Phuket Fanta Sea

So what is a Phuket Fanta Sea? A brash playground for kids of all ages from 2-90 to have fun. It aims to lift the spirit and add a few teaspoons of happiness into some lives. The site is divided into three areas, retailing in the Festival village; dinning in the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant, and entertainment in the Palace of the Elephants.

The Festival Village offers one stop souvenir shopping from all over Thailand and a wide range of Phuket Fantasy merchandising. So many go intending to buy nothing and leave with an armful of soft, cuddly elephant toys. The shopping experience has been made both pleasant and comfortable, spending with a feel good factor. Branded T-shirts at B320 expensive by local standards but to foreign visitors the price and quality is acceptable.

Normally I am not a buffet fan, those dried dishes that have been siting unattended on a bain Marie unattended for hours, but I was pleasantly surprised with the selection available in The Golden Pavilion. A wide selection of Western and Thai dishes that were frequently replaced and refreshed including a Roast Beef carved to order. The split was 70% Asian to 30% Western in the choice range which was about right for the audience mix. Drinks price were competitive in an area where they had no competition and were more affordable than in hotels. Dinner is available from 6.30-8.30pm and only those who arrive late would feel rushed.

It's show time in the Place of the Elephants. Walking into the theatre was a unique experience with the atmosphere of Angkor not only sight & sounds but environment and humidity. From the opening sequence with elephant lines trunks link to tail it was a blend of circus and theatre . 10 of them were on stage and the opening all performed as great troopers. This was enhanced with laser and fireworks shows. There is a Peter Pan element with cast members flying through the sky on wires that were only visible once when caught in a spot light at the back of the theatre. Above our heads two lines each of six trapeze artists performed a synchronized aerobics display with the added excited of synchronized bungee jumping with waist harnesses that spring them back up to there swings.

The magic illusions were spectacular, the dancing energetic and slickly choreographed. Sketches involve different regions of Thailand including a rice farmers routine. What does it matter about the authenticity of the shoreline of a whimsical young boy riding on a Heavenly elephant. This show is about fantasy and magic. If the audience go home happy and light hearted then the medicine has worked.

At B1,500 for adults including dinner is about the same price a seafood dinner in Patong and tickets for the Simon Cabaret show. For locals it is expensive but its not them but the tourists who are the target market. Phuket Faint Sea will become another element of the magic of a tourists visit to Thailand. They are not looking for reality, there on holiday and want to leave all that behind. Whether they get repeat business may depend how often the refresh the show. But some will see it again and again just because they like it. My gran went to see the Sound of Music five times and enjoyed every performance.

If you are still young at heart enjoy Phuket Fanta Sea.