Press Room
Family Beach Holiday Tips for Phuket
Phuket, Thailand, is an ideal holiday destination for travelers searching for an exotic tropical location in which to enjoy sun drenched beaches and stunnning resorts. Found in Southern Thailand, the island faces the lovely western coastline of the Andaman Sea and has a long and interesting history dating back to 1020 A.D.
The name of the island comes from an ancient word for “crystal hills,” which is likely due to its beautiful, lush green mountain range. Traveling to this intriguing and romantic part of the world is a once in a lifetime experience. Below are some tips for families planning a beach holiday in Phuket, including how to stay safe while having a terrific time:
Outstanding Beaches
Phuket's famous beaches draw a high number of tourists each year. Some of the most popular beaches in Phuket include Patong, Nai Harn, Rawai, Karon and Kata. Featuring clear, turquoise water and pristine, white sand, few beaches in the world can compete with those on the outstanding island of Phuket.
Five Star Resort
Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa, is a five-star family friendly resort which is a mere 20 minutes from the international airport in Phuket and is conveniently located near virtually all major attractions on the island, the lovely Bay of Phang Nga and the Blue Canyon Golf Course are located within a short distance from the Resort. Situated on the Andaman Sea, guests can also view a remarkable sunset each evening.
Aleenta Resort offers comfort, luxury and privacy. All villas or luxury suites and feature the perfect level of privacy for each guest. Visitors can choose from modest sized suites, five-bedroom Grand Villas and virtually anything in between.
State of the Art Amenities
The Resort boasts three on-site restaurants, a wellness spa and a kid's concierge. If guests choose to indulge in spa services or mom and dad want to dine alone, the establishment offers free babysitting service.
Because the resort is dedicated to its family-friendly reputation, welcome gifts are supplied for children upon arrival and educational activities are planned for youngsters throughout their stay. These include free indoor and outdoor programs for children that include activities such as picture painting, balloon games, Frisbee tossing and coconut bowling.
Children under six years of age eat free, and youngsters under 12 receive a 50 percent discount on children's menu selections.
Beach Safety Tips
Phuket's beaches are the Island's primary attraction due to their beauty and cleanliness. However, exercising caution is still important for families. Below are some safety tips for those who want to enjoy the water:
Sea Lice and Jellyfish
Fortunately, the wonders of Phuket are by and large free of stinging jellyfish and other marine life that can pose a danger to swimmers. However, small jellyfish can deliver tiny stings which cause redness and itching. In rare cases, box jellyfish have been noted on the eastern end of the island, but thankfully this is a rare occurrence.
Millions of visitors swim each year without serious incident on the Island. However, sea lice may be an issue in certain areas, and although they are not deadly, their bites can be an irritant. If sea lice or small jellyfish are present, it is usually enough to wear a T-shirt over one's bathing suit for protection against such bites.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in all areas of Thailand due to its tropical environment. Fortunately, no cases of malaria have been reported for over two decades.
Wearing mosquito repellent takes care of this problem. Travelers should keep in mind that mosquito activity is highest in the evening after the sun has set.
Swimming Safety Tips
The water at most Phuket beaches is crystal-clear from October to late April. This makes the beach perfect for swimming and other water activities throughout these months.
Families should take the usual precautions when swimming, snorkeling, or engaging in other water sports from July through October, as monsoons frequently whip up with little or no warning. The best way to avoid swimming in unsafe conditions is to pay close attention to weather reports and always observe red flag warnings. If a red flag has been raised anywhere on a Phuket beach, it means it is no longer safe to remain in the water.
Rip Currents
During the rainy season, it is essential to watch for rip currents. These can be very hazardous and pull even experienced swimmers out to sea. Anyone caught in a rip current should not attempt to fight against it. Rather swim parallel to the shore until he or she is past the current. After this, the swimmer can safely swim back in to the beach.
Lifeguards
The beaches of Kata and Karon are the only beaches on the Island that have lifeguards on a regular basis. This does not mean that a person cannot enjoy swimming or engaging in water sports at any of the other beaches, but it is not recommended that anyone swim alone. This is particularly true in areas where there are no lifeguards.
When swimming or snorkeling at any of Thailand's beaches, be careful to watch for areas of coral. Although these structures are beautiful, certain coral contains toxins that may cause infection if it splinters into the skin. Anyone who is cut by coral should seek medical evaluation, even if the cut is very small.
Characteristics
All famalies have their own idea about what makes a great beach getaway. You may prefer peace and quiet, while others may wish to meet up with other travelers and plan group activities. Phuket's various beaches on the south coast of the Island are usually crowded, while greater tranquility can be found on the beaches at the north end.
On the Island's Western side is Phrome Thep Cape, which is perfect for those who enjoy sightseeing. Its emerald green waters create a brilliant backdrop for Rocky Point, which is one of the area's most inspiring landscapes. Approximately a mile further west, visitors can view the ancient monastery as well, which presents a great photo opportunity for those who enjoy taking pictures. Because there is such a broad range of options with regard to beaches, virtually any guest can find exactly what he or she is looking for when visiting Phuket.
Additional Activities
On days where swimming and beach activities are not recommended, there are other attractions available for families and couples, theKaron Bazaar offers terrific shopping opportunities all in one place. It is a large, old-fashioned market that provides a vast array of products and clothing for visitors of all ages.
Additionally, guided tours of the Island's inland area are available for those looking for a bit of adventure. The Four-in-One Safari is a worthwhile activity as well. It includes sea canoe and buffalo cart rides, an elephant trek and jungle excursion for the entire family. Such an experience is fun and educational for both adults and children.
Regardless of which activities are attractions visitors find appealing, there is something for everyone and lovely Phuket. Travelers should make reservations in advance to ensure their preferred dates are available. It is unlikely that anyone would ever forget a vacation on this beautiful and timeless island.