The main emphasis of nightlife in Phuket town is actually a vibrant live music scene with dozens of local bands competing to win your patronage. In fact, clubbing usually consists of grabbing a group of friends and heading to the club. Once there usually the night consist of purchasing a bottle of whiskey to share while the group dances the night away near a table until one or two in the morning.

Most clubs in Phuket town are not DJ’d for the majority of the night, but instead feature local bands that play covers of local Thai favorites along with Western numbers tossed in between to lend some familiarity to tourists. At the end of the night the bands exit the stage and a DJ comes out to end the night with some techno or hip hop and given the fact that everyone is drunk at this stage of the night the dance floor usually lights up.

Timberhut is one of the best clubs in Phuket Town and one of the most popular given the fact that it could almost be considered historical in terms of average club longevity and due to the fact that it gets quite busy almost every day of the week and of course even more so on the weekends. For this reason it is best to head out early if you want a great spot since Timberhut gets the best local band that plays a much better set than most local musicians.

A larger club is the KorTorMor, which offers pretty much the same atmosphere but is especially popular among the younger student population. Foreigners also tend to enjoy the vibrancy and the crowds that party into the night at the club.

Oasis is another great albeit smaller venue that is a local hidden gem and a treasure to discover. It is quite a bit more homely and friendly and the music is standard. Most people simply enjoy the small town feel of the club.

Those who want a completely unique experience may want to head to the ex-pat jazz favorite called Music Matters. With an open air bar that is hidden down a small soi the club is a delight to spend some in with CDs playing most of night and sometimes a live band. For a quieter more intimate experience Music Matters is the palace to head.

Of course, Phuket Town also has a sprinkling of beer bars, brothels, and go-go bars but the presence of Western males is usually not favorably received so for this type of activity Patong is close by and the much better choice.

Those who are strict observers of the event, typically those with descendents from China, will stick to vegetarian diets throughout the festival and commit the usual rituals to regain health for the coming year, piece of mind, and cleanse their souls of any previous sins that were committed over the past year. To enjoy the festival you do not have to be a strict believer however, as travelers flock to Phuket during the event to take place in the colourful celebration.

It is not known how Phuket Vegetarian week actually got its beginning, but the local myth is that Chinese Opera performer’s fell ill while in Phuket on tour and were only able to recover their health after they followed a strict regime that included abstinence from meat, alcohol, and sex while praying to Chinese gods for strength. The group was said to have forgotten to pray homage to Nine Emperor Gods during the first nine days of the lunar month and needed to cleanse their sins.

Phuket residents were said to have been amazed at their recovery and adopted the tradition of vegetarian dieting. A few members of the opera group were said to have gone to China to bring back holy writings and sacred plaques for a better understand of the rites. Today those who follow the tradition abstain from the same things and are dressed in pure white apparel. The only ones who are exempt are pregnant mothers, menstruating women, and those that are in mourning after the close loss of a loved one.

The festival is great fun to watch given the many different ceremonies that take place such as the inauguration of the festival which includes a lantern pole that is placed straight up so that the Hindu god Lord Shiva can descend down to give observers power and the abilities to take place in many courageous and daring acts. To see the pole go up head to the Jui Tui Shrine near the Phuket Town Fresh Market.

Festivities can be observed everywhere in Phuket during the week with streets and shops brightly decorated and people crowding the streets everywhere to watch fireworks and the many daring performances that take place. It is not rare to find people walking on burning coals, piercing their bodies, or climbing up the sharp rungs of a ladder. It is believed that this daring acts will bring the blessings of God along with their completion.

Although visitors are not expected to take part in the acts; as a sign of respect they can light candles and incense sticks. They may also choose to take food and drinks to the temples just as the locals so that they can feel the positive energy that surges through the temples during the sacred week.

Some of the traditional dishes that should be tried while in Phuket include Fried Noodle dishes that are usually made with chicken or pork and found at almost any noodle shop, Khanom Jin which is a breakfast version of noodles served with vegetables and a spicy curry sauce, and Nam Phri Kung Siap, which is a delicious mixture of smoked shrimp, dried chili, and fresh vegetables.

While not a meal, pineapples and cashew nuts are very popular forms of produce found around the island and due to the temperate climate are available throughout the year. The cashew nuts are often offered at local street markets coated, dried, or fried. You can also find fresh Phuket pineapples at the street markets or local produce markets and are worth purchasing given they are firm, wonderfully sweet, and delectable.
If you are eating out at a traditional Phuket restaurant make sure to order the Pad Kanaa Moo Grop, which is served with a kale and crispy pork and is a healthy tasty option. For a simpler dish, Kao Man Gai is great to try, made with chicken and rice that is rolled up in a padanus leaf somewhat like burritos.

Most beer in Thailand is imported locally so you will have to experiment to find something to suit your taste although be warned it tends to be quite high in alcohol content, Chang is perhaps the most popular, with imported Tiger beer a big seller also. Alternatively, you can try a Thai wine called Sato that is made from fruit and rice and is quite tangy and sweet.

One of the most popular activities on Phuket is sailing and yachting as it quickly became the major centre for both activities for not only Thailand but also its neighbors. In fact, Phuket is home to the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, the Phuket International Boat Show, and King’s Cup Regatta, which means that with careful planning you can enjoy one of these events while on the island. Those that want to get in on the fun themselves can pay a visit to the four marinas or two yacht clubs and book a chartered day trip or hire a sailing boat for the day.

Another popular water activity in Phuket is scuba diving and its companion snorkeling. Phuket is also the largest diving center in the country and offers some amazing dive sites. The island is surrounded by beautiful colorful reefs that are well preserved and home to a wide variety of marine animals. The Racha Yai in particular is famous as a coral forest as well as the Racha Noi, which is suited only for experienced divers but offers some beautiful coral reefs in exchange for the effort.

Those who want to snorkel will find the bays on every side of Phuket are wonderful but the best spots are the reefs that are shallow along the Karon, Kata, and Patong beach waters. The island features plenty of shops that hire equipment for snorkeling and even offer chartered day trips to other surrounding islands.

Room prices in Phuket tend to start at 500 baht for hotels that are away from the beach and 1,000 baht for Phuket hotels that are located directly on the beach. Most resort rooms start at around 120 pounds per night and go up from there quickly so if you want a beach resort holiday be sure to book in advance.

Online is usually the best place to search for great deals on Phuket hotels and you will discover that the best hotel prices are usually secured if you book direct with the hotels instead of trying to compile a package. It is not advisable to book accommodation when you arrive on the island because the owners will charge you much more since they know you have a limited array of options.

Fully furnished homes are also available for letting in Phuket for around 7000 to 10000 Baht per month with an agreement that you will stay for at least a month. Luxury villas are also spread throughout the island and come in many budget ranges depending on the season you are travelling during, the size of the villa, and the location. As you may expect, beach villas cost more than those that are situated closer inland so if you are willing to “commute” moving inwards is the best option.

Patong beach is the main resort beach on Phuket and is usually where most people find holiday accommodation. In particular, the beach is known for its wild nightlife so it is well suited for younger travellers and those looking for a great time over families that are travelling together on holiday.

For a quieter family experience, the Nai Thon and Nai Yang beaches are tucked away in the Sirinat National Park and offer a more secluded chance to wonder along the Phuket shoreline while taking in the many scenic views that the island has to offer. It is also a great destination for those on a romantic holiday who want some time out from the crowds for a while.

Cape Panwa is another popular beach to visit for all tourists who travel to Phuket, but not so much for its beach activities as the Phuket Aquarium is located here which offers at least a few hours of entertainment for those who want to see the aquatic life of the region up close.

Those that want to get a little more up close and personal with aquatic life may want to take a quick trip over to the Ko Racha islands where scuba divers and snorkelers delight in the rich life under the sea.

a) The place is very cost effective.
b) the courses offered by Thai universities are globally recognized.
c) It’s warm and quiet climate gives very comfort for students to be attentive in study.

But first, there are some steps to take, in order to go to Thailand for study. The applicant can choose the program of his choice. It is advisable to choose as many programs possible in beginning. In final stage of application, he or she can choose the program of the university where he or she gets selected. Some universities may ask for all original documents along with form, while others approve even Xeroxed or faxed copies of documents. After receiving the letter of admission, the foreign student will be considered as he or she is accepted for the program of the particular university.

The letter gives the date from when class will be started and the subjects, and how  she or he is allowed to enroll. Foreign students are allowed to enroll for a minimum of three subjects per semester. There are three things required to apply for a Thailand student visa.

1. Letter of admission.
2. Valid passport.
3. Recent passport size photograph.

Once a potential foreign student has these three required things, he may apply for student visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate in his country. If the applicant is already in Thailand with valid tourist visa, he need not to depart from the country to convert it to student visa. But, if he does not have a valid tourist visa, in that case he will have to leave Thailand and apply for student visa from outside of the country. Initially the student visa will be issued for ninety days only. Within ninety days, the student will have register himself with Thai university and pay the corresponding tuition fee for his studies.

Once the student completes these two prerequisites, he may get a one year student visa in Thailand without leaving the country. Foreign students in Thailand have responsibilities; not fulfilling them could mean losing their student visa. After the Thailand student visa is issued, the visa holder must notify the government about their location and status every ninety days. This rule is for the safety of the student. The  student must complete a short form and give their current address so that Thai immigration offices can tell where he or she is, at any given time.

That’s not to say that the area is without opportunities. Phuket’s real estate industry, especially the luxury residential market, has done very well over the past twenty years and is now at first class standards. The market of Phuket barely noticed the downturn of current economic uncertainty, and supports a rich mixture of cultures. Real estate prices were low to begin with compared to the global market, and because of the current economic state have decreased even more. Combined with the diverse culture and the welcoming nature of the residents, this makes the appeal of Phuket that much greater.

The real estate market has spurred growth in other areas as well. Almost anything you could think of doing, can be done in Phuket. Amazing restaurants and small personable shops have sprung up all over the cities of the island. The potential for investment in the area is still amazingly high. Despite the Thai laws to follow when purchasing property, the local intermediaries make the process a fairly simple one.

The intermediaries can help with a variety of tasks, such as finding the perfect property, a nice project, or simply negotiating a fair price. They will be there when you need them, and fees are inconsequential because any costs are billed to the seller. The opportunities of Phuket are limitless, from diving, golfing, music, or just real estate investment. Phuket can become your perfect home in just a few short weeks. Whether you are looking for a quiet get-away to relax or a wonderful retirement community with a higher standard of living at a cheaper price, the answer is in Phuket.

The beauty of beaches and heavenly fresh air attracts the foreigners and tourists for their calm and relaxed life. Phuket’s climate is dominated and dictated by monsoon winds. There are also two distinct seasons: dry, and rainy. Rainy starts from May to October and dry season from November through April. The peak tourist month is December. The people of Phuket are very charming and friendly. There are many group of people residing in Phuket, they mainly consist of Thai, Chinese, Muslim, European, Indian and Arab. Phuket is excellent for its heavenly land infrastructure and high standard of facilities. If you’re looking for a peaceful and calm retirement life, it is better to suggest Phuket, as this place offers the beauty of a tropical island and also all the facilities and amenities of a western country.

To settle here you need to be well aware of the legal process, and the steps to take in order to immigrate. There are different types of visa; 30 days, 60 days tourist visa, non immigration visa, and students visa. Additionally, there are various other ways to settle here such as with work permit, permanent residence, or business owner. One of the new options is to take a Thai language course for getting an educational visa; the duration of this course is 5 years. After working out your travel information, all that’s left is the real estate aspect to consider; and whether you plan to own or rent a Phuket home, you’ll find there’s a reason the real-state market in Phuket is so popular right now.

Explore and discover Patong Beach’s wild side. It’s a great tourist place that fulfil the voracious desires of a traveler. It is an exciting place that reflects the Thai Culture, traditions and character. For a fearless traveller, trips to nearby places such as the James Bond Island, Chalong Bay or Tunnel cave could be interesting. While there are also plenty of opportunities for love a few yards away that could be successful, so don’t resist temptations. And of course for a techie traveller, Wi-Fi access is available along the beach hotels, coffee shops etc. Water sports can be exhilarating and fun anywhere in Patong Beach, especially parasailing, jet and water skiing, diving or even snorkelling.

You could also attend traditional Muay Thai boxing lessons and trekking through forests on elephants. Female travellers even enjoy attending some Thai cooking classes. A different state of mind could be achieved if you travel to Chalong Wat or Kalim Beach. An odd tour could also be arranged to visit the Cashew Nut factory, Phuket Butterfly Farm and Insectarium, Phuket Monkey School or The Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. Spend your evenings at a spa, getting a soothing foot or body massage and get prepared for the next day trip. Do visit the Tsunami Memorial Park, located north of Patong Beach in Kamala.

Night life in Patong Beach is an unforgettable experience and you could either start or end your trip day travelling at Soi Katoey on Bangla Road. Explore all the bars, pubs and discos and you can continue your Phuket experience at a cabaret show. You could even go for live concerts in Phuket Brewery; just be sure to remember a good ‘hair of the dog’ recipe for the next morning. Do not forget to enjoy the boat trip to Bang Wat Dam, just be sure to bargain for the best price and get affordable deals and tours available there. It is advisable to do a little research before and make your travelling plans, as there are so many things to see and do in Patong Beach, it could be very expenisve, or cheap, depending either on how much research you do on prices, or, how much luxury you plan to incorporate into your trip.

Booking a room in advance is really necessary especially during Christmas time being the peak season. Budget accommodations are a great choice as there are plenty of bungalows and lodges easily available. Affordable beach lifestyles are also possible here. Amidst the swaying palm trees and fun loving people, you will learn new cultures and traditions. You’ll bring many memories home after your trip, and who knows, –you may even begin planning a new trip on the way back from your first!