Phuket Tourism News, International Woman’s Day, Tourist Police, Phuket Expo

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 9 | March 19

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

International Woman’s Day

The 8th March 2023 was a huge day for women around the words as ladies, men, kids all got together to celebrate International Woman’s Day. Here in Phuket, there were a host of events and happenings to celebrate the day, including a huge fundraiser at the 4 points by Sheraton to help raise funds for Phuket Has Been Good to Us. The local Government also held events across the island including a presentation to owner of 5 Star Marine Phuket wife, Lisa, who was celebrated for all her amazing work over the past few years here in Phuket. Well done Lisa and to all the hardworking ladies in Phuket.

Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Trains Move Divers on Coral Restoration

Phuket Tourism News now in audio format

In more positive Thailand Government news, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has been running course for a wide variety of local divers and marine industry professionals to train them up on how to best help coral restoration. Coral is extremally sensitive to its environment and so trying to grow coral or even just trying to manage coral is very difficult. The training given by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will be ongoing so that more divers are trained to help protect Thailand’s coral reefs as well as helping to restore the reefs back to how they were.

Phuket Tourist Police Looking for Volunteers

Tourist Police in Phuket are seeking foreign volunteers to provide assistance to law enforcers in dealing with other “aliens” This was the headline in the local English speaking newspaper last week. We all hope that when they say aliens, they mean any human from a different county and not that ET has landed in Phuket and is out causing trouble on Bangla Road.

Phuket Expo 2028

Over the past 12 months, all business and individulas in Phuket have been asked to support Thailand’s bid to host the Specialised Expo under the name of the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand under the theme of “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”, where health and wealth are in balance, all lives can thrive and prosper, and the environment and nature are restored.

There are billboards everywhere around Phuket and many business have posters up, the biggest question many people have is, What is the Specialised Expo?

I guess that in 2028 if Phuket wins the rights to host it, we will find out what it is.

What is the Best 5 Star Marine Phuket tour to go on?

There are so many awesome tours to go on, there is something for everyone. To find your favorite tour then you can visit the destination page to get all the information on all the private Phuket speed boat tours that we run.

Shaun is a huge fan of the Koh Hong tour

Jay is a massive Phi Phi fan.

Which is your favorite 5 Star Marne Phuket tour?

Phuket Tourism News now in audio format

We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.

Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:

Phuket Tourism News, Increased flights to Phuket, how to beat the crowds

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 8 | March 12

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Increase in Flights to Phuket

International flights to Phuket airport are expected to continue growing in numbers on March as more carriers get permissions to add the island to their networks of routes.

The Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), lists 3,710 inbound and outbound flights by 52 carriers in March. There is also a continued growth on domestic flights to Phuket and the number arriving to Phuket airport is expected to reach almost the same amount as the international flights, 3,760 in March.

Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and AirAsia Berhad all have 56 flights per week coming in to Phuket with Aeroflot Russian Airlines coming in with 54 flights per week.

The number of Chinese flights may well increase the numbers further as some carriers are still waiting for approval of their applications to come into Phuket. Currently only Juneyao and Spring Airlines arrive from China with a 40 flights from Juneyao and 28 flights from Spring.

Phuket Tourism News now in audio format

Don’t have time to watch a video? We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.

Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:

Phuket Tourism News, Phuket Airport, Airline Pricing, Phuket Lost Animals

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 7 | March 5

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Airport effectiveness

The Phuket immigration had to open all its passport control counters at Phuket International Airport last week when seven flights all landed one after an another. However even thou they were overwhelmed with tourists, the average waiting times from the planes landing and guests coming out was only 90mins. That includes passport control and bag collection, and some 1,450 passengers passed checks within 40 mins.

It is impossible to say how many total passages passed through during the rush, as the Phuket Information Center has stopped posting daily arrival reports. The daily average for January 2023 was 11,486.

Russia, India, Kazakhstan, UK and China are the top nationalities coming into Phuket with Russia being way out in from with almost 4 times as many pax 153,449 compared to the 33,873 from India and the 33,756 from Kazakhstan which are 2nd and 3rd on the list.

Airlines are optimistic about the recovery this year with the opening up of China being the key driver.

Thailand government is warning airlines

The Provincial Public-Private Joint Economic Development Committee in Phuket has warned airlines not to sell overpriced tickets to tourists who wish to travel to the resort island, especially during long holidays.

The committee pointed out that overpriced airfares during New Year and Valentines were off putting to travelers. Tickets prices were set to be increase again, for the long Maka Bucha Day and the up coming Songkran festival.

The committee have also added that they are going to look bringing in fines for anyone found to be ticket gouging on popular routes and possible jail time.

Blood donations in Thailand

Some Blood type reserves in Thailand are very low and even more so on Phuket. In the past some foreign nationals who wanted to give blood were turned away due to some very old blood donation rules that have been out of date for decades.

Foreigners in Phuket and nationwide have been invited to join the never-ending blood donation campaign to replenish much-needed reserves.

Emphasis is on donating Rh-negative blood types, which are not common among Asians, but critically needed for providing help to other foreigners especially so on Phuket where the high season has seen an increase of accidents manly due to tourists riding motorbikes.

The Phuket Red Cross outreach campaign has stared and will continue throughout March.

What is the Best local Thai Food?

We all know that Thai food is awesome and when you’re here in Phuket eating Thai food is a huge part of your holiday experience. Exotic flavours and fragrances, make Thai cuisine so popular around the world, BUT there is more to Thai food that a simple Pad Thai, or a Green Curry or a Tom Yum Goon.

When in Phuket, try some of the local Thai dishes rather than the more popular western Thai Dishes.

If you need some help, just check out these videos when 5 Star Marine YouTube Host Jay Leshark took an amazing food tour in Phuket Town – Click Here

And when Jay took a cooking class in Phuket – Click Here

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Legendary Night of Music

Shadow Play performance by Nong Diaw

ADCC Thailand Open

International Women’s Day Lunch

Phuket Tourism News now in audio format

Don’t have time to watch a video? We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or your favorite podcast provider.

Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below

Phuket Tourism News, Jelly Fish, Phuket Weddings, and Phuket Markets

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 6 | February 26

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Jelly Fish in Phuket

5-Star-Marine-JellyfishLast week some of Phuket beaches issued jellyfish warnings after there was an increase in stings. Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Centre with local administrative organisations have been stocking up the Phuket West Coast lifeguard stations with extra bottles of vinegar and other medical supplies to help treat stings. The west coast, including Patong Beach, has seen an increase in stings in the past week. The reports of jellyfish stings have all be minor with most people getting treated at the beach with vinegar.

“More than 30 people have recently been stung by jellyfish while playing in the water at the beach. Most of the people were not seriously harmed.”

“There are many species of jellyfish. For normal jellyfish stings, vinegar can be poured over the area continuously for at least 30 seconds to help, but never pour fresh water, drinking water or alcohol onto the sting.” Said Suchart Ratanaruangsri, who is the director of the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Centre.

Phuket Weddings – Over 100 on Valentine’s Day

5-Star-Marine-JellyfishMore than 100 Thai and foreign couples in Phuket celebrated Valentine’s Day by registering their marriage across the island. For the special mass weddings here in Phuket, District Chiefs from around Phuket Island gave away gifts and souvenirs for the couples. In Mueang District every couple that registered was put into a lucky draw for more gifts including gold worth over 7,500 THB.

Congratulations to all the couples and remember if you want to celebrate your honeymoon in style then you can book a 5 Star Marine Phuket private boat tour.

Best Island destination for families

There are 100’s of islands to visit in Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and Krabi, BUT what are some of the best to visit for families.

Khai Islands

Private Khai Islands 5 Star MarineThe close by Khai islands day trip is very good for families.

The Khai Islands is made up of 3 separate islands:

  1. Khai Nai
  2. Khai Nau
  3. Khai Nok

Each of the three Islands offers something slightly different for you to experience; Khai Nai offers clear, shallow water and snorkelling which is perfect for families with young children. Khai Nau is also an excellent spot for some snorkelling right off the boat, and has a great variety of coral and marine life to explore. Finally, Khai Nok has some good off the beach snorkelling and offers you the opportunity to relax on the beach.

Accessible in only 15 to 20 minutes from the 5 Star Marine pier at Boat Lagoon.

Coral Island

coral islandCoral Island, also known locally as Koh He, is an easy and family friendly day-trip destination from Phuket.

This beautiful island has 2 main beaches (Long Beach and Banana Beach), where you can find a handful of restaurants, enjoy a few different snorkelling spots or just relax on its sandy beaches.

At Long Beach, you can rent a canoe and explore or just relax at one of the restaurants on the white sandy beach. Just around the island, Banana Beach Club serves a good selection of dishes, plus offers massages, canoes and plenty of Instagram-worthy set ups. You can enjoy some decent snorkelling from the shore there also. It is both kid and adult friendly with big loungers, tables in the shade and fun areas to explore for all.

You can also combine this tour with an afternoon stop at Mai Ton on the way back to try your luck spotting the dolphins there.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Phuket Tourism News, Movies in Phuket, Phuket Traffic and Leatherback Turtles

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 5 | February 19

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Patong motorbike racing

Last week a large group of French motorbike racers in Patong were arrested and charged with various traffic offenses.

 

 

Phuket, Patong police received a number of complaints that a group of tourists was racing motorbikes in Patong. Footage of the racers also went viral on local social media platforms, causing outrage among many Patong residents.

Patong locals complained that the racers were disturbing them when they were trying to relax, and posing a threat to the safety of the people. Most of the riders were not wearing the required protective motorcycle helmets as per Thai law.

Patong Police have also taken action against the motorbike rental operators who allowed foreign tourists to rent vehicles without a valid driving license. These operators were fined 1,000 baht each for their actions.

Hollywood movies here in Phuket

5-Star-Marine-Hollywood movies here in PhuketPhuket and its surrounding areas have been the backdrop for plenty of movies, and as a whole Thailand has always been eager to attract Hollywood and the international cinema industry as a way to promote tourism in the country.

 

Some of the films shot in Phuket:

Shot in 2000 and directed by Danny Boyle, The Beach is based on the eponymous Alex Garland novel. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this movie made a small cove on the western side of Koh Phi Phi Leh world-famous: Maya Bay.

Shot in 1974, The Man with the Golden Gun was the 9th James Bond movie. Featuring Roger Moore as the iconic British spy and Christopher Lee as the villain, Francisco Scaramanga.

Shot in 2004 and directed by Beeban Kidron, this sequel to the successful Bridget Jones’s Diary reunites the same cast members: Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones, Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver.

Shot in 1993, Heaven & Earth is a superb film by Oliver Stone about the Vietnam War and its consequences. Based on a true story written by Le Ly Hayslip.

Shot in 1995, Cutthroat Island is a romantic/comedy/action/pirate movie starring Geena Davis. The film was a big flop, credited for ending the production of any pirate-themed Hollywood movies until the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Shot in 1997 and directed by Roger Spottiswoode, Tomorrow Never Dies was the 18th James Bond movie of the series, and the second using Thai locations to represent other Asian countries

Shot in 2005 and directed by George Lucas, the 3rd episode of the world-famous Star Wars movies saga has a few scenes filmed in southern Thailand. The tall limestone cliffs and lush vegetation of Krabi Province were used to represent Kaashyyk, the home planet of the Wookiees.

Shot in 2012 and directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, The Impossible is based on the true story of a British family that was staying in a Khao Lak beachfront resort for Christmas 2004, when the tsunami occurred.

Leatherback turtles have been seen in Phuket

5-Star-Marine-Leatherback turtles have been seen in PhuketThe leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world. They are the only species of sea turtle that lack scales and a hard shell. They are named for their tough rubbery skin and have existed in their current form since the age of the dinosaurs.

 

No marine life encounter is guaranteed but the chance of snorkeling with sea turtles whilst in Thailand is pretty high. Turtles can be seen almost anywhere, the most common places are the Similan Islands (mooring rocks, island number 9), the Surin Islands and the Phi Phi Islands.

Where is the best place for Thai Food

5-Star-Marine-Where is the best place for Thai FoodThai food emphasizes on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. It’s all about the juggling of elements to create a harmonious finish.

 

 

Traditional Thai cuisine loosely falls into four categories: tom (boiled dishes), yam (spicy salads), tam (pounded foods), and kaeng (curries). Deep-frying, stir-frying, and steaming are methods introduced from Chinese cuisine.

Back in 2017, seven Thai dishes appeared on a list of the “World’s 50 Best Foods”, an online poll of 35,000 people worldwide by CNN Travel. Thailand had more dishes on the list than any other country: tom yam kung (4th), pad thai (5th), som tam (6th), massaman curry (10th), green curry (19th), Thai fried rice (24th) and nam tok mu (36th).

There are so many amazing Thai restaurants to choose from, and our top tip is to head into Phuket Town and go on a food tour so you can really experience the amazing Thai food.

A Chefs tour offers amazing Food tours

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Phuket Tourism News – Coral Reef restoration, Patong Tunnel, Phuket Expat life

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 4 | February 12

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Plane stuck on Phuket Airport runway

Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport in Thailand. Millions of passengers each year visit Phuket to enjoy a wide range of tourist services, natural beauty of the world-famous Phuket beaches and fascinating tourist attractions. Last week there was a minor incident with a Russian plane that was spotted by the air traffic control staff that smoke was coming from the right side (Starboard) engine of the Boeing 767-300ER.

The Azur Airplane was meant to be heading to Moscow, and it was about to take off when the Phuket Airport staff saw the smoke. The plane blocked the taxiway for other flights from landing and taking off. It took a few hours to remove the plane and after that flight services returned to normal.

The incident affected nearly 50 flights, with some having to circle over Phuket and others being diverted to Krabi, Samui, and Bangkok.

Phuket Coral Reef restoration

5-Star-Marine-Phuket Coral Reef restorationTwo chapters of the Rotary Club in Phuket have come together to help restore the coral reef at Maiton island, about 10 km south of Phuket. They will supply 39 3D-printed concrete frames and will drop them around the island. An MOU has been signed and the Rotary club will supply the frames to the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO). The project is being funded through the “Save Underwater World” project with funds raised by the Rotary Clubs and SCG. The frames will help corals grow naturally and also provide a habitat for a variety if marine animals.

Patong Tunnel Project

5-Star-Marine-Patong Tunnel ProjectIf you have lived in Phuket over the past 20 years you would have heard about the New Patong Tunnel coming soon, every year. But, it seems that 2023 is different and that the tunnel is finally happening. The famous Patong hill that every tourist and local has to go over to get to Patong beach will finally get a tunnel. Discussion on the tunnel has been going on for over 20 years, and it has been a stop, start the project. But after all the delays and meetings, Thailand’s cabinet has now approved the 14.7 billion bath budget to construct the expressway connecting Kathu and Patong. The project should be starting in mid-2023 and should finish by July 2027.

Where is the best place for a romantic dinner in Phuket

There are many awesome restaurants and resorts where you could spend a romantic dinner this Valentine’s but one location that we think is perfect is the stunning Baan Rim Pa Restaurant.

Baan Rim Pa Restaurant

The name Baan Rim Pa is well known not only in Thailand but around the world. This multi-award-winning restaurant has proven to be a favorite to international travelers, ex-pats and locals. Baan Rim Pa boasts an incredible cliff-side location directly over the Andaman Sea. Every table has a magnificent panoramic view of the blue waters across to the beach at Patong.

Phuket Tourism News – Phuket Festival, Whale Sharks And Bangla Road

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 3 | February 5

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Whale Shark Seen in Koh Ha and Koh Rok

Did you know? Whale shark mouths can contain over 300 rows of tiny teeth and 20 filter pads which it uses to filter feed. Well now you do.

Last week there was a sighting of a Whale Shark in Phuket, well we say in Phuket, it was sighted down in Koh Ha and Koh Rok which is technically Krabi.

Koh Ha and Koh Rok are both stunning, and the turquoise blue waters of Koh Rok and Koh Ha make this area one of the best snorkeling sites in all of Southern Thailand. Even if you are not lucky enough to see a Whale shark, you will be able to marvel at colorful marine life like puffer fish, anemones, sea turtles, coral, angelfish, and more.

You here many reports of Whale Sharks in the Similan Islands and so to have one seen at Koh Ha and Koh Rok is great news for those that don’t want to travel to far to see these awesome creatures. However, please do understand that we cannot guarantee that you will see a Whale Shark if you do go down to Koh Ha and Koh Rok, BUT we can guarantee that you will have an truly 5 Star Experience.

If you are interested in a tour to Koh Ha and Koh Rok you can check it out here

What’s happening in Phuket? – Phuket Events

This week we are looking at some of the shows that you are able to go to while in Phuket. From Las Vegas style shows, to Thai cultural shows, there is a show for everyone here in Phuket

5-Star-Marine-Junkyard Theatre

Junkyard Theatre

The Junkyard Theatre is a creative entertainment show featuring unique mad hat performances inspired by the Asian / Expat experience.

 

 

5-Star-Marine-Simon Cabaret

Simon Cabaret

The Unique & popular Simon Cabaret Show offers an evening of glamorous entertainment unlike any other. The show is one of Phuket’s most popular events and from the moment you enter the stylish and luxurious venue, you realize that this is going to be a very different and special night.

5-Star-Marine-Carnival MagicCarnival Magic

Carnival Magic is the crowning jewel in nighttime entertainment on Phuket. Spanning over 40 acres and awash with dazzling colors and sparkling imagery, Carnival Magic comes to light as the very first Thai Cultural Carnival Park, celebrating the vibrancy and rich cultural heritage found in the many traditional festivals, carnivals and market fairs that abound throughout the Kingdom.

Siam Niramit

“Siam” Is the former name of The Thai Kingdom from 100 years ago.

“Niramit” Means “Created by Magic”

Siam Niramit first opened in Bangkok in 2005 and was regarded as the must-see show of Thailand, portraying Thailand’s arts, culture and history.

Best Places to stay with Families

Where is the best place to stay in Phuket with families? That’s a tough question as everyone is looking for something different in their Phuket holiday and families come in all shapes and sizes and ages.

Whether it be just chilling out and relaxing on a sunbed and soaking up the tropical sun with young children in a kid’s club, or more of an action-packed day of jet skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding with the older children.

There are locations in Phuket that have what you want, from the lively Kata and Karon, to the family friendly laguna resorts there is a location on Phuket for all families, no matter what you are looking for.

Phuket Weather

Stay up to date with the daily weather by checking out our brand-new Phuket weather LIVE Cam here

Phuket Tourism News – Turtles, Elephants, Best Beaches and Phuket Events

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 2 | January 29

Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Turtles in Similan Islands

5-Star-Marine-Turtles In SimilanThe Similan Islands are a paradise waiting to be discovered. They are one of the best-known island groups in the Andaman Sea, largely because of the wonders that await beneath the clear-blue waters. The Similan Islands are around 84 km northwest of Phuket and this little archipelago is one of the most interesting diving areas in the world, as well as a favorite destination for yachties and boat tours.

You can find different species of Turtles on the Similan islands and the Andaman coast and although no marine life encounter is guaranteed but the chance of snorkeling with sea turtles whilst in the Similan Islands is pretty high.

There have been five different species of turtles have been seen at the Similan Islands, although the Loggerhead turtle has not been seen in the last 15 years. Green Turtles, Leatherback Turtles, The Hawksbill Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Turtle are all visitors to the Similan Islands.

There is also a turtle sanctuary on Similan Island One run by the Royal Thai Navy ensures a healthy population of turtles in the Similan Islands. If you are interested in a trip to the Similan Islands then check out the 5 Star Marine Phuket tour here

Elephant Camps in Phuket

5-Star-Marine ElephantElephants have been part of Thai culture and society for hundreds of years. The Thailand elephant has played a large role in manual labor, war, royal iconography, and the tourism industry.

Since the logging industry became illegal in Thailand, many elephants and their handlers, called Mahouts, had to find other ways to earn a living and feed their elephants, and this lead most of them to turn to the entertainment and tourism industry.
There are a large number of different elephant camps in Phuket and while you should defiantly see these stunning creatures up close, we strongly recommend that you do your research before you head to the closes elephant camp and choose one that is ethical. Look for camps that have rescued older elephants and DO NOT ride elephants or even take mud baths. There are some great elephant sanctuaries in Phuket where you can experience these giants in a safe and ethical way.

Again, PLEASE DO NOT ride elephants.

Living Waters

Living Waters PhuketLiving Waters Phuket Foundation, was established in late 2021 to help charities, foundations, and government organizations. Living Waters Phuket Foundation is dedicated to building brighter futures for disadvantaged communities across Thailand. Living Waters Phuket help by awarding financial grants which assist in funding essential relief projects (including sustainable food security, education requirements, renewable energy, and environmental issues) in Phuket, Koh Samui, and across Thailand. For more information on Living Waters Phuket click Here

What’s happening in Phuket? – Phuket Events

Kolour Phuket 2023 – 4th February at Café Del Mar Phuket

Phuket-Tourism-News Kolour Phuket 2023Kolour is taking up a month-long residency at Café del Mar Phuket across the weekends of February the 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th. The lineup of home-grown artists and 12 international headliners is set to make this season one for the books.

Each weekend begins with you warming up your dancing shoes Friday night at the Pre-Party, then they keep the rhythm going after the main event at our dedicated After Party each Saturday.

Legalize Reggae Fest – Saturday 11th February from 5 pm

Phuket Tourism News Legalize Reggae FestLegalize Reggae Fest is the first major music festival dedicated to all genres of bass music and marijuana legalization in Thailand. The island will be splashed with a wave of creative musical vibe and an atmosphere of love, empathy, and freedom of human rights.

The music program for 1 day. (5 pm – 2 am)
LINE UP:
Dub FX
Soom T
Steppa Style
Masia One
Job 2 Do
Aurum
Julia Marks
DJ Sick Selector
Big Roba Soundsystem

The Bay Regatta – 22nd – 26th February 2023

5-Star-Marine-Phuket Tourism News The Bay RegattaCelebrating its 26th year, The Bay Regatta sails from the Island of Phuket, through the islands of Phang Nga Bay to Krabi, with nightly stop-over parties. Finishing with a 30-mile sprint back to Phuket for a final prize giving in Ao Chalong.

 

Best Beaches in Phuket

Where is the best beach in Phuket? That’s a tough question as everyone is looking for something different in their beach experience. Whether it be just chilling out and relaxing on a sunbed and soaking up the tropical sun, or more of an action-packed day of jet skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding. There are Phuket beaches that have what you want, from the lively Patong Beach to the very relaxed and chilled-out Nai Yang Beach set in one of Phuket’s National Parks.

One top tip from us is to try the lesser-known beaches, such as Leam Singh beach which you can only get to by Thai Long Tail boat from Surin Beach, or try a beach on the East coast of Phuket. Bottom line there is a beach in Phuket for you.

Phuket Tourism News – Maya Bay, Turtles And More.

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 1 | January 22, 2023

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.

Maya Bay Closed for 2 days

Maya Bay in Phi Phi, was closed for 2 days, 15th and 16th of January as the Thailand National Parks fixed a few issues with the back entrance to the Bay. Maya Bay is arguably one of the best beaches in the World and with that, it does bring some problems. The major issue is the number of people that want to set foot on the white sand of Maya Bay, which was made famous by the 2000 film “The Beach” staring Leonardo DiCaprio. The Thailand National Parks over the past 2 years started to manage Maya Bay much better with restricting the number of people that visit the bay and managing the bay, with stopping boats enter from the front and not allowing people to swim in the bay which all has some major positive effects, such as Black Tip Reef Sharks coming back to the bay after years of not being there.

We do think that the bay will be shut again in August and or September and once we get official word from the Thailand National Parks then we will let you know.

Changes to the payment of National Park fees

As reported by Shaun and Jay a week ago the way National Park Fees are to be paid has changed. Before when you book a Boat Tour with 5 Star Marine Phuket, we would inform you to bring cash (Thai Baht) with you so that you can pay the entrance fees to the National Parks when you arrive at the park. This could be when you visit Maya Bay in Phi Phi, or James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Most Thailand National Park entrance fees are pretty standard, from around 200 THB to 500 THB per adult, and then generally 50% discount for kids and free for infants. As of the 17th of January 2023, ALL Thailand National Park fees will need to be paid online and you will be issued with a digital ticket.

No More Covid Restrictions for arrivals to Thailand

With the Chinese New Year coming, and Chinese now allowed to travel after years of lockdowns many countries had put in restrictions for travelers from China and Thailand had followed suit, however it had not just made these restrictions for travelers from China, but for travelers from every country. This was a few days of crazy back-and-forth information from the Thailand Government, and local Thai Authorities. But after 3 days of not really knowing what would happen it was announced that all restrictions would be dropped straight away.  Great news for the people coming to Thailand and for the Thailand Travel industry. So as of writing, there are NO COVID restrictions for people coming to Thailand.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China, and it all starts on January 22nd. Thailand is expecting over 1.8 million tourists to come into the Kingdom during the Chinese New Year. The year of the Rabbit is a symbolic one, as for the past 2 years due to COVID 19 most Chinese New Year celebrations have been very muted. Phuket has a rich Chinese history and Chinese New Year is celebrated across the whole island. One of the best places to go to celebrate this Chinese New Year is in Phuket Old Town where you will find a host of events and happenings as well as traditional lion dances and celebrations at the many Chinese temples located within Phuket Town. Oh, and get ready to eat, as there are hundreds of Chinese street foods and classic traditional Chinese foods to sample.

129 Leatherback turtle eggs found in Phang Nga

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world and they are the only species of sea turtle that lack scales and a hard shell. Last week 129 leatherback sea turtle eggs were discovered in Phang Nga Bay. Growing up to seven feet long and exceeding 2,000 pounds it will be exciting to see what happens over the next few months and we will keep you updated on any hatching news.

Where is the best place to watch a Phuket Sunset?

Phuket has many stunning beaches and viewpoints that all claim to say that they are the best place to watch a Phuket Sunset. As the sun sets on the West Coast you can watch as the sun slowly drops below the horizon, from any of the West Coast beaches, such as Patong beach, Kata beach, Karon beach, Surin beach, Bang Tao beach, and Layan beach. Or if you’re lucky enough to be staying on any of the hillsides at any of these beaches you will also get a stunning Sunset. However, you can also head over to the East Side of the island as the sunsets on this side are as beautiful. Ok, you don’t get the big ball of flame dropping below the horizon, BUT what you do get is the stunning skies changing to a fiery orange, and you could also be having a local Thai BBQ and a cheeky cocktail on Rang Yai Island, at one of the 5 Star Marine’s Sunset BBQ tours.

Watch the full video here:

For more details on this tour click here.