Home Posts Tagged "Big Buddha Phuket"
According to Shaun Stenning, Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is a traveler’s dream come true. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and exciting activities, it’s no wonder why this island is a top destination for tourists from all over the world.
In this travel blog, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through Phuket, highlighting its must-visit spots and unique experiences.
Patong Beach
Our adventure begins at the famous Patong Beach. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Patong Beach is also a great place to relax during the day. Sink your toes into the soft, golden sands, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and savor delicious seafood at the beachfront restaurants. Don’t forget to explore Bangla Road for a taste of Phuket’s bustling nightlife.
Old Phuket Town
Stepping into Old Phuket Town feels like traveling back in time. The colorful, well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture will captivate your senses. Stroll along the charming streets, visit art galleries, and sample local street food. Don’t miss the weekend Night Market for unique souvenirs.
Phi Phi Islands
Shaun Stenning said, A short boat ride from Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are an absolute paradise. With crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, it’s a snorkeler’s and diver’s dream. Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” is a must-see spot.
Watch the full video here:
Big Buddha
Standing at 45 meters tall, the Big Buddha is an iconic landmark in Phuket. The panoramic views from the hilltop are breathtaking, especially during sunset. You can also learn about Buddhism and make a merit by donating to the temple.
Watch full video here:
James Bond Island
According to Shaun Stenning, Made famous by the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun,” James Bond Island is a natural wonder. The towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters create a surreal atmosphere. Explore the caves and take a long-tail boat tour to truly appreciate the beauty of this unique island.
Watch full video here:
Phuket offers a diverse range of experiences, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring vibrant markets and enjoying adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Phuket, Thailand!
Paradise on Earth: Koh Lipe, Thailand
Thailand, a country renowned for its stunning beaches and lush tropical landscapes, is home to an island that encapsulates the essence of paradise – Koh Lipe. Situated in the southernmost part of Thailand, near the border of Malaysia, Koh Lipe is a small, pristine island that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination.
Koh Lipe boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand. Imagine powdery white sand caressing your feet as you stroll along Sunrise Beach, Pattaya Beach, and Sunset Beach. These pristine stretches of shoreline are bordered by crystal-clear waters, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply basking in the sun.
The underwater world here is equally enchanting, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life waiting to be explored.
If you’re a fan of aquatic adventures like snorkeling, Koh Lipe won’t disappoint. The island is situated within the Tarutao National Marine Park, a protected area known for its remarkable biodiversity. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore an underwater wonderland filled with colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and even the chance to spot majestic creatures like sharks and sea turtles.
Find out more about our private boat tour to Koh Lipe – https://5starmarinephuket.com/locations/private-boat-tour-to-koh-lipe/
Koh Lipe a melting pot of cultures
Despite its small size, Koh Lipe is a melting pot of cultures. You’ll find Thai, Chao Leh (Sea Gypsies), and expatriates living together harmoniously. This cultural diversity is reflected in the island’s cuisine, where you can savor authentic Thai dishes and fresh seafood, along with international fare.
Don’t forget to try some of the local specialties like grilled squid and mango sticky rice from the street vendors.
As the sun sets on Koh Lipe, the island transforms into a lively hub of activity. The Walking Street, the main thoroughfare, comes alive with vibrant street markets, shops, and a wide array of beach bars. Enjoy the laid-back island vibe with a cocktail in hand, listening to live music or watching fire dancers perform on the beach. Koh Lipe offers a perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment.
Koh Lipe Eco Friendly
Koh Lipe is committed to preserving its natural beauty. Many accommodations on the island are eco-friendly, and efforts are made to reduce plastic waste. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature while also respecting and contributing to its conservation.
Beyond the enchanting shores of Koh Lipe lie numerous other islands and islets waiting to be explored. Take day trips or overnight excursions to nearby gems like Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Tarutao, where you can hike through lush jungles, discover secluded beaches, and connect with nature on a deeper level.
Koh Lipe in Thailand is an idyllic destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking adventure beneath the waves, romantic sunsets on the beach, or simply a place to unwind and rejuvenate, Koh Lipe has it all. As a serene island paradise, it beckons travelers from around the world to experience its unique charm and make cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Find out more about our private boat tour to Koh Lipe – https://5starmarinephuket.com/locations/private-boat-tour-to-koh-lipe/
Top 25 Restaurants Phuket highlights the best Phuket has to offer in terms of food and gastronomy. In September, Travelindex owned online website TOP25 announced the TOP25 Restaurants Awards Phuket 2023. In this third edition, more restaurants represented the island’s distinctive and flavorful cuisine, as well as its remarkable natural & cultural heritage. TOP25 Restaurants Guides celebrate exquisite dining in each gastronomic destination highlighting culinary diversity and chefs supporting local community products.
Top 25 Restaurants is a division of Travelindex. For Top 25 Restaurants, Travelindex has developed a unique index, the “Restaurant Rating Index”.
To deliver the most trusted restaurant rating, their Restaurant Rating Index (RRI) combines the power of a mathematical algorithm driven by artificial intelligence and re-assessed through the human discernment of some of the world’s top culinary experts.
Modern Thai
Chef: Ricardo Nunes
Location: West Coast
hom is located in the Sawan Pavilion of the InterContinental Phuket Resort. All ingredients at hom are sourced from around Phuket, dishes incorporate ancient fermentation techniques.
Modern French
Chef: Yannick Hollenstein
Location: West Coast
Located at Kalim Bay in Phuket, L’Arôme by the Sea features an elegant minimalist design offering a dining experience with breathtaking sea views.
Innovative Thai
Chef: Rick Dingen
Location: West Coast
JAMPA’s concept is farm to fork based serving creative food with a menu of sophisticated, tasty and nutritious dishes that changes daily, based on what is fresh that day.
Modern Thai
Chef: Jimmy Ophorst
Location: West Coast
PRU is a fine dining restaurant located at the award-winning Trisara resort on the west coast of Phuket. PRU is pursuing its own culinary ambition, to raise regional foods and use nautral ingredients from their own farm.
Innovative Thai
Chef: Chatchawan Varahajeerakul
Location: Chalong & South
Samut restaurant is located in the Nai Harn area of Phuket and serves fine Thai cuisine focusing on local seafood enhanced with local ingredients and spices.
Innovative Thai
Chef: Pom
Location: Town & Central
At Nitan the chef’s creates gastronomic experiences using contemporary culinary techniques to prepare southern Thai classics with local fresh produce and refined ingredients from their own farm at Surat.
Modern Thai
Chef: Tammasak Noi Chootong
Location: Town & Central
At SUAY Cherngtalay Chef Noi ensures your dining experience is memorable serving unique and tasty dishes, infusing European techniques with traditional Thai dishes.
Rustic Thai
Chef: Anongrat Piak Meklai
Location: Airport & North
Black Ginger is located at The Slate hotel and is designed like a traditional mansion hovering over a luminescent lagoon.
Modern Thai
Chef: Chalermwut Srivolalkul
Location: West Coast
Located within the five-star beach resort, InterContinental Phuket, cocooned by jungle-covered hills and superb views of the Andaman Sea, Jaras serve modern Thai cuisine.
Italian Fine Dining
Chef: Alessandro Frau
Location: West Coast
In a chic and futuristic design with great views of the Andaman sea, Acqua restaurant offers a wide range of culinary creations focused on the attentive selection of local produce.
Australian
Chef: Nattaphon Othanawathakij (Oat)
Location: Town & Central
We are right in Phuket old town with plenty of car parking space and walking distance from walking street.
Japanese
Chef: Natchapol (Ice) Sangsorn
Location: West Coast
Tengoku restaurant, located within the luxury InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala, is inspired by the traditional techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters.
Thai
Chef: Tanasub Trisub
Location: Airport & North
Takieng restaurant at Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, serves classic Thai and Phuket’s favorite dishes with premium local ingredients.
Rustic Thai
Chef: Uncle Nun and Aunt Yai
Location: West Coast
Ta Khai is Rosewood Phuket seafood restaurant offering a menu planned around the local fishermen’s daily catch to ensure that only the freshest bounty from the sea appears on the menu.
Thai
Chef: Worapong Panchoo
Location: West Coast
Saffron Phuket at the Banyan Tree Phuket is overlooking the Andaman Sea and presents the authentic tastes of Thai cuisine, with graceful service in the contemporary yet classically elegant.
International
Chef: Nicola Testino
Location: Airport & North
Located within the five-star Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Age is a premium restaurant featuring classic designs with great views serving delicious meat and the freshest seafood.
Itameshi
Chef: Pantid Jindaj (Eat)
Location: West Coast
Semi Di Tsubu is the first Itameshi restaurant in Thailand, blending the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine into a unique dining experience.
Royal Thai Cuisine
Chef: Nooror Somany Steppe
Location: Town & Central
At Blue Elephant Phuket, Chef Nooror created a special Peranakan menu. The restaurant is located in one of the most remarkable colonial palaces, built more than 115 years ago.
Asian
Chef: Charlie Chen
Location: West Coast
Bon Pan Asian Tapas offers a blend of cultures across Asia, from Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian to Japanese specialties, fused with European flavors to deliver a broad range of tapas.
Steakhouse
Chef: David C Hands
Location: West Coast
Siam Supper Club is located in the heart of Laguna, one of Phuket’s most affluent area. Since 1991, the Siam Supper Club continues to attract visitors from around the island.
Modern Thai
Location: Chalong & South
Akoya Star Lounge is a rooftop bar at V Villas Phuket, soaring 55 metres above sea level with 360° night sky and ocean views.
Baan Rim Pa
Royal Thai Cuisine
Chef: Praiwan Wan Klongkleaw
Location: West Coast
Baan Rim Pa is located just north of Kalim beach and occupies two and half levels with every table having a stunning sea view.
Modern Thai
Chef: Franko, Younghoun Oh
Location: West Coast
Talung Thai at Paresa resort is perched on the side of a clifftop and surrounded by lush tropical forest on the Millionaires Mile coastal road between Patong and Kamala.
International
Chef: Atanu
Location: Town & Central
Located inside Aquaria Phuket’s state of the art aquarium, Su Va Na provides guests with a world class marine dining experience like no other.
Seafood
Chef: Daniel Leah
Location: Airport & North
Nestled on the golden sands of Nai Yang Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea as part of the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa.
Don’t do this in Thailand
Thai culture is known for being one of the most courteous and friendly cultures in the world, but just like any culture, there are cultural etiquette norms that are appreciated among Thai people themselves, and for guests visiting their homes and homeland. Here are some of these customs and etiquette that you should know before visiting Thailand.
As with any culture, there are things in Thailand that you simply don’t do if you want to be courteous to your Thai hosts.
Don’t Touch People’s Heads
In Thailand, the head is considered to be sacred. It is also believed to be the cleanest body part and thus should never be touched. Just like in most countries around the world, it is considered rude to touch a stranger’s head. It is also disrespectful to touch the head of a statue, especially a statue of Buddha.
However, close friends and family members often touch each other’s heads or hair, which is not considered rude. If you accidentally forget and touch a stranger’s head/hair, politely beg his or her pardon. If you need to reach something above someone’s head, say ‘excuse me’ first.
Don’t Prop Your Feet On Tables or High Up
Because feet are the lowest part of the body and are by nature dirty, they should never be propped up on tables or other surfaces. In Thai culture, feet are considered the least important and most unclean part of the body.
If you are at a temple, do not stick your feet out in front of you, especially if your feet are pointing towards a monk or an image of Buddha. Other objects, like books, and food are considered high status in Thai culture, so don’t prop your feet on a coffee table or point your feet towards food. This is considered vulgar.
Avoid Being Overly Affectionate In Public
Though Thailand is a loving country and open to many expressions of love, they are modest when it comes to public displays of affection. Thus, it is best to not be overly affectionate in public places.
Do Not Collect Coral Fragments Or Shells From Their Natural Habitat
There are many practical reasons to not collect shells and coral fragments from their natural habitat. First and foremost it affects the ecology of the area. These pieces help create the pristine sand on Thailand’s famous beaches. They can also be used by native species for homes.
Due to global warming, the coral population in Thailand has been declining. This is why the country has increased its effort to protect corals in the past few years. If you take any corals or shells from the waters of Thailand, there will be a fine and you may get arrested.
Don’t Point
Just like in many cultures, pointing is considered rude in Thailand. If you must gesture towards a person, it is recommended that you gesture by lifting your head and indicating with your chin. It is sometimes considered acceptable to point at objects and animals, however, it is preferred that if you must do this, you should use your whole hand to point, not just one finger.
Don’t Step On Thresholds
If you are walking through a doorway, it is customary to walk over the door threshold, and do not step on it directly, as it is believed that spirits live in the door threshold, and by stepping on these you are upsetting the spirit, who may then retaliate against the residents of the home and bring them bad luck.
Do Remove Your Shoes
The first rule of etiquette for entering a Thai residence, temple, or palace is to remove your shoes. This is a courteous gesture made to protect the home or temple you are visiting from the dirt tracked in by your shoes.
It is disrespectful not to take shoes off before entering Thai homes and temples.
You may also be expected to remove your shoes at some cafes and restaurants. This is because some smaller establishments are set up in homes. To gauge whether or not you should remove your shoes, just look and see what others in the shop or restaurant are wearing on their feet and act accordingly.
Do Dress Properly
While Thailand is very open-minded and free, it is proper etiquette to dress modestly when entering a temple or palace. This is a sign of respect to the monks and residents of these historic landmarks. It is considered respectful to at a bare minimum have your knees and shoulders covered when entering a palace or temple.
For men, you may be able to get away with wearing shorts, but for women, the safest bet is to wear a long skirt or long pants. You should not wear tank tops, revealing sports attires, or t-shirts with inappropriate designs.
Always Return a Wai Greeting
A Wai greeting (pronounced “why”) is a traditional greeting in Thailand. It is usually accompanied by the phrase “Sawasdee” and is offered as a greeting, thank you, goodbye, and apology. While it is not expected that tourists offer Wai greetings to Thai people first, it is expected that they return a Wai greeting when one is presented.
Monks do not need to return Wai greetings, and Wai greetings do not need to be offered to those who are younger than you.
Do Respect the Monks And Do Not Touch Them
Monks are highly respected and revered in Thailand and are expected to be respected by visitors to Thailand as well. Please do not touch a Monk, especially if you are a woman. This is because Monks believe that a woman’s body goes against their Buddhist vows. Thus, many temples do not allow women in certain areas, and women should never touch a Monk.
When you meet a monk, you can bow or wai but don’t ask any overly-personal questions about them. It is important for Thai people to interact with them appropriately since monks are so well-respected. For example, people usually give up their seats for monks on the bus.
Do Be Mindful When Taking Pictures
When visiting a temple, taking a photo of the temple and Buddha are usually allowed in Thailand. However, be mindful and respectful of the people praying and in some worship areas. Before taking a photo, look for the temple’s rules written outside on notice boards or just ask locals.
Furthermore, show your gratitude for being allowed to take the photo by leaving a donation in the donation boxes. Donations from visitors help maintain the upkeep of the temples and palaces.
Do Smile
Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles.” No wonder smiling is so important to Thai etiquette! When you are in Thailand, be happy and smile, and return smiles offered to you by others that cross paths with you on your journey.
You should also be aware, however, that smiling in Thailand does not always mean the person smiling is happy. A smile in Thailand can mean many things: embarrassment, frustration, apprehension, and much more. Returning a smile to someone who is smiling for a reason other than happiness could just be what they need to turn their mood around.
Like every destination, Thailand has its norms that are customary when it comes to common courtesy expected from visitors entering the country. While visitors are not expected to know all these cultural norms, learning them and practicing them while in Thailand is certainly the courteous thing to do.
Unveiling the Mystique of Phuket’s Giant Guardian!
When you head down the East coast of Phuket on the way to Phi Phi and you look up at the tropical green hills of Phuket, at one of the highest points you will see an awe-inspiring gleaming white marble statue of Buddha. Known simply as the Big Buddha
So, we sent Jay Leshark down to the Big Buddha and checked out the magnificence of this colossal guardian of Phuket.
Watch the video here – LINK TO VIDEO
Big Buddha Phuket
Perched high on the top of Nakkerd Hills is a gleaming white marble statue of Buddha. Known simply as the Big Buddha (its official name is Mingmongkol Buddha image), the statue has slowly become one of the most popular attractions on the island.
Right hold on, I need to do a history lesson:
Big Buddha Phuket: History
The idea for the statue came about when a group of friends discovered the spectacular views from what was to be the Big Buddha statue’s future location on Nakkerd Hills.
Instead of simply transforming this into a popular viewpoint like Laem Phromthep, the friends decided that they needed something much more significant for the people — an enormous statue of Buddha.
Construction for the Big Buddha began in 2004
The Big Buddha statue, which is 45 meters tall and spans 25 meters at the base, was built entirely with donations from locals and foreigners!
How to get to the Big Buddha?
Getting to the Big Buddha is fairly straightforward, but the road up to the Big Buddha statue is very steep so be careful.
Also If you are heading to the Big Buddha yourself, the signpost is rather small so you might miss it.
Here is the Google map location – https://goo.gl/maps/XAAcYusY4Jzmdn9u7
Would you like a few tips when visiting the Big Buddha?
Visit the Big Buddha early in the morning to beat the heat and crowd
More than a thousand visitors come here to pay respects to the Big Buddha daily and it can get crowded during the day.
If you are feeling peckish, you can stop at any of the restaurants on the way uphill or downhill.
Make sure you have your camera as not only will get epic pictures of the big Buddha BUT also from the top you get stunning views of Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, Rawai, Karon and more, alongside lush greenery and scenic beaches.
You can even see (on a clear day) Phi Phi and Phang Nga bay in the distance.
Check out our 5 Star Marine Phuket tours – https://5starmarinephuket.com/locations/
As this is a religious site, do dress appropriately. That means no tank tops and short shorts — this is not a Full Moon Party, so please cover up!
You can hire sarongs at the big Buddha if you don’t have anything to cover up.
So, there you go. The Big Buddha Phuket
It’s well worth the trip and something that you definitely need to see when you come to Phuket.
