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Phuket Travel Secrets brings you the latest additions to our travel secrets and what is happening in Phuket.

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Phuket Secrets Ezine

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Issue No 24, 1st November 2011

Hello and welcome to this issue of Phuket Travel Secrets monthly e-zine

Over the last several weeks, heavy seasonal rain has resulted in widespread flooding in Thailand. The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand and a few provinces in the north and northeast.

Phuket and the south of Thailand are unaffected by the floods that are occurring in Bangkok. Our thoughts are with those affected by the flood waters in Thailand.

The main tourist season in Phuket is from November until April, during which time resort and hotel prices increase as do the crowds. If crowds are an issue when planning a vacation to Phuket during this time, head to one of the quieter areas of the Island, such as Nai Yang Beach located on the North West coast or Nai Harn Beach a quiet little spot at the southern tip of Phuket.

November is also when day trips and liveaboards can start operating tours to the Similan Islands National Park, which is considered one of the most spectacular areas for scuba diving in Thailand and one of the top ten dive sites in the world. The Similan Islands National Park is closed from May 1st to 31st October each year. For more information on daytrips and liveaboards contact Chantal at Phuket Scuba Club.

Phuket is loaded with exciting places to visit and things to do, including the picturesque offshore islands that offer unique sights of their own. One of my personal favorites and one that should be on the top of everyone’s list of things to do is a day trip to Phang Nga Bay. For more information about Phang Nga Bay as well as the best tours available and tour companies to choose from, check out our page that is loaded with information about Phang Nga Bay.

To find affordable accommodation and the best deals on hotel room rates in Phuket, we recommend you have a look at Agoda where you will find fantastic discounts on room rates.

If your planning a holiday to Phuket from December through January, ensure that you book your accommodation in advance as thousands of people flock to Phuket for their annual holidays.

What’s on in Phuket during November 2011

From the 1st to the 6th November the FIVB Beach Volley Swatch World Tour will be held on the sands of the beautiful Karon Beach, this will be the sixth successive year that the popular tournament is held in Phuket. There are a number of other activities planned, including beach volleyball clinics for the kids, a variety of on-site entertainment and a beer garden. Admission is free.

If you are in Phuket or anywhere in Thailand on the 10th November make your way to a beach, river or lake to witness one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand. The Loy Krathong festival, also known as the “Festival of Lights” is traditionally held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which is normally sometime in November. All of Phuket's major west coast beaches take part in Loy Krathong festivities, with a mix of locals and tourists. If you are staying around Nai Harn the best spot to see this spectacular festival is on the lake. A Krathong is a banana-leaf cup containing flowers, a candle and incense sticks which are set afloat. The idea is to worship the river's Goddess and at the same time to float away any bad luck.

On the 27th of November make your way to Laguna Phuket Resort at Bangtao Beach for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon. The event comprises a 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run.

Important travel tips when holidaying in Phuket

Even though Phuket is generally a very safe place to spend your much awaited holiday or family vacation there are certain things you should be cautious of.

During the low season, monsoon winds can bring large waves and very dangerous undercurrents to some of Phuket’s west coast beaches. When conditions are dangerous lifesavers will place red flags on the beach to warn people of the dangerous conditions.

If there is a red flag flying on the beach, play it safe and don’t go in the water…..

Carefully think about your safety and the implications of accidents if you decide to hire a motorcycle or jet ski in Phuket. Jet ski riders are often victims of major scams that can turn out to be a very costly experience. Before you go on your holiday to Phuket you should check with your travel insurer whether these types of activities are covered by your policy.

Drink spiking can and does occur in Phuket, as well as other popular destinations in Thailand, so never leave your drink unattended.

It's also recommended to only carry enough money on your person when you go out at night, and to make sure to leave your passport and credit cards locked up in the room safe. Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, you should report it immediately to your Embassy or Consulate.

If you have friends or family who are planning a holiday to Phuket help them stay informed with up to date room rates and travel tips, by suggesting they sign on to our RSS blog or join us on Facebook.

We hope that you have enjoyed this issue of Phuket Travel Secrets e-zine.

Enjoy your travels

Jeff & Paula