The Guide Phuket - October 2019

October 2019

BRING YOGA IN YOUR INNER THOUGHTS Our newest column provides you with the best tips to fully appreciate yoga and meditation. (p. 12)

BEACH CLUBS A handy list of Phuket’s beach club you should visit while staying on the island. (p. 16)

COVER: PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL From September 29, 2019, to October 7, 2019, the island of Phuket welcomes the unique Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a week-long festivity held to pay respect to the nine Chinese Emperor Gods. (p. 04)

CONTENT

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The freshest seafood at Phuket Lobster House Located in Soi Palai, a few hundred meters from Phuket Zoo, this new restaurant specializes in fish and seafood served fresh from the tank to your plate. The alfresco atmosphere is perfect to relax with some friends over some tasty specialties from the Andaman Sea.

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Experience the lifestyle of Rawai Sea Gypsy The Sea Gypsy community in Rawai is one of the four settlements of Sea Gypsy tribes in Phuket and probably the most famous and visited by locals and tourists alike. From delicately crafted souvenirs to fantastic seafood caught in the morning, the villagers still operate the same way their ancestors did centuries ago.

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Getting to Know: Vincent Henon Receiving his inspiration from children’s drawings and people’s emotions, Vincent Henon, the artist behind PandaArt, in Chalong, has been living on the island for over ten years and loves to share his knowledge and passion for painting and arts in general.

EDITORIAL

Following the launch of our new magazine format, we were thrilled to receive so many positive feedbacks on the new design and articles.

While it took us a while to get the machine started, I believe it can only get better from now on, starting with a week of detox for the body and mind at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The following weekend will allow for introspections, as we’ll pay our respect to the passing of His Late Majesty The King. The high season is around the corner and everyone on the island is looking forward to seeing what it will bring to the table. - Kamin

OCTOBER 2019

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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PHIST 2019 A year on from the inaugural edition of PHIST, the event is catching fire. A record attendance of 1,000 delegates attended this year’s full-day event, which

good mix between the popular ones and the less

was held at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. You

crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

can check out our photo gallery published in this

their own happy place.

issue.

The new iPhone is here: should you buy it?

Our tech column this month explore the newly released iPhone 11, and its cousins the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. With great improvements done to the camera and the battery life, the only question that remains is: “Should you buy it?” Read on our article before making an impulse decision.

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The Guide to Thai language New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn

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Things to know before renting a condo There are many things one should keep in mind before

this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered!

signing a lease agreement, such as who is paying

Ourguide to the Thai language will bring you new

for the utilities, how long is the contract and much

content monthly

deposit is one expected to pay.

PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL IS BACK One of Phuket’s holiest ceremony, nurtured through generations of Chinese heritage, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival will hit the streets of Phuket from September 29 to October 7, 2019.

Once a year during the ninth lunar

Surprisingly, the amount of blood you

the main ones to visit are Jui Tui, Bang

month, Phuket organizes its very

will see throughout the festival is kept

Niew, Put Jaw, Cherng Talay and the

own Vegetarian Festival, a week-long

to a minimum!

Kathu shrines.

It is quite common for the devouts

As tempting as it is to jump right into

celebration held to pay respect to the nine Chinese Emperor Gods.

and the people participating in the

the action, it is recommended to take

The festival itself has gained worldwide

vegetarian festival to wear white

some extra precautionary measures

reputation not only for its delicious,

clothes, as a symbol of purity, while

before joining the event as a first-

authentic vegetarian food but also for

they also obey to a set of nine

timer; remember that it is going to be

its long parades, which usually require

rules from the start to the end of

hot, not just from the regular Phuket’s

a lot of firecrackers and is lead by a

the celebrations. The rules will be

weather but also from the sheer

Masong, a person who is possessed

described on the next page.

amount of people combined with the

by the deities and capable of inflicting

smoke of firecrackers, and that you will

himself with physical mutilation, more

The island of Phuket counts more

experience a high decibel level for a

often than not in the form of piercing

than 40 different Chinese shrines and

prolonged period of time, so it is best

his cheeks with a sharp object, like a

temples, and while most of them will

to come prepared with some noise-

blade or a sword.

organize some events during the week,

canceling devices.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

During the festival, most restaurants will adapt their menu to

Por Pia Tod, or crispy veggie spring rolls. If we had to recommend

the vegetarian trend, removing their meat and seafood proteins

one venue to try out all those specialties, it would certainly be the

altogether. Some restaurants also decide to close down their

series of restaurants located on Ranong Road, in Phuket Town, right

venues for a few days, as the volume of visitors tends to go down.

next to the Jui Tui Shrine.

You should look for the yellow flags with red Chinese characters that are placed in front of participating restaurants to satisfy your

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a steak and can’t seem to

veggies cravings. We would recommend you to try Phad Tohu

find a restaurant to serve you, try to visit the places that tourists

Priaw Waan, or stir-fried tofu in a sweet and sour curry, Phad

tend to visit, such as Patong and Rawai; you will most likely find a

Phak Ruam, a stir-fried mix of fresh vegetables, and the classic

venue to serve you a regular menu.

9 RULES OBSERVED DURING THE EVENT If you decide to partake into this vegetarian adventure, it is recommended to observe the following set of rules: 1. Make sure your body is clean during the entire festival; 2. Use clean kitchen ustensils, not to be shared with people not participating in the event; 3. Wear white color only, from head to toes; 4. Make sure to behave properly, both physically and mentally; 5. Do not eat mear during the entire duration of the festival; 6. Avoid sexual relations during the vegetarian festival; 7. Do not drink alcohol if you decide to participate; 8. People in mourning or grieving should not participate; 9. Pregnant women and women menstruating should not attend the ceremonies.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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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 | OCTOBER 2019

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.

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.

Kamala Beach: Kamala Beach is a 3-kilometer long stretch of beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast. Essentially a fisherman’s village, Kamala Beach is family-friendly with soft sand and excellent sunsets. Behind the beach, there is a strip of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in case you forgot anything needed for your holiday.

Nai Yang Beach: Nai Yang is a charming beach a few minutes south of Phuket International Airport. The northern end of the beach is part of Sirinath National Park, which protects the beach from any further developments. The atmosphere here is laid-back, and the beach is excellent for families. If you are looking to eat fresh seafood right on the beach, Nai Yang is definitely the right spot to visit in Phuket!

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).

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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TRY THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD AT PHUKET LOBSTER HOUSE Phuket Lobster House has recently opened its door on Soi Palai, in Chalong, and specializes in serving the freshest seafood available as well as providing its hungry guests with a large selection of sushi and sashimi. The Guide Phuket tried some of the specialties on the menu.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

star can’t be anything else but the lobster.

To show off how fresh the meat is, we were served with Lobster Sashimi. The dish itself is pretty simple, yet packed with flavors; the open lobster shows its glossy white meat, alongside some Shoyu and wasabi paste. The meat comes with an impressive touch of natural sweetness and a firm texture.

Following the lobster, we were introduced to the giant prawns, grilled to perfection.

The meat gives a rich and naturally sweet flavor that makes it tasteful on its own.

Seafood is a very unique and charming

several tanks with choices of seafood, such

Dipping it in the Thai seafood sauce, which

protein. Served fresh, you won’t even need

as prawns, lobsters and various kinds of

is a mellow mix of spiciness, sourness,

to season it or even cook it! If you’re after

fish.

saltiness, and sweetness, can color up the dish well.

the natural sweetness of freshly-caught seafood and looking for quality at an

As we sit down to enjoy what the Phuket

affordable price, Phuket Lobster House is

Lobster House has to offer, we realize the

On the side, we also had the grilled

well worth a visit.

Located in Soi Palai, Chalong, Phuket Lobster House offers a wide range of delicious seafood-based cuisine. The restaurant was established by a local man, K. Parn who, equipped with a long experience as a Chef and a strong passion for food, has built his own seafood empire.

K. Parn owns a floating farm in Chalong bay, in the same area as the restaurant, which guarantees the freshness and quality of the seafood served on each plate. At the restaurant, you will also find salmon belly salad. The fatty part of this high-omega protein gives a rich taste that balanced wonderfully with the salad and its sesame cream dressing, providing us with amazing oriental flavors!

Classics but unforgettable, we were also served the beautiful cuts of salmon and tuna sashimi, served with Shoyu sauce and Wasabi paste.

If you are feeling adventurous, ask them for their special drink - a blue mocktail made with lobster blood mixed with Sprite!

Phuket Lobster House is opened daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight. You can find the restaurant on Soi Palai in Chalong, a few meters away from the Phuket Zoo (look for the giant lobster mascot at the entrance). You can find more information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhuketLobsterHouse.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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PHIST 2019 A SUCCESS PHIST 2019, Asia’s largest travel and tourism sustainability event, was hosted on September 23, as Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry came together to tackle the critical environmental issues facing resort destinations across the region.

A year on from the inaugural edition of PHIST, the event is catching fire. A record attendance of 1,000 delegates attended this year’s full-day event, which was held at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. PHIST is the brainchild of the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview.

Dedicated to generating fresh ideas and fostering a spirit of cooperation, the action-packed forum included a series of expert panels and discussions covering a range of vital topics, including destination management, development, ocean health, overtourism, hotel operations and community tourism. There was also a series of practical workshops for green champions, hotel developers and social enterprises and more, plus an exhibition area showcasing green solutions, allowing hoteliers to interact with eco-suppliers.

Speakers included local and international experts, including Raini Hamdi, Asia Editor, Skift; Sharry Sun, Global Head of Brand, Travelzoo; Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific; Ang Choo Pin, Expedia’s Senior Director of Government & Corporate Affairs; Guy Heywood, Chief Operating Officer, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas; and Franck Droin, Hotel Manager, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

PHIST has already shown that it can make a real difference; at last year’s inaugural edition, Phuket Hotels Association’s 74 member hotels agreed to remove plastic water bottles from their properties. In the 12 months since this pledge was made, member hotels experienced a 51% reduction, which equates to over 4.4 million bottles not ending up in landfill sites, or worse, the ocean.

By engaging with all stakeholders and members of society, from proven industry experts to the brightest young minds, PHIST 2019 is taking a blue sky approach to the sustainability agenda. In doing so, it will strive to ensure a bright future for many generations to come.

WEB: www.phukethotelsassociation.com

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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BRING YOGA IN YOUR INNER THOUGHTS When was the last time you hung out with yourself and truly enjoyed your own company?

Sometimes, the simplest practice is the most advanced; creating a space for yourself, through yourself, and by yourself.

Quite often we hear about how to

Our simplest quest sometimes is to just

learn along the way?’ , ‘How did I feel

have a good relationship with others

slow things down, have compassion

when I am in this posture?’ and ‘Did

or how to be a good team player.

for yourself when you are feeling

it come from a place of love?’ Write

Little do we think of how to have a

drained or tired. Like our practice,

down your feelings or thoughts in a

good relationship with ourselves or

if the sequence makes you feel

journal or any sort of outlet that helps

the importance of observing the voice

overwhelmed, listen to your body, take

you connect back to your source. Also,

inside your head.

a rest as easy as coming into a child’s

find at least 10 minutes a day to just

pose. Just because you are resting in

sit, close your eyes and meditate. From

The chitter-chatter inside of our

between the postures doesn’t mean

meditation, you can find clarity and

mind needs to be tamed. Just like

that you are weak or not good enough.

stillness nested between the world of

monkeys, they are wild but they can be

Instead, listening to your own body will

confusion. A place where you feel light

taught. The truth is, our relationship

help you connect back to your energy

and be the light. A place where you

with ourselves is the foundation of

and eventually you will be connected

can shift your perception by taking a

everything. Decluttering the mind is

to your highest forms of intuition.

step back to observe without judging.

necessary when all that energy and

The place where you can retrieve from

stress we are dealing with have slowly

Next time, when you’re getting deeper

burdened our vitality.

into a posture, ask yourself ‘what did I

within—the inner peace inside of you.

This article was written by Vasucha Hongyok. Make sure to follow her pages on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vasuchayoga and Instagram @vasuchayoga.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

We offer the classic range of mass building machines alongside several weight lifting dumbells and barbells for you to use.

Keeping your heart in good shape is certainly important. You can train your cardio on our numerous treadmills and elliptcials.

The outside garden is the perfect place for a good old Cross Fit whether you plan to train on your own or with a group from the fitness.

A fitness center is a great place to make new friends who share the same goals as you do. Just ask away and our members are happy to help.

Fit Gun Gym Open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm (closed on Sunday) Located in Kathu, Phuket, on the way to Kathu Waterfall +66 85 145 4442 inter_alex@hotmail.com www.fitgungym.com

keep pushing!

Open daily from 4:00 pm ll 11:00 pm.

Closed on Wednesday.

Phuket’s favorite Italian restaurant, serving high-quality food since 2009.

Specialized in home-made, fresh pasta, meats, and seafood, just like in Italy.

Located in Kathu, near Loch Palm Golf. www.dasandrophuket.com

Be ready for a gargantuan feast, as Chef Ponchan unveiled a new menu for Thong Dee - The Town Bistro.

THONG DEE THE KATHU BRASSERIE 110/25, Soi Bangthong Kathu, 83120 Phuket Open Tue-Sun 16:00 to 22:00

(12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays)

THONG DEE THE TOWN BISTRO 58 Ratsada Rd, Phuket Town, 83000 Phuket Open Tue-Sat 12:00 to 23:00 For reservation, please call +66 (0)84 309 1198

The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will be delighted at the staaons oering a diverse cuisine. The 76Bar Drink & Dine can take you from lunch to the early hours, thanks to its relaxing indoors or its roooop bar with a sophisscated seleccon of cocktails and ďŹ ne wines.

+66 (0)76 343 111

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 | OCTOBER 2019

EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE OF RAWAI SEA GYPSY The Sea Gypsy community in Rawai has been living in the same parcel of land for many decades now and continue to sustain itself thanks to the skills of its fishermen and the influx of tourists buying souvenirs and eating in its restaurants.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

You will find several restaurants near the sea gypsy market in front of Rawai beach, that serve delicious seafood using several recipes. The gimmick here is that you can select your preferred protein at the market, such as fish, crab, lobster, rock lobster, clam, oyster, prawn or squid/octopus, and then carry the fresh ingredients to the restaurant you like, which will weigh your seafood and suggest the price for cooking. By sitting near the entrance of each restaurant, you will enjoy the stunning view of Rawai beach, especially during sunny weather, when the blue sea Phuket sure is famous for its fresh seafood

traditional long-tail boat and a fishhook,

is contrasting with the long row of colorful

and stunning ocean view from all around

using a metal bead to sink the rope. Some

long-tail boats parked in the shallow water.

the island. Whether you are a first-time

of them also prefer to go fish diving or use

traveler or an expat willing to spend some

a traditional fishing net. The freshness is

Once you have indulged with delicious

quality time at a local venue while gazing

100% guaranteed as the seafood are being

fresh seafood, time to go for a digestive

at the stunning views of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south

sold right once they come back onshore.

walk inside the sea village of Rawai.

coast, the Rawai Sea Gypsy Village is a great option to consider.

tribe. Most of the villagers here still make a

THE OTHER TREASURE FOUND IN THE SEA

living by fishing and then sell their catches,

Seafood is not the only treasure the fishermen of the Sea Gypsy Village can find in the

alongside other fresh products such as

Andaman Sea. Many of them also specialize in pearl diving, which are then sold at the

vegetables, fruits, meat, and spices, in the

market, alongside other souvenirs crafted by the other villagers. While you should not

market adjacent to their village.

try to bargain on the price of your food, you should certainly try to do so if purchasing

Moobaan Chaolay [Sea Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village], also known as Thai Mai Village [New Thais Village] houses the Urak-Lawoi sea gypsy

some pearls or a souvenir. Keep in mind that the price of a pearl is determined by The fishermen from the village still fish

many factors, such as its shape, color, and shininess.

the traditional way. They usually use a You can still see the authentic, traditional lifestyle of the villagers here, especially the area in front of the beach where they keep their long-tail boats, home-made fishing nets and more. You will surely get some shots of local kids running around, jumping in the water and play alongside the many boats.

The sea gypsy people do not have traditional religion like Buddhism. Instead, they believe in and worship the spirit of their ancestors and the goddess of the sea. The Loy Rua [floating the boat] ritual is an important annual ceremony sea gypsy across Thailand carry on for many generations during October, to help to eliminate evil and unfortunate events from the village.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

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 Chalongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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

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 Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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THE NEW IPHONE IS HERE! Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest iPhone should hit the shelves this month. Should you buy it?

On September 10, 2019, Apple gathered media and technology enthusiasts at the Steve Jobs Theater, located in their Cupertinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus to unveil the brand new series of iPhone; the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 comes as their new standard version and is equipped with a 12MP dual-camera, which comes with a new wide mode, allowing to capture four times more scene than before, as well as a new night mode, perfect for shooting pictures in a bar or nightclub. It is powered by the latest A13 Bionic chip, allowing your apps to run smoother and to save battery consumption at the same time. Among the other features of the iPhone 11 are faster WiFi, with a new industry standard allowing increased download speeds, wireless charging and overall better-charging management,

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allowing you to reach 50% of charge within

and Pro Max versions, which both feature

half an hour, as well as water resistance up

a triple-camera system that combines an

to two meters for a period of 30 minutes.

ultra-wide lens (13mm. focal length and

The phone should retail for THB 24,900

f/2.4 aperture), the new and improved

and you can expect monthly installments

wide lens (26mm. focal length and f/1.8

from your network provider.

aperture), as well as a telephoto camera with 52mm. focal length and a larger f/2

Is the Pro version worth it?

aperture, allowing you to capture photos from afar or real close. Both the Pro and

The biggest improvements come in the Pro

THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

Pro max versions receive the same Night

Mode offered on the standard

on photography, with the Pro

iPhone 11. The batteries on

versions targeting especially

the Pro versions see some

influencers and people who

improvements, too, allowing

love to take pictures with their

you to watch up to 20 hours of

phones. Considering the price

video before running low.

tags of the Pro versions, at THB

THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!

35,900.- and THB 39,000.If you’ve enjoyed the Liquid

respectively, you should be fine

Retina HD display of the iPhone

to keep using your iPhone 8, 9,

10, you will love the enhanced

or X. However, if you possess

Super Retina XDR that comes

an older iPhone, you may be

with the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro

tempted to purchase one of

Max, offering crisp details and

the new versions to experience

high contrast to maximize your

a faster OS, longer batterie

viewing experience.

charges and overall better pictures quality.

We mentioned earlier the water

10 Minute Mail This very useful website allows you to create a temporary

resistance feature of the iPhone

Now that the new versions are

email address that will stay active for only ten minutes. Perfect

11; thanks to its stainless steel

released, it may be good to

for websites that would normally spam your inbox with daily

design, the Pro and Pro Max

also consider buying an iPhone

newsletters, but still require an email to access their content.

offer even better performance,

9 or X, as the price of those

with water resistance to a depth

should drop within the next few

of 4 meters for 30 minutes.

months, especially as second-

Finally, one of the best features

hand items once people start

WEB: www.10minutemail.com

Portable Apps Has it ever happened to you that you need a specific app to work on a project, but cannot install it on your computer because of administrator’s privileges? Portable Apps offers more than 400+ applications that can be used without installing them on your PC. WEB: www.portableapps.com

of the Pro versions is the

to trade them in for discounts.

upgraded size of the hard disk,

People who should really

as they now come with either

consider upgrading their iPhone

64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, a

are the ones with iPhone 6 or

much-needed space to save all

older, as the new OS version

your favorite picture memories

is not compatible with their

and videos. This can be

device.

compared to the storage size of the standard iPhone 11, which

We will keep you informed on

comes with 64GB, 128GB, and

the price drop in the coming

256GB only.

months, so make sure to follow our Facebook page at The Guide

This looks great, but do I really

Phuket and visit or website

need it?

www.theguidephuket.com for live updates.

We can see that Apple’s main

Word Counter Another fancy websites that Marketing and Editorial people cannot live without, Word Counter can tell you exactly how many words, characters, sentences and paragraphs are in your text, as well as helping you make your sentences more readable.

WEB: www.wordcounter.net

focus with this new release is

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

23

Congratulations! You’ve just been Phuketified!

Hotels & Resorts

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Bars & Nightlife

Activities & Spa

Whether you are looking to book a hotel to plan ahead your journey, fancy a cozy restaurant to impress your loved one, or simply search for general information, news and events about Phuket, we got you covered!

WWW.PHUKETIFY.COM Do you own a business in Phuket? Contact us on our website or Facebook page to advertise your venue for free!

THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE EP2: FROM HERE TO THERE

Vehicles

รถ รถตู ้ แท็กซี่ ตุก๊ ๆ เรื อ เครื่ องบิน เฮลิคอปเตอร์ รถมอเตอร์ไซค์ จักรยาน รถกะปะ รถราง รถไฟ รถไฟใต้ดิน

Car Rot Van Rot Too Taxi Taxi Tuk-tuk Tuk Tuk Boat Reua Plane Kreuang Bin Helicopter Helicopter Scooter Rot Motosai Bicycle Jak Kra Yan Pickup Rot Gabpa Tram Rot Raang Train Rot Fai Subway Rot Fai Tai Din

Locations Police station Tham Ruat

Directions

สถานีตำ� รวจ Sathaani

ธนาคาร Ta Naa Kaan ไปรษณี ย ์ Prai Sa Nee โรงพยาบาล Rong Pa Ya Baan คลิหนิก Clinic สถานีรถเมล์ Sathaani

Bank Post office Hospital Clinic Bus terminal Rot Meh

สนามบิน Sanam Bin สถานีรถไฟ Sathaani

Airport Train station Rot Fai

ร้านอาหาร Raan Ahaan

Restaurant Park Suaan

สวน

ซ้าย ขวา ตรง เหนือ ใต้ ตะวันตก ตะวันออก ต่อหน้า หลัง ติดกับ บน ล่าง ที่ไหน

Left Saai Right Khwaa Straight Throng North Neuua South Dtai West Tawan Tok East Tawan Ok In front of To Na Behind Lang Next to Tit Kap Above Bon Below Laang Where Thi Nai

The real name of Bangkok Did you know that Bangkok’s real name in Thai language is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya

กรุ งเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสิ นทร์ มหิ นทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์ มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิ ทธิ์). Obviously, this is a bit too long, so Thai people usually refer Witsanukam Prasit“? (

to their capital as either Krung Thep Mahanakhon, Krung Thep, or it can be abbreviated as Kor Tor Mor.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

25

GETTING TO KNOW Interview with Vincent Henon, Artist and Owner of PandaArt. the time when I was younger but eventually stopped for a while when my parents refused to register me to the drawing classes I wanted.

I believe that learning how to draw is not complicated, but you need to dedicate the time and energy going through numerous sources of knowledge to improve your skills. In the end, your tenacity will pay off and you will be able to draw pretty much anything. As for me, my real talent would be my ability to play with different concepts and blend them together and find the common elements between different objects, such as when I get to mix child drawings with more realistic ones.

Where do you get most of your inspiration?

First off, tell us a bit more about yourself I am a French national enjoying living in Phuket for about 10 years now. I have studied Arts at the St-Luc Superior Art School in Belgium, where I met a Thai woman which I ended up following to Phuket. While the relationship did not last long, my love for the Thai lifestyle, the quality of life in Phuket and the opportunities it offered remained, as I was able to hold art workshops in international schools, spreading my passion for drawing and painting. I did not have to worry so much for the money as I would have in Europe, so it got me more freedom to experiment.

Six years ago, I opened my own company, PandaArt, in Chalong, to promote arts and be able to produce it here.

I mainly create original artworks, which are meant to be colorful and playful using traditional materials, such as pencils, china ink, and watercolors, as well as events and business flyers or social media items and the demand is getting steadier. I also work as a translator.

How and when did you realize that you had such a talent?

I started to learn how to draw very late, in my 20’s. At that time, while I was looking at career’s options, I realized that nothing made me happier than drawing. I used to draw all

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

Definitely from children’s drawings: they are amazing! It is a never-ending source of creativity, a world without fear, where the rules get reinvented each time. Observing them and getting your inspiration from them is very soothing and it helps reconnect with the simple act of drawing, when a few lines on paper become your creation. And they have interesting stories coming with them too. All in all, it is so full of life!

I also enjoy doing portraits. Observing the people’s faces,

understanding the various moods, their expressions, and then play with them and mix them with different drawing concepts.

Traditional materials are more attractive to me and inspire me more, as you can leave the substance you use getting its own life and inspire you with a new development that might not go according to the plan.

Tell us one thing that you love about Phuket, and one thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see changed.

Talking about what I love in Phuket is very easy! In Phuket, you will fall in love at least once a day. Whether you fall in love with a person, a landscape, a location or with some food, you will always end up falling in love every day! So, I could say that I am in love with falling in love.

With regards to what I would like to see change in the future, I guess my biggest hope would be for road safety to improve.

So much still need to be done on that subject, but it would be amazing to live a life in Phuket where road safety was not a concern anymore. Things have changed quite a lot in the last 10 years and I found it very interesting. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what Phuket will transform into in the upcoming years.

Any projects coming up? What are you plan for the future?

I will keep being playful with creativity. I am frequently receiving demands for flyers and corporate products (such as business cards) and I am pushing towards offering full marketing campaigns.

As for the traditional artworks, I am preparing a new series based on people at the beaches, which Phuket has plenty and I found beautiful, always with a playful and original combination of elements, greeting the local iconic places we can all enjoy at the same time.

I would also love to bring back some of my workshops, available from beginners to pros, as soon as I have more free time. Teaching is a very stimulating experience and communicating your passion doing so makes you the most relevant person to allow other people to grow in a particular field.

Interested in partnering with Vincent on one of your projects? You can contact him through his Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/PandaArtCO.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

27

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING A HOUSE OR CONDO

Renting a place to live, whether you choose a condominium or a

important to understand what you will end up paying after sealing

house, is a mandatory rite of passage for everyone willing to stay in

the deal. Most of the time, utilities, such as electricity, water, and

Thailand longer than most tourists do. But sometimes, leases can

gas, have to be paid by the renter directly. However, items such as

be complicated to understand, and unscrupulous owners like to

Internet and TV subscriptions are sometimes included in the rent.

take advantage of your naivety. In the list below, we have combined

Finally, major repairs and renovations should be covered by the

a few tips to keep in mind before putting your signature on a lease

owner.

agreement.

How long is the contract for? How much deposit should be paid Barrier of language

and can I exit the contract at any time?

First, make sure the lease agreement has been translated into

This is another important point to consider. Most leases run on a

English, except, of course, if you are fluent in the Thai language.

yearly basis, though it is possible to find apartments leasing for

While the Thai version of the document shall prevail, having an

shorter periods. Before receiving the keys to your house or condo,

English translation will help you understand all clauses written in

you are expected to pay for the first month of rent, as well as

the contract. Depending on the value of your rent, it is not a bad

a deposit, which usually equals to one month rent. The deposit

idea to ask a professional translator to have a look at the agreement

is then paid back at the end of the contract, provided it is not

to check for its accuracy.

renewed, minus deductions for wear and tear caused by the tenant during their use of the property. Make sure you pay close attention

What is included?

to the cancellation clause of the contract, as it will determine when you are allowed to legally terminate the agreement. Owners with

In a renting agreement, some costs have to be taken care of by

more than 5 units have the obligation to allow cancellation at any

the renter and some that need to be paid for by the owner. It is

time, provided it is announced at least 30 days in advance.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

Thudchai Wongsaroj, Developer - Lake House Phuket “The Lake House Phuket is a small collection of only 32 luxury pool villas of which only 4 are left available for sale.

We’re aiming at giving each individual owner a bespoke service and experience. We are adamant that the owner is having a hassle-free stay in Thailand regardless of that being long or short term. Hence we are also providing the buyer with a Thailand Elite Card including visa to Thailand and other privileges.”

INTRODUCTION TO LAKE HOUSE PHUKET The latest addition to the Lake House

to ceiling windows and folding doors

cafes and a two-minute drive from the

Phuket is now well underway with the

with great views over the lake. Expected

high profile Blue Tree Water Park and the

construction of nine Superior Lake Front

completion of all villas is January 2020.

upcoming Central shopping destination in

Villas close to completion. The beautifully

Cherngtalay (Porto de Phuket). The project

designed, oriental-style pool villas are built

A choice of 2, 3 & 4-bedroom villas are

is conveniently located a mere 20-minute

to the highest specifications and combine

available with land plots ranging in size of

drive from Phuket International Airport.

classical and contemporary Thai style

384 sqm - 1300 sqm with prices starting

design with solid features throughout.

from 16.995.000 THB.

A developer established in 2000 and with a wealth of experience in construction,

With an innovative use of light and space,

The Lake House Phuket is located close

working on major developments throughout

the design blends effortlessly traditional

to Laguna and only minutes away from

Thailand. The developer ensures that

and tropical style, creating a truly unique

popular Bang Tao and Layan beaches. It is

every detail of construction meets the

home. The design of each villa is focusing

also within a two-minute driving distance

highest standards by incorporating the best

on a spacious open-plan living area

to Boat Avenue and Villa Market shopping

construction industry practices.

complimented by an integrated indoor/

plaza, which offers local amenities such as

outdoor space enhanced by the floor

boutique shops, restaurants, golf courses,

WEB: www.lakehousephuket.com

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

29

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

OUR SEPTEMBER FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET September was another busy months for activities, as all industries are getting ready to welcome the high season in a few months. Phuket has seen the opening of a brand new aquarium and underwater restaurant, some art exhibitions supporting the good cause, and more hotels focusing on sustainability.

A brand new aquarium, Aquaria, open its doors on the B Floor of Central Floresta, including the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Andasi, and a trick eye museum.

///////////////////////// Angsana Laguna Phuket has been named

and we are very passionate about

a winner in the Best Sustainable Hotel

training and educating our associates

category of M&C Asia Stella Awards

to maintain our sustainable practices

2019 in Singapore. The award recognizes

throughout the hotel. It is our goal to

best practices in sustainability, respect

ensure that our guests are satisfied

for the environment, and social

and their needs meet through our

positioning.

environmental practices and the values we strive to achieve.” says, Mr. Michal

“We are very committed to providing

Zitek, Area General Manager of Angsana

the most environment-friendly and

Laguna Phuket.

sustainable establishment for our guests,

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | OCTOBER 2019

On September 13, 2019, the French

The exhibition was divided into three

Consulate, located on Bypass Road, in

areas, which all feature a different

Phuket Town, hosted the Grand Opening

side from the artist; drawings, acrylic

of their monthly art exhibition.

paintings and photographs.

During September, the exhibition was

The exhibition is still available until

titled Panya, the 2008-2018 Collection,

October 4, 2019, and a new exhibitions

and is the work of K. Panya Hongthong,

are expected to take place in the

a Graphic Design, Fashion Photographer,

following months.

and Artist.

/////////////////////////

On September 7 and 8, 2019, Jungceylon Shopping Center, organized a two-day art exhibition to raise awareness about child protection in the travel and tourism industry.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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