnaker just dipped in the water and Intrigue sailed sovereign in the winner’s position.

This year’s Invitational captured a moment in history. Following last year’s tsunami, Phuket and the Andaman coast have made an incredible recovery and many visitors felt a new era was beginning for the region. The sponsors, including organizing sponsor SEAL Superyachts, see Asia and especially Phuket emerging as the ultimate yachting destination in the not-too-distant future.

At the final gala dinner their predictions seemed to be on track. The private beach was beautifully decked out. The lavish buffet included fresh Andaman seafood and an array of sensuous chocolate delights. Lashings of champagne added to the general bonhomie as dozens of traditional hot air lanterns were launched in the night sky, forming a canopy of tiny lights above the yachts. “

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Phuket apartments for rent - High season rental available

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Situated in the beautiful and exclusive Cape Panwa, these  are right on the beach. There are 3 villas / apartments / condos available in this project which was finished in July 2007. Each condo has 282 square metres living space over two levels with 3 bedrooms (all en-suite). For those who need additional beds, we are able to upgrade the chill-out room into a fourth sleeping accommodation.

Click me Click me Click me Phuket Waterside Condo

Enjoy your Phuket holiday in a condominium style, double floor villa, situated right on the beach in Cape Panwa, the Southern part of Phuket. You are just 15 mins outside from Phuket Town and 35 mins off from Patong, so you won’t miss out on the night life yet you can still absorb the local life-style.

Total unwind in your calm surrounds, listening to the voice of waves breaking in front your villa and feeling the refreshing breezes from the ocean. The panorama is just sensational; wide-screen sea, island and mountain views can be enjoyed from every room.

The condominium layout has a large open plan living area, dining area and kitchen, fully decorated with superb quality furniture. There are 3 & 4 bedroom condos with 4 bathrooms each.

Our 40 m salt-water swimming pool rests on the shore where delighted restaurants and beach bar are 2 minutes walk away. And if you fancy a game of golf or a day at the health spa, there are an abundance of choices based nearby.

Every room has sensational 180 degrees ocean panorama of the Andaman and its islands, and opens onto a wide patio on the living floor and, onto a beautiful balcony on the sleeping level.

With no streets to cross or busses to catch, these condos are right on the beach. There is a private eternity, 40 m, salt water lap pool (not sea-water) surrounded by sun-beds and shade for those caring to take things slowly. All condos have wireless internet access and are fully outfitted and furnished. Each apartment contains 3 double bedrooms, all en-suite. The master bedroom has a particularly deluxe bathroom with a large bath positioned for you to enjoy the sea views. The outstanding modern kitchen is equipped with electric appliances and high quality pots/pans and crockery/cutlery.

All room is elegantly equipped; there is an airy and convenient living room facing south and a dining area for 6 - 8 guests. In addition there is a chill-out room where you can use the cyberspace, recline on a couch and loosen up or, play on the latest X-box technology. Alternatively this room can be changed to a fourth bedroom if desired.
Both the living room and the master bedroom have 42 inch plasma Television Sets with DVD players and satellite Television - there is a home theatre in the living room.

On the patio (10m x 3.5m) is an al fresco dining suite, sun-beds and plants and, access to the most beautiful scenes and ocean-breezes.

Finally we have a 38 foot Sports Cruiser for those who wish to research the myriad of tropical islands around Phuket or try scuba diving.

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Phuket Thailand information

November 22nd, 2008 by Nick

Phuket is possibly the most inhabited as well as the most travelled to destinations in the Kingdom of Thailand. Phuket isn’t only the biggest island in the country but also the only island province in Thailand. Awe-inspiring scenery, breathtaking tropical sunsets, palm-lined white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, serene broad bays, lush green forested areas, mesmerizing blue lagoons, superb mansions and buildings reflecting Sino-Portuguese architecture, outstanding hospitality, and fantastic accommodations - all sum up the island of Phuket. Hence, it is not a wonder why Phuket has been bestowed with the titles ‘the Pearl of the South,’ and ‘the Pearl of the Andaman.

Covering an area of about 540 square kilometers and located about 850 km south of Bangkok, Phuket is nestled in the tropical region off the west coastline of the southern part of the country in the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea. With more than 35 small islands, Phuket has the mystical Phang-nga to the north, which is connected by two bridges, namely, Sarasin and Thep Krasattri. The other three sides of the island have been bounded by the Andaman Sea.

While your stay at Phuket, you can spend a day here by engaging in more than 100 activities. No matter you want to enjoy golf in golf courses of international standards, enjoy world-class scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, or just want to explore the scenic vistas of tropical forests and surroundings, Phuket has superb choices for all. In other words, you just name an activity; it would be readily available in the island.

For beach bums and water sports lovers, Phuket provides a feast of attractions, with an array of fabulous beaches such as Patong Beach, one of the busiest areas with largest assortment of bars and restaurants; Kamala Beach, a quaint area suitable for a relaxing vacation; Karon Beaches, one of the longest of its kind in the island; Kata Beach, consisting of two beaches such as Kata Yai and Kata Noi; Nai Harn Beach, whose area is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Harn Monastery; and Surin Beach, which is one of the great places in the island to savor sumptuous seafood dishes.

The Andaman Sea is regarded as one of the world’s most magnificent bodies of water, and visiting Phuket would be probably the most excellent way to enjoy its crystal-like clear waters. A variety of water sport activities can be enjoyed here such as sport fishing, sea canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, dinner cruises, and much more. Even superb options are available for learning scuba diving.

Beyond wonderful beaches and clear, sparkling seas, Phuket offers much more to people touring the destination. For those interested in traditional sight seeing options, then Phuket offers a continuum of museums such as the Phuket Sea Shell Museum, which has on display a large variety of sea shells collected from across the world, apart from ancient fossils and unique golden pearl collections; and the Talang National Museum, which provides deep insight into the interesting history of the region.

Options available for sightseers also include a myriad of temples and monasteries, among which one of the most popular is Wat Chalong, dedicated to two highly revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. Your Phuket sightseeing would not be complete without taking a tour to Old Phuket town lined with Sino-Portuguese mansions and funky boutiques.

If you are an animal lover, then you should definitely visit destinations like Phuket Aquarium, with more than 30 tanks of saltwater as well as freshwater specialties; Phuket Monkey School, where you can spectacle monkey shows; Snake Farm near the Simon Cabaret; the Phuket Zoo, which is home to a variety of animal and bird species; and Phuket Butterfly Farm. Likewise, for flower and plant lovers, a visit to the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village would be a great experience. Further, if your choice is different and looking for something unique, then head to destinations such as Phuket FantaSea, which is a great choice for fun lovers, and Simon Cabaret Shows.

Attractions in Phuket also cover Chalong Big Buddha, Khao Praew Thaew National Park, Sirinath National Park, Khao Rang, and Phromthep offering magnificent views of the sunset. Above all, fabulous is the nightlife in Phuket, with a range of nightclubs, karaokes, and restaurants and bars in some of the hotspots of the island.

With these scores of attractions, Phuket has something for everyone. In other words, no matter you are honeymooner, newly weds, parent vacation with your children, or 95-year-olds, Phuket caters to every taste, budget, and age.

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