Ask us about visiting Phuket, Thailand
Jun 12, 2018, 2:47 pm
#766
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 413
It ended up as being the highlight of our trip.
We generally found that everything is pricey in Phuket.
Jul 7, 2018, 7:47 am
#767
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: NEXUS; *A Gold
Posts: 990
Looking for some 'expert' advice as i'm trying to plan a trip for my wife and I (both early 40's) and i'm looking closely at Phuket and/or surrounding areas for 7-10 days in mid to end of October but I have to say that looking online at the various OTA's for a flight/hotel combo is really quite overwhelming as I've no idea where any of the properties are (i.e. in the middle of tourist chaos, or somewhere in the middle of nowhere) and as much as I've been using TripAdvisor there's only so many reviews I can sift through before my eyes begin to cross.
Ideally i'd like to find a property which is not super posh, but not a total dump where we can just chill out and enjoy a little slice of paradise, or as close to it as is possible. Touring around is not a high priority but having the option to get out and wander locally would be nice as i'm sure we can all agree that there's only so much hotel food we can handle before it gets boring and repetitive. Access to the beach is not a huge concern, but a nice view/atmosphere would be nice and a decent pool(s) to have easy access to would be preferred.
Not bothered too much about the big chain hotels, although name recognition sometimes helps with respect to knowing what you're getting, although I don't know how that reflects in Thailand compared to North America?!?
Apologies if this is a vague description but i'm really poking around in the dark right now and haven't got much clue/insight as to where to go and where to avoid so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Ideally i'd like to find a property which is not super posh, but not a total dump where we can just chill out and enjoy a little slice of paradise, or as close to it as is possible. Touring around is not a high priority but having the option to get out and wander locally would be nice as i'm sure we can all agree that there's only so much hotel food we can handle before it gets boring and repetitive. Access to the beach is not a huge concern, but a nice view/atmosphere would be nice and a decent pool(s) to have easy access to would be preferred.
Not bothered too much about the big chain hotels, although name recognition sometimes helps with respect to knowing what you're getting, although I don't know how that reflects in Thailand compared to North America?!?
Apologies if this is a vague description but i'm really poking around in the dark right now and haven't got much clue/insight as to where to go and where to avoid so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Jul 7, 2018, 4:02 pm
#769
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: SQ TPPS (21),QF G, NZ E, IHG D Amb, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, Shangri-La Jade, Accor Plat, Hertz P
Posts: 397
Looking for some 'expert' advice as i'm trying to plan a trip for my wife and I (both early 40's) and i'm looking closely at Phuket and/or surrounding areas for 7-10 days in mid to end of October but I have to say that looking online at the various OTA's for a flight/hotel combo is really quite overwhelming as I've no idea where any of the properties are (i.e. in the middle of tourist chaos, or somewhere in the middle of nowhere) and as much as I've been using TripAdvisor there's only so many reviews I can sift through before my eyes begin to cross.
Ideally i'd like to find a property which is not super posh, but not a total dump where we can just chill out and enjoy a little slice of paradise, or as close to it as is possible. Touring around is not a high priority but having the option to get out and wander locally would be nice as i'm sure we can all agree that there's only so much hotel food we can handle before it gets boring and repetitive. Access to the beach is not a huge concern, but a nice view/atmosphere would be nice and a decent pool(s) to have easy access to would be preferred.
Not bothered too much about the big chain hotels, although name recognition sometimes helps with respect to knowing what you're getting, although I don't know how that reflects in Thailand compared to North America?!?
Apologies if this is a vague description but i'm really poking around in the dark right now and haven't got much clue/insight as to where to go and where to avoid so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Ideally i'd like to find a property which is not super posh, but not a total dump where we can just chill out and enjoy a little slice of paradise, or as close to it as is possible. Touring around is not a high priority but having the option to get out and wander locally would be nice as i'm sure we can all agree that there's only so much hotel food we can handle before it gets boring and repetitive. Access to the beach is not a huge concern, but a nice view/atmosphere would be nice and a decent pool(s) to have easy access to would be preferred.
Not bothered too much about the big chain hotels, although name recognition sometimes helps with respect to knowing what you're getting, although I don't know how that reflects in Thailand compared to North America?!?
Apologies if this is a vague description but i'm really poking around in the dark right now and haven't got much clue/insight as to where to go and where to avoid so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Jul 8, 2018, 12:58 am
#770
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Phuket Thailand
Programs: HH Diamond, BA Gold, IHG Gold, Oman Gold
Posts: 1,038
Have stayed in many areas. Cape Panwa was really nice. I stayed Crowne Plaza. It is quiet though and maybe after few days would be boring.
I like Karon Beach myself. The Hilton is good. Huge place and busy with groups but big enough never seems busy. Nice range of pools and food adult only area. Lounge really nice. Spa great and good gym. Large gardens to walk or run. Easily walk to shops and nearby attractions. Short drive to Patong.
the area around airport is nice as well with some great beaches.
Khoa Lak is the most beautiful area. Been there few times when there was a Pullman hotel. I think it is now a all inclusive but some amazing pool villas and the whole resort is huge. There are some really nice hotels in the area. Bit far from airport but quieter and still shops and things to do. This is the area which was devasted by the Tsunami and you have to visit the museum to fully appreciated how much effort has gone into restoring the area
I like Karon Beach myself. The Hilton is good. Huge place and busy with groups but big enough never seems busy. Nice range of pools and food adult only area. Lounge really nice. Spa great and good gym. Large gardens to walk or run. Easily walk to shops and nearby attractions. Short drive to Patong.
the area around airport is nice as well with some great beaches.
Khoa Lak is the most beautiful area. Been there few times when there was a Pullman hotel. I think it is now a all inclusive but some amazing pool villas and the whole resort is huge. There are some really nice hotels in the area. Bit far from airport but quieter and still shops and things to do. This is the area which was devasted by the Tsunami and you have to visit the museum to fully appreciated how much effort has gone into restoring the area
Jul 8, 2018, 2:48 am
#771
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Phuket
Posts: 69
As said Laguna area...there are 5 hotels there to chose from and just a few minutes drive (you could walk it) into Tinlay Place and Boat Avenue which have a really good selection of restaurants, bars and shops plus a night market once a week. Some the restaurants do pick ups. The beach is good and the Laguna hotels are allowed sun beds. Airport is approx 20 to 30 mins drive.
Surin - next beach down - The Surin hotel has its own beach but few mins walk to a few shops and restaurants. Twinpalms is also a nice hotel but not on the beach.
Kata - some decent hotels - Kata Rocks, Mom Tri - lots of shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance - popular area for families. There is also a decent hotel in Kata Noi but I think expensive.
Nai Harn - The Nai Harn hotel - right on the beach and great views, rooms are very good. Few local restaurants and shops within walking distance and the village (5 min drive) has a good selection as well although not easy walking the roads. Nai Harn beach is classed as one of the best on the island.
Cape Panwa - quieter and beaches not so good but a couple of nice hotels. Not much choice for restaurants without travelling.
Khao Lak - on the mainland, about an hour + 30 min drive depending on which part. Only the hotels at the beginning section are within walking distance of the shops. Beaches are very good. We usually stop at JW Marriott but it has become full of chinese tourists. The Sarojin should be okay.
Surin - next beach down - The Surin hotel has its own beach but few mins walk to a few shops and restaurants. Twinpalms is also a nice hotel but not on the beach.
Kata - some decent hotels - Kata Rocks, Mom Tri - lots of shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance - popular area for families. There is also a decent hotel in Kata Noi but I think expensive.
Nai Harn - The Nai Harn hotel - right on the beach and great views, rooms are very good. Few local restaurants and shops within walking distance and the village (5 min drive) has a good selection as well although not easy walking the roads. Nai Harn beach is classed as one of the best on the island.
Cape Panwa - quieter and beaches not so good but a couple of nice hotels. Not much choice for restaurants without travelling.
Khao Lak - on the mainland, about an hour + 30 min drive depending on which part. Only the hotels at the beginning section are within walking distance of the shops. Beaches are very good. We usually stop at JW Marriott but it has become full of chinese tourists. The Sarojin should be okay.
Oct 30, 2018, 1:37 pm
#772
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Top Tier Flyertalk Member
Posts: 677
Beaches and boat rides aside, for the "city" portion, such as visiting the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, etc. Is it advisable to hire a car for half a day for what seems like ~6500 bht as the ongoing rate? Those attractions do seem to be located further, and from Patong, it would be at least 400+ bht each taxi trip. But all taxi trips added up together, I don't think it would be more than 3000? But I'm not sure how available taxi's would be once you leave the "hotel areas". And how willing are taxi drivers to charge at metered rates.
Oct 30, 2018, 1:39 pm
#773
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Top Tier Flyertalk Member
Posts: 677
What is the expected estimate price difference for booking locally?
Oct 30, 2018, 2:13 pm
#774
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,836
6,500 THB for a half day car rental - are you kidding? 
A full day should THB 2,500 - 3,500 THB (car + driver + fuel).
In Phuket you will not find any taxi charging normal metered rate. Rates are set/negotiated and heavily inflated from what you pay elsewhere in Thailand. The local taxi/tuk-tuk mafia is still very much in control of the transport operations (this rip-off is the number one issue that tourists complain about in Phuket). 400 B will get you nowhere (maybe a tuk-tuk trip within Patong).
A full day should THB 2,500 - 3,500 THB (car + driver + fuel).In Phuket you will not find any taxi charging normal metered rate. Rates are set/negotiated and heavily inflated from what you pay elsewhere in Thailand. The local taxi/tuk-tuk mafia is still very much in control of the transport operations (this rip-off is the number one issue that tourists complain about in Phuket). 400 B will get you nowhere (maybe a tuk-tuk trip within Patong).
Oct 30, 2018, 2:23 pm
#775
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,836
Sorry, I have no idea - but in general it is always cheaper to book with local tour operators rather than with an agent in your home country. Once you get to Thailand/Phuket you will find abundance of travel agents, tour operators/guides all competing to sell you tours or other activities tailor-made to your requests.
Nov 1, 2018, 1:28 am
#776
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Phuket
Posts: 69
Beaches and boat rides aside, for the "city" portion, such as visiting the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, etc. Is it advisable to hire a car for half a day for what seems like ~6500 bht as the ongoing rate? Those attractions do seem to be located further, and from Patong, it would be at least 400+ bht each taxi trip. But all taxi trips added up together, I don't think it would be more than 3000? But I'm not sure how available taxi's would be once you leave the "hotel areas". And how willing are taxi drivers to charge at metered rates.
Who gave you the rate 6500 THB?
You should fix the price before going anywhere rather than use metered taxis.
Nov 1, 2018, 3:23 am
#777
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
IME there aren't any "metered" taxis - just fixed rate (from ridiculous to outrageous compared to Bangkok)
Nov 3, 2018, 1:14 am
#778
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Phuket
Posts: 69
There are some...but meter is never used or if it is then it does not work correctly. Yes Phuket prices are extremely annoying when comparing to BKK, no difference in gasoline or vehicle costs but they will not accept that they are giving the island a bad reputation, I just love banging my head against the wall trying to explain this and more on a regular basis!
Nov 3, 2018, 4:19 am
#779
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
There are some...but meter is never used or if it is then it does not work correctly. Yes Phuket prices are extremely annoying when comparing to BKK, no difference in gasoline or vehicle costs but they will not accept that they are giving the island a bad reputation, I just love banging my head against the wall trying to explain this and more on a regular basis!
Oh and the taxis that beat up customers for arguing about price, or the ones that barricade hotels, etcAs I haven't been back since, despite months in Thailand as a tourist I've made my choice.
Nov 5, 2018, 4:27 am
#780
Join Date: May 2011
Location: In a bowl...
Programs: *, 1W
Posts: 90
There are some...but meter is never used or if it is then it does not work correctly. Yes Phuket prices are extremely annoying when comparing to BKK, no difference in gasoline or vehicle costs but they will not accept that they are giving the island a bad reputation, I just love banging my head against the wall trying to explain this and more on a regular basis!