Phuket Travel Forum

I'll be in Phuket from 9 - 11 July with a friend and I'm looking for an operator that offers snorkeling trips to Racha islands during this period. Does anyone know of one?
Or anyone else interested in going there on any of the 3 days we will be there? I have found one that offers a private boat hire for 6 pax to go there. But with just 2 of us that's too expensive.

It's quite tough, because it's the low season and so far the operators I found don't offer trips during monsoon season to Racha. Only to Phi Phi island. I know that diving operators still go Racha, but probably the dive sites won't be so suitable for snorkeling. Though I'm a diver, my friend isn't.

I've been to Phi Phi before and did scuba diving there, but I found the corals near Phi Phi are quite affected by tsunami and over-tourism. Also, the sight of the snorkeling boats then with 50 people packed on a small boat has put me off considering Phi Phi for snorkeling. I know there are tour operators offering smaller boats with max 15 pax, but still ... they won't be the only ones in Maya bay...

The other snorkeling place is Coral Bay, of which I have heard negative stories, that it's not worth snorkeling there.

I'll be going to Thailand soon for a 9 day trip together with a friend.
The last 3 days we'll be staying in Phuket (9-12 July).

We want to stay in a hotel along Patong beach and considering either Burasari boutique hotel or Thara Patong.
The reviews I find here are all from 2005, 2006, so I'm wondering anyone been here recently? Which one will be a nicer hotel to stay at?
We want something nice, but not blowing our budgets, so looking at the rooms that are at the lower end.
A pool is a must, though doesn't have to be really big, as long as we can take a dip... Burasari looks nicer in decor. It's a bit more secluded and still near enough to the action if we want that.
Thara Patong is a bit cheaper, bigger pool, but doing some renovations this period - though they mention only in daytime and no noisy renovations - just replacing furniture.

I am traveling to Phuket this July and planned for a speed boat trip to phi phi islands. I found Andaman blue sky group website quite good and I e-mailed them and they replied but I am yet to confirm.

Its a speed boat day trip with an English speaking guide and they have assured me that they wont take more than 15 persons in one speed boat, and its 2000 THB per person. I find the price quite reasonable but before I would confirm I would also like to know if anyone have previously dealt with Andaman Blue Sky Travels?
http://www.andamanbluesky-travel.com/

Tina.

We usually travel to Phuket in the September / October period and although at times we lose a couple of days with the weather (rain) we love the place. We are thinking of going in December 17 – 31 this year and know that the weather will be beautiful but would like to know if the crowds are a lot different from when we normally travel and if due to peak season the prices for shopping & tours change at all.

Thanks guys for your useful tips and alert.

Happened to check on the website for the day trip to Phi Phi + Maya + Khai Island by JCTour Phuket. Does anyone have any encounter with this agency?

Richard

Hi everyone,

We plan to visit Phuket on 3-8 Sept 2008 and eyeing on Kamala Beach Resort. Heard about the monsoon season from Apr to Oct and the weather could be gloomy and rainy, and the sea may be quite rough and not so safe for swimming or other water activities.

How bad the monsoon season could be during the month of Sept? Also will Kamala beach worth for a 6-day-stay?

Thanks, if someone can share with us your experience.

Richard

Hi guys,

Anyone know of this bed and breakfast? If so, do you know how far it is to Patong main area? Within walking distant?

I've heard various stories about renting scooters. How safe do you think it is to hire scooters and travel around Phuket?

We are staying there and tried to check out maps but most online maps doesn't really tell you the distance.

We are going to Phuket soon and am soooo excited! :)


Thanks guys! :)

Merv

Hi, this might help the traveller below in relation to small speed boat trips.... has anyone heard of or done a day trip with Simba Sea Trips? They have excellent reviews with tripadvisor but I havent stumbled across them here? Thanks, Tracey

I am planning for a trip to phuket in July 2008 and I wish to enjoy a speed boat day trip to Phi Phi Islands. I read many reviews, and some people have mentioned that the travel agents overload the boat and delay the trip etc...
Can anyone suggest me a well-organized travel agency with an English speaking travel guide, and good standard boat?

Tina.

Can anyone suggest a hotel near Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park in Phuket? We'll be staying for 3 nights and are looking for something 3-5 star? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all, planning a trip to Phuket about April 2009 and was looking for some information from people who had been there. Looking for ideas on accommodation either in Karon or Kata. Want to stay on the beach, in a really nice resort, budget - not too high but want it to be special so are prepared to pay higher than budget accomm. Want to know whether Kata is better than Karon to stay at, not worried about how far it is from Patong cos we can drive there somehow. Also want to know where to go from there, we are going for about 3 weeks and want to stay in one place for about 1 week and then go somewhere else, dont want to fly too far, would rather catch a boat to next destination. We are not into the hustle and bustle would prefer low key and relaxing. Would love to find a nice beach hut somewhere for one part of the trip. Has anyone got any ideas?

Hi All,

Going to be in Thailand starting tomorrow (6th of June) starting in Phuket. Then travelling to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the full moon party @ Koh Panghan. Just wondering if there was anyone wanting to meet up. I'm travelling with a mate who's working as he travels and I thought I'd see if there's anyone who wants to share their experiences.

I'm a Uk guy and I've been to Thailand many times and have lots of thoughts/experiences to share. Let me know if anyone fancies meeting up either to chill on the beach, or share a drink at night.

Will be heading also to the Half Moon Party @ Koh Panghan on the 11th if anyone fancies enjoying the fun.

You can get me on smorrisuk (at) gmail (dot) com or sms on +65 8222 4197

Have fun and stay safe

Steve

What hotel do you stay in Phuket?

Hi all has any of you ever had Eye Lash extensions in Phuket? does anyone know any good places in Patong i can get them and ruffly how much they cost?

i only have 29 days to go now so if anyone else has any other last pointers manly on where best to shop for fashion clothes and bags im size 10 and also beuty product ect

Thanks heaps

arriveing there in afew weeks well 2 tomorrow ,
are there tours and trips from there or do i need to go the otherside everytime?
also easy enough from the airport is it?
its only a short trip, dont want to waste much time wandering aimlessly

Hi, going to Phuket with the family in July and would like some information on the Allamanda resort in the laguna area.Whats the best type of transport to get into Patong from this area and reasonably priced places to eat with kids?Also are beach towels provide at this hotel.
Any information would be helpful.

Thanks !

Hi. My friend and I are looking at going to Phuket in April next year. Is this a good time to go and what is the weather like at this times as i have read confliting information

Thanks

Kitty.

Hi there. I'll be going to Phuket the following Monday. I'm rather interested in visiting the national parks, particularly the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. I have a problem though. As I do not have much driving experience, I do not wish to risk renting and driving a car in Phuket. Is there any public transport or shuttle service which I can use to get from Patong to Khao Phra Thaeo and back?

Hello my fello V.T

Need help about cheap accmdtion in Phuket..
What i heard, Patong is very noisy and quite expensive.

1. How's the water in Kata beach? is it clean and clear? and the accmdition, is it expensive? Im planning to go there for a week so i dont want to spend my money for a expensive accmdtion.

2. Im planning to rent a car aswell, do you need a international driving licence? or just a driving licence will just do?

Thanks in advance~!!

hello again,

i want to ask whether the cabs are available very early in the morning. This is because i have an early flight to catch ard 8am. will be from phuket town travelling to the airport..

1)can i easily get a cab in phuket town area at abt 4am? (need to be there by 6am, not sure how long the journey is)

2)how long does it take from phuket town to the airport by taking the cab?

3)is there an alternative transportation if cabs are not available?

4)how much would it cost me, just one passenger?

THANK YOU!

Hi, does anyone have any suggestions for our party of 8 hiring a crew and speed boat for the day whilst in Phuket during July. We are happy to visit either Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay but without the crowds and really just happy to spend the day visiting quiet beaches and snorkeling & chilling in general. One place I found on the net has a rate of THB44,000 including transfers and a picnic lunch....... is this reasonable? Seemed excessive to me!

If charter isnt the way to go maybe someone knows of a company specialising in small groups of 12 or so that we could book.

Thanks again for your help.
Tracey

Hi, im backpacking to phuket solo in early June and am looking for cheap accomodation. Im thinking of staying in Youth Hostel Phuket which is in Phuket town. I am on a tight budget, thinking of spending abt 6000 Baht for about 10 days. My questions are:

1)Is it too far away from the beaches as i plan to visit them and how is it to take the buses to go to the beaches?

2)Should i book the rooms online or go there and get rooms?

3)I was also thinking of visiting Phi Phi islands or Phang Nga but i don't knw if my budget allows it. If i am not intending to shop a lot, would it be enuff to go on the trip.

4) is it true that the tours to Phi Phi Island or Phang Nga can be booked when i'm there?

thank u so much for helping me..

Hi

Will be in Phuket in a couple of days, will be looking for a good Bicycle store as well as a Camping and Outdoor gear store.

Can anybody recommend any of the above.

Regards

Thommo

Hi we will be in Phuket during July to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with friends. Could you please suggest somewhere special for dinner either on the beach or with water views. Someone had suggested On the Rocks at the Marina which looked okay but they lost me when they mentioned a flinstone theme and raving on about iceberg salad! We are staying at Kata Noi and the Laguna area. We would prefer thai food with other options and reasonable wine/champagne costs (if this is available in Thailand!) I remember someone suggesting a Jazz Restaurant near Kata does anyone know this restaurant and another "Bakery" which was recommended. We are happy to pay whatever... as long as it is worth it. Thanks for your thoughts. Tracey

Hello Everyone,
Moving to Thailand for at least a 3 month period,was there in January and loved it. I am returning for some SCUBA certifications and I would like to know which areas are safest/quietest to stay in long term.
Thanks,
Eric

Hi all, thank you so much for all the answered questions and advices. It really helped me alot and i had the best time of my life in Phuket although the weather is abit sucky. I will update my pages for all to view my adventures. and yes, i did rent a bike and i do not regret the choices made. Even with bad weather, they are many things to do in Phuket.

Thank you everyone. And i will come back to Phuket. Kap Kun Kap. :)

hi all im off to phuket/patong in 56days and counting so excited

Just a few questions:

Chemically Straightening- I dont mind the price on this i just want to go to a really good salon that know what they are doing.
has anyone had it done there and how did it go?

HairExtensions- Where can i get really nice 100% human hair extensions done?
Do they do the micro clip ones or just the glue in ones?
prices and locations?

Bags? i heard they have gone up in price? is this tru $60aus of the streets?

Bathers- Can i get Bathers made in phuket anywhere i have a favourite pair i want copied.

Cosmetics- can you buy any brands over there like MAC, Napoleon ect? and where from

Hair products- Do they sell shampoos that r well known in Aus liek Redkin, Kerastace, Loreal ect

Please please please as much info as possible would b fantastic


Thanks heaps in advance

I"m going to traveling through Thailand and Phuket and I was wondering, is it better to stay on the north side or south side of Phuket? I know the airport is located on the North side, but airport closeness really has no bearing on my plans.

Am considering these two resorts. Which is better? Can anybody shed some light on them? Thanks!

Hi!

Would like to check if it's better to stay near Patong beach or Karon/Kata beach?

Also, how can we get from one to the other and how much would that roughly cost?

Many thanks! =)