|
|
Did
you know!
|
|
That: Southern
Thailand has been inhabited since the early days of mankind by ancient tribes
who settled and or adapted their lifestyles to the local environment. Who
arrived first and who pushed out or assimilated who has kept archaeologists
occupied for a long time, and promises to keep them working for a good while
to come.
|
|
Read
more
|
|
 |
|
From our
guest book |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travelers Guide to Phuket
Patong
Beach
|
Introduction
Patong
(banana plantation) Phukets most famous beach and center of the
islands night life. Patong has the largest concentration of
visitors on Phuket Island. Set in a deep, well protected bay that
has long been used to shelter ships from the northeast monsoons.
Patong offers a beautiful tropical beach ringed with lush green
mountains. The bay is a 4 km gently curving crescent of beautiful
white sand, suitable for every kind of water sport. Patong, is the
most developed of all Phukets beaches, almost solidly lined
with hotels, bungalow complexes and a concentration of
restaurants, shops and night-spots appealing to all tastes. It is
not recommended for those in search of tranquility, but definitely
suitable for those looking for a lively holiday.
Back
to Top
Patong
Beach
Is
a public beach, there are no closed or reserved areas. In practice
however, most of the beach has been staked out by private vendors
who will rent you a beach chair and shade umbrella for 50 Baht per
person. Pay your money take your seat and let the show begin.
Venders selling everything including massage services, food,
beverages, fresh fruit, clothes, jewelry, electric power tools,
etc. will beat a path to your chair. One intrepid vender of note
has been sighted pushing a cart full of "folding step
ladders" down the beach. To prevent that boring serenity that
many seek from a beautiful tropical beach, here you will be
treated to the sight and sound of numerous jet skis (500 Baht per
hour), parasailing (500 Baht), and any number of other small water
craft with large motors. Those seeking a less commercial and quiet
atmosphere may want to head north on the beach road a short
distance to the intersection with Phrabarami Road (which means
"road constructed through Royal influence") the main
road to Phuket Town. Here the beach is strewn with large granite
boulders that deter all but the most determined venders and offers
an opportunity to comb for small seashells that often wash ashore
here. Just around the rock outcroppings to the north is the much
quieter Ka Lim Beach. On the south end of the beach near the
bridge connecting to the Coral Island Resort are a group of long
tail boats for hire. A small stream empties in the bay here,
unfortunately the water is untreated wastewater.
Back
to Top
Kalim
Beach
Is a continuation of Patong Beach
on the northern curve of the coastline just north of the artistic
rocky outcroppings that separate it from Patong beach. Ka Lim is a
small charming beach with rocky points and coral. Ka Lim is a
quiet alternative to bustling Patong Beach, yet conveniently near
to tourist services and night life. At low tide, the northern end
of Ka Lim Beach reveals a mass of corals right off shore which can
be a interesting place to comb around. The corals may appear a
dull brown color but they contain an amazing number of living
creatures. Seashells, crustaceans, tiny fishes, starfish, sea
cucumbers are found in puddles of the water catchment. It is not
wise to attempt to walk barefoot here because some of the rocks
are razor sharp. Wear a strong pair of sandals or track shoes. The
northern half of the beach is exposed to the monsoon winds, and
from June to September on occasion waves big enough to surf break
here.
Back
to Top
Freedom
Beach
A
ten minute ride on a longtail boat out and around the headland on
the extreme southern tip of Patong Beach brings you to one of the
most beautiful and isolated beaches on Phuket. Accessible only
from the sea this isolated beach with its dazzling white sand will
make you forget about the hustle and bustle of Patong. There is a
small restaurant and a few beach chairs, this is a private beach
that is open the public, but the owner drives off visitors
arriving by jet ski. While you laze about on the beach you can
ponder up new names for the artistic rock formations that guard
the entrance to the bay. Dont forget your mask and fins because
the marine life that abounds on the coral reefs is among the best
on the island. To get a longtail boat ask one of the locals on the
beach about renting one and soon the owner will appear and you can
bargain for a price. Figure on 400 Baht for an hour, or 1000 Baht
for the day. Longtail boats, will hold 6-8 passengers.
Back
to Top
Na
Kha Le Beach
Five minutes north of Patong is a
covered rest area with a spectacular view overlooking the Bay. Its
a relaxing place to watch as the waves of Andaman Sea smash
against the rocks on both ends of this small turquoise blue bay
with a rim of fine white sand. The whole bay is taken up with the
expanding Tavorn Beach Hotel complex but locals can be seen
fishing off the rocks and the boat landing.
Back
to Top
|
Atlantis
- liveaboard diving in Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
