 |
Phuket is one of the top holiday destinations in Thailand. Its fame comes from its natural beauty in the form of untouched beaches, surrounding tropical islands, rainforest, and both underwater and on water activities. Phuket's natural beauty is what first drew people here, but now the large island offers excellent facilities to meet all needs and budgets. The most commonly visited tourist areas include Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, and Nai Han beaches, all of which offer a full spectrum of tourist facilities. However these places are quite far from KPT forest. There are currently an increasing number of tourist facilities located nearer to the KPT forest along the coast of Phuket such as Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Bang Thao and Ao Po beaches.
 Accommodation  Click to see more photos on Extra programme page.
There is also a growing tourist area around Bang Rong village, only 2 kilometers from the park. We are able to provide simple accommodation for staff, volunteers and visitors at the KES project office in the village. This is an ideal option for backpackers/hardcore tourists, students, researchers, and conservationists who wish to learn more about our work and would like to exchange knowledge on subjects of interest: wild animal life, reintroduction techniques, captive caring, ecological management, health and behavior, ecology, and the flora and fauna of the rainforest. Details are as follows:
 |
|
 6 Single rooms with fan and share bathrooms:
(300 THB)
2 Family rooms with fan and private bathrooms:
(400-1,000 THB)
Coffee, tea and drinking water are included.
Check-out: Between 12:00 hours and 13:00 hours
|
|
Dining at a simple restaurant
in the village. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
Bang Rong village is a less "developed" part of the island, is almost entirely Muslim and remains relatively traditional. The local populace lives without conflict alongside others who do not share their religious beliefs. However, the presence of a dozen young farang does not go unnoticed! The project makes an effort to get along with the local community - if they respect us, they will be more likely to respect and support the work we are doing. Certain codes of conduct are worth observing. Any tourist activities here will benefit the local populace, and thus they are very accommodating. The project will organize accommodation either on site or in rented bungalows in the village close to the project office. The site is also part of the gibbon rehabilitation project which is responsible for caring for orphaned and mistreated wild animals. If you are to come as part of this project we simply ask for your cooperation in following some basic guidelines to help you integrate easily into the local community. The following are some guidelines:
Be discrete in your dress sense - please do not walk around outside your private accommodation in your birthday suit or near to, as it is seen as offensive - not only to the Muslims!! All females must wear a bra and should keep their shoulders and thighs covered; skin tight tops and short shorts are not acceptable.
Touching is common between members of the same sex and will probably catch you off-guard at first! But while a man holding hands with a man is normal, a woman holding hands with a man is definitely NOT acceptable. Even though you may make friends of the opposite sex, either farang or Thai, you should resist the urge to touch them at all in public! Thai people often have the opinion that farang are "easy" and we should try to prove ourselves otherwise!
| |
 |
 |
|
| |
 |
 |
|
| |
Tala beach is another place for everyone to relax
on the beach with a view of Phang Nga Bay, just 3 kilometers from the project office. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
Facilities
7-11 - a local convenience store, where you can find a variety of both Thai and foreign refreshments, as well as some necessities such as toiletries, batteries, phone cards, etc.
Restaurants - there are several small restaurants in the area offering typical Thai cuisine, some offering top class seafood brought in from the local pier.
Local market - experience a slice of culture at the local produce market, held twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. You can find traditional Thai snacks, desserts, and beverages.
ATM - the cash point is located at the 7-11 store and accepts most card types.
Telephone services - phone cards can be purchased at 7-11 also, or there is access to a telephone at the project, though an international phone card may need to be purchased before arrival at the project.
Internet services - there is one internet cafe in the village with fast connections and Skype. However, be aware that at certain times of the day the cafe becomes crowded with school children playing computer games, so you cannot always be guaranteed a computer.
Free Wireless service at KES - if you are traveling with a laptop, then you can use this service while staying at the project.
Laundry services - there are washing machines at the project, but availability depends on the number of residents at the time. There are also a few launderettes around the village.
Police station is situated 100 meters from the project.
Ecotourism at Bang Rong pier - Just a short 10 minute walk will take you to this small pier where domestic and tour boats regularly head off to neighboring islands. There is a beautiful view out over the sea where you can see some of the islands in the distance. Here you can hire a kayak and explore the mangroves, which are bustling with large groups of wild long tailed macaques living in the area. Photos are below:
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
A view from kayak with the mangrove forest and Khao Phra Thaew behind.
(@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
A fisherman's kids passing by. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
Observing the activities of a local fisherman (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
| |
Greetings to a wild Crab-eating macaque. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Spending time kayaking along the mangroves. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Taking a local fisherman's boat to enjoy their meal and fishing. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Heading out to the open ocean, then jumping out for a swim and a walk along the beach of a nearby island. (@Phamon Sumphanthamitr) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Safety around island
While visitors are traveling around the island, you should bear in mind the following points.
Hitch-hiking - This is a common method of getting around for volunteers, though not for most Thai people. It is probably safer on the whole than doing it in some Western countries, though of course it is not 100% hassle-free. Most of the vehicles on the road are pick-ups, and it is best to get in the back of them. Hitch-hiking is more dangerous at night, if only because the possibility is greater that the driver has been drinking! Furthermore, we would not recommend females to hitch-hike alone here, as in any country.
Strangers - Remember what your mother always told you? "Don't take sweets from strangers." Well, you should always bear these things in mind when someone offers you something for no apparent reason. It is not unknown for tourists to be given drugged food, or a free meal only to find that it is very difficult to say no to a "free" place to stay. You don't have to be suspicious of everyone, but you should be sensible.
In general - Walking alone in a quiet area at night obviously does not give someone the right to attack you or steal your belongings. However, it could happen, so use common sense!
Every time you leave the project please write on the whiteboard in the social house or let someone in the project know where you will be going and when you expect to return. If you find yourself running late, CALL US!
Driving / motorcycles - visitors may want to rent a jeep or a motorcycle from Phuket Town. However, before you do anything, think of this - the number one killer in Phuket is the motorcycle. No matter how good a driver you are, there are plenty of people on the roads with illegally-acquired licenses, old bikes, no lights, no helmet and a bellyful of beer. No exaggeration. Drive slowly, keep your eyes open and don't ever drink and drive. The driver must also wear a crash-helmet at all times, otherwise, you will pay a considerable fine if stopped by the police.
The sea - The waters around Phuket are usually clear, clean and warm. There's nothing nicer than a swim on a hot day. But be careful - the sea is a lot stronger than you are. There's not much in the way of wildlife to harm you, but you should watch out for the currents. Particularly in the rainy season (June to November) the West coast has strong waves and dangerous currents. Every year tourists drown off the coast of Phuket, and they're often strong swimmers. Never swim alone at any time or when you have been drinking, and pay attention to red flags (it means that the sea is too dangerous to go in at all). The most dangerous beach in the wet season is Surin, so it is best avoided in those months. You should also be wary of jet-skis and parasailing - many operators have no safety training and are only in it for the money.
Drugs - Many people have the view that taking drugs in Thailand is both easy and safe. They are wrong on both counts. It is as illegal here as anywhere to take marijuana or anything else (and from what we have heard, far more illegal). The drugs could be mixed with anything and punishments are harsh if you are caught. Any visitor taking drugs anywhere while staying here will be dismissed instantly.
Security -The people here see farang as rich and by Thai standards they are right. Therefore any guilt they may feel about stealing from you is erased by the knowledge that you "can afford it". Keep valuables on you and your bag within your sight.
Other accommodation options
This is the another choice for those who prefer to stay in the private rooms with more comfort. Each option offers a private location with facilities to make the visitor's stay enjoyable, and could work well for families or groups.
Pirat House
A local villager's private area providing accommodation for visitors, and is located just next to the project office.
The rooms have private bathrooms, televisions and fans. The price is 400 THB per day.
Contact
E-mail: kes@khaophrathaew.org, Telephone and Fax: +6676 260491, + 6676 260492
 
 
Peang-prai House and Restaurant
A local villager's private area that provides comfortable bungalows and a restaurant with a view of the Bang Pae reservior and Khoa Phra Thaew mountain range. It is located on the left side of Park's entrance at Bang Pae Sub-station.
Contact E-mail: 1peangpraiman1@gmail.com, Telephone: 085-8327439
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
The room have private bathroom with hot and cold water, television, refrigerator and fans. The prices include breakfast: 1,200 THB
|
|
The smaller room have private bathroom with hot and cold water, television and fans. The prices include breakfast: 1,000 THB
|
|
........................................................
|
|
Accommodation
