Phuket Tourism News – Vietjet takes off to Phuket, PHAB 5 a Success, Phuket weed and Phuket Charity Events

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 19 | May 28

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.

Vietjet Takes off to Phuket

Phuket Charity Events Blog

Starting from the 19th of May Vietjet is now running the first and only direct service between Hanoi and Phuket.

Vietjet’s new service between Hanoi and Phuket includes one roundtrip flight per day, with each leg taking approximately three hours.

With the new direct route between Hanoi and Phuket, travelers can now fly directly and conveniently to Vietnam’s capital city and other Northern tourist attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang, and more.

Vietjet is already operating the only direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket with two-hour flights daily.

PHAB 5 a Massive Success

Phuket Charity Events Blog

The title said it all, “A Fabulous Cause for Celebration”

On the 20th of May 2023, hundreds of Phuket residents came together to enjoy a night of stunning food and drinks from some of Phuket’s most luxurious hotels. The ACES Angsana venue was the perfect backdrop for the PHAB 5 Masquerade gala dinner.

The dinner was to help raise money so that local children can play a greater role in the industry’s future in Phuket as it offers scholarships to local students who wish to fulfill their dream of working in the hotel industry.

Over 3 million THB was raised on the Phuket Charity Events from silent auctions, online auctions, and a live auction which had some amazing prizes.

The event was a huge success and well done to the Phuket Hotels Association

New rules for Weed in Thailand, is there or not?

Phuket Charity Events Blog

Now this is a tough one to answer as no one is 100% sure what will happen. How has this come about, well; in the recent elections the party that won had in its manifest that it would make cannabis illegal again. This has sent shock waves around Thailand as cannabis has become a billion THB industry in a very short time and has created lots of new jobs and helped to bring back the tourists.

We still are not 100% sure what will happen, but after talking to some of the many weed shop owners here in Phuket, they think that cannabis will not be criminalized again, BUT that there will be new restrictions put into place such as asking for id for anyone buying weed and keeping these records so that authorities can see.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months.

Update on the SpeedBoat accident in Phuket

Phuket Charity Events Blog

The captain of the speedboat that crashed into a channel marker in Chalong last week has been charged for the accident and it is reported that he has tested positive for a substance.

Luckily for all passaged and crew, no one was seriously hurt.

Similan Islands Closed

Maya_Bay_Closing_In_August_2023

The Similan Islands are now closed. Yes, we have told you this before but we are still getting many people asking to book this tour.

Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.

Maya Bay Closing?

Yes, it is, when? Well, we believe that it will close on the 1st of August 2023, however, we have still not had any official statement as yet from the Thailand National Park authorities. We also believe that Maya Bay will be closed for 2 months and reopen on 1st October.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Phang Nga Bay Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phangngamarathon

Laguna Phuket Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon

An Evening with Tyson Fury – https://www.facebook.com/events/249161717663797

PHIST – https://www.facebook.com/events/6035872379834085

 

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:

Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.

Phuket Tourism News – Thailand’s Elections, Renting a Motorbike, Phuket Monkeys and Maya Bay Closing In August 2023

LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay Will Close Again in 2024.

Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 18 | May 21

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.

Speedboat accident in Phuket

Maya_Bay_Closing_In_August_2023_Speedboat_Accident_In_Phuket

On Wednesday 17th May a Phuket speedboat carrying 37 people hit a channel marker in Chalong Bay in the south of Phuket. The accident occurred when Thanathip Marine 555 was bringing foreign tourists back from Phi Phi Island to Chalong Bay.

The Phuket speedboat smashed into a channel marker about 700 meters from Chalong pier and sustained huge damage to the bow (front) of the boat. Around 10 people including the Thai speedboat driver suffered broken limbs and all the injured were taken to hospitals around Phuket.

The Phuket authorities were very quick to respond to the incident and had cleared the roads to Chalong Pier to make it easier for the emergency services to arrive and all injured parties were delt with as soon as they arrived at Chalong Pier.

The captain and other individuals will be questioned to find out what was the cause of this accident.


Similan Islands Closed

Maya_Bay_Closing_In_August_2023_Similan_Closed

The Similan Islands are now closed. Yes, we have told you this before but we are still getting many people asking to book this tour.

Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and

stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.


Maya Bay Closing In August 2023?

Maya_Bay_Closing_In_August_2023

Yes, it is, when? Well, we believe that it will close on the 1st of August 2023, however, we have still not had any official statement as yet from the Thailand National Park authorities. We also believe that Maya Bay will be closing in August 2023 and reopen on 1st October.


Neutering Phuket Monkeys

Maya_Bay_Closing_In_August_2023_Neutering_Phuket_Monkeys

Monkeys are everywhere in Thailand and these inquisitive little creatures do look cute and cuddly; however, they are wild animals and can cause a lot of damage if left unmanaged. There have been parts of Phuket where the local government has moved monkeys away from tourist areas due to the risk of monkeys biting.

Feeding wild monkeys, although looks great for your Instagram reel or Tik Tok video, but it does cause issues, and its something that the local Phuket authorities want to stop.

The other thing that the local Phuket wildlife officials want to stop is the number of monkeys. So, to control the population of macaque monkeys, dozens have been caught and taken to the Nature and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Sanctuary where they are Neutered and then released back into areas where they can be safe and away from tourists.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Phang Nga Bay Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phangngamarathon

Laguna Phuket Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon

An Evening with Tyson Fury – https://www.facebook.com/events/249161717663797

PHIST – https://www.facebook.com/events/6035872379834085

 

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:

Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.

Phuket Tourism News – Similan CLOSED, It’s Not Raining Yet, Is Marijuana Legal?

LATEST NEWS: Similan Islands Will Close Again in 2024.

Full Details Here SIMILAN ISLANDS CLOSING 2024

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 17 | May 14

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.

Similan Islands Closed

The Similan Islands are now officially closed.

Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.

Is Weed legal in Thailand?

In 2018, Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalize medical cannabis. Although cannabis was decriminalized, smoking or vaping in public places is still subject to punishment as a public nuisance infraction. You will see cannabis café’s everywhere in Phuket, there seem to be more of these than 7/11 stores.

 

But what are the Rules on Cannabis?

Please note that the below are guidelines and the rules may and often do change without notice:

  • Carrying seeds or parts of the cannabis plant from and to Thailand is not permitted.
  • Cannabis cultivation is legal but registering in the Food and drug administration’s “PLOOK GANJA” application or through government website is required.
  • Individuals under 20 years old, Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are not eligible to use cannabis except under the supervision of health professionals.
  • Possession of extract containing more than 0.2 THC and synthetic THC requires permission.
  • Cannabis contained dishes are available in authorized restaurants.
  • Smoking cannabis in public spaces, including schools and shopping malls, is illegal.

Is it raining in Phuket and what are some of the best apps to use to check the weather in Phuket?

The Phuket weather is always a hot topic. We are currently in what is known as the shoulder period in Phuket. This is the period between the high season and the low season. During this time there are some rain showers that happen, mainly at night with some epic thunderstorms to watch, but these pass relatively quickly.

Some of the apps that we use to check the weather in Phuket are:

We also have a live cam at our 5 Star marine Phuket office which you can see at: https://www.youtube.com/@phuketweather144

Upcoming Events in Phuket

PHAB 5 20th May

Phang Nga Bay Marathon

Laguna Phuket Marathon

An Evening with Tyson Fury

PHIST

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:

Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.

Phuket Tourism News, Maya Bay Closing, Similan Closed. Is It Raining In Phuket

LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay, Similan Islands Will Close Again in 2024.

Full Details Here MAYA BAY, SIMILAN ISLANDS CLOSING 2024

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 16 | May 7

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.

Is Maya Bay in Phi Phi closing?

Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand the bay and the beach were featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio filmed over 20 years ago.

During COVID Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years by the Thai Government to help the ecosystem recover as it had become ruined by over-tourism. It reopened in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that helped to manage the tourists and how they access the bay. After doing this they again closed Maya Bay on the 1st Aug 2022 for 2 months. We are expecting the Thailand authorities to do the same again this year, but as of the time of writing, we have not heard anything official. So, watch this space.

Similan Islands Closing

Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.

Similan stands for “nine” in the Yawi language, as there are nine islands in the archipelago.

Similan National Park comprised nine islands, Koh Huyong, Koh Payang, Koh Payan, Koh Miang, Koh Ha, Koh Payu, Koh Hin Pousar, Koh Similan and Koh Ba-ngu.

Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were later added to the national park, bringing the number of islands under Mu Koh Similan National Park up to 11.

Is it rainy season in Phuket?

The Phuket weather is always a hot topic. We are currently in what is known as the shoulder period in Phuket. This is the period between the high season and the low season. During this time there are some rain showers that happen, mainly at night with some epic thunderstorms to watch, but these pass relatively quickly.

As I sit and write this there was a shower that lasted for 10 minutes and then the sun came out and any surface water evaporated within seconds making it look like it hadn’t rained at all. The one thing about the shoulder period is that the humidity is high, so it really feels a lot hotter than it actually is. The best way to keep cool is to go on a 5 Star Marine Phuket Tour and cool off by snorkeling around Phi Phi Islands.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

PHAB 5 20th May

Phang Nga Bay Marathon

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:

Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.

Phuket Tourism News – Phuket’s Haze, Decreased Tourists and New Flights

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 15 | April 30

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.

What is causing the Phuket Haze?

The local Phuket authorities have said not to worry as the rain will clear the haze. This is what we reported on last week and even thou there had at the time of writing this, been no rain the Haze has gone.

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a haze over Phuket. No one seems to know 100% where it is coming from BUT there have been a few theories on where the haze came from.

A Belgium expat living in Phuket for the past 13 years has said that the haze “phenomenon” (as the local officials like to call it) is not a natural phenomenon, but it’s from human causes.

He has said that the haze or “smog” as he calls it is a result of human pollutants, heavy burning fields in the north of Thailand along with vehicle emissions and factory pollution. (Oh really…)

Officials have not said anything like this and are saying but they do agree that the winds patterns have been weak which means the haze has been over Phuket for longer than normal.

We think that the haze has something to do with the same whales that have been doing their business in the klongs, hence why we have sent out Pet Dick Jay Leshark to investigate.

Watch this space…

Phuket Tourist Numbers

For 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, known as the TAT, set its target for foreign tourist arrivals at 23 million.

Phuket welcomed 9 million Thai and foreign visitors in 2022, and the target of 12 million for 2023 4 months into the year is looking good. Yet, the huge number of tourists during January, February, and March has started to ease. This is really noticeable on the roads, with there being a noticeable difference in the number of cars and minivans driving around the paradise island of Phuket. The local shopping centers, and beaches are also less busy with tourists.

One thing that has been pointed out by many local people is the voices that you hear in Phuket. During the peak and high season, there was an increase in the Russian language being heard around the island, and in the past few weeks that have been replaced by Chinese. This coming low season will be a very interesting time for Phuket to see how the recovery from the 2 years of the pandemic is really shaping out and with the news below about flights from China, it looks like Phuket is really on track to do over, and above the 12 million.

New Flights to Phuket

More flights have been added between Thailand and China amid surging demand. Spring Airlines of China will increase flights between China and Thailand to cater to the soaring number of visitors, boosting the total flights between the two countries to 82 per week.

In a courtesy call to Phuket governor last week, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang estimated that Chinese tourist arrivals will rise to more than 300,000 in April.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

PHAB 5 20th May

Phuket Bike Week

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:

Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.

Phuket Tourism News – Similan Closing. Is Maya Bay Open?

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 13 | April 16

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.

Phuket Beaches

Over the past few years in Phuket the beaches have been a hot topic. Phuket has some of the best beaches in the world and tens of thousands of tourists from around the world come to Phuket to experience a touch of tropical paradise while chilling on a sunbed under an umbrella while locals walk around selling everything from a refreshing coconut to a shell bracelet and everything in-between. Now on most beaches in Phuket this is the case, such as Patong Beach that has everything you need from a beach day out, including jet ski rides, parasailing and all manner of things to eat and drink. However, beaches such as Surin beach don’t have these, in fact they don’t have anything on the beach. Yes, on the road side there are a number of little shops and food stalls but on the beach nothing, WHY?

Well, some beaches in Thailand, such as Surin Beach and Layan Beach are known as Virgin Beaches or The King Beaches and these beaches are not allowed for anyone, locals or non-locals to do any commerce on the beach. So, no Sunbed hire or food and drinks can be sold on the beach. Of course, you can take your own chairs and food but you will not be able to buy it. So if you are looking for a day out on a beach in Phuket, make sure you have checked to see what type of beach it is.

Visa on Arrival

It has been announced that Thailand offering 45-day visas on arrival has been stopped. Now this might not affect everyone as for those like me who are from Australia only got 30 days anyway, however for those from some countries the 45 days has been reduced to 30 days. The government gave 45 days to help stimulate tourism after the Covid 19 pandemic, but now tourism is back on track they are going back to 30 days.

Fishing restrictions in the Andaman Sea

It has been announced that the Andaman Sea will have a ban on commercial fishing. How this will be managed is a whole other story BUT it’s good news for the environment as t will give time for the fish to re stock and for the authorities to take a good look at the fish stocks and see how they can manage this in the future.

Similan and Maya Bay closing

As with every year during low season many of the islands are closed by the Thailand government to give time for the environment to breath and recover from the mass tourism’s that Thailand sees. Places like Similan Islands have been doing this for years with very positive affects and it was the same when thy first di this with Maya Bay in Phi Phi. The wildlife came back and thrived during the closing periods. Once we know the full dates, we will of course announce it here, but we know for sure that the Similan Islands, Koh Ha Koh Rock will closed and we are waiting for news on the dates for Maya Bay this year and there is talk that they might ever do the same for James Bond Island.

When we know we will let you know.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

PHAB 5 20th May

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: Happy Easter And It’s SONGKRAN!!!

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 12 | April 9

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.

Songkran 2023

Songkran in Thailand is on 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends from 14 to 15 April. It’s known around the world as “The World’s largest water fight”

 

 

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday and is rich in cultural traditions. Thai’s will visit local temples and offer food to monks, as well as visiting Buddha statues and gently pouring water over these as well as over the hands of the elderly. These traditions represent the purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck.

Most of the world outside of Thailand sees the Songkran holiday for its water fights. Streets around the whole country are closed off to traffic and used as arenas for water fights, using anything and everything to throw water. Huge water guns, hoses, and large buckets filled with blocks of ice in the back of pick-up trucks, are all used for the celebrations. The water fights can last for days.

Then there are the huge speakers blasting out traditional music from every street corner, and dancing in the streets in bright colorful shirts. There are parades and parties everywhere across the country including the famous “Miss Songkran” competitions that includes ladies, boys, girls, men dressed as ladies, and anyone in-between.

In Phuket, Songkran is only one day, whereas in Bangkok the water fights will happen for 3 days.

The History of Songkran

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday. In the past, Songkran has always been the official NEW YEAR for Thailand, until 1888, when it was changed to April 1st. No Joke it really was. Then in 1940, the Thai New Year was officially switched to 1st January, and Songkran became a national holiday.

Bottom line, Songkran is one of the most fun festivals in the world and you have to experience it at least once. Just know that you will get very wet even if you don’t want to.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

Tiesto at Andamanda Water Park

Legendary Night of Music

Local Fest

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

Dimbulla Estate Phuket International Rugby Elevens 2023

Wedding Fair 2023 – Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town

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, Earths 100 Best Beaches, Earth Hour, Beach Clean Ups

Phuket Tourism News | Episode 11 | April 2

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.

Earth’s BEST 100 Beaches

Is there a definitive list of the best beaches in the world? Well, the World Beach Guide says there is, and this year they released the top 100 beaches in the world. Think powder white sand, turquoise seas, permanent sunshine, and only the lightest of breezes wafting through the palms that fringe the beach and you’re there. From the endless white sands of remote Australian beaches to palm fringed tropical idylls these are all part of the list that the World Beach Guide has compiled.

The best news is that the number 1 best beach on the whole earth is Koh Kradan.

We are so lucky as there are 4 beaches from Phuket in the top 25, and 3 of these are on the 5 Star Marine tour list, so if you want to see them book up a tour NOW.

#1. Koh Kradan // Thailand 🇹🇭

#9. Railay Beach // Thailand 🇹🇭

#18. Freedom Beach // Thailand🇹🇭

#21. Laem Had Beach // Thailand 🇹🇭

Phuket Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund, WWF (Not the wrestling company). The event is held annually, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., usually on the last Saturday of March, as a symbol of commitment to the planet.

Earth hour was celebrated all over Phuket with Phuket Hotels, Phuket Resorts, Phuket attractions, and Phuket Schools all turning ff their lights for an hour and doing beach clean ups and other events and activities to help promote and be part of Earth Hour 2023.

Phuket Beach Clean Ups

Phuket has beach clean-ups happening most weekends somewhere on one of the many Phuket Beaches. One of the most active groups for beach cleaning is Sustainable Mai Khao, who are out almost every day cleaning and educating on the importance of keeping Phuket beaches clean. Sustainable Mai Khao’s mission is “Connecting and empowering our community to preserve our natural environment.” If you would like to get involved then you visit their website at www.sustainablemaikhaofoundation.org

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Phuket?

The editor of the YouTube videos Kyle, had the best answer to this question, he said at least 3 times a year.

There are many good times to visit Phuket, and it really does depend on what you are looking for, who you are with, budget and I am sure many more things that I can’t think of right now.

If you want perfect weather then peak season, the end of Dec and Jan is the best time to visit BUT this is also one of the busiest times and most expensive times.

If you don’t mind about the weather and its ok if you get a bit wet or some of the activities are closed, BUT the island is a little quieter and cheaper, than low season July to Oct is a great time to visit.

So, if you want a direct answer, come to Phuket during the shoulder periods. These are the times just before the low season or just before the high season. You will find the weather is pretty good, the prices are reasonable and the island is not too busy.

Upcoming Events in Phuket

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

Tiesto at Andamanda Water Park

Legendary Night of Music

Local Fest

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party

Dimbulla Estate Phuket International Rugby Elevens 2023

Wedding Fair 2023 – Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town

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:

Khai Islands, Best Phuket Islands to Visit

How do you like your eggs?

Well, if you do like eggs then we have three different ones that you can visit on our 5 Star Marine Phuket Khai Island tour.

(Just so you know Khai in Thai means egg, hence the cracking jokes that will be part of this blog.)

Khai Islands

Private Khai Islands 5 Star MarineIf you are looking for an eggs-ceptional tour that is perfect for young families then the 3 Khai Islands tour; Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui, is one of the best.

The 3 Khai Islands is a group of small islands just 20 – 25 minutes away from the 5 Star Marine Phuket pier at Boat Lagoon Marina.

Two of them (Khai Nai and Khai Nok) have superb sandy beaches and incredibly clear water where swarms of colourful and friendly fish come to swim around you. This makes these two Khai islands perfect for those who have never tried snorkeling and would like to try, or for those who are a little nervous to snorkel in deep water. You are able to walk into the water and snorkel right from the beach, you don’t even need to float or swim as you will be able to eggs-plorer the underwater world while sanding.

The two islands, Khai Nai and Khai Nok, also have some great restaurants and bar’s as well as souvenir shops and many deck chairs and umbrellas. This makes these two islands even more ideal for young families and in fact for multi generation families. Many of the tropical islands that we visit are naturally beautiful, and although they are stunning and pristine, there are no facilities on them. If you are going out with grandparents and young kids, then having shade, restaurant, toilets and chairs makes a big difference, hence why the Khai Islands are perfect for you. They offer stunning tropical beach feel with all the facilities that you need.

But what about Khai Nui?

Khai Islands Private Boat TourKhai Nui might not have that tropical white sandy beach, or any restaurants, in fact it has nothing at all, BUT you can snorkel here and see an array of amazing marine wildlife, as well as drop in a line and hook and we can pretty much guarantee that you will catch something for either your dinner or the crew’s dinner.

The three Khai Islands, they are hard to be beaten, and if you have a young family or a multi generation family then they are eggs-actly the right tour for you.

You will definitely have an eggs-tra special day when you go on a 5 Star Marine Phuket Khai Island private boat tour, so let’s hatch a plan and get you booked in.

Coconut Island Phuket Thailand, Things to do and Where to Stay

Even thou Coconut Island or in Thai, Koh Maphrao (Maphrao is the Thai word for coconut) is only 750 meters away from Phuket, at its closest point, the atmosphere on the two islands is very different.

Phuket is known for its full range of things to do for holidaymakers, tourist facilities, and bustling lifestyle, while Coconut Island is far more of a peaceful island set in natural surroundings. Fishing and farming were the two main occupations on the island: rubber trees, local fruits, and vegetables are grown in the central part of the island, now there are two large resorts that have introduced new work opportunities for the Coconut Island residents.

Coconut Island offers white sandy beaches and a stunning limestone coastline to explore rock pools and scrambling adventures and a thick tropical forest that is great for hiking and mountain biking. The small village that sits in the middle of the island is a fishing village with a few small very local shops and a small local school.

If you are staying on the East side of the island, you will also get to watch the sunrise over Phang Nga Bay.

The Village Coconut Island

Located on the idyllic Coconut Island, The Village offers true luxury and seclusion 500m off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. Jacuzzi suites, Grand Villas and Pool Villas have been built to cater for couples, families, groups, and singles with all of the options encapsulating the privacy and luxury that has come to define The Village. Despite the relaxed atmosphere at The Village, there is no need to slow down completely. They offer a selection of high-end restaurants and bars as well as many fun filled activities including Mountain Biking, Sailing, Kayaking, Thai cooking courses, Spa treatments, and boat trips.

Island Escape by Burasari

5-Star-Marine-Island Escape by BurasariIsland Escape by Burasari is a luxurious private villa’s & 5 stars resort with direct beach access The Resort and Private Villas provides an ideal quiet getaway, romantic holidays, family gathering, and secluded corporate retreats, with a modern lifestyle in the historic charm of the Island life. You can enjoy the resort’s fabulous facilities of pools and beach, landscaped gardens, spa and wellness programs and adventure excursions, water slides, and wet and dry playgrounds. Fabulous food and an inspired dining ambiance are part of the unique holiday experience at Island Escape by Burasari as well as the array of activities that you can do, or relax in one of the most impressive pools in Thailand.

Floating Restaurants

Phuket’s floating restaurants (krachang in Thai) are a fun way to enjoy seafood dishes with ocean views and experience something that you have never experienced before. These floating restaurants in Phuket are usually run by local fish farmers, though they often buy live seafood from other fishermen. You’ll see plenty of fish, crabs, and prawns in floating wood-and-net enclosures. You can walk along the planks between the enclosures and choose the seafood that you want to eat. Some seafood items, like mantis shrimp, can be expensive so check the prices first before ordering.

The best time to go is around 5 pm when the weather is cooler, and you can also enjoy watching the Sunset while you enjoy some of the BEST food you have ever had.

5 Star Marine Phuket Tours

Phuket’s floating restaurants (krachang in Thai) are a fun way to enjoy seafood dishes with ocean views and experience something that you have never experienced before. These floating restaurants in Phuket are usually run by local fish farmers, though they often buy live seafood from other fishermen. You’ll see plenty of fish, crabs, and prawns in floating wood-and-net enclosures. You can walk along the planks between the enclosures and choose the seafood that you want to eat. Some seafood items, like mantis shrimp, can be expensive so check the prices first before ordering.

The best time to go is around 5 pm when the weather is cooler, and you can also enjoy watching the Sunset while you enjoy some of the BEST food you have ever had.

5 Star Marine Phuket Tours

We offer pick-ups from both the resorts on the island and if the tide is low, we can also pick you up from the back pier. You can even book a 5 Star marine Phuket tour from the Island Escape reception.