Beach Paradise Phuket
This is my first blog and yeah I am excited. Nothing better than to start by writing about my favorite activity - Traveling. The idea is not to bore you with a whole lot of information rather share with you our travel experiences that would help if you ever decide to venture the same way. And I am sure at the end of it you would not have any questions. Hopefully not.
We (my hubby and me) both keen travel enthusiasts decided rather ended up visiting Phuket this June. Traveling for us is about exploring a country to the of best of our knowledge. To be honest this was not a well planned trip rather a last minute one and man it was worth it.
A real beach paradise Phuket has lots to offer - famous island excursions, world class snorkeling and dive trips, elephant trekking, jungle safari, golf courses, a zillion scenic spots, beautiful temples & shrines, traditional Thai massage, caberet, water parks, shooting ranges and a fantastic night life. To explore each of these places in a relaxed way it is best to spend around a week in Phuket. The best time to visit is from November to March when the seas are warm and the sky is clear. April to October accommodation and other things are much cheaper but some of the activities like island hopping, diving & ferry / boat rides might get affected due to rains.
A real beach paradise Phuket has lots to offer - famous island excursions, world class snorkeling and dive trips, elephant trekking, jungle safari, golf courses, a zillion scenic spots, beautiful temples & shrines, traditional Thai massage, caberet, water parks, shooting ranges and a fantastic night life. To explore each of these places in a relaxed way it is best to spend around a week in Phuket. The best time to visit is from November to March when the seas are warm and the sky is clear. April to October accommodation and other things are much cheaper but some of the activities like island hopping, diving & ferry / boat rides might get affected due to rains.
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| At Patong Beach |
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| Staring at the enchanting emerald-green sea |
The visa process is simple (Phuket International Airport) - all you need are two recently clicked passport size photographs, a valid passport and a simple form to be filled & signed (easily available at the airport). The visa fees is 1000 THB per person. 19 countries are eligible to enter Thailand under the VISA ON ARRIVAL rule. Attached is the link for further reference & rules regarding visa process.
http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.php
A minimum of 10,000 THB per person is mandatory for a short stay (around 7 days). Would suggest one to carry around 20,000 THB per person for shopping, activities, emergencies (like medical) & other expenditures. You can get your currency converted at the airport or at several currency exchange counters available throughout Phuket.
Metered taxis are easily available just outside the airport. Metered taxis take around 650 THB till Patong area (with a maximum capacity of 4 people). You will also find some booths inside the airport advertising for limousines (which are just normal Toyota or Corollas). Not advisable as these cost more around 850 THB. The metered taxis are air conditioned and quite comfortable. It took us around 45 minutes to reach our destination from the airport.
We stayed for 6 days at the Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa. While deciding on our accommodation we kept two factors in mind : budget & accessibility. Voted as one of the best resorts by trip advisor in 2012 I strongly recommend this resort to everyone. Reason being its prime location in Patong area close to Bangla street as well as the hospitable and friendly staff. Very convenient to commute around from this place. Terrific beaches, restaurants, bars, discos, street side shopping, malls and medical facilities all in close proximity.
http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.php
A minimum of 10,000 THB per person is mandatory for a short stay (around 7 days). Would suggest one to carry around 20,000 THB per person for shopping, activities, emergencies (like medical) & other expenditures. You can get your currency converted at the airport or at several currency exchange counters available throughout Phuket.
Metered taxis are easily available just outside the airport. Metered taxis take around 650 THB till Patong area (with a maximum capacity of 4 people). You will also find some booths inside the airport advertising for limousines (which are just normal Toyota or Corollas). Not advisable as these cost more around 850 THB. The metered taxis are air conditioned and quite comfortable. It took us around 45 minutes to reach our destination from the airport.
We stayed for 6 days at the Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa. While deciding on our accommodation we kept two factors in mind : budget & accessibility. Voted as one of the best resorts by trip advisor in 2012 I strongly recommend this resort to everyone. Reason being its prime location in Patong area close to Bangla street as well as the hospitable and friendly staff. Very convenient to commute around from this place. Terrific beaches, restaurants, bars, discos, street side shopping, malls and medical facilities all in close proximity.
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| At Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa |
However, there are many hotels & resorts in Phuket and one can look at the other options too depending on his / her budget & choice.
Commuting is easy - cars, taxis, tuk tuks (local autos) and buses are available throughout. Tuk tuks and taxis are the best mode of transportation. Tuk tuks for shorter distances and taxis to cover longer distances. For a full day tour a taxi costs around 1500 THB. Shared taxis are easily available. Some tuk tuks have interesting disco lights & hip hop or desi beats being played - indeed a joy ride!! Hiring a two wheeler is a real nice experience in Phuket. These are less than 40 cc and you do not need a driving license.
You are seriously spoiled for choice for food options in Phuket with probably a greater variety of cuisines than anywhere else in Thailand from hawker stands, beach vendors, local noodle shops, great Thai and seafood restaurants right up to the finest International dining. I am a die hard Thai food fan and must say the local cuisine is delicious - most of the gravies are coconut based. Noodles & rice is usually served with a fried egg, salad & crushed peanuts. Veg food is easily available at most of the restaurants. You will also find a chain of KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks, 7/11, Family Mart & other convenient stores all around.
Commuting is easy - cars, taxis, tuk tuks (local autos) and buses are available throughout. Tuk tuks and taxis are the best mode of transportation. Tuk tuks for shorter distances and taxis to cover longer distances. For a full day tour a taxi costs around 1500 THB. Shared taxis are easily available. Some tuk tuks have interesting disco lights & hip hop or desi beats being played - indeed a joy ride!! Hiring a two wheeler is a real nice experience in Phuket. These are less than 40 cc and you do not need a driving license.
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| Colorful attractive tuk tuks |
You are seriously spoiled for choice for food options in Phuket with probably a greater variety of cuisines than anywhere else in Thailand from hawker stands, beach vendors, local noodle shops, great Thai and seafood restaurants right up to the finest International dining. I am a die hard Thai food fan and must say the local cuisine is delicious - most of the gravies are coconut based. Noodles & rice is usually served with a fried egg, salad & crushed peanuts. Veg food is easily available at most of the restaurants. You will also find a chain of KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks, 7/11, Family Mart & other convenient stores all around.
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| Veg Pad Thai |
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| Jumbo lobsters |
Note : Please avoid or rather be careful with sea food in Phuket especially during the monsoon season - April to October.
For those who are crazy sea food lovers like me and cannot resist the temptation then don't worry. Ya I say don't worry. I too suffered from minor food poisoning after consuming shrimp rice. But Phuket has some of the best medical facilities and ample of pharmacies & clinics around. Would also suggest you to get a medical insurance done before your visit. Have included a list of emergency numbers and hospitals at the end of the blog.
Things to see & approximate costing (per person).
1. FantsaSea Cultural Theme Park
Tickets : 1500 THB (includes pick up & drop without dinner)
1900 THB (includes pick up & drop with dinner)
Activities : Cultural shows, entertainment centers, traditional Thai dressing, jungle adventures, shopping streets, restaurants, special sea food buffet, etc. Attached is the link for further details.
http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/index.php
2. Patong, Karon & Kata Beaches
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Sun decks & beach shacks, swimming, para sailing, motor boat rides, banana boat rides, hair braiding, surfing, tattoo making, bars, restaurants, discos, shopping, etc.
Note : Swimming, surfing, para sailing, etc are weather based activities. Please avoid entering the sea during bad weather.
3. Wat Chalong Temple
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Beautiful temple with gardens around, street side shopping, small stalls & eateries.
Note : Please do not wear shorts, mini skirts, short dresses, singlets, etc when you enter the main temple.
4. Adventure Sports
Tickets : Around 750 THB per activity
Activities : Elephant safari, ATV, white water rafting, jungle trekking etc.
5. Exotic Thai Massages & Spas - Not to be missed at any cost
Tickets : Starting from 300 THB
Activities : Foot massage, foot scrubs, full body massage, shoulder massage, neck massage, facials, sun tan treatments, etc.
6. Island Hopping (Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, Similan Island, Phang Nga Bay and many more)
Tickets : Starting from 1500 THB (includes pick up & drop till hotel, conveyance, lunch & snorkeling)
Activities : Snorkeling, scuba diving, photography, etc.
Note : Please avoid traveling by small boats, big boats & ferries during monsoons as the seas are rough.
7. Phromthep Cape Viewpoint
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Sunset, photography, etc.
8. Shopping & Bargaining
Tickets : NA
Activities : Shopping, street side stalls, light snacks, etc.
Note : It is good to bargain but not for items which are already low priced.
Most of the above activities can be booked by agents available at the resort or by several of the local agents who run stalls at Patong. You will find them selling tickets with different combination of activities.
You may find that some blogs call Thailand a racist country. I have no idea from where has this notion formed. The Thai are the most friendly people and treat all well. Most of the locals can speak English. Some might have a problem communicating but still try their level best to interact and help.
Things to see & approximate costing (per person).
1. FantsaSea Cultural Theme Park
Tickets : 1500 THB (includes pick up & drop without dinner)
1900 THB (includes pick up & drop with dinner)
Activities : Cultural shows, entertainment centers, traditional Thai dressing, jungle adventures, shopping streets, restaurants, special sea food buffet, etc. Attached is the link for further details.
http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/index.php
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| As Thai prince & princess at FantaSea |
2. Patong, Karon & Kata Beaches
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Sun decks & beach shacks, swimming, para sailing, motor boat rides, banana boat rides, hair braiding, surfing, tattoo making, bars, restaurants, discos, shopping, etc.
Note : Swimming, surfing, para sailing, etc are weather based activities. Please avoid entering the sea during bad weather.
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| Fun activities at Patong beach |
3. Wat Chalong Temple
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Beautiful temple with gardens around, street side shopping, small stalls & eateries.
Note : Please do not wear shorts, mini skirts, short dresses, singlets, etc when you enter the main temple.
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| Wat Chalong Temple |
4. Adventure Sports
Tickets : Around 750 THB per activity
Activities : Elephant safari, ATV, white water rafting, jungle trekking etc.
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| Elephant Safari with our sweet friend Mau |
5. Exotic Thai Massages & Spas - Not to be missed at any cost
Tickets : Starting from 300 THB
Activities : Foot massage, foot scrubs, full body massage, shoulder massage, neck massage, facials, sun tan treatments, etc.
 |
| Posing for the camera after a great massage |
6. Island Hopping (Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, Similan Island, Phang Nga Bay and many more)
Tickets : Starting from 1500 THB (includes pick up & drop till hotel, conveyance, lunch & snorkeling)
Activities : Snorkeling, scuba diving, photography, etc.
Note : Please avoid traveling by small boats, big boats & ferries during monsoons as the seas are rough.
7. Phromthep Cape Viewpoint
Tickets : NA (free entry)
Activities : Sunset, photography, etc.
8. Shopping & Bargaining
Tickets : NA
Activities : Shopping, street side stalls, light snacks, etc.
Note : It is good to bargain but not for items which are already low priced.
Most of the above activities can be booked by agents available at the resort or by several of the local agents who run stalls at Patong. You will find them selling tickets with different combination of activities.
Although tipping is not mandatory in Phuket, but a little generosity from your end would bring a big smile on the service providers face. Around 50 to 80 THB for the staff at your hotel or resort, around 100 THB as a service tip at restaurants, to tour guides, masseurs, etc.
Your valuable feedback and comments would be highly appreciated. Also if you have any questions regarding Phuket please let us know.
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| Phuket Map |
Phuket Hospitals
- Phuket International Hospital
44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd
Located between Big C and Tesco Lotus on the bypass road.
Tel: +66 (0)7 624 9400, +66 (0)7 621 0936
Email: info@www.phuketinternationalhospital.com
Website: www.phuketinternationalhospital.com
- Bangkok Phuket Hospital
2/1 Hongyok utis Rd, Phuket City
Located in Phuket City.
Tel: +66 (0)7 625 4421
Email info@phukethospital.com
Website: www.phukethospital.com
- Mission Hospital Phuket
4/1 Thepkrasattri Rd
Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000
Tel: (66-76) 237220/5 - 211907 or 212149 - 01-4299627
Email: pkah@phuket.ksc.co.th
Website: www.missionhospitalphuket.com
- Patong Hospital
Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150
Tel: (66-76) 344225 - 340617 For EMERGENCIES call 340444
Email: patonghospital@hotmail.com
Website: www.patonghospital.com
Phuket Clinics
- Dr Thiti Clinic
1 Visit Road, Rawai
Near Chalong Circle
Tel: +66 (0)81 691 9185
- Dr Niran's Clinic
5/12 Moo 8 Chaofa Road,Phuket 83100
(opposite Esso Chalong)
Tel: (66-76) 283002 - 283008
Email: dr_niran@hotmail.com
- Bangkok International Clinic
Canal Village, Laguna Phuket
390/6-7 Srisoonthorn Rd, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Tel: (66-76) 325442 - 325442
Emergency Contacts
Nice and detailed info. about Phuket and gr888 pics too. Hiring a two wheeler is a real nice experience in Thailand.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the fact that medical contact are included in your blog.
Vehicles are less than 40cc and no need for license. Tourists need to know that driving is on left side of the road and hence be careful if it's not the same in your country :)
Would like to see more of these from other Asian countries. Both of you looks awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hello,
DeleteThanks a ton for your comments and valuable feedback specially pertaining to two wheelers. Will incorporate this information in our blog asap. If you have a similar travel blog let us know - we could include you in our blogroll.
Your blog is the best blog I have read so far please share your email address.
DeleteI need more info and help.
pratik.vora4@gmail.com
Kya baat kya baat ..... bahut hi behetrein (awesome) explanation and loads of information.... Hospital info (10/10 .. no other travel blog will give this information) .... :)
ReplyDeleteWaiting for blogs on your other destination ..... :)
Dear Srinivas,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about the other destinations :)
Really a great information regarding Phuket travel. I have been to Phuket once but after reading your blog I think I missed so many things there.Its not just about beaches and night clubs.
ReplyDeleteDear Saini,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. I completely agree - Phuket is not just about beaches & night clubs. Hence the whole idea to write the blog and inform people. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about the other destinations :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOhhh la la la.... im a fan,,, yours first.... good job, this info is fabulous...
ReplyDeleteWould recommend in your next blog to include some must visit restaurants for any place that you visit and write about...
Also, personal experiences with some great people that you meet would also give a fantastic mix for us travel lovers to connect with your experience.
Loved your eye to detail... keep it up girl!
Xo- Arun
Dear Arun,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. Will include information about restaurants. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about the other destinations :)
Great stuff! Will look forward for more.. Also add map locations..
ReplyDeleteDear Pranav,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. Will add a map too. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
good stuff!! very informative!!
ReplyDeleteDear Sahil,
DeleteThanks for your valuable feedback.
Enjoyed reading this post. The attention to detail is fantastic and the pictures add a refreshing angle. Would love to visit Phuket sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteDear reader,
DeleteThanks for your comments and valuable feedback.
Hey sneha,
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a pleasure going and reading through your blog of travel and especially Phuket...I must say no were the excitement with which you have narrated your complete experience would make any travel lover to visit the place for sure...
What is even more striking about your travel blog is the way it has been presented, interest generated along with giving core details of the place along with its do's and dont's...
Must say it was really fascinating to read and see those nice snaps...
Would be eagerly waiting to read your next travel experience......
Thanks once again...
Mani Dharmarajan
Dear Mani,
DeleteThanks a lot for detailed and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Gr8 job guys..... Keep it up..... will like to read more experience from u... This is addictive stuff....
ReplyDeleteDear bhaiya,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Sneha Baliga
ReplyDeleteit is an awesome article combining my favorite things Travelling, photography (must say really nice photos) and good reading. believe it your write up makes me wanna go an visit place right way. hope to read more of your travel experience and hope some day we all can travel together jus like our good old day....
once again loved it very much please conider me as your permanent reader and a fan :-)
keep up the good work
cheers
Dear Puneet,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Hi Sneha,
ReplyDeleteVery Interesting and informative article :)
Dear Sanjay,
DeleteThanks for your valuable feedback.
Dear Ankur,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Really nice n informative article with beautful pics..keep travelling n njoi life :)..looking forward to more of such articles from you guys..will ask specific questions for phuket/thailand once I make a concrete plan.
ReplyDeleteDear Vivek,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. Will soon post about other destinations :)You are most free to ask questions.
Thanks Sneha and Aseem for putting up all the important and interesting information on Phuket. The blog is very well written and is very lucid in describing the place.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, especially the one where Aseem is getting a massage! What expressions!!!
Photos add the liveliness to the blog, and you have spaced them nicely with the text in between.
I would say a very good article to start off a travel blog! Do add the links to various websites that helped you plan your trip. Waiting for your experiences on other destinations!
Cheers chicos!!!!
Dear Nilay,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. Will try and add more links. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Cheers!!
Good initiative!
ReplyDeleteI guess if you count-in the locations within Taiwan, this blog can up the momentum going!
加油！（還有，不要那麼客氣： 不用謝！)
Dear Vinay,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
WOW!!.. Very informative and organised stuff!!..Too good!!..This makes me wanna go to Thailand!!
ReplyDeleteDear Ronak,
DeleteThanks a lot for your comments and valuable feedback. Glad you enjoyed the post. If you have any queries / doubts do feel free to write to us. Will soon post about other destinations :)
Refreshing article on Thailand. You two look great! Warning about seafood is critical, as that's the first thing we would head for. Overall very informative, especially about medical facilities! Will surely visit Thailand!
ReplyDeleteDear Usha,
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed our post. Yes I agree that the info about seafood was essential especially for seafood lovers like us. Keep following our blog for more details.
Hey there....This was great information, I have been to Phuket once, 2 years ago and am going again in November. The information really brought back memories and I can now tell people the name of the temple that is my screensaver - Wat Chalong :)....could not remember for the life of me.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to reading more of your blogs and you both look like your having a fantastic time in your pics.
Ps, did you do this for fun?, I ask as I am thinking about doing a blog just for fun but not sure as I only get to travel once a year.
Thanks
Kelly
Dear Tenille,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent and detailed feedback. Glad you enjoyed reading our blog. Wat Chalong is one of the most beautiful temples I have seen.
Will come up with more blogs soon.
Me and my husband came up with this idea of writing blogs as we have traveled a lot more so Asia side. Yes it is for fun and at the same time would help a lot of people.
Do feel free to ask us any questions regarding Phuket.
Regards,
Sneha.
Glad to hear you enjoyed my island! I've lived in Phuket since 1999 .. and been blogging about Phuket since 2006 (Jamie's Phuket @ http://jamie-monk.blogspot.com). Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYes we had a fantastic time. Would love to visit Phuket again. We missed visiting the islands in June due to bad weather. Have been through your blogs and enjoyed reading them. Very informative and well written.
DeleteHey Sneha,
ReplyDeleteReading through your blog was as if I'm already traveling :)...This blog of yours is very informative.
I would certainly take the pointers from here when I plan to travel.
Keep traveling and blogging :).
Hello,
DeleteThanks for your valuable feedback. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Yes, I agreed with you, beaches are the main attractions in Phuket and Thailand. I had visited in Phuket and that was my memorable trip to Thailand. Its really beautiful place for travel lovers. Many top sightseeing is available to see. It's a Small heaven on the earth.
ReplyDeleteAccommodation in Phuekt
hello Sneha, Im visiting Phuket in march, and I really found ur blog useful. I had a few questions around the island hopping tour as Im interested in both phi phi and phang nga.... anything u can recommend. Do u have an email id I can reach at? Thanks for ur help.
ReplyDeleteHi Ekta. Thanks for your feedback. Both these islands are worth visiting. Unfortunately during my visit the weather was bad and hence we had to skip these spots. You can ask your hotel staff to arrange the island hopping tour for you. Please feel free to write to me if you have any further questions. My email id is sneha24baliga@gmail.com
DeleteHi Ekta. Thanks for your feedback. Both these islands are worth visiting. Unfortunately during my visit the weather was bad and hence we had to skip these spots. You can ask your hotel staff to arrange the island hopping tour for you. Please feel free to write to me if you have any further questions. My email id is sneha24baliga@gmail.com
DeleteZabardast!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletehi sneha,
ReplyDeleteNice informative blog.. I am planning a trip to Phuket this dec. Please suggest me on below points:
1. about the two wheelers pre-requisite (international license ?)
2. I and my husband are interested in snorkeling, diving etc so which island hopping tour should we choose?
3. From the varied choices of beaches, which ones should we choose: freedom beach/kata/kata noi/surin/rawai. Note that we are staying in patong beach and we have in total 6 days
4. best shopping place if you happen to know. - See more at: http://snehatravelbuff.blogspot.in/2013/06/beach-paradise-phuket.html?showComment=1447669175796#c6922985765115289284
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSorry I missed replying to you earlier. Hope you had a wonderful trip!Thanks for the feedback.
Deletehey, this is really helpful :D
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletejual mesin bordir komputer bekas murah
ReplyDeleteJual mesin bordir komputer bekas di Surabaya
Harga mesin bordir komputer bekas di Surabaya
service ponsel terbaik dan terpercaya
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good piece of a travel writing. I never visit Phuket but, I think your information will be more helpful for me. Thanks a ton to share something like that.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, and that is:- what is the best way to go Krabi from Phuket??
Superb I have read many blogs but this one I found most informative and detailed.
ReplyDeleteIf you do not mind may I have your email address ?
Regards,
Megha
Your way of describing Phuket is so attractive and clear that one feels that he is actually visiting Phuket. I have not seen Phuket but preferred to go to Kao Samui. Which smaller & quiet place.
ReplyDeleteFrom your explanation, It seems that you are a Travel agent.
Best Regard
Kish B C