< Previous40 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E Discover the vibrant city’s symphony of sun, sand, and serendipity with Etihad Airways By Kate-Lynne Wolmarans huket, a jewel of the Andaman Sea, seamlessly blends Thailand’s rich cultural heritage with modern allure. From pristine beaches to bustling markets, from tranquil temples to electrifying nightlife, Phuket is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unravelled. This 72-hour guide off ers a curated journey, ensuring travellers capture the essence of this tropical paradise. A Tropical Thai Tale 72 hours in Phuket EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4002/11/2023 06:41November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 41 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E Exploring Phuket’s rich heritage Morning: Wat Chalong is the largest of Phuket’s temples and the most visited. Its Grand Pagoda contains a bone splinter from Lord Buddha. The pagoda and temple grounds off er a visual treat with intricate designs, paintings, and statues depicting stories from the Buddha’s life. Being in a sacred place, it’s essential to dress modestly, covering the shoulders and knees. Afternoon: Phuket Old Town is a historical town forming part of Phuket City. The Sino-Portuguese architecture refl ects its former prosperity from the tin mining era. The brightly coloured tuk tuks are a unique mode of transport and a fun way to explore the town. Food lovers should try roti, a fl aky fl atbread often served with sweetened condensed milk or savoury curries; and the hokkien mee noodles, a dish comprising of yellow noodles stir-fried with seafood, all served in a fl avourful broth. Evening: Engage your senses at the Phuket Trickeye Museum, an interactive 3D painting exhibition off ering fun photo opportunities with its quirky artworks, before it closes at 6pm. Then head to Raya Restaurant, which is an old Sino-Thai house to relish traditional dishes like creamy crab curry and the mouth-watering Thai green curry. End your night exploring bustling markets. Shopping in Thailand involves courteous haggling; it’s part of the culture, but always keep it friendly. Day 1 From left to right: Wat Chalong Temple; Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town KENZIE KRAFT A / UNSPLASH; SHUTTERST OCK EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4102/11/2023 06:4142 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E Embracing the island vibes Morning: Sail towards the captivating Phi Phi Islands, which is a group of islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the most famous. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh gained international fame through the movie “The Beach”. Maya Bay not only off ers crystalline waters and powdery sand but also houses vibrant marine life including playful blacktip reef sharks and graceful turtles. Afternoon: Phi Phi Don is also known for thriving marine life and turquoise sea. Here, you can dive into the water’s depths teeming with corals. The beach isn’t just for relaxation; it often buzzes with beach football, a delightful game enjoyed by both locals and tourists. The soft sand pitch, combined with the backdrop of shimmering ocean, creates a truly unique sports experience. Once you’re done here, make your way to Bamboo Island, where stunning coral reefs, clown fi sh, and more await you. Post-snorkelling, enjoy a seafood feast hosted by one of the many vendors found on Phi Phi Don. Think grilled fi sh with tangy tamarind sauce, zesty prawn salads, and creamy coconut curries. Evening: Upon returning to Patong Beach, it’s time to experience Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport and ancient martial art. The electrifying atmosphere, rhythmic chants, and the athletes’ precision and discipline are a spectacle. Post- match, Bangla Road beckons with its dynamic and diverse nightlife landscape. And for an even more enchanting evening, head to Ska Bar on Kata Beach as it’s the go-to place, off ering mesmerising traditional Thai fi re dancing, performed by skilled locals. Day 2 EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4201/11/2023 21:29November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 43 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E MAYA BAY HOUSES VIBRANT MARINE LIFE INCLUDING PLAYFUL BLACKTIP REEF SHARKS AND GRACEFUL TURTLES From above left clockwise: Aerial top view of turquoise lagoon at Phi Phi Islands; Kata Beach at sunset; Beach restaurant at Phi Phi Islands SHUTTERST OCK; KA TE -L YNNE W OLMARANS EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4302/11/2023 10:3644 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E ETIHAD AIRWAYS CURRENTLY OPERATES SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK TO PHUKET. ENJOY DOUBLE DAILY FLIGHTS TO PHUKET FROM 21 NOVEMBER. ETIHAD.COM Natural wonders and culinary delights Morning: The Great Buddha of Pukhet sits on Nakkerd Hill and is 45 metres tall. From the base of the statue, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. Karon Viewpoint, known as Three Beaches Hill, also provides views of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches. Afternoon: Phang Nga Bay is famed for its limestone cliff s, caves, and emerald-green waters. Kayaking excursions allow close encounters with these natural wonders, including the famous James Bond Island. Additionally, the bay’s fl oating villages showcase a special way of life. Later in the afternoon, visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, an ethical and sustainable home for these majestic creatures. Visitors can witness the elephants bathing, feeding, and roaming freely. Evening: Finish the day at Mom Tri’s Kitchen, located atop a cliff in Kata Noi Beach. The menu includes a fusion of Thai and international dishes, where dishes like spicy tuna tartare, fi nely chopped fresh tuna with a spicy kick; succulent Phuket lobster, grilled to perfection; and rich Massaman curry, a slow-cooked delight with tender meat and potatoes, take centre stage. The dining experience is complemented by an extensive wine list and sprawling views of the Andaman Sea. Day 3 EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4402/11/2023 10:37November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 45 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E From left to right: Longtail boats anchored at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island; Rosie from the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary; The Great Buddha of Phuket (Mingmongkol Buddha) Travel Tips: 1. Respect local customs, especially at religious sites. 2. Given Phuket’s capricious weather, pack sunscreen and a light raincoat. 3. Staying hydrated during outdoor adventures is crucial. SHUTTERST OCK; KA TE -L YNNE W OLMARANS EtA_01-NOV-2023_40-45_ Travel_ Phuket_13064579.indd 4502/11/2023 10:37November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 47 This year, we celebrate 20 magnifi cent years of fl ying. Now, as we set our sights on the future, a new chapter unfolds – the opening of our new home in Abu Dhabi International Airport: Terminal A. It’s more than just a new terminal. It’s a gateway to Abu Dhabi and the world that refl ects our commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences, where seamless connectivity, remarkable hospitality, and exceptional comfort converge to create unforgettable journeys. Covering an impressive 742,000 square metres, Terminal A is one of the largest in the world and will signifi cantly increase Abu Dhabi Airport’s passenger and cargo capacity. The new terminal will accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year and be able to process 11,000 travellers per hour. New Chapter, New Home index EtA_01-NOV-2023_47_Index Opener_Terminal A_13050068.indd 4701/11/2023 21:30index 48 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 Keep up to date with the latest happenings at Etihad Airways In the news Etihad recently welcomed the latest addition to its expanding fl eet as a new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner landed at Abu Dhabi airport. “This is all part of our vision 2030 supporting our growth as underlined by the new destinations to Osaka, Copenhagen, and Dusseldorf,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The aircraft, and three other Dreamliner 787-9s, are up to 25 per cent more fuel effi cient than many comparable aircraft of their size. The arrival comes exactly three years to the day since Etihad took delivery of its last Boeing 787-10. A new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner touches down Etihad will resume its fl ights to East Africa with daily fl ights to Nairobi from 1 May 2024. “We are thrilled to be re-starting fl ights to Nairobi, a dynamic and exciting city in itself and also the gateway to a Kenyan safari, a dream adventure for many travellers, off ering a view of the diverse and magnifi cent wildlife of Africa,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. Going on safari Etihad will operate daily fl ights to Nairobi, utilising a modern Airbus A320, featuring Business and Economy cabins. Flight EY 767 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 9.05am and arrive in Nairobi at 1.15pm local time. The returning fl ight leaves at 6.10pm and lands in the UAE at 12.20am. Tickets for travel from May are already available for booking on etihad.com. EtA_01-NOV-2023_48-49_Index News_13070703.indd 4801/11/2023 21:30index November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 49 In October, Etihad Airways took home a sweep of accolades at the World Travel Awards Middle East and the Global Loyalty Awards in Rio de Janeiro. “On behalf of the entire Etihad family, we’re truly proud to be recognised in the prestigious World Travel Awards,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “Our dedicated cabin crew are committed to giving our guests the world’s best infl ight experience and winning the Middle East’s Best Cabin Crew for the fi fth year in a row is proof that they’re delivering.” Etihad sweeps awards season Other awards given to Etihad include Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Middle East’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience, Middle East’s Leading Airline Infl ight Entertainment, and Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class. The Golden Loyalty Awards named Etihad winner of Best Use of Technology, following its launch of its NFT collection of 3D digital aircraft models, named EY-ZERO1, where each NFT results in immediate Etihad Guest Silver status as well as other benefi ts. Etihad Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) have signed a strategic codeshare agreement, so customers can enjoy enhanced connectivity to destinations across each other’s networks. Guests can book on a single ticket and only have to check in once at the start of their fl ight, with their baggage checked through to their end destination. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue Offi cer, said: “The tie-in gives our guests one-stop access across Scandinavia to destinations including Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Aarhus.” Etihad Guest members will also earn miles when they fl y with SAS. The codeshare is set to come into full service at the end of the year when customers can book across Etihad Airways’ sales channels, including etihad.com and travel agents, for fl ights taking off from January. Enhancing Scandinavian connectivity EtA_01-NOV-2023_48-49_Index News_13070703.indd 4901/11/2023 21:30Next >