Hi there,

A couple of friends of mine are heading to Phuket in September.

They're in their late twenties, male and female and they're looking for a quiet up-market beach resort in Phuket.

Why Phuket? Because there's plenty to see and do during the day and there's nightlife in Patong if they fancy it.

I was thinking Karon as it's not too nightlife orientated but it's not far from Patong or Chalong for the boat trips.

Unfortunately I don't know that area too well.

So if anyone can recommend somewhere I'd appreciate it.

Have a look at Centara Resorts. The karon hotel is ok. I stayed there 2 years ago for a week. The Hilton Arcadia or whatever it is called now is ok too, but way over priced when compared to Centara. I stayed at the Arcadia 5 years ago and not much has really changed. I think you can get a better price from Centara's website vs the typical room offers on the net. Centara will put it's deluxe rooms up for a discount which often matches the low prices quoted on the room sites for a basic room. Do not book the hotel transfers. Take a taxi from the airport. Usually saves 1000 baht. I really like the Karon beach.Good assortment of restaurants within 10 minute walk of Centara.

For upscale tranquility, I like the Laguna area but it's a lang haul into Patong, not that one misses anything by avoiding patong. (I'm jaded, since my apartment is in Patong. and after awhile you get tired of seeing the same skanky hookers and lice infested touts.)

Probably the most secluded resort that is also very close to Patong (<5 minutes?) is Le Meridian. Expensive by my standards, but I recently used a two night voucher there I won in a raffle and it was nice. Located right on it's own private beach between Karon and Patong.

Chalong is on the sheltered east side of the island and as such there is very little there in the way of resorts. I always feel like I am on a lake, not a sea/ocean. At high tide there almost no beach, and low tide you may have to walk 200 meters to the water. There is no wave action, and they seem dirtier to me. Having said that, if they can afford it, Vijit resort is south of Chalong. It's a nice place, very upscale, very quiet. New bungalows dotting the hillside. 30 minutes to Patong.

Don't take into consideration Chalong as the launch point for boat trips. Operators or hotels arrange transport of any organized trips, otherwise a tuk tuk is cheap. Obvioulsy, ask about rates before negotiating with drivers.

Goes without saysing, but mind the large waves and rip currents on the west facing beaches during the "summer season" (monsoon season) as we have had a rash of drownings of late.

SB

Mom Tris Boathouse in Kata.

RAZZ

Thanks for the quick responses

Keep 'em coming. They're booking it on Monday.

And I hear what you're saying GeriatricKid my apartment and my future wife are also in Patong