A Positive View Of Phuket (From An Infrequent Visitor)

[perry21]

Prior to my recent vist to Phuket, I was rather surprised by the level of on-line negativity about Phuket before my recent trip. I have visited a couple of times many years ago, most recently about 8 years ago, so I was curious to see what the island is currently like. I have visted Thailand numerous times over 25 years for work and holidays but have tended to go to Bangkok, Hua Hin (where I own a property) and Pattaya.

I have to say that I found Phuket a wonderful place, really amazing in a couple of respects, and am very keen to return again soon. The views are truly extraordinary, without doubt some of the finest seascapes anywhere. The hills, the bays, the islands are just wonderful. There is something very special about being in a place with beautiful scenery. Waking up every day surrounded by great views is a real privilege. The beach at Nai Harn was fabulous - proper waves you could body surf on, clean water and a lounger and umbrella all day for bt100. I have rediscovered my love of the sea in Thailand - frankly at HH with the jelly fish and Pattaya with the dirt, you are better off out of the sea.

The other aspect that is truly impressive is the world class quality of some of the best hotels, restaurants and spas. Quite simply the best hotels/restaurants/spas in Phuket are way ahead of the best equivalents in Pattaya or Hua Hin, and in many cases are as good or better than the best in Bangkok. I ate one of the finest Italian meals I have ever eaten at Acqua and the spa at Sri Panwa is without doubt the most amazing spa I have ever been in. Ditto the beach club at ReKata - just out of this world. Ditto Horn Grill - best steak I have ever eaten in Thailand, and better than any of the top steak restaurants in Bangkok. Of course all of this comes at a price - these days prices in so many of the most desirable places on earth are broadly equivalent - a plate of pasta dish or a cocktail costs pretty much the same whether in NY/London, a top ski resort, or a top beach resort. The days of the best in Thailand being cheap are sadly long gone.

So for me the depth and scale of the international toursim market in Phuket allows for world class experiences that cannot really be found elsewhere in Thailand, or indeed readily at many other resorts anywhere. For a splurge holiday it is hard to beat. Clearly judging a place to live by a handful of very expensive special occasion experiences that dont really represent every day life has its limitations. If I lived in Phuket I would not be eating at Aqcua or visiting Sri Panwa regularly. On the other hand there are also plenty of good value great places as well - for example Yes Coffee in Nai Harn and the sublime pizza at La Capannina in Patong.

On the downside the poor infrastructure and lack of planning control is very sad. A beautiful island is gradually becoming ever more ruined. Construction is blighting much of the best bits. I dont get Patong at all. The nightlife in Pattaya or Bangkok is vastly superior - in fact the go go bars seemed downright awful, and the beer bars did not have much appeal either. In general Phuket looks like a place to bring your own, not rent locally. Plus the high prices seem to support some major rip off places - very high end prices with really poor value. The other big downside for me is the extortionate level of green fees - just way too expensive for a serious golfer to play regularly unless money is no object. In this respect Pattaya or HH are much more realistic options.

I suspect one of the challenges of living in Phuket is the scale of the place - it is a tricky place to get around, and much of the attractions/ammenities are spread out. How does one feel part of a community that is so diverse, and spread out? I am curious as to one point. Is there a traditional british pub (of the indoor variety) that caters mainly to the local expat market, rather than the tourist market? I am thinking of something like Tropical Berts or the Pig & whistle in Pattaya.

So I am very envious of those of you lucky enough to live in Phuket. It is no longer the paradise it once was but it is still a pretty fine place, and in a number of respects it offers much more than it did twenty years ago.

[eezergood]

well said that man!

[LivinginKata]

Good post.

[bubblegum]

Funny been living here for 7 years and I have not been to any of the places you mentioned. And I'm not a golfer.

But nice to hear a positive account of Phuket.

[perry21]

Bubblegum, I would not recommend any expensive places because value judgements are so subjective. However I can thoroughly recommend La Cappanina to anyone living on the island. It is a really great value family run trattoria with the most amazing pizza - I should say I found it through this website. You would never stumble on it by chance since it is tucked down the end of a very obscure soi in patong.

Ditto Yes Coffee which is a rather curious place. It is a Korean owned coffee business in Nai Harn. They specialise in single origin 100% arabica coffee from Thailand (Chiang Mai). It is not easy to find - down a small lane leading off Soi Naya - as you approach the lagoon by Nai Harn beach (turn left for the beach), you turn right down soi naya, proceed for a few hundred yeards and there is a small lane off to the left, its up there. In the vicinity of coco palace resort. You can view the roasting room and then sample the produce in a simple but very pleasant coffee shop - hot and iced coffees of various types. And you can buy beans to take away. I think they also sell various coffee making contraptions including the stove top Bialetti Moka Express (my preferred method) and the Korean/Japanese thing that looks like it comes out of a chemistry lab - two glass flasks and a burner. I like the thai coffee - it is smooth, good flavour, not overly aggreessive. The manager is a very ernest english speaking young korean chap who gives you a "tour" of the facility. All in all a world away from starbucks.

[Phronesis]

"Phuket allows for world class experiences that cannot really be found elsewhere in Thailand".

Give me one example.

[perry21]

Phronesis, perhaps I should have added the word "easily". The statement as written is a bit OTT, but I was trying to convey the sense that Phuket really does offer some rather extraordinary experiences, and I was trying to offer a contrary view to what i perceive to be quite a lot of anti-Phuket sentiment around, which I understand (expensive, lousy infrastructure, too many scams, Russian invasion, etc). My experience is nowhere in Thailand is perfect and all locations either for a visit or as a place to live involve various trade offs, and those trade offs are highly subjective.

A few examples that reflect my experience - I had a perfect martini (which I have never managed to find anywhere in Thailand), a private boat charter to the extraordinarily beautiful Phangnga Bay, a near perfect sunset drink from Baba's nest, certainly one of the the best high end Italian meals I have eaten anywhere. The beach clubs at Kata and Surin were a revelation, seriously cool sophisticated places to chill out and have a cocktail - I have not come across anything quite like these outside of the Mediterranean.

No doubt there are other amazing experiences to be had elsewhere in Thailand - for example various visits to Isaan have been equally memorable but in different ways. I also think a major qualification is relevent - many of the best things in Phuket tend to be very expensive which is of course problematic. But the same can be said of my favourite cities, NY, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney (and BTW I am not comparing Phuket with any of these cities). It does not make me like them any less, just means I cant visit as often as I would like. They all have their downsides as does Phuket. I suppose this is a rather roundabout way of saying I now understand (in a way that hitherto I had not) why the Phuket property market is the leading international residential resort market in Asia (by a country mile). I suspect this will continue for along while yet, foreign money will continue to pour in from China/Russia/India/the Gulf , prices will go up etc. Quite where it all ends is unclear because without major infrastructure investment it surely cannot last.

[jackh]

I see somebody has a fine pair of rosé colored glasses!

[Phronesis]

Phronesis, perhaps I should have added the word "easily". The statement as written is a bit OTT, but I was trying to convey the sense that Phuket really does offer some rather extraordinary experiences, and I was trying to offer a contrary view to what i perceive to be quite a lot of anti-Phuket sentiment around, which I understand (expensive, lousy infrastructure, too many scams, Russian invasion, etc). My experience is nowhere in Thailand is perfect and all locations either for a visit or as a place to live involve various trade offs, and those trade offs are highly subjective.

A few examples that reflect my experience - I had a perfect martini (which I have never managed to find anywhere in Thailand), a private boat charter to the extraordinarily beautiful Phangnga Bay, a near perfect sunset drink from Baba's nest, certainly one of the the best high end Italian meals I have eaten anywhere. The beach clubs at Kata and Surin were a revelation, seriously cool sophisticated places to chill out and have a cocktail - I have not come across anything quite like these outside of the Mediterranean.

No doubt there are other amazing experiences to be had elsewhere in Thailand - for example various visits to Isaan have been equally memorable but in different ways. I also think a major qualification is relevent - many of the best things in Phuket tend to be very expensive which is of course problematic. But the same can be said of my favourite cities, NY, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney (and BTW I am not comparing Phuket with any of these cities). It does not make me like them any less, just means I cant visit as often as I would like. They all have their downsides as does Phuket. I suppose this is a rather roundabout way of saying I now understand (in a way that hitherto I had not) why the Phuket property market is the leading international residential resort market in Asia (by a country mile). I suspect this will continue for along while yet, foreign money will continue to pour in from China/Russia/India/the Gulf , prices will go up etc. Quite where it all ends is unclear because without major infrastructure investment it surely cannot last.

Troll.

Probably linked in someway to the property market in Phuket.

If not a troll, then a paid astro turfer.

Perhaps you wouldn't find the new beach club at the northern end of Surin so endearing if you witnessed the series of arson attacks and beatings perpetrated on the local vendors to secure the land. Oh...and among those beaten was a young girl.

Perfect martini.......Pffffftttttt...

Edited April 23, 2013 by Phronesis

[bubblegum]

Not everybody hates Phuket, I like it just fine and the OP sure likes his coffee :-)

[eezergood]

Phronesis, perhaps I should have added the word "easily". The statement as written is a bit OTT, but I was trying to convey the sense that Phuket really does offer some rather extraordinary experiences, and I was trying to offer a contrary view to what i perceive to be quite a lot of anti-Phuket sentiment around, which I understand (expensive, lousy infrastructure, too many scams, Russian invasion, etc). My experience is nowhere in Thailand is perfect and all locations either for a visit or as a place to live involve various trade offs, and those trade offs are highly subjective.

A few examples that reflect my experience - I had a perfect martini (which I have never managed to find anywhere in Thailand), a private boat charter to the extraordinarily beautiful Phangnga Bay, a near perfect sunset drink from Baba's nest, certainly one of the the best high end Italian meals I have eaten anywhere. The beach clubs at Kata and Surin were a revelation, seriously cool sophisticated places to chill out and have a cocktail - I have not come across anything quite like these outside of the Mediterranean.

No doubt there are other amazing experiences to be had elsewhere in Thailand - for example various visits to Isaan have been equally memorable but in different ways. I also think a major qualification is relevent - many of the best things in Phuket tend to be very expensive which is of course problematic. But the same can be said of my favourite cities, NY, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney (and BTW I am not comparing Phuket with any of these cities). It does not make me like them any less, just means I cant visit as often as I would like. They all have their downsides as does Phuket. I suppose this is a rather roundabout way of saying I now understand (in a way that hitherto I had not) why the Phuket property market is the leading international residential resort market in Asia (by a country mile). I suspect this will continue for along while yet, foreign money will continue to pour in from China/Russia/India/the Gulf , prices will go up etc. Quite where it all ends is unclear because without major infrastructure investment it surely cannot last.

Where was this fabled MArtini consumed? Catch?

[stevenl]

I see somebody has a fine pair of rosé colored glasses!

Better rose than black. I think you're just jealous of his glasses.

[KarenBravo]

I see somebody has a fine pair of rosé colored glasses!

Better rose than black. I think you're just jealous of his glasses.

Don't bother with jackr. He always comes out of the woodwork to bash Phuket.

I'm convinced he had a bad experience with what he thought was a Thai woman and blames Phuket for it.

[perry21]

To put the record straight, I am not a troll or paid spokeperson for the Phuket property market. I have zero current business in Phuket, but some in Bangkok (completely unrelated to property). I can see that this subject is rather emotive - there is a broad range of views which presumably means different people have had very different experiences. No doubt if I lived in Phuket I would have some scar tissue from various bad things happening. One of the challenges of spending time anywhere in Thailand is that the good bits are just brilliant but the bad bits drive you crazy in a way that few other countries manage. It is a somewhat crazy dysfunctional kind of a place that delivers sublime and dire experiences.

I dont think my comments are totally naieve although I have no knowledge of coercive action taken to secure property for beach clubs and the like. For all of us who live/work/visit Thailand we know we sup with the devil somewhat - rampant corruption etc, but I sense it is getting better year by year. I have visited Thailand countless times over 30 years, lived and worked in Bangkok, managed a subsidiary business there for several years and have owned a property for ten years. So troll no, different opinion yes. Apologies but I thought that was the point of a forum - to share opinions.

[starkey_rich]

Phronesis, perhaps I should have added the word "easily". The statement as written is a bit OTT, but I was trying to convey the sense that Phuket really does offer some rather extraordinary experiences, and I was trying to offer a contrary view to what i perceive to be quite a lot of anti-Phuket sentiment around, which I understand (expensive, lousy infrastructure, too many scams, Russian invasion, etc). My experience is nowhere in Thailand is perfect and all locations either for a visit or as a place to live involve various trade offs, and those trade offs are highly subjective.

A few examples that reflect my experience - I had a perfect martini (which I have never managed to find anywhere in Thailand), a private boat charter to the extraordinarily beautiful Phangnga Bay, a near perfect sunset drink from Baba's nest, certainly one of the the best high end Italian meals I have eaten anywhere. The beach clubs at Kata and Surin were a revelation, seriously cool sophisticated places to chill out and have a cocktail - I have not come across anything quite like these outside of the Mediterranean.

No doubt there are other amazing experiences to be had elsewhere in Thailand - for example various visits to Isaan have been equally memorable but in different ways. I also think a major qualification is relevent - many of the best things in Phuket tend to be very expensive which is of course problematic. But the same can be said of my favourite cities, NY, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney (and BTW I am not comparing Phuket with any of these cities). It does not make me like them any less, just means I cant visit as often as I would like. They all have their downsides as does Phuket. I suppose this is a rather roundabout way of saying I now understand (in a way that hitherto I had not) why the Phuket property market is the leading international residential resort market in Asia (by a country mile). I suspect this will continue for along while yet, foreign money will continue to pour in from China/Russia/India/the Gulf , prices will go up etc. Quite where it all ends is unclear because without major infrastructure investment it surely cannot last.

Where was this fabled MArtini consumed? Catch?

Probably a place mentioned in this rag

PHUKET ‘BIKINIS & MARTINIS’ MAGAZINE AIMS TO CAPTURE PHUKET BEACH CULTURE

[BOBBYTIN]

To put the record straight, I am not a troll or paid spokeperson for the Phuket property market. I have zero current business in Phuket, but some in Bangkok (completely unrelated to property). I can see that this subject is rather emotive - there is a broad range of views which presumably means different people have had very different experiences. No doubt if I lived in Phuket I would have some scar tissue from various bad things happening. One of the challenges of spending time anywhere in Thailand is that the good bits are just brilliant but the bad bits drive you crazy in a way that few other countries manage. It is a somewhat crazy dysfunctional kind of a place that delivers sublime and dire experiences.

I dont think my comments are totally naieve although I have no knowledge of coercive action taken to secure property for beach clubs and the like. For all of us who live/work/visit Thailand we know we sup with the devil somewhat - rampant corruption etc, but I sense it is getting better year by year. I have visited Thailand countless times over 30 years, lived and worked in Bangkok, managed a subsidiary business there for several years and have owned a property for ten years. So troll no, different opinion yes. Apologies but I thought that was the point of a forum - to share opinions.

i dont play golf,but took some friends to ratchaprapa dam golf course,1hour north of khao lak,300b green fees,buggy clubs and caddy. altogether 1000b,one guy said he has played in some great courses but this one was his favourite.

[Phronesis]

To put the record straight, I am not a troll or paid spokeperson for the Phuket property market. I have zero current business in Phuket, but some in Bangkok (completely unrelated to property). I can see that this subject is rather emotive - there is a broad range of views which presumably means different people have had very different experiences. No doubt if I lived in Phuket I would have some scar tissue from various bad things happening. One of the challenges of spending time anywhere in Thailand is that the good bits are just brilliant but the bad bits drive you crazy in a way that few other countries manage. It is a somewhat crazy dysfunctional kind of a place that delivers sublime and dire experiences.

I dont think my comments are totally naieve although I have no knowledge of coercive action taken to secure property for beach clubs and the like. For all of us who live/work/visit Thailand we know we sup with the devil somewhat - rampant corruption etc, but I sense it is getting better year by year. I have visited Thailand countless times over 30 years, lived and worked in Bangkok, managed a subsidiary business there for several years and have owned a property for ten years. So troll no, different opinion yes. Apologies but I thought that was the point of a forum - to share opinions.

30 years in Thailand and 16 posts on Thai visa.

Troll.

[perry21]

Phronesis, please can we agree to disagree. I would like to think if me met in a bar we would get on fine, compare views and move on to other subjects. i dont want to fallout with anyone on this forum. I am perhaps typical of some users of these types of boards - I peer in quite regularly but for various reasons have not shared too many views. There are many reasons for this - its easy to freeload and use a free resource (for which I apologise to the owners), one is nervous about positing to a community that includes people with vastly more experience and knowledge of the country than me, and I already spend too much time at a computer for work. I am not by nature a natural poster. Having said that I thought I would start following my recent trip. It seems to have caused an unfortunate reaction from you. Lets move on to other matters. I am keen to be a more active contributor and will perhaps pick less emotive subjects in future. Perhaps we can find other areas where we have common views. Oh and BTW I am nothing to do with bikinis and martinis or any such publication. I just got bored with beer about ten years ago and started drinking more wine and cocktails (which had a good effect on the wasitline). Best.

[Phronesis]

Phronesis, please can we agree to disagree. I would like to think if me met in a bar we would get on fine, compare views and move on to other subjects. i dont want to fallout with anyone on this forum. I am perhaps typical of some users of these types of boards - I peer in quite regularly but for various reasons have not shared too many views. There are many reasons for this - its easy to freeload and use a free resource (for which I apologise to the owners), one is nervous about positing to a community that includes people with vastly more experience and knowledge of the country than me, and I already spend too much time at a computer for work. I am not by nature a natural poster. Having said that I thought I would start following my recent trip. It seems to have caused an unfortunate reaction from you. Lets move on to other matters. I am keen to be a more active contributor and will perhaps pick less emotive subjects in future. Perhaps we can find other areas where we have common views. Oh and BTW I am nothing to do with bikinis and martinis or any such publication. I just got bored with beer about ten years ago and started drinking more wine and cocktails (which had a good effect on the wasitline). Best.

Allright...post just one photo that you took with your phone during your sunset tipples or from your coffee shop explorations...

They were such profoundly enjoyable experiences for you...surely you took some shots....

[eezergood]

Perry where was the MArtini had? I am on the look out for a new bartender and not ashamed to steal a good one

[KarenBravo]

30 years in Thailand and 16 posts on Thai visa.

Troll.

Oh be quiet.

<deleted> has post count on Thaivisa got to do with the length of time spent in Thailand?

I have friends who have lived in Phuket for thirty years who haven't even heard of this forum.

[hansgruber]

Apple Martinis are delicious. That is all.

[eezergood]

[Loptr]

I dont think my comments are totally naieve .

Perhaps not, but spoken by someone on holiday that is unaware of the vagaries which can turn an otherwise wonderful time into a disaster. I have never lived on Phuket, but have spent enough time there to realize that there is an ugly underbelly surrounding the tourist locales on Phuket. One doesn't have to dig very deep or turn over many stones to find this side of the island. I do agree with you that Phuket is a beautiful place, although greed and corruption abound. Then there is the recent spike in farang murders on the island which are going un-investigated and un-reported by media. I cannot reference the site here in TV, but it won't take you very long to source a link to what I am talking about.

[bubblegum]

I would like to see more positive posting on this threat, Mr. or Mrs. Phronesis is not the only one living here IF he/she is living here at all?

What's sooooo bad about Phuket thats not worse anywhere in the world?

Sorry, I live here and like it and feel foolish to have to apologise to some Phuket haters...

[Phronesis]

30 years in Thailand and 16 posts on Thai visa.

Troll.

Oh be quiet.

<deleted> has post count on Thaivisa got to do with the length of time spent in Thailand?

I have friends who have lived in Phuket for thirty years who haven't even heard of this forum.

That's because they still think a computer is an abacus.

[Jimi007]

I would like to see more positive posting on this threat, Mr. or Mrs. Phronesis is not the only one living here IF he/she is living here at all?

What's sooooo bad about Phuket thats not worse anywhere in the world?

Sorry, I live here and like it and feel foolish to have to apologise to some Phuket haters...

Some people are just unhappy with their miserable life it seems... It wouldn't matter where they lived.

Edited April 23, 2013 by Jimi007

[Jimi007]

30 years in Thailand and 16 posts on Thai visa.

Troll.

Oh be quiet.

<deleted> has post count on Thaivisa got to do with the length of time spent in Thailand?

I have friends who have lived in Phuket for thirty years who haven't even heard of this forum.

That's because they still think a computer is an abacus.

I was here for several years before I joined TV. I read it for a while before I joined. When I joined I remember being pissed off at someone's comment, not unlike yours...

Edited April 23, 2013 by Jimi007

[KarenBravo]

30 years in Thailand and 16 posts on Thai visa.

Troll.

Oh be quiet.

<deleted> has post count on Thaivisa got to do with the length of time spent in Thailand?

I have friends who have lived in Phuket for thirty years who haven't even heard of this forum.

That's because they still think a computer is an abacus.

Actually, a computer IS an abacus with only one bead. It's called binary.

Don't really know what you're babbling about computers for. You seem to imply that anyone that doesn't post on Thaivisa doesn't live in Thailand.

A patently ridiculous assumption.

[simon43]

there is an ugly underbelly surrounding the tourist locales on Phuket

No doubt true, and no doubt true of many popular tourist locales in the world. Greedy, and in some cases desperate people, are competing for a share of the money that tourists bring with them. It's unfortunate that in certain areas of Phuket, the authorities with the power to control some of the problems seem to be in cahoots with the ruffians themselves.

That being said, if you want to live an enjoyable and peaceful life in Phuket, simply stay away from these tourist locales. It's a big island with plenty of cheap land for lease or sale where you can build your house.

Simon