Otter's Tales

Chinese New Year

2012-01-25T18:50:00.002+07:00

Another New Year was celebrated last week - Chinese New Year, which is not linked to the international calendar but to the lunar cycle – hence the change in celebration date each year.

Tim was born in the Year of the Goat

– what is your year? (click here)

In preparation for their New Year but never on the New Year itself (it's considered bad luck), Chinese traditionally clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away any ill fortune that visited their family over the previous year and welcome good luck instead.

The Chinese also decorate the walls and doorways with special red paper motifs inscribed with auspicious words to bring good fortune and wealth to the families. In Phuket Town, doors are opened to welcome in the Chinese dancing dragons that dance through the streets where the Chinese community is large.

This is the Year of the Dragon.

The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile with each other,

forgive all grudges and wish peace and happiness to everyone.

I feel that this is a good sentiment for us all.

Happy New Year to all in the Year of the Dragon!

Coffee and more coffee

2012-01-21T21:24:00.000+07:00

I know that Tim’s heart skipped a beat last week and it wasn’t the guest whose underwear was stuck in the Jacuzzi…

Boncafe came to visit Cape Panwa Hotel to train our staff in the delicacies of making different coffees.

Of course, the staff needed to make each one and Tim was present for a tasting session (even though he knows he drinks too much coffee), only too happy to offer his services.

The staff learnt a lot about making the froth, heating the cups and caressing the coffee to create a plethora of different coffees that can now be enjoyed at our various restaurants.

I wonder whether Tim managed to sleep after that?

Do you need your computer?

2012-01-14T09:31:00.000+07:00

Working in a hotel you get used to seeing people cradling their Duty Free bottle of 50 year old wooden cask matured whisky – not that I can taste the difference and I am a Thai Whisky Man mind you, (Tim can’t handle the Thai stuff).

But these days we see more and more guests arriving

cradling their net-book or portable computer.

Kasemkij properties have embraced this trend and provide free wireless Internet in most public areas and if you really must stay connected 24-7, Internet can also be paid for in your room.

BUT if you only need to email home to tell your mother, grandmother, aunt, uncle or lover you have arrived safely guests of Cape Panwa Hotel can use the computer in the lobby 15 minutes a day (per room) free – so no more excuses!

cape+kantary Magazine - issue 5

2012-01-07T15:41:00.001+07:00

The truck from Bangkok arrived today with the latest issue of cape+kantary – the Kasemkij Hotels' stylish brand magazine which is available throughout our 15 hotels and at various coffee shop chains and malls near our properties, including the Phuket International Airport.

Have a look for things to do if you visit Chiang Mai, and discover a host of unique and appealing festivals in Asia besides the Songkran celebration in Thailand. (Ed – I would like to visit the Heavenly Lanterns Festival in Taiwan).

This issue is filled with a whole lot of interesting and informative articles, like bargaining techniques for different Asian countries etc. So wherever you are – click here for the digital copy and browse through.

I, however, prefer to flick through "real paper" pages (even though it may be slightly noisier) – I suppose I am getting older… and I wouldn't want to drop the wife’s iPad in the bath…

If you visit one of our properties please feel free to take a copy of the magazine home.

Smokin’ Willy on Cape Panwa Beach?

2011-12-31T13:25:00.001+07:00

Cape Panwa Hotel had a special visitor last week. He was spotted relaxing on the beach, strumming a few bars to the gentle sound of the surf in the background.

Baz (from the Australian duo band “The Smokin’ Willies”) was seen sitting under the bushes in front of Panwa House.

Next time he comes we’ll ask him to play at the Management Cocktail Party .

The Smokin’ Willies’ new album will be out soon.

Welcoming in the New Year at Cape Panwa

2011-12-30T08:20:00.000+07:00

Cape Panwa and Kantary Bay have chosen to celebrate the ‘Heritage of Thailand’ in the New Year.

The New Year's Eve International Buffet will feature a host of exotic and mouthwatering Thai dishes and the Cape Panwa Band will serenade guests during dinner. Guests will then be treated to a special cultural show highlighting the four different regions of Thailand followed by a "Tapon" Competition – a Drum Competition.

There will also be fun and games for everyone to join in highlighted by a Lucky Draw

– last year's winner has just left us.

Of course, there will be fireworks and more drums to help welcome in the New Year - and then the night is left to the dancers. (Ed – ask the staff to dance, Thai people love to dance).

A Happy New Year to ALL

Phuket’s Weekend Market

2011-12-24T16:59:00.000+07:00

We have all read about the famous weekend market in Bangkok. Well, now the island of Phuket has its own weekend market, too.

Photographs of Bangkok's weekend market - Chatuchak

Phuket's weekend market lies close to the Western style shopping mall Central Festival in Phuket Town, near Prompan (a Thai supermarket for bulk buying) and opposite to the Wat Naka temple.

Originally the market catered predominantly to the local Thai residents.

One of the strangest items that I found on sale there was ‘dog clothing’ among other interesting stuff. However, it has now become quite a tourist attraction with more and more items for the tourist – Billabong shorts and football shirts. But the great thing about it is that it still retains its charming Thai atmosphere – calm, eccentric, amusing and interesting.

Have a visit and try the food – though none of it is cooked for the delicate tourist palette. Chavorit, our Assistant Front Office Manager, suggested I try the fish balls or “luk chin thod” and “sai-krok e-san” or Northeastern Thai sausage, but I haven’t as yet.

Now this is not a market to rival Bangkok’s in the least

so if you are going to Bangkok please still go.

(PS mind your head though, the awnings are quite low)

Driving in Thailand - Part 2 - Local driving habits

2011-12-20T13:34:00.000+07:00

Guests arriving at Cape Panwa Hotel, often ask

whether driving lessons are available in Phuket.

The answer is “yes”; Driving Schools offering driving lessons exist, and a driving test with a written exam in English may be taken at the Motor Vehicle Department. Also International Driving Licenses are officially recognized and obtainable in Thailand.

However, as a passenger, be aware of some habits (and car marks) common in Phuket, such as:

1) Drivers will sometimes lift their hands free from the steering wheel of the car and ‘wai’, at either a Wat (temple) or a roundabout, such as The Heroine’s Monument – this is a mark of respect.

2) Drivers will reach the top of a particularly steep hill in Patong and feverishly hammer on the horn – this is also a mark of respect.

3) A strange set of swirls and crosses on the car’s windscreen is a blessing from a monk.

image from timinphuket with permission

4) Drivers may touch the amulet hanging around their neck – this may be a sign that the driver is worried, and seeking assurance and protection. (If your driver does this a lot, and you do not have an amulet, I suggest you get out of the vehicle as soon as possible).

If, however, the driver lets go of the steering wheel, and starts crossing himself or herself, then I suggest you do the same.

Christmas at Cape Panwa

2011-12-15T13:01:00.000+07:00

The Christmas tree has been raised, the fairy lights have been draped, the star has been placed on top and the presents placed below.   

Christmas has begun for us at Cape Panwa and Kantary Bay.

The Christmas party will feature a "Pirates of the Andaman" theme (note: this does not mean the jet-ski operators in Patong – though it is an apt description). The tickets are ready to be picked up and the tables chosen.  

Our General Manager has made sure that Father Christmas pops by to say hello to the children but we do not know how Father Christmas is arriving this year.  

Merry Christmas to you all.

Phuket Heritage – discovering traditional Phuket

2011-12-10T16:31:00.002+07:00

There are a great many things that you can do on your trip to Phuket and we are sure that you have been told about most of them – Elephant rides, Xtreme Adventure Park, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, Bangla Road, Laem and Sapan Hin, weekend markets, John Gray Sea Canoe (he went on a Heritage Trail) Gibbon Rehabilitation Park, waterfalls and more.

a Phuket Heritage Trail with Jamie in Phuket

One of the things that you probably won't find in the usual guide books but that we highly recommend is a guided exploration of Phuket Town and there is only one way of doing it and this is by contacting Phuket Heritage Trails – contact them through facebook or through Jamie in Phuket.

photo used with kind permission - Phuket Heritage Trails

Phuket Heritage unveils Phuket’s fascinating sino-colonial history and links it to many of the island’s current traditions, explaining the Tin Mining era, the Baba Festival, the Por Tor Festival and much much more.

This is a side of Phuket that is not normally shared with visitors. But if you are interested in learning more about the roots of the beautiful people on this beautiful island it’s worth contacting these guys on your next visit.

Take time to have a look – you will not be disappointed, Raj and Shalini,
our latest guests to try it, weren't.

Top places in Phuket that tourists should visit but do not  !

2011-12-03T13:57:00.002+07:00

Khaokhad View Tower

As part of our English class this month our staff were asked to talk about places that they love to visit that haven't yet been overrun by tourists.  

Khaokhad View Tower – this is a very quiet spot in the South East of Phuket,

in the Village of Borae.  

Ao Yon Waterfall – this is a waterfall at the end of a twisting road and is locally known as the ‘Secret Waterfall’ – totally deserted. There are a couple of places for a drink on Ao Yon Beach that is nearby.  

Mor Mu Dong – this is a restaurant for local people and those ‘in the know’ where you can get authentic local food served next to a mangrove swamp!

the Heroine's Monument

Thalang Museum – there is a great deal of history in Phuket and here you can read all about it – don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the Heroine’s Monument.

photo used with permission - jamie in Phuket

Pat satro - a local food for Southern Thailand.

 Kru Suwit or Laem Hin Seafood – fancy dinner on a floating restaurant?

Photo used with permission - Jamie in Phuket

Wat Phra Tong – visit the Buddhist Temple where this statue of Buddha

is half buried in the ground, find out why…  

The list goes on but this is just a blog –

look in the next edition of Cape + Kantary for more ideas. 

click 4 the locations map

Butterflies

2011-11-26T16:59:00.000+07:00

2,000 butterflies were released in Phuket.

I did not realise the butterfly is an indicator of a healthy eco-system. I thought it was a beautiful but fragile insect, and that if I stood long enough it would sit on my finger.

This was the fifth event arranged by the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World. The butterflies released by us were bred by the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World, who are also involved in a program to breed specific species of butterflies.

The atmosphere was lovely at the event with a lots of local children and people turning up at the Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Reserve in Thalang near Bang Pae Waterfall.

In addition to 2,000 butterflies released, 800 trees were also planted in the area.

If this were not enough, donations were made to the Phuket Special School,

or the Gibbon Rehabilitation Program.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Phuket Garden and Insect World,

and if you are in Phuket, make it a point to visit them.

Have a go at scuba diving at Cape Panwa

2011-11-19T16:12:00.000+07:00

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon Sea Bees, a certified diving school and centre, comes to Cape Panwa to give our guests the opportunity to put on oxygen tanks and frog legs and ‘have a go’ in the main pool.

For some of our guests, this "all-geared up" intro in our pool is enough to hook them, while others walk away after trying it, thinking that whoever thought of scuba diving is crazy. I know that Tim falls into the second lot and now ‘attempts’ to play golf instead. Ask him if he wants to play you, you are guaranteed to win…

When Sea Bees visited us last week, we requested they update us with the latest information about their diving options because, here at Cape Panwa, we like to ensure that our staff are knowledgeable about all the activities that we provide for our guests, be it batik painting, the Coral Island trip, napkin folding, Thai cooking or what have you.

Jean Marie at Loy Krathong

So if you develop a passion for scuba diving whilst visiting us, don't hesitate to ask our staff any questions you may have - they'll help ensure that you make the most out of your vacation. Jean Marie (our Food and Beverage Manager), told us that he was going to have a go at the sport but I'm not sure he will...

I can't swim so I don't count but would you like to take a plunge?

Loy Krathong at Cape Panwa

2011-11-12T20:31:00.001+07:00

Loy Krathong has always brought our guests images of pretty ladies trying to get a guest to buy them a rose and then placing placing small flower decorated floats on the water but what is Loy Krathong really all about?

A Krathong is a piece of material that floats, which are decorated with elaborately, folded banana leaves, a coin, flowers, candles and incense sticks. This is believed to be symbolic of letting go of our grudges and anger so we can cleanse ourselves. Some people will add a fingernail or hair to the Krathong as emphasis.

So what about all these pretty ladies?

These beauty contests are referred to as Nopphamat Queen Contests. The story behind this is not quite as clear, we are led to believe a Miss Nopphamat presented the King with a Krathong and the King was so impressed by the exquisiteness of the Krathong that he recommended that they be made on this day.

Our thanks are given to the Goddess of Water (Phra Mae Khongkha / พระแม่คงคา).

Many people do it for fun and it is fun.

Late news

Similar events were held at all 15 Kasemkij Hotels properties across the
Cape, Kantary and Kameo Collections, raising a total of Baht 320,000 to
support flood relief.

Laem Panwa Fishing Competition

2011-11-05T14:35:00.000+07:00

The Fishing Competition is a yearly event that takes place in the local village

– Laem Panwa.

The objective is to board your vessel, weigh anchor and cruise the ocean to catch the biggest fish. Immediately I envisioned GPS trackers, angler chairs, an abundance of rods and lines and smooth sailing.

I was therefore pleasantly surprised to see the local fishermen cast off in their long-tailed boats with just picnic boxes, bags of ice, fishing rods and the ubiquitous Thai smile – beautiful.

The next day the fishermen returned from their night of fishing with their catches. Some of the fish actually looked quite scary, even in broad daylight - imagine catching them in the dead of night... think I've read too many Stephen King novels....

By the way, our Kantary Bay staff came second with their catch

– congratulations boys!

fishing photographs

You only live once

2011-10-28T13:29:00.001+07:00

photograph courtesy of Jamie Monk

The first thing that springs to people’s minds when they hear these words and are in Phuket is the James Bond film and ‘that’ rock – but they are also the words of a man who made Phuket his home - John Gray.

Mention John Gray in Phuket and his name brings about a number of different reactions – but we are not discussing John Gray here – if you want to read more about his life or his opinions please read the latest edition of cape+kantary (page 32) or his personal blog.

Rather what we are posting here is that you should explore the islands around Phuket inside and out in a sea-canoe like John Gray did when you visit Phuket – the breathstopping beauty of the nature that you will find in these places is humbling.

This trip can be made while staying at Cape Panwa Hotel, not only do we have our own private pier from where you can set sail (plus luxury yachts and speedboats if they are more your style), but the hotel itself is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and coconut trees – unspoiled natural beauty which we have managed to preserve beautifully.

Floods in Thailand

2011-10-20T13:37:00.003+07:00

By now most everybody in the world is aware of the floods in Thailand as all the major international news agencies have run with a story about how much damage and sorrow the flooding has caused the people of Thailand.

In Phuket there have been a number of places that have been affected by the seemingly never ending rain that we have had throughout Thailand this year, but when we compare the damage with that experienced in other parts of the country, we have to thank our lucky stars that Phuket has not been touched by the rain.

The Kantary Ayutthaya, (a sister hotel of ours that belongs to the same 'Collection' as the Kantary Bay, Phuket), remains unaffected and has been actively providing relief aid to the flood victims around Ayutthaya in the form of food, water and emergency supplies.

Here at Cape Panwa we have been doing our bit by collecting donations from our kind guests and sending the money directly to this fund.

Other companies in Phuket are also collecting money to aid their fellow countrymen – Tim visited Xtreme Adventures on Sunday and all the money collected by them will also go to victims of the flooding.

more photographs of Kantary Hotel relief

Driving in Thailand - Part 1

2011-10-14T14:53:00.008+07:00

This week I thought about a question which I am regularly asked, at least twice a week.

"What do you think of renting a car?"

Now I must share with you that driving in Thailand and / or Phuket is different from other places around the world.

1) Red traffic lights - they mean that it would be a good idea if you stopped here.

2) Flashing red traffic lights – they mean proceed with caution.

3) Driving on the left – well not strictly true, if you have a turning coming up (scratch that) if you want to drive on the right because you want to you can.

4) Driving on the right – there are some roads in Patong where you (are supposed to) drive on the other side…

5) Whose fault is it? – a tourist is a guest in the country and the accident would not have occurred if they had not been visiting – logical.

6) Flashing head lights – GET OUT OF MY WAY.

7) A hand signal to overtake – this means that you can pass me but I take no responsibility for the oncoming traffic – but it’s fine with me…

I could continue but I since I have chosen not to drive here, I wouldn't be speaking from a level of authority. However, I was very happy to find that Thailand was not listed on this website I came across on cross-cultural driving – but did a man in Japan really stop at the traffic lights in the earthquake?

Ouch – that must hurt!

2011-10-05T17:11:00.001+07:00

It is that time of year again when people of Chinese descent pay homage to their Gods by turning vegetarian for 10 days.

This is actually a great time to take a good look at your diet and endeavour to be more careful (in the future) about what you eat – so we have been promoting our Vegetarian Menus at all of our restaurants.

The story of the Vegetarian Festival is nothing new to readers of this blog but click here if you want to read about its origins.

The Vegetarian Festival is probably most famous for its riveting mouth and body piercing rituals, which one can witness early in the morning at any one of the Chinese Temples scattered around the island. This is followed by a colourful parade around the island where entranced devotees give out gifts or beat their backs or stab their tongues with sharp objects.

Then, of course, there are the firecrackers – all in all 'organised chaos' for a few days in Phuket.

Tim took some guests to watch the spectacle, would you dare to join?

(WARNING: some of the images in the links are graphic in nature

- parental supervision is advised)

The Cape Bakery in Phuket

2011-10-01T13:35:00.003+07:00

Kasemkij has been growing in leaps and bounds with new properties springing up all over the country, and the next visit I intend to make will be to Cape Nidhra in Hua Hin and from all the reviews it looks stunning.

But before I lose myself, I am here to tell you about the latest development outside Kantary Bay in Phuket and I don’t mean the growing number of local vendors selling food along the jetty but the Cape Bakery.

The Cape Bakery is next to the Trading Post convenience store in the Panwa Village and sells the most tempting assortment of fresh breads, cakes and pastries, all baked by our team here at Cape Panwa - as well as Italian ice cream!

You can also order freshly brewed coffee (and there are a great many varieties), which you can sip leisurely whilst watching the sun set over the Bay with the Big Buddha in the distance.

I think I’ll go and check it out this afternoon and make a booking at Cape Nidhra....

Red Turtles and now Insects??

2011-09-24T09:28:00.003+07:00

During the English classes at Cape Panwa that Tim teaches, I know he learns an awful lot of things about Thailand and how the Thai people live, which he sometimes likes to share with the rest us.

Recently, after visiting Sapan Hin (in the far South of Phuket) and the local market that is there every evening, his topic of discussion for his English Class the next day was "Insects and where they can be found in Phuket" – I laughed and told him to come to my house in the late afternoon, especially after it had rained.

Tim scoffed and said – noooo Insects to eat!

I was then shown some photographs and a photoblog of Phuket and was horrified to see that they are very popular. He then told me that he was going to the market before the staff party... to eat some - he told me that the worms were quite nice actually!!!!!!!

Just a nibble...

2011-09-17T15:40:00.000+07:00

We have posted about all of the lovely coffees that our staff can make and all of the cakes that you can choose from to accompany the coffee.

Recently, the Chef decided to add a few "lighter" items to his bake list so that you could have just a nibble with your afternoon tea or coffee.

There are now three different types of biscuit for you to choose from at the Café Andaman – Chocolate Chip Soft cookies (Ed. they really are soft and melt in the mouth), Chocolate Chip Cookies and Almond Tulips – lovely.

If even these are too much you can purchase just a single chocolate – but the temptation to buy another one is big...

"Your nose is red!"

2011-09-10T11:29:00.000+07:00

We have had a number of upgrades to the internet service throughout the hotel to keep up with the latest info-technology used by our guests.

They began when staff first noticed that many of our guests were walking around with their net-books clamped to their faces or were having conversations with the table in front of them!

On closer observation (and looking at how much the telephones were used or rather not used), it was swiftly recognised that these people were using Skype - the technology that allows you to have face-to-face conversations with people on the other side of the world for free.

Please collect your free wireless connection password from the Front Office staff to ‘Skype’ your friends – and don't forget to bring your laptop, too ;-)

When it rains

2011-09-03T16:59:00.001+07:00

If you are staying with us, you are spoiled for choice...

You can enjoy a pampering spa treatment or a relaxing Thai massage at Cape Spa (check for early morning promotions), or you can add to you culinary skills with a Thai cooking lesson.

If you have children (or adults) who like going to the movies, here is a link to the current showtimes at the local cinemas.

Don’t forget that compared to other places in the world the rain here is warm, and if you get caught in it you dry out rather quickly.

Our hopes are sunk!!!

2011-08-27T17:23:00.000+07:00

photo from Phuket Gazette

We have mentioned in our blog that books are shared by our guests whilst they are staying with us and that some of these books are donated to foreign prisoners doing time in Thai jails.

Well, now we are all very disappointed to learn that the ‘Hope’ (the World’s largest floating bookshop) will no longer be visiting us.

photo taken from above room E301

After the recent 'negotiations' between taxi drivers and tour operators at the Deep Sea Port - where the 'Hope' had intended to berth - the Phuket Gazette has been flooded (sic) with accusations that the behaviour of certain members of the community in Phuket had changed the attitudes of the ship's captain?

Other conspiracies mentioned in the comments, include that the vessel is avoiding Phuket because of the inflated charges for fixing a generator here.

I know Tim is disappointed because he had a list of purchases that he was going to make… he will just have to keep searching the libraries at Kantary Bay and Cape Panwa…

But there are rumours that the Liverpool 'legends' will be visiting…

Por Tor - Hungry Ghosts and red turtles!

2011-08-20T20:51:00.000+07:00

Where else in Thailand can you see bright red turtles that are then chopped up into small pieces rolled in flour and deep-fried – Issan, Chang Mai, Pattaya or Bangkok?

Wrong – Phuket.

Last week was the Por Tor Festival in Phuket and the turtles were actually small or enormous cakes in the shape of a turtle!

Tim visited Phuket Town this year with his family, who left to watch the turtles being cooked, eat candy-floss and play with toy dogs in the controlled pandemonium of the market.

Tim met Jamie (from Jamie’s Phuket blog), Chaya (from Phuket Heritage Trails) and others in Siam Indigo for a cocktail whilst Chaya told them all about the Por Tor Festival and it’s traditions.

In brief it is referred to as the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’ and the Chinese community believes that once a year the dead spirits of their ancestors will return to their homes and the turtles are (a symbol) food for them and the red colour represents wealth – similar to a Chinese Cremation.

Chaya then took them all into the heart – the market was a hub of activity, selling food, selling toys, giving out food and happiness was abound.

The infectious happiness of the Thai people was happily shared with everybody who was there – sometimes catching an infection isn’t that bad for you.

Share your photographs

2011-08-13T09:37:00.000+07:00

Photographs are for keeping your memories and sharing with other people.

We try to organise all the photographs that you give us into a 'photobucket'. Our Cape Panwa Photobucket is divided into a plethora of different folders. At the time of writing there were 75 folders with a total of 2,345 photographs.

There are some great photo archive sites where your photograph is linked to a map that can tell you where the photographs were taken.

There are also entire websites devoted to photographs of Phuket.

So why don't you join one of them to share your photographs with family, friends or like minded mates across the world.

Lost your Way?

2011-08-06T14:14:00.000+07:00

View Larger Map

A common mistake that a lot of our visitors tell us is made is that they are taken to the wrong Cape Panwa Hotel – well there is only one Cape Panwa Hotel – but the drivers still make mistakes.

There are 2 hotels close to us, one is called the Sri Panwa Hotel and the other is the Bel-Air Panwa and there are more hotels being built.

How can you make sure that you get to the right place? Well you can always take a piece of paper with the words "Cape Panwa" written in Thai OR simply tell the driver that Cape Panwa is the Original – a word that Thai market sellers in Patong understand.

Cape Panwa was built in 1987 in a much sought after place in Phuket. There is a beautiful beach that is closed off on one side by a jetty and on the other by rocks - private, peaceful and perfect.

Then there is a magnificent Sino-Portuguese building called Panwa House on the edge of the sand – perfect for evening dining and traditional Thai food – an original structure and in a perfect setting.

If you need to come here just ask for the Original Hotel at Cape Panwa – this is us.

(If your driver has a special phone or software in their car here are the GPS Coordinates: 7° 48.438' N – 98° 24.551' E.)

View Larger Map

Thailand knows how to party

2011-08-03T13:41:00.001+07:00

What springs to people's mind when they hear this are the full-moon parties highly popular with the young European tourists

Last week in Phuket, the staff at Cape Panwa and Kantary Bay had their staff party. It kicked off with a week of football at the local school (Aonamboor) where the staff were able to show their true prowess – Phuket FC here we come…

Then there was the Raffle where every staff had a ticket and everyone won a prize – from rice cookers to a wide-screen television.

The next day was the Staff Sports Day that started off with a jog from the local village – specifically, from one of the tops of the many hills.

Then the 'mardi gras' came to Cape Panwa – noise, singing, chanting, costumes, food and dancing! The staff enthusiastically participated in several competitions of takraw, volleyball and 'who's wearing the most outlandish costume'.

On the last evening a more traditional party was held in Phuket Town. It, of course, involved more singing, dancing, noise and food – one week later they are still sharing their stories and photographs…

Local canoe race

2011-07-26T09:59:00.000+07:00

There was a special event last weekend at the Klong Mudon Canal, which is located in a village close to Cape Panwa – canoe races!

The local schools were there in force – there were cheer leaders dressed in a variety of outfits, children playing instruments, food and seats for everyone.

The arrival of the food carts – deep-fried potato whirls, Thai drinks, Thai jellies, candy-floss and more - was especially welcomed by the children. They happily munched and crunched on their snacks – in retrospect they needed the energy for all their vigorous cheering.

The canoes arrived and the children began to chant, to drum and to smile – it was a truly wonderful environment, even when it rained the Thai people did not mind.

The races were run and people were cheered – I don’t know who won but it didn’t seem to matter.

Wondering if Cape Panwa should organise a team next year?

click for more photos

Tattooists in Phuket

2011-07-19T10:06:00.000+07:00

image from the Bangkok Post

A month ago it was reported that the Culture and Public Health Ministries decided to tackle the issue of ‘inappropriate religious tattoos’.

Whilst investigating the issue it was also discovered that there was no generic health permit for tattooists even though they were subject to health inspections, but this was not the biggest issue!

It merely led to a more interesting one - the location of tattoos. This became the most hotly discussed issue on a number of web forums because the topic caught the imagination of the general public.

There still seems to be no official resolution on any of the above issues or have they just been swept under the carpet with any number of others…

Pop stars choose the quiet of Kantary Bay

2011-07-12T18:10:00.001+07:00

This weekend was a different type of ‘hectic’ for the staff at Kantary Bay – not only was there a cocktail party on the veranda of Uncle Nan’s with a larger number of guests in attendance but there was also an invasion of pop stars.

Zeal, Boy Peacemaker and Diana were a handful of the Thai pop stars that chose to stay at Kantary Bay whilst they were performing a free concert at Central Festival in Phuket Town that was sponsored by Nok Air.

Without speaking to the group I would imagine that Kantary Bay was chosen because it is not far from Phuket Town and for its ideal location at the end of the Cape Panwa, which would afford them a peace and quiet probably quite uncommon in their world.

Another plus, and something not even pop star money can buy, is the hypnotically stunning view of the glittering Andaman Ocean available even from the room balconies.

One of our guests from Cape Panwa Hotel left after our management cocktail party to party with the visiting pop stars, too.

We can't tell you...

2011-07-03T09:10:00.001+07:00

The competition on our Facebook site regarding Jean Claude Van Damme staying with us last week ended with a number of winners – congratulations!

Thank you to Jean Claude for choosing to stay with us and I hope that we will see you again – he did like the Two–bedroomed Villa but they were full – next time?

During this period there were also some filmmakers from Europe filming a reality TV show in Phuket who chose to stay with us – but we can’t tell you who won that because the show has not been broadcast yet!

They quietly donated some of their equipment to Laem Panwa School – thank you. We kept the helmet to be given to a member of staff who had recently had an accident on his motorbike – Get Well Soon!

Something for nothing

2011-06-26T02:05:00.000+07:00

There are plenty of smiles in Thailand and they are easy to share and they go a long way.

But sometimes we are able to give a little bit more.

There are dinner coupons for sale here and if you purchase 5 dinner coupons you get one free and if you purchase 10 dinner coupons you get three free!

It is that simple.

With your dinner coupon you are able to join the Seafood Buffet or the Meat Buffet and there will be no charge for this buffet. You are also able to choose any of the set menus in any of the restaurants and there will be no more charge for the food. One of the most popular set menus is for Top of the Reef on Sunday – Beef Wellington – delicious but please don’t tell everyone – whoops ;-).

Cape Panwa in Thailand

2011-06-19T14:05:00.000+07:00

Cape Panwa Hotel has a very large client base - from Australia, Russia, South America, Europe and back again.

We are, however, a Thai-owned hotel and based in Thailand which means that we must sometimes say 'thank you' to all of the Thai people who choose to take their long weekends and/or holidays here. Here is a link to a web-site review in Thai, I apologise that I do not know what is written there but there are some lovely photographs and smiley faces.

Click Here

โรงแรมเคปพันวามีฐานลูกค้าที่ใหญ่มากทั้งจากประเทศออสเตรเลีย, รัสเซีย, อเมริกาใต้, ยุโรป และกลับมาใช้บริการอีก แต่อย่างไรก็ดีทางโรงแรมได้ดูแลบริหารงานโดยคนไทย และตั้งอยู่ในประเทศไทย ซึ่งนั่นหมายความในบางครั้ง เราต้องกล่าวคำขอบคุณลูกค้าชาวไทยที่ได้เลือกใช้เวลาในช่วงสุดสัปดาห์มาพักกับทางเราที่นี่

ในลิงค์นี้จะพาท่านเข้าสู่หน้าเว็บไซต์รีวิวเป็นภาษาไทย ผมต้องกล่าวคำขอโทษที่ผมไม่ทราบว่าอะไรเขียนลงไปในนั้นบ้าง แต่มีหลายๆภาพที่น่ารักและใบหน้าที่เต็มไปด้วยรอยยิ้ม

Pantip.com

A Baba Wedding Celebration

2011-06-13T08:48:00.002+07:00

Last week we had a wonderful excuse to visit Old Phuket Town again.

It began with a cocktail party early Friday evening in Phuket Town where everyone clearly turned up in their finest attire for this special occasion.

The reason for the celebration was to emulate the ways of the Chinese and Thai people who were living in Phuket when tin mining was at its peak. It was a way to formally introduce young couples before they were betrothed to one another.

The next morning involved getting up early (well 7am) and watching the bridal couple share a cup of tea. Then the bride and groom were put in rickshaws and pulled through the Old Phuket Town streets that were lined with children in Traditional dress – beautiful.

The celebration finished with the couple lighting candles and being blessed at a Chinese Shrine.

more photographs

Choosing your holiday - Part II

2011-06-08T06:13:00.002+07:00

The Internet may have taken over our telephones and televisions as an instant form of communication but some people like to choose the old-fashioned way; to talk to a local Travel Agent to obtain their perfect holiday.

Recently, we had some visitors from the UK from TUI who were on an Educational Trip in Phuket. They visited the new Junior Suites and the Rooftop Pool and were then escorted to the beach where they enjoyed a special treat.

Chef Khun Chaman and his team also organised a Cooking Class for them all – they tasted the delicate balance of flavours (albeit spicy) of a tom yam goong and then they had a perennial Thai favourite – chicken and cashew nuts with rice.

Next time you book a holiday ask your Travel Agent if they (or somebody they know) has visited Cape Panwa and about the hotel’s legendary Thai Cooking Courses... You might get a surprising answer.

What makes a hotel?

2011-06-01T13:21:00.001+07:00

Jennifer on the beach

We do have a number of hotel features that we know please our guests in our properties, ranging from ‘proper’ scrambled eggs at breakfast to free wireless internet around the pool.

Simon at the Lighthouse

Some of the most frequent positive comments that we get from our guests are about the staff – our staff members are our most treasured possessions and they are the reason why so many people return to Cape Panwa Hotel or Kantary Bay.

Aumpronpan at Uncle Nan's

We are posting this blog to thank them for their commitment and if you would like to send us a photograph of your favourite staff member(s) and a brief line why this is, we will add it to the collection – please send the jpg to am@capepanwa.com OR visit the site and make a comment.

Pavinee in the Front Office

Happy browsing

What can we do?

2011-05-24T17:13:00.002+07:00

The wind of change is with us again in Phuket and we are experiencing the beginning of some rain that is mostly in the evening.

Besides getting up a little earlier to take advantage of the Spa Promotion don’t forget that there are also a number of other things that you can do whilst you are staying with us.

Try your hand at Thai cooking – try three Thai dishes.

Pick up a little bit of Thai with our Learn to Speak Thai lessons.

Add a bit of sparkle to your dining tables –

learn to fold some napkins in a number of different shapes.

Pick up a paint-brush and try your hand at batik painting.

Learn to decorate your foods by trying your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

Or relax on the tranquil beach – the choice is yours.

So how do you choose your holiday?

2011-05-17T10:53:00.003+07:00

Gone are the days when people are told where to go on holiday by over-zealous travel agents. Nowadays people browse the internet looking for their dream destination.

One of the most popular sites that is referenced before people come here is Tripadvisor – at the time of writing the Cape Panwa was the third choice in the area and Kantary Bay was the first – have a look for yourself...

There are also a number of blogs about Phuket and a popular one is ‘Jamie in Phuket’. You’ll also find online photograph blogs which are beautiful and give you ideas of what to do whilst you are in Phuket.

So before you come to Phuket please have a look at all these internet sites and we hope that you choose to stay with us

at Cape Panwa Hotel or Kantary Bay.

Games at Cape Panwa

2011-05-09T10:15:00.001+07:00

There are a number of new activities in the Games Room that will keep your kids amused when they've had enough sea, sun and sand, ranging from simple colouring to making the biggest tower possible.

There are also competitive games such as table football, snakes & ladders, chess, tumbling monkey, ludo, table tennis, Go, Connect 4.

And if you choose to surf the net whilst watching your children, there's a WiFi connection and even TV.

more photographs

Au Revoir Chef Phudon

2011-05-02T14:30:00.000+07:00

Our Head Chef, the much admired Chef Phudon, is stepping down from managing our many restaurants – from Top of the Reef (French fine dining) to Laem Panwa (Thai food – local style) and even barbecues on the Panwa Princess.

What will we remember him for?

His infectious smile - which we're sure has broken a number of hearts along the way – to his ever lengthening ponytail plus his ability to churn out delicious meal after delicious meal, still with an ever-widening grin.

He's moving up Bangkok to run a restaurant with his family - I wonder if the new Head Chef has the same appetites as Phudon...

Good luck Phudon!

Unwind at Cape Panwa

2011-04-23T13:00:00.000+07:00

The only way to describe the Cape Spa would be ‘the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and unwind’ (physically and mentally).

The treatments are numerous and include everything from a simple traditional Thai massage through to skin detoxification and enzyme therapies and après-soleil rejuvenation to a full-day spa package combining everything from body scrubs and massage to aromatic steam treatment and facial delicacy treatments.

There is a promotion at the moment which offers a 25% discount for all who choose to have a treatment between 10 am and 2pm – the early bird really does get the discount…

spa photographs

Songkran with Cape Panwa

2011-04-17T19:26:00.001+07:00

The Songkran Water Festival/Thai New Year, is referred to as the ‘Worlds greatest Water Fight’ and if you choose to walk down the street this week – or visit the beach you will quickly know why!

Water is the focus of the Thai New Year because of the irreplaceable role it plays in agriculture.

Songkran’s origins lie in ancient astrology and in the position of the sun – which explains why it is celebrated on slightly different dates each year – any excuse for a longer party!

Tim enjoyed taking guests to the temple in the morning and neglected to tell them that they would be ambushed on the way home – which meant that his guests were seriously unprepared for the watery onslaught!!!

This was followed by a wet party at lunchtime and then there was dinner at Panwa House with water drunk rather than thrown.

A wonderful day with wonderful people.

SOS Toys

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000+07:00

We wrote a post in November regarding a special daytrip that Cape Panwa Hotel organised with the SOS Children Foundation of Thailand, which is under the patronage of H.M. the Queen.

The staff at Cape Panwa Hotel have not forgotten them and recently organised a Christmas and New Year’s Collection of toys and clothing for these children.

The collection was made after New Year and the gifts were chosen carefully. We packed a car with the gifts which were all gratefully received by the children.

Your photographs

2011-04-02T13:34:00.003+07:00

Kessera

The world is full of people taking photographs and our guests are certainly no exception.

Sometimes I've seen people taking photos of people taking photos of people taking photos of their meal.

The digital age is upon us (even in Thailand – but I hope that they agree about 3G/4G!!! services here in Phuket soon).

Krittaya and Pavinee

One of the advantages of these digital cameras is that photographs can be shared immediately.

At Cape Panwa we regularly select photographs of the month and post them directly in the margin of our blog.

Our Facebook site recently ran a competition called 'A Crazy Thing Called Love' and the photograph above is the winner.

If you've taken fab photograph(s) during your stay at
Cape Panwa please send it/them to Tim who will gladly post it/them on our blog (if the quality's good enough, of course) OR simply join our Facebook and post them there.

Scuba Diving - Want to have a go?

2011-03-25T13:15:00.000+07:00

If you have always wanted to have a go at Scuba Diving but never have, then Cape Panwa Hotel is the place for you.

Three times a week Cape Panwa is visited by a team of professional scuba divers from Sea Bees and you can have a trial with them. Get dressed up in scuba gear and lower yourself into the safety of the swimming pool – for FREE!

It's a great idea because after you have tried scuba diving in the pool there are a number of dives sites around Phuket that Sea Bees will take you to.

For those of you who do not wish to scuba dive don’t forget that

Coral Island is only 15 minutes away with great snorkeling.

Laem Panwa Festival

2011-03-18T09:38:00.002+07:00

Laem Panwa Festival took place last weekend.

The festival began with a competition between the ex-pupils of Laem Panwa School. They took a ‘long-tail’ boat out on the water to see who could catch the biggest fish. The rule for this competition was that they could only use a rod.

Urai’s husband Surasak came second – he caught a barracuda! (Urai works at Kantary Bay Hotel)

This was followed on the next day with a fishing boat race. The race started at the Phuket Aquarium and the fishermen had to circumnavigate Lon Island and return. Froid was the winner!

The whole festival was followed by a traditional barbecue and party in the Phuket Aquarium car park – including karaoke, games, drinks and food and lots of fun.

A library and more

2011-03-11T10:23:00.001+07:00

At Cape Panwa Hotel and Kantary Bay you'll find libraries for you to borrow books left by other guests and for you in turn to leave books for other guests to read.

There are three libraries at Cape Panwa Hotel - in the Round House, the Games Room and the Cape Lounge. I know that Tim is quite happy looking after them for us as he tidies the books daily at these locations!

Tim even takes his work home with him - reading the books to ensure that there are no pages missing.

Tim will also monitor the length of time that a particular book is in the library (I think that he is a frustrated librarian) and he will send books that have not been read to Bangkok.

In Bangkok these books are taken to prisons for foreigners who are serving time in them to read.