Safari Plus 2018 Phuket Supplement

Phang Nga Bay

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • 2018 PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

PHUKET DusitThani Laguna Phuket

First 2 days I groove in exploring to natural and manmade attractions. 3rd day was fully dedicated to Nature. We went to explore the James Bond Island once a no-man island in Phang Nga Bay, came into world tourist map after the James Bond Movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. The distinctive feature of this bay is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald green water. One can enjoy a day tour to the island by big boats or the iconic Longtail Boat to sail into the water. After sailing for 2 hours on big boat we then took a longtail boat and landed to Phang Nga National Park for swim or sunbath on the shores. Coming back to our big boat we enjoyed our lunch a live BBQ on boat and unlimited cold drink. We also explored Hongs Islands by Canoe. It

is cave-like “rooms” open to the sky. Our paddle guide escorted us to the caves and I saw a jellyfish swimming near to our canoe it was amazing experience, since I have seen jellyfish only in books. Our guide, tried to pick jellyfish in his hand but he failed; it was really fun.

Some other not to be missed islands and beaches are Phi Phi Island,Similan Islands, Kata Beach, Freedom Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ya Nui Beach, Surin Beach, Paradise Beach.

Time flew unstoppably during spending time in nature so we had to go back to hotel. And then headed to the airport to fly back to India with lot of memories.

We were so impressed by the service of Thai Airways that we again flew back to India with Thai Airways. Thai Airways is the country of Thailand's flag carrier. Thai Airways operate the airlines business that transport 97690 58991

passengers, goods, parcels and postal through air transportation around the world. It operates from the hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Thai's focus cities are Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Incheon International Airport (ICN). Thai Airways flies to about 80 destinations in 34 countries across Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe and North America. More than a dozen are domestic destinations. Thai Airways has 22 other carriers and it has a fleet of 82 Airbus and Boeing planes.

Through travel, I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it. Big words, but trust me, Tourism Authority of Thailand has actually made this word simpler for kids just like me.

Ahoy! Every year, I keep waiting for this time to come when I am gonna explore a new place with my parents. I basically love surprises so, I was wondering what will be stored this year, for my visit to Thailand, as it is just like my second home. And we went to explore Phuket this time which is known as ‘Pearl of the Andaman’. To calm my excitement, my parents chose Thai Airways to fly as they are friendly and considerate, embedding the values of Thai Culture. I can say that they have the best customer service.

Old Town of the city has Sino-Portuguese architectural look which is currently being restored and the traditional shops, houses, temples and barbers that lines on the long stretched streets. Phuket's beach scene is also undergoing something of a revival, with swanky new hotels and beach clubs popping up along the west coast. Towards the north of the island is KhaoSok National Park and you can partake in the full jungle experience, complete with elephants, lazy rivers and tree house lodging. Sail towards east and explore the spectacular Phang Nga Bay, where sheer limestone karsts rise dramatically out of the water and for a few baht, long-tail boats ferry sunbathers between deserted island beaches. Head northwest and after a couple of hours, you'll hit the pristine islands of Similan and Surin, where divers can swim with leopard sharks, octopus and a concerto of colorful fish by day and camp on empty islands by moonlit night.

After a blissful journey by one of my favorite airlines, Thai Airways, we landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok. And soon after we landed, we flew to our destination with a connecting flight to Phuket. We were greeted by our Guide Mr. Boon and we were escorted to our Hotel 'DusitThani Laguna Phuket', home for next 3 days during our stay in Phuket.

DusitThani Laguna Phuket - Well, I can say this beach resort is a whole world in itself with its own leisure and comfort. Dining places were a kind of mini world in your plate to me because of their variety of food. Casuarina (for

sea food), Laguna Café (my Fav) and Pool Café for International Cuisine. La Trattoria (Italian Cuisine) and Ruen Thai (Thai Cuisine). The Resort offers a wide variety of Sports & Activities like Tennis, Pool Volleyball, Mountain Bike, Snorkeling, Pitch & Putt Golf, Exercise Classes, Windsurfing, Badminton, Kayaking, Jogging Track, Jeu de Boules (Petanque).

Busy Bee Kid's Club the place for ME :) resort has delightfully designed children's programs at club and there are supervised fun activities, toys, play area, books and lots more fun to keep us busy all day while my parent can enjoy the spa pavilions. Once I reached my room, I was overcome with joy and started checking things out. Each and everything was so amazing, especially that king size bed which they had decorated with flowers and written “Welcome to DusitThani Laguna Phuket” and baby elephants made with the towels. I wanted to play with that baby elephant. But Mom told me to relax

a bit and then we are going to have some more surprising fun.

After relaxing the muscles, we headed toward Dolphins Bay Nemo Phuket – The warm blooded mammals of the sea are an absolute delight as they pull off trick after trick for your viewing pleasure. Dolphins Bay offers the unique opportunity to get up close to these playful, brainy creatures in a gorgeous, tropical environment. Dolphins were jumping through hoops, did balancing acts with beach balls and even creating artwork while holding a paintbrush in their mouth. To get the real experience-

water splashing on you and dolphins crossing nearby, you need to book the ticket well in advance and in the very first row of the auditorium to enjoy the show. You can also get a chance to be clicked with them and swim with them as they wind up the show. While clicking pictures, dolphins were literally kissing you. Though I was scared when instead of Dolphin, Seagull came to kiss me wacky,,, I jumped off from there. But then I saw the Seagull kissing my mom. To calm me down I was then took to Dolphins and we clicked many pictures while dolphins were kissing my cheek.

After enjoying the Dolphin show, I started being cranky and just then mom knew it was time for dinner. Along with the delicious dinner, we were enjoyed Phuket FantaSea – It is the ultimate entertainment destination in Phuket. Inspired by Thailand's rich and exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects. It is huge colorful, bold and definitely crowded.

Phuket FantaSea is spread over 60 acres with a multitude activities. I was very impressed by all those beautiful girls greeting us and their costumes were totally different.

They looked so pretty while leading us and making us comfortable. A shopping village with carnivals, games, lives performances, handicraft demonstrations and elephant ride, with a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine, along with a Las Vegas style theatrical show - where state of the art special effects enhance the grace and beauty of Thailand's Myths, Mysteries and Magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight the whole family. For Kids colorful gaming zone is delight. After the show, we went back to the hotel. I was so tired and extremely in need of that king size bed. I went there and slept off holding that baby elephant.

I really enjoyed my first day in Phuket. It sounds funny, but when I was sleeping upside down on my bed, I was trying to imagine things to be upside down. This imagination came true when I visited Baan Teelanka -Upside Down House It is a wacky new attraction in Phuket. It is sure to turn a few heads and will be ideal place for a fun day out with kids. The three storey house is purposely designed and built to give you the impression that you are upside down. Just imagine walking into a house with all the usual furniture and fitting, but unlike any normal house, the ceiling is actually the floor and the floor is the ceiling. I was literally walking on the ceiling under the furniture and the other household items that hang from overhead. This upside down house made me more curious when I reached the Garden Maze. I have played many maze games in computers but this was to be lost in real one. The Room Escape game was also more interesting to play. The best part was the Video Studio where we sat on one bench and our whole amazing video was made on “Journey to Phuket”.

After coming back to the normal lateral world, we headed toward Phuket Aquarium – This Aquarium is located on the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery. I must really say this is a perfect spot for kids to explore the marine life. The Aquarium carries out research, including restocking clown

2 PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

www.safariplus.co.in

www.safariplus.co.in

fish populations, water quality management, life cycle ecology. The Aquarium also hatches and breeds species of endangered sea turtles and then releases them back into the ocean. There are over a hundred species of sea life on display at the aquarium; many of these species are from the waters surrounding the island.

After gaining some knowledge, we headed to Trick Eye Museum - It is a display of optical illusions, although at first glance it is not always clear where the illusion lies. It is only when you place someone next to the picture and take a photo that the illusions really come to life. They even guide you about where to stand in front of the picture, and the cameraman too, for that perfect CLICK and then you become part of the scene. The spacious rooms have dozens of these images. It is a fun little trip and you can easily pass two hours interacting with the many displays. This is the place where I got wacky pictures for my picture book.

Coming out from the illusions, we headed to the Phuket View Points – These viewpoints offers amazing aerial views of Phuket City. We went to Rang Hill Viewpoint (Khao Rang) – It is located in Phuket Town and it is very popular with both tourists and locals for some of the best views across Phuket Town. This what Mr. Boon shared with us. At the top of Rang Hill you will also find an exercise park, some restaurants located halfway up the hill and a

café at the top with great views and pretty good food. And I enjoyed Swinging on the giant tree and running around playing hide n seek with monkeys. Some other view points are Kata Viewpoint, Promthep Cape Viewpoint (Sunset point), Windmill Viewpoint, KhaoKhad Viewpoint (Cape Panwa) and Big Buddha Viewpoint (Buddha 12 meter).

Returning back to hotel we stopped at Phuket’s Night Market. While my mom was busy in her own shopping and dad was busy in talking with the guide uncle and few local people. I was sitting and wondering about everything, and many local people were shopping for many different things. Tired of walking I sat with a aunty she was selling shoes and copied without knowing what does it mean, at this age also I have some skills to attract costumer for aunty. Crossing from 1 lane something caught my eyes and it was pink eggs. I love Thai Mangoes but this time I enjoyed it with Sticky Rice. First it made me think for a while: what's sticky rice? But when Mango is included, I really don't mind eating anything that has mangoes in it. It was yummy and so delicious that I ate 2 plates of it. I wish I could get that stuff back to India and make my friends eat that delicious dessert. As I got done with eating and mom and dad were free from their own work, again we were back to my king size bed hotel to sleep.

PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

3

Ahoy! Every year, I keep waiting for this time to come when I am gonna explore a new place with my parents. I basically love surprises so, I was wondering what will be stored this year, for my visit to Thailand, as it is just like my second home. And we went to explore Phuket this time which is known as ‘Pearl of the Andaman’. To calm my excitement, my parents chose Thai Airways to fly as they are friendly and considerate, embedding the values of Thai Culture. I can say that they have the best customer service.

Old Town of the city has Sino-Portuguese architectural look which is currently being restored and the traditional shops, houses, temples and barbers that lines on the long stretched streets. Phuket's beach scene is also undergoing something of a revival, with swanky new hotels and beach clubs popping up along the west coast. Towards the north of the island is KhaoSok National Park and you can partake in the full jungle experience, complete with elephants, lazy rivers and tree house lodging. Sail towards east and explore the spectacular Phang Nga Bay, where sheer limestone karsts rise dramatically out of the water and for a few baht, long-tail boats ferry sunbathers between deserted island beaches. Head northwest and after a couple of hours, you'll hit the pristine islands of Similan and Surin, where divers can swim with leopard sharks, octopus and a concerto of colorful fish by day and camp on empty islands by moonlit night.

After a blissful journey by one of my favorite airlines, Thai Airways, we landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok. And soon after we landed, we flew to our destination with a connecting flight to Phuket. We were greeted by our Guide Mr. Boon and we were escorted to our Hotel 'DusitThani Laguna Phuket', home for next 3 days during our stay in Phuket.

DusitThani Laguna Phuket - Well, I can say this beach resort is a whole world in itself with its own leisure and comfort. Dining places were a kind of mini world in your plate to me because of their variety of food. Casuarina (for

sea food), Laguna Café (my Fav) and Pool Café for International Cuisine. La Trattoria (Italian Cuisine) and Ruen Thai (Thai Cuisine). The Resort offers a wide variety of Sports & Activities like Tennis, Pool Volleyball, Mountain Bike, Snorkeling, Pitch & Putt Golf, Exercise Classes, Windsurfing, Badminton, Kayaking, Jogging Track, Jeu de Boules (Petanque).

Busy Bee Kid's Club the place for ME :) resort has delightfully designed children's programs at club and there are supervised fun activities, toys, play area, books and lots more fun to keep us busy all day while my parent can enjoy the spa pavilions. Once I reached my room, I was overcome with joy and started checking things out. Each and everything was so amazing, especially that king size bed which they had decorated with flowers and written “Welcome to DusitThani Laguna Phuket” and baby elephants made with the towels. I wanted to play with that baby elephant. But Mom told me to relax

a bit and then we are going to have some more surprising fun.

After relaxing the muscles, we headed toward Dolphins Bay Nemo Phuket – The warm blooded mammals of the sea are an absolute delight as they pull off trick after trick for your viewing pleasure. Dolphins Bay offers the unique opportunity to get up close to these playful, brainy creatures in a gorgeous, tropical environment. Dolphins were jumping through hoops, did balancing acts with beach balls and even creating artwork while holding a paintbrush in their mouth. To get the real experience-

water splashing on you and dolphins crossing nearby, you need to book the ticket well in advance and in the very first row of the auditorium to enjoy the show. You can also get a chance to be clicked with them and swim with them as they wind up the show. While clicking pictures, dolphins were literally kissing you. Though I was scared when instead of Dolphin, Seagull came to kiss me wacky,,, I jumped off from there. But then I saw the Seagull kissing my mom. To calm me down I was then took to Dolphins and we clicked many pictures while dolphins were kissing my cheek.

After enjoying the Dolphin show, I started being cranky and just then mom knew it was time for dinner. Along with the delicious dinner, we were enjoyed Phuket FantaSea – It is the ultimate entertainment destination in Phuket. Inspired by Thailand's rich and exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects. It is huge colorful, bold and definitely crowded.

Phuket FantaSea is spread over 60 acres with a multitude activities. I was very impressed by all those beautiful girls greeting us and their costumes were totally different.

They looked so pretty while leading us and making us comfortable. A shopping village with carnivals, games, lives performances, handicraft demonstrations and elephant ride, with a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine, along with a Las Vegas style theatrical show - where state of the art special effects enhance the grace and beauty of Thailand's Myths, Mysteries and Magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight the whole family. For Kids colorful gaming zone is delight. After the show, we went back to the hotel. I was so tired and extremely in need of that king size bed. I went there and slept off holding that baby elephant.

I really enjoyed my first day in Phuket. It sounds funny, but when I was sleeping upside down on my bed, I was trying to imagine things to be upside down. This imagination came true when I visited Baan Teelanka -Upside Down House It is a wacky new attraction in Phuket. It is sure to turn a few heads and will be ideal place for a fun day out with kids. The three storey house is purposely designed and built to give you the impression that you are upside down. Just imagine walking into a house with all the usual furniture and fitting, but unlike any normal house, the ceiling is actually the floor and the floor is the ceiling. I was literally walking on the ceiling under the furniture and the other household items that hang from overhead. This upside down house made me more curious when I reached the Garden Maze. I have played many maze games in computers but this was to be lost in real one. The Room Escape game was also more interesting to play. The best part was the Video Studio where we sat on one bench and our whole amazing video was made on “Journey to Phuket”.

After coming back to the normal lateral world, we headed toward Phuket Aquarium – This Aquarium is located on the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery. I must really say this is a perfect spot for kids to explore the marine life. The Aquarium carries out research, including restocking clown

2 PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

www.safariplus.co.in

www.safariplus.co.in

fish populations, water quality management, life cycle ecology. The Aquarium also hatches and breeds species of endangered sea turtles and then releases them back into the ocean. There are over a hundred species of sea life on display at the aquarium; many of these species are from the waters surrounding the island.

After gaining some knowledge, we headed to Trick Eye Museum - It is a display of optical illusions, although at first glance it is not always clear where the illusion lies. It is only when you place someone next to the picture and take a photo that the illusions really come to life. They even guide you about where to stand in front of the picture, and the cameraman too, for that perfect CLICK and then you become part of the scene. The spacious rooms have dozens of these images. It is a fun little trip and you can easily pass two hours interacting with the many displays. This is the place where I got wacky pictures for my picture book.

Coming out from the illusions, we headed to the Phuket View Points – These viewpoints offers amazing aerial views of Phuket City. We went to Rang Hill Viewpoint (Khao Rang) – It is located in Phuket Town and it is very popular with both tourists and locals for some of the best views across Phuket Town. This what Mr. Boon shared with us. At the top of Rang Hill you will also find an exercise park, some restaurants located halfway up the hill and a

café at the top with great views and pretty good food. And I enjoyed Swinging on the giant tree and running around playing hide n seek with monkeys. Some other view points are Kata Viewpoint, Promthep Cape Viewpoint (Sunset point), Windmill Viewpoint, KhaoKhad Viewpoint (Cape Panwa) and Big Buddha Viewpoint (Buddha 12 meter).

Returning back to hotel we stopped at Phuket’s Night Market. While my mom was busy in her own shopping and dad was busy in talking with the guide uncle and few local people. I was sitting and wondering about everything, and many local people were shopping for many different things. Tired of walking I sat with a aunty she was selling shoes and copied without knowing what does it mean, at this age also I have some skills to attract costumer for aunty. Crossing from 1 lane something caught my eyes and it was pink eggs. I love Thai Mangoes but this time I enjoyed it with Sticky Rice. First it made me think for a while: what's sticky rice? But when Mango is included, I really don't mind eating anything that has mangoes in it. It was yummy and so delicious that I ate 2 plates of it. I wish I could get that stuff back to India and make my friends eat that delicious dessert. As I got done with eating and mom and dad were free from their own work, again we were back to my king size bed hotel to sleep.

PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

3

Phang Nga Bay

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • For Online News visit: www.safariplus.co.in • Email: info@safariplus.co.in • 2018 PHUKET, Thailand Supplement

PHUKET DusitThani Laguna Phuket

First 2 days I groove in exploring to natural and manmade attractions. 3rd day was fully dedicated to Nature. We went to explore the James Bond Island once a no-man island in Phang Nga Bay, came into world tourist map after the James Bond Movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. The distinctive feature of this bay is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald green water. One can enjoy a day tour to the island by big boats or the iconic Longtail Boat to sail into the water. After sailing for 2 hours on big boat we then took a longtail boat and landed to Phang Nga National Park for swim or sunbath on the shores. Coming back to our big boat we enjoyed our lunch a live BBQ on boat and unlimited cold drink. We also explored Hongs Islands by Canoe. It

is cave-like “rooms” open to the sky. Our paddle guide escorted us to the caves and I saw a jellyfish swimming near to our canoe it was amazing experience, since I have seen jellyfish only in books. Our guide, tried to pick jellyfish in his hand but he failed; it was really fun.

Some other not to be missed islands and beaches are Phi Phi Island,Similan Islands, Kata Beach, Freedom Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ya Nui Beach, Surin Beach, Paradise Beach.

Time flew unstoppably during spending time in nature so we had to go back to hotel. And then headed to the airport to fly back to India with lot of memories.

We were so impressed by the service of Thai Airways that we again flew back to India with Thai Airways. Thai Airways is the country of Thailand's flag carrier. Thai Airways operate the airlines business that transport 97690 58991

passengers, goods, parcels and postal through air transportation around the world. It operates from the hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Thai's focus cities are Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Incheon International Airport (ICN). Thai Airways flies to about 80 destinations in 34 countries across Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe and North America. More than a dozen are domestic destinations. Thai Airways has 22 other carriers and it has a fleet of 82 Airbus and Boeing planes.

Through travel, I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it. Big words, but trust me, Tourism Authority of Thailand has actually made this word simpler for kids just like me.