Phuket

[Keystone agony]

Im going in a few weeks with the gf. We paid $1000 for 7 nights stay at Merlin Beach Resort and flights included.

Was just wondering of some good things to do (she hasnt been to bali or thailand) i havent been to thailand either.

I dont think we will be doing too much night life sort of stuff.

Any must see places ect

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Im going in a few weeks with the gf. We paid $1000 for 7 nights stay at Merlin Beach Resort and flights included.

Was just wondering of some good things to do (she hasnt been to bali or thailand) i havent been to thailand either.

I dont think we will be doing too much night life sort of stuff.

Any must see places ect

Just got back from Thailand, Phuket was ok, was only there for a few days and we checked out phi phi island (speed boat was fine just don't sit up the front!), monkey island etc on a day tour. Got a shocking case of food poisoning but was only a 24 hour bug so be careful where you eat. Also checked out a ping pong show, Thai boxing, markets and the beach but other than that was more there for the party.

Also got skimmed over $1500 from my travel card so be wary of the ATM's you use...

 

[Keystone agony]

Just got back from Thailand, Phuket was ok, was only there for a few days and we checked out phi phi island (speed boat was fine just don't sit up the front!), monkey island etc on a day tour. Got a shocking case of food poisoning but was only a 24 hour bug so be careful where you eat. Also checked out a ping pong show, Thai boxing, markets and the beach but other than that was more there for the party.

Also got skimmed over $1500 from my travel card so be wary of the ATM's you use...

Really can u get that back with insurance or with ur bank? Thats an entire another trips worth. i might just take 700 over there with me in cash 100-200 of that in baht

 

[Yellow Feathers]

Going to spend 5 weeks on Koh Phangan starting next week.

Can't wait!! My favourite place on earth... Most people only go there for one night for the Full Moon party. As good as it is- it is commercial and has a predominantly drunk crowd. There are underground jungle parties that have (IMO) a much better crowd, music, atmosphere etc... PM me for me info if you are heading that way. You won't be disappointed!

People generally skip the rest of Koh Phangan but it is a gem. Anyone going to the FMP on the 24th of this month?

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Really can u get that back with insurance or with ur bank? Thats an entire another trips worth. i might just take 700 over there with me in cash 100-200 of that in baht

Yeh called the bank the day I found out and it shouldn't be an issue getting it back, was a pain in the ass though having to rely on a mate for cash for a while... If anything next time I'd have a smaller amount on the card and transfer from another account when needed.

 

[Hawks92]

Going to spend 5 weeks on Koh Phangan starting next week.

Can't wait!! My favourite place on earth... Most people only go there for one night for the Full Moon party. As good as it is- it is commercial and has a predominantly drunk crowd. There are underground jungle parties that have (IMO) a much better crowd, music, atmosphere etc... PM me for me info if you are heading that way. You won't be disappointed!

People generally skip the rest of Koh Phangan but it is a gem. Anyone going to the FMP on the 24th of this month?

Koh Phangan is the best! I did the full moon party in December last year and it was amazing. As well as that I went to the pool party one night and the jungle/waterfall party on the other. Is that the party you're talking about?

 

[Yellow Feathers]

Koh Phangan is the best! I did the full moon party in December last year and it was amazing. As well as that I went to the pool party one night and the jungle/waterfall party on the other. Is that the party you're talking about?

No they're not the other parties I am talking about But, they are pretty cool also

 

[kaiserchief13]

Going to full moon party on new years eve this yr. What else is a must for Koh Phangan? Will be there for 2 other nights. Also must see/do things in Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok?

 

[Hawks92]

The waterfall/jungle party and the pool party are the best things in the lead up to all the full moon partys!

 

[Poetic Justice]

Hah good old thread mine time. I read this thread from start to finish and noticed I posted in there sounding like I was about to go over there but I never ended up going and instead opted for a Euro trip which was probably better anyway!

But here I am now a week out from leaving for Bangkok for 2 nights followed by 4 in Phuket then 5 in Koh Samui.

I'm looking for advice on what do to do with regards to planning day trips at either place do you look into it in advance or wait until you're there? Things like snorkelling trips or over to Phi Phi that sort of stuff.

Any good ideas? I'll be with my gf also.

Oh, and if anyone has any interesting ideas about how to propose over there then by all means add that also!

 

[Walshy_The_Goat]

Hah good old thread mine time. I read this thread from start to finish and noticed I posted in there sounding like I was about to go over there but I never ended up going and instead opted for a Euro trip which was probably better anyway!

But here I am now a week out from leaving for Bangkok for 2 nights followed by 4 in Phuket then 5 in Koh Samui.

I'm looking for advice on what do to do with regards to planning day trips at either place do you look into it in advance or wait until you're there? Things like snorkelling trips or over to Phi Phi that sort of stuff.

Any good ideas? I'll be with my gf also.

Oh, and if anyone has any interesting ideas about how to propose over there then by all means add that also!

I've been to Thailand twice; the first time was with 5 mates in 2011, and the other time was solo in early 2012. Am definitely looking to head back in the future with my GF as it's an awesome and very affordable destination.

On both occasions I went to Koh Samui and Phuket. Bangkok I went to with my mates, purely because there were only direct flights there.

Bangkok is like any run of the mill capital city, albeit one that is rundown. Isn't much to do there apart from getting infinite massages, and SHOPPING. Your GF will probably love it for that reason, but it gets old rather quickly, so it's a good thing you're only staying 2 nights there. They have a MASSIVE modern multi-level shopping centre called MBK, and that's all you'll need to visit as they have every type of shop there is.

Apart from that, give the Kings Palace a look for something touristy, and pretty sure they have street markets nearby there.

Phuket can be good, but it depends where you're staying. I stayed in Patong, and it's a destination suited for a group of mates as it is overpopulated with tourists, and is pretty much party central as it is filled with clubs/bars/ping-poing shows and the like. I thought Phuket was like a cross between Bangkok and Koh Samui. The beach is also a nice spot to go down and have a swim.

Koh Samui is probably my favourite in front of Phuket and Bangkok in that order. We stayed in Chaweng Beach on the East Coast along the populated strip lined with shops. Had a local massage parlour on the corner across from our hotel that we used to head to in order to unwind before we headed out to check out the nightlife or explore the many places to eat. The beaches are a little better than Phuket, so check them out. The bars and nightlife isn't as full on or sleazy as Phuket, so you can find a place to chill and relax without being hassled. In towards the town there are more upmarket bars and clubs in an area they call Soi Green Mango that features the Solo Club, Sweet Soul Café, Mint Bar, Ark Bar and Sound Pub. For live bands check out the Reggae Bar which is across the massive lake. There is one strip of bars that line the only entry to the Reggae Bar where myself and my mates were hassled by local women jumping out and trying to lure us in. Was quite annoying. Thankfully your GF will be able to ward them off like Aeroguard to a mozzie!

As for when to book tours etc, definitely wait until you get to your hotel. I probably wouldn't book it directly through your hotel straight up either, because if you're looking for a common tour (e.g. Phuket Zoo, Elephant trekking etc.) i'd recommend first going down one of the local streets populated with tour stalls and check in with each to find out which is the cheapest and barter between them by playing them off against each other in order to find the lowest price.

And with regards to what tours to go on and check out? Definitely look into the Elephant Trek which is available in both Phuket and Koh Samui. The Phuket Zoo was something I went on when I travelled solo as it was something I didn't get a chance to see the first time I travelled with mates. We also did a Safari type tour available in Koh Samui, which incorporated the Elephant Trek/Monkey Show/Kickboxing show/Waterfall. In Koh Samui you have to do the Big Buddha tour as well! I also did a Flying Fox/Zipline tour in Phuket for a bit of fun. Also, you MUST see one of the Muay Thai Kickboxing events. They run most nights, as they have tournaments nearly all year round with competitors coming from all over the world, and there are a heap of Aussies competing, so chances are you can catch one of their matches. We saw kickboxing shows in Bangkok, Phuket AND Koh Samui we loved them that much. Brutal sport, but highly entertaining and good value. Also, your girlfriend might not be into it, but if you have a chance and are brave enough head down to the firing range to experience shooting a gun as it's one of those things you'll only have the chance to do once. Weird and scary but most exhilarating feeling. There are a ton more tours to check out, so look through them as there is snorkelling, fishing tours and much more.

Apologies as I don't have any ideas to pop the question, as I struggle to even think of an idea for when I decide to do the same for my GF, but best of luck mate! Haha! How long have you been with your missus? All the best with it!

 

[Eagle87]

Bangkok is where I live. It's hardly a run of the mill city and while crazy and I guess "run down" by some western standards it's a great place... although huge and can take a bit of getting to know ....

If you're in BKK for 2 days with the GF, you'll have a little time to do a few touristy things ...

Shopping will be in the Siam area (near Siam BTS) and you've got MBK for the crappy touristy stuff ... but really don't spend too much time there ...

Then head to Central World, Siam Paragon & Siam Square ... just walk between venues ... You'll get more of a feel of BKK just walking around that while area. Grab some street snacks and just soak it all in ...

You don't have much time for tourist stuff so just head to Saphan Taksin BTS and catch a public ferry up the river to Wat Arun (temple) then basically directly across the river (on ferry) you've got Golden Palace ...

Back down the river to Saphan Taksin BTS or if it's late afternoon/early evening maybe pop down to Asiatique for "market style" shopping + some decent pubs/restaurants and the big touristy Ferris wheel (great photos) (think a smaller version of Londons)... But only late afternoon or evenings ...

At night time depends what you like to do and where you are staying. One meal or at least some drinks should be at one of the rooftop restaurant/bars that are emerging everywhere now.

Obviously Scirocco at Silom got a fair showing in the Hangover 2 movie and as a result is a fair tourist trap but if your in that area it's worth a drink at least outside 60 floors up (none of the roof bars are much good if it's raining).

I like Octave at The Marriott on Sukhumvit Soi 57...

There's a million bars & clubs and great restaurants in BKK depending on what your into and where you are staying - PM me if you want more specific info ...

BKK regularly gets rated a top city for international travel which is why I can't really grasp some of walkerthestar's comments

Phuket is ok. Depending on where you go. Most Aussies end up going to Patong. Which is a large reason why it kinda sucks, like Kuta

That said you can have fun there ...

Lots of places to look at outside Patong like the big Elephant Buddha at Promthep Cape at the southern most point of Phuket. Right near Nai Harn Beach which is considered by most locals the best beach in Phuket ...

The previous poster has covered a lot ..

If you are wanting something more high end - Anantara Resort with a pool villa should get you properly hooked up with the GF

Samui has been pretty much covered. Pretty nice place. A lot of tourists

A properly organised proposal 50 floors up overlooking BKK wouldn't be the worst idea ever ...

 

[Walshy_The_Goat]

Don't get me wrong Eagle, BKK is a beautiful city in it's own right, I just didn't think there was much to do there apart from shopping, which seemed to be the main appeal. Many others I have spoken to who have visited have also said the same thing, so I know it wasn't just me. I see BKK as a business metropolis and doesn't offer much else in terms of tourist attractions. Perhaps I didn't have a chance to explore it enough outside of the main city, but that's my own subjective experience.

Also, if you get a chance, check out Phi Phi. I've been to both ends of the island - the first which was very populated by a younger crowd, and brimming with life and party culture, and the other which is a nice quiet resort more catered towards couples and those celebrating anniversaries - and I must say it is has the best beaches I experienced in Thailand, and the ocean views are breathtaking.

 

[Eagle87]

Don't get me wrong Eagle, BKK is a beautiful city in it's own right, I just didn't think there was much to do there apart from shopping, which seemed to be the main appeal. Many others I have spoken to who have visited have also said the same thing, so I know it wasn't just me. I see BKK as a business metropolis and doesn't offer much else in terms of tourist attractions. Perhaps I didn't have a chance to explore it enough outside of the main city, but that's my own subjective experience.

Also, if you get a chance, check out Phi Phi. I've been to both ends of the island - the first which was very populated by a younger crowd, and brimming with life and party culture, and the other which is a nice quiet resort more catered towards couples and those celebrating anniversaries - and I must say it is has the best beaches I experienced in Thailand, and the ocean views are breathtaking.

I've lived here 6 years now, been to Phi Phi many times...

Plenty for tourists to do in BKK ...


http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/06/01/bangkok-claims-the-worlds-no-1-tourist-destination-title/

I do hear, particularly from some young Aussies, that they don't know what to do in BKK ...

But then they flock to Patong & Kuta - so maybe it's them

There is loads to do in and around BKK. Sure shopping is one of the activities but great food is everywhere and loads of cultural experiences + some wild and varied nightlife ...

I understand everything is subjective but I think many come to Thailand for beaches and stuff, so BKK isn't what they are looking for on their holiday. But for those who like exploring really cool, interesting, international cities - it's great But you've got to make an effort - like most big cities

Certainly if you're here for the beaches, well BKK isn't THAT place

 

[Poetic Justice]

Phuket can be good, but it depends where you're staying. I stayed in Patong, and it's a destination suited for a group of mates as it is overpopulated with tourists, and is pretty much party central as it is filled with clubs/bars/ping-poing shows and the like. I thought Phuket was like a cross between Bangkok and Koh Samui. The beach is also a nice spot to go down and have a swim.

I'm staying at the Holiday Inn in Patong which is apparently not far from Bangla Road.
Despite some of the stuff I've read in this thread about people thinking it's a dive, my folks have been there a couple of times and said it's a hoot. I guess this to me just means you need to define to yourself what you're doing: here to have a bit of fun and plenty of R&R, or doing travel involving sight seeing.
For me, a little bit of the latter but mainly the former as this trip is supposed to be for relaxation primarily. Sure, people will say that there's better places for R&R but a king room with pool access, a pool bar and a few excursions out on the town are precisely things I'm happy with!

In towards the town there are more upmarket bars and clubs in an area they call Soi Green Mango that features the Solo Club, Sweet Soul Café, Mint Bar, Ark Bar and Sound Pub.

Yep I keep reading about these bars so I imagine they are well known and I'll be able to instruct any driver to take me there?

Apologies as I don't have any ideas to pop the question, as I struggle to even think of an idea for when I decide to do the same for my GF, but best of luck mate! Haha! How long have you been with your missus? All the best with it!

Hah, thanks. Haven't been dating as long as some might before they pop the question but it's one of those 'when you know, you know' cases for me. But thanks and thanks for your advice

If you're in BKK for 2 days with the GF, you'll have a little time to do a few touristy things ...

Upon looking at the info I've only actually got one day for sight seeing. I arrive in BKK at 9pm at night, have the following day and then fly to Phuket the day after that (in the morning). BKK was supposed to be a stopover due to cheap flights mainly.

You don't have much time for tourist stuff so just head to Saphan Taksin BTS and catch a public ferry up the river to Wat Arun (temple) then basically directly across the river (on ferry) you've got Golden Palace ...
Back down the river to Saphan Taksin BTS or if it's late afternoon/early evening maybe pop down to Asiatique for "market style" shopping + some decent pubs/restaurants and the big touristy Ferris wheel (great photos) (think a smaller version of Londons)... But only late afternoon or evenings ...

This probably seems like exactly what I'll do that day, thanks!

Obviously Scirocco at Silom got a fair showing in the Hangover 2 movie and as a result is a fair tourist trap but if your in that area it's worth a drink at least outside 60 floors up (none of the roof bars are much good if it's raining).

Funny you should mention this because we are staying at this hotel (Lebua). Room should be on level 50 or so and I've heard some alright things, got it reasonably cheap for two nights and negotiated a free upgrade to that level.
I also asked them about whether they had anything to offer with regards to proposals on their rooftop though they weren't very accommodating. So that will definitely be on the cards early because I've been told to get the engagement ring out of my luggage and on to her finger as quickly as possible to save the chances of losing it or it being stolen, heh!

Also, if you get a chance, check out Phi Phi. I've been to both ends of the island - the first which was very populated by a younger crowd, and brimming with life and party culture, and the other which is a nice quiet resort more catered towards couples and those celebrating anniversaries - and I must say it is has the best beaches I experienced in Thailand, and the ocean views are breathtaking.

So far I've managed to find a tour that leaves Phuket and goes to Phi Phi by speed boat and takes you snorkelling at Mosquito Island, Bamboo Island for sunbaking, a buffet lunch, sight seeing at Phi Phi, then to Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, more snorkelling at Loh Samah Bay, sunbaking at Maya Bay then back to Phuket. This was $100 per person but I haven't booked it yet.
Time is flipping ticking.. we depart Sunday morning and I'm working until Saturday afternoon so I feel like it'll never come!

 

[Eagle87]

I'm staying at the Holiday Inn in Patong which is apparently not far from Bangla Road.
Despite some of the stuff I've read in this thread about people thinking it's a dive, my folks have been there a couple of times and said it's a hoot. I guess this to me just means you need to define to yourself what you're doing: here to have a bit of fun and plenty of R&R, or doing travel involving sight seeing.
For me, a little bit of the latter but mainly the former as this trip is supposed to be for relaxation primarily. Sure, people will say that there's better places for R&R but a king room with pool access, a pool bar and a few excursions out on the town are precisely things I'm happy with!

Yep I keep reading about these bars so I imagine they are well known and I'll be able to instruct any driver to take me there?

Hah, thanks. Haven't been dating as long as some might before they pop the question but it's one of those 'when you know, you know' cases for me. But thanks and thanks for your advice

Upon looking at the info I've only actually got one day for sight seeing. I arrive in BKK at 9pm at night, have the following day and then fly to Phuket the day after that (in the morning). BKK was supposed to be a stopover due to cheap flights mainly.

This probably seems like exactly what I'll do that day, thanks!

Funny you should mention this because we are staying at this hotel (Lebua). Room should be on level 50 or so and I've heard some alright things, got it reasonably cheap for two nights and negotiated a free upgrade to that level.
I also asked them about whether they had anything to offer with regards to proposals on their rooftop though they weren't very accommodating. So that will definitely be on the cards early because I've been told to get the engagement ring out of my luggage and on to her finger as quickly as possible to save the chances of losing it or it being stolen, heh!

So far I've managed to find a tour that leaves Phuket and goes to Phi Phi by speed boat and takes you snorkelling at Mosquito Island, Bamboo Island for sunbaking, a buffet lunch, sight seeing at Phi Phi, then to Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, more snorkelling at Loh Samah Bay, sunbaking at Maya Bay then back to Phuket. This was $100 per person but I haven't booked it yet.
Time is ruddy ticking.. we depart Sunday morning and I'm working until Saturday afternoon so I feel like it'll never come!

Just on Holiday Inn, Phuket... Were you suggesting the Holiday Inn is a bit of a dive or Patong?

Holiday Inn is ok. Patong is what it is. I just get frustrated when Aussies go to Patong twice and then maybe the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan and then tell me they've been to Thailand and proceed to explain about Thailand...

They are tourist only locations. And as such have very little thats Thai about them. Unless you count mafia and corruption in Phuket, which is quite Thai

I'm actually in Phuket next week. Wednesday to Saturday and staying in Patong. So if you get stuck or have any dramas feel free to PM me and I'll come and bail you out ..

NOTE: On the engagement ring in the luggage, I assume you mean your carry on/Hand luggage? Under absolutely no circumstances at all put jewellery in checked luggage, especially when travelling through Asia.


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[Poetic Justice]

Just on Holiday Inn, Phuket... Were you suggesting the Holiday Inn is a bit of a dive or Patong?

Holiday Inn is ok. Patong is what it is. I just get frustrated when Aussies go to Patong twice and then maybe the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan and then tell me they've been to Thailand and proceed to explain about Thailand...

They are tourist only locations. And as such have very little thats Thai about them. Unless you count mafia and corruption in Phuket, which is quite Thai

I'm actually in Phuket next week. Wednesday to Saturday and staying in Patong. So if you get stuck or have any dramas feel free to PM me and I'll come and bail you out ..

NOTE: On the engagement ring in the luggage, I assume you mean your carry on/Hand luggage? Under absolutely no circumstances at all put jewellery in checked luggage, especially when travelling through Asia.


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Nah, not suggesting the Holiday Inn would be a dive. My brother and his firlfriend stayed there last year and raved about it. I was referring to Patong when making the comment about the place being a dive.

With regards to the engagement ring I meant in terms of carting it around with me everywhere before I manage to pop the question. However I will definitely take your advice about keeping it with me in my hand luggage for my flights. Thanks!

 

[Eagle87]

Nah, not suggesting the Holiday Inn would be a dive. My brother and his firlfriend stayed there last year and raved about it. I was referring to Patong when making the comment about the place being a dive.

With regards to the engagement ring I meant in terms of carting it around with me everywhere before I manage to pop the question. However I will definitely take your advice about keeping it with me in my hand luggage for my flights. Thanks!

Holiday Inn pool access rooms are actually good.

The only downside there is that during school holidays it can get overrun by families with loads of umm enthusiastic (read loud) kids!

I think you'll be safe. Aussie school holidays done. Songkran finished here and the Europeans & Americans still short of summer holidays ...

On Bangkok.

Lebua is a decent enough hotel and it actually has a few restaurants and bars. Not cheap ones though.

You're in Silom which means that day trip I suggested is ideal. You could actually walk to Saphan Taksin (for the ferry) in about 15 mins. If you feel braver than using the ferry, you can always book a longboat, not expensive and they'll take you up and down all the side canals - ask them about the snake show place (they'll know).. The trip I laid out is pretty easy, cheap and plenty of other tourists and English speaking Thais ...

Near your hotel is a bar called Maggie Choo's which is not too bad as a slightly upscale but smallish cool bar. An at night place and nearby.

KuDeTa is a new big bar/club place nearby but it won't likely be too busy if you are there Sunday/Monday

You are also not far at all from Patpong. So if you want to see bkk's more infamous nightlife you can head there (maybe 5 mins in a cab) ... There are also street markets there. A further 5 mins is the awesome Lumpini Park. Which also has a night market... All that stuff is within 2km or so of your hotel ...

Safe trip. Have fun.

 

[Poetic Justice]

Love it, really appreciate your input will definitely help us do a couple of extra things while we are there. Thanks!

 

[Poetic Justice]

Thought I'd post a bit of an update and a review of our trip, got back last Friday.

Flew in to Bangkok and was staying at the State Tower, had a nice touch of the hotel picking us up from the airport which for me ended up being quite relaxing seeing as I never expected the size of bangkok. It's bloody huge! City just keeps going and going!

The hotel was awesome.. had a room on level 56 and had drinks on the roof (level 64). Explored Bangkok the following day with a tuk tuk and was surprised that I hadn't previously learned about the whole system of how tuktuks work. That being that they try to take you to places for you to spend money (e.g. took me to a tailor and inevitably bought a suit which he would have gotten a commission for). He looked after us though, saw a few places, took us to a place for a long tail boat ride and saw a few interesting sights (before being pelted with rain for 40 minutes and having to wait it out under a bridge).

Had dinner at Scirocco the restaurant on top of lebua which was amazing. Top quality foods, ended up costing me a touch over $500 including wine but I suppose it was worth it as I took this as the best opportunity to propose to my now fiance and she was stoked.

Flew to Phuket and had to negotiate another taxi to Patong which again resulted in me being plonked in a travel agency trying to sell me tours and all the other crap which I managed to avoid.
Got absolutely smashed on Bangla Road the first night people watching simply because it was so damn cheap. I was drinking canadian clubs for about $3 a pop and as usual, sitting down you don't realise how sloshed you're getting.

Didn't do much the following day but walk around and spend time in our pool because we were nursing hangovers. Booked the following day through Phuket Sail Tours to go to Phi Phi which was awesome. PST was a good company recommended by trip advisor and it was worth it, 15 people on the boat compared to 30 or more on other similarly sized boats that all do similar trips. Maya beach was good, but Pileh Lagoon was the best of the bunch - awesome swimming spot and jumping off the boat etc. Got a ripper sunburn and got an awesome aloe vera rub after that. More drinks and dinner around Bangla Road.

Patong was definitely interesting. Obviously you can spend some time shopping but the shop keepers definitely get a little annoying after a while.. sometimes a little too pushy. We bought plenty of shit, plenty of singlets, a fake pair of nikes, a couple of watches etc all for the fun of it even if they don't last.
On the last day in Phuket we did the novel things like gun range, roller ball etc but avoided the animal stuff because it just seems cruel. Considered a jet ski and the ATV riding park but both of them seemed a little too scammy for our liking so we decided against them.

After this we flew to Koh Samui. We stayed in an awesome resort, however it was in Nathon which was about 25-30 minutes away from Chaweng which is probably where you want to be near. Chaweng is fairly similar to Patong although quieter, a little more laid back and less hassling than Patong seems to be. All the same shopping can be had too so perhaps I'd go back here before Patong in the future depending on flight costs.

We hired scooters to get around through the hotel which was good cause it was about $8 a day. Seemed like a good idea. The first day we got all around Koh Samui and saw everywhere which was good.

Nights spent on beach road in Chaweng, drinks at ARK bar and the normal spots. Was pretty good.
Unfortunately on the second last day we were on a scooter together headed for Chaweng and at about 40-50kph a dog ran out in front of us and I couldn't stop it in time and we came off. Not my finest moment but let me warn anyone here that if you're planning on going to Thailand, try to steer clear of the scooters unless you're a) an experienced bike rider or b) at least wearing a helmet.

Neither of us were wearing helmets and whilst we understand we were stupid, the attraction of it gets you in and i still think the scooters were fun for the most part. In hindsight the helmets are probably something I'd say are a must. I didn't cop a knock to the head, but my fiance did and she is now suffering concussion. Thankfully, being the second last day we decided to just carry any issues back to Melbourne to get to a real hospital. The hospital in Koh Samui is 3rd world and not a place either of us wanted to be at for a long time. I managed to get back to a local hospital here in Melbourne and my girlfriend had a CT scan etc to make sure she had no head injuries. I've got a massive graze down the left side of my back because I was wearing a singlet at the time and thought I had broken my collarbone but xrays cleared me. So mainly just a bruised ego from it all.

Otherwise, thailand is awesome, really can't wait to go back. Phuket or Koh Samui will simply depend on flight costs!

 

[hayes]

Anyone know if there's any issues with this military rubbish in Phuket? Apparently nobody will give you travel insurance if you want to go which isn't ideal because I plan on going there around September/October.

 

[Poetic Justice]

Id personally be counting on it dying down by then... hope for you anyway!!

 

[Eagle87]

Anyone know if there's any issues with this military rubbish in Phuket? Apparently nobody will give you travel insurance if you want to go which isn't ideal because I plan on going there around September/October.

Define "military rubbish"?

There was a coup. We are currently under martial law and the head of the army is currently running the country.

Based on his speech last Saturday morning it will be at least a year before they write a new constitution and hold elections.

So martial law will still be in place when you come.

At present there are 2 primary issues here with that for tourists and expats. The first is the curfew which is country wide and is being applied in Phuket. It's currently 12-4am. But it will likely be relaxed and then might be reinforced anytime there is "trouble".

So that may or may not effect you.

The second is interference with the Internet to censor "bad sites" and this has lead to periods of very slow Internet. Although VPN use seems to solve most problems.

Further, if you actually called it "military rubbish" in a derogatory manner while over here that's a offence punishable before the courts if it's seen as talking down the military. Unlikely a big issue for you but you'd be wise to just stay out of Thai politics while on holiday

Insurance is an issue I believe when your country advises against all travel. But it seems at present that's not insurmountable for Aussies at present as our country hasn't advised against all non-essential travel. But check.

As regards your safety. Anyone coming here now, under conditions prevailing for the last couple of weeks (post coup) is safer than they've been in the last 8 months. And that's been basically safe if you stayed away from protests.

There is some risk that as the coup drags on there will be protests from the more radical "reds" but no sign of that as yet.

Hope that helps


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[hayes]

Define "military rubbish"?

There was a coup. We are currently under martial law and the head of the army is currently running the country.

Based on his speech last Saturday morning it will be at least a year before they write a new constitution and hold elections.

So martial law will still be in place when you come.

At present there are 2 primary issues here with that for tourists and expats. The first is the curfew which is country wide and is being applied in Phuket. It's currently 12-4am. But it will likely be relaxed and then might be reinforced anytime there is "trouble".

So that may or may not effect you.

The second is interference with the Internet to censor "bad sites" and this has lead to periods of very slow Internet. Although VPN use seems to solve most problems.

Further, if you actually called it "military rubbish" in a derogatory manner while over here that's a offence punishable before the courts if it's seen as talking down the military. Unlikely a big issue for you but you'd be wise to just stay out of Thai politics while on holiday

Insurance is an issue I believe when your country advises against all travel. But it seems at present that's not insurmountable for Aussies at present as our country hasn't advised against all non-essential travel. But check.

As regards your safety. Anyone coming here now, under conditions prevailing for the last couple of weeks (post coup) is safer than they've been in the last 8 months. And that's been basically safe if you stayed away from protests.

There is some risk that as the coup drags on there will be protests from the more radical "reds" but no sign of that as yet.

Hope that helps


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Military rubbish: Something that I've heard could have a negative effect on a boys trip away!

Thanks that helps a lot. The maybe's might be too big a risk just in case things go bad. They'd be in trouble if they ruined tourism though surely?

 

[Eagle87]

Military rubbish: Something that I've heard could have a negative effect on a boys trip away!

Thanks that helps a lot. The maybe's might be too big a risk just in case things go bad. They'd be in trouble if they ruined tourism though surely?

I think the risks in Phuket aren't great. If you would have booked 2 weeks ago then the coup doesn't make things more risky ... it's now less risky.

A boys trip right now might be problematic because the majority if bars, clubs etc are closed by 12ish ... But that's already relaxing... So unless some uprising occurs then that shouldn't affect you .. And as those upset are in the North the chances of it hurting Phuket aren't high.

Tourism is always a concern for Thais. Sort of. This issue is much more important than that though

And really you're a necessary evil rather than a welcome guest ... even though it doesn't seem that way.

Welcome to Thailand


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