Phuket & Krabi, Thailand
Sep 4, 2019, 3:51 am
#31
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: KF, MPC, BAEC // Bonvoy, WoH, Honors
Posts: 1,464
- the new Italian place in the former Dee Plee location up the hill
- Dee Plee which has now moved down to the 2nd floor or the main building
- The main restaurant (can't remember the name) on the ground floor of the main building
I don't mind being 'held captive' here for F&B purposes -- Dee Plee is one of my favourite Thai restaurants anywhere. Plus you can always head over to Trisara down the road for a meal.
Sep 8, 2019, 5:25 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Bumping this thread and looking for ideas...
We've been to Phuket twice before and want to do something different. The last time we went there was in September (rainy season) so this time we are going in March and hoping for a better experience. Just as a background, we tried Amanpuri before - beautiful beach but F&B was frightlyfully expensive. We decided to go somewhere cheaper last year but opted for a high category room, so we went to JW Marriott Mai Khao with low expectations - surprisingly good stay and we were in the oceanfront suite which was great. Yes it is not Amanpuri (service not as polished) but the F&B, whilst still expensive, was more affordable and plenty more options. Beach was not bad too. We would go back here by default but looking for other options to try.
For next March we are still looking to stay at two different resorts in Phuket/Krabi area with nice beaches and a reasonable selection of places to eat where we don't have to break the bank all the time. Budget is USD$700-750 a night. Maybe I am in the wrong forum and if so let me know. We have decided to try Rayavadee this time and looking for resort no.2. Amanpuri and Trisara are way beyond budget. RC Phulay Bay is a no-no due to beach. Any other recommendations? I am considering a beach access villa at Anantara Layan in Phuket. Beach looks a bit questionable though during low tide. If anyone has any experience staying in this resort of have any other similar recommendations please let me know. Thank you!
We've been to Phuket twice before and want to do something different. The last time we went there was in September (rainy season) so this time we are going in March and hoping for a better experience. Just as a background, we tried Amanpuri before - beautiful beach but F&B was frightlyfully expensive. We decided to go somewhere cheaper last year but opted for a high category room, so we went to JW Marriott Mai Khao with low expectations - surprisingly good stay and we were in the oceanfront suite which was great. Yes it is not Amanpuri (service not as polished) but the F&B, whilst still expensive, was more affordable and plenty more options. Beach was not bad too. We would go back here by default but looking for other options to try.
For next March we are still looking to stay at two different resorts in Phuket/Krabi area with nice beaches and a reasonable selection of places to eat where we don't have to break the bank all the time. Budget is USD$700-750 a night. Maybe I am in the wrong forum and if so let me know. We have decided to try Rayavadee this time and looking for resort no.2. Amanpuri and Trisara are way beyond budget. RC Phulay Bay is a no-no due to beach. Any other recommendations? I am considering a beach access villa at Anantara Layan in Phuket. Beach looks a bit questionable though during low tide. If anyone has any experience staying in this resort of have any other similar recommendations please let me know. Thank you!
We too were looking at Amanpuri or Rosewood, but the real photos of the Rosewood didn't appeal to me nor did the beach.
Had the same feeling about the RC Krabi.
Feb 15, 2020, 12:45 pm
#33
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 26
Im trying to organise a transfer from Phuket to Krabi (Rayavadee specifically). Some have suggested transfer by boat, but the prices given to me by Rayavadee is frightfully expensive. Does anyone have any other suggestions (perhaps a reliable driver with air conditioning and wifi or a most cost-effective transfer by boat)?
Feb 15, 2020, 3:13 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,523
Im trying to organise a transfer from Phuket to Krabi (Rayavadee specifically). Some have suggested transfer by boat, but the prices given to me by Rayavadee is frightfully expensive. Does anyone have any other suggestions (perhaps a reliable driver with air conditioning and wifi or a most cost-effective transfer by boat)?
Feb 15, 2020, 6:25 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Feb 15, 2020, 8:18 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Im trying to organise a transfer from Phuket to Krabi (Rayavadee specifically). Some have suggested transfer by boat, but the prices given to me by Rayavadee is frightfully expensive. Does anyone have any other suggestions (perhaps a reliable driver with air conditioning and wifi or a most cost-effective transfer by boat)?
Quite pleasant experience back then just to get off Phuket island since we had already visited numerous times before .
Did not go to Rayavadee though .
We have had a regular driver since the ‘ 80s ?? And an adult son also drives us now ? ( his wife too , at one point , but her lack of English is / was an issue to put it diplomatically , sense of direction or lack thereof .. )
. Through the years , his vehicles have also been upgraded from medium or smallish sized cars to fanciful SUVs & MPVs accordingly 
These have great AC to satisfy my 16 C preference as well as wifi .
If you are at Puri or Trisara , their outsourced drivers / vehicles are ok too ( or they will be pleased to suggest alternatives ) , they are also our alternate if our other driver ( s ) are unavailable , like collecting another fancy customised vehicle from BKK ..
Do feel free to PM me if you have questions , docmcdreamy
Last edited by FlyerEC; Feb 16, 2020 at 4:08 am Reason: Add information
Feb 16, 2020, 3:05 am
#39
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 26
Thanks everyone for your replies. After my research, I decided it is more practical to travel by car but I would prefer not to drive and would like to pay someone to drive us in a comfortable car. So based on the recommendations, Blacklane is one of the options. Anyone has other companies or drivers they can recommend?
Feb 19, 2020, 5:18 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I have stayed in various Pool Villas at Trisara and have seen the Signature Suites, which are lovely. I would be happy to stay in any of them. The views are superb from every room, as all face the ocean and are tiered up the hill on 3 levels.
Feb 19, 2020, 8:40 am
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,523
At Amanpuri I´m still not sure if I go with the cheapest pavillion, the Garden pool pavillion or a pool pavillion with a (partial) view. First world problems....
Feb 20, 2020, 7:53 am
#44
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
At Amanpuri, if you book an entry-level pavilion, you could find yourself at the top of several flights of steps, with a view of bamboo stalks. At least the pool pavilions are lower down.
Feb 20, 2020, 8:43 am
#45
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Side note: Nicolas from Amanjena is moving to Amanpuri in April so I'm finally looking to go visit Puri