Tiger Guide to surrounding area & stuff to do

Introduction

Well guys and girls I’m sure for all the new people out here you all have loads of questions to ask about general things such as what to do, where to go, places to see, banks, scooter hire, pharmacies, hospitals, visa runs costs etc.

Good news is most of what you need to know will be in this guide!

I’ve been here for over a year now and am normally out and about on the scooter finding alternative things to do when not training.

/Sarah

If there is anything on here that doesn’t answer you’re questions make sure you email and ASK!

Overview

Local area & Scooter Hire

For people that have just arrived you’ll notice that without a scooter there is very limited things to do in the surrounding area.

You have a few select places to stay and eat on the road outside camp. However if you are here for more than a few days I suggest hiring a scooter which can be done from pretty much everywhere, camp hires them as do most places that do accommodation. Prices are 250baht per day 1500baht per week and 4500baht per month. Some places you can haggle on this if you are staying for an extended time, so you might get yourself a slight discount (Always an added bonus!)

Petrol can be purchased just up from camp – You will see many places on the road side selling what looks like bottles of alcohol! This is in fact petrol, for 30baht per bottle approx you can fill up pretty much anywhere so there is no worry of breaking down and not being able to fill up. It takes approx 100baht to fill the tank.

Word of warning: Always wear your helmet no matter how stupid you feel in it! There are police all over Chalong especially at Chalong Circle and they pull over EVERYONE! There is a 300baht fine for no helmet and 500baht fine if you don’t carry your license. They will keep your bike while you walk to the police station and pay the fine. It’s a hassle that you don’t need and the money can be spent on so matter more fun things.

Now that you have a scooter you can venture further afield.

Relaxation/Massage

Turn left out of Tiger and continue up the road for approx 2km, on your left hand side you will come to Phuket Spa where for 120baht you can use the facilities which include a nice sized swimming pool with waterfall, sauna and steam room for the day. They provide the towels along with shorts for the guys and a sarong for the girls.

Should you want to totally de stress you can opt for one of the many spa massages that they have on offer. Ranging from a simple 60minute massage you can choose either oil, aloe, aromatherapy, Swedish, or Thai to name a few to a full spa package experience which can include a number of different treatments to suit your time a budget. Anything from facials, body wraps, aromatic salt scrubs, tamarind bath, to after sun treatments for those that may have overdone the sun bathing!

If you are on a slightly lower budget you can choose from a number of massage places in Chalong such as SU Massage which is further past Phuket spa to the main road, take a right and it’s 2.5km on your left side 4 shops down from Chalong Gym.

They have a nice clean upstairs with low lighting and music where you can opt for a Thai massage 250baht or an oil massage 300baht along with other treatments and basic hair salon, with very friendly professional staff. If you want to learn how to do Thai Massage see below in the guide of things to do.

Places to eat

Here is a selection of places to eat in the surrounding areas around Tiger Muay Thai.

Fattys

German style food with a Thai menu also.

Very big portions with good prices, Ostrich steak with rosti potatoes is a big hit there and looks amazing! 5km from camp next to SU massage above.

The Ostrich steak is highly recommended and huuuge!

Anchor Inn

Past Fattys at Chalong circle turn left and it’s the 5th place on the left. They serve everything from fantastic salads (Yes I did just say fantastic and salad in the same sentence!) They are huge and very filling. They also serve pizzas, pastas, with a Italian menu and International menu alongside a Thai menu with Pad Thai at 50baht and is nearly 2 portions! Lots of variety at cheap prices.

Family restaurant

Middle Eastern/Greek restaurant past Chalong circle toward Rawai on the left before small Tesco. With the owner being Isreali you have a wide selection of mezzes to choose from alongside all the general starter dishes such as hummus, falafel, kebabs etc. There is also a Thai menu to choose from. Very good prices with a take away service.

Friendship beach

Past Chalong circle towards Rawai go past a 7/11 and a petrol station on your right and look out for a sign on your left (Not that easy to spot) saying Friendship beach resort. As it’s off the main road it is a nice quiet quaint spot to have dinner, busier at weekends with music and live singer.

It has a pool and a lovely beach view in the evenings. Not overly expensive but also not cheap it has a varied menu with excellent burgers and daily specials, there is also a Thai menu with dishes being approx 70baht.

Greenman pub

Situated on the main road towards Kata 1km from Chalong circle is a nice quaint typical Tudor style English pub based on over 3 acres of landscaped ground.

It has an extensive menu ranging from your typical English pies and fish n chips to a Roast on Sundays, resonably priced. They also have room hire available for parties, weddings, anniversaries.

For more info please visit http://www.the-green-man.net

Pizza Company

The Pizza company are all over Thailand it’s like the Thai answer to Pizza Hut in the UK. They have a delivery service which you can order from online if you don’t want to go out. Should you wish to dine in you can do so at Tesco Lotus just past Chalong circle towards Rawai.

With all the popular Pizza choices you also have a vast pasta menu along with a salad bar and combo deals.

For more info please visit http://www.pizza.co.th/1112/

Flintstones Bakery

Left out of camp to end of road, right at end for approx 3km, just before Chalong circle on right side.

This is an excellent German, French, Italian bakery in Chalong with all the breads and cakes to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Coffee shops

There are a number of coffee shops in Phuket as you will see from driving round. You can get the international Starbucks in Central Festival and in Kata with the international prices or you can opt for Black Canyon coffee which is based at each Teso Lotus brances 2.5km from camp either side and also in Central Festival.

They have the same coffee menu for about half the price of Starbucks. They also do a good food menu with sandwiches and an extensive Thai menu for a coffee shop along with all the great cheesecakes and muffins!

For more info please visit http://www.blackcanyoncoffee.com

Phuket Brewary

Firstly you can’t miss it! Opposite the Big Tesco Lotus, it is shaped like a ship and opened in November 2008. The name gives it away slightly (Brewary!) They have an impressive looking wooden and copper bar with freshly brewing beer behind the bar!

The mirco brewary makes 3 beers, a lagar, a dark beer and a Weizenbier which is wheat beer. The brewary hold over 1000 people and with an upstairs balcony which overlooks the bar area and has a number of video screens. The Brewary is mainly aimed at families and social evenings, they also hold a number of concerts there which have seen a few of the big Thai rock bands already.

They also do food which isn’t onthe cheap side, generally more Western priced although they do have a happy hour between 7-8pm where the normal price of beer 130baht drops to 75baht for a half liter!

For more info please visit http://www.phuketbrewery.net/en

Banks & ATMs

There are a number of banks and ATMS all over Chalong. Pretty much every 7/11 has a cash point outside it.

There is a a charge of 150baht for all transactions with Thai banks unless you are with Nationwide bank in the UK in which case the only bank that has not introduced this charge is Ayudhya bank (the yellow one) Should you actually need to change travellers cheques or exchange foreign currency you can use the Siam Commercial Bank – Left out of Tiger to end of road, turn left at lights on the corner.

Alternatively there is an Ayudhya bank on the way to Anchor Inn near Chalong circle on the right hand side opposite 7/11.

If you need to trasfer money this can be done at Western Union. There is one in Central Festival on the second floor.

Phuket International Hospital

Located just past Central Festival on the main road. As far as hospitals go this is a very nice one! The staff and doctors speak good English and should you have to go you will be well taken care of. When entering the hospital you will be made to register at the front desk and be given a card.

Depending on the treatment you are having, the bill will be given to you at the end and you pay at the cash desk. Caution: The staff will try to get you to stay overnight for the smallest complaint and at approx 1500baht minimum per night the prices are quite high.

Therefore if you are well and fit enough to go home do so. On the other hand should you need to stay in hospital overnight you will be in good hands.

Phuket International hospital also has a dental department should you need a dentist or get your teeth whitened! There is also a number of promotions and packages you can have at the hospital if you want to just have a general health check, these start at 2,350baht for the basic package up to 12,500baht for a full executive health check.

For more info please visit http://www.phuketinternationalhospital.com/en/

Pharmacies

Are like 7/11 shops, they are all over Chalong where you can get everything from general painkillers and medication. They are also more liberal with the medication such as antibiotics (you don’t need a prescription) The closest Pharmacy is 2.5km from Tiger – Past Phuket Spa turn right at end of road go straight for 1.5km on right side.

A popular Pharmacy with Tiger guests is located towards Chalong circle on the left just before the big 7/11. The pharmacist speaks perfect English and is very helpful.

Shopping

There are many places to shop and get general items from such as any of the 7/11 which are approx every 500metres in Thailand! They stock pretty much everyday items such as bread, eggs, milk, drinks, water, phone credit, popcorn, sweets, some now do ready meals with a microwave instore or a hot water tank for noodles and coffee.

Should you want to do more bulk buying you can also do so at either of the two small Tescos. There is one on each side of Tiger, (One past Chalong circle on the right) and another when you take a left out of Tiger to end of road take another left and go straight for 3km on your left. In these two you can get pretty much everything you need to live here.

If you require something more you can go Central Festival, the big Tesco Lotus and Big C which are located – Right out of Tiger, right at end of road and go straight for 6.5km (approx) on right side.

Central Festival

A large shopping complex with everything you need. There is a number of clothes shops such as Zara and Jasper Conran and a department store where you can purchase all the clothes and cosmetics you would back at home.

There is a boots chemist and a few sports shops such as Nike and Addidas. Apart from the number of shops there is also a few nice places to eat such as Sizzler – They have a fantastic salad bar which is 165baht for as much as you can eat or you get it free when you purchase a main course meal. Alongside other Western food outlets such as Starbucks, Black Canyon, Pizza Company.

A 6 screen cinema boats the 3rd floor with all the latest film releases for 120baht per person and a VIP cinema for 500baht where you get a big sofa chair with blanket, small buffet of sandwiches and treats and free included drink and popcorn! Definitely something you have to try out J

For more info please visit http://www.centralfestivalphuket.com/concept.html

Big C

Just past Central Festival on the right. Another big supermarket with everything you need including electrical goods, homeware department, cosmetics, food, etc.

Downstairs there is a big floor with many electrical shops which stock a number of computers and laptops, chargers, adaptors, mobile mobile phones.

For more info please visit http://www.bigc.co.th/en/

Tesco Lotus

Past Big C to the lights, make a U turn and its on your left side. This Tesco is HUGE! It has everything, food shopping, clothes, baby wear, toys, furniture, electrical department, homeware section, cosmetics etc. If you can’t find it here they probably don’t have it!

There is also a McDonalds, Swensens, KFC, Black Canyon, Dunkin Doughnuts, Boots, Watsons, a number of little stalls selling gifts and a few clothes shops. Upstairs there is a Thai food hall where you put money on a card at the front desk then as you eat each stall swipes the card and deducts money from it.

There is also a beauty salon and nail technicians on the same floor.

For more info please visit http://www.tescolotus.net

Diving

If you are looking for things to do you have to try scuba diving. Phuket is the largest Island in Thailand. See Bees or Dive Chalong Sea Sport located in Chalong have been operating for over 12 years where you can arrange to learn scuba diving at their schooling centre at their Palm Garden Resort with air conditioned classroom and a 3m deep training pool. Courses are normally 3 days long for the Open Water Diver certificate and prices are approx 13800baht.

If you already have the certificate you can book to try one of the many day trips which start at 8am when you will be picked up from your hotel and will depart from Chalong Bay. The premier destinations from Phuket are Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands where you will partake in two to three dives. Alternatively if you are not much of a diver you can go as a non diver and sunbathe or snorkel in the lovely clear waters.

For more info please visit http://www.chalongseasport.com/en or http://www.sea-bees.com

Elephant Safari & Day Trips

There are many day trips and fun things to do in Phuket if you like animals you might like to try the Jungle safari for a day to see if you like it before booking an extended trip. There are so many to choose from ranging from a basic elephant trek for 45mins for 1450baht to a 4-5 day trek with accommodation for 16000baht, the choice is yours.

Generally a one day safari from Phuket to Khao Sok is approx 2950baht you will be collected from your hotel early morning and the trip includes the drive to Khao Sok, Jungle river canoeing, lunch, elephant trekking then return travel to your hotel.

For more info please visit http://www.siamsafari.com

Phuket Zoo

This Zoo has been established since 1997 it is only 2.5km from the camp – Left out of camp to end of road right turn then straight to first set of lights and see sign on left saying Phuket Zoo, make left turn.

The Zoo has a number of daily shows including Monkey, elephant and crocodile shows. They also have an aquarium, bird park and orchid garden and you can have photos taken with the animals ranging from a tiger cub, young tiger or fully grown male to sit with! You also have the pythons which are up to 2 meters long and not forgetting the friendly elephants J The Zoo is open from 8.30am to 6pm.

For more info please visit http://www.phuketzoo.com

Thai cooking classes

As you will have tasted the culinary delights of Thailand on your holiday here you might wish to undertake a Thai cooking course. There are a number of places in Phuket to do this one of which being Pats Thai cooking courses where you will learn from the preparation of ingredients right through the cooking process to the best part – eating it! You will then be given easy to follow recepies and a certificate when you finish J

You can choose from a class of 2 people up to a small group of 8. Normal classes run from 9.30am – 1.30pm and include a trip to the local market to select the ingredients. Private classes are from 4.30pm – 7.30pm. There are two locations to choose from one being Pats city home in Phuket City or her Balinese Thai style bungalow located on a mountain overlooking Phuket with a fantastic 180’ view of phuket and the Andaman sea.

You can also dazzel your friends and family with a fruit and vegetable carving course where you can learn to carve a tomato into a flower!

For more info please visit http://www.phuket.com/thai-cooking/

Learn Thai Massage

Should you want to learn how to do Thai massage there are a number of places that offer this service. One of which being Royal Thai Massage. Classes start from 10am-6pm and there are 3 different forms to choose from:

1. Full body Traditional Thai massage 3,500baht

2. Full body Thai oil massage 3,000baht

3. Foot and legs massage 2,500baht

All prices include Trasportation, soft drinks, vegetarian, seafood lunch and certificate

For more info please visit http://phuketdir.com/royalthaimassage/

Golf Courses & Ranges

There are lots of Golf courses in Phuket here are a selection.

Blue Canyon

Blue Canyon has earned its place among the best golf courses in Asia. The course is the winner of several prominent prizes including the “Asian and Pacific Golf courseof the year 1999”. Based 7 minutes from Puket Internation Airport on the North side of the Island with facilities that include indoor and outdoor driving ranges and four practice putting greens, two for each course.

If you require lessons they are available from professionals for golfers of every standard and include leading brands of equipment which are available from the pro shop. There are two restaurants, the Golfers’ Terrace, and the Canyon Restaurant. Locker room service include sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a variety of massages. For prices see the link below.

* Swimming Pool
* Driving Range
* Sauna
* Massage
* Restaurant (Thai & International)
* Jacuzzi
* Hotel
* Putting Green

For more info please visit http://www.phuketgolfcourse.com

Phuket Country Club

Should you require something closer to Tiger you can also go to Phuket Country Club which was established in 1989 and is one of the finest course in Phuket. They have both an 18hole and 9 hole course. It is open 7am-5pm and is 7km outside Phuket town.

Go to Central Festival and take a left along the 4020 to the next set of lights and take a left, you will see signs for the Gold Course. For a map and prices see the link below.

For more info please visit http://www.phuketcountryclub.com

Loch Palm Golf Club

Located in Kathu district just 7km from Phuket Town and Patong beach. Sanwiched between Kathu Waterfalls and Kathu Town the layout surrounds the largest Lake in any golf course in Phuket.

Crystal Lake is 48 acres in size is an 18 hole golf course which is in great shape due to its recently completed re design and multi million dollar upgrades. For prices and map see link below.

For more info please visit http://www.lochpalm.com

DinoPark MiniGolf

For a fun take on Golf and especially if you have young ones with you, you might want to check out Dino Golf between Kata and Karon. It is an 18 hole mini golf course with authentic scale replicas of prehistoric creatures which kids and adults will love.

Open from 10am-midnight – admission – adults 240baht, kids (4-12) – 180baht.

For more info please visit http://www.dinopark.com

Laguna Phuket Golf Club

Voted top 10 for Best Golf course in Asia. Laguna is an 18 hole, par-71 golf course. The course feature a wealth of scenic lagoons, coconut groves, set against the backdrop of mountains and the Andaman sea. For all the promotions and packages they offer please see the link below.

For more info please visit http://www.lagunaphuketgolf.com

Driving Range

Should you just want to use the driving range to brush up your skills there is a big one located 5 minutes from Tiger. Right out of Tiger, right at end of road, right at lights, straight for 50 metres.

Shooting ranges & Paintballing

For both Paintballing and Shooting ranges you can kill two birds with one stone (or one bullet..!! haha) Located just off Chalong circle towards Kata you can test your hand-eye co-ordination with a plethora of weapons to suit your budget from hand guns to shotguns, prices range from 490-790baht depending on the gun, includes instruction.

Based at the same location you can undertake in a session of paintballing. This is where a battle commences between groups till the last man/woman is standing or the paint runs out! Great fun for a group day out such as birthdays, its also fun for all the family although beware you do get bruises

Open from 9am-6pm.

For more info please visit http://www.phuket-shooting.com

Bowling

Get a group of friends for an alternative night out and head down to the bowling alley in the Big C shopping centre for some fun. Bowling is a popular pastime in Phuket and there are no less than 6 bowling alleys on the island with more planned to open soon .

Tattoos

There are litterly houndreds of Tatto studios around Phuket, some serious some less serious. Here are the two most trusted and nearest the camp.

Golden Needle

A number of people that come to Thailand get tattoos, ranging from protection, tribal, colour, black and white, Japanese style, to a cover up over an old tattoo. There are many places to get them from in Phuket a popular one with members from the camp is Protection Tattoo near Phuket Town. Turn left out of gym to end of road, turn left and continue straight for approx 8km and it is on the left side. I have attached the link below so you can see some of the many designs they have to offer.

For more info please visit http://www.goldenneedle-tattoo.com

Protection Tattoo

Another popular tattoo parlour with camp members is Protection Tattoo. A newly fitted shop at the bottom of the road past Phuket Spa.

Very clean with a wide selection to choose from.

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Last site update on July 30, 2010

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