Phuket Now?

[gadg]

Hi ...

As I've found an apartment and am waiting for the keys (a new floor had to be put in) for another week or so, I decided to go for a week of relaxing and beaching and what not. I figured Phuket would be a nice destination, as I've been to Samui and Hua Hin seems a little boring to visit alone.

Question is ... is Phuket worth visiting *now* ... Bangkok has been overcast the last few days and I don't really mind that, but if it's raining all day every day in Phuket, I'll pass.

Anyone who can tell me about the weather, vibe and 'busyness' at the moment? Is it worth going to now?

Any suggestions for alternatives?

thanks,

Rob

[jdinasia]

Phuket is fine ...even if it rains it is fine

Just bring an umbrella ... in case.

<rode the motorcycle 100kms today AND went to a poll-volleyball party!

[gadg]

Phuket is fine ...even if it rains it is fine

Just bring an umbrella ... in case.

<rode the motorcycle 100kms today AND went to a poll-volleyball party!

Nice, a quick response. Thanks!

Can you tell me what the main nightlife areas are and what the taxi transport between them would cost?

[jdinasia]

Patong Beach ---- can mostly walk it .....

You can either get a real metered Taxi from the Airport <or take a minivan --- I think they stop and try and sell you tours etc> or a carservice. <There is even a way to Patong for less than 100 baht .... but it is a pain>

[gadg]

Patong Beach ---- can mostly walk it .....

You can either get a real metered Taxi from the Airport <or take a minivan --- I think they stop and try and sell you tours etc> or a carservice. <There is even a way to Patong for less than 100 baht .... but it is a pain>

Any suggestions for places to stay ... I guess on Patong Beach or within a cheap taxiride from Patong Beach. I have no idea how big Phuket is, but since Samui was quite big I figure Phuket will be too. Please excuse my ignorance :-) In Samui I stayed in Chaweng Beach, because thats where the nightlife was. That same convenience is what I would like to have this time 'round.

[jdinasia]

ummm in a hotel? Always a good place to stay!

There are hotels in all price ranges and Patong is Hotels and bars and tour companies ... (and a great beach)

[gadg]

ummm in a hotel? Always a good place to stay!

Funny

I was asking for any suggested hotel, but I'm sure I'll find something. Thanks for your help!

[jdinasia]

Since I don't know your budget etc ... no I have no suggestions for you!

Try TV's hotel site? Buy a LonelyPlanet guide?

<BTW Phuket is Thailand's largest Island and per capita the richest province>

Edited September 17, 2006 by jdinasia

[khall64au]

Phuket is raining.... all day, everyday!!!! Ruly, truly.... it never stops raining at my house on Phuket!!!!!!!!! "Rain drops keep falling on my head... "

[thohts]

You can always wing it at Phuket airport. Plenty of guesthouses and nice hotels on the main road on Patong Beach.

800-1500 per night for a nice room.

Take a look at http://www.phuket-photos.com

there's also a page that shows hotels re-opened since the tsunami at:

http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme-hotel...-tidal-wave.htm

patong beach hotels:

http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme-hotel...each-hotels.htm

... lists the main (more expensive) rooms. It's low season so these rooms will cost about 1,500-3000 or so.

also see http://www.asiatravel.com/phuket.html for some good prices

good luck!

[jdinasia]

Phuket is raining.... all day, everyday!!!! Ruly, truly.... it never stops raining at my house on Phuket!!!!!!!!! "Rain drops keep falling on my head... "

K.Hall ---- why did I get sunburned yesterday?

[thohts]

Best deal in Phuket is the Rising Sun Residence (villas) for 16,000 baht per night (3 nights minimum).

3br with private pool, driver for 9 hours per day, maid to cook you breakfast, etc, etc. These have a view of the valley.

http://www.rising-sun-residence.com/

They also have a 1 bedroom villa with a shared pool for cheaper. The 1 bedrooms have a view of the ocean.

[jdinasia]

huh? when is 48k for 3nights a good deal???

That's just NUTS!

[thohts]

huh? when is 48k for 3nights a good deal???

That's just NUTS!

It's 3 nights in a "luxury" 430 square meter villa in the hills with a private swimming pool and a chauffeur.

Comparable villas on Phuket will cost you 2-3x that.

it's a good deal, but I suppose what some people consider a 'good deal' is just a matter of cost without respect to what you get for your baht.

[simon43]

Thohts - is it your villa by any chance??

Simon