Alternative to Phuket
Dec 27, 2004 | 3:13 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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Alternative to Phuket
I know someone currently traveling in Asia who was to spend a few days in Phuket (Jan 4-7). Given the circumstances, it would most likely not be the most relaxing part of their holiday. I was asked for suggestions for alternative destinations that are a relative quick hop out of BKK. The tickets were booked on a *A Asian Airpass (UA, SQ, OZ, TG), so I am sure *A would accommodate. The only other constraint is that the destination have decent accommodations/dining (was booked at JW Marriott in Phuket) and afford the opportunity to lounge around on the beach for a few days.
I had suggested Koh Samui / Phangan or Bali, any other suggestions?
I had suggested Koh Samui / Phangan or Bali, any other suggestions?
Dec 27, 2004 | 3:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by liquid
I know someone currently traveling in Asia who was to spend a few days in Phuket (Jan 4-7). Given the circumstances, it would most likely not be the most relaxing part of their holiday. I was asked for suggestions for alternative destinations that are a relative quick hop out of BKK. The tickets were booked on a *A Asian Airpass (UA, SQ, OZ, TG), so I am sure *A would accommodate. The only other constraint is that the destination have decent accommodations/dining (was booked at JW Marriott in Phuket) and afford the opportunity to lounge around on the beach for a few days.
I had suggested Koh Samui / Phangan or Bali, any other suggestions?
I had suggested Koh Samui / Phangan or Bali, any other suggestions?
Samui only has flights on PG (Bangkok Airways) so that is most likely out if he doesn't want to go out of pocket. Bali is a good bet as there is a direct flight from BKK on TG (dep BKK @ 840a arr DPS @ 200p, dep DPS @ 500pm, arr BKK @ 840p). The problem with Bali is that it is a 4 hour flight and he'll most likely burn close to two days in transit.
Another option is Hua Hin although not nearly as pretty as the other places mentioned.
Dec 27, 2004 | 3:37 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2004
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I'd vote for Bali. The wife and I spent 2 wks. there this past may, staying at the Ritz Carlton on the coast at Jimbaran bay, and inland in Ubud at the Alilia. The Ritz was truly the most wonderful travel experience I have had yet to date. You won't regret it if you go there....
-A
-A
Dec 27, 2004 | 3:38 pm
#4
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Originally Posted by liquid
I had suggested Koh Samui / Phangan or Bali, any other suggestions?
Dec 27, 2004 | 3:47 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DC
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Alternative to Phuket
The JW sustained very little damage and by Jan 4 all should be business as usual at the hotel. Having visited there several times, I cannot imagine a more relaxing spot.
Of course Patong will still be quite chaotic, but the hotel is really an all inclusive spot if you are looking for relaxation.
Of course Patong will still be quite chaotic, but the hotel is really an all inclusive spot if you are looking for relaxation.
Dec 28, 2004 | 12:54 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Posts: 9,781
Originally Posted by annielovesua
The JW sustained very little damage and by Jan 4 all should be business as usual at the hotel. Having visited there several times, I cannot imagine a more relaxing spot.
Of course Patong will still be quite chaotic, but the hotel is really an all inclusive spot if you are looking for relaxation.
Of course Patong will still be quite chaotic, but the hotel is really an all inclusive spot if you are looking for relaxation.
Dec 28, 2004 | 1:23 pm
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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Thanks for the input and welcome to FT annielovesua (I wouldn't say I love them, but at least like them enough to give them a majority of my business these days). The JW reopened the pool and beach area today and the restaurant is scheduled to open on the 10th of the new year.
For now it looks to be Koh Samui. The flights will be out of pocket, but at least it avoids the 4 hours each way to/from Bali.
Thanks again FT
For now it looks to be Koh Samui. The flights will be out of pocket, but at least it avoids the 4 hours each way to/from Bali.
Thanks again FT
Dec 28, 2004 | 11:03 pm
#8
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If you want to get to Koh Samui on the *A Airpass, you can take a TG flight to Surat Thani. From there, you can take a taxi (about 250baht or a bus for 90 baht, one hour) to the ferry pier where you get onto a ferry to Koh Samui (about 60 baht, 2 hours)...too much effor for me, but backpackers do it just fine.
Dec 29, 2004 | 7:28 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Terra Australis Cognita
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Originally Posted by rejunivated
What about Pattaya?
I'm planning a visit to Phuket, Krabi or the Maldives in the next month or two. Feel free to label this as selfless charity to support a severely hurting tourist industry, or shamelessly taking advantage of what are sure to be massive discounts...
Dec 29, 2004 | 7:44 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
How About Vietnam
I'm in Vietnam and they have some fantastic beaches just south of Ho Chi Minh City. Fhan Thiet, Pho Quoc and Nha Trang to name a few. Flights are pretty cheap and readily available here. Singapore, ANA and United all fly here. By the way, anyone who thinks business as normal will happen in Phuket has no sense of reality. This could be the worst natural disaster in the past two centuries...100,000 dead is the final guestimate in the news here.
Dec 29, 2004 | 10:30 am
#12
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Originally Posted by Savage25
If you want to get to Koh Samui on the *A Airpass, you can take a TG flight to Surat Thani. From there, you can take a taxi (about 250baht or a bus for 90 baht, one hour) to the ferry pier where you get onto a ferry to Koh Samui (about 60 baht, 2 hours)...too much effor for me, but backpackers do it just fine.
Originally Posted by rejunivated
What about Pattaya?
Originally Posted by kainoa1524
I'm in Vietnam and they have some fantastic beaches just south of Ho Chi Minh City.
Thanks all
Dec 29, 2004 | 3:38 pm
#13
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Samui would be the most comparable alternative, though I think it's reached the point of no return on development. Bali is really great, though around Kuta and Besakih the hawkers are annoyingly thick.
Dec 29, 2004 | 11:27 pm
#14
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There are a buncha spots in Malaysia worth looking at as well.
If I wasn't so hung over on nyquill, i'd try to remember them all. There are some on the penninsula as well as on Borneo. I believe one is the Perinthians but someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
I love Malaysia. I highly recommend it given it's like Thailand (geographically) but a little more calmer.
I hope the Pattaya recommendation is a joke. I wonder what the new Hard Rock Hotel is like there though.
If I wasn't so hung over on nyquill, i'd try to remember them all. There are some on the penninsula as well as on Borneo. I believe one is the Perinthians but someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
I love Malaysia. I highly recommend it given it's like Thailand (geographically) but a little more calmer.
I hope the Pattaya recommendation is a joke. I wonder what the new Hard Rock Hotel is like there though.