Sarasin Bridge - Phuket Island

What is commonly referred to as Sarasin Bridge is in fact three bridges over the Pak Prah Strait connecting Phuket Island to Mainland Thailand at Tha Noon in Phang Nga Province.

The original Bridge which was named the Sarasin Bridge (after a former Prime Minister) was built in 1967 replacing the old ferry which was once the only vehicle crossing to Phuket.

This bridge became famous in Thailand after the double suicide of “Dam and Gew” a Romeo and Juliet style story – him a lowly bus driver and her a student from a very wealthy local family. A Thai Film was made of this story called the Bridge of Love. More about the tragic story here.

Over the years the level of traffic crossing to and from the Island has increased massively, this lead to the construction of a second bridge (Thao Thepkrasattri Bridge) around the turn of the Millennium. This new bridge was used for all southbound traffic heading on to the Island while Sarasin Bridge then carried the Northbound traffic off the Island.

With the original bridge aging, traffic levels increasing and a call from the boating fraternity to allow passage through the strait a new bridge started construction in 2009 and was completed in 2011. This new bridge which lies in between the two older bridges has been named the Thao Srisoonthorn Bridge.

It is believed that the Thepkrasattri Bridge was named due to it being on Thepkrasattri Road, however naming the new bridge Srisoothorn links both bridges to Phuket's heritage as these were the Royal names bestowed on Than Puying Chan (wife of the then recently deceased governor of Phuket) and her sister Khun Muk – Phuket's “Heroines” - after they saved Phuket from Burmese invasion in 1785. A statue of these two women, known as the Heroines Monument stands in the centre of a traffic circle on the main highway south of Phuket airport.

With the opening of the Srisoonthorn bridge all the northbound traffic has been diverted to the new bridge and the old Sarasin bridge has been closed to traffic and renovated as a pedestrian promenade. As part of the renovations the central section has been raised (to allow boats to pass under) and a viewpoint tower has been added at either end of the raised section. Already this has become a very popular sunset viewpoint for both locals and tourists.

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Khao Sok - Private Tours

More of our custom made tours designed for independently minded travellers who want to side step
the big bus tours but don't want the hassle of organizing everything themselves. We take care of the
details while you enjoy the sights and the nature at your own pace. 

We believe that freedom during your valuable holiday time is the most important thing so there is no
fixed itinerary, we design it around what you want. These are the general guidelines and our
recommendations:

Day Tour to Khao Sok National Park

Tubing at Sok River

Your driver and your English speaking guide will collect you at your hotel around 7:30am and start to drive north. After 1-1.5 hours, depending on your hotel location, we stop for a coffee break in a local place at Khok Kloy town, a few km after crossing Sarasin Bridge which connects Phuket to the mainland. Around 10:30-11:00 we reach Khao Sok and start an amazing canoe experience on the river, completely surrounded by the wilderness of the oldest rain forest on Earth. Pleasant and professional local paddlers are provided, but you can also paddle by yourself if you prefer.

After about one hour following the river flow we stop on the riverside and enjoy a nice and unusual
Jungle Lunch (in case of rain lunch will be home stay style). Our staff will take care of everything
for you. After enjoying the meal and the jungle atmosphere, we will proceed along the river with the
“tubing”. This is a mix of relaxation and fun as we go with the water flow sitting in the big
doughnuts. Some sections are slow and quiet, while others have little rapids to make the descent
more exciting. This is an amazing experience that makes you really feel as if you are part of the
jungle itself and the stunning limestone cliffs nearby.

Around 14:00 we arrive at the “pier” where the driver is waiting for us ready to start the way back
to Phuket; depending on time, weather and traffic, we have the opportunity for one more stop and
additional sightseeing or activity such as visiting  the Tsunami Memorial “Police Boat 813 ”, Turtle
Conservation Centre, short Elephant Trekking and more that you can decide with your guide.
We arrive back at the hotel around 18:30

Price:
1 to 4 person: THB 11,400 (in total)
Extra person: THB   2,900 / person

Children: 5-11 years THB 900 per child, kids below 5 years of age are free of charge.

Included: All transfers, knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guide, Unique Jungle Lunch, softdrinks, local beers (two cans per adult), canoe and tubing, tax and insurance, National Park fees.

2D/1N - Khao Sok Overnight Tour

View at Cliff & River Jungle Resort

Two great days in nature, a good balance between adventure and relaxation.

DAY 1

Same itinerary as DAY TOUR, but after tubing we check in at Cliff & River Jungle Resort in
Standard Room (double/twin sharing) enjoy the place with SPA, pool and natural surroundings, relax in the wonderful atmosphere, dinner.

DAY 2

We recommend an early wake up to witness the mist that at night time came up from the humid
trees and hangs over the hills, the insects chirp, the birds are not angry and the wild gibbons call
through the jungle. Then mists slowly clear revealing the 300m vertical cliff that towers over the
resort.

Around 8:30am we enjoy the nice Thai-American breakfast and then we get moving for a very
nice scenic Jungle Trek that lasts approximately 3 hours (5-6 km). During the walk we see
several kinds of local flora and fauna, and sometimes there's also the chance to spot wild monkeys
and boars. At the end of the walk we reach a nice spot on the river where the water is clean and can
have a refreshing dip.

As an alternative to the Jungle Trek, for those who are not keen on walking or have different interests,
there is the opportunity to do Elephant Trekking instead. It takes place in a nice jungle area near
Khao Lak and lasts approximately one hour, here we also find a small  scenic waterfall.
After the activities we enjoy a tasty lunch and start to head back towards Phuket Island, on the way
we can do some additional stops for sightseeing like Tsunami Memorial “Police Boat 813 ”, Turtle
Conservation Centre, and more that you can decide with your guide. Just few minutes before
crossing Sarasin Bridge and enter Phuket Island we stop for a coffee break at 360° Andaman View
Point from where you have a stunning view over the Phuket and the Andaman Sea.
We arrive back to the hotel around 18:00.

Price:
1 to 4 person: THB 25,500 (in total)
Extra person: THB   5,900 / person

Note: Elephant Trekking available on request - Surcharge 1,000 THB per person

Included: All transfers, knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guide, Unique Jungle Lunch (Day 1), soft drinks, local beers (two cans per adult), canoe and tubing, Dinner (Day 1), one night
accommodation in Standard Room (Double/Twin sharing) at Cliff & River Jungle Resort, Breakfast
(Day 2), Lunch (Day 2), tax and insurance, National Park fees.


More about Khao Sok Join-In Adventure Tours

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Reviews - Family dive trip on MV Sai Mai

Sandra and her family had a great time on board our MV Sai Mai. Below Review comment was posted on Trip Advisor in May 2013. 

"Our family took a 3-day, 2-night trip on the Sai Mai in April, and it was wonderful. We booked the boat because it is small, as my husband and I wanted to hit the great dive sites, but also allow our three kids (ages 5, 7 and 8) to snorkel and enjoy the ride. The boat was great, plenty roomy and comfortable accommodations. Food was wonderful and help was always available anytime you needed anything.

MV Sai Mai

When we booked the trip, we hoped that we would be the only ones aboard, and indeed the owner told us the night before that we would be. However, to be safe, we had asked that he warn any other divers who booked that there would be kids aboard. After all, we understand that someone looking for a dive/party trip may not want to be bothered by children. In the end, we travelled with two lovely women from Germany, and learned that they had not been warned about the kids. Luckily, they were wonderful, and said they did not mind the kids being around an all. I hope they were telling the truth! But they were wonderful people and great dive partners.

Speaking of the diving, it was very good. Squid, octopus, ghost pipe fish, sharks, beautiful coral, it was all here. Andreas, the dive master, was very knowledgeable and adept at finding the little creatures that you wouldn't want to miss. He also handled the gear so well, getting everything ready appeared effortless. Great prep talks for the dive, even resorting to his own home made maps, when pre-made ones were not available. He was also fun to talk to topside.

A second guide, Jason, joined along to take the kids snorkelling while we were diving. He was endlessly patient, and the children had a wonderful time. My husband and I also did, as we knew they were well taken care of while we were diving. I'm sure this is not Jason's usual job, as he works dive boats and I'm sure is usually leading dives. But he was great.

Simply put, we would love to dive from the MV Sai Mai again when we visit Thailand. We would definitely request the same crew and staff. Highly recommend this outfit to anyone" 

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Day Trip to Koh Tachai Island - Inspection in March 2013

Tachai Island was closed up to two years ago and now the Similan Islands National Park have opened it for snorkeling tours.

Koh Tachai - Similan Is National Park

For many years we have dived around this island so we knew that nature and marine life here are beautiful, we have seen here many times Manta and Whale Sharks. The Island stands alone between Simlan Islands National Park and Surin Islands National Park, nothing either than the Indian Ocean to West and to East is Thailand mainland.

Koh Tachai The beach

Now was time to finally step on it and discover how beautiful the place is, we booked a day trip with our selected operator and got ready at 8:00 am for pick up that was actually five minutes earlier, we were the first. We were staying at Khao Lak Country Side, that is close to the beach despite the name. Then went around the different hotels to collect other customers, last pick up was at Jw Marriot Khao Lak around 8:40 am on the way North to Ban Nam Kem where the boat was departing from (at the end of season boats normally depart south of Khao Lak from Tab Lamu).

Speed Boat inside

There was a nice welcome with coffee, tea and water while we waited for every one else to arrive and then a simple briefing about the schedule during the day and rules to follow on the boat and at the Island. We followed our guide down the road to the beach where boat was waiting for us. Took our places on board and the other staff were introduced,the three four strokes engines were started and soon we were sailing full speed to Koh Tachai.

The Island is about 30 miles off shore, the sea was flat as normal in mid March so it was easy to get there in about one hour and 20 minutes. Amazing colors, getting close to Tachai Island the sea went from dark Blue to emerald and then almost white as the water there is so clear that you only see the white sand bottom.

A quick stop at the beach to unload food, beverages and staff, those who like to enjoy more the beach the refreshing trees and snorkeling from the shore got off the boat.

Koh Tachai Rest area

Those remaining, about 15 people of the 30 on board, stayed on the boat and in 10 minutes we were snorkeling on the reef. It is strictly forbidden to feed the fish so you won't just see the small fishes coming close to you for some bread but the real reef life. The white sand bottom and clear water makes it very easy to see colors and fishes, guides are in the water to be sure that those not confident at swimming don't get caught in the current.

Koh Tachai north reef

We suggest to bring your fins, it will make it easier to get back to the boat and more fun exploring a bigger area and getting close to the drop off. Koh Tachai is exposed to tidal currents so when water level changes current can be strong and it is recommended to stay close to the boat and the guides.
One hour snorkeling is good to make people hungry so we went back to the beach and near the Rangers base the staff did a great job preparing a lot of food, with BBQ sea food, shrimps, noodles, veggies and lot more.

Luunch time at Koh Tachai

Lunch time

Home made Thai sweets

Thai sweets to refresh

Relax and if you like enjoy one hour exploration of Tachai Rain Forest where can see birds and the big "chicken" Crabs, so called because of the sound they make.

Koh Tachai Rain Forest

I preferred to swim and enjoy more snorkeling and walk on the beach made of incredibly fine white sand. Between the parked boats you can sometimes see baby reef sharks that come close to shore to hunt small fishes and crabs.

Koh Tachai the beach

Speed boat to Koh Tachai moored at the beach

Around 15:00 staff pack all their equipment, collect all rubbish and call everyone to get on board, ready for the trip back to the hotel, on board more water and soft drinks are available. We were at our hotel around 17:30.

Three engines speed boat to Koh Tachai

Best time to visit is between January and mid April when sea and weather conditions are at their best. Bring your towel, fins, and a lot of sunscreen, best is a sunscreen vest, a hat and some money to tip crew and guides that do a great job everyday. Toilets and showers, well kept and clean, are available on the Island that has a fresh water reserve.

You can enjoy this day tour from Phuket or Khao Lak
 

Interested? Ask us for details...

Malila was in Koh Tachai

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Full Day Krabi Kayaking Trip

Mangrove Kayaking

This kayaking tour will take you off the beaten track to the unspoilt part of Thambok Koranee National Park - Krabi Province. Here you will enjoy 3 hours Kayaking through the fascinating mangrove channels and  limestone caves, where you also have the opportunity to spot some of the interesting local wildlife. You will also spend some time at the beautiful waterfall in the National Park where you can have a cooling swim, while later you will pay a visit to one of the most interesting and unique temples in the province, "Wat Bang Rieng".

Hidden Limestone Bay

Cave Kayaking

Itinerary:

Thambok Koranee Waterfall

• 7:00-7:45 Pick up at your Phuket Hotel and drive north towards Krabi Province.
• 9:30-9:45 Coffee break at the restaurant
• 10:00 Approximately 3 hours Kayaking through the mangroves and lagoon, then the caves of "Tham Lod" and "Tham Pi Hua To". You can choose to paddle yourself or let the friendly trained paddlers provided do it for you.
• 13:00 Back to start point and enjoy a tasty Set Menu Lunch at the scenic raft restaurant.
• 14:00 Move to the beautiful waterfalls, just 10 minutes away in Thambok Koranee National Park.
  Spend one hour playing and relaxing at the waterfalls.
• 15:00 Move to the spectacular Temple "Wat Bang Rieng" (a.k.a. Patronage Temple) where you can take great pictures and with a bit of luck can also spot the local "giant black squirrel".
• 16:30 Head back to Phuket.
• 18:00-18:30 Arrive back at your hotel.

Wat Bang Rieng

Price: Adult 3,000 THB per person - Child (4-11 yrs) 2,000 THB per person

Included: round trip Phuket hotel transfer (hotels in remote areas may require surcharge), Thai Set Menu Lunch (vegetarian on request), refreshments, National Park and Temple admission fees, English speaking guide, Kayaking gear and waterproof bags, tax and insurance.

What to bring: swim wear, sunglasses, sun screen, camera, spare dry clothes.

Wat Bang Rieng

NOTES: the order of the stops may vary depending on daily tidal situation in order to provide the nicest experience to the guests. This program is not recommended to children below 3 years of age.
Transfers from Krabi/Ao Nang hotels are possible, must check case by case.

Interested? Find out more...  

Wat Bang Rieng

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Photo Friendly Tours

Adriano Trapani

Here at EasyDayThailand, we understand everyone wants to take amazing photographs of theirspecial holiday to Phuket, and share the wonderful memories with their family and friends back at home. Therefore, we have developed specially tailored photo sightseeing tours, with this just in mind.

We work with one of the top professional photographers on the island, Adriano Trapani, who is a long term resident in Phuket, and knows all the best spots to capture those amazing shots and experience the true wonder of Phuket's history, culture, nature and people.

You do not need to have any fancy or expensive camera equipment to enjoy our unique photo sightseeing tours, any camera will do. And we guarantee you will be pleased with the results.

>> Adriano Trapani's - Digital Photography Courses

 

Phuket Island Private Photo Tours

Phuket is a big island with many attractions and things to see, that you should not miss during your stay. There are big cultural diversities between the different areas of the island, each one has its own unique style, charm and points of interest. Some of these attractions are very popular with the tour operators on the island, with many visitors each day while others are not so popular. Those destinations off the beaten track are still very much worth a visit, especially to get those great photographs.

Here at EasyDayThailand, we make sure that your private sightseeing tour stays as private as possible, by avoiding the peak tourist times of the main attractions and taking you to our favourite 'off the beaten track' hot spots!

Private Half Day Photo Tour

Chalong Temple

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once you've visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch your driver will take you back to your accommodation, arriving around 13:30.

This program can also be done in the afternoon starting around 13:30 and ending around 18:30

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 5 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Book / Enquire Now!

Full Day Tour

Old Phuket Town

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 morning destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch you will be heading for more Island touring and photo opportunities. For example, one of the most characteristic destinations is Old Phuket Town to enjoy the heritage and in particular the Sino-
Portuguese architecture, not to mention the several attractive old Chinese shops. Probably you have some more time to enjoy some other interesting spots nearby at your leisure.

Back to the hotel around 17:30.

Price: 3,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 9 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

 Book / Enquire Now!

Weekend Evening Tour

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick up at hotel at 16:30-17:00 and bring you to Kata View Point where you can take stunning photos of the coastline and its lush nature. From Kata View point you will then be taken to Promthep Cape which is located in the extreme southern tip of Phuket Island. From this location you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. And take beautiful photos to show back home.

After sunset you will be taken to enjoy a tasty set menu dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Last and most iconic destination is the famous Naka Market (also known as Weekend Night Market) in Phuket Town where you can find a lot of interesting things for shopping and street food stalls.

You will be back to the hotel around 22:30-23:00.

NOTE: this tour is available only on Saturday and Sunday as the Naka Market (Night market) only operates on weekends.

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 6 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Interested? Ask us for details...

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Phuket is a big island and it's great to get out and explore. Below you will find information about places you should see while visiting Phuket.

Temples - Beaches - Phuket Town - View Points - Waterfalls - Museums - Phuket near by

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Reviews - Liz C.

Liz joined our Phi Phi Premium Tour and Easy Day's Private Phang Nga Bay Sightseeing Tour

"Hi Pornsri,

My friends and I had a wonderful time in Phuket. Thanks for all the help! I'd like to especially thank Ingo and Francesco. They were very patient with all our questions and requests.

I left a very good review on Trip Advisor, too.

I hope to visit Phuket again! I'd definitely recommend you to my friends. :)

Cheers!Liz"

James Bond Island

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