Phuket

[Drakescoffeecake]

In the process of making plans to go back. I actually really miss the place!

****ing <3 everything about the nightlife!

 

[AxelFoley]

Going to Thailand in two weeks.

I have been twice before; the first time spent mostly in Bangkok and Krabi areas, the second time in Phuket.

My mate and I have a pretty flexible schedule for the 18 days we are there (flying in/out of Bangkok where will spend a few days)

Can anyone suggest a good itinerary? Bear in mind, the definite destinations this time around are Ko Samui (including a FMP) and also thinking of Phi Phi. Will only go to Phuket again if the desire arises.

Cheers

 

[camsmith]

Yes, there is stuff in the water at Patong Beach ... no idea what, never wanted to know ...

Nothing in there though that stings you as much as the jet ski rental places around there ...

Never risked hiring those, not really because they costs heaps (only 2000 baht or something though from memory?) but incase they pick out some non-existant damage and insist you have to pay.

Bangla Road is certainly an experience and one can certainly have some fun around there with the right attitude but it is the "touristy" version of that stuff much like Patpong in BKK - I mean I live in BKK and as far as I can tell ony tourists actually go there - there are plenty of similiar "nightlife" areas that aren't quite as irritating.

And if you really want the "sleaze" that Bangla sort of promises, just go to Pattaya ... that is Sodom & Gomorrah.

Did you get out of Patong and explore the rest of Phuket?

Yes, we stayed as part of a package the first 5 nights (of a total of 15) in Patong but then went straight to Phi Phi with the intention of staying one maybe two nights, we ended up there for 4 nights and only just dragged ourselves away because we knew we had more to explore.

We then stayed a couple of nights in Karon and two nights in Kata also one of the days hired scooters and travelled around untill one of us nearly killed themselves..(trying to get to that big statue).

Also took a tour that went to some safari place with elephants etc.. which was a good 40 mins away so we did see a fair big of the place.

Got to know Patong and Phi Phi well since we stayed longest there and had more drunk late night walks around the place meeting nice Russians etc.. We liked Karon and Kata but they were more relaxed and laid back (aimed at older people) but we were pretty exhausted by then so it gave us time to catch our breath before spending our last night back in Patong.

Definitely want to go back though and see more, as well as the rest of the country. Although that will have to come after my European getaway.

AxelFoley will leave other people to help you out on that, but I went with two other people and we all loved Phi Ph.

 

[Hawks92]

Does anyone rate the shopping? I'm going in November and have never been before

 

[jonoman89]

And if you really want the "sleaze" that Bangla sort of promises, just go to Pattaya ... that is Sodom & Gomorrah.

When a few mates and i did SE Asia last year we planned to spend some time in Pattaya. Then we heard what people go there for and gave it a miss

I kind of miss the filth and heat of Asia. Puts you in a completely different head space.

Does anyone rate the shopping? I'm going in November and have never been before

It's very expensive in Patong, as you'd expect. Shop in Bangkok if you can (Sukhumvit and the markets).

Shopping in Thailand was bit nauseating and overwhelming. So much on offer over such a large area. Can be a bit daunting to find what you want if you've never been before.

 

[AxelFoley]

Going to Thailand in two weeks.

I have been twice before; the first time spent mostly in Bangkok and Krabi areas, the second time in Phuket.

My mate and I have a pretty flexible schedule for the 18 days we are there (flying in/out of Bangkok where will spend a few days)

Can anyone suggest a good itinerary? Bear in mind, the definite destinations this time around are Ko Samui (including a FMP) and also thinking of Phi Phi. Will only go to Phuket again if the desire arises.

Cheers

So itinerary is basically sorted for my trip in a couple of weeks....

Bangkok for 4 nights, fly to Ko Samui or Surit Thani (pending $$) few nights in Ko Samui, over to Ko Phangan for a couple of nights (and the Full Moon Party)...then either try head to Phi Phi or Phuket and then fly back to Bangkok to fly home.

Anyone know the best way of getting from Ko Samui/Dom Sak to Phuket? Dont really fancy a day trip on a stinking bus thats all.

 

[Eagle87]

So itinerary is basically sorted for my trip in a couple of weeks....

Bangkok for 4 nights, fly to Ko Samui or Surit Thani (pending $$) few nights in Ko Samui, over to Ko Phangan for a couple of nights (and the Full Moon Party)...then either try head to Phi Phi or Phuket and then fly back to Bangkok to fly home.

Anyone know the best way of getting from Ko Samui/Dom Sak to Phuket? Dont really fancy a day trip on a stinking bus thats all.

Mate, you can fly from Samui to Phuket on Bangkok Air... its only about 50 mins (if that).

 

[AxelFoley]

Mate, you can fly from Samui to Phuket on Bangkok Air... its only about 50 mins (if that).

Yeah thought so (only looked Air Asia from Surit Thani which doesnt happen)

If I can avoid Surit Thani it will be splendid....what a **** of a joint that is....

 

[jonoman89]

Yep i did the Samui -> Phuket flight. Bangkok Airways is very classy. I booked the day before and it only cost $100.

I heard from my mates that the bus trip is less than desirable.

 

[AxelFoley]

Ok back from my Thailand holiday....

Once I got to Ko Samui (Chaweng Beach), I fell in love with the place and there was no need to go anywhere else as it is easily the best place I've been in Thailand.

Totally shits over Phuket and Im already planning to go back...

 

[Drakescoffeecake]

How far is that from Phuket? Is it worth staying in Phuket for 5 or so days and then head there for a week or so? I did this but instead went to Phi Phi Island but only had 3 days in Phi Phi which was not enough.

They had $810 return flights to Phuket last night and now I can't find them anywhere There was also a special a few months ago with Malaysian Airlines which was offering $500 return flights to Phuket and again I chose not to book. $800 is cheap, but $500 is ridiculously good. Hoping another special comes along soon ... don't think I can bring myself to hand over the usual $1600 for return airfares.

 

[AxelFoley]

How far is that from Phuket? Is it worth staying in Phuket for 5 or so days and then head there for a week or so? I did this but instead went to Phi Phi Island but only had 3 days in Phi Phi which was not enough.

Its a one hour domestic flight or a day trip (go the flight). But if you've only been to Phuket and not Samui before (which was the case for me), then forget Phuket (as KS is soo much better).

Also time it so you can head to the Full Moon Party whilst in Samui, def worth checking out!

 

[SirJimi05]

They had $810 return flights to Phuket last night and now I can't find them anywhere There was also a special a few months ago with Malaysian Airlines which was offering $500 return flights to Phuket and again I chose not to book. $800 is cheap, but $500 is ridiculously good. Hoping another special comes along soon ... don't think I can bring myself to hand over the usual $1600 for return airfares.

Who pays $1600 return to Phuket?

You could fly via BKK for well under $900, paying normal prices.

 

[ThePezDispenser]

I'll be in Thailand for two weeks with the missus from around 20th of December till Jan 3rd? (after that we head to Vietnam to check it out).

Many people on here have slagged off the idea of The Full Moon Party but we're pretty keen on checking it out for NYE. Apart from that we start in Bangkok and from there we are just trying to work everything out.

So far Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Phuket (hopefully squeeze in Phi Phi island) is on the agenda, but we have a fair bit of flexibility.

And has anybody been to the Christmas/NYE gala's that some hotels make you pay for with your accommodation? Worth while?

 

[Eagle87]

I'll be in Thailand for two weeks with the missus from around 20th of December till Jan 3rd? (after that we head to Vietnam to check it out).

Many people on here have slagged off the idea of The Full Moon Party but we're pretty keen on checking it out for NYE. Apart from that we start in Bangkok and from there we are just trying to work everything out.

So far Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Phuket (hopefully squeeze in Phi Phi island) is on the agenda, but we have a fair bit of flexibility.

And has anybody been to the Christmas/NYE gala's that some hotels make you pay for with your accommodation? Worth while?

Many hotels make you pay extra at that time of year and the compulsory Xmas NYE Dinners/Parties are usually average and just a means to extort extra money from punters TBH.

Weather, especially in Bangkok, is good that time of year (cooler, dry and lower humidity). Its high season though, so all tourists spots you've listed will be busier, less relaxed, more expensive and full of, well, tourists ...

You havent said where you might stay in Phuket, as that can change the experience. You also seem keen on islands having named 4 of them. Somewhere like Kanchanaburi might be more of a change of scene or even head to Chiang Mai (which will likely be almost cold that time of year)...

Samui is all you'll need from an island perspective, although the others all have their good points. Full Moon parties are a matter of personal taste. They are generally well regarded by those under 25 who like to get wasted or bogans generally ....

 

[ThePezDispenser]

We're both 23.

Girlfriend has been to Karon Beach (also near Kata beach so can go to both) before and liked it, could be a bit quieter also. Any other recommendations?

Looking for somewhere beach side, that's hopefully not so busy, and a little less touristy. Will most likely check out Patong and the like but not really keen on staying in the middle of it all especially in that really peak period. We're going to just mostly relax and take it all in. Rather than the night life scene (the full moon party will most likely be enough lol)

 

[magic_johnson!]

Try Ao Nang, Krabi (thank that's how to spell it...)

 

[AxelFoley]

Try Ao Nang, Krabi (thank that's how to spell it...)

Spelling correct...

Good suggestion, really nice place! Was planning to visit there again last month on my trip to Thailand...but couldnt bring myself to leave Chaweng Beach...

 

[ThePezDispenser]

Cheers fellas! Trying to get most of it sorted before Uni starts back up...

 

[Eagle87]

Spelling correct...

Good suggestion, really nice place! Was planning to visit there again last month on my trip to Thailand...but couldnt bring myself to leave Chaweng Beach...

Chaweng beach, Samui is very nice. A good choice.

For pez, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn (which is a nice beach) are all nicer locations than Patong (thats not super hard though) and all are "quieter", although quiet is likely best enjoyed at either times of year or at a remote-ish resort.

Mate you'll have fun wherever you go, just might need a bit more patience and a bit more cash at times around that time of year.

 

[rizzo]

Heading over there in Feb next year. Wish I'd read this thread before booking, I didn't realise how boganish Patong is. Not to worry. Anyone got a top 10 of things I should do?

Fantasea seems like a must, and I want to check out Muay Thai (Where is the best place to go to see this?). I'm thinking of day tours (good Phi Phi tour?). If anyone has some links that would be great

 

[DannyJ]

Just came back. Was in Patong probably a few nights too long. Wasn't the worst place, but there are better places that's for sure. Bangla Rd is incredible when you first walk up it. I couldn't believe it. I'd probably stay 3 nights in Patong. Then make up the rest on Phi Phi/Koh Samui/Kho Phangan(1 night FMP).

Koh Samui was where I had my best time. Would defs go back there, loved Green Mango and Ark Bar. Get there.

FMP was insane aswell, amazing experience. Got the boat back at 6(to Samui) in the morning and got a flight back to Phuket at 9.30 the same morning. Was one of the hardest things I've had to do but god it was fun.

Bangkok and Pattaya I don't know about, but I want to experience them eventually.

Overall, a great experience

 

[AxelFoley]

Just came back. Was in Patong probably a few nights too long. Wasn't the worst place, but there are better places that's for sure. Bangla Rd is incredible when you first walk up it. I couldn't believe it. I'd probably stay 3 nights in Patong. Then make up the rest on Phi Phi/Koh Samui/Kho Phangan(1 night FMP).

Koh Samui was where I had my best time. Would defs go back there, loved Green Mango and Ark Bar. Get there.

FMP was insane aswell, amazing experience. Got the boat back at 6(to Samui) in the morning and got a flight back to Phuket at 9.30 the same morning. Was one of the hardest things I've had to do but god it was fun.

Bangkok and Pattaya I don't know about, but I want to experience them eventually.

Overall, a great experience

Couldnt agree more, had a blast there last month.

Im currently in the process of booking flights to go back on Boxing Day at the moment. Will be interesting to see the difference between the low and high season. I'm tipping it to be ****ing mental in Ko Samui/Ko Phangan over New Years...

 

[Freakie]

Couldnt agree more, had a blast there last month.

Im currently in the process of booking flights to go back on Boxing Day at the moment. Will be interesting to see the difference between the low and high season. I'm tipping it to be ****ing mental in Ko Samui/Ko Phangan over New Years...

Try and get Whisky class on Thai, cheapest fare by far if you can get it!

 

[popathon]

Woud you recommend staying in koh samui and traveing to koh pangan for the FMP or staying in koh pangan?