Ask us about visiting Phuket, Thailand
#167
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 778
Evason Phuket
Hi,
Off to the Evason in a fortnight do you know whether it is any good as there are so many varying reports on tripadvisor? Also, can you recommend any good tailors to make ladies clothes nearby and any good local seafood restaurants. The weather also looks pretty dubious for the next month, is it as bad as the internet is saying? Hope you are loving life in Phuket and thank you for your help in advance.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
Off to the Evason in a fortnight do you know whether it is any good as there are so many varying reports on tripadvisor? Also, can you recommend any good tailors to make ladies clothes nearby and any good local seafood restaurants. The weather also looks pretty dubious for the next month, is it as bad as the internet is saying? Hope you are loving life in Phuket and thank you for your help in advance.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
#168
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 746
2. Any restaurant recommendations? We're figuring on Baan Rim Pa as a splurge, but are open to suggestions. (I recall a recommendation for one restaurant in Patong where you go to the adjacent seafood market, pick your food, and then go into the restaurant and tell your chef how you want it cooked. But I don't remember the name.)
#169
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 64
Elephant Trekking -
Could someone please let me know if a fair price to pay for 30-45 minutes of elephant trekking and where to go to get that rate?
I have searched the internet, and I have seen prices from 400 baht up to 2000 baht per couple. I want to get something that is cheap but nice.
The goal: Get on an elephant, ride through a jungle area, and take some pictures.
I will be in Phuket this May for my honeymoon.
Thank you!
Could someone please let me know if a fair price to pay for 30-45 minutes of elephant trekking and where to go to get that rate?
I have searched the internet, and I have seen prices from 400 baht up to 2000 baht per couple. I want to get something that is cheap but nice.
The goal: Get on an elephant, ride through a jungle area, and take some pictures.
I will be in Phuket this May for my honeymoon.
Thank you!
#170
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
The few elephant rides I know are on the hill between Patong & Karon. I've done the one on the top that has been there for years. Basically, you hop on, get trekked up the hill and stop a fewtimes overlooking the water and view and take a few photos, then slowly saunter back to the shop. Takes about an hour or so, IIRC
The prices you posted seem about right. What season are you coming, and I can check for rates if you like.
The prices you posted seem about right. What season are you coming, and I can check for rates if you like.
#171
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I recall a recommendation for one restaurant in Patong where you go to the adjacent seafood market, pick your food, and then go into the restaurant and tell your chef how you want it cooked. But I don't remember the name.)
OK, this sounds right up my alley. Will be visiting during the first week of April and would love to get a restaurant name if anyone knows.
I recently went to the Mercure for their seafood buffet. On the rooftop, they offered it everyweek on Fridays. I'm sure more places offer this 'One Price' option.
#172
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Hi,
Off to the Evason in a fortnight do you know whether it is any good as there are so many varying reports on tripadvisor? Also, can you recommend any good tailors to make ladies clothes nearby and any good local seafood restaurants. The weather also looks pretty dubious for the next month, is it as bad as the internet is saying?
Off to the Evason in a fortnight do you know whether it is any good as there are so many varying reports on tripadvisor? Also, can you recommend any good tailors to make ladies clothes nearby and any good local seafood restaurants. The weather also looks pretty dubious for the next month, is it as bad as the internet is saying?
I have no experience with tailors here in Thailand. Perhaps someone else can chime in with their 2 cents.
Enjoy your visit!
#173
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 64
The few elephant rides I know are on the hill between Patong & Karon. I've done the one on the top that has been there for years. Basically, you hop on, get trekked up the hill and stop a fewtimes overlooking the water and view and take a few photos, then slowly saunter back to the shop. Takes about an hour or so, IIRC
The prices you posted seem about right. What season are you coming, and I can check for rates if you like.
The prices you posted seem about right. What season are you coming, and I can check for rates if you like.
I will be there on my honeymoon. We are coming to Phuket from May 26 - May 29. Please let me know if your recommend a specific travel agency or location to go to in Phuket to book the trekking.
Thanks!
#174
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 19
kamala stuff
some friends (2 couples) are going to phuket in a few days, staying at the Kamala Beach Hotel. Anything you can recommend in the immediate vicinity? I noticed Phantasea is nearby -- is that something worth exploring? Their website takes forever to load.
#175
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
FantaSea is a great 'one time' thing to do.
They've tried to make a little theme park (elephant rides, concessions, souveniers, etc that is so-so, and then they have the FantaSea show. The show is a little 'Review of Thailand' a few minutes of this a few of that, elephants, traditional dancing, a bit of history, etc... I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it as much as I did. When you see a show like this, you want the production to be done well, the costumes, sets, sounds, actors all need to be done perfectly. I found that they upheld the quality to what one would expect. It's the one show in Thailand that I found properly done (mind you, I haven't gone to see every production).
They offer a dinner buffet as well. I found the dinner an ok value, but the quality was cafeteria style. If you expect 4 star dinner, skip it. If you want the convenience of the dinner before the show, are OK with standard Thai/Western casual restaurant food & deserts, you'll be sufficiently satisfied.
I give the show 2 thumbs up, the theme park and buffet 1 thumbs up.
BTW, for the FantaSea show, you'll have to check your (camera and mobile phone w/camera), IIRC. It may be best to leave the camera at the hotel, unless you're the type to snap alot of shots earlier.
They've tried to make a little theme park (elephant rides, concessions, souveniers, etc that is so-so, and then they have the FantaSea show. The show is a little 'Review of Thailand' a few minutes of this a few of that, elephants, traditional dancing, a bit of history, etc... I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it as much as I did. When you see a show like this, you want the production to be done well, the costumes, sets, sounds, actors all need to be done perfectly. I found that they upheld the quality to what one would expect. It's the one show in Thailand that I found properly done (mind you, I haven't gone to see every production).
They offer a dinner buffet as well. I found the dinner an ok value, but the quality was cafeteria style. If you expect 4 star dinner, skip it. If you want the convenience of the dinner before the show, are OK with standard Thai/Western casual restaurant food & deserts, you'll be sufficiently satisfied.
I give the show 2 thumbs up, the theme park and buffet 1 thumbs up.
BTW, for the FantaSea show, you'll have to check your (camera and mobile phone w/camera), IIRC. It may be best to leave the camera at the hotel, unless you're the type to snap alot of shots earlier.
#177
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
FantaSea is a great 'one time' thing to do.
They've tried to make a little theme park (elephant rides, concessions, souveniers, etc that is so-so, and then they have the FantaSea show. The show is a little 'Review of Thailand' a few minutes of this a few of that, elephants, traditional dancing, a bit of history, etc... I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it as much as I did. When you see a show like this, you want the production to be done well, the costumes, sets, sounds, actors all need to be done perfectly. I found that they upheld the quality to what one would expect. It's the one show in Thailand that I found properly done (mind you, I haven't gone to see every production).
They've tried to make a little theme park (elephant rides, concessions, souveniers, etc that is so-so, and then they have the FantaSea show. The show is a little 'Review of Thailand' a few minutes of this a few of that, elephants, traditional dancing, a bit of history, etc... I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it as much as I did. When you see a show like this, you want the production to be done well, the costumes, sets, sounds, actors all need to be done perfectly. I found that they upheld the quality to what one would expect. It's the one show in Thailand that I found properly done (mind you, I haven't gone to see every production).
#178
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
#180
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
Ko Chang has no airport. The nearest airport is in Trat on the mainland. Koh Chang Air Taxi, however, does offer scenic seaplane service. Bangkok Airways flies two times a day from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat at 0800 and 1625. The flight takes about 65 minutes. Direct door-to-door minibus transfers from Trat airport to Ko Chang resorts cost around 300 baht per person including the ferry crossing. Also, at Laem Ngob in Trat Town opposite Ko Chang there are 3 piers offering ferry service to Ko Chang:
- Ao Thammachat, the ferries depart daily at Ao Sapraros pier.
- Center Point Pier, ferries are hourly to Dan Kao Pier.
- Laem Ngob Pier has less frequent ferries.
Last edited by Kalboz; Apr 11, 2009 at 2:24 pm