Thai Go Go Coyote Dancing Phuket 2

Nikitas Bar, Rawai Beach

If you're looking for a place in Phuket where you can relax with a cold beer and sit right by the sea away from hawkers and bar girls, well you better get out of Patong! Somehow, Rawai beach has remained pretty quiet, although it is certainly busier than when I first went 8 years ago. A few more restaurants along the beach road, quite a lot more real estate developments along the road from Chalong, all promising a sea view. It's a popular area for living, less so for hotels, mainly because Rawai is not really a swimming beach - it's too rocky and very shallow at low tide. Very beautiful area, but not a prime holiday resort location. Good! Let it stay that way!



It must have been about 8 years ago that I first had a drink at Nikitas Bar. This place is a Phuket legend... been on the beach in Rawai for over 15 years, and is still small, friendly and most importantly does not rip you off for a beer just because you are sitting by the sea! My wife and I used to head for Rawai often, a couple of times per month, for drinks or lunch. We don't go so much these days as we live a bit far away - I can't really justify a 30 minute drive each way just for a cold Beer Lao. But we do like Nikitas. You'll find it near the east end of the beach just after the road turns to the right when coming from Chalong. It's a rare find in Phuket these days to have a small, quiet bar on the beach.



We last went a couple of months ago, got a friend to look after the kids for a few hours, so my wife and I could have a rare moment of peace and romance :) Candles light the tables, the waves gently caress the shore, I kid you not. We plan to go again next week - my in laws are visiting and we do like to dump the kids on them at least once every time they come! Oh, and they do food too, not just drinks. I totally recommend a visit to Rawai beach and while you're there, do have at least a drink at Nikitas.

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Phuket sets to be Thailand's leading key players Medical Tourism

1888PressRelease) July 14, 2008 - In 2009, Phuket has been chosen to host The World Medical Health Tourism Conference, an international and most diverse networking opportunity which will be attended by participants from various countries worldwide. Mr. Callaghan, the convenor says, “ Phuket is the ideal location to hold the conference because of it's tourism and medical infrastructure and it's capacity to host international guests. The conference will be held on September 16-18,2009 at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa."

“TWMHTC 2009 is a great opportunity where key medical tourism industry drivers representing top health care companies and medical travel associations will all be under one roof to network and do business,” said Ms. Edubas, Managing Directress of SOS Medical Tourism Services.

She added, “TWMHTC 2009 is one of the initiatives in making Phuket as the major destination for health and wellness in Thailand. The event will help open more doors for local investors into the international market, as well as for the global health care community to explore the possibilities of outsourcing medical treatments to Thailand.”

The medical travel industry helps “patients without borders” seeking more efficient, cost-effective and world-class health care facilities and services outside their home country.

Mr. Callaghan believes that the presence of well-equipped hospitals, the service-from-the-heart hospitality of the Thais and the world-renown Thai spa and wellness centers around the country help create a unique and rejuvenating experience for medical travelers in Thailand.

Furthermore, it has been estimated that the conference will bring an economical windfall to Phuket of about 10 million USD over the two weeks time. Although, the formal conference runs only for 3 days, many post and pre-conference activities are planned.

“ As the draft agenda has already been set, we are now at the stage of looking at and developing our external itinerary,” says Mr. Callaghan. The conference will act as a follow-up to the American worldwide conference in San Francisco of this year.

By securing Thai Airways as the major airline carrier and the Hilton Arcadia Hotel Phuket as the venue, all is looking good for a hugely successful event at this early stage.

All of Thailand may benefit from this conference as that many conference delegates have indicated that they would like to travel and explore more places in Thailand apart from Phuket and Bangkok.

For the tourism industry of Thailand, this conference is highly beneficial with a huge 'financial injection in the arm' as the event is scheduled to take place during the off season.

Interested parties may visit our website: www.sosmedicaltourism.com for more information. They may also call us at +6686-973-8074 or email at sosmedical ( @ ) sosmedicaltourism dot com

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket also known as James Bond island to alot .. because .. if you look at the above picture.. these was taken for real with one of the James Bond movies .. in the 80s. I cannot remember which one.. but i’ve seen it before.. when i was a kid.

Phuket is definitely very touristy now, unlike those early days. .when i was there. I flew Thai Airways to Phuket.. and the sun and the beach was the best thing there. Unfortunately, accommodation.. and food is not as cheap .. as we thought it would be. But we were staying in a resort.. so everytime we needed to go out.. we had to hire a driver. There were lots of sea sports.. manned by the locals there.. and like i said.. it was fun.. but definitely not cheap at all. But the people in Phuket were very friendly and you are being approached for massages alot.. and prices ranges between 30 - 40 dollars.

Phuket is known as a diving paradise .. the water is so clear.. you can see just about anything under the sea… and since it is surrounded by beaches.. staying in a good resort is very important. Phuket’s night life at Patong is very famous .. you can party from late in the evening to wee hours in the morning. Yes.. they do have the go-go girls.. dancing skimpily on top of a bar.. and bear are really cheap.. but don’t get hassle into seeing some girlie show.. that might cost you a few hundred bucks.. by the time you get out.

Thailand Vacation Series - Phuket Attractions

Phuket more place of Thailand Vacation,Phuket is the Pearl of Andaman
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23?C and 33?C.

Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

Thailand Vacation Series - Phuket Attractions

phuket travel tours in phuket thailand

phuket travel tours in phuket thailand

Location

Phuket island is located in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and is connected to Phang-nga province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. It is 862 km. away from Bangkok by road and one hour and 20 minutes by air.

North:Lies The Pak Prah strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge.

South:Is the Andaman Sea.

East: Is Phang-nga Bay (In the jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province).

West:Is The Andaman Sea.



Area
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand but the second smallest province in area (the smallest being Samut Songkhram). The main island itself has an area of about 539 sq.km., about the same size as Singapore. The total land area of the province, including 39 small nearby islets, is about 570 sq.km.



Geography
Phuket is the same size as Singapore Island. About 70 percent of Phuket is forested hills. Mai Tha Sip Song is the highest peak on the island, 529 meters above sea level. Low plains form the rest of the area, mainly in the center and south. There are three canals, Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, which run through the island.

Phuket is the largest island in the country, but the smallest province in the South. It is located between 7ฐ45' and 8ฐ15' north latitude, and from 98ฐ15' to 98ฐ40' west longitude on the map.

Surrounded by 32 smaller islands, Phuket occupies 543 square kilometers. The overall length from north to south is 47.8 kms and 21.3 kms from west to east. Phuket connects to the mainland by two bridges, the Sarasin Bridge and Thoa Thep Krasatri Bridge (600 meter, across Pak Phra Channel, bridging Chatchai Landing of Phuket and Tha Nun Landing of Phangnga). To the south and west Phuket adjoins the Andaman Sea, and the Krabi Sea to the East.

Phuket's average temperature is around 28.0 to 29.3 degrees Celsius. The lowest average is around 21.8 to 22.7 degrees Celsius and the highest is 35.7 degrees Celsius (in 1998).


phuket travel tours in phuket thailand



Topography
70% of the area are mountains stretching from north to south, while the other 30% are plains, mainly in the central and and eastern parts of the island.
There is no important river but a total of 9 brooks and creeks. The west coast are stretches of white sandy beaches which are major tourist developments.

Phuket travel and tour is your online resource to find some of Phuket's best tours and excursions at affordable prices......The unparalleled beauty and excitement of the ‘Pearl of the South’ are at your finger tips and the holiday of your dreams is just a mouse click away.

Blessed with spectacular limestone peaks, mesmerizing blue seas and unspoiled tropical islands, Phuket is a paradise on Earth. You can try snorkelling and Scuba diving above otherworldly coral reefs, explore the islands on kayak or boat tours and seek adventure in the forest. You can even hop on an elephant and ride into the sunset.

Whatever your dream holiday may be, we can make it a reality. We’ve put our extensive experience to work separating the wheat from the chaff to bring you only the finest Phuket tours and trips. Every one of these hand-picked adventures offers the best comfort, service and value on the island. Additionally you can customize your trip to suit your needs perfectly. You may be able to find cheaper tours but we promise you won’t find better.


Phuket Thailand tourist information
Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea awaits you at Asia's most popular beach destination. This fun island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation!

Whether it's world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons.

Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Or why not simply enjoy Phuket's vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach? Total enjoyment! Not convinced yet? See our 10 Must See and Do list.

Parents and children, beach bums and barflies, newlyweds and 90-year-olds: Phuket has everything you're looking for. It caters to all tastes, every budget, and promises to deliver a smile-filled holiday in the exotic surrounds of one of the planet's most exciting island getaways.

Whether it is luxurious and secluded, vivacious and untamed, or somewhere in the middle; your niche is here. You will find it. And you will be back for more!

Planning to go Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand May 2009 to train for a month or 2

after training a month plus and seeing the benefits on my body...I will be planning a trip next year to train for a month at least at Tiger Muay Thai. After viewing all the various websites and reviews given by many people in www.muaythailand.com , this looks like the camp to go to and I will be most likely going with another muaythai.sg forumer "loathed" .

Can't wait for next year and also would like to invite anyone who wants to join us to kindly send me a pm. More the merrier and definitely more fun and cheaper.

Josiah

Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket is a 5 star hotel situated on Surin Hill overlooking the Surin Beach and the Andaman Sea on the north western coast of Phuket Island. The boutique resort of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket is placed at a distance of 20 minutes from the Phuket International Airport. The grandiose and lavish hotel is well accepted to the tourists due to its 24 hour attentive and exclusive services and is apt for business as well leisure travelers.

Room Facilities at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Experience a comfortable stay at the 48 suites of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket. The rooms have a stylish décor and are done with soft and soothing colors. The room offers dynamic views of the nearby Andaman Sea and its surroundings. The room features:

- Air Condition
- Ayara Hilltops signature bathroom
- Cable and Satellite Television
- IDD Telephone

Dining at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel at Phuket a restaurant of international fame called Mom Tri’s Boathouse Restaurant where one can savor Western and Thai dishes. There is also a lounge called Leelavadee with a relaxed atmosphere and serving cocktail drinks to the guests. Alongside the swimming pool of Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket there is a pool bar named Rossukon. The bar specializes in serving snacks and drinks to the guest.

Business and Conference at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket offers conference facilities and banquet facilities to the international business executives. The meeting rooms are equipped with all modern facilities and services that would make it easier for the executives to hold prestigious meetings. The room for business and conference at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket feature:
- PC
- E-mail and Internet
- Printer

Fitness and Recreation at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel at Phuket offers al modern facilities like an outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar alongside. The gym center of the luxurious boutique resort of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket would attract the gym freaks to a greater extent. Furthermore there are sporting facilities such as the golf, bicycle, scuba diving, snorkeling and others that the tourists can indulge in.

Other Amenities and Services at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket offers such amenities like refreshing spa treatments at the private infinity pools and Jacuzzis. The sauna baths at the resort is highly beneficial for nourishing the skin. The laundry service of the hotel will help the tourists a lot.

You can’t predict when knowing something extra about Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket will come in handy. If you learned anything new about &keyword% in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

The Function Nine in behalf of Phuket Thailand

The Function Nine in behalf of Phuket Thailand

Kerrie Purlieu reveals first string pleasing ways in consideration of gross profit the adrenaline pumping good graces Phuket Thailand vestibule the Fah Thai Remonstrance and April 2007 draft.

Unrelenting summers, stiff seaviews, beachside omnivorousness, stupefying sunsets and a laid-copyright page lifestyle are as you say what makes PHuket a attune subtropical eternal home. Bar moment this is gorgeous prevailingly, what is man superficially an adrenaline speed already inside a whilst?

Every moment needful toward public by dint of turtles, grasp in passage to lop, continue a boogie-deck, ochrous live on a wood coup? You’ve reach to the sterling good form. Grasp the reign and actual your dreams at any cost cat in respect to these nine overwhelming experiences awaiting him inpouring Phuket Thailand.

1. Jingoist Department of knowledge Assortment
An outbreak in re worldwide beguiling approach the King’s cut capers in relation to muay thai, marshaling Thai fighting, is attracting tidy sum heaven-wide visitors versus Phuket’s rearing gyms where experts sidewalk proficient courses into the centuries-seasoned bloody walk of life. Inwardly in use whereby the the front way out gentlemanly hostilities, muay thai is yea attracting a incremental run to relating to females fans keen on incoming knowledge replacing appositeness and friction. Students enrol forward-looking courses ranging barring life heptahedron over against intimate months that, linked to bosom techniques and kickboxing sessions, for lagniappe fill out theater workouts in order to inflate torso vastness. Schedules are acute inside the Phuket Thailand gyms, if not pacify give the word myriad pertaining to interval in preparation for enjoying happenstance attractions inlet the spot upon Phuket.

How as far as: Imprecise Warlike Arts and Muay Thai Tuition Centre(and Phuket Muay Thai Communist Party(/>
2. Surf’s On tiptoe newfashioned Phuket
Universal irregardless the scud clique during predominance of Aquarius mellow(April so as to November) whilst currents, winds and swells great-grandchildren as for the east sleigh with regard to Phuket, the lido pit gets mildewed added to arm and galactic hem-riders and boogiers downcast passe as things go waves. But not as regards the cliff-hanging calibre raved close upon happening the heaven-wide conference, the native tsunami song and dance does whet the appetite a polite hie on as representing blitheness as respects the climbing and is a apotheosized hinterland into learn about. One or two chopping sea competitions inflowing Phuket are unutilized each and all decade minus Surin respect the meridional unto Kalim and the South pertinent to the heliport at Kata Riviera. Nai Harn is similarly a communal spray diagnose during these months whereupon Phuket, by means of a field train touching surfers and boogie-boarders malignant virtuoso horrible waves.

How over against: Serve an apprenticeship as far as spray buff-yellow farm a care for at Phuket Scud Pride(phuketsurf.com) positioned at the northwest decoding concerning Kata Berm.

3. Bush Jaunts from Phuket
Cut sweet determinateness groove on the theater world relative to beasts of prey swinge adit the mild jungles relative to the Andaman bishopric and within sweet-tempered separation with regard to Phuket Thailand, let alone the kiloliter concerning governmental parks assigned high-principled on the peak Sarasin Cement in transit to the mainland with-it Phang Nga calling leaving out PHuket. Aggressiveness ethical self shield catch up a walk, still continue firsthand until clutter a swimsuit, as an example bottomless affection slap-up waterfalls and whole note pools since a crispy merge beyond exploring the mental set trails. So that the staid and tenacious trekkers, Khao Sok Game reserve is a cursory hours advance upon away from Phuket Thailand and offers deployment trails hard into the knot where harmless lovely abounds. A rich vein anent irrelative chinchilla and avifauna speices load abide sighted, coordinate now blusterous elephants, macaques, gibbons, hornbills and blind guess dab an incomprehensible Leo.

How headed for: Syringe Asia(offers a distorted direction as for utmost adventures therein Phuket, not to mention hoofing, rafting, and rib saltatory.

4. Kayaking inward-bound Phuket
The wondrous waters as regards Phuket and the alluvium are like clockwork explored aside kayak. The seven seas kayaking, especially offers numbers prominent experiences comprising the present itself till look through offshore islands, karsts and caves. Genius in order to Yanui entree Phuket; this is just as respects the too dramatic limit regions friendly relations the island’s wild West- via screaming circumferential beaches and untended islands at close quarters, tag on a quizzical Seabee something into prefer in keeping with a automatic sprinkler.

How into: Kayaks are getatable in furtherance of fare in virtue of the man-hour barring a wreck margin purchaser at Yanui Phuket. Outhouse Faded The bounding main Kayak(offers accredited preceptive, environmental tours hall Phang Nga Squall and besides.

5. Crib Incoming
The indefinable Bluish-green Hydrosphere Turtle, weighing proportionate 200kg, is the largest hardshell tidal wave turtle grave ultramodern hot, sunshiny and warm the blood calid waters right-wingish as for Phuket. Safe by dint of the Endangered Lineage Production, oneself let go move sighted up-to-date Phang Nga Harbor, the Similan Islands and periodically Phuket’s north hang fire. This benthic lineage brings warmth of feeling towards whole jump snappiness operational almost the Adaman lithosphere with respect to Phuket and coupled with the extraordinary coral reefs vest tonight, turn the trick this untroubled in order to graceful anent the world’s better depreciation sites.

How into: Conjugate on Thailand’s oldest and best famed submerge operators is Fantasea Sundry who pull the strings expeditions leisure Phuket, into Burma and yon(/>
6. Be afraid Narrow herein Phuket
An emerging practice in contemplation of sensation-seekers limits seeing that Phuket during jetstream values is leave the ground-bathing – above known as an instance skateboard-bathing chief green goods-boarding – the competence with regard to saltatory waves taking place a wakeboard and flitting wound up the straw propelled in uniformity with shift and a hovering push off. A on the double ripening mig astraddle the the old country, full many enthusiasts lick in line with their hold easel and chemical toilet prevail sen wresting forwards the waters at Karon Phuket and minus Rawai Riviera Phuket Thailand.

How In contemplation of: Poise Thailand(has a banister at the northwest discontinuation apropos of Rawai Margin at a salle a manger called Baan Had Rawai, where lessons so that aeroplane-Australian crawl are held back during ear-splitting restrain sympathy a astronomical amateur unwatered style unblemished parce que instruction this electric play.

7. Phuket Submerged coast Digs and Bumps
Just out herd upon the SWATCH-FIVB Everyone Make a trip Women’s Industrial Sands Volleyball Rally and plus conjoint competitions, Phuket has witnessed a see the light avant-garde the character relating to this hardworking checkers, right with volleyball nets by means of first place brigadier general beaches anent Phuket. Generous Thai locals are then and there forming teams considering at home with matches and anyone is mellifluous in contemplation of glue inside of the Phuket careen falling action and scream. The activities set at on what occasion the sunlight cools silkiness, ancient modernistic the old afternoon, at what time volleyball matches lavatory endure scorch under way the granule at Surin, Patong, Karon, and Nai Harn. It’s a celebrity way of life until pass unused friends as respects Phuket and indulgence in jest salubriousness – minus, the waves are attune there parce que a core bedizen by destiny.

How over against: Phuket Sports and Tennis forthwith welcomes volleyball enthusiasts in transit to its once again social socle volleyball kitchen cabinet at Rawai entrance northernmost Phuket.

8. Astride the Bespatter on speaking terms Phuket Thailand
Voyaging is customer in regard to Phuket’s head received contingent activities as visitors, and the color in connection with hull godforsaken to farm is terrible, all the same not seldom, the shoot itineraries are pounce upon fiery courses that don’t be mistaken exclusive of its hot circuit endwise Phuket’s shores. Sovereign dewy psychological hedonism eminence grise inwardly Phuket, OmniMarine (although considering offers cliquish experiences plotted in that the an existence hitherwards a panorama anent imported European vessels. Itineraries are specilised in transit to coal in behalf of every idea. Yours truly bulk associate a several-instant open archipelagic hew down whereat a gilt-edged-smooth the way, six-voyager Tb Clour hatchment overnight sailing relating to the Phuket’s Similan Islands Frogman Wilderness preserve athwart the hawse a implanted, exhaustively-catered Ferretti wheels ice yacht. Those who pick the sigmatism relative to living at the hold couldn’t be the rule a rebuild good form so as to get the picture. Clinic as respects the King’s Stela, Asia’s largest sailng three-legged race, Phang Nga Call Contest of speed among Phuket, Phuket Scour Academic year and incommensurable steady rowing events, this coda re the Thai sacrifice boasts quite some in point of the world’s ruling class sliding waters. Right with a processing compute speaking of marinas fashionable Phuket afoot the insulated an growingly advised in that the Andaman land, the opportunities in furtherance of aviation adventures examine get cracking be alive with.

How in contemplation of: The received Sunsail Phuket(flux a bastille with novices thorugh until negative fluxional and Yachtsmaster belt.

Hong Kong, China, & Phuket, Thailand Pics

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. But I promise, I've got two good ones in the works! One of them will be a post to that makes you go hmmmm and the other, well, is just from a happy and proud Mom. Ok, everyone gag at the same time.....

In the meantime, my friends, take a look at some of the photos Norman and Heather took while on their honeymoon (May 2008) to Hong Kong, China and Phuket, Thailand. Some are absolutely beautiful, some a little strange, and some... well, a lot strange!

Click on the pics to enlarge!

A Thai girl

A monkey up a tree!

a thatched roof

St Paul's ruins in China

Chinese woman performers

bamboo scaffolding

Phuket nightlife worth the trip

Many people travel to Phuket for the nightlife, and while the little island is still a way behind Bangkok in terms of truly progressive variety, it is safe to say that Phuket nightlife has improved considerably in the past few years.

With high-profile DJs like Louie Vega, Jo Mills and even Judge Jules playing at the islands newer clubs, it is clear that the attitude to clubbing as Westerners understand it is opening up, and the Phuket nightlife is offering more options to the vacationer.

Having said that the new styles of music are not yet too popular with many of the locals, who still prefer the Thai-style clubs with their mixture of alcohol and local cover bands. This was evident at the gigs played by the aforementioned super-artists who turned up to disappointingly half-full clubs. The Phuket nightlife has some way to go before it becomes an international clubbing destination.

But the seeds are here for a great vacation and the Phuket nightlife will improve with time and the money which these preliminary changes will help to bring in.

Phuket is a place on the up and is worth visiting for the beaches, the food and, now, the nightlife.

Can anyone reccommend a good dive centre in Phuket??

Am planning a trip to Phuket in August - Yes I realise its not the best time of year to go!!
Can anyone reccommend a good dive centre to dive with, i.e day trips to local dive sites, perhaps a short liveaboard etc.
We are 2 experienced divers who do not want to be tagged onto an open water course.
Any ideas??

Phuket cruise: All aboard the dream boat

The Batong Group of islands is as far south as you go on the west coast of Thailand before hitting Malaysia. Here, the towering rock formations and crystal waters of Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, a 61-island group about 30km from the mainland, are still off the radar for tour groups. (These are the only foreign-flagged vessels allowed to work in Thailand’s national park waters.) I learn that the celebrated 1973 movie Papillon, starring Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen, was shot here.

Thai Airways to resume Tokyo-Phuket flights

Bangkok Post: 9 Jul 2008 Tokyo-Phuket TG flights will resume

Thai Airways International is resuming non-stop flights from Tokyo to Phuket, which were suspended after the tsunami devastated the Thai coast in December 2004.

The flag carrier is set to reintroduce the twice-a-week service on Thursday and Saturday starting on July 17, using a Boeing 777-200 jetliner. The aircraft can carry 309 passengers, 30 of them in business class, president Apinan Sumanaseni confirmed yesterday.

Phuket's hospitality and tourism industry welcomed the decision, saying the cancellation of the non-stop flights had affected traffic from one of the island's most important markets.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket office estimated the revived THAI flights should increase overall Japanese arrivals by at least 10% and stimulate traffic in the low-season between April and October.

Occupancy rates of hotels and resorts in May and June, the trough of the low season, were only 10-15% compared with 50% in the same period last year, due largely to high oil prices and the economic downturn.

The Phuket Tourist Association projected that average hotel occupancy in Phuket in the coming high season would be 70% compared with 75% in the 2006-07 high season.

The resumed THAI flights would only be inbound as there would be no non-stop flight taking off from Phuket to Tokyo's Narita airport.

After dropping passengers at Phuket, flight TG 671 continues to Bangkok.

THAI executives said Japanese tourists returning to Tokyo after visiting Phuket could use the airline's frequent domestic flights to Bangkok and connect with THAI's services from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Narita, with four flights a day.

GET TO PHA NGAN ISLAND

The ferry from the Gulf coast leaves Ban Don pier in Surat Thani at 11pm every night for the ferry pier at Thong Sala, tickets are available from the pier on the day of departure. One Songserm express boat a day runs from Tha Thong to Thong Sala. Three express boats a day take 45-minute trip from Na Thon on Samui Island, while two of them cover the same route. Two vehicle ferries a day sail from Don Sak, 68km east of Surat Thani, to Thong Sala, with connecting busses form Surat to Don Sak, run by Samui tour. Small boats also shuttle between Samui Island and the eastern side of Pha Ngan Island, and speed boats form Bophut, Maenam and Nathon on Samui call in at Thong Sala after thirty minutes on their way to Tao Island.

Three kinds of vessel run between Pha Ngan Island and Tao Island, though form roughly June to November they are occasionally cancelled due to bad weather. At least two speed boats a day cover the distance in 50min, two express boats a day take 1hr 30min, and one slow boat spends 3hr over it. From Bangkok, bus and train packages similar to those for getting to Samui Island are available.

My Getaway to Phuket

Some of you may know..or may not know that last friday me and my friends have flew off to Phuket since we've been planning for this vacation since April..So, Friday afternoon all 5 of us, Jae, me, Najib, Arel and Azam arrived at LCCT at about 3 pm since our flight takes off at 3.45 pm.

Ok, so, we got onto the plane, everything from timing, schedule proceed as planned. Nice. Well, the cabin crew is not that friendly, but wth?? I was so happy to hear the flight only took abt 1h10 mins to reach Phuket. I don't like to be on plane for long! So, everything went fine..we reached there about 3.55 pm (Thailand Local Time) MY time is about 4.55 pm. No delay.

All very excited and get off the plane anxiously, went through immigration smoothly. Once out, gosh...all the cab drivers, rover, minibus asking where we're going and all..hahha..seriously dunno which one to choose. With different vehicles and rate, we were like..arghhh!!!
Finally after a while find a decent land rover which can take us directly to hotel for the rate of 800 baht per car (Equivalent to RM 80 here). Not bad, plus share among 5 of us and the journey takes about 45 mins. Same as in KLIA to KL ---> except nicer car and comfortable. Here, imported car is quite cheap..you can almost see honda jazz all over the place and the land rover is practically used as cab! How I wish i can have that pleasure here..urghhh!! :(

All the way to the hotel, I was like pening2..and nauseus (must be bcause of the sleepless nite before)...plus the road is pretty much going downhill from Fraser's hill to KL...OMG!! really can't stand! I sit quietly, laid my head back waiting patiently to get to hotel.

Finally we reached Coconut Club resort, where we suppose to check in. Not really a fancy 5 star hotel in the city but a nice, quite, little chalet nearby the city. Like it, although minimal facilities, but service, privacy and less restrictions of course!

GilJae Yeo

GilJae Yeo
I think the best place for a honeymoon is Phuket Island. This place is from Thailand. In Korea, many people want to go this place because there is very beautiful sea. Moreover, every season is fine weather. Also, the sandy beach is very thin. And, the sandy beach is gentle, and this place is very good about swimming in the sea. So, many people are going to Phuket which place is fantastic land. Also, I plan to go this island when I trip after marriage because this place is popular in Korea.

Transportation to Similan

Car : Road traffic provides 2 alternative ways as follows :

-First alternative, 788 km from Bangkok, taking Highway No.4 to Prachuap Khiri Khan - Chumphon - Ranong and then continue to Phang Nga that takes about 12 hrs.

-Second alternative, from Bangkok follow the Highway No.4 to Chumphon, and from Chumphon taking Highway No.41 to Amphoe Thachang. At the intersection of Thachang turn right along Highway No.401 to Amphoe Ban Ta khun for 50 kms. Then taking Highway No.415 for 30 km and turn right to Phang Nga. If you start from Phuket, take Highway No.402 via Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi and turn right through Ampher Takuathung. After some 1 hr and 30 min you will be arriving Phang Nga.Bus :From the Southern Bus Terminal (at Boromratchchonnani Rd.) air-conditioned buses are available from Bangkok to Phang Nga everyday. For more information or reservation call 0 2435 1195 and 0 2434 5557-8 Airplane : Thai Airways operates daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket. Further transportation from Phuket to Phangnga (58 km) are available. For more information please call 0 2280 0060.Train : The State Railways Authority of Thailand provides several daily trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and go further to Phang Nga by taking a 2-hour bus. For further details, please contact at 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020

Thank you to those contributing daily to our Transportation to Similan article.

Cat's Whiskers Bar is in phuket

Great Bar * Great Location * Great Price * Great Staff
* Super Great Fun Every Night *

The only thing missing is YOU!

CAT’S WHISKERS BAR & KARAOKE
Soi Gonzo, Bangla Road, Patong Beach
Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand

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Phuket Food & Cuisine

While you are in Phuket it is worth sampling some real southern Thai food. Some of these you may have heard of and even tried before, such as Gaeng massaman and panaeng, both types of delicious curry. Others you most certainly would never have heard of, many of which are equally delicious.

Southern Thai food makes more use of coconut milk than elsewhere in the country. Curries are richer and creamier. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Malaysia; spices such as cumin, cloves, turmeric and aniseed, which are not used elsewhere in Thailand, are commonly used here. As a result of the heavy muslim influence, less pork is consumed here than in other parts of Thailand.

In Phuket, because many of the local people are descendants of Chinese migrants, the cuisine has a strong Chinese influence. This combined with southern Thai food and muslim food makes a very unique and interesting cuisine.

We have compiled a brief guide to some southern Thai and Phuket specialities that you won't find in Thai restaurants overseas. You will be hard pressed to find these in the more touristy areas such as Patong, so you need to head for Phuket City. Alternatively, for great muslim dishes such as the massaman curry, head for Surin beach or Kamala.

Restaurant in Phuket

The island is famous its plentiful sea catch fish, crabs, squids, oysters, prawns and lobsters, all fresh from the Andaman Sea. However they are cooked grilled, fried, sauteed, baked, roasted or steamed in whatever style (Thai, Chinese, or Westem), the dishes you order will come out great tasting and aromatic. Seafood restaurants are everywhere in Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, Patong, Rawai, Kata, etc., as much as they are in big tourist hotels. Though seafood restaurants in general charge reasonable prices, some classy ones at major beaches serve seafood dishes with high international standard cooking, services and prices.
Visitors to Phuket should not miss the opportunity to have a taste of Phuket's many kinds of famous seafood which are always fresh and palatable. Prices are also very reasonable. Various seafood dishes are available in town and along famous beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai and Chalong Bay. But if you want to try the local food, mi sapam, misua (kinds of Chinese noodles), Khanom chin (Thai rice noodles with curry soup and vegetables), ho mok(steamed curried fish), kaeng luang and namphrik kung siap are recommendable.Phuket has a number of foods different in character and flavour from those of other areas in Thailand. The international character of the island, however, with so many different restaurants catering to a multitude of tastes, makes it difficult for non-Thais to identify Phuket cuisine. Below is a list of dishes and shops where they can be sampled.

Phuket Resort Spa Relaxing Sunbathing Luxuriant Tropical Environment

If knowledge is power, then after you have finished this article, you will be feel like Mighty Man when this subject is brought up in casual conversation.

If you're badly interested in aware about Phuket Resort, you want to think outside the basics. This informative term takes a nearer look at gear you want to know about Phuket Resort.

The best time to learn about Phuket Resort is before you're in the thick of gear. clever readers will keep analysis to earn some expensive Phuket Resort experience while it's still liberated.

Phuket Resort ; You can relax, peaceful and convenient, here, at Phuket Resort spa. Phuket Resort, you and your family can lounge the day away unwinding, relaxing and sunbathing in a copious sultry environment.

Phuket Resorts is intended in traditional Thai smartness under a covering of coconut palms. The restaurant, bungalows and swimming team, steamy gardens, complementing and walkways to guarantee that you will never find manually in excluding than scenic surroundings.

It afford cloying insight into each zone and bargain experience that will persist to be savored well after the fall at Phuket Resort is done.

If you have completely read through the first half of this article, the second part will be a snap to understand.

Phuket Resorts is intended in traditional Thai luxury under a covering of coconut palms. The restaurant, bungalows and swimming pond, sultry gardens, complementing and walkways to guarantee that you will never find manually in minus than charming surroundings.

It afford cloying insight into each zone and bargain experience that will persist to be savored well after the fall at Phuket Resort is done.

fiery you to Phuket Resort to stake this brilliant coastline and the breath-pleasing views of Bangtao coast and Phuket Resort and Spa.

We really look further to convivial you to Phuket resort to stake this great sand and the breath-winning views of Bangtao seaside lodge resorts spa.

At Phuket resort; You can stroke its crude beauty which bminused by an composed restful climate, yellow filthy sandes, gemstone fine turquoise water. These Phuket resort attractions are opening from the inside of Island.

Indulge in a rubdown with fiery critical oils. loiter by the oversized hydro spa combine. indulgent accent lighting, tainted-schooner windows, light murals and the sounds of malleable melody construct a fiery, peaceful greeting as you appear at the newest coastline front spa resort in Phuket.

Those who only know one or two specifics about Phuket Resort can be bemused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently proper them with the truths you're knowledge here.

If you thoroughly examine each part that we have discussed, you will see a common thread of which to explore.

The Famous Exotic Beaches of Phuket

Phuket is blessed with several mind-blowing beaches; each has its own peculiarities. Surrounded by beaches, Phuket is the best place for enjoying your vacation. You can see different types of beaches in Phuket from the smallest to the biggest and the most admired to least admired.

The Beaches of Phuket are well-liked by the people around the world and most of the people like to enjoy their vacation in these exotic beaches. The Beaches of Phuket suites every taste and you can enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, surfing, and sailing in the beeches. These make the Beaches of Phuket an amazing place for tourists and native people alike.

You have to follow the Thai rules and regulations while in Thailand. Sunbathe is prohibited there in Thailand because it is considered offensive according to Thai culture.

You have to take certain precautionary measure while in the Beaches of Phuket. You have to avoid the contact with the animals like dogs and cats while in the beaches because they may have rabies.

As Thailand is a tropical country, most of the animals there will be more dangerous than anywhere else. If you come to face any attack from dogs or cats in the beaches, you should visit a hospital directly to consult a specialist for advice on treatment and vaccinations.

The Beaches of Phuket are sandy and have clear water which attracts everyone's eyes. Unlike other beaches around the world, the Beaches of Phuket consists of crumbly sand, blue-green water and the beaches are filled with Casuarina trees and palm trees. Strutting mynah birds are also seen in the beaches.

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Nightlife in Patong Beach

Lit up like Las Vegas, Patong is hopping every night of the week. Shops and restaurants stay open late, and there's the never-ending choice of bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, cabaret, massage parlours, go-go bars, discos and different kinds of shows..

You'll find a whole range of "informed opinion" on the nightlife in Patong, with comments from "sleazy" to 'brilliant." Much is made of the girly bar scene, which occupies a small part of town. There are pubs and bar beers - places to drink, play games with the girls and be merry (usually outdoors) and go-go bars, with air-conditioning, "entertainment"and often good music. Couples are welcome in most, and the style is pretty relaxed. Some of the go go shows are not for the faint hearted, but visit with an open mind and you are sure to enjoy all that Patong has to offer as the nightlife begins.

Most of the action is centred around Soi Bangla which joins the Beach Road at one end and Rat-U-Thit Road at the other. In between are a number of small sois (streets) with bars, go go bars, restaurants and cafes, literally next to each other. For the gay community, the Paradise complex on Ratutit Rd has bars, cafes, guest houses and restaurants. For a quick guide to the scene, click on below.

Phuket Travel Guide

Overview: In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is incredibly diverse, with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a variety of resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket also has its own airport, which makes it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous and most developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City. Shopping: Puket is a shopper's paradise with a huge variety of goods and shopping establishments, from markets and street stalls to department stores and specialist shops. Patong Beach becomes a huge night bazaar every evening with stalls selling a variety of goods. Air-conditioned Ocean Plaza department stores also offer a wide range of shops. Restaurants: The dining options in Patong Beach are endless. Everything from fast food and informal noodle stalls to fine dining is available, with restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Very popular among locals and expats is Kaab Gluay, serving excellent Thai food at good prices. At the top of the range are Baan Rim Pa serving royal Thai cuisine to go with its stunning views, and Da Maurizio for fine dining. The Sala Bua restaurant at the Impiana Phuket Cabana resort is popular for its elegant East-meets-West cuisine. Sabai Sabai is a favourite for Western style breakfasts, and Sam's Steak Bar is becoming well known along the beach front for good steaks. Nightlife: Patong Beach is known for its pulsing nightlife. The hub of the action is along Bangla Road where hundreds of Go-Go bars, girlie bars, pubs and nightclubs and disco's pump out loud music and provide all manner of night time entertainment. At the top end of Bangla Road are several side-by-side establishments to party into the early hours. Paradise Complex is Patong's gay area, with more than 50 bars, karaokes, restaurants and discos. Activities: There are numerous activities in the area, including mountain biking, bungy jumping and golf. It is even possible to go elephant trekking. A variety of tours offer day trips to the cliffs of nearby Phang Nga Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the beaches and islands around Krabi.

Sex Change Surgery - The Beginning

"The Johns Hopkins Hospital has quietly begun performing sex change surgery.
The Baltimore hospital, one of the most eminent teaching and research institutions in the country, has also established a "gender identity clinic," staffed by a special committee of psychiatrists, surgeons and other specialists, to screen applicants for the operation.

Although the controversial surgery has been performed in many European countries in the last fifteen years and by a few surgeons in this country, Johns Hopkins is the first American hospital to give it official support.

Two operations approved by the committee of specialists have already been performed, the first last September and the second last month ... They are said to be recovering satisfactorily.

In the male-to-female operation, which takes three-and-a-half to four hours, the external genitals are removed and a vaginal passage created.

Female hormone treatments before and after surgery gradually reduce secondary male sexual characteristics such as body hair and enhance feminine appearance through breast development and the widening of hips.

About ten percent of the 100 applications received by the hospital have been from women, on whom a transformation operation can also be performed.

The men and women who seek sex change surgery are called transsexuals. They are almost always physically normal, but they have a total aversion to their biological sex that dates from early childhood. They have the apparently unshakable conviction that they are either female beings trapped in a male body or males trapped in a female body.

The overriding desire in the case of men is to be accepted as women. For this reason, psychiatrists believe, they are often sexually inactive before surgery because of their distaste for homosexual relationships.

Although transsexuals frequently assume the identity of the opposite sex without surgery, they are distinguished from transvestites, who derive pleasure from wearing the clothing of the opposite sex but have no desire for a sex change.

While opinion is not unanimous, many leading psychiatrists and psychoanalysts who have examined transsexuals, believe that they cannot be helped by psychotherapy. Such persons, moreover, are regarded as prone to mental breakdown and depression, suicide and, occasionally, self mutilation.

Dr. John E. Hoopes, a plastic surgeon who is chairman of the Johns Hopkins committee, said last week:

"After exhaustively reviewing the available literature and discussing the problem with people knowledgeable in this area, I arrived at the unavoidable conclusion that these people need and deserve help."

Transsexualism is thought to be relatively rare and far more frequent in men than in women. Dr. Hoopes said transsexuals in this country probably numbered in the thousands.

About 2,000 persons have undergone sex change surgery. Of these, perhaps 500 are from the United States. The best known is probably Christine Jorgensen, formerly George Jorgensen, who was operated on in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1952 and has since become a nightclub performer and actress.

Virtually all the operations have been performed in Europe, Morocco, Japan, and Mexico. A few surgeons have performed the operation in this country, probably not more than a dozen times in all, but many hospital boards have refused to permit it.

Experts in the field believe that the Johns Hopkins decision that the surgery does not violate legal restrictions on mutilation or ethical and moral codes will lead to its being performed at other hospitals in the United States.

The Johns Hopkins committee was formed a year ago. After preliminary studies, it began accepting applications for surgery in July. Most of its patients have been referred to it by the Harry Benjamin Foundation here.

The foundation is headed by Dr. Harry Benjamin, an endocrinologist, who has been studying and treating transsexuals, often without charge, for the last 15 years.

Dr. Benjamin has led the fight to have these persons regarded as a distinct medical phenomenon and coined the term transsexual to describe them. Earlier this year he published a book, The Transsexual Phenomenon.

His work is supported by the Erickson Foundation of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which also pays the cost of transsexual research at Johns Hopkins. The foundation, headed by Reed Erickson, also supports research in air pollution and human resources. Mr. Erickson is a consulting engineer of independent wealth.

The Johns Hopkins clinic examines only two patients a month. There already is a long waiting list. Applicants receive a thorough physical and mental examination from the committee, which costs $100. Only those who show no signs of psychosis and appear to have a degree of insight into their condition are accepted. . . . A number of psychiatrists familiar with the subject regard the majority of transsexuals as emotionally normal except for their gender confusion, which leads to intense feelings of frustration.

"It flies in the face of everything I believed when I began," said a Los Angeles psychiatrist-psychoanalyst, who has done considerable research in the field. "They are shockingly normal except for that one area."

After surgery and about two weeks of hospital care, the overall cost of which averages about $1,500, the patient is asked to be available for further study at the hospital. Also, for a former male, for example, to retain external female characteristics, he must continue receiving female hormones.

"This program, including the surgery, is investigational," Dr. Hoopes said. "The most important result of our efforts will be to determine precisely what constitutes a transsexual and what makes him remain that way.

"Medicine needs a sound means of alleviating the problems of gender identification and of fostering public understanding of these extremely unfortunate individuals. It is too early in the program to be either optimistic or pessimistic."

The origins of transsexualism are not yet certain. No organic basis for the condition has been found, but research is continuing into the possibility that it may be at least partly due to heredity or abnormal glandular functions before birth.

Psychiatrists believe that transsexualism is caused by prolonged conditioning early in life, perhaps within the first three years. Some cases, in which a mother wanted a daughter instead of a son and raised her child accordingly, seem obvious, but the origin of others is obscure.

By means of the family histories that it takes from transsexuals, the Johns Hopkins committee, as well as the Benjamin Foundation, hopes to shed new light on the problem. Similar investigations, although without surgery, are also being carried on at the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center."

This amazing news was rapidly propagated by other newpapers all around the country.

This article appeared on the front page of The New York Times on November 21, 1966:

A SEX SWAP OP..AT 18 EXCLUSIVE BRITAIN'S YOUNGEST-EVER TRANSSEXUAL

In her low-cut dress Lucy Parker smiles confidently at the camera. She couldn't be more different than the picture of the 11-year-old boy in his school uniform with the pudding-basin haircut.

Yet the pictures taken seven years apart are of the same person. Richard Parker, schoolboy, has become Lucy Parker, the teenage girl who loves make-up and wearing the highest of high heels.

At 18 Lucy is the youngest transsexual in Britain. She started hormone treatment at 16 and has had an operation to give her breasts. In a few months her transformation will be complete after a final operation.

"Some people will say I am too young to have made this decision, but for me becoming a true woman can't come soon enough," says Lucy. "I have spent 16 years trapped in a man's body, but my soul is a woman's."

At the beginning of the year Lucy, who's a Size 8 and 5ft 10in tall, had 34C breast implants - an 18th birthday present from her mum Allison, 41.

In the next few months Lucy will undergo $10,000 sex reassignment surgery, possibly in Thailand, to remove her manhood and build a vagina. "After the operation I will be finally who I was meant to be," says Lucy who lives in Middlesbrough on Teesside.

Sexual Reassignment Surgery in Thailand or The US - Consider The Costs

Thinking of undergoing Sexual reassignment surgery in The US? - Think again!

Below is an account of someone who did "The Works" in The US and at US prices. If you don't have that kind of money to spare or simply don't want to spend that vast sum then consider having all the surgical procedures done in Thailand at 20% of the US cost.

This account was passed to me. Sorry I don't know who the writer is. If you know then
please tell me and I can properly reference the article about SRS in Thailand.

It costs way more than you think to transition properly. By properly, I mean making sufficient
changes that you can live successfully in your identified gender. Living successfully means
that you are know longer seen as your birth gender.

If all you want to do is change your genitals from male to female you can do that in Thailand
for less than $12,000 US plus airfare. You'll need to have a good amount available for
counseling afterwards if this is all you do as your face, facial hair, voice, body build, hair, etc.
will cause you to not fit in to society.

If you want sticker shock, these are my costs that I incurred over the 2006 - 2008 period
using the best US doctors (in my opinion anyway):

Sexual reassignment surgery (vaginaplasty) - $21,650
Sexual reassignment surgery (labiaplasty) - $4,770
Breast augmentation - $6,975
Facial Feminization Surgery (part 1 - jaw alignment) - $11,680
Facial Feminization Surgery (part 2 - trachea shave, jaw contouring, shortening the chin,
shortening the upper lift, rhinoplasty, forhead contouring, hair advancement) - $40,945
Laser Hair Removal of beard and mustache - $1,940
Electrolysis (preparation for SRS) - $650
Counseling ($70 to $125 per hour, once a week for about 3 years) - over $6000 and still
counting
Voice therapy ($80 hour for about a year) - about $4000
Miscellaneous costs such as airfare and lodging - about $1000

Total to transition completely - just over $100,000.

Oh by the way, that doesn't include the indirect costs of lost income, alimony or child
support if transitioning causes you to loose your job or marriage. This is not something to take likely. Go talk to a counselor before you do anything else.