Top 10 Water Activities and Water Sports in Phuket

ECM | February 13, 2013 | Sport & Activities | 0 Comments

In keeping with our ‘Top 10’ theme, this week we have decided to showcase the Top 10 Water activities and water sports in and around Phuket. As a keen sailor, this was perhaps the article that i was most looking forward to writing…and researching!

As Phuket is one of the world’s leading beach destinations, this was much harder than i first thought it would be, with a wealth of water based activities available, ranging from the thrill-seeking extreme water sports through to the water activities for children and families. Here i have presented a mix of the two, enjoy…

1. Long Tail boat trip to Coral Island

Take a local long tail boat from the East 88 Beach Lounge to the local Coral island, where you can enjoy the pristine beach, crystal clear waters and great snorkeling. Contact our concierge for details.

2. Phuket Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Phuket is among the top 10 diving destinations in the world, with some fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving locations. With spectacular reefs, rock formations and a stunning assortment of marine life, Phuket is a wonderful place for beginners and advanced divers to enjoy. There are a myriad of day trips, dive points and you can even complete PADI dive courses. Contact our concierge for details.

3. Sea Kayaking

For the energetic amongst you, Sea kayaks are available to Serenity Guests free of charge from the East 88 beach lounge. Contact the East 88 team to find out about Tides.

4. Cable Ski and Wake board

Phuket Cable Ski & Wake board park offers fun and challenging water sports activities for adults and children from beginners to experts, with facilities for Water skiing, wakeboarding and knee boarding. Full safety and sports equipment can be hired with basic lessons given to beginners. Located near Kathu, the cable ski is a great place to spend an afternoon

5. Surf House Phuket

Great for surfers of all skill levels, the Surf house in Kata, is every surfers dream, offering all year round surfing, no matter the weather conditions. The surf house is an artificial surfing platform with a high-pressure wave machine. Safe for beginners as well as experts, the Surf house is great fun for all the family.

6. John Gray Sea Canoe

Tour the various caves and mysterious ‘hongs’ (caves in English) by Sea Canoe in one of the romantic and beautiful day trips, exploring the wonderful scenery that the Phang nga bay has to offer.Â Contact our concierge for details.

7. Whitewater rafting

Relatively new to Thailand, are the whitewater rafting tours though the tree-lined rivers of Phang Nga. Whitewater rafting is an unforgettable day out with visits to the local waterfalls, which are a sight to behold. Be prepared to get wet though!

8. Kite Surfing Phuket

Not for the feint-hearted and classified as an ‘extreme sport’, Kite surfing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular water sports. Phuket is a perfect destination for Kite Surfers, with the gentle breezes of the south-east coast ideal for less experienced kite surfers and the North-west of the island ideal for more advanced kite surfers. Kite surfing can be dangerous however and should only be done through a certified kite surfing school, of which there are many in Phuket, contact our concierge for details.

9. Splash Jungle

The new splash jungle water park in Mai Khao, has a range of water slides and rides,Â Ideal for children and families. The splash jungle features a 335 meter lazy river as well as the heart-stopping ‘boomerango’ slide to name a few. Splash jungle is also home to a kids aquarium and kids slide pool, making this a great day out for the kids.

10. Game & Sport Fishing in Phuket

While everybody knows that Phuket has some of the most amazing beaches, many people do not know that Phuket is also a world-class sport fishing and angling location. There are many great fishing tours available, contact our concierge for details.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better local water sports or water activities that i didn’t mention? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

The Top 10 Local Restaurants in Phuket!

ECM | January 5, 2013 | Food & Drink | 1 Comment

One of the most common questions we get asked by our guests, is which local restaurants we recommend. One thing that Phuket has a lot of is restaurants, with a huge selection, from Fast food all the way through to International standard fine dining.

Urs (General Manager) and Pascal (Food & Beverage Manager) are our resident (and in-corruptible) culinary experts, and were on hand to recommend a selection of some of their favorite local restaurants. So here they are…10 of the top local restaurants in Phuket, to help steer you towards the ‘Good’ food of Phuket, and hopefully avoid the ‘Bad and the Ugly’:

1. East 88 Beach Lounge, Rawai

Perhaps we are being a little bias here, but no visit to Phuket’s sunny shores would be complete without a visit to East 88. East 88 offers a wide selection of International and Thai dishes, including fresh seafood and new takes on classic dishes.

2. M&Ms Pizza, Nai Harn

M&M’s Pizza is a bustling restaurant in the heart of Nai Harn Village, serving traditional Italian Cusine, with a wide selection of freshly made pizza’s, pasta’s and Italian delicacies.

3. Parlai seafood, Chalong

Those with a taste for seafood, should not miss a visit to Palai, a few kilometers north of Serenity, with a stunning range of the freshest seafood, offering fabulous value for money.

4. Da Vinci Restaurant, Nai Harn

Da Vinci Restaurant, is an upmarket International Italian fine dining eaterie, in the center of Nai Harn Village, not far from Serenity, with a selection of fine wines, pizza’s, pasta’s and meats.

5. Kan Eang @ Pier

Enjoy the marvellous view overlooking chalong bay and a wide selection of fresh seafood and Thai dishes, at the popular Kan Eang @ Pier Restaurant, 1 kilometer north of Serenity.

6. Saigon Restaurant, Rawai

The Saigon Restaurant in Rawai, provides an excellent selection of traditional and authentic Vietnamese food.

7. Wine Lovers Restaurant, Rawai

The Wine Lovers Restaurant in Rawai, offers Thai Fusion and International cuisine including a wide selection of wines.

8. Nikitas Restaurant, Rawai

Nikitas in Rawai, popular is foreign visitors, offers a wide selection of Thai and International favourites, located beside the sea on Rawai Beach.

9. Seafood Market, Rawai

Rawai Fresh Seafood Market, a favourite of the locals, is your spot for some of the freshest seafood around, offering great value for money.

10. Tamachart Restaurant, Phuket Town

Enjoy a slice of Traditional Thai food and unusual surroundings at the Tamachart Restaurant in Phuket Town, with a large selection of meat and seafood dishes.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better local restaurants to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

The Top 9 Family Activities in Phuket

ECM | December 12, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 0 Comments

Following the overwhelming popularity and stellar success of our post ‘The Top 9 Couples Activities in Phuket‘…by popular demand, here it is…The Top 9 Family Activities in Phuket!

As Serenity has spacious rooms with cooking facilities, our resort is also popular for families with children. Fortunately, several members of the Serenity Team have children and were on hand to recommend their families Top 9 activities and adventures in Phuket. After hours of deliberation and discussion…here they are, the results:

1. Family Shopping Trip to Central Festival

What family getaway would be complete without a shopping trip! Central Festival is sure to keep the whole family entertained with everything from shops and restaurants to computer games machines and even a movie Theatre.

2. Visit to The Big Buddha

Just a few kilometers from Serenity, is ‘The Big Buddha’, one of Phuket’s most revered and important landmarks, sat on the Nakkerd Hills with spectacular views over Phuket. Now open as a tourist attraction, Chalong’s Big Buddha is a must visit destination for all the family.

3. Family Outing to Nai Harn Beach

Chill with the family at Nai Harn Beach, recognized as one of Phuket’s best beaches, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.

4. Sea Kayak from Serenity

For the energetic amongst you, take one of our Free Sea Kayak’s for a spin around Chalong Bay.

5. Day Trip to Coral Island by Longtail Boat

Just a short long tail boat ride from Serenity, visit Coral Island (locally known as Koh Hae) where you can snorkel off the coral reef and enjoy the untouched scenery.

6. Wat Chalong Sightseeing

Not far from Serenity, is Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most famous Temple. Wat (Thai for ‘Temple’) Chalong features some amazing architecture and is a must-see.

7. Elephant Trekking

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime elephant trekking adventure in the jungles of Phuket, fun for all the family.

8. Day Trip by Boat to Phi Phi island

Without doubt, Phi-Phi Island is one of the most popular day trips for visitors to Phuket. Take a family day trip to Koh Phi Phi and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and island sightseeing in one of Thailand’s scenic gems.

9. Phuket Aquarium & Butterfly Farm

Phuket Aquarium is home to more than 30 tanks with various fresh water and sea creatures, giving the kids a fascinating insight into underwater life in Phuket.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better family places to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

If you’re coming to visit us and would like some help booking your tour, contact our concierge at: excursions@serenityphuket.com.

The Top 10 Couples Activities in Phuket

ECM | December 7, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 1 Comment

As Serenity is such a romantic place for couples, popular for Honeymoons and weddings, we decided that it would be a good idea to write about “The 10 best things to do in Phuket for Couples”. We have scoured Phuket, searched high and low, for THE perfect 10 things that couples visiting Phuket should experience.

We selected the most romantic people in our team (sadly I didn’t make the shortlist) who then hand-picked ten of the best couple activities for visitors to Phuket, here are the results:

1. Couples Sunset stroll at Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape or Laem Promthep as it is known, at the most southern tip of Phuket, is perhaps one of Phuketâ€™s most beautiful sunset viewpoints. Promthep Cape is a rocky headland, which juts into the sea, with spectacular views of the ocean and the nearby Nai Harn Bay. From here, you can take an early evening stroll or relax with a cold drink and watch the sun set on the horizon. A must see for couples!

2.Â John Gray’s sea canoe

Experience the exotic and stunning scenery with a Sea Canoe Adventure, exploring caves, and ‘hongs’ in a romantic day trip with the John Gray’s Sea Canoe tour.

3. Trip to Phi Phi island

Internationally renowned, Phi Phi island or Koh Phi Phi, is a great day out for couples. From nearby Chalong Bay, you can take a local speed boat to the islands, where you can enjoyÂ snorkeling, scuba diving and some truly spectacular sightseeing.

4. The Serenity Senses Spa

No visit to Serenity, would be complete without a visit to our famous Senses Spa, enjoy a wondrous range of treatments and therapies to help you relax and de-stress, ready for your next activity!

5. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is widely accepted as one of Phuket Island’s best beaches, ideal for those wanting to chill out in the sun or swim in the sea.

6. Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Fantasea is Phuket’s biggest show, with everything from trapeze artists to performing elephants. The Fantasea show presents a stunning story line, mixing Thai tradition and fantasy to create a spectacular night out.

7. Wat Chalong

Take a tour of Phuket’s Largest and most famous Buddhist Temple and experience a slice of traditional Thai Culture and Enjoy ‘Wat’ (Thai for ‘Temple’) Chalong’s wonderful architecture.

8. Romantic dinner on the balcony

Spend some quality time with your loved one or just to chill out and take advantage of Serenity Phuket’s exceptional in-room dining services, including breakfast in bed, private barbecues and chef-prepared gourmet meals.

9. Central Festival shopping

Enjoy some retail therapy at Phuket’s largest shopping center, where there are shops of all kinds, restaurants and even a movie theater.

10. Night life in Patong

The Infamous Patong has a myriad of bars and night clubs, with something for everyone, ranging from upmarket bars and eateries through to the more weird and wonderful night spots, an experience not to be missed.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better couple places to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

If you’re coming to visit us and would like some help booking your tour, contact our concierge at: excursions@serenityphuket.com.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival – 2012

ECM | October 2, 2012 | Events & Celebrations | 0 Comments

This October 14, Phukets famous Vegetarian Festival begins and lasts for 9 days. Dating back to 1825, this festival is a true cultural experience. The participants beleive that participating in the events and rituals bestows good fortune upon them. Sacred rituals are perfomed in various shrines (mainly in the Phuket town area – Around 15-20 minutes from Serenity) by the devotees of Thai Chinese origin. The history of the festival originates in the early 1800s when a Chinese Opera came to perform for Thai miners working in Phuket and when the entire group of performers fell sick, they all restrcited themselves to a strict vegetarian diet to honor the Emperor Gods. When their sickness disapeared, the locals began following this ritual once a year to bring good luck to its participants.

Be Warned – the festival is not for everyone to witness, especially not for the faint at heart. The tranced participants, belonging to local shrines, parade the streets while walking on burning coals, piercing their bodies, and other acts of self mortification. Specially prepared Vegan dishes can be found all over Phuket towns food stalls and markets during this event.

For those who want to preview the event, here is a short video. Please dont watch this if your not up to seeing the tranced locals doing their thing.

Here is a link to the formal Thai Tourism Authority 2012 Phuket Vegetarian Festival Guide with lots of details on what, how, when, etc. Phuket Vegetarian Festival – Complete 2012 Guide

Day trip to Coral Island

ECM | October 2, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 0 Comments

Coral Island is one of those activities that should be missed. Located 10 minutes away from Serenity via a boat trip that we will be happy to arrange.

The beautiful pristine waters are a perfect place to chill for an entire day. There are two main beaches on the Island, Long Beach and Banana Beach. We recommended that you spend your day on Banana beach which is not overcrowded like Long-Beach.

The water is clear and full of beautifully colorful fish which swim up to you offer them some bread. The beach is prefect for snorkeling, chilling on the beach with a glass of wine, and late afternoon lunch, and grabbing an afternoon snooze under one of the picturesque palm trees.

This beach is great in both low and high seasons and is perfect for all types of visitors.

Book your trip now via our Yim Siam front desk service. Ask about our day trip picnic basket while your at it :).

Ka Jok See

ECM | September 21, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 0 Comments

Ka Jok See is one of those places that defines a vacation. Many a time we hear from our Guests comments such as “wow” thats an eve we wont forget or what a spot! I dont remember when I last had so much fun!.

What is it? Well its a restaurant with really good food but many a time its much more than that. Located in a quiet area of Phuket Town, Ka Jok See (which means “Stained glass”) is a small food establishment that has never really needed to market itself because the guests do the marketing for them.

Open only several times a week during the evening, Ka Jok See slowly turns into a wild party as dinner service ends. The waiters, many of which are dancers by trade will randomly pick a quest during dinner and begin dancing between the tables. Slowly but surely the music gets louder and without noticing how it happens this small and beautiful restaurant turns into a full blown party with everyone including the owner (who DJ’s by the way) goes wild late into the night.

Ka Jok See

Words dont do this place justice. Just try to get a table! Hopefully you will be on the lucky ones who gets a spot (reservations is a must! talk to our front office to book) Enjoy!