创意者致词
“泰”字代表什么?
这个疑问就是幻多奇的起源…
“泰” 的原意就是自由,但对我来说,“泰”却是一段动人的历险、爱情及神奇的故事,
充满着刺激、奇妙以及漫无止境之丰富想象力。
“泰” 确实是笔墨难以形容的,但却可在乐声悠扬、充满笑容的舞蹈中表现出来…幻多
奇的每个角落…表演的每一幕…都是“泰”字的定义,是我们泰国人发自内心的祝愿。
无论是泰国人或是来自外国的友人,每一位贵宾都能在这儿快乐的分享所散发出来的
“泰”的韵味…谨祝诸位在幻多奇自由自在欢度一段快乐时光…
祝看表演愉快!
丘亮·丘红
幻多奇创意组主任
概念
普吉幻多奇 - 泰国文化主题公园,是世界上第一个以泰国传统文化为主题的娱乐公园(乐园)。乐园中的所有主要景点,如表演、餐厅、购物街和其他所有的区域,都洋溢著泰国的神话和民间传说的浓郁气氛。普吉幻多奇的名字 FantaSea 是“Fantasy”“幻想”和“Sea”是“大海”两个词的结合,象徵著“梦幻之海” 的含义。
乐园开业日期
乐园在1998 年12月20日试营业之时,特邀请了2500位重要贵宾到场。正式营业日期是在 1999年2月6日。
乐园开放日期和时间
每周二、周五及周日17:30-23:30。
面积
30英亩(大约12公顷)
门票类型与价格
请点击 此处。
名人见证
自从开业以来,普吉幻多奇真诚欢迎和荣幸接待了来自世界各地无数尊贵的要人和声名 显赫的各界名人,受到了高度的赞扬 如:泰国前总理川立沛阁下;中华人民共和国国务院前总理李鹏阁下;香港前特首董建华阁下;新加坡总统纳丹阁下;不丹女王;还有许多国家 的大使,以及来自各个国家的王子与公主;本国和国际各界著名的名流如魔术师大为.科波 菲尔(David Copperfield)、弗朗兹.哈拉里(Franz Harary);韩国人气组合「东方神起」; 举世闻名歌星蕾哈娜(Rihanna); 碧昂丝 (Beyonce) & 杰斯 (Jay-Z), 美国前任总统特朗普千金蒂法尼(Tiffany Trump) 等等。贵宾名单,请点击 此处。
各种活动
神奇梦幻的文化剧场表演
自助餐厅
菜单式点菜餐厅和快餐餐厅
啤酒花园和饮料吧
购物街
游行庆典活动
街上演艺表演
嘉年华会娱乐活动
吉祥物拥抱和祝福
现场手工艺品制作示范
泰式服装租赁和摄影
焰火爆炸表演(请注意演出前的日期通告)
各种舞蹈现场表演
泰国乐队现场音乐表演
享受骑大象和喂食乐趣
和幼虎合影
欣赏和喂食色彩斑斓的鲤鱼群
观赏与喂食产自「湄公河」的巨型「孔明鱼」
神奇野生世界之旅
主要景点
「甘玛拉王国之传奇」表演
「象王宫殿」剧场
「金娜里」皇家雅宴自助餐厅
「金色亭榭」
「艾雅拉」神象传奇表演
宫殿庭院及王子与神象的神奇石雕
「佳节村」购物天堂
「西米兰」游乐中心
「辉煌曼谷」舞台
梦幻山
金象宫殿售票处
虎林探险
设施
咨询服务中心
停车场
加油站
客车服务中心
车辆维修服务
幻多奇接待中心
自动取款机
宾客便利中心
婴儿护理中心
宾客服务
宾客指南/安全护送服务
医护室
宠物保管室
轮椅提供服务
车辆租赁服务
现场保安措施
现场外汇兑换窗口
国内和国际电话服务(硬币与磁卡)
游客购物退税服务
重要贵宾隆重迎接
生日/各种周年纪念日庆祝
各种场地租赁
服装租赁
设计和制作团队
活动组织团队(园内外皆可)点击此处可获得更多信息
坐落方位和便捷交通
普吉幻多奇是泰国投资最大的乐园,座落于甘玛拉海边,最捷近到达众多普吉著名的景点和酒店,如巴东海滩(Patong)、嘎嗒海滩(Kata) 、傍涛海滩(Bang Tao) 、拉鼓娜(Laguna)和普吉市区等。
直达机场
从普吉国际机场到普吉幻多奇大约23公里(14.3英里),坐车大约30分钟。
直达宾馆
普吉幻多奇位于甘玛拉黄金海岸,只需9公里就可到达著名的巴东海滩(Patong),最便捷到 达普吉岛上所有的宾馆和酒店。普吉幻多奇提供所有宾馆和酒店到乐园的往返接送服务。
乘车到普吉幻多奇的大约所需时间
从
甘玛拉海滩 (Kamala) (2分钟)
苏林海滩 (Surin) (5分钟)
巴东海滩 (Patong) (10分钟)
傍涛海滩 (Bang Tao) (10分钟)
考兰海滩 (Khao Rang) (25分钟)
普吉市区 (Phuket Town) (30分钟)
嘎嗒海滩 (Kata) (35分钟)
乐园花絮
1.「普吉幻多奇」是世界上第一个以泰国传统文化为主题的乐园。
2. 整个工程的建造周期长达三年时间。
概念
「金娜里」皇家雅宴自助餐厅是亚洲最大的自助餐厅,它的灵感来自于名叫「金娜里」 的7个上身为人形下身为鸟形的美丽鸟神,其故事是在「甘玛拉王国之传奇」的表演之中,座落在神奇般传说中的「喜玛凡」深林中的鸟神「金娜里」将服侍来自世界各国的游客们 享用这如帝王般尊荣的晚宴。
营业时间
下午5:30 – 晚上9:00 (平常)
下午5:00 – 晚上10:00 (特殊)
面积和容量
「金娜里」皇家雅宴自助餐厅 的占地面积为5220 m2 (约1.3英亩),拥有4000个席位, 站立容量超过10,000名宾客。
菜肴
「金娜里」皇家雅宴自助餐厅设有泰国及国际菜肴(中国、日本、欧洲、意大利、 墨西哥、韩国等等),还有每日在特定区域为素食、纯素食和伊斯兰贵宾提供特殊的 饮食需求。
任何特殊的饮食需求我们都可以满足,若需进一步的了解,请与我们联系。
顾客服务
特殊团体菜谱(根据预定要求)
素食菜谱
特殊用途分割区域
商务会议所需一切设施
展览花组
VIP专用座位及桌布
舞台节目主持人
「金娜里」迎客舞
「金娜里」生日祝福节目
设施
室内中央空调
灯光调控设施
BGM ,广播和寻呼系统
祈祷室
医护室
餐厅花絮
「金娜里」餐厅内有着代表泰国传统绘画艺术精华的400米「喜玛凡」森林精美壁画。
「金娜里」餐厅前的莲池谭是世界上最大的淡水鱼「孔明鱼」的栖息之所,产自泰国北部的「湄公河」,身长达3米。
台湾“摇滚之父”伍佰音乐家曾在此举办演唱会。
「金娜里」皇家雅宴自助餐厅的地毯是特殊设计的,它描述着美丽如迷的鸟神们在「安努达」水中群相戏水的欢喜场景。
餐厅规则
1. 请在营业时间结束至少30 分钟前进入餐厅用餐。
2. 用餐票只限一次使用。如需返回餐厅,请在离开前联络职员并盖上手印。
3. 海鲜自助餐只限提供于「苏丽雅玛」自助餐厅。如需升级,请联络职员。
4. 请按照指定座位用餐。
5. 如需享用伊斯兰菜肴、素食菜/印度菜或有其他特殊的要求(有对任何食物过敏等),
请在进入餐厅前联络职员。
6. 餐厅内按法律规定严禁吸烟。在餐厅入口处设有特定吸烟区。
7. 门票不包含饮料费。如有额外点购食物或饮料必须另收费,并支付增值税及服务费。
8. 请勿携带园外食物及饮料(包括蛋糕及榴莲)进入餐厅。如有携带园外酒精饮料或蛋
糕进入餐厅,恕公司必须收取开瓶费或蛋糕服务费,敬请见谅。
9. 请勿将餐厅内的食物及饮料、菜单、餐巾、盐和胡椒瓶、餐具及厨房用具等带走。
10. 普吉幻多奇有权更改或取消餐厅内的任何菜单或演出(包括空中酒吧)而无需赔
偿或事先告知。
概念
在富有泰国独特风格的金碧辉煌建筑中惊艳呈现一个五星级标准的海鲜自助餐厅。
营业时间
下午5:30 – 晚上9:00 (平常)
下午5:00 – 晚上10:00 (特殊)
面积和容量
“苏丽雅玛”座落在“金娜里”皇家雅宴自助餐厅的金阳亭及铂月亭内,占地面积为960 m2 ,可同时容纳300个座位。然而,为了确保客人享受轻松优雅的氛围,我们尽力使每一场次的客座量上限维持在120位之内。
菜肴
“苏丽雅玛”提供泰式和国际风味的各种海鲜菜肴。“择物择时烹饪”让客人能够根据自己的喜好从一些新鲜海鲜原料中选择烹饪方式由我们的专业厨师来完成。
“苏丽雅玛”用餐的客人同时也可选择享受“金娜里”皇家雅宴自助餐厅内的各种丰盛菜肴,作为“苏丽雅玛”的特别赠送。
素食者、纯素食者和穆斯林贵宾的食物只有在“金娜里”皇家雅宴自助餐厅内的特定区域提供。任何特殊的饮食需求请与我们联系。
饮料类型
我们提供各种软饮料和酒类(收费服务),至于冰水,咖啡和茶可免费饮用。
招牌鸡尾酒是“苏丽雅-金太阳”和“赞达拉-金月亮”
顾客服务
择物择时烹饪
特殊团体菜谱(根据预定要求)
素食菜谱
私用区域
展览和商务会议设施
展览花组
VIP专用座位及桌布
公告服务
「金娜里」迎客舞
「金娜里」生日祝福节目
设施
室内中央空调
灯光调控设施
背景音乐,广播和寻呼系统
祈祷室
医护室
餐厅规则
1. 请在营业时间结束至少30 分钟前进入餐厅用餐。
2. 用餐票只限一次使用。如需返回餐厅,请在离开前联络职员并盖上手印。
3. 海鲜自助餐只限提供于「苏丽雅玛」自助餐厅。如需升级,请联络职员。
4. 请按照指定座位用餐。
5. 如需享用伊斯兰菜肴、素食菜/印度菜或有其他特殊的要求(有对任何食物过敏等),
请在进入餐厅前联络职员。
6. 餐厅内按法律规定严禁吸烟。在餐厅入口处设有特定吸烟区。
7. 门票不包含饮料费。如有额外点购食物或饮料必须另收费,并支付增值税及服务费。
8. 请勿携带园外食物及饮料(包括蛋糕及榴莲)进入餐厅。如有携带园外酒精饮料或蛋
糕进入餐厅,恕公司必须收取开瓶费或蛋糕服务费,敬请见谅。
9. 请勿将餐厅内的食物及饮料、菜单、餐巾、盐和胡椒瓶、餐具及厨房用具等带走。
10. 普吉幻多奇有权更改或取消餐厅内的任何菜单或演出(包括空中酒吧)而无需赔
偿或事先告知。
概念
「象王宫殿」剧场是具有远古素可泰时代独特风格的石雕宫殿。
面积
整个剧场的占地面积为 10莱(约3.7英亩),并且拥有3000个席位。
表演时间
晚上9:00(正常表演)
晚上7:00(加场表演)
表演前20分钟剧场开门迎宾。
顾客服务
照相机和摄影机存放服务
金席座位护带
纪念照拍摄服务
纪念品购物商店
特殊用途分割区域
设施
6个内设洗手间的贵宾房和厨房
会议室
商务中心
医护室(全职医生和护士)
客梯与货梯
广播和寻呼系统
强功力的电力发电机
表演花絮
1. 剧场建筑物的正面有999头的大象雕塑。
2. 整个剧场的建造周期长达500多天。
3. 在剧场正面内运用了众多奇妙的隐藏特效,可用于特殊场合的使用和让人
赞叹的「艾雅拉」神象傳奇的表演。
4. 在剧场前王子与神象的石雕。
5. 剧场占地面积达4英亩,高度为44米 。
6. 剧场有3000个席位,为亚洲最大拥有持久表演的剧场。
7. 剧场内主表演舞台的宽度在37米以上,加上舞台两侧的延伸度各宽达24 米以上,
堪称为泰国最大的表演舞台。
8. 在舞台上配有两台独立操控的升降机,面积共为180平方米,并可下降20米。
剧场规则
1. 请在表演时间至少15 分钟前入进剧场。
2. 所有贵宾必须接受保安检查方可进入剧场。严禁携带任何武器进入剧场。
3. 剧场内按法律规定严禁吸烟。
4. 请勿携带食物及饮料进入剧场。
5. 剧场内禁止摄影和录影。进入剧场前,请到照相机检查处接受检查,并将照相机、摄
影机及所有录制器材(包括照相功能手机)存放在指定寄存处或借用自助寄存柜服务。
6. 请按照指定的座位入座。
7. 请勿使用双筒望远镜(除了视力障碍者外)。
8. 禁止使用各种类的手电筒、玩具或所有会发亮及有声音的物品。
9. 请在表演进行期间保持安静。
10. 为了所有贵宾的雅兴,在演出尚未结束之前,请勿随意或过早离席。
概念
「甘玛拉王国之传奇」剧目是拉斯维加斯风格融和泰国文化的经典表演,运用了当今世界最先进的科技和表演艺术新元素的注入。“泰”的原意,是泰国人民对自由和快乐的热爱,代表着泰国人的勇敢与富有同情心。作为甘玛拉王国的统治者,甘玛拉王子与同伴“艾雅拉”神象,走遍了整个王国的每一个角落,去寻找“泰”的真谛。
首演日期
1998 年12月20日
表演主题特效
这九种令人惊叹的表演主题交错运用,让世界各地而来的观众获得数不尽的惊奇与欢乐。
1. 泰国文化
2. 神奇隐术
3. 杂技表演
4. 象群马戏表演
5. 焰火爆炸特效
6. 特技表演
7. 高空表演
8. 四度空间的舞台特效
9. 特殊效果
演出团队
每天晚上的演出团队有超过400多位演员和幕后工作人员,以及超过44头的大象,3头老虎,40只羊, 40只鸡和400多只鸟。
幕次及时间
表演时间为70分钟共有11段场景
I. 祭祀~团结一致
II. 皮影戏~生命轮回
III.金娜里~ 慈悲为怀
IV. 仙女~自由心灵
V. 古典剧~ 正义与邪恶
VI. “莎奴”~乐趣无穷
VII. 微笑国度~万众一心
VIII.黄金稻田~纯真爱情
XI. 战斗~勇敢
X. 儿童~新的希望
XI. 建国~刻苦耐劳
主要人物
甘玛拉王子 ~ 善于思索的年轻王子
甘玛拉女 ~ 美丽的农家女儿
艾雅拉神象 ~ 魔术神象
金娜里 ~ 上身为人形下身为鸟形的神话中天使般的动物
天之骄女 ~ 为自由而歌颂的天使们
哈努曼 ~ 一个智勇双全、有胆有识的猴王
托沙干 ~ 拥有十双手的邪恶巨魔
庄与茵 ~ 世界著名的暹罗连体孪生人
嗒崆小鬼 ~ 滑稽和快乐,喜爱开玩笑的活泼小鬼
牛魔 ~ 甘玛拉王子的对手邪恶魔王
表演花絮
1. 「甘玛拉王国之传奇」表演节目持续演出之长久为亚洲第一。
2. 有众多动物演员:如大象44头;水牛6头;鸟400多只;羊40只以及可爱的鸡群!!!
3. 在舞台上用于表演的独立操控的升降机是世界上最大之一。
4. 剧场内有众多大象同时进行表演堪称世界上独一无二!
故事情节
甘玛拉…幸福富饶和平之邦
甘玛拉…人民友爱和睦共处
甘玛拉…神奇飘渺神秘传说
百余年来,民间流传着一个传说,讲述一个湮没在森林中曾经有过灿烂辉煌文明古国
“甘玛拉”与其俊俏英明的统治者~甘玛拉王子。但是,甘玛拉人民沉迷于罪恶的黑势
力,醉心贪婪自私之时,善良人性消失于无形,整个王国陷入罪恶深渊,引起庇护这个
国土的神祗震怒,加罪与甘玛拉王子,念咒是甘玛拉王子与其乘骑神象“艾雅拉”变成
石像…若甘玛拉人民不同心向善,团结一致,王子将永远不得复生…
「甘玛拉王国之传奇」就是这故事的续篇。
表演的序幕,是甘玛拉人民从四面八方前来集合,形成一股坚强无比力量,破去神仙
咒语,使石王子再次复生,以便领导人民游历此神秘国度,追求慈祥…歌颂仁爱…体验
自由…探索“泰”的真谛…
祭祀 ~ 团结一致
千年来迷幻莫测 充满无比的喜悦
当贵宾千里而来 神秘之邦现奇迹
皎洁月光洒遍丛林,骑在象背上的甘玛拉王子石像,竖立在残墙破壁的王宫面前,经过数百年的岁月沧桑,甘玛拉王国已变得面目全非。突然远处传来吵杂人声,甘玛拉人民从四面八方汹涌而来,笛声、长鼓声、锣声汇成一片,震耳欲聋韵律。人民向着石像祭拜,配合著音乐,载歌载舞,展示团结力量,祈求解除咒语,以便出现奇迹,使甘玛拉王子复生。
皮影戏 ~ 生命轮回
甘玛拉王子出行 驾神象作帝王游
所见所闻皆新奇 所得教益更无穷
在闪烁不定灯光下,影幕上黑影飘动,显出甘玛拉王国不同人物动态,包括统治者甘玛拉王子的“生命轮回”教训,返复轮回不息。
金娜里 ~ 慈悲为怀
金娜里群相戏水 姿态曼妙惹人爱
感情冲动犯咒语 美色当前难把持
在深邃丛林中,金娜里鸟神,飞翔於大自然中,逍遥自在。当甘玛拉王子骑着神象进入深林,见到众美丽如谜的鸟神翩翩起舞,姿态曼妙而无法控制情绪,将一位金娜里抱个满怀。惊惶的金娜里泪流满面,表情楚楚可怜,使甘玛拉王子感到哀伤,良心发现,加上慈祥性格的驱使,甘玛拉王子终於释放了金娜里,使其恢复自由返回大自然中。
仙女 ~ 自由心灵
仙女嬉戏满天庭 仙乐飘飘震梵宫
舞姿曼妙世罕见 降落凡间娱大众
当夜幕低垂,星光闪闪,婀娜多姿众仙女群相出现,飘荡天际,自由自在以庆祝心灵得到自由开放,也是泰国人的生活写照。
古典剧 ~ 正义与邪恶
群雄各勇踞一方 魔王天神相抗礼
天庭勇战百回合 邪恶一方终败逃
甘玛拉王子有幸作为一场正义与邪恶激战的见证人,遭逢到正义之望“拉玛”率领大军与邪恶之魔十首恶魔“托沙干”大战,”托沙干“号称生命从不毁灭但“沙玛”的勇将猴王“哈努曼”却用计诱沙魔王麾下众恶魔。由于“沙玛”的英明与猴王“哈努曼”的精灵,终于挫败魔王,相应了“正义战胜邪恶”的真理。
“莎奴” ~ 乐趣无穷
连体连襟举步艰 心情各共难相同
鬼面小丑各逞威 纷纷乱乱成一团
著名的暹罗连体孪生人“茵”与“庄”,率领载着五色缤纷面具的队伍,广招民众参加各种玩意,共享无穷乐趣,充分表现出泰国人的乐天天性 ~“莎奴”。甘玛拉王子也在场出现,参加玩乐,却遭到“茵”与“庄”设巧局诸多刁难,希望引出甘玛拉王子的聪敏心思…
微笑国度 ~ 万众一心
夕阳西坠乐声扬 美女起舞乐翩翩
各部乐队相云集 欢迎远方来访人
甘玛拉王子足迹遍及全国每个角落,发现四方人民各有其特出歌舞技能,各部域土风舞蹈姿态各具特色。鼓琴弦乐敲击音韵虽各有不同,但却能相辅相成,汇成一股振奋人心的文化艺术,表现出万众一心热闹场面。
黄金稻田 ~ 纯真爱情
来自田野间音韵 婀娜俪影相飘忽
美人轻奏喜悦曲 爱情显得更纯真
甘玛拉王子骑着神象经过一个宁静小村落,村民正协力收割稻田,唱着悠扬爱情歌曲。甘玛拉王子钟情其中一位美女,爱情的花朵就这样开。“纯真爱情”之歌曲传遍每个角落,深入地下,唤醒酣睡中的地狱牛魔,来到人间作乱,将美女掳作人质,企图破坏王子纯真爱情…
战斗 ~ 勇敢
突然间象战开始 善良罪恶争短长
战斗场面惊天地 大象勇战泣鬼神
甘玛拉王子紧急召集军队出战,攻打牛魔王堡垒,众兵士虽勇猛无穷,但仍难抗御变化多端的牛魔症,当敌强我弱势形成,王子将落败之时,王子高声呼唤其驾驳“艾雅拉”神象救驾,刹那间,神象随着刺耳鸣叫声而知,奋力将牛魔王堡垒冲破,众牛魔遂告落败,四处奔逃,王子再度与爱侣相会,并赢得了“勇敢”的称誉。伟大爱情获得圆满结局。
儿童 ~ 新的希望
世界又恢复和平 大象功劳不可灭
儿童们活泼天真 全国充满新气象
当战火熄灭,和平再度降临大地,人民安居乐业,儿童们天真无瑕,载歌载舞,活泼可爱地与小象共乐,新的希望随着幸福新生活再度燃起。
建国 ~ 刻苦耐劳
复兴艺术与文化 动员努力建国家
美化艾雅拉王宫 象队腾空满天飞
999 头巨象队汇成巨大力量,刻苦耐劳协力共同重建王国,甘玛拉人民举行盛大仪式,迎接正义勇敢王子重返国土,天下呈现一片和平欢欣气象。
主要角色
I ~ 甘玛拉王子
深受人民爱戴的甘玛拉王国的统治者甘玛拉王子,肩负着寻找“泰”的真谛的使命。
II ~ “艾雅拉”神象
“艾雅拉”神象,王子忠实贴身的引路同伴,是雄伟壮观的象族王国神象祖先之后裔。
III ~ 甘玛拉女
一个体态婀娜多姿、全身充满美感的可爱女孩,出生在一个纯朴的农民家庭里,以真诚、善良、纯洁的心,最终赢得了甘玛拉王子的爱。
IV ~ 金娜里
古老神话中天使般的动物,上身为人形下身为鸟形。
V ~ 天之骄女
仙女那美妙的歌声、曼妙的舞姿在空中自由的荡漾着,传送给人们心灵的享受和真诚的祝贺。
VI ~ “哈努曼”猴王
“哈努曼”,一个智勇双全、有胆有识的猴王,虔诚的捍卫着他的国王。
VII ~ “托沙干”邪恶之魔
拥有十面颊和十双手的“托沙干”,是极度邪恶之魔。他魔力超群,号称生命从不毁灭。
VIII ~ “庄”与“茵”
举世闻名的暹罗连体孪生人。以可爱的笑容、滑稽的舞姿和欢快的戏法带给人们无穷的乐趣。
IX ~ “嗒崆”小鬼
顽皮和诡秘的代表,这些小鬼非常有趣,到处戏耍,开玩笑,制造混乱。
X ~ 牛魔
半人形、半牛形的众牛魔,是一群非常霸道,令人望而生畏的挑衅者,服从那邪恶的牛魔王。
普吉岛信息网
请点击以下网站或阅读以下关于普吉岛的英文旅游资讯。
https://baike.baidu.com/item/普吉岛/121922
https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/普吉府
Phuket Introduction
Phuket (pronounced 'Poo-Ket') is Thailand’s largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Nestled in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline, Phuket is approximately 862 kilometers (536 miles) south of Bangkok, and covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (134,178 acres) excluding small islets. It is estimated that if all its 39 other small islands are included, Phuket Province will cover an area of approximately 590 square kilometers (145,792 acres). The island’s total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers (30 miles) and 21.3 kilometers (13 miles) wide.
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.
Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders.
History
Commonly referred to as the 'Pearl of the Andaman', Phuket Island has a long history and a rich tradition with many influences from the east as well as from the west.
The name Phuket is derived from the Malay word bukit, meaning hill. The island was previously named Junk Ceylon on European charts, a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang meaning Cape Salang. Later it became known as Thalang, after the name of the main town on the island. The island did not come to be known as Phuket until quite late in its history when the administrative centre was moved to a mining town in the centre of the island called Phuket.
Located on trading routes between India and China, Phuket was subjected to foreign influences long before many other parts of Thailand. Ships would anchor in the safe harbors of Phuket and wait for the northeast monsoon winds which would allow them to proceed to India. The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced in the 19th century by tin miners. The coastal areas were inhabited by Chao Leh - sea-gypsies who made their living through piracy and fishing for pearls. Although threatened by development, Chao Leh villages can still be found along the coast of Phuket and neighboring islands.
Phuket first became part of a Thai state during the thirteenth century when Thai armies from Sukhothai wrestled control of the island from the Sirivijaya Empire based in Sumatra.
Tin & Rubber
Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the sixteenth century when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom at Ayutthaya, as well as an important trading post. It was also during this period that the first Europeans arrived on Phuket.
Due to Phuket's abundant supply of tin and its importance as a trading port, the island's economy continued to prosper. The British secured a tin mining concession and nearly claimed Phuket as part of the British Empire, opting instead for Penang due to its safer harbors. Phuket's streets were lined with handsome buildings constructed in the Sino-Portuguese style by the tin-barons, many of which can still be seen in older quarters of the town.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the island's interior still remained relatively untouched. Much of it was still covered in ancient rainforest. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, large areas of the island were cleared to make way for rubber plantations.
Tourism began on the island in the 1970s with the first beach bungalows at Patong Beach. During this time Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Phuket's idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travelers from all over the world to the island. This was facilitated by the building of an airport in the mid-1970s.
Today, tourism is by far the island's biggest industry with over 3 million tourists visiting the island annually, making Phuket one of the most popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
Phuket Top Attractions
1.
Promthep Cape - A promontory stretching into the sea and forming the farthest south end of Phuket. Tall cliffs offer a stunning panoramic vista and an ideal location to watch a stunning sunset.
2.
Phi Phi Island – Located 48 km southeast of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh are encircled by water so clear that you can see almost to the seabed from the surface.
3.
Phang Nga Bay - Ao Phang Nga has a seascape both bizarre and beautiful. Covering some 400 sq kilometers of coastline, the mangrove-lined bay opens out to limestone karst formations of up to 300m in height, jungle-clad and craggily profiled. The bay is thought to have been formed about 12,000 years ago when a dramatic rise in sea level flooded the summits of the local mountain ranges.
4.
Phuket FantaSea – A nighttime fun-for-all entertainment complex that is definitely a “must-see” for visitors to Phuket. Dubbed as the world’s first Thai cultural theme park, Phuket FantaSea offers a highly entertaining and spectacular theatrical show (think 30 elephants!), a grand 4,000 seat buffet restaurant, and a colorful shopping street full of games and carnivals!
5.
Spa - Phuket is host to the burgeoning wellness industry of health spas and a variety of yoga, meditation and detox centers set in natural environments dotted across the island.
6.
Patong Nightlife - Boisterous, flashy and loud, Patong is the center of the hedonistic night life of discotheques and beer bars mixed in with up-scale restaurants and chic designer night-spots. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play.
7.
Similan Islands - Known as one of the world’s top 10 spots for awe inspiring above-water and underwater beauty, the 9 islands that make up the Similian Islands are located approximately 100km northwest of Phuket. Massive granite boulders set magnificently against turquoise waters give the islands their distinctive character, and the 30-meter underwater visibility is nothing short of overwhelming.
8.
Phuket Town - Phuket City features an exciting mix of old and new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating. The night markets off Ranong Road and along Soi Downtown offer exceptional shopping opportunities.
9.
Beaches - Few islands can boast of such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of the island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world's finest beaches, such as Nai Torn Beach, Paradise Beach, Surin Beach, Leam Singh Beach, Nai Han Beach. The monsoon rains of May-October can bring unpredictable swimming conditions, so heed the posted flag warnings.
10.
Wat Chalong is the most visited Buddhist temple on the island and the most beautifully ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries.The Chalong Temple is associated with three revered monks of Luang Por Chaem, renowned herbal doctors and setters of bones, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee -- Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V.
Getting Around
The single most dangerous thing in Phuket is the traffic. Foreign tourists should exercise extreme caution, especially with motorcycles, if you choose to drive on the island.
Car Rental
The safest way to tour the island at affordable rates.
Tuk Tuk The most visible form of taxi service, small brightly colored Daihatsu and Isuzu pick-ups with covered bench seats in the back. Prices to destinations must be negotiated with the driver.
Song Taew
Small pick-ups and buses with benches along each side of the bed, picking up and dropping off passengers as they go. You need to know the route it goes before getting on.
Motorbike Rental
The cheapest and most common method of transport on the island. Helmet laws are strictly enforced. Motorbike Taxi For short trips across town, these offer a less expensive way to move quickly around most traffic and road conditions.
Climate
Phuket’s climate tends to be moderate all year long, with monsoon rains from May to October, but with generally sunny and tropically warm weather most of the time.
Safety
Phuket is generally very safe. Nevertheless, as with all other places, a foreign tourist tends to be an easy target for criminals, so caution is advised. And remember…
Never walk alone at night along the beach or dark places.
Red flags on the beach indicate strong currents and dangerous undertows and not safe for swimming, especially during the monsoon months of May to October.
Do not take drink/food from strangers!
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
1.
Smile! They don’t call this place “the land of smiles” for no reason. Here, a little smile goes a very long way as you will surely discover.
2.
“Wai” A simple, gentle and graceful tradition of greeting by placing your palms together at chest height with your head bent slightly forward. This shows respect to others and denotes a politeness of character.
3.
Learn to speak Thai! Thai people are extremely hospitable by nature and would appreciate a foreign friend trying to utter a few words in Thai, no matter how funny it may sound.
4.
Dress appropriately when visiting temples or revered sites. The more body covering, the better for these sacred areas.
5.
Relax and Have Fun. Sanuk (meaning ‘the essence of fun’ ) is a deep-rooted cultural heritage among the Thai people. Do laugh freely and enjoy your stay, that’s the best way to share in the Thai experience.
Don’ts
1.
The Thai monarchy is highly loved and revered by all Thais. Rude remarks or gestures directed at the monarchy are very offensive to Thai people.
2.
The top of the head is considered the holiest part of the body, so care should be taken when using Western methods of showing affection. Best to stick with the “Wai”.
3.
Lose your temper. It is considered rude and embarrassing to all who encounter anger or irritation as a sign of lost control. Keep a “Cool Heart”, or “Jai Yen Yen”, as the Thai say, in any inflammatory situation.
4.
Worry Too Much – “Mai Pen Rai” is one of the most common expressions in Thai, and it means “It doesn’t matter” or “Don’t mind that” or “It’s nothing really”, which sums up the big picture most effectively.
5.
Don’t forget that you are on a holiday resort island, with its own pace and lifestyle. Things and people naturally move to a more moderate pace, so be patient in trying to get things done while you are here!