General Discussion

[geriatrickid]

I hated Fiji. Just didn't have fun. Plus, when the locals drink they become uber nasty and they have one heck of a chip on the shoulder. AT least in Thailand, they smile when they insult you.

[Ping]

Interesting GK - I was always told that Fiji was a decent spot for a hol. Nearly gone there a couple of times (changes of plans on both occasions). Certainly won't consider it again in light of your experiences.

[chiang mai]

Creating a general discussion thread for Phuket was a great idea - I will certainly help to keep it going. So now my ten cents/pence:

I've been wondering for some time whether there is any mileage in trying to pull together a group of like minded people to buy a piece of land to build on. In my case I've been looking for a small to middling plot to buy, say around half a Rai but have found nothing in a decent location. I have however come across plots of three, four and five Rai that work out well if shared amongst a number of people. For my part I don't want to spend huge sums investing in real estate here, I don't want to become a land broker who tries to sell off excess land - I just want to buy a small plot and build my own home. I currently know of two others who are very interested in this concept and we all agree that it's a cost effective way to go forward. If anyone thinks the idea has merit and is potentially interested I'd be pleased to hear from them.

[Ping]

Glad to have a regular contributor to the thread, CM. You must be settling in well by now in Phuket. I would go for the land bit except that I do not have a Thai wife, would not put the land in her name even if I did and am not prepared either to lease or get into the problematic company structure arrangement. If I buy (unless they change the rules and I can own land transparently), I'm going to be stuck with/in a Condo. But your approach seems to be a good idead for those who it would suit. Good luck with it.

[Zpete]

Interesting GK - I was always told that Fiji was a decent spot for a hol. Nearly gone there a couple of times (changes of plans on both occasions). Certainly won't consider it again in light of your experiences.

geriatrickid, where you coming from, yer waaaaaay out.

Ping, Fiji is a great holiday destination.

You can buy land there too.

I stay at backpackers and take a trip sumplace most days..... most trips i go on have finished up .........

If planned properly, stay at various locations using backpacker accommodations..... most economical.

Take excursions to offshore islands, for day trips.

Drinks and feed inclusive, $A30 - 40 bucks.....well that was a few years back....... but with the unrest, everything, fares etc, really low cost..... buses like in Phuket, feel at home.

Swimming in really clear warm waters, and great snorkelling to be had.

There, the people are very happy lot, Fijians, that is......

Fiji Indians, well the ones in Nadi Town, Lautoka who are unemployed are well worth steering clear from.

Fiji women are the most masculine, ugly, I have ever seen..... still a horny lot.

Thai gals are beautiful in comparison...... we all know that..

NEVER go during Xmas/New year, cyclone season, like in Qlnd.

Fab mid year holiday destination.

Best of all, no shopping malls of any size, save heaps if ya missus is a spender....... hehehe.

Fiji has heaps going for it.

[Ping]

Thanks Pete - it seems that you and GK have differing experiences of the place. Of course, GK being a younger bloke has probably experienced the late nightlife scene and that may be wher the problems he identified are encountered. I had a fuel stop there about 35 years ago, when the airport building was more or less a shed, but other than that have no idea. Anyway, the only time I could go is November to April, because I am locked into Phuket the remaining time. Perhaps a week or two next Feb or March if I am at a loose end and can talk someone into going over.

[Zpete]

Thanks Pete - it seems that you and GK have differing experiences of the place. Of course, GK being a younger bloke has probably experienced the late nightlife scene and that may be wher the problems he identified are encountered. I had a fuel stop there about 35 years ago, when the airport building was more or less a shed, but other than that have no idea. Anyway, the only time I could go is November to April, because I am locked into Phuket the remaining time. Perhaps a week or two next Feb or March if I am at a loose end and can talk someone into going over.

Hi Ping,

Make it November,-------- Feb - March, as I mentioned is like monsoon.......LOL

Rains everyday almost, not cold tho'.

Ya could be lucky.

I would go again, no worries, had great times, June - July, but not good time for you.

[Ping]

Not November - that it always my Ping recovery month (rest the livers and kidneys and mooch about for a month, having returned from Phuket like a beer and whisky saturated sponge).

[Zpete]

Not November - that it always my Ping recovery month (rest the livers and kidneys and mooch about for a month, having returned from Phuket like a beer and whisky saturated sponge).

My friend's wife is Rotuman, she took her kids to her home Island, they were stranded 3 extra weeks because of rains making airstrip sodden.

Rotuma is a group just north of main fiji group.

Check out the weather now.

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/91680.html

Edited March 20, 2008 by Zpete

[Ping]

Yes, very much Phuketish (off season) with the warm weather and the plentiful rain. I don't mind the rain, provided that the weather is warm - I don't bother with umbrellas and I'm dry ten minutes after the rain stops. Then again, the rain never has really worried me that much - even in Melbourne's dreary winters. It's the cold weather I can't stand - that's why I have to get out of Melbourne every winter - can't stand it. I think if I had to spend another winter in Melbourne, I would go completely - I'm half way there already!

To answer your non-existent question from the non-existent forum, Western Bulldogs. I strayed to the Melbourne Demons for a season (a couple of years ago) but didn't stick with them. I'm not much of an Aussie Rules follower though... but I do tend to find myself watching a game occasionally if I am in a bar somewhere in Phuket with a TV and either the Doggies or the Demons are playing. I also tend to watch a bit of soccer and rugby over there (which I rarely do here) and hate to miss the GP or MotoGP. Luckily the GP and MotoGP often seem to be on differing Sundays, so I have got a bit of a routine with going to a particular bar in Soi Bangla that has a large screen telly where they adjust the volume to how I like it and leave the broadcast on with the post race stuff for as long as I want them too (even though I am only a regular on Sunday afternoons). I forget the name of the bar, but it is close to where the Bounty Bar was many years ago and is almost directly opposite the (big) Aussie Bar. (The Aussie Bar is always too packed for my liking.) It's quite a find for me, because it's less than five minutes' walk from my house... and so many other bars either have the volume turned off (playing music), or too loud/too soft and then they go back to music immediately the race itself concludes.

Edited March 20, 2008 by Ping

[Zpete]

The Melbs Grand Prix, has the best track going, lotsa wide track for passing etc.

I watched the Melb "Demolition" Grand Prix last week, from start to finish.

Ya know, I wouldn't mind it being run at evening, be good, sumfin different.

Back in 1961, when I bought my first car, we used to race around the lake, loved it at nite.

Nite time seemed safer, ya hoped cars coming had lites on, so ya could take any action needed.

Nutha place we raced was on the old Fishermens Bend airstrip, guess it is well gone now.

Trying to remember, I think it is called "Down Under bar", on the left about half way coming up , on Bangla, from the beach. Often look in to see wotz on the blackboard menu of TV sports coming up. Watched many a game there.

PS:, Agree about getting wet and dry, same in Fiji, buckets down for 5 - 10 mins, then stops and ya soon dry.

Edited March 21, 2008 by Zpete

[Zpete]

Saw this in CNX forum.

Neva knew of PING river......lol

Ping, up to you to fix this.......LOL

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=175869

[Ping]

Yes, re Ping River, had a look. Very sad, but what can they do?

Re Downunder Bar, I couldn't place the one in Bangla. Was it relocated (there's one in Soi Eric beside the Mai Tai Bar)? I know the names of most of the places I drink at regularly, but for some reason cannot remember the name of this one I drink at on Sunday afternoons. As I said, it is near where the Bounty Bar used to be about fifteen or twenty years ago (before it moved and ultimately closed down), so is on the right side as you come up from the beach. It is the bar that you have to step down into when you walk in - and always gets flooded first after a big rain. There are several bars on that side with big screens that show saports on Sundays, but in this particular one I have a favourite seating spot (which I nearly always manage to get), the staff are friendly, they take my advice about volume and when to turn it off, and it is a short walk from my house. Once the broacast finishes, I always find greener pastures (or go home)...

[Zpete]

Yes, re Ping River, had a look. Very sad, but what can they do?

Re Downunder Bar, I couldn't place the one in Bangla. Was it relocated (there's one in Soi Eric beside the Mai Tai Bar)? I know the names of most of the places I drink at regularly, but for some reason cannot remember the name of this one I drink at on Sunday afternoons. As I said, it is near where the Bounty Bar used to be about fifteen or twenty years ago (before it moved and ultimately closed down), so is on the right side as you come up from the beach. It is the bar that you have to step down into when you walk in - and always gets flooded first after a big rain. There are several bars on that side with big screens that show saports on Sundays, but in this particular one I have a favourite seating spot (which I nearly always manage to get), the staff are friendly, they take my advice about volume and when to turn it off, and it is a short walk from my house. Once the broacast finishes, I always find greener pastures (or go home)...

I have a bad time recalling names.

Is there an OZ Bar? Aussie Bar, sumfin like that.

Guess I will find it when I get there, all things going well..

Hopefully, later this year.

Edited March 23, 2008 by Zpete

[Ping]

Thought you weren't going this year?

The Aussie Bar is the one I mentioned earlier. It is almost directly opposite the bar I am talking about. I think it is probably also the place that you are talking about. The Aussie Bar is now (and has been for a few years) two floors and quite large. When high profile sports are on, it is always packed to the rafters and far too noisy - not my idea of the place to go and watch the GP or anything else. Indeed, I have never had a drink in there and I porbably never will. All the same, I wouldn't mind owning the place - it's a gold mine.

Just googled and found a link to it: http://www.aussiebarphuket.com/ I see that it was established eight years ago. (Can't remember what was there before it, unless it was that blind artists shop?)

So anyway, out of curiosity, why do you say that Patong is rubbish?

[Redted]

Why don't you two meet up for a chat?

Seems like a match made in heaven to me.

[Ping]

What does it look like we're doing here - shelling coconuts?

[Zpete]

________O ________O _____O

Throws coconuts at Redted... grrrrrr

Not Aussie Bar. The one I am thinking of is about halfway up from beach on the right.

Rather small, 2 big Tellys, if I remember correctly.

Lotsa Ockors.........LOL

We may be thinking of same place, but I cannot recall the name.

Possibly, "Shipwreck".... racking me inbuilt ROM, HDD drive......LOL

Patong is getting too much like Pataya, too comercialised, more expensive, too many people, too touristy.

....and I am ?? wot? LOL. Just an itinerant traveller.

Like Sydney, it is good for a few days, then leave to recuperate.

I like to stay a few nites at Lamai Hotel, Inn or Apartments........ but then, only a short mo'bike ride from Chalong...... when it always rains for me......

[Ping]

Ah yes, Shipwreck. That may be the new name of the Bounty Bar. It's close to the bar I go to, but I still can't remember its name. I'll let you know when I get back.

I agree that Patong has its down side. I like the convenience of it for shopping (very impressed with Jungceylon; five minute walk away) and the resaurants (around the corner), but I spend little time there otherwise (apart from sleeping, of course!). It's always been the same though - just a lot bigger than it was. At least the drains in Bangla are covered now and the stench isn't as bad. I sometimes wander down to the new (well, two year old) Otop market at the south end of 200 Pi. I know a few people (Thai and Australian) who have bars there. Other than that, I tend to spend more time outside of Patong. I rarely go to Chalong. You've got to admit, there's not much of anything happening there. I suppose you could always sit down at the bar near the roundabout and watch the workmen scratch their heads about what to do with the centrepiece. You could go for a walk along the pier, but what then?

Patong; chocolate. Chalong; boiled lollies.

[Zpete]

I remember The Bounty, I think it is near The Shipwreck........ if my alzheimers dun fail me.

One of the things about Chalong that I like, it is laid back, quiet and peaceful.

Some damned good cafes too. Allsorts.

Easier to get places on local 'buses'.... well excuses for buses.

Of course, family there too.

I usually nik off to places far and wide as well.

.....always to return.

Edited March 24, 2008 by Zpete

[Ping]

Didn't know about the cafes there. I had to go to Chalong to get a car tyre valve replaced (there are places in Patong and closer, but I didn't know about them and was having all sorts of drama communicating that I needed a new valve). The garage is a couple of hundred yards east of the police station, on the opposite side of the road. Didn't have a look around there, though. Where are the cafes to which you refer?

[Redted]

Didn't know about the cafes there. I had to go to Chalong to get a car tyre valve replaced (there are places in Patong and closer, but I didn't know about them and was having all sorts of drama communicating that I needed a new valve). The garage is a couple of hundred yards east of the police station, on the opposite side of the road. Didn't have a look around there, though. Where are the cafes to which you refer?

Come on?

[Ping]

Thanks Redted, when you come up with an answer, let me know - either here or at the other place.

[Zpete]

Ping, names, my failing, neva remember them.

I take lotsa pix to help, but dun always work........LOL

The Anchor is good, first on left, going to pier.

There is another where I breakfast most mornings, about halfway to pier on the right, about 50 yards past AO Chalong Inn.

There is a plaza like place a bit further on, where an Indian guy sells a mean curry. just tell wot ya want and they make it. Big telly for cricket too.

I eat 'al fresco' if possible, away from vehicle fumes.

Right on the waterfront is about the best seafood restaurant I have had the pleasure to eat at. I know the name, but.......... they have a better place a bit further around towards the zoo, open air, right on waterfront.

Going right from the fountain along Chau Fa Rd, there is a neat, clean and tidy DIM SUM place. We love it.

There are numerous other places, so reasonably priced, rarely actually have a feed in Patong, Karon or Kata.

Rawai has some good tukka places. Even the Rawai nite market has some real tasty snacks.

Edited March 24, 2008 by Zpete

[Ping]

Yes, no problems, I thought you meant elsewhere (other than the pier road). I know that Indian one - that's where the proprietor chases you down the street to give you his card. That's in that new plaza with the dive shop near the end. I've also eaten at the seafood place, but not for a few years. They recently (12 months or so) fixed it up and enclosed it and there is a guard in the (still unpaved) carpark area who will 'help' you park your car (free, as opposed to the carpark opposite) and then watch as you shuffle off down the street. I dropped into a couple of the bars in the pier street last time I was there. I'd had to drop someone off at the bus depot in Phuket Town and got caught in the rush hour traffic on the way home, so decided to have a few drinks and let the traffic die down. I think it's the first bar on the left (facing towards the pier) as you walk down from the roundabout that is run by a lovely middle-aged (Thai) lady who seems to know just about everyone on the island! I'll bet that if I mentioned 'Pete the sheep shagger' she'd remember you, too!

[Zpete]

Starting from The Circle, most bars are on the left.

"Come On Bar", my drinking hole is on the left, opposite AO Chalong Inn. Not much of a bar, but people make a bar, not the place itself.

Ask for "ON" the owner, mention Peter from NZ, she will know me. She is on my Messenger Buddies.

The hairdresser, a cupla doors on, Eh's, is my normal hairdresser, she is about 30, looks 16 and is really nice.(to me) hehe. No hanky panky, just a real gem of a girl.

Not this year unfortunately, my Big C has stuffed my travels this year.

I have only a few times partaken of alky in other bars down there, doubt she would know me.

There is a nice old Thai lady with farang hubby, who runs an English style 'fush and chup' shop on the left, I often eat there.

There are other places, not all on the road to the pier.

Often go to The green Man, and watch games.

I possibly have a window mid May for a month or so, hope to make it.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Zpete

[Ping]

It must be me. You said 'not this year' but then said possibly mid May (or are you referring to next year)? If you are talking about this year, you would not want to muck around too much longer organising your flight ticket. I did mine a week ago and I only got my preferred flight because it was a six month ticket (don't ask me why that makes any difference). So if you are getting a 35 day (or similar) ticket for this year, you may want to get yourself organised ASAP. Pity you couldn't go in July for the TV function - although I appreciate that this, of itself, is not much of a reason to adjust your flight schedule. If you do make it this year, I'll find my way down to the Come On Bar. I think that is the last (or one of the last) bars in the first (main) pier street block near the Circle as you head towards the pier? If it's the one I'm thinking of, I noted that the 'staff' there were more mutton than two-tooth. I'll show you the ex-mini golf course I was talking about - it's only about a hundred or so yards from there.

Who do you fly? I go Sing - great mob.

How are you getting on with your health issues - I thought you were due to go 'in' this month?

[Zpete]

I wanna go this year, but I have to work around my therapy, so am not able to be exact as yet.

I reckon on going Royal Burnei, stop over in Brunei for a few days on way back.

Gotta check it all out first.

Royal Brunei is a dry airline.... no booze,.....

Fare ALK - BWN - BKK ------ BKK - BWN - AKL ....$NZ1050.00, and no worries or extras if ya wanna change ya dates for return. I extended last trip 4 weeks.

Lotsa slots.

Yeah, would love to be able go to the TV event, neva know, mite make it.

Mutton to talk with, lamb to play with......PMPL, still my fave bar.

Often lotsa expats there too.

Not much of a place, I know, but enjoy the people.

Shipwreck....... pic.

Gals at Come On Bar.... last trip, there are more, but must have been working....... haha

[Ping]

Nice snaps - thanks for sharing them. It's possible that the 'Shipwreck Bar' used to be the Bounty. They layout looks roughly the same (from memory) and the toilet is in the same spot. I'm not 100% sure about the Come On Bar, though. Perhaps it was one of the bars on the other side of the road. Anyway, next time I'm down Chalong way I'll wander in and ask them if they remember Kiwi Pete... and warn them that you will probably be back to annoy them again sooner rather than later! 555

I rarely het down that way of an evening though. Haven't even been to Phuket Town at night for many years (but of course, they turn of the traffic lights and close the gate to Phuket Town at night - nothing happening there...)

[Zpete]

Except for family or business reasons, I have no idea why people would stay in Phuket Town.