Cheow Lan Lake is a hidden gem of Khao Sok National park which attracts nature lovers and those who seeks to escape from everything modern, techy, noisy and busy and stay closer to nature.

There is a wide range of bungalows and raft houses spread across the lake. The most popular are floating bungalows or floating villages. There are 16 different floating bungalows on Khao Sok Lake, each with their own unique charm. All of the floating bungalows fall into one of 3 categories Simple bamboo huts, modern houses and deluxe bungalows.

Almost every floating village offers free kayaks, you can enjoy a trip through the limestone hills on your own, and fishing rod for rent. It is also highly possible that any fish on the food menu is from the lake.

The lake has six main areas: Klong Mon, Klong Saeng, Klong Pey, Klong Long, Klong Yee and Klong Ka. The word Klong means river in the Thai language.

CHEOW LAN LAKE RAFTHOUSES :

Khlong Long

The lake’s most popular destination, situated on the northeastern side, located 15 kilometres from Ratchaprapha Dam, its main attractions include the caves, the limestone hills and a viewpoint that can be accessed by 2.5-mile jungle hike. This area, probably, has the best offer of high-quality bungalows. There are five raft houses to choose from: Prai Wan, Chiew Lan, Sai Chon, Plern Prai and Panvaree. But because of its popularity, sometimes it gets busy here.

Panvaree Deluxe Floating Villas sits at the entrance to Klong Long. It is close to Guilin, the Coral Cave, and the Diamond cave but tucked away in it’s own private alcove.  Though it is close to the pier, the smaller number of rooms means that it’s usually quieter than most raft houses in Klong Long.  (The Photo  is taken from the booking.com hotel’s page)

 Khlong Ka

Also located 15 kilometres from Ratchaprapha Dam and positioned on the south side of the lake, this location provides a wonderful view over the limestone hills, as well as an easy access to one of the park’s best caves. There are some great hiking trails between the limestone hills, sometimes, lucky visitors can meet wild tapir walking around the area. Nang Prai and Klong Ka are the two main raft houses available on this side of the lake.

Khlong Pey

Khlong Pey is roughly 20 kilometres from Ratchaprapha Dam and is situated at the lake’s south-west end. The lake’s first ranger station was built here, the Ton Toey Raft House. Visitors are able to travel a few kilometres west of the raft house and find a trail that leads to Nam Thalu Cave. The trial is about 4 kilometres long. There is also another trail of 6.5 kilometres at the south that will lead you back to the main road.

Ton Toey Raft House is one of Cheow Lan’s oldest locations. Authentic, traditional thai-style bamboo bungalows boast easy access to the Nam Taloo cave hike which takes visitors through a nocturnal wonderland.  The Ton Toey raft houses are used almost exclusively for group tours.

Khlong Yee

To reach this part of the lake, you’ll need to head to the lake’s west side. Khlong Yee is roughly 27 kilometres from the Ratchaprapha Dam. Those who travel to this end of the lake are able to enjoy a number of activities, including wildlife viewing, guided kayak tours, hikes to the viewpoint at Krai Son and wet season waterfall hikes. There are also four different raft houses to choose from: 500 Ral, Tree Tops, Keeree Warin and the aforementioned Krai Son.
Krai Son Bungalows, Located at the entrance to Klong Yee (Cheow Lan’s western-most tributary) Krai Son Raft House boasts breathtaking views and some of your best chances to see wildlife. Basic, but charming bamboo bungalows make this authentic fishing village-turned guest house the ultimate getaway spot for those looking to unplug and experience the Real Thailand.

Khlong Saeng

Located in the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, on the north-west side of the lake, the area is located 26 kilometres away from Ratchaprapha Dam. The Klong Saeng River was the wildest river in the country prior to the building of the dam and is also the lake’s largest watershed.

To visit the area, visitors must pay an added fee and receive special permission from the Khao Sok National Park Headquarters.

The remote areas are great for watching wildlife and hiking. Park rangers provide guidance, allowing visitors to hike to waterfalls, old mines and see rare and exotic animals (such as gibbons, elephants and the elusive king cobra). Tapirs and bears also roam in this area.

Klong Saeng Raft House is the only one available and the quality of the bungalows are poor.

Khlong Mon 24 kilometres from the Ratchaprapha Dam and located on the north side of the lake, this area is wonderful for spotting hornbills, eagles and various forms of wildlife. With its steep valleys, high hills and exciting trails, visitors have a number of activities to choose from. While there are short trails at the tributary’s north side, there is also an exciting three-kilometer hike that leads to the KhlongSaeng tributary. The only raft house available is the Tam Gia, which is owned by the park.

CAVES OF CHEOW LAN LAKE:

Pra Kay Petch Cave

Located in Cheow Lan’s Klong Ka area and also known as the Diamond Cave, Pra Kay Petch Cave is almost 18 kilometres away from the main pier, in the reservoir’s south side. The impressive cave offers views of bats, as well as impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Flashlights will be needed and Klong Ka (2 kilometres) and Nang Prai (4.5 kilometres) are the nearest raft houses.

Nam Thalu Cave

Water streams through this cave’s wide opening, it is 500 metres long and it is located next to the Klong Pey tributary, by Ranger Station 4.

The cave should be avoided on rainy days, as it can become dangerous and even life threatening. Six tourists and two guides lost their lives inside the cave back in 2007 and guides will not bring tourists instead when it is rainy.

Tourists can only visit from December to May and must take a four-kilometer hike to reach the cave. A boat trip to Klong Pey is also available.

Pakarang Cave

Located on the banks of a much smaller lake that is positioned north of the Klong Long tributary, this popular cave destination of Cheow Lan offers the opportunity to search for coral fossils.

Easily accessible from nearby raft houses, the cave was once used as a hide out for Communist insurgents.

HOW TO RENT BUNGALOWS:

It is quite easy to book deluxe bungalows on websites  like Booking.com or Agoda online, but so far there is no such options to reserve simple bamboo huts. However, most of the group tours offer accommodation in simple bungalows and if you are looking for this option it is advisable to take one of overnight camping tours in Cheow Lane lake.

• Chewo Lan Lake history and wildlife.

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They are renowned due to the fact of keeping the very best standards in unwavering fashion. The enterprise capitalizes on its possess expertise as good as Thailand’s abundance in expert craftsmen and women to design and produce one of the most unique useful stone merchandise with rubies, sapphire stone, topaz, precious emeralds, and delicate pearls. Genuine silver products and furniture also make up a long list of wonderful masterpieces which are being bought after meticulously being designed, produced, and inspected through skilled authorities. The focus on minute detail enables each of the products to elevate confidence in purchasers, making them believe the brand globally. Do come take a journey with Royal Gem and entirely experience these wondrous marvels of nature that is gems. Plus point of Royal gems Phuket is that it presents a lifetime assurance for repairs of all their jewelry merchandises. If buyers notice any manufacturing defects in bought merchandise, Royal gem stones will gladly reevaluate your piece for restore or replacement gratis.

Historical past:

Like a useful stone, Royalgems story took many years to form. The Founder, Mr. ThongchaiRochrungrangsee, developed his curiosity in gem production as a young boy at the gentle age of 12 from being raised around a jewelry manufacturing unit. As he grew, so did his eagerness and it was once best a matter of time before he was once old adequate to selling the merchandise being made in the manufacturing facility himself. His figuring out of the jewellery creation process from the groundwork up offered him with an imaginative and prescient of superb beauty that went on to solidifying his presence within the valuable gemstone industry. This deeply rooted competencies led to the founding of the first branch of Royal gemstones is a pioneer to promote helpful gemstones and souvenirs to overseas tourists.

The manufacturer has because improved from its modest beginnings to end up a household name and the biggest beneficial stone and souvenirs retailer in Southeast Asia working twelve months  over 2,200 sqm of storehouse around the globe.

Royal Gems Phuket  – website.

Achievements:

The enterprise’s principles and quality products had been well-known through multiple associations and associations worldwide, having received multiple awards and awareness from the Thai jewelry Fest club, the global group for Standardization (ISO), and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to name just a few.

Discover  Cheow Lan Lake

KhaoSok National Park located in Surat Thani Province in Southern Thailand is not only the oldest evergreen forest in the world, it is home of one of the most beautiful artificial lakes you would ever hope to experience.

The lake encompasses 64-square-miles of amazing beauty, from its limestone cliffs to the evergreen rain forest that is estimated to be over 150 million years old.

The History of CheowLan Lake

CheowLan Lake also known as Rajjaprabha Dam, was built in 1982 by the EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) to be used as an electricity source. Meaning “the light of the kingdom”,Rajjaprabha Dam received its name in 1987 on the king’s sixtieth birthday party from the king himself. Intended to not only project power generation, CheowLan Lake was also projected to aid in flood control, fishery and irrigation.

The project took close to a year to flood the 1780 square foot basin and the relocation and resettlement of the 385 families who resided in Ban Chiew Lan village. After the residents were resettled, multiple farming opportunities were introduced with training programs as well as credit facilities to help sustain the farmer’s income. Fruit orchards, rubber, poultry, reservoir fisheries and vegetable farming was the main farming options that were introduced to the resettled residents.

Every family was given 7.2 acres of a rubber plantation and 0.39 acres in exchange for their private homes, each family also received 1000 baht a month. This resettlement resulted in the creation of water supply systems, public buildings like a medical center, police station, and schools, all built by the Thailand government.

The animals there were native to the soon to be flooded area were also relocated by helicopter and boat to keep them from drowning due to the flooding or starving on the newly created islands.

The geography of CheowLan Lake consists of mud-stone rocks and gorgeous sandstone, with over 100 islands that dot the lake, many of them rise to spectacular heights above the surface of the waters. KhaoSok is crisscrossed by a mountain range of limestone from the north to the south with the highest point reaching 950 meters.

The mountain ranges experience the monsoon rains that come from both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, making it one of Thailand’s lusciously wet regions. It is this incredible amount of rainfall combined with the falling leaves that have led to the incredible and vast number of karst formations that are visible today.

Cheow Lan lake Flora and Fauna.

KhaoSok National Park was established in 1980 and was Thailand’s twenty-second national park at in 1980 and it is located in South Thailand. It was established by the Royal Forest Department and is one of the most amazing national parks in the world.

The park is a branch of the Khao Sok –Khlong Saeng Forest Complex, it includes 12 protected areas, some of which include some islands located offshore in the Andaman Sea. The park is also home to Thailand’s prevalent virgin forest with the oldest known evergreen rain-forest in the world.

Not only home to various exotic mammals including the Asian elephant and leopards, it is also home of the (wild lotus) Bua Phut, a flower that is quite large. It is called ‘symbolic floral of Surat Thani Province’ and can be found along the trails that begin from the main road south of the park. It is not only the world’s largest flower it is said to also be the heaviest and can weigh up to seven kg.

Aside from the brilliant and exotic wild lotus flower, you will also find an abundance of bamboo, ferns, lianas and palms including the rare Kerriodozaelegans. The Kerriodoza only grows in KhaoSok National Park and Ko Phuket.

There are 180 different species of birds, including eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, multiple species of hornbills and kingfishers. You can also find osprey, and banded pittas. With 180 different bird species however it’s a great place for bird watchers to explore.

It is also home to a large variety of mammals, suck as the sunbear, Asian black bear, sambar deer, mouse-deer, porcupine, gibbons, and wild boar just to name a few. There have also been tigers seen in Khao Sok, but close to 50% of Thailand’s tiger population are in the Huai Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. However, that is not to say visitors won’t see a tiger while enjoying the Cheow Lan Lake area.

Activities at Cheow Lan Lake.

There are lots of adventurous and fun activities to keep even the most experienced tourist happy and busy. Experience a safari in the morning mist as you rise with the sun and take guided tour on a longtail boat as you get to see the local natives start their daily routines. You can enjoy the music provided the gibbons singing over head as you watch the Langurs catch their morning breakfast.

Explore the coral caves! After taking gorgeous and scenic hike through the lush forest, the park ranger ferry’s you by way of a bamboo raft to the 10,000 year old breathtaking Coral Cave. This is one of the top favorite activities for those who are on a family vacation and everyone regardless of age will love it.

Or how about an adventure to the KlongSaeng Wildlife Sanctuary? Discover the beautiful Asian elephants and get a glimpse of the endangered Asian bison and the tapir.

Take a wildlife fishing tour on the remote waters of Klong Morn and KlongSaeng. Both are the ideal waters for fishing.

There are some truly amazing things to experience when visiting CheowLan Lake and KhaoSok National Park.

• Cheow Lan Lake floating houses.

1. Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

This one should come as no surprise to you as it is without a doubt the most popular Thai dish both in Thailand and across the world. Made with perfectly proportioned rice noodles, your choice of tofu or chicken, and topped with fresh produce, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the way the Thai people make their Pad Thai. From the weekend markets to the everyday food stalls lined up on the side of the streets, you can be sure a plate of Pad Thai is never too far away while traveling in Phuket.

And check this interesting video about Pad Thai, it will tell you much more.

2. Tom Yam (ต้มยำ)

Another extremely popular dish among both locals and tourists, Tom Yam is a type of soup absolutely worth trying! The name “Tom Yam” literally means hot and sour soup. It is typically made with prawns (Tom Yam Goong) but can also be made with seafood (Tom Yam Talay), with chicken (Tom Yam Gai), or with pork ribs (Kradook Moo). A clear base that turns orange with its ingredients, Tom Yam is just as the name suggests; hot and sour and oh so delicious! You can find this class Thai dish in practically every restaurant throughout Phuket.

3. Pad KraPao (ผัดกะเพรา)

A very popular dish – especially around lunchtime – Pad krapao is essentially a basil stir-fry topped with a crispy fried egg with its yolk still slightly runny. Like many other Thai dishes, it is typically served with a meat such as chicken or pork, but can sometimes be made with beef or some sort of seafood like squid. The main ingredient in this dish is the holy basil, which makes it taste the delicious way it does. Many street vendors and restaurants will have this dish, which is a must try while in Phuket!

4. Yam PlaKrop (ยำปลากรอบ)

This dish is certainly unique and although you may be hesitant based on its looks and ingredients, it makes for quite the tasty meal while in Phuket! Yam PlaKrob is a spicy salad of dried fish, herb Yam, nuts, and green mango. If you are heading outside of Phuket, you will most likely find that people do not regard this is as a must-try dish. However, Southern Thailand is known for making the best Yam PlaKrop so do not hesitate to order this the next time you find yourself in beautiful Phuket!

5. KuayTiew (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว)

The perfect mix of soup broth, meats, and noodles. KuayTiew is a staple in Thailand and one you will certainly run into while in Phuket. The fantastic thing about this Thai dish is that it can be served in a variety of different ways depending on which vendor you are receiving it from. Meats like chicken, duck, beef, and seafood are all possibilities paired with noodles, fresh produce, and of course some added spices if you like that sort of thing. It’s one definitely worth trying no matter how hot it is outside! 

In 1998, Gems Gallery took its first steps in Phuket, Thailand. Spread out on a 3-acre site, there are over 500 employees waiting to welcome you and provide you with the highest level of satisfaction. You can be assured that all members of the staff are well versed with all there is to know about the gems and jewelry standards. You will definitely be provided with a fully satisfactory, informative and professional session. With more than two decades of hands-on experience relating to jewelry and gemstones, Gems Gallery also takes advantage of more than 4000 years’ worth of accumulated knowledge of Man’s relationship with gemstones.

Gems Gallery has everything. When you are about to come on board a shopping extravaganza, do not forget that Thai stores deal with a lot of imported gold, so purchasing gold in the country may be relatively expensive. As for silver items, you will be pleasantly surprised at their price tags, as Thailand has a number of silver mines.

Gem Gallery is a tourist destination all by itself. The world famous factory is situated in 4 of the highest tourism spots in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. With 4 branches in Thailand, Gems Gallery is by far the largest and most famous jewelry factory with thousands of jewelry masterpieces and dozens of jewelry collections to offer to their beloved customers. Their product prices range from anything  between 1,000 to 300,000 Baht.

Prices of gold jewelry items typically depend on karat weight, class and quantity of gemstones, with one huge diamond always priced more than a compilation of smaller diamonds. 14-carat gold is unsurprisingly less expensive than 18-carat and is conventionally deployed when working with lower-quality semiprecious stones to provide you with less costly but exquisite designs for your jewelry.

Gems Gallery delivers the customers with high-quality silver jewelry. All silver ornaments are coated with rhodium to guard the metal against darkening. Freshwater pearls, precious and semiprecious stones make an unforgettable statement with silver.

The factory as an assortment of natural freshwater pearls and south-sea pearls designed in beautiful necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings to enhance their magnificence to the utmost charm. You can buy single pearls or even put together your own customized set. If you share your vision of the perfect piece with the craftsmen, they would happily create a one-of-a-kind ornament, customized to your preferences, to adorn yourself with.

Apart from catering to jewelry fanatics, Gems Gallery has an amazing souvenir department that deals with all sorts of leather and silk items to compliment the feeling of luxurious shopping for both, the ladies and the gentlemen. Items include, wallets, business card cases, belts, ties or the much wanted, ladies favorite, handbags made from pure crocodile, snake or manta skin!

To top it off, gents no longer have to worry about long waits while their sweethearts shop. There is an onsite bar with unlimited free welcome drinks to keep you company with as long as you wait. Drinks include soft drinks, tea, and coffee. You can even grab something a little stronger with an extra charge if you please.

Gems Gallery promises not only the best quality, natural stones but also provides every customer with a Certificate of Guarantee, stating each product’s name, price, stone type, and the karat weight of gold along with a picture of the product. Diamond jewelry above 0.3 karats will be issued passports by the top-notch gemological institution of GIA. You will also be provided with a lifetime warranty of value and service. The warranty also includes repair and cleaning of the jewelry. You can also demand a free replacement of your purchased item within 3 years if you change your mind about the product. Gems Gallery has been awarded the ISO 9902, ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 on the basis of consistently providing products that meet both, the customers and the regulatory authorities, requirements. The factory has been developing itself on standards that are respected and recognized worldwide. When buying from Gems Gallery you can be confident that you will only be provided with the finest of raw materials and craftsmanship, being of world-class standards. The achieved certifications have pushed customers to gain a high level of trust which leads to more than 4 million people and over 300 leading companies to make a visit each year. Rest assured, any piece of jewelry bought from Gems Gallery will definitely be a source of pride for the owner.

The shop is open every day from 08:30 am – 07:00 pm and what’s more, you can avail a free transportation service to and from this beautiful showroom, encasing a multitude of gorgeous gems and stunning jewelry masterpieces, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of. You just need to fill out a simple form from the website and you will soon be contacted by a representative from the Gems Gallery. The transport service is provided to ensure a safe and secure way to travel without the stress of having to worry about anything valuable you might possess. Therefore, it is not at all recommended to travel with unfamiliar people or even taxis. In addition, because of some complicated relations with taxi drivers, Gems Gallery cannot send their company van to pick you up from some hotels. Instead, a private car will be sent and you will be informed beforehand about this.

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1. See a Muay Thai Competition
If you are not already familiar with the sport, Thailand is world famous for this highly entertaining and incredibly impressive match where two individuals (of all ages) fight using specific techniques practiced over long periods of time. No trip to Patong – or anywhere else in Thailand – is ever complete without getting the chance to witness at least one Muay Thai competition! You’ll have tons of fun, guaranteed!

2. Spend Some Time at the Beach
Although many times very crowded (depending on the season you visit) the beach is of course an absolute must while in Patong and quite possibly one of the biggest reasons you decided to make your way here! Bring along a towel and get ready for endless fun to be had as there are plenty of thrilling activities available such as jet skiing, snorkeling, and for those who want to simply relax, a beach massage!

3. Pay a Visit to Big Buddha
Though not located right in Patong, it is only a short motorbike or tuk-tuk ride away and what awaits you there is well worth the journey. Not only will the absolutely massive statue of Buddha take your breath away, but also the magnificent views from atop the hill it is located on will too. This is definitely one of those experiences you are going to want to have your camera on hand and ready at all times!

4. Wander the Markets & Shop
One of the absolute coolest things about Thailand in general is the local’s ability to put on these extravagant and colorful street markets where you will get the opportunity to taste some of the best food your taste buds have yet to try, collect tiny trinkets and treasures to bring back home with you, and get an inside look at the unique culture that makes Thailand its people so special. For the best ones, take a short ride to Phuket Town where you will find plenty to wander about throughout the week!

5. Enjoy the Nightlife on Bangla Road
As you probably already know, the Patong Beach area is widely known for its crazy party and nightlife scene that for the most part takes place on the famous Bangla Road right in the center of Patong. Once you are done with all of that exploring, sightseeing, and market wandering, be sure to make your way to Bangla Road where go-go bars, pubs, and nightclubs await you for a night of non-stop fun you are sure to love. After all, this is Thailand and you should be having the time of your life!

Money Exchange
There are a total of 5 airport exchange stations throughout Phuket International Airport and all but one of them is located on the ground floor (other in the departure hall). Research the best current exchange rate before arrival to decide whether or not the money exchange stations in the airport are too high. As an alternative, make use of the ATM’s throughout as the charge on them is not very high.

Luggage Storage
Phuket does have a luggage storage facility available on the 1st floor of domestic arrivals. You will be charged 80 baht per bag per day. It is open from 6am to 10pm.

Lost & Found
If you lose your luggage, you can report to Thai Airways International or the office of your chosen airline. To contact lost and found you can call to Phuket Airport’s Information Counter at 076 351 166.
Restaurants & Cafes
Phuket Airport has hundreds of dining options from fast food and convenient stores to coffee shops, sit-down restaurants, and bakeries. For a restaurant, check out Billy Bently Pub on the 2nd floor of Terminal Hall and for a faster option, next door there are places like Subway, Burger King, and Chester’s Grill amongst others.

VAT Refund
The criteria in order to receive VAT refunds for tourists includes the following:
-You are not a Thai national
-You are not on duty as a pilot or cabin crew
-You leave Thailand from an international airport
-Goods are purchased only from stores with evident VAT participation
-The total sum of purchases is no less than 2,000Baht
-You are a non-Thai resident

Internet
If you are in need of the Internet while at Phuket International Airport, then head to the 1st floor where they offer it, starting at 100Baht (or $3USD) for up to 15 minutes. You can also purchase this on your phone, but it can be somewhat confusing at first.

Transportation
Transportation is available from the airport 24 hours a day by use of taxi and often tuk-tuk. Other options during day arrivals would be to hire a limousine service for those who like more comfortable settings, the Phuket Airport Bus that operates from 6:30am to 9:30pm and is roughly 100Baht. There are also minivans for larger groups traveling together and car rentals for those brave enough to venture on the roads themselves. The most cost effective option would be the Phuket Airport Bus, but it may not take you exactly to the location of choice. The most convenient option is to schedule a hotel pick up beforehand.

Time of Arrival & Cost – Taxi Meter
To Phuket Town: 400Baht // 50 minutes
To Patong: 550Baht // 50 minutes
To Kata/Karon: 650Baht // 1 hour
To Laguna: 450Baht // 30 minutes
To Rawai: 650Baht // 1.30 hour

*Note that all of these are rough estimates of taxi meters and if leaving from the airport, an additional fee of 100 Baht is added to your price automatically. Be sure to either firmly agree on a set price or make sure that the taxi meter is in fact ON the moment the car starts to move.

Family Travel Tips – Phuket with Kids

With some of the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world, friendly and welcoming locals, delectable cuisine, and a nearly endless list of things to do, Thailand’s Phuket region is nothing short of the perfect family destination for the entire bunch of you to enjoy. If you are planning a trip there soon, consider these following tips and advice for how to make the absolute most of your upcoming adventures in beautiful Phuket…

– Medicine/Formula

Thankfully, Phuket is filled with plenty of pharmacies that offer prescription drugs and medications of all sorts without actually needing a prescription for the most of it. So, to save you the hassle of thinking you need to pack all types of possible medications along with you to Phuket, only bring the ones that you absolutely need and know that if something does come up, you can head to the nearest pharmacy. If you are traveling with an infant that requires special baby formula, then bring it along. However, there are almost all other brands available in Phuket for purchase.

– Drinking Water

Before heading to Phuket, you should know that it is advised to not drink the tap water while there. Although not dangerous for brushing your teeth or anything else of the sorts, be prepared to buy plenty of bottled water for drinking. There are numerous shops (Family Mart and 7-11) all over the place where you can purchase water bottles for extremely cheap. It is also very likely that your accommodation will provide you with bottled water on a daily basis as well.

– Outlets/Electricity

If you want to stay connected while in Phuket, you should bring along with you a universal adapter that can plug into the walls at your accommodation. However, if you forget one, there are plenty of stores that sell them as well as possibly your accommodation that can offer one for you to borrow during your stay. Beware that the general electrical systems contain 240 volts, so be sure that your children stay away from them as you would not want them to endure electric shock (though this is very rare).

– Food

Depending on where you are traveling from, the food customs in Phuket may seem a bit strange at first and may be difficult to understand, especially in markets and areas where food stalls are plenty. However, most food establishments and even food stalls have very good hygiene and there have been a lot of regulations set in place. With so many tourists in Phuket, they have taken great strides in making sure the food is safe to eat. However, if you do feel you or one of your children has become sick due to food, head to the nearest pharmacy and ask for a suggestion from the doctor there as they have the right medicine for it. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new while there as the foods in Thailand are some of the best in the world.

– Mosquitos

Though neighboring countries may advise it, it is not recommended to get any anti-malarial medication before heading to Phuket. Although there are mosquitos there, simply take the precautions like repellent- children need to use less than 10% DEET – and covering skin whenever possible, especially at night. There is also the option to use mosquito nets, which may be provided by your accommodation.

– Sun & Heat

As you most likely know, Phuket is a very warm place with plenty of sun shining throughout all times of the year. To prevent sun burn and sun poisoning, be sure to stay extremely hydrated with the intake of bottled water and to wear the necessary amount of sun block that can either be brought into the country or purchased at one of the many stores available in town.

– Safety

Thailand is considered one of the safest countries to travel in and thanks to friendly locals and customs, you will surely find this very quickly upon arrival. The one safety concern you may have are the roads as they may be much different from your home country. There are thousands of motor bikes everywhere and although there are laws set in place, they might not always be followed completely. Watch out for traffic while walking along the sidewalk and be sure that if you do decide to drive a car or motorbike while there, you have an international driver’s license before hitting the road.

If you have booked your flight and set a date for your upcoming trip to beautiful Phuket, Thailand then chances are you could not be more excited! As a place filled with pristine beaches, vibrant markets, and a nearly endless list of fun activities to enjoy, your time spent there will surely be nothing short of unforgettable. If you have previously spent time in Southeast Asia, then you should already be fairly familiar with typical climate and local customs, in which case your suitcase may already be packed! However, for those of you who have yet to visit this part of the world and are absolutely clueless on what to fill your suitcase with, then keep reading and hopefully the following tips will help you start preparing for the trip of a lifetime!

Hot & Humid – Light & Breathable Clothes

There is a big chance that you already know Phuket is known for its rather hot climate, which is possibly a huge reason as to why you want to head there! A warm tropical climate is a definite draw for travelers and something that makes the island all the more enjoyable for most. However, with that being said, you need to know how to prepare for enduring the hot weather. The average temperature can be 30+ degrees Celsius with a humidity level anywhere from 50% to 100%, which is much more likely anywhere from November to May.This means your clothes are going to need to be very light and breathable, if you would prefer to not spend half of your time in Phuket with a heat rash! The following are some great options to pack…

• T-shirts – Shorts -Light Pants
• Swimsuit -Sunglasses -Sunscreen

Rainy Season – Weather Proof Clothes

Although Phuket is hot practically all times during the year, they still endure some rather rainy months. Although it is not necessarily cold outside when it rains like other places, you are going to want to be sure your suitcase is prepared for the certain instance that the island may have some precipitation. Here are some ideas on what to pack…

• Light Rain Jacket -Hat -Extra clothes
• Long Light Pants -Socks

Wandering & Exploring – Comfortable Shoes

Whenever you spent time in Phuket, whether it is your first time or your tenth time there, you are going to do plenty of wandering about and exploring all the island has to offer. With fun activities like trekking and hiking, island hopping, rock climbing beach strolls, ziplining, etc. there is one thing you absolutely do NOT want to forget when you are packing for a trip to Phuket…comfortable shoes! If you don’t want to endure painful blisters and sores on your feet, then be sure you either go buy some new comfortable tennis shoes at the store before you leave or pack your favorite ones from home. Save yourself a ton of hassle and pain and be sure you have comfortable shoes and wear them whenever you head out on a fun Phuket adventure!

Local Culture & Style – Respectful Clothes

One of the most important things to understand before deciding what to pack for Phuket is the local culture and style that is acceptable to the Thai people. You will soon find out even with just one visit to the beach that the locals tend to cover up in long sleeves and pants even when they are swimming. It is never acceptable to go nude on the beach or in public places and although you may have heard different, be sure to keep this in mind as it is something to do out of respect for the lovely Thai people of Phuket. If you happen to be visiting the many stunning temples while there, girls need to remember to cover their shoulders and knees. This can be done easily and should be practiced as many temples won’t allow anyone in with too much skin showing due to respect for the Buddhist monks.

If You Forget Something…Don’t Worry!

The good news is that if you happen to forget something or even lose something along the way during your time in Phuket, there are plenty of shops and stores with everything you need in them! From t-shirts and shorts to tennis shoes and sunscreen, you will find it all in Phuket!

It is not every day that you explore jungles while seated on top of an elephant, nor drive an ATV in your compound; therefore you might be uncertain on the most appropriate attire for these activities.
This is the reason we decided to offer you small tips on what to dress in and carry with you on our tours.

Here, you are going to find out which attire is most comfortable for the particular tour and activities it involves. Each tour will be categorized according to the kind of activity.
However, even through varied activities are found in each tour, the overall attire and items to carry with you are similar. For each tour, we suggest that you carry:

• Sunglasses
• Headwear
• Camera
• A small quantity of money to purchase bananas for elephants or purchase some souvenirs.
• Drinking water or other soft drinks.

Below are the specifics…

Mainly Elephant Tours

“A” ELEPHANT TREKKING TOUR
“F” RIDE AN ELEPHANT (45 MINUTES) AND VISIT BIG BUDDHA HILL OF PHUKET – HALF – DAY
“B” HALF – DAY, ELEPHANT TREKKING TOUR + MONKEY SHOW + SNAKE SHOW
“S”  PHUKET SIGHTSEEING TOUR AND ELEPHANT RIDE

Elephant trekking is the main part of each tour listed above. Elephants love covering themselves in dirt and dust; therefore, the best thing is to dress in clothes you are comfortable getting dirty in.

Mahouts (care takers for elephants) ride the elephants in bare feet, flip-flops or soft shoes and we consider this to be the ideal choice for you.

YOU MIGHT GET WET HERE!

“C” FULL – DAY ULTIMATE ADVENTURE – KHAO LAK
“Z” VISIT THE PHANG NGA BAY ISLANDS (James Bond Island) AND RIDE AN ELEPHANT
“R” FULL-DAY RAFTING ADVENTURE FROM PHUKET AND ELEPHANT RIDE

Other than elephant trekking, with these tours you will engage in swimming in a waterfall, rafting or discovering the scenic islands using canoe in the sea. You are certainly going to get wet in the course of the white water rafting tour.
Khao Lak National Park’s bamboo rafting is a leisurely one, which is restful and most probably, you will not become excessively wet here. But, it is possible for you to get wet from the waist downwards.

As you canoe in Phang Nga bay, you will not necessarily become wet; however, there is a distinct possibility as you are at the center of the sea seated on a small canoe!
It is essential to carry a towel and another set of clothing for white water rafting.
Even though the probabilities of becoming wet during the other two tours are slim, we still advise being prepared.

ATV TOURS

“E” ATV to BIG BUDDHA TOUR
“F” RIDE AN ELEPHANT (45 MINUTES) AND VISIT BIG BUDDHA HILL OF PHUKET, HALF – DAY
“D” ATV to BIG BUDDHA and ELEPHANT TREKKING TOUR, HALF – DAY

Each tour listed here includes ATV riding. ATV involves dirt, dust and wheels. The chances here of getting dirty are even more, compared to when riding an elephant.

We discourage wearing sandals or flip-flops, to keep your feet protected. It is better for your whole feet to be covered by your shoes. You might require a head scarf to cover your head prior to wearing a helmet.
Sunglasses provide protection not just from sunlight but dust and dirt also, in the course of ATV tours.