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Flights to Phuket
February 7th, 2010 by Tom Martens, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Most flights into Phuket originate from Bangkok via several airlines: Thai Airways (also offering flights from the UK to Bangkok), Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Firefly and Air Asia.Thailand’s largest island, Phuket (roughly pronounced poo-get) is a popular holiday travel destination with beaches, night life and a rich melting pot of culture and religions.
Once you arrive at Phuket’s International Airport you will find that the shuttle bus will be the easiest and cost effective way to get where you would like to go. Local buses also run to all major beaches. Other traveling options include taking advantage of the minibus service or taxi.
Summer monsoon season brings sunny, clear mornings and afternoons and rainy evenings. Locals consider May through October the “cool season.”Phuket high season is in general from November to May, though the island is hot and humid throughout the year.
The islands caters to a wide range of people from Parents with their kids, beach bums, and Bar flies to all budgets and taste. Phukets has 12 beautiful beaches with white sands and clear water. You can gain easy access to the beaches from winding coastal roads.
You will find a beach that will suit you and what you are looking for in a vacation spot. There are beaches that are for the partying type, the athletic type, and there is a beach that offers the peace and quiet some look for in a vacation and at a beach.
If you are looking for a great vacation spot for a family look no farther than Kata Beach, this beach boast not a wild but active night life. The beach has made it possible for many establishments that make the area thrive. There are many other beaches in the Phuket area, however Kata Beach stands out above the rest.
Several smaller islands surrounding Phuket offer unique attractions of their own and are easily accessible by boat. Snorkeling, and diving sites are available as are small quiet beaches and accommodations ranging from the rustic to the exclusive. If you want to get away from the beach, Phuket offers a variety of options. Here are Phuket’s own top, must see attractions..
Thai traditional myths are mixed with humor, fantasy into an increasingly amusing plotline. Simon Cabaret is probably the biggest “transvestite” cabaret in the area and features musical floor show performed by the world famous “ladyboys” of Simon Cabaret.Phuket FantaSea Show features aerial trapeze artists, elephants on stage and pyrotechnics in a Las Vegas style-show.
Enjoy sunrise and sunset views from many of the viewpoints east and west of Phuket. Promthep is a popular but spectacular example offering fabulous views over the ocean all the way to the island of Phi Phi on a clear day. Phuket town, the sleepy and provincial capital, offers funky shops to surprise and delight you. The blend of colonial and Chinese architecture highlight the Old Town’s quantness.
Bring your sense of humor and an open mind with you as you stroll after dark down Patong’s Bangla Road. Patong is known for its wild nightlife. Let’s just say it’s nothing like home. Wat Chalong is one of Phuket’s most important temples and hosts thousands visitors each year. As Phuket’s spiritual center, Wat Chalong has an interesting history.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Thailand and Fights to Phuket
United Kingdom to Marseille
January 11th, 2010 by Tom Martens, under Travel and Leisure. 1 Comment
The third largest city in France after Paris and Lyon, Marseille (sometimes spelled Marseilles in the UK) is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Heathrow and Gatwick Airports in London serve the city with multiple departures every day. The city’s main airport, Marseille Provence Airport, is the fourth most trafficked airport in the whole of France. Business travelers and tourists alike crowd its terminals. Once travelers disembark at the airport, they enjoy excellent local public transportation.
It is located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest commercial port in the country. The old port area that was popular prior to the’70s oil crisis has been redeveloped with an investment from the European Union.
The old port area is now home to restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and other businesses and is primarily used as a private marina. The new port area is north of the old port area, and 100 million tons of freight pass through this port each year. The majority of the freight is petroleum. The city is a major center for trade and industry with excellent transportation infrastructure, including its port, airport and roads. It is one of the main entry points into France, making it popular with immigrants, especially those from Italy, Spain and Greece.
With its location on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille has mild winters and hot summers. The coldest months of the year are January and February, with July and August being the area?s hottest months. Harsh, cold winds blow into the city from the Alps in the winter and spring.
The city also boasts Marseille Provence Metropolis, the second largest research center in France. The research center employs thousands of scientists.
In addition to industry, plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and theaters can be found in the city. Culture lovers are especially enamored of Marseille due to the large number of theaters in the city, including la Cri?e, le Gymnase and the theatre Toursky. The Marseille Opera is also very popular, with a season from September to June.
Like every other region of France, but perhaps a little more so, Provence is known for its incredible food. Local favorites include pastis, a popular liqueur made with anise and spice, once made with the now-banned absinthe. Other local favorites are aioli (mayonnaise) served over hard boiled eggs or fish, tapenades over grilled meats, panisse, navette, and the flavorful boiling bouillabaisse. Restaurants make all their dishes with local ingredients chosen because they are intensely flavorful. Many of these establishments can be found in the previously mentioned Old Port area, also the site of a fish market. The Old Port area is beautiful after sundown, and a wonderful destination for a romantic evening, but entirely safe for UK visitors.
Beautiful architecture can also be found in Marseille, including the Abbey of Saint Victor, one of the oldest places of Christian worship in France, the Museum of Old Marseille and the Phare de Sainte Marie, a lighthouse on the inlet to the Old Port.
With all that the city has to offer to visitors, it is easy to see why Marseille is growing in popularity with travelers.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for Bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel and Flights to Marseille