grumpyoldman

Oh wow, ya, Richard and his wife, the owners, used to be my landlord. Thanks for this.

I'm with the OP, first times coming to Phuket were early and mid 90's, Rawai quiet, '95 or so surfed Nai Harn on a good swell BY MYSELF. Lived in Rawai off Soi Nanachart for 11 years 2005-2016. I'm sure this high season is a nightmare crowd-wise as we come out of the whole Covid restriction time, probably a lot of pent-up Thailand visit desires out there. I like earlier poster's suggestion of Koh Kho Khao, just a bit far from some of OP's requirements. Gulf coast is also a great suggestion, Prachuap and Chumpon. Not beachy but in my Thai travels really enjoyed Kanchanaburi. House on the river, fishing. OP, maybe rent your place out during high season, go to the Philippines or just elsewhere in Thailand, come back in June when it chills out a bit.

The Windmill Yannui Beach. .2 Kilometers to the beach, local markets in Rawai.

Some years back, a guy had just gotten to Patong on holiday, comes out of his hotel room on Soi Sansabai to hit the Bangla girlie bars, it's raining/flooding, a power line is down and old boy gets ZAPPED, dead. Bad luck.

Has to be a bus from Khok Kloi to Krabi. Most of the drivers for the hotels would love to pick up a little extra dead-head cake to Phuket Airport for guest pickup, have them drop you off there enroute, on the sly.

Yes, have to think there is some optimism for this post Covid, high season. Should be busy.

Bangkok is an awesome city. You have to spend a couple days there for sure. Excellent restaurants of all kinds, super street food, sights to see, get an evening boat on the Chao Phraya river (skytrain to Thaksin bridge, walk to the water) to one of the seafood restaurants, you basically get a river tour for free. Skytrain is the bomb for an inexpensive way to get around, love Bangkok. I was once like you, young Skywalker, would go straight for Phuket, but then a friend showed me around BKK and I was sold.

When I used to get bored with the Phuket scene I'd jump Air Asia to Bangkok for a weekend. Lotsa of babes in BKK.

Luxury Villa Rassada seems an oxymoron.

Hi Simon, you and I met many years back when I was riding the motorcycle around the island selling wine. Agreed, Phuket is definitely "not what it used to be", that being said, no where is. What you said about Khao Lak, perfect, I like quiet beaches. When I need to see friends in Phuket or get in the party mode, will jump the bus, get a hotel room. Good call on Kanchanaburi. I spent some time there, loved it. Can imagine a little place near the river, fishing kit, cooler of drinks. Fish on the grill. Enjoy brother, cheers, GOM