avadah

Someone told me that you can't visit the beaches in Phuket during the summer because of dangerous rip currents. Is this true? I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. The beaches were going to be one of the highlights of my trip.

arlflyer

Sure, you can visit the beaches. The rips won't go and grab you off the sand. Whether it's a good idea to go in the water is another matter altogether - a function of the day's conditions, your personal capabilities, and other variables.

The phenomenon is quite well-publicized, see here for one instance.

Like anything, it's a matter of knowing the local landscape and understanding the conditions. Not all beaches are created equal in terms of topography, current, and weather. The variation even across a few km can be big (many places in the world, not just Phuket - I grew up on the Atlantic coast of Florida and it was the same thing there). The issue in Phuket seems to be particularly pronounced, however, because of a large influx of tourists who simply aren't aware.

wolf72

Anyone know what the weather is like in Phuket these days? Monsoon season started yet?

seavisionburma

It has been a very dry year and late start to the monsoon, but it is now here

Sunny today and yesterday, but some heavy rain last week.

For on the spot info - http://www2.tmd.go.th/radar/pkt120Loop.php

wolf72

Thanks very much..appreciate the update

Annalisa12

I'm in Karon now and have been for approx 2 weeks. They predicted rain over the last 4 to 5 days but it didn't rain during the day. In my time here I only had one heavy nights rain. Overcast but no rain.

Annalisa12

On the surface Le Meridien looks great but the hotel and rooms need an update. It isn't 5 star. The beach is great there although there are now new laws that don't allow sunbeds on the beach. That used to be so relaxing

wolf72

I don't agree with the no sun beds ruling. I think it actually helped a lot of individuals to make a living day to day and to provide for their families. I mean, I understand the government don't want individuals monopolising the beach's and so forth and maybe there are more reasons why they have stopped it and why they want the beach's clear of these beds.

But I always enjoyed a good sun bed down the road from Bangla.

Anyways..

Annalisa12

There was a sign at our hotel on the beach that said the law now forbids any business transactions on public land. So it isn't just sunbeds they want to outlaw I guess.

They should of made some sunbeds available on beaches and if you want one, you go there, or if you want to lie on your towel you go to that section.

wolf72

Yeah, agreed.

golferjoe

I have a condo near Pattaya and wanted to explore the Khao Lak coast for 3 nights in August. (Idea is wife and I would return in high season.)

The plan is to rent a car at HKT, then head north to....where? My Thai is very basic, I have a GPS, looking for a couple of towns with nice clean beaches and multiple resorts in all price ranges.

Madone59

There were some great Khao Lak deals for July/ Aug on Vacationist yesterday.

m3red

A few questions if I may?!

Planning a visit 15-19 October to 6 senses Yao noi.

What is the weather usually like in mid October? I know it coming out of monsoon but will it be brief or prolonged heavy rain?

Anyone stayed there/ tips would be great!

The flight back (Emirates of course) is at 12 midnight . Any tips on what to do post check out and before check in opens at 9pm?

Thanks all in advance.

ctrlf

We're doing 1 Week at The Surin and can't decide between

- Pullman Khao Lak // Beachfront Villa
- Regent Phuket Cape Panwa // Seaview Villa

Pullman seems to be a bit dated room-wise but has a nice beach. Regent has nice rooms and the regent club, unfortunately the beach is a letdown at low tide.

What would you choose?

[Update] We decided for the Regent.

Sizook

Thank you,
I will look in to that!