Suggestions for Phuket!

[thegirlnextdoor]

Hi all!
So, I'm gonna hit Phuket over the weekend in October. I've never been there before, but have heard lots of good things about it. So I'm definitely excited!

Do you guys have any suggestions of the places I can go to? I'm looking forward to just having a good time, party, relax on the beach..Having a few places/areas in mind will be great!

Thanks!

[poodlek]

Hi all!
So, I'm gonna hit Phuket over the weekend in October. I've never been there before, but have heard lots of good things about it. So I'm definitely excited!

Do you guys have any suggestions of the places I can go to? I'm looking forward to just having a good time, party, relax on the beach..Having a few places/areas in mind will be great!

Thanks!

Have you checked http://www.wikitravel.org? It's my go-to site for getting starting places and ideas for planning any trip. Look up both Thailand and Phuket for some ideas.

[nakatago]

Make sure you go island hopping. The usual online search techniques apply.

[spinoreen]

Yes, beside the main island beaches, please hop around Phi Phi, James Bond islands by taking day tours.

I was there in May, nice place... if you need contacts for local trip provider, PM me...

[Girl_Next_Door]

I go to Phuket at least once a year, so here are my suggestions.

Some suggestions:
- Stay in Kata/Karon area. Less touristy but near to places for drinks, etc.
- Check out Patong but do note that this is a dodgy area.
- If you can ride, rent a motorbike. I find it a really cheap way to get around. I also highly recommend you to ride the motorbike around Phuket, even up to the hills. The view is gorgeous and the road is not too complicated to get around.
- Shortlist a few accommodation, and book them last minutes for good rates. There is a well-known website that allows you to book last minutes rates in Thailand, but I'm sure it will be deleted if I post. You can email me if you want the link or google "latestay Thailand".
- Think of the activities that you plan to do, and book them when you are in Thailand. If you have several activities in mind, you can bargain for a better rates.
- Always change money in a proper money-changer (not the make-shift kinda money-changer). If they start to give you small notes, leave (run) immediately. They are trying to distract you by giving you small notes. When they count the notes, its correct but the money is never correct when YOU count it.
- Depending on your budget, I recommend Sugar Palm (if you have a tight budget) or Malisa Villa (if you enjoy staying in a pool villa).
- When you reach Phuket airport, you can either take the bus or take a meter taxi. Do note that you will never be able to find a meter taxi in Phuket. Hence, on your return trip, you should either try to get the namecard of the taxi-driver, or arrange through a travel agent (same on you booked your tours so that you can get better discounts).

Have fun!!!

[thegirlnextdoor]

Hi fellow girl next door,
Thanks for your many suggestions! I'll definitely keep an eye for shady money changers and taxi drivers, then..

Yeah, I've heard bad things about Patong..I wonder why :S

Spinoreen, my friend suggested a trip to Phi Phi island too..Heard it's beautiful there. Need to check it out!

[Girl_Next_Door]

Patong is not a bad place, its just a bit dodgy because there are a lot of bars with "dancers" and "cross-dressers". Some view it as a lively place because its always packed and there is always something going on.

One man's meat is another man's poison.

Phi phi island is a small place, so its nice to chill on the beach. I know there are some resorts there as well, but do remember its a small place, so don't expect much activities going on there. However, if you are looking for a quiet place with nice beach, then Phi phi is the place.

In addition, if you dive, you should try diving in Phuket too. They have some good dive sites there.

[thegirlnextdoor]

That is definitely what I have in mind - nice beach just to relax. What is the best way to go there? by speed boat or a public ferry?

Oh,..also, my friend wants to get a tattoo done there. Do you have any recommendation for this? When it comes to tattoo, I think it's best to get a recommendation from someone who's done it before (or who has a friend who's done the same thing)..

Thank you!!

[thegirlnextdoor]

Was looking through local trip provider in Phi Phi island for a day tour..is Sea Angel tour any good?

[Girl_Next_Door]

Personally, I don't think there is a difference between tour operators because its always the same company who ultimately conduct the actual tour. I find the rates online is a bit higher, compared to the rates when you are there. Plus, if you are taking a few tours, you can bargain for a discount, which you can't do online. Of course, if you want to have something fixed on the first day you arrive, then you probably should book something online.

I'm not sure about the route to phi phi. Everytime I am there, I'm with a dive boat.

As for tattoos, I suggest for you to get it done in Singapore. At least I know the needles are clean and not recycled! Remember, Thailand have a higher proportion of people who are HIV positive than Singapore.