The Guide Phuket - April 2021

April 2021

COVER: EXPLORING THE STUNNING KOH LANTA Over the month of February, The Guide Phuket team was invited to explore the many wonders hidden at the Pimalai Resort & Spa, a fantastic resort located in Koh Lanta, approximately a four-hour drive from Phuket. (p. 04)

CONTENT

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Off the beaten path: Pimalai Resort & Spa Over the month of February, The Guide Phuket team was invited to explore the many wonders hidden at the Pimalai Resort & Spa, a fantastic resort located in Koh Lanta, approximately a four-hour drive from Phuket. The driver sent by the resort brought us safely to the pier in Krabi, where we switched our car to jump in one of the resort’s private boats.

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Coffee and more at Three Monkey’s Restaurant Located in Kathu, Three Monkeys is part of Hanuman World, known for their love of nature as sky-high trees can be seen everywhere. Three monkeys is an all-day restaurant, so whether it’s a morning cup of premium organic coffee, a pot of exotic afternoon tea, traditional Thai Southern cuisine, mouthwatering Japanese food, it really has it all!

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Getting to Know: Malika Kazakova If you ever participated in a Phuket event with a live performance, chances are you must have seen the talented Malika Kazakova when she was either singing, dancing, or both! Originally from Kyrgyzstan, Malika relocated to the Pearl of Andaman in 2013 and started her career in dancing performance and singing.

EDITORIAL Phuket recently became the first approved province to welcome inoculated tourists without quarantine. While some of the details are still under consideration by the local government, it shows a strong willingness from the central government to re-open the country and bring back the thousands of jobs that were decimated during the pandemic! At this stage, we can only wait and see, though the good news is that this is no April’s Fools Day. - Kamin

April 2021

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PHUKET

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Life is a beach Every month, we cover our selection of three stunning beaches that can be visited in Phuket. With so many places to choose from, our team tries to provide a

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Our juices selection Drinking health fruit juices can bring a variety of benefits to your body and mind, from increasing your vitamin levels to boosting your immune system during

good mix between the popular ones and the less

these Covid-19 times. Check out our suggestions for

crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

fresh, healthy juices you can make from home.

their own happy place.

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Italian delights at Da Sandro Phuket With its intimate decor, reminiscing of a classic

New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn

Italian trattoria, Da Sandro Restaurant welcomes

this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered! Our

repeat customers and first-time visitors like

guide to the Thai language will bring you new content

family.

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The Guide to Thai language

monthly.

Exploring Phuket’s latest mall: Porto de Phuket This iconic open-air shopping mall, located in the heart of Cherng Talay, right next to Boat Avenue, has opened its door in December, 2019 and provides several new outlets that were missing in the area, from unique restaurants to supermarket.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH:

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA IN KOH LANTA Over the month of February, The Guide

We checked in at the main lobby, which

tropical shower. A well-stocked minibar,

Phuket team was invited to explore the

has been transformed slightly to ensure the

alongside plenty of amenities, made us feel

many wonders hidden at the Pimalai Resort

Covid-19 regulations were followed to the

welcome from the moment we stepped in.

& Spa, a fantastic resort located in Koh

letter, before being escorted to our room,

Lanta, approximately a four-hour drive

a stunning One-Bedroom Beach Villa,

After a well-deserved lunch at Rak Talay,

from Phuket.

located only a few steps away from the

their beachfront restaurant serving easy-

white sandy beach across the hotel.

going food, such as burgers, pizzas, and

The driver sent by the resort brought

skewers, it was time for us to explore the

us safely to the pier in Krabi, where we

The villa was beyond spacious, with its

switched our car to jump in one of the

own living room, a large bedroom, and a

resort’s private boats to reach the island.

well-appointed bathroom mixing indoor

While most of our crew enjoyed a relaxing

From there onward, it was just a breeze!

and outdoor elements, such as the outside

massage at the Pimalai Spa, the 4:00 pm

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

property and its stunning gardens.

mark was a good time to go for a swim in one of their two swimming pools, which both offer terrific views over the Andaman Sea. The dinner was hosted at the Seven Sea’s Restaurant, a more

THREE THINGS YOU’LL LOVE!

contemporary outlet serving incredibly tasty Thai cuisine; while we discovered an intricacy of bold flavors and tender proteins, the General Manager, Patrice Landrein, provided us with the history of the resort.

We chose to spend the rest of the evening on the large terrace that came with the villa, just long enough to count all the blinking stars we could find in the night sky.

The next day, after a great night’s sleep thanks to the ultracomforting mattresses, we ventured back to the Seven Sea’s

The food

Restaurant for the anticipated breakfast, which at this point can

From a vast selection of breakfast items to perfectly-cooked meat

only be compared to a spread for the kings! The large buffet covered

and seafood accompanying your lunches and dinners, the food

everything from bread selection, hot items, both Western and Thai, a large cold selection of salads, cheeses, and cold cuts, freshly pressed juices, and so much more!

served at Pimalai Resort & Spa is beyond delicious and tasty.

Several restaurants are available within the resort based on your food preferences.

A particular mention goes to the staff of Pimalai Resort & Spa,

The gardens Very few resorts have successfully managed to capture the beauty of the surrounding jungles and lush vegetation as well as Pimalai Resort & Spa. The eco-friendly resort provides its guests with many paths along beautifully landscaped gardens for them to explore and feel revigorated from the moment they step in.

who have been exceptionally well-trained to exceed their guests’ expectations; wherever we would go, we would be approached by our first name, and all our preferences would be noted down so that they ended up knowing our favorite drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The remaining of our stay was filled with activities we chose to write in the coming pages. As our 3 days / 2 nights excursion came to a close, it was time for us to head back to our beloved island. But we did not leave empty-handed; instead, our heads were filled with the most awesome memories from where we slept, what we ate, and whom we met during our little adventure.

Feel free to contact the Pimalai Resort & Spa by email at reservation@pimalai.com, by phone at +66 2 320 5500, or through

The view As the resort was built on a hillside, it offers stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea, especially from the villas that were built in the second phase. Who would not want to wake up to this amazing view? We certainly did not mind!

their website at www.pimalai.com.

April 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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EXPLORING THE WINE CELLAR Right underneath the stunning Seven Sea’s Restaurant is the wine cellar, which customers can visit to choose their favorite bottle of wine. In addition, private Chef dinners can be held in this space, which provides great interactions with the Chef and your private party.

A SUNSET CRUISE TO KOH HAA ISLANDS Pimalai Resort & Spa offers its guests wonderful scenic cruises

starfish, catfish, and clownfish, which are all swimming in harmony.

departing from the pier in front of the resort. On our second day,

A word of advice: stay clear from the bottom of the ocean, as you

we had the opportunity to join their Koh Haa Sunset Cruise, which

may stumble upon sea urchins next to the rocks and on the bed

leaves the hotel at 3:00 pm for a 45-minute ride to Koh Haa, a

floor.

small archipelago with white sandy beaches and impressive rock formations.

On the way back to the resort, we witnessed the most stunning sunset onboard the boat, while sipping on a well-deserved glass of

Upon arrival to the islands, you will have free time to enjoy

sparkling. The team will prepare snacks and drinks for the entire

snorkeling in the area, thanks to the equipment provided on the

trip, so you can regain your strength after the long swim.

boat. The transparent waters are home to a variety of fish, such as

A REVIGORATING EXPERIENCE AT PIMALAI SPA Right in the heart of the resort!

The Pimalai Spa is a little haven of tranquility located right in the center of the resort, surrounded by lush vegetation and offering a series of rejuvenating treatments to help you relax during your holidays.

From the traditional Thai massage to more specific approaches, such as Ayurvedic therapies, you will be spoilt for choices. Thankfully, you can rely on the expertise of their team members, who will explain all the various procedures and even recommend the perfect treatment based on your condition and preferences.

We had a delightful time enjoying their Oil Massages during our stay at the Pimalai Resort & Spa.

ECO-SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS While it may not be an area a typical General Manager would enjoy showing to members of the press, Patrice Landrein, the GM of the resort, took great pride in showing us the back of the house, an area of the resort that is not accessible to the public. Over there, we explored their large permaculture, where they grow countless spices and vegetables that are used every day in the resort. This approach ensures that Pimalai Resort & Spa does its bits to help with issues regarding the environment.

A HEAVEN ON KOH LANTA Interested in booking your next staycation? Feel free to contact the Pimalai Resort & Spa by email at reservation@pimalai.com or by visiting their website at www.pimalai.com. Alternatively, you can give them a call at +66 2 320 5500 should you have any questions regarding the resort. Make sure to like their Facebook page to stay in touch with their upcoming promotions.

LIFE IS A BEACH With more than 30 beaches to choose from, the island of Phuket stands for its nickname, which is the Pearl of Andaman. Whether you seek to experience the tranquillity of Mai Khao Beach or prefer to mingle among the crowd on Patong Beach, our handy guide will help you find the perfect spot to get the suntan you’ve been dreaming of.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

OUR TOP PICKS

Every month, our team selects for you the top 3 beaches you should visit while staying in Phuket.

All of them have their pros and cons, so we try to provide a good mix between the popular ones and the less crowded ones.

Nai Harn Beach: Voted as the third best beach in South-East Asia in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Nai Harn Beach is located at the southern tip of Phuket and surrounded by green headlands, Casuarina trees, and coconut palms. The water here is warm and clear, but currents can be dangerous at certain times of the year. A row of tiny restaurants line the back of the beach, and there are a few shops selling souvenirs and beach goods.

Bang Tao Beach: Home to much of Phuket’s 5-star luxury resorts, Bang Tao Beach is a pleasant stretch of beach on the Phuket’s west coast. The northern end of the beach has a small coral reef, which is perfect for snorkeling. As usual, pay close attention to the red flags and warning signs nearby the beach, as rip currents can occur, especially during the monsoon season.

Kata Beach: Known as Phuket’s ‘Surfer’s Paradise’, Kata Beach is one of the most beautiful of all of Phuket’s beaches. It’s a halfmoon crescent of white sand which lines a bay that is cut deep between two green headlands. The water at Kata Beach is crystal clear and there is a small coral reef which is excellent for snorkeling. During the green season, Kata Beach is a great place to learn how to surf due to its rolling waves.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A JELLYFISH STINGS YOU? Let’s face it: this is certainly something you’d prefer to avoid when enjoying a day at the beach, but the Andaman Sea contains its fair share of the translucent animal. Below is a quick recap on the symptoms one can suffer from a sting and the best way to treat someone suffering from it. Remember that you should always call for a lifeguard to assist you should you be in pain after getting out of the water.

SYMPTOMS

WHAT TO DO

Severe pain on the wound, back, trunk or head;

Bring the injured person out of the sea to a safe place;

Restlessness or confusion;

Call an ambulance (Tel. 1669);

Sweating, chills, nausea or vomiting;

Have the person remain still to prevent the spread of toxin;

Palpitations, chest pain or chest tightness;

Pour vinegar continuously over the wound for at least 30

Breathing difficulty, rapid breathing or panting;

seconds (do not use fresh water).

April 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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COFFEE AND MORE AT THE THREE MONKEYS RESTAURANT Sitting on a giant tree house under the shade of trees with a cup of great coffee sounds like the ideal way to start off the day, and this simple pleasure is not far away from the heart of Phuket Town.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

of all coffee here is the Kopi Luwak with a twist; offered as an Arabica rather than a Robusta. The civets they take the Kopi Luwak from are wild, not farm-fed, so the product is 100 percent organic.

For a refreshing choice, we highly recommend the Espresso Tonic with Homemade Lemon Syrup and for the rich, creamy, and sweet choice, we recommend the Three Monkey Frappe with Coffee Flower Honey.

Various choices of tea are also available Located in Kathu, Three Monkeys is part

from lemongrass tea to the highly

adjacent to the restaurant.

beneficial Cordyceps Tea.

of Hanuman World, known for their love of nature as sky-high trees can be seen

Drinking coffee is a delicate art and

everywhere.

Three Monkeys has prepared talented

The dining experience is as exceptional as

baristas who will be hands-on for your

their coffee service. The Gai Yang Wanon,

memorable coffee experience. The star

a BBQ half chicken, was perfectly tender

Three monkeys is an all-day restaurant, so whether it’s a morning cup of premium organic coffee, a pot of exotic afternoon tea, traditional Thai Southern cuisine, mouthwatering fusion Italian, or Japanese food, it really has it all!

Three Monkeys has a list of outstanding coffee to choose from. The organic coffee beans used here are all produced by themselves and are guaranteed for aroma and taste. Their Arabica coffee is planted on Doi Chang, Chiang Rai where the height, humidity, and temperature are perfect for it while their Robusta is planted

and juicy, while the mix of spices really gives some punch to the meat. Another signature dish you should try is the Hanuman Klook Fune, a stir-fried minced chicken served with a yellow curry paste.

It is worth mentioning that Three Monkey’s Restaurant caters to vegetarians and lovers of seafood, too, with dishes such as Tom Yum seafood, Pla Nung Manao, and Meang in coconut soup.

Three Monkey’s Restaurant has quickly become an institution here in Phuket and is well worth a visit on a nice Sunday afternoon.

Three Monkey’s Restaurant is located within the Hanuman World on 105 Moo 4, Chaofah Road, in Kathu. For information and bookings, please call +66 98 0108838 or visit their website available in multiple languages at www.threemonkeysphuket.com.

April 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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ITALIAN

DELIGHTS AT

DA SANDRO KATHU With its intimate decor, reminiscing of a classic Italian trattoria, Da Sandro Restaurant welcomes repeat customers and firsttime visitors like family. A large, wall-mounted sofa occupies the left-hand side of the restaurant, while other tables are scattered across the room, giving you ample space to chat with your friends without disturbing your neighbors.

The large bar counter is well-stocked, and a long list of cocktails can be served as an aperitive, including traditional Italian spirits like Campari and Spritz. The wine list also reflects the color of Italy, though some other promotions are available from other countries. We decided on a bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which is easy to pair with a variety of food.

Looking through the menu, you will find all the Italian classics, from the light Insalate Caprese to home-made, fresh pasta, to more heavy options like roasted lamb and grilled tiger prawns. The choice is hard to make, as we really wanted to eat all the options offered on the menu. Well, I guess this will give us the opportunity to come back!

We chose to start the dinner with their Antipasto platter, which comes with Parma ham, melon, salami, and Parmesan cheese, as well as with the baked crab meat, topped with melting Cheddar cheese. A true pleasure for your palate. For the main course, we had to go with the fresh gnocchi served in a blue cheese sauce, the rib eye cut, served with mashed potatoes and spinach, and finally, the spaghetti tiger prawn, combining the freshness of Italian ingredients with the Andaman seafood. The blue cheese sauce was on point, not too salty, and balanced very well with the fluffiness of the gnocchi. The rib eye was excellent, cooked to perfection, and nicely seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, rosemary and a touch of garlic.

Overall, we had a really pleasant experience dining at Da Sandro Restaurant, both for the quality of their food and for the human touch and smiles the owners and the staff provide to every guest.

Da Sandro Restaurant is opened daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Closed on Wednesday. You can find the restaurant on Vichit Songkram Road in Kathu, a few hundred meters near the entrance of Loch Palm Golf Course. Find out more information on their website at www.dasandrophuket.com.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

HQ BEACH LOUNGE KAMALA HQ Beach Lounge is located at the northern end of Kamala Beach. It features a tranquil atmosphere, which makes it perfect to enjoy a bit to eat while watching the sunset refreshing cocktail, or rent a beach

CATCH BEACH CLUB BANG TAO

chair, cabana or a unique beach nest.

Catch Beach Club is Phuket’s most exciting and

WEB: www.hqphuket.com

fashionable beach club. The hottest spot on Bang

across the Andaman Sea. Sip on a

Tao Beach, Catch Beach Club boasts a full-on party atmosphere and offers up the region’s best DJs in addition to a well-stocked bar. Enjoy a tasty brunch package while lazing by the pool. < WEB: www.catchbeachclub.com

CAFE DEL MAR KAMALA DREAM BEACH CLUB LAYAN BEACH

Stylish and iconic, Cafe Del Mar is Phuket’s

A stylish oceanfront beach club

areas for maximum entertainment value. Spend

with a superb restaurant & lounge,

some time in the dining venue, swimming

Dream Beach Club is a unique venue

pool, on the dance floor or in the VIP seating and

that curates a tropical lifestyle

alfresco lounge by the beach. Check the beach

experience. Expect world-class DJs

club’s roster of activities, and note, there is a large

and the very best in food and drink.

parking area available on-site.

WEB: www.dreambeachclub.com

WEB: www.cafedelmarphuket.com >

answer to Ibiza. With a prime location on Kamala Beach, the beach club is divided into different

XANA BEACH CLUB BANG TAO XANA Beach Club boasts a stunning location. The venue features a 35-meter pool, state-of-the-art sound system, a variety of tropical cocktails and a delicious food menu. Enjoy the best that Phuket has to offer from day to night at XANA. The beach club features beach loungers, poolside daybeds and VIP cabanas which can accommodate up to 10 people.

WEB: www.xanabeachclub.com

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

FIVE HEALTHY FRUIT JUICES THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU

Kiwi juice: Kiwis are packed with flavors and their skin can be easily peeled off, making them the perfect companions to our juicing journey. They contain vitamin C, E and K, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants and can be found all year around in supermarkets like Tops or Villa Market.

Pineapple juice: Famous for being one of the main ingredients in Pina Colada and easily accessible in Thailand, pineapple juice comes with vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. One of the biggest advantages of pineapple juice is that it is naturally sweet, very sweet.

Therefore, you will not need to add any sugar to it, whether you drink it on its own or when you create a mocktail or cocktail.

Orange juice: Orange juice is famous for its nutritional value, especially with vitamin C. A glass of orange juice (250ml.) gives you more than 65% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It also brings you folate, magnesium, and potassium, which is good to regulate blood pressure and protect against heart disease and strokes.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit is a tropical fruit rich in antioxidant and fiber, often used in weight-loss recipes. Not only does it come with vitamin A and C, but it also brings folate, potassium, thiamine, and magnesium. Its high fiber content makes you feel full much faster than by eating any other fruits. Grapefruit also help controling your insulin level and helps in reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Strawberry juice: Like the other fruits before her, strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, and also contain folate, potassium, and manganese. One of the main benefits of drinking strawberry juice is that it comes with ellagic acid, an antioxidant that is linked to reducing cancer’s risk and fighting bacteria. The Royal Project offers a fantastic strawberry juice, available at 7 Eleven and Family Mart.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

Your island’s favorite fashion!

Check out our Social Media to discover our unique pieces. laboutiquestoreanddesign laboutiquestorea 084 840 0943

EXPLORING PHUKET’S LATEST MALL: PORTO DE PHUKET This iconic open-air shopping mall, located in the heart of Cherng Talay, right next to Boat Avenue, has opened its door in December, 2019 and provides several new outlets that were missing in the area, from unique restaurants to supermarket.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

To complete the delightful shopping experience, we suggest you make a stop at one of the numerous restaurants available for you to eat a bite.

Tu Kab Kao is a classic southern Thai restaurant, which opened its door a few years ago in Phuket Town; the perfect venue to taste a delicious Moo Hong or a Gaeng Som. Another restaurant that originally originates from Phuket Town is Suay restaurant, a Thai fusion restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide for two years in a row. Feel free to try their Porto de Phuket is the latest venture from

place when looking for running shoes and

signature Soft Shell Crab Burger, served

Central Retail Corporation, the retail arm

other sportswear. A Jim Thompson is also

with shrimp fat fries, or the marinated

of Central Group of Company, on the

available to satisfy your need of exotic

lemongrass lamb chops with a delicious

island of Phuket. Located in Cherng Talay,

fabrics. In addition to the big brands, you

papaya salsa.

within the proximity of Boat Avenue and

will stumble upon smaller shops, such as

Laguna Phuket, this lifestyle shopping

jewelry stores and art boutiques.

Finally, you can indulge in Russian

mall brings together high-end fashion, sportswear, convenience store, and many restaurants and eateries.

complete with a dine-in section offering

BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!

roasts and other bistro pub dishes. You

If there is one thing that westerners have some difficulties to understand when

have to give the Italian Porchetta a try on

arriving in Thailand is that (almost) everything should be bargained here; it’s a

your next trip!

tradition, especially at markets that sell clothing and other souvenirs (you would

First, you will find their signature grocery store Central Food Hall, which comes

not try to negotiate on food). As a rule of thumb, consider what price would make You will also find a B2S store, one of

you happy, and start the negotiations slightly below that price. A THB 300 shirt, for

Thailand’s leading stationery stores, as

example, could easily be bought for THB 200. Give it your best smile and you’re all set!

well as a Supersports, which is the go-to specialties at Spice House Restaurant, a Russian-themed restaurant with branches all over Phuket, which has served happy customers for over ten years.

Porto de Phuket is open daily from 08:00 am to 10:00 pm. You will find a large parking lot available, though bear in mind that leaving the parking can be difficult depending on the time of the day and the amount of traffic outside.

Overall, this shopping mall is a welcome addition to the area and provides a breath of fresh air thanks to its design and the numerous boutiques it brings with it.

WEB: www.facebook.com/portodephuket

April 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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SHOPPER’S DELIGHTS

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | April 2021

LIMELIGHT AVENUE PHUKET TOWN Located on Dibuk Road, this indy shopping mall recently celebrated its 4th anniversary.

The mall offers a good mix between clothing shops, restaurants, souvenir boutiques and grocery store on two separate floors while providing regular events to keep the crowd, consisting mainly of locals, entertained. It shares its parking lot with the now-famous Phuket Indy Market on Thursdays and Fridays, so make sure you go there early on those dates if you wish to get a parking spot, as the market takes over from 4:00 pm.

TURTLE VILLAGE MAI KHAO The exclusive shopping destination for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach. Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir,

< WEB: www.limelightphuket.com

antique and clothing selections. Outlets include Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao

JUNGCEYLON PATONG

Beach; The Coffee Club; Swensens; Supermarket Turtle Mart; Jim Thompson; Narai Phand; Private Collection; Ferera; Paul Ropp; Anita; Eleph; Marie

Patong has its own shopping center, by the

France Van Damme; Unique Art; Tanya Living; Basil;

moniker of Jungceylon. The mall opened in

Phuket Happiness Trip; Cashmere Hut; Joy Isomare;

2006 and covers an area of 200,000 square

Bangkok B.P. Pharmacy, while the new phase include

meters. It is well-known for its full-size wooden

the like of 7 Eleven, Pizza Company, Etam, OVS, Anello and Esprit.

boat, located in the central atrium, linking the various buildings together. Plenty of places to shops, including local and international brands,

VILLA MARKET CHALONG

and a large avenue filled with restaurants and places to relax under the shades.

WEB: www.jungceylon.com >

While Villa Market is known for its imported products, which please foreigner living on the island and looking for comfort food from home, the Chalong’s venue is much larger than just a regular supermarket, and offers some restaurants, a DIY store named HomePro, a Banana IT store for all your computer needs, and several other clothing and souvenir shops. It is also home to a large market every Tuesdays, where locals love to stop by and grab some delicious food before heading home.

Beware of the limited parking spaces on that day.

PREMIUM OUTLET PHUKET TOWN

CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest

Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other international names can be found on sale, including

shopping malls in Thailand, comprising of two separate buildings: the long-standing Central Festival, which opened in the 90s, and the newly built extension Central Floresta, which opened

Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Levi’s, Lee, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%. It is open daily

its doors in September 2018. Both buildings offer a combined area of 185,000 square meters

from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and can be found on

and host more than 700 different shops, from luxury watches and clothes to everyday items.

Bypass Road, not far from the Toyota Dealership.

WEB: www.centralfestivalphuket.com

WEB: www.outletmallthailand.com

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GETTING TO KNOW Last month, we sat down with Malika Kazakova, professional singer and entertainer, who told us about her passion for music and her story.

If you ever participated in a Phuket event with a live performance, chances are you must have seen the young, beautiful, and talented Malika Kazakova when she was either singing, dancing, or both!

I avoided the stage because I was afraid but now I understand that it was not the fear of the stage, it was the fear of myself, my reaction, and my emotions on the stage.

Now, I am professional enough but I still have to work on my skills; I want to go further and further.

Originally from Kyrgyzstan, Malika relocated to the Pearl of Andaman in 2013 and started her career in dancing performance and singing.

Why did you choose Phuket and how is life on the island?

Please let us know more about yourself Since my childhood, I knew that I would be on stage. I saw pictures of myself in my mind, how I would dance, how I would move, and how I would sing. Actually, I do not know whether it was a dream or an aim because I wanted it so much. Now, I am an adult and I am still educating myself and I am still improving my vocals.

Since my childhood, I wanted to be a singer and dancing was my second interest but I was shy, so I blocked my desire. I did sing and dance in my country but I did not do it with complete freedom.

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I came to Phuket in 2013 and I started to sing and dance here. It was complicated at the beginning because I did not work on my mind. Since I worked with my mind and learned to let it go, I have been freed and I want to show people I am young and talented. It is an exchange of energy in a kind and bright way. All these started in Phuket and Phuket means a lot to me. I love this place. It is like my home.

How did you start to form a band?

I started to work at the Palazzo Theatre-Restaurant as a soloist singer, so at the beginning, half of my band was from the theatre, some from Russia and some from Ukraine. Now, half of my band is Russian and another half is from Thailand. It’s fun because we speak in Russian,

English and also try making Thai conversation as well and we laugh a lot.

I perform as a solo singer as well but when I play with the band, there are different kinds of energy. Sometimes, we have some inner joke on the stage. We just look at each other’s eyes and we understand each other and we can feel each other. It’s like we are a small family.

Tell us about Malika Band What gathers all of us in one band is music and music means love, respect, and gratitude to each other. We practice, connect, talk, understand each other, and love what we do.

Everyone in my band loves what they do and I can feel that.

We are supporting each other a lot.

We have a huge range of musical energy from smooth jazz, loungy style all the way to more dynamic repertoires. My team and I are very flexible with our clients.

We heard that you wrote some songs as well I have a song that I wrote by myself in the Russian language.

It is about love and a special person in my life. Another song is about home. It’s about the desire to get back home because when there was a curfew in Phuket, we could not move anywhere and I felt the inner pressure. I was crying for an hour and then I took a paper and a pen and just wrote this song.

What about belly dancing?

It is going great. I am studying and teaching private belly dancing classes. I have the skill but I want to be even more professional and jump into another level of belly dance.

Belly Dancing is special moves that help you to unblock your feminine energy in your body. We are women, though we are from a different culture, we all can decide what we can do.

You can enjoy your body. Belly dancing can encourage you to embrace your body. It helps you to unblock your love to yourself. When I’ll be 50 or even 60 years old, I would still be dancing.

What are your future plans?

I want to be well-known in the business as a singer, dancer, and entertainer who can also organize entertainment for events in Asia because I strongly believe that Asia is the future.

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THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE RECAP EP8: BEVERAGES

Soft drinks

น้ำำ��เปล่​่า น้ำำ��ร้​้อน น้ำำ��เย็​็น

Plain water Naam Plao Hot water Naam Ron Cold water Naam Yen Ice Naam Kaeng Fruit juice Naam Pon La Mai Orange juice Naam Som Apple juice Naam Apple Guava juice Naam Farang Pineapple juice Naam

น้ำำ��แข็​็ง

Sapparod

น้ำำ��ผลไม้​้ น้ำำ��ส้​้ม น้ำำ��แอปเปิ้​้�ล น้ำำ��ฝรั่​่�ง น้ำำ��สั​ัปปะรด

โค้​้ก Coke แฟนต้​้า Fanta สไปร์​์ท Sprite

Coca-Cola Fanta Sprite -

Alcohol and more

Coffee and Tea

กาแฟ กาแฟร้​้อน กาแฟเย็​็น

Coffee Ga Fae Hot coffee Ga Fae Ron Iced coffee Ga Fae Yen Tea Cha Hot tea Cha Ron Iced tea Cha Yen Black tea Cha Dam Green tea Cha Kiaow Lemon tea Cha Manao Sugar Nam Taan Brown sugar Nam Tan Daeng Milk Nom Cream Cream

ชา

ชาร้​้อน ชาเย็​็น ชาดำำ� ชาเขี​ียว ชามะนาว น้ำำ��ตาล น้ำำ��ตาลแดง นม ครี​ี ม

เบี​ียร์​์ ไวน์​์ ไวน์​์แดง Wine Daeng ไวน์​์ขาว Wine Khao แชมเปญ Champagne ค็​็อกเทล Cocktail เหล้​้า เหล้​้าขาว Lao Khao แก้​้ว ขวด เหยื​ือก ที่​่�เปิ​ิ ดขวด Thi Peud

Beer Beer Wine Wine Red wine White wine Champagne Cocktail Alcohol Lao Rice alcohol Glass Gaeo Bottle Kuad Jug Yeuag Bottle opener Kuad

Alcohol consumption in Thailand Consuming alcohol is generally accepted in the country, though it is subject to specific regulations which some people may find surprising. For example, it is only possible to sell alcohol from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, except for hotels, which can sell alcohol 24/7. It is also forbidden to sell alcohol during the three official Buddha days in the country, and most restaurants and shops will stop selling during other important bank holidays. Finally, while it is allowed to drink alcohol outside, you may want to refrain from getting inebriated at the beach, where controls happen often.

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