Phuket For Kids

By Donna Stephens

Whether you are a family living on Phuket, planning a holiday to Phuket, or have a business on Phuket you will find information about what to do on Phuket for Kids.
Included are activities for tots to teens. Phuket for Kids is a valuable source of information for parents, grandparents, hotels, tour operators, schools and of course kids.
The criteria for each activity are designed to give you as much information as possible and include age, amenities, pram access, price, opening hours, contact details and address.
This book is not intended to list every possible activity on Phuket. It is rather a springboard for more discoveries. In cases where there are numerous operators offering a similar service. I have chosen the venues recommended. Similar services may offer a valuable and good quality service.
The safety and quality of the activity, hotel or amusement is finally at the discretion of the parent/s or guardian. I have included concerns and cautions where possible but take no responsibility for any misadventure.
As the adage goes; good places go bad, bad places come good. Some renovate and some close down. All attempts to verify facts have been attempted. If you are a reader or an organization and you would like to amend your details please contact phuketforkids.
Phuket is a wonderful place. Many activities are truly outstanding. I sincerely do hope you find this book a helpful resource.
Donna Stephens
Phuket for Kids

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Stephens
• Release date: May 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301394845

Donna Stephens

Born in Sydney, Australia, longer ago than she cares to admit, Donna Stephens is a mother of two boys and has lived on Phuket since 2000. She is a qualified teacher having taught in a variety of primary year groups for the last 20 years. Currently teaching in an international school on Phuket as Primary Librarian, she continues to explore this amazing island with all its great attractions and does so with a special eye for their suitability for the children. An accomplished sailor with thousands of sea miles behind her, she enjoys the outdoors which makes Phuket, with its tropical climate, an ideal base.

Book preview

PPhuket For Kids

Donna Stephens

Copyright 2012 by Donna Stephens

Smashwords Edition

***~~~~***

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Acknowledgments

Section 2 - How to use Phuket For Kids

Section 3 - Amusements

Section 4 - Festivals and Holiday events

Section 5 - Green Adventures

Section 6 - Kids Mind and Body

Section 7 - Kids Bites

Section 8 - Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Section 9 - Rainy Days

Section 10 - Sea, Sand and Pools / Wet, Wet, Wet

Section 11 - Shopping Fantasy

Section 12 - Sports

Section 13 - Thrill Seekers

Section 14 - Travelling with Kids

Section 15 - About Donna Stephens

Section 16 - Connect with Donna Stephens

Acknowledgments

At the risk of missing anyone I would like to express my gratitude to people who helped me create Phuket for Kids:

Thank you to all the hotels, tour companies and businesses that took the time to show me their activities and answer my many questions.

I am grateful to all the families who divulged their secret haunts; from where to buy organic vegetables to what to do on rainy days.

Many thanks to my colleagues: teachers and boarding staff alike shared their experiences of school camps and day trips. I figured if a venue can cater to 50 children it must be child-resistant.

Thank you to Khun Orawan who helped me translate words, interpret telephones calls and request information. Cap Khun Kar.

I am grateful to Ensign Publishing who produced the first book and have been supportive with and enthusiastic about this eBook.

Big thanks to my husband. He had to sleep many nights through the glow of the computer screen, and the tapping of my fingers.

To my wonderful sons; Finn was the inspiration for the book. Nine years later Ikki was the motivation for the web site and eBook. Through them I continue to explore Phuket every day. And finally thanks to Andrew, Claire and Orn at I -Marketing for their faith, trust and patience in keeping me technically savvy.

Donna Stephens

[e-mail]

How to use Phuket For Kids

Whether you are a family living on Phuket, planning a holiday to Phuket, or have a business on Phuket you will find information about what to do on Phuket for Kids.

Included are activities for tots to teens. Phuket for Kids is a valuable source of information for parents, grandparents, hotels, tour operators, schools and of course kids.

The criteria are designed to give you as much information as possible.

Age: These are recommendations suggested by the establishment. This is sometimes dictated by insurance guidelines. At other times I have used common sense. Parents should use their own judgment and knowledge of their child when choosing activities.

Amenities: Unless stated there are no dedicated infant changing facilities so bring a change mat.

Wheelchair/Pram access: Pram pertains to a stroller or buggy. Where possible I have judged the practicality or impossibility of pram use at the location concerned. Please call the venue for specific information regarding wheelchair access

Price: Prices are in Thai Baht. The prices are those published by the organisations and are subject to change.

If you are paying a Thai resident entrance fee most organisations will request to see your passport, work permit or Thai driver’s license.

Opening hours: These hours are subject to change. Some venues close or have modified hours in the Green season so please call and check first.

Address: The address given may be that of the venue or that of the office. Please check with the operator.

Tel: When dialing from Phuket include the area code of Phuket (076) if calling a local number.

Mb: These numbers can be dialed without any area code prefix.

This book is not intended to list every activity on Phuket. It is rather a springboard for more discoveries. In cases where there are numerous operators offering a similar service. I have chosen the venues recommended. Similar services may offer a valuable and good quality service.

The safety and quality of the activity, hotel or amusement is finally at the discretion of the parent/s or guardian. I have included concerns and cautions where possible but take no responsibility for any misadventure.

As the adage goes; good places go bad, bad places come good. Some renovate and some close down. All attempts to verify facts have been attempted. If you are a reader or an organisation and you would like to amend your details please contact phuketforkids.

Phuket is a wonderful place. Many activities are truly outstanding. I sincerely do hope you find this book a helpful resource.

Donna Stephens

Phuket for Kids

Amusements

There are lots of exciting attractions to visit on Phuket, and made all the more exotic by the Thai culture. You can visit a prehistoric mini golf park by night or watch a spectacular musical portraying Thai Gods and legends. Be mesmerized by the charm of the aquatic underworld or impressed by the snake charmer’s displays of bravery. Children can view unique Asian wildlife or visit a museum to better understand the charm and history of Thailand.

One thing is guaranteed; your kids will never forget Phuket. And don’t forget your camera.

Big Buddah

The Big Buddah is statuesque. Facing East across the Chalong Bay the Buddah is visible from many points on the East of the island and definitely worth a visit.

The Big Buddha is reinforced with concrete casting, adorned with white jade marble, over 25 metres wide and 45 metres high. It took 8million Baht to build this statue and construction is still continuing.

The Big Buddha web site hosts an event calendar, so if you get the days right, you might also be lucky enough to watch Buddhists make merit by offering food to the monks on their alms round.

If you can visit with a Thai Buddhist it will make the trip more meaningful. Take your camera as the views are stunning. Dress should be modest with females covering shoulders and knees and males should wear a top.

After visiting the Big Buddah a trip to Wat Chalong, a Buddhist temple, is recommended. Check out the dates of the Wat Chalong annual fair as this can bring crowds (see Festivals and Events section)

Age: People of reasonable fitness can make this walk.

Amenities: Toilets.

Wheel chair/Pram access: Not ideal.

Price: Donations welcomed

Opening hours: 10am to midnight.

Address: 42/14 Moo 2, Thepkrassatri Road, Muang Phuket 83000

Tel: [phone]

[e-mail]

www.mingmongkolphuket.com

Fun Start Phuket

Fun start is linked to the Headstart School and the Phuket Russian School. It is a great place to hang out for the day, have lunch and a swim, There is the little rascals play centre with a ball pit, role play and small world toys. The teens have a gaming arcade and the discovery kitchen provides a chance for children to cook without making a mess at home) and even a birthday club so you do not have to worry about what to do for your child’s birthday.

There is even a drop off service should you have other chores to do…

The trampolines and mini golf keep youngsters busy not to mention the pool at the centre of the club. There is even a small spa so mum and dad can treat themselves to a foot massage. Fun start also run lessons in martial arts, swimming, and golf. You can become a member if you are a resident too!

Age: Toddlers upwards

Amenities: Toilets, change rooms, showers.

Wheel chair/Pram access: There is access within the club but there are a few stairs at the entrance. Price: 100 THB for a day entry or sign up as a member

Opening hours: Daily

Address: Chalekeree Villa, Kathu, Phuket (see the website for directions)

Tel: [phone]

www.funstartphuket.com

Jungle Football Golf

Another quirky activity to hit Phuket! However this can be played by all ages and levels. A fun way to spend an afternoon.