North to South, East to West, Thailand is emblazoned with remarkable things to see and do, making for an annual vacation that no one will want the sun to set over. Convenience of travel, accommodation comfort, affordable luxuries and an unsurpassable tourist infrastructure are just a few of the attributes that make this country so special.
You will not be able to experience the full vitality of the Land of Smiles in a single visit. It’s a tranquil paradise to be savoured and the perfect place to revisit. In the south of the Kingdom, Thailand’s largest island Phuket, forms the gateway to the wonders of Phang-nga Bay and the Andaman coastline. Phuket as a whole offers a unique combination of sophistication, tropical island charm, white, sandy beaches and Southern Thai culture that is not to be missed. Phuket is best known as a “winter” destination amongst Northern hemisphere holiday markers but the best kept secret is that golf does not have a season in Phuket and its courses are playable all year round.
The game of golf arrived in Thailand a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the country. There are over 200 championship standard. The world’s top designers have all made significant contributions to design. Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and the latest techniques. Those golf courses are:
- Blue Canyon Country Club
Canyon Course | Lakes Course - Red Mountain Golf Course
- Loch Palm Golf Club Phuket
- Phuket Country Club
- Laguna Phuket Golf Club
- Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa
- Thai Muang Beach Golf & Marina
Visas
Most passport holders can visit Thailand as a tourist for thirty days, any longer and you will need to get a tourist visa. If you are visiting for any other reason you need to obtain a non-immigrant visa. Always check with the Thai Consulate in your country before you travel.
Medical
More and more people are coming to Thailand on Medical holidays and whether you come to Phuket for Lasic eye treatment, plastic surgery or major heart surgery you can rely on around the clock quality service. The island has many great dental surgeries and what ever work you have done it will be a fraction of the price in most Western countries.
Shopping
Try Central Festival a vast shopping centre near Phuket town. It has all the top shops, a supermarket, restaurants and a cinema, a great place to spend a few hours just strolling around. Tesco Lotus on the bypass road on the way to the Airport is close to the Big C and Index shopping centers – they are all worth a visit. Phuket is littered with markets selling everything from clothes, souvenirs and shoes to sunglasses, handbags and watches but be prepared to haggle on price. About 30% of their original asking price is a good guide.
Spa
The Thai spa tradition brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by a friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people. A few hours in one of Phuket’s many spas will make you feel like a new person.
Entertainment
Tai Pan Disco at the end of Bangla Road is a great venue for that special night out. The evening begins at 9:00PM with the house band playing everyone’s favourite songs, at 12:15AM till late Tai Pan transforms to one of the most popular dancing venues in town. 3,000 Baht drinks voucher, T-shirts and Champagne on your birthday are just a few of the exciting give away.
