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■ Population: 1.5 million
■ Currency: Thai baht (THB)
■ Country and city code: +66, +76
■ Tourist info: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Southern Office: Region 4, 73-75 Phuket Road, Muang District
■ tel: +66 (76) 211 036 and 217 138
■ website: www.tourismthailand.org
FUN FACT
The Phuket Seashell Museum, near Rawai Beach is home to the only left-handed Noble Volute ever discovered in the world and displays the world’s rarest golden pearls.
Ecotourism Training Centre (www.etcth.org)
A nonprofit organisation that operates on donations and provides career training to tsunami-affected youth. The Khao Lak-based Ecotourism Training Centre now offers reef trips, with the funds going back into the organisation to train more youth.
Fishing
Phuket’s waters are teeming with marine life and Gottcha Tours (tel: +66 (0)76 280621) knows where the best spots are to cast a line. Reel in whopper tuna, wahoo, barracuda, big gamefish, and more, on exciting day trips and night fishing expeditions.
Stella Luna (Unit 1132/1 Jungceylon Shopping Destination, Patong, tel: +66 (0)76 600131)
Ladies with a shoe fetish will be in heaven at Stella Luna. A rising star on the global catwalks, this exquisite range of European-styled footwear rivals any Sex in the City collection.
Mom Tri’s (Kata Beach, Phuket, tel: +66 (0)76 330015)
Phuket’s famed Mom Tri’s Boathouse will host the annual “Quinzaine de la Gastronomie Française” – an extravaganza of French cuisine and wine – on 12-27 January 2008. $$$
Flavors (94 Thaveewong Road, Patong, tel: +66 (0)76 292 576)
Well-known chef Arkom has a reputed following for his combinations of exotic Asian and European flavours. Flambe specialities created tableside in front of you are a popular highlight. $$
Rain Hail (entrance of Laguna complex, Bangtao Beach)
Hailed as the funkiest new venue in town, the contemporary bar and music lounge attracts some of Thailand’s best DJs who play hits for the international crowd.
Old Phuket (192/ 36 Karon Beach) *
Opposite Karon Beach, the charming Old Phuket Hotel is a blend of Sino-Portuguese architecture and tropical outdoor living. Room rates start from THB1,252.70 (SGD57.50). $
At Panta (310/ 51 Moo 1 Baandon Cherng Talay) *
This traditional Ayuttaya-style hotel in lush gardens with mountain views is just 10 minutes to Bangtao beach. Room rates start from THB2,299.85 (SGD105.50). $$
BY KERRIE HALL
* FOR EXCLUSIVE RATES, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
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