Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the wealthiest in terms of diversity, culture and traditions. Being a big island means that there are plenty of places to eat and here are a few local food places that we assure you will want to go back again and again (without burning a hole in your pocket).

Abdul’s Roti Shop

This legendary roti shop is located in the heart of Phuket Town. It is said to be one of Phuket’s oldest Muslim restaurants run by the descendants of the original families who opened it over 7 decades ago. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, this place has it all from sweet banana roti or their flaky plain roti with spicy chicken, beef or fish massaman curry. Many customers opt to pair the roti with cha yen or cha ron (Thai iced or hot tea) or a simple coffee. The place is usually very popular for breakfast.

Thalang Road, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
7 am to 5 pm (Daily)

Khun Jeed’s Rad Na Restaurant

Rad Na is a Thai-style rice-noodle dish with meat, seafood and vegetables in a gravy-like sauce. Khun Jeed’s Rad Na restaurant is one of Phuket’s long-running Rad Na place on the island. The restaurant is located on Phang Nga Road, in the heart of Phuket Town which is few steps away from the vintage On On Hotel. The restaurant was established over 20 years ago. It is very visible when you walk pass it because of its bright yellow exterior and the long queue from outside of the restaurant, especially during lunch hours.

Phangnga Road, Phuket Town
9 am to 8.30 pm (Tue to Thu) Closed on Wed

Mee Ton Poe Phuket Original Hokkien Noodles

Mee Ton Poe is well-known for Phuket Hokkien noodle. The restaurant is situated right in front of the clock roundabout on Phuket Road. They serve a delightful, inexpensive, fresh Hokkien noodle dishes with chicken, pork, fish, egg, shellfish or vegetables. They also serve different Thai starters including their famous pork satays, fish cake and crispy pork skin. This place is not so spacious and can get really busy so be prepared that you may need to share tables with others.

9/109 Phuket Road, Phuket Town
10 am to 6 pm (Daily)

Rawai Seafood Market

If you are a fan of seafood, then Rawai Seafood Market is the “must visit” place in Phuket. Rawai beach is a scenic beach with small fishing boats used to harvest a selection of seafood. Rawai Seafood Market started as local fisherman village where the locals buy the fresh catch to take home. Over the years, the small market has grown and became famous. You can buy live seafood from the stalls and go across the street to one of the restaurants where the cooks will prepare and serve the items you bought. It is a very busy place but worth the experiences especially for seafood lovers.

Rawai Pier, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
11 am to 9 pm (Daily)

Mala Dim Sum

There is a wide selection of Dim Sum here but the one you must try is the braised mee sua (wheat flour noodles), a favourite of many locals. The restaurant is quite close to Kata Beach making it convenient to reach from The Boathouse Phuket.

117/1-2 Patak Road Kata, Phuket 05 am to 12.30 pm (Daily)

Thailand’s January tourist arrivals grew by a slim 4.91% in January with China predictably leading the source markets according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports data released at the weekend.

The country welcomed 3,718,504 visitors in January with Mainland China representing 1,069,787 visits up arrivals registered in January, representing a 10.29% increase year-on-year.

Estimated revenue from the China market stood at THB55.9 billion up by 4.69%. Estimates are based mainly on periodic exit surveys at gateway airports but are not recognised for their accuracy.

As usual, Asian markets continue to dominate with the exception of Russia that gained a spot in the top five supply list.

Malaysia took second place with 272,360 visits in January, up 2.50%, followed by Russia 229,518 visits, up 3.03%, Korea 208156, up 5.33% and India 163,724, up by a more dramatic 24.94%.

Key European countries demonstrated declines in arrivals, including Germany (-3.5%), France (-2.5%), Finland and Sweden (-10.68%).

However, arrivals from the UK increased by 3.4% and Norway by 3%.

India came to the rescue for Phuket Island making up for a drop in Chinese arrivals during the last quarter of 2018.  Travel from Russia also spiked, but the market is seasonal with a big booking volume during the winter months and then trailing off by late spring.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is forecasting 41.1million foreign tourists (+7.5%) during 2019, generating an estimated B2.21 trillion in tourism revenue (+10%). The target is within reach, but it depends on China delivering 11.69 million tourists (+11%) and an equally strong visitor count from ASEAN nations.  Europe should supply 6.90 million based on present trends.

“TRIBHUM: The Mystical Three Worlds” is Phuket’s newest tourist attraction, a 3D walkthrough adventure theme park in which visitors are transported into a mystical realm of Siamese legend and fantasy.

Located in front of the Floresta Zone of Central Phuket in Phuket Town, “TRIBHUM: The Mystical Three Worlds” combines this legend and fantasy with creative storytelling and superb interactive technology.

In ‘The Magic Forest World’, visitors can encounter the Makaleetrees and be lured by their enchanted dance, make their way through the ‘Vanekampoo Monkey’ zone inhabited by half-monkey half-oyster animals, speak to the Talking Tree and have their voice changed into that of Tribhum plants, survive poisonous flowers in the Blood Flower Cave, be transformed into a Tribhum creature, catch a glimpse of a Kinnaree and break the spell of the icy Wild Illusion.

Spectacular thrills await in ‘The Silver Mountain World’ on the 4-storey high Silver Glider ride that reaches a speed of over 45 kilometres per hour and on the Crystal Path glass skywalk that’s 60 metres long and over 20 metres high. In the Garuda Dome visitors will find themselves in the middle of a virtual world battle for the elixir of immortality and in the Demon Maze, on the run from thirsty demons.

In ‘The Underwater World’ visitors can cruise along a secret passage to encounter the mythical creature attendants of the Naga King, marvel at the mesmerizing sight of thousands of real-life fireflies in The Thousand-Firefly Tunnel and experience the thrill of flying in the ultimate 4D animation flying theatre!

“TRIBHUM: The Mystical Three Worlds” is open daily (except Wednesday) from 11.00 – 20.00 Hrs. Admission is 1,500 Baht for adults and 750 Baht for children (height 90 – 120 cm) and seniors 60 years and above. Children under 90 cm height and disabled (disabled ID card required) are free.

“TRIBHUM: The Mystical Three Worlds” also features restaurants, a souvenir shop and concierge.

Thailand’s new eVisa On Arrival (eVOA) service went live, 14 February, potentially offering an online service to visitors from 21 nations including China, India.

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau chief, Surachate Hakpal, confirmed at a launch event, last Friday, that the eVOA service was up and running at four airports — Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, and Don Mueang as well as Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Visitors who receive an authorisation email confirmation for their eVOA issued by service provider, VFS Global, can pass through a fast-track channel at the four airport border checkpoints with minimal fuss.

Technically, the eVOA service is open to nationals from 21 nations: Andorra; Bulgaria, Bhutan; China; Cyprus; Ethiopia; Fiji; India; Kazakhstan; Latvia; Lithuania; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Papua New Guinea; Romania; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Taiwan; Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

However, currently the service is limited to 15 nationalities. Still offline are: Bulgaria; Latvia; Lithuania; Romania and San Marino.

The visa processing is completed online with an approval letter, but final approval to enter the country remains within the jurisdiction of immigration officials at the checkpoint.

Tourists can apply from 30 days up to 24 hours before they are due to arrive in the country and an express eVOA for passengers who may urgently need to travel to Thailand.

VFS Global created the system and supervises the screen processing coordinating with the Immigration Bureau to facilitate the issue of a barcoded confirmation emails.

It is credited with being the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.

Operating in 143 countries across five continents and handling over 189 million visa, or passport applications in 2018, VFS Global partners with 62 client governments to handle visas and some instances a full passport renewal system.

In response to questions filed by TTR Weekly on the role of Thai Airways and Thai Smile in Thailand’s eVOA service, VFS Global said: “Thai Airways International and Thai Smile have created webpages for the convenience of their travellers from the 21 countries. It allows them to apply for the eVOA service when they are booking flights online through an interface with the VFS Global platform.”

Travellers using other airlines that do not have an interface page can apply online by visiting https://thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com.

VFS confirmed the fees for the new online eVisa as follows:
Standard Thailand eVisa on Arrival THB2,600 (Visa fee THB2,000 plus THB600)

Official travel authorisation should be received 24 to 72 hours ahead of the departure date.

Express eVisa on Arrival THB4,500 (Visa fee THB2,000 plus THB2,500 TBH service fee). This offers quicker processing for a decision within 24 hours

China’s rapid urbanisation is driving the popularity of island travel among Chinese tourists, a recent report commissioned by ITB China revealed.

Island escapes have surged in popularity over the past few years, as beaches are rather rare in China despite its long coastline and are also often overcrowded during holiday seasons.

Several travel companies are reporting an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35 per cent in the next three years, while the market for island travel currently already exceeds RMB100 billion annually (approximately US$146 million).

According to interviewed experts, a main driver behind the growing interest in island travel are the visa-free policies for island destinations. The growth expectations are being fuelled especially by Chinese millennial consumers, with 30 per cent of expressing the desire to go on an island trip within the next three years.

The research further highlights that from the perspective of Chinese travellers, islands are typically associated with romance, adventure and escapism. According to Kairos Future’s text analysis of social media posts on the topic of island travel, privacy is a key trend, correlating closely with the notion of romance. Segments that stand out among island travellers include soon-to-be-wed couples engaging in destination photoshoots, newlywed couples on their honeymoons, and adventure seekers looking for activities such as scuba diving.

In the past years the perceived image of some island destinations important to the Chinese traveller had suffered due to operated ‘zero‑dollar’ tours that included unannounced mandatory shopping trips. This phenomenon might soon come to a complete end, following shifting values among Chinese consumers paired with an increased control and regulation by destination government authorities having identified and addressed this issue.

The Indonesian Tourism Association, for example, began to intensively regulate low-cost tours in 2018 and Bali, one of China’s top island destinations, has seen all tour-related shopping sites close. Since 2016, Thailand has also taken drastic action to eliminate ‘zero-dollar’ tourism.

As the purchasing power and travel knowledge of Chinese consumers continue to grow, vendors are seeing an increasing number of tourists choosing customised tours to meet their specific travel needs.

Next, travel tips is one of the largest themes in the analysed travel-related social media posts. By exploring destinations through social media, and developing preferences for activities on their itinerary, Chinese consumers are prepared to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

On top of beaches, more diversified, niche activity offerings – including hiking active volcanos, whale watching, and jungle adventures – reflect a present shift towards experiential tourism.

Over the next three years, more than 70 per cent of island tourists are expected to opt for tailored or self-guided tours. Identifying each island’s differentiators and understanding market demands will allow vendors to engage in more precisely targeted marketing and advertising campaigns, thereby attracting more customers.

Island travel demandfor the Chinese is also strongly influenced by depictions in media, with films, TV, and social media that highlight previously-unknown islands attracting the attention of new travellers.

The ITB China Travel Trends Report was created in collaboration with the international consulting and research company Kairos Future. It will be presented at ITB China, set to take place from the May 15-17, 2019 in Shanghai.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries until 30 April.

The decision was announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 11 January, reasoning it as a measure to stimulate and promote tourism as well as to enhance the kingdom’s attractiveness among foreign visitors during the high travel season.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the continuation of the stimulus visa-on-arrival measure came at a perfect time as Thailand is set to celebrate Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April.

Chinese New Year celebrations are huge in Thailand, and this year will mark the 15^th anniversary of cooperation between TAT, the Chinese Ministry of Culture, and the Chinese Embassy in organising annual Lunar New Year festivities in Thailand. This year’s date falls on 5 February.

Mr. Yuthasak said: “This year, the Chinese New Year official opening ceremony will be held at Siam Square, one of the most popular shopping areas in Bangkok. We aim to attract more of the younger generation to enjoy the traditional performances.”

Every year, China sends over 100 traditional Chinese dancers and musicians, martial artists, Chinese opera performers and acrobats from several cities in a cultural exchange. In addition to the opening ceremony, typically held at Bangkok’s Yaowarat (China Town), performances are also held in key cities around Thailand where Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand style. In return, TAT organises education tours of Thailand for the performers.

For the Thai New Year (Songkran), TAT will continue its strategy to promote Thai traditions and cultural values, the core part of almost all traditional events and festivals in Thailand, according to Mr. Yuthasak. “As usual, TAT will provide support to the organising of Songkran celebrations in various destinations throughout the kingdom.”

The Songkran Festival, 13-15 April, is an event where boisterous fun and ancient traditions go hand-in-hand. For tourists, the event offers a chance to enjoy a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand’s towns and villages. For locals, it is a time when they can spend precious moments with their families and visit the temples to observe ancient rites and make merit.

Other notable events and festivals scheduled during the period include the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony on 17 March in Ayutthaya and the uniquely local Poi Sang Long Festival (held during March or April) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son.

The list of countries eligible for the visa-on-arrival fee waiver until 30 April:

Citizens of Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China including Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan will be exempted from the 2,000 Baht visa-on-arrival fee for the purpose of touring in Thailand for not more than 15 days.

Having been home to the best yacht shows in Phuket for almost 15 years, Royal Phuket Marina will host the country’s largest yachting and luxury lifestyle event from 10 to 13 January 2019, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous, organised by Verventia.

Welcoming one of the biggest line-ups of international yachting and lifestyle brands, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous will benefit from Royal Phuket Marina’s central location and it’s architectural master planning which delivers a visitor-friendly yacht show layout where all displays are located in-the-water and around the water’s edge.

“What makes Royal Phuket Marina special is our integrated concept with easy access to boats in the marina, restaurants on the Boardwalk and the island’s largest exhibition hall right on the waterfront. This makes it an ideal boat show venue as visitors can move easily between displays without having to walk too far,” commented Mr. Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina.

“We’ve been working closely with the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous organisers and the show looks set to be one of the best ever with a record of more than 50 boats in the show ranging from 10 to 54 metres. The in-water display is almost full and onshore there will be a packed calendar of activities and a number of exclusive functions that will help to raise the bar and make 2019 the best show yet.”

Recognising the importance of growing new markets, Royal Phuket Marina are collaborating with GoAir – the world’s fastest growing airline and the first airline to fly direct from India to Phuket – and have undertaken a strong media campaign targeting Ultra High Net Worth Indians to come to the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous, buy boats and keep them in Phuket. In addition, GoAir are offering 50% discounts on all flight tickets from India to Phuket for passengers who are registered to attend the Thailand Yacht Show from 10 Jan to 13 Jan 2019.

“India is the fastest growing market for Phuket, as shown by the C9 Market Update issued in December, and has huge potential. We are targeting Ultra High Net Worth Indians to buy and keep their boats in Phuket. There is little yachting infrastructure in India and import duties are 60% whereas Phuket is the top yachting destination in Asia and has world-class infrastructure, and import duties on boats are zero. With GoAir’s new direct flights to Phuket, Indians can now reach the island in less than four hours, and I expect to see more making Phuket their base for berthing and their number one choice for cruising,” said Mr. Lalvani.

Home to the largest exhibition centre on the island – the 2,500 sqm (26,900 sq. feet) waterfront RPM International Exhibition & Conference Centre – and the iconic town square and Boardwalk, totalling 3,400 sqm (36,600 sq. feet), Royal Phuket Marina has become a venue of choice for events of all sizes, including luxury product launches, gala dinners, concerts, weddings and more.