Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gether by just a few roads. So even with the growth you can feel nature, especially when
you hit the beach.
Sights & Activities
Hat Nai Han
, with its crescent of white sand backed by causarinas, bobbing yachts, seafront
temple Wat Nai Han and a monsoon-season surf break, is the best beach in the area, but
there are smaller, hidden beaches that are just as beautiful.
Hat Rawai
lacks Nai Han's good
looks. It's a rocky harbour for long-tails and speedboats, which makes it the perfect place
to open up a seafood grill - and, indeed, there is a string of them here. All are locally
owned and equally delicious.
Long-tail and speedboat charters are available from Hat Rawai. Destinations include
the quiet snorkelling islands of Ko Bon (long-tail/speedboat 1000/2000B), Coral Island
(1500/4000B) and Ko Kai (4000/9000B). Maximum six passengers.
Rawai is a fine place to learn how to kiteboard and is also abundant with
moo•ay tai
(also spelt
muay Thai
) boxing gyms.
Chalong Bay Rum
( 09 3575 1119;
www.chalongbayrum.com
;
14/2 Moo 2, Soi Palai 2; tours 4-6pm Mon-Sat)
Nearby
Chalong is home to Phuket's only working distillery, open for tours six days weekly. You
have to reserve ahead, mostly because you'll need directions as it can be hard to find. But
upon arrival you'll be awarded a mojito, made with their delicious product, and escorted
on a delightful 30-minute tour. Then you'll get a refill.
DISTILLERY
Sleeping
All the lodging in lovely Hat Nai Han is reached via a skinny, rutted paved road that be-
gins from the Phuket Yacht Club parking lot (yes, you can drive past the guard). Alternat-
ively, charter a long-tail from Rawai for 500B.
Ao Sane Bungalows
( 0 7628 8306; 11/2 Moo 1, Th Viset, Hat Nai Han; bungalows 600-1200B)
The rickety cold-water, fan-
cooled wooden bungalows are on a secluded beach, with million-dollar views of Ao Sane
and Ao Nai Han. There's a beachside restaurant, dive centre and an old-hippie vibe.
HOTEL
$
Vijitt
HOTEL
$$$
