Vacation Help

[JosephK]

I have made very few posts on this forum, and the ones I have made I seem to come across in the wrong way. Hopefully I can get this one right.

I have about 45 days until my vacation starts. I will be stopping in Dubai for a few days before coming to Phuket. I have already purchased my plane ticket, but I have several questions and hopefully you all will be able to help me .

Where is the best place to exchange money? Airport/Bank/Hotel/etc I assume like most places I have been it is a benefit to use the local currency, is this the case here?

I will be traveling alone, singe male, unless a friend of mine decides to join me. I was looking at staying at the sunset mansion, I think is the name of it. Thinking of staying their or around the Patong area. Just wondering if this is a good choice. I will be staying for about 21 days, so I am trying to find a decent place that is cheap/safe/clean. It doesn't have to be extravagant/up to date/or anything of the nature. I simply need a bed/ac/shower/and the security that my belongings will not be taken. I chose the sunset mansion because it seemed close to the partying areas, it was cheap, and I would have access to the Sunset facilities at their other location. I have not made any reservations yet, so please make any suggestions you might have.

I do not really have a "plan" for my travel. I do a great deal of photography, so I am perfectly ok with walking most everywhere I go. I plan on partying a good bit, but I would also like to make it around in the day time to check out the local spots phi phi, a mountainous view of the beaches, etc.

The violence/safety. I have been reading several topics of people being attacked/scamed etc. I typically have no trouble when I travel, but is this something I should be concerned with or are the majority of these stories people out for trouble?

Like I said I am pretty much open to all suggestions on places to eat/party/stay/sites/etc. I would like to thank you in advance for any help you are able to provide. Maybe I will have the chance to meet some of you and buy you a beer for your help

[rfukata]

"Where is the best place to exchange money? Airport/Bank/Hotel/etc I assume like most places I have been it is a benefit to use the local currency, is this the case here?"

In bangkok If you are exchanging cash over $500+, go to VASU (along side Sukhumvit 9 near Nana BTS station) or Super Rich (Chidlom BTS, across ISETAN department store) for a better exchange rate.

Roadside bank Kiosk is another choice. The airport/hotels will likely be the worst places to exchange your money.

[LivinginKata]

Exchange money at any of the many bank kiosks, all much the same rate even at the airport. Clearly don't change money at hotel desks.

Sunset mansions is about 10 minutes walk away from the main area of Patong. Don't know much about that place but does not look so attractive from a passing by look. You could find better places such as Ex Pat hotel & Aloha Villa.

Scams & violence should not really concern you if you use a bit of common sense. If you use a tuk tuk or motor bike taxi you should negotiate the price before, better still walk. Avoid hiring a the jet ski at the beach, don't get hijacked by someone on the street recommending a particular bar or club as you will be paying extra for his/her commission. Be careful who you take back to your room.

Have a good holiday.

[grumpyoldman]

Exchange money at theh SCB Kiosks, they are usually fine.

When I used to come over on vacation I liked The CNN right across from the top of Bangla, stumbling distance from all the girlie bars and discos, take the VIP room if you can, for a bit more you get this massive bathtub which lends itself well to three, if you get my drift ;-)

Regarding safety and being ripped off, just stay away from tuk tuks. To get around Patong further than walking distance, the motorbike taxis are a better deal.

Have fun.

[JosephK]

thank you for your advice. i imagined the Sunset Mansion place wouldn't be much to look at due to the room price. The pics on their website show what the rooms look like, I just hope they aren't too far from reality.

I will be there on 18 February and leaving on 8 March. Should I attempt to book a room or just wait until I get there so I can actually see before paying? I thought I would be ok, considering this is towards the end of the peak season, if I just waited, what do you all think?

I am going to try and find a site for those two places you recommended living, and CNN.

these kiosk are automated or do they have a person working there?

thanks everyone, and please keep the comments coming. i am open to any advice you all have

Edited December 30, 2009 by LivinginKata

[JosephK]

grumpy, what are the approx rates for the base room @ C&N around late februar early march? i checked their website and it wasn't very helpful with rates, but they had nice pictures

sorry, i was on the wrong site. i found it

Edited December 30, 2009 by JosephK

[LivinginKata]

there should be plenty of availability late feb, but should book on website to get the best rate, try latestays.com.

the kiosks are manned most of the day, and all have ATMS as well.

[JosephK]

thank you very much living. looks like i might be going with C&N. thanks again everyone

[grumpyoldman]

thank you very much living. looks like i might be going with C&N. thanks again everyone

Good call, get the VIP room with the big tub and lots of bubble bath, the girls love it.

P.S. (and reason for edit) there are two C&N's be sure to get the one above Soi Katoey, I mean Soi Bangla.......

Edited January 1, 2010 by grumpyoldman

[Jigger]

thank you very much living. looks like i might be going with C&N. thanks again everyone

Good call, get the VIP room with the big tub and lots of bubble bath, the girls love it.

P.S. (and reason for edit) there are two C&N's be sure to get the one above Soi Katoey, I mean Soi Bangla.......

I would run the risk and not book.

I managed to get my basic room for 650 Baht a night by just rocking up and asking for the best deal (and i only stayed 10days)... if they where full, there are many other places..

YorkShire is very nice, same distance from bangla as c&N, a little more expensive but has a much nicer restaurant and they have a pool / gym

[jocko]

If you come to Patong for a holiday just keep you eyes and ears open and dont go anywere you would'nt go at home as far as accomodation you could try bannitra guesthouse a good guesthse in nanai rd 10 mins walk from beach clean and safe and cheaper than the others mentioned before

I am sure you will have a good time

Good Luck

[JosephK]

thank you both very much for your advice, and i am still on the fence about where to stay and when to book. i am sure i will figure something out. i still have about 36 days before my holiday starts

[JosephK]

i went ahead and spent a little more than i was initially wanting to, but i think it will be worth it in the end. Summer Breeze here I come!!!!