Issanman

A Patong-Kathu shortcut does exist, but you would definitely need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle or a small and light motorbike that your can maintain control of while sliding around on the steep and muddy hills that you must traverse along the way. Once it dries out, it will be a lot easier. I talked to a woman on the Kathu side that walked the road and she verified that it was possible but said that I should not try it unless I had better shoes. I was wearing flip-flops. So I rode my bike around the one hour detour through Kata/Karon to Patong and up to the top of the mountain. There I met 2 separate persons that had ridden small, automatic motor scooters up from Kathu and they asked me if they could get to Patong if they followed the road that I had just come up on. I happily told them yes and they each took off down the road smiling.  

Going from Patong to Kathu, here is a picture of the first slippery and steep hill:

The steepness never seems to actually show in the picture. But be aware there is a surprise ditch in the road just as you come to the top of the hill, just big enough to upset the progress of the bikes with the smaller wheels.

Shortly after that, you will come to a fork in the road. Google says to go left at that fork. But knowing I already had one steep and slippery ass hill that I had to go back down, I turned around at that point. If I would have had actual shoes on, I would have traveled further. Picture of the fork:

Lucky my bike has semi-dirt tires on it, so I made it safely back down the hill. I have always enjoyed climbing hills on my bikes, but always hated going back down the particularly hairy ones.

The route is plainly marked on Google maps if you look for it. It runs between the Wat Doi Thep Nimit Monastery above Patong and the เคียงเขา Forest & Cafe at the bottom of the hill on the Kathu side.

Me, I will wait for things to dry out a bit and then I will put on my boots and go for it. You guys go ahead and report back. 

https://goo.gl/maps/YoKcwnXAn9eM3JEX7

The stock HD pipes are quiet enough, but most all of them are swapped out for the noisy pipes at some point. 

37 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

only places i know are on the main road between Phuket town heading towards the airport,  close by the Mercedes dealership, same side about 500 meters form  the gas station 

Thanks. I think I found the place. They have good reviews.

https://goo.gl/maps/xU6FdJvFYTWYkBGg7

I am looking for a shop to replace a shattered side window on my 4 door pickup.

Are there any specialty automotive glass replacement shops in Phuket?

Rawai or south Phuket is my preferred area, if possible.

https://goo.gl/maps/c7Uq6qYi7y4GVfcZ9

This place is a good value. https://www.yanuiresort.com/

https://goo.gl/maps/cbLyiJceUZzddn5h9

In a quiet neighborhood but only a 10 minute walk to downtown Rawai beach with plenty of restaurants. Only about 5 minute walk to some Thai food stands and the Yanui Family Mart.

Fifteen minute walk to Yanui Beach. 

They even have some 2 bedroom units available for around 2500฿.

Phuket keeps your passport overnight for 1 year retirement extensions.

7 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Putin's stooge

 

Meanwhile in Russia: every state TV program is feasting on Tucker Carlson's accusations that the Biden administration is somehow involved in causing the Nord Stream damage. Military expert loved Tucker's idea about cutting undersea internet cables & said, "Sure, why not?" Watch:

Just watch the first 35 seconds of this video. Then decide for yourself if Biden may be involved:

I have seen them doing this at that location.

They are not very far away from that windmill.

One can only hope that the people launching from there know what the hell they are doing.

The back room of any Super Cheap store is an interesting place to spend some time looking for bargains.

I am not Thai and the Lazada wallet is a very easy and fast way to get and spend refunds.

https://www.chevrolet.co.th/complete-care/chevrolet-service.html

My refunds show up in my Lazada wallet within minutes and are available for me to spend right away.  

Those that think they cannot use the Lazada wallet because they are not Thai are incorrect.

I'll wait for the decaffeinated version.

Just use the same address that you used for your 90 address report.

30 minutes ago, Nomoneynohoney said:

Anyone know how long it takes for delvery  by Greenlab.Ordered last saturday and as off today 

nothing has arrived.delivery adress is in Korat provincie.

Ordered on the 6th. Received on the 10th in Phuket.