Phuket island

Visa:

1,000 baht for 1 person

20,000 baht for family
Apply for visa before 30 days
REMAIN IN COUNTRY
Not more than 60 days
Exchange Rate

Thailand currency is called Thai Baht or ฿

If you would like to know how much your currency is worth in Thai baht, you
can use this handy currency converter at the bottom of the page.

Thai Currency is made up of the Baht and is divided into 100 Satang.
 You will find the coins come in:
 1 Baht
 2 Baht
 5 Baht
 10 Baht
 25 and 50 Satang
The notes are:
 10 baht (Brown)
 20 baht (Green)
 50 Baht (Blue)
 100 Baht (Red)
 500 Baht (Purple)
 1000 baht (Brown)

Make sure you read on and print out

the exchange cheat sheet a handy
piece of paper to have before going
shopping in Phuket
.

Taking Money On Holidays In

Phuket
The choices we all have today are so much better then when we had to use
travelers cheques and cash.

These day's we have the availability of debit and credit card facilities just
about everywhere we go, the choice is up to you.

Debit Cards
Debit Cards is one of the most common ways that most of us gain access to
our money when overseas. It’s fast, easy and nearly always accessible
through ATM machines or eftpos transactions.

The only downside to using this facility are the fee’s and charges that your
provider charges you for accessing your own money.
We suggest to always take out a lump sum and keep it safe, that way you
keep your transaction fee’s down.

Credit Cards
Just about everyone has a credit card and you will find credit cards will be
widely accepted in the tourist areas.

If you choose to pay for everything on credit just beware and always keep
your credit card in sight.

With today’s technology it doesn’t take much for your details to be copied or
scanned. With credit card fraud on the rise we always suggest to only use
your credit card in secure locations.

Personally we don't use our credit card unless it is absolutely necessary.

You will also find the exchange rate from the Thai currency and extra fee's will
cost you more.

Cash
Carrying cash comes down to your choice, it has
always worked well for us.
Just make sure that you keep your cash in a secure
location when traveling and in the hotels security
safes when your out exploring.
When exchanging our money for Thai currency we
would often check out 2 or 3 exchange booth’s, as
you will find they all offer different exchange rates,
so shop around to find the best rates.
Before you head off shopping make sure you print
off a copy of ourThailand Currency Cheat Sheet.
The cheat sheet is easy to use and makes shopping
much more fun, then having to do the maths.
How To Access
Your Money In Phuket
Currency Exchange Booths

Phuket has definitely moved with the times, from when you had only the hotel
currency exchange counter or a couple of small banks and a hand full of
currency exchange booths in Patong to exchange your money or to change
travelers cheques into Thailand Currency.

Today accessing your funds has never been easier, there is currency
exchange outlets all over the Island, you will find the majority in the main
tourist area’s and Phuket Town.
Banks In Phuket
Banking hours usually start from 08:30 am to 3:30 pm from Monday - Friday.

Some small branches are located in the shopping malls and are open from
08:30 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week.

Most major banks have branches in Phuket City and Patong, as well as a few
sub-branches dotted around the island.

ATM’s In Phuket

You will find ATM’s in all your shopping areas and at most 7 Eleven stores.

Nearly all currency exchange booths will offer an ATM service.

Personally if we are going to use an ATM we usually go into one of the many
banks in the major shopping centers and withdraw a lump sum of Thai
currency to avoid all those dreaded bank fees.

Secret Tip
We find the exchange rates in the
hotels and at the airport are not as
good as the Exchange Booths or
local banks.

Currency Exchange Converter

For Thailand Currency
To help you get an idea what your holiday will cost you we have added a
currency converter below.

The currency converter uses live data for comparing today's exchange rate.

Just add the price as you found it in Thailand Currency, and find and select
your own currency in the second box.

Then click the button "Click here to perform a Currency Conversion".

Of course you can perform the conversion the other way. Select your currency
in the first box, and the Thailand currency in the second.
11 Best Things
to Do in Phuket
1 Phang Nga Bay

This most incredible scenery should

certainly be on top of your list of places
to see absolutely. You can take a lazy
cruise on a Chinese Junk or closer to
nature, Explore Phang Nga by Cate
through the caves of Phang Nga and see
some fantastic lagoons. Similar to the
famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, these
landscapes will leave you with
unforgettable memories.
Best time to visit is between 5.30 am to
6.00 pm and month best is May
2 Old Phuket Town
Hard to resist those old Sino-Portuguese
streets with their beautiful shop houses
and magnificent mansions. With many
small cafes, bakeries and eateries along
the way… it is perfect for a half day.
Visit also the local markets near the bus
station and explore the tiny streets here
and there to discover some incredible
abandoned mansions. Don’t miss the new
Phuket Walking Street on Sunday!

Best month to visit is January

Famous for old handicraft materials.

3 Big Buddha of Phuket

The Big Buddha is a 45 meter tall white

marble statue visible from anywhere in
the southern part of Phuket and the views
from up there are definitely breathtaking.
When reaching the top of the hill you
will find a large parking and a road
leading to a construction where people
can donate, buy amulets and where
occasional ceremonies are held. This
place also serves as a museum of the
history of the Big Buddha
Available 12 months
Famous for worshiping gauthum bhudha
4 Karon Viewpoint

From the Karon Viewpoint you really

can see three magnificent bays : the
closest and smallest one is Kata Noi
Beach, then a bit further is the beautiful
bay of Kata with its island ‘Koh Poo’
which means Crab Island, and in the far,
the very long Karon Beach
Not go in rainy seasons
Famous for sightseening
5 Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong, built at the beginning on

19th century, is the largest and one of the
most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket.
Its real name is Wat Chaitararam and the
most recent building on the grounds of
Wat Chalong is a 60 meters tall ‘Chedi’
sheltering a splinter of bone from
Buddha. Walls and ceilings are decorated
with beautiful painting illustrating the
life of Buddha, as well as many donated
golden statues
Available 12 months
Famous for worshiping gauthum bhudha
6 Prompthep Cape

Prompthep Cape is not as grand as you

might expect but it still draws a crowd of
tourists every single evening at sunset
time. The location is high and at the very
south of the island. It boasts nice views
on the bays and the few islands around. If
you decide to go there, stop at the other
nearby ‘windmill viewpoint‘ and
consider a Thai dinner at the local
‘Prompthep Restaurant’

7 Similan Island
The most impressive set of Island is
without a doubt the Similan Island, but
these are open at certain time of the year
and a bit far. If you get a chance, you
must absolutely go. If you are not
confident, go to Phi Phi Island, but it’s
kind of crowded. Easier and closer are
Racha Island or really nearby Coral
Island

Best time to visit is between 5.30 am to

6.00 pm and month best is May
8 Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi islands don’t need introduction

anymore, Leonardo DiCaprio took care
of this in 2000 with the movie ‘The
Beach’ and the place just keeps on
getting bigger and busier. The island was
wiped out during the 2004 tsunami and
despite what was said at the time, the
construction just got bigger and maybe
not better. However, the young crowd
travelling to Phi Phi Islands seems to
have great time so we decided to review
it. No doubt it’s super crowded,
especially at night, but yes the islands are
beautiful and a great place for party!
Best time to visit is between 5.30 am to
6.00 pm and month best is May
9 Koh Panyi

A small fishermen village built entirely

on stilts in the middle of Phang Nga Bay.
Take a longtail boat early to reach there
before tourists arrive and you get a
complete different feel for the place.
Continue to the James Bond Island if you
feel like seeing the shooting set of this
antique movie ‘The man with the golden
gun’

10 James Bond Island

James Bond island is one of those bucket
list items many people want to tick-off
their list when in Phuket. There are many
positive and negative opinions about
James Bond island and most are actually
justified. Before that old 1974 James
Bond movie ‘The Man With The Golden
Gun’ with Roger Moore and Christopher
Lee

Best time to visit is between 5.30 am to

6.00 pm and month best is May
11 Patong beach

Kidsfreindly:freedom beach,kids
club,zipline
Fun and games:phuket kart,games
space,mini golf
Shopping:suit master,banzaan fresh
market
 Weather:warm between cool and rainy

Month:

 November to February:
This is the coolest season
in Phuket after the rains
are over.
 March to mid-May: These
are considered as the
hottest months in Phuket
just before monsoon hits
the island.
Flights
Thai Airways:
Takes approximately
8hrs and 5 mins
Price Rs.13558

Air Asia X:
Takes approximately
12 hrs 20 mins
Aproximatly price Rs 12000
Singapore
Airlines:
TAKES 8.50 HRS
PRICE RS 11,592

Malaysia Airlines:
TAKES 9.45 HRS
PRICE RS 14,382
 FOOD

1. Tom Yam Goong

Tom Yang Goong is basically known as the mixture of spicy prawn and sour soup
which is one of the most favorite dishes of the Thai. Tom Yang Goong Mae Nam is
the original version of all variations of Tom Yang which includes Tom Yam Talay
(Seafood), Tom Yam Gai (Chicken), Tom Yam Kradook Moo (Pork ribs). The most
important part of all Tom Yam is its soup made from coconut milk, red chili,
mushroom, herbs and other spices.
If you don't like spicy, look away! Tom Yam soup is hot, spicy and delightful at the
same time. Tom Yum Goong goes great with rice or noodles.
2. Mee Hokkien noodle
This simple dish of stir-fried noodle with prawn keeps noodle fans coming back over
and over agan. The thick yellow fried noodles, prawns, pork, squids, egg and bean
sprouts are all in a perfect combination that makes everything taste extra good.
Noodle is served with sambal chili and a squeeze of lime juice.

3. Massaman Curry
It seems that Thai food is a hard treat for spicy haters. With Massaman curry, you
shound't worry about it anymore.
This curry is beloved by many people who are crazy in love with curry of all kinds. Its
flavor is suprisingly good with the sweetness of coconut milk, a little sourness of lime
juice, the flavorful aroma of lime leaves and basil, the thickness of peanuts and
tomatoes. They are go perfectly together and make a toothsome dish in one bowl.
Massaman curry has several versions depending on what the main ingredient is. It can
be pork, beef or fish. As usual, a curry appears at its best with steamed rice or
noodles.

4. Dim Sum
When it comes to Dim Sum, you will be totally shocked with a huge collection of this
Chinese fusion food in Phuket. As there are several kinds of dim sum ready to be
ordered, it's smart to plot out which is highly recommended by the local. The best
kind of dim sum is the one which is folded at least seven times with a glowing fluffy
outlook. The fillings are diverse ranging from shrimp, pork, prawn or green beans.
Dim sum is amazingly super smooth and super rich in flavor.

5. Gaeng Keaw Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken)

Next up is GaengKeaw Wan Gai, another unique Thai curry that attracts foodies
worldwide for its distinctive feature. The curry is made with chicken, cooked with two
types of eggplants cut in quarters. Eggplants are used to lower the choleterol level.
Even you don't try this dish, oberving the smiling faces of those who indulged, the
food must be delicious.
6. Kanom Jeen Phuket
Kanom Jeen is another well-liked soup using chicken, mushrooms, galangal, tomatoes
and lemongrass cooked in coconut milk. Normally, the dish is added with some chili
but it's not that spicy, it's sure flavorful. To make a mind blowing bowl of Kanom
Jeen, you need to pick up some of the best ingredients of beef, chicken, fish, crab and
vegetables.

7. Khao Man Gai

Khao Man Gai is definitely a soul satisfying chicken rice for all diners. It issues a new
taste among hundreads of usual chicken rice in Southeast Asia. Khao Man Gai hosts
the most delightfully flavorful and pleasingly textural items as boiled chicken,
steamed jasmine rice, chicken broth and a unique sauce of ginger, garlic, chili and
soyal sauce. Khao Mai Gai is truly tapped into the local and global culinary scene.

8. Por Pia
Sping roll, spring roll and spring roll!
It's always a sneak peak of what to order for every trip to Phuket. If you are grabbing
a belly satisfying food in Phuket, Por pia - a Thai spring roll is more than a good
option.
In Phuket, spring roll is eaten both in sit-down restaurants and also on the street. The
food is simply made by wrapping fillings of meat, prawns, vegetables, rice noodles
and crunchy pastry into a roll. Then, the fresh spring roll will be deep fried. At the
end, you are served with a crunchy, greasy and packed full of tastiness of spring roll.

9. Satay
It's such a huge mistake if you miss out satay culture in Thailand, especially in
Phuket. There is a large selection of satay from chicken, pork to beef satay. The satay
is normally eaten with peanut sauce. What people like about the dish most is its
peanut sauce. The sauce is a perfect combination of fish sauce, ginger, green onions,
cilantro leaves, jalapenos, pepper, peanut butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, and coconut
milk. For all foodies, satay is absolutely a greasy favorite treat along the way.
10. Roti Pancake
Roti pancake is a very unique Thai style of sweet pancakes. A Thai roti pancake has
two parts - dough and filling. The dough is a mix of flour, egg, condensed milk, sugar
and salt. The filling can be any of the fruits that you want to eat. At some places, these
pancakes are served with thick coconut milk or ice cream on top. Make your way to
any street hawkers with signs selling Roti pancake for this treat.
 Popular Taxi Fare
Estimates for Phuket,
Thailand
Phuket International
Airport to 1. Phuket: ฿
526.06
Patong beach to
Phuket town: ฿ 254.66
Patong Phuket
Thailand to Khao Lak
Lam Kaen Phang-nga
Thailand: ฿ 1,212.54
Phuket International
Airport to Patong
Phuket Thailand: ฿
551.73
Bangkok Thailand to
Pattaya Chon Buri
Thailand: ฿ 1,550.10
Phuket International
Airport to Kata Noi
Beach: ฿ 654.03
 FESTIVALS
January

Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) January 4 - 7, 2018 The Phuket

International Boat Show (PIMEX) must be one of the most interesting marine
showcases in Asia. The event gets bigger and bigger each year, covering over 2,000
square metres of air-conditioned exhibition space and about 60 on-water display
boats. Read More... Location: Royal Phuket Marina, Koh Keaw SHOW MAP The
Bay Regatta 2018 January 31 - February 4, 2018 The Bay Regatta brings the
excitement of sailing races to the stunning settings of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay and
Krabi. Starting from Koh Naka Yai, entrants sail around Koh Yao and down the Krabi
coastline to Laem Nang. After racing around the Krabi islands, they finally dash
across to Chalong Bay for the closing party. The annual event attracts around 50
yachts from around the world for a casual competition in what is known as "Asia's fun
regatta".

February

Wat Chalong Fair 2018 February 12 - 18, 2018 Wat Chalong (or Chalong Temple)
Fair is probably the biggest of all temple fairs on the island. It was first started in 1933
by local farmers who lived near and around Wat Chalong. After a long period of hard
work and when the harvest was complete, they would get together and create a kind of
fun fair on the temple’s grounds. In later years, they set up the fair during the Chinese
New Year because they wanted to make sure that Thais with Chinese heritage would
join in, too. The fair lasts seven days each year and is a colourful, crowded, aromatic,
noisy but fascinating spectacle. Location: Wat Chalong, Chaofa West Road, Chalong
SHOW MAP Chinese New Year in Phuket February 21 - 23, 2018 With its strong
connections to Chinese culture through the Thai-Chinese community, Chinese New
Year is quite a big deal in Phuket. The entrances of many shops and houses will be
festooned with red banners and decorations to encourage luck and happiness during
the coming year. It's a sensory circus! Location: Her Majesty the Queen's Sixth Cycle
Birthday Anniversary Park and Thalang Road, Krabi Road, Dibuk Road and Phang
Nga Road Phuket Old Town Festival February 21 - 23, 2018 Phuket’s Old Town
Festival is held in the historical centre of the Old Town along Thalang, Krabi, and
Phuket Roads. During the festival, roads around the Old Town are turned into walking
streets. There’s so much to do during this festival, including a Baba Light Show,
cultural parades and much more. Read More... Location: Phuket Old Town,
particularly Thalang, Krabi and Phuket Roads

MARCH

Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival March 2018, exact dates to be

announced This festival has a strong historical connection to the island and lately has
been promoted as one of the most important events in Phuket. The fair lasts many
days and largely consists of sporting and cultural experiences

APRIL
Phuket Bike Week April 11 - 14, 2018 The annual Phuket Bike Week is one of the
biggest motorcycle events in Southeast Asia. Get to see an amazing collection of
Harleys, Hondas and superbikes at this annual event. It features music, contests,
parties and charity rides around the island. Fun for bikers and hangers-on alike.

Songkran Festival April 13 - 15, 2018 Thailand's most famous festival celebrates the
Thai New Year. Prepare to join in the fun and get very wet or else stay indoors!
Songkran is a loud, boisterous festival that features a lot of water throwing in the
streets. Location: Everywhere, but especially Patong

JUNE

Laguna Phuket Marathon 2018 June 9 - 10, 2018 Thousands of runners from around
the world 'Run Paradise' around the beautiful backdrop of the Laguna resorts on
Bangtao Beach each year. Alongside the full 42km marathon is a 21km half-
marathon, a 10km run, a 5km walk and a 2km kids race, with the events split over two
days. Read More... Location: Laguna Phuket, Bangtao SHOW MAP Baba
(Peranakan) Wedding Festival June 2018, exact dates to be announced This event is
not only for lovebirds who want to have a lovely traditional Straits Chinese wedding;
it’s open for all to come and witness as well as help celebrate this beautiful festival.
It’s also a chance to explore two of Phuket’s grandest vintage Sino-Portuguese
mansions used for the wedding. Read More... Location: Phuket Old Town

JULY

Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek July 18 - 22, 2018 Four days of exciting,
international-standard yacht racing off Phuket’s East Coast. Plenty of social activities
throughout the event. Around 35 boats enter each year, with more than 400
sailors from around the world. Location: Cape Panwa Kathu Festival July 2018, exact
dates to be announced Kathu Festival, or the ‘Kathu Street Culture Festival’ as it is
known in full, features street stalls, stage shows, live music, exhibitions and Thai
traditional children’s games in the usually sleepy village of Kathu. Read More...
Location: Kathu Village

September

Por Tor Festival September 2018, exact dates to be announced The 'Hungry Ghost' festival is an important
merit-making event for the ethnic Chinese. Special food, flowers and candles are offered to ancestors on
altars. Other offerings are made to 'feed the ghosts without relatives' that are said to have been released
from hell for the month. Read More... Location: All Chinese Shrines in Phuket

October

Phuket Vegetarian Festival October 8 - 17, 2018 A colourful event held over a nine-
day period in October, this celebrates the Chinese community's belief that abstinence
from meat and various stimulants during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese
calendar will help obtain good health and peace of mind. Read More... Location: All
Chinese Shrines in Phuket

November

Patong Carnival November 1 - 3, 2018 Patong Carnival is an annual celebration

marking the beginning of the high season in Phuket. The three-day celebration sees
Patong’s Beach Road crowded with displays, stalls and activities, as well as the
flamboyant costumes and lively atmosphere that the word “carnival” usually conjures.
Read More... Location: Patong Beach Loy Krathong Festival November 23, 2018 A
festival of quiet celebration, the origins of Loy Kratong are unclear, but it is believed
that it started in Sukhothai around 800 years ago. On this particular night, on nearly
every expanse of water, be it a river, lake or the ocean, you'll notice thousands of
lights drifting across the water like fairies. Read More... Location: Everywhere, but
especially Nai Harn, Patong, Kata and Karon Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2018
November 2018, exact dates to be announced Southeast Asia's premier multi-sport
event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, has been going on for almost two decades. The
event comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run. Over the past eighteen
years the popular race has attracted thousands of age group athletes as well as
triathlon legends Mark Allen, Greg Welch, Craig Alexander, Paula Newby-Fraser,
Michellie Jones and Chrissie Wellington, to name just a few. Location: Laguna
Phuket, Bangtao December 2018 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta December 2018 The
Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a
regatta, the week-long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun. It
started in 1987 to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand. Read
More... Location: Kata Beach

December

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta December 2018 The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's
biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week-long event consists of
great parties, great sailing and lots of fun. It started in 1987 to celebrate the birthday
of His Majesty the King of Thailand. Read More... Location: Kata Beach New Year's
Eve in Phuket December 31, 2018 There are many places to celebrate New Year in
Phuket – too many to individually list. Fortunately, they can be broken down into
general areas, based on the types of party they provide. There is a certain amount of
variety available, but they all offer a fun and friendly atmosphere, making for a Read
More...
VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL