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Of course we'd like to give you the impression that the sun shines
all day all year round in Patong. (Actually it does shine most of
the year) however there are some periods from June to November,
when there are occasional showers. The rain rarely lasts, but while
it does, most people enjoy the cool refreshing respite from the
heat and take a break in a favourite restaurant, go for a massage,
relax in their hotel, take a nap or read a book, accumulating much
needed energy for the next shopping trip or evening's entertainment.
While the beach is undoubtedly one of Patong's main attractions,
there are lots of enjoyable indoor activities, and if the rain is
preventing you from spending time outside, here are some alternative
activities - rain or shine.
Bowling
Go Bowling at "Rock & Bowl", a new 16 lane bowling
alley at the intersection of Soi Nanai and Soi Sai Namyen (At 90
Baht/game, 30 Baht shoe rental, it's great value) Ask about the
"Eat & Play" packages which offer food and 3 games.
A smaller 10 pin bowling alley is also open on the top floor of
the Ocean Bangla Shopping Center - open all day till late. Shorter
lanes with pounding pop and after 9.00pm florescent lighting adds
a different dimension.
Spa, Massage and sheer indulgence...
Ask the hotel to arrange a massage - many provide an in-house service
in the comfort of your own room. Alternatively, visit one of the
local massage services - there are plenty in Patong - and spend
a very relaxing 1-2 hours. Remember there are many different kinds
of massage services available, some more "interactive"
than others, others with a focus on healing and herbal remedies,
and some just straight no frills massage. If in doubt, ask! (See
Spa/Massage for more information).
If massage isn't your thing, pamper yourself by visiting one of
the many beauty parlours around the town. Indulge in a manicure
and/or pedicure and have your nails painted in funky colours. Have
your hair washed, your head massaged, try a foot massage. Facials
are another lovely inexpensive luxury. Your skin will appreciate
a bit of buff and polish after all the sand and sun. Have your eyelashes
dyed, or get that tattoo you've always wanted - either permanent
(ouch!) or one of the clever temporary ones!
Men can enjoy the luxury of being shaved in traditional barber
style and can also get a pretty decent (or radical) haircut for
very little money. Most major hotels have beauty parlours attached
- a little more expensive than outside operators, but usually offering
a more sophisticated service. Spas are the latest trend to hit Phuket,
offering a range of herbal and local products combined with wonderful
massage and beauty treatments. , (See Phuket
Spas and Massage for further details)
Thai Cooking lessons
Excellent rainy day activity. Most of the schools here try to instill
an understanding of the different tastes in Thai food, and how best
to recreate those tastes, even when in your own country, all ingredients
are not always at hand. Some are more "hands on" than
others, but all show how to produce an entire meal from starter
to dessert with simple, easy to follow instructions.
The popularity of Thai food all over the world has many people
interested in learning the art of cooking it in their homes and
are surprised at how simple it really is once you understand how
to put the tastes together. Many hotels with a Thai restaurant arrange
classes or a demonstration for you. If your hotel doesn't, but there
are also cooking schools not too far from Patong.
The Hideaway School of Thai Cookery at Kata Beach runs courses
from Monday to Friday, either 9am to 1pm with lunch, or 2pm to 6pm
with dinner. Each day's menu includes a starter, spicy salad, Thai
traditional soup, main course and desert. Tel: (66-76) 330914.
Pat's Home Cooking, run by Pat Teinthong at her home near
Phuket Town, offers half day cooking classes for authentic Thai
cuisine using a Western style kitchen. Learn to prepare 4 dishes
to accompany rice. Tel/Fax: (66-76) 213 765.
The Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel offers Thai cookery classes
every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon from 15.00 to 17.00
hrs. Contact Guest Activities at 324 324 extension 2855 for registration
and complete menu details.
Culinary Workshops at The Boathouse in Kata Beach, offer
1 and 2 day courses on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00
hrs. Recipes are Chef Tamanoon's own. The complete course features
appetizers and salads on Saturday, and main courses and desserts
on Sunday. Graduates receive recipes, The Boathouse certificate
and apron. Classes are followed by a leisurely lunch where students
can taste their own creations. Tel: (66-76) 330015-7 Fax: (66-76)
330561 E-mail: boathouse@phuket.com
Fitness - Feeling energetic?
Visit a gymnasium for a good workout followed by a sauna or Jacuzzi.
Many of the major hotels have their own fully equipped gyms with
scheduled aerobics and fitness classes, and professionally trained
fitness instructors to guide you through the use of fitness equipment.
Non-hotel guests are usually permitted to use gym facilities and
have fixed daily fees for casual visitors. If you're planning to
use the facilities regularly, discuss the possibility of a short
term membership of 1 or 2 weeks.
Patong Gym - Tel: 341-792
Novotel Phuket Resort, Kalim - Tel: 342-777
Sportathlon
at Le Meridien - Tel: 340-480-5
Tailor made...
Get measured up for some new threads! If you're really prepared
in advance you will have brought along your old favourite suits,
or dresses from home to be copied. Choose your material from the
shop (they won't make it if you don't buy your material there) and
come back a day or 2 later. If not, you can while away a few hours
in the tailor's shop deciding on patterns, materials and being measured
from head to toe in order to get the best fit! Make sure you have
at least 2 fittings to get exactly what you want. Be warned though
- don't drag anyone along who is not prepared to sit for hours while
you choose and deliberate on patterns and materials. (See Shopping
section for more information).
Films/Movies
Paradise Theatre: Catch the latest films at the Paradise multiplex
cinema in Phuket town Comfortable and inexpensive you'll find the
latest up to date English language movies (sometimes before their
release in Europe.) The"Paradise" is situated above the
UFO clothing shop close to Robinson’s Department Store, or
at Central Festival. For more information telephone 076 220 174-5 |
