Phuket

Gazman · #1 29-04-2006, 09:24

I'm going to be staying at the Hilton Arcadia for a three-day conference at the end of May. I'm unsure if I'll have the time to head into Patong too often and wondered if there was any action in Karon itself. Bars? Massage places? I'd appreciate any advice.

Hansel · #2 29-04-2006, 09:52

Karon will be quiet in this time, but there will be still some action: from the Hilton, head the beach road to the left maybe 500 mtrs and you get to a small bar area. Or head in the other direction towards Patong, at the traffic circle turn into Karon and 50 mtrs up the road is Karon Centre, another small bar area. At that traffic circle, you can also pick up LB, if you are so inclined.

jimholio · #3 29-04-2006, 11:40

Maybe quite but there are still lots of bars with girls around. Arcadia however is quite a walk away from them. And with that i mean like probably 15 min.

madmitch · #4 29-04-2006, 11:56

Kata isn't much further than the first bar area mentioned but I wouldn't recommend walking all the way from the Hilton.

erik1 · #5 29-04-2006, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmitch

Kata isn't much further than the first bar area mentioned but I wouldn't recommend walking all the way from the Hilton.

You are all jokers.

From the Hilton to the mentioned bars is not more then an 8 minute walk and into Kata should not take more then 25 minutes if you are not talked into a tailorshop.

The area that you will find in the direction of Kata is about 8-12 bars and when you just turn left towards the back road you will some more bars on the backroad itself and just before it on your left hand side (Soi viking?)

Guys that know me will be aware that i am not the most sporty guy and even I manage to get those minutes. But then if you are old and not walking well, then the taxi is down at the stairs to take you 600 meter for a 100 baht

jimholio · #6 29-04-2006, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by erik1

You are all jokers.

From the Hilton to the mentioned bars is not more then an 8 minute walk and into Kata should not take more then 25 minutes if you are not talked into a tailorshop.

The area that you will find in the direction of Kata is about 8-12 bars and when you just turn left towards the back road you will some more bars on the backroad itself and just before it on your left hand side (Soi viking?)

Guys that know me will be aware that i am not the most sporty guy and even I manage to get those minutes. But then if you are old and not walking well, then the taxi is down at the stairs to take you 600 meter for a 100 baht

With that you mean that you are completely sober everytime you walk between the bar and the hotel? Surely you arent walking quite as fast with round feets are you?

The thing is tho, that parts between Arcadia and Karon bar area is quite dark in the night. And the people drive like maniacs over there. Specially the drunk tuk tuk drivers. But hey, if you can afford to stay on Arcadia, surely you can afford transportation aswell

erik1 · #7 29-04-2006, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimholio

With that you mean that you are completely sober everytime you walk between the bar and the hotel? Surely you arent walking quite as fast with round feets are you?

The thing is tho, that parts between Arcadia and Karon bar area is quite dark in the night. And the people drive like maniacs over there. Specially the drunk tuk tuk drivers. But hey, if you can afford to stay on Arcadia, surely you can afford transportation aswell

Indeed it is 200 baht return, so what are you talking about

I think people should be a bit more nuanced when it comes to other places then Patong

Some of us actually do not have to be pissed every night or like a more relaxed place. So i try to give accurate info instead of just guesswork.

Haha getting to the Darkside from bangla is definately more of a walk then from arcadia to the Kata/karon bar area.

tintin · #8 30-04-2006, 02:01

If you find a nice girl in the Kata and Karon area, it has several advantages:

They are less greedy then the Patong girls. 1000 bath is the highest price they have ever asked me.

On Kata beach, there are towards the end some restaurants ON the beach, wich are nice to be on, even in the evening with your girl.

erik1 · #9 30-04-2006, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tintin

If you find a nice girl in the Kata and Karon area, it has several advantages:

They are less greedy then the Patong girls. 1000 bath is the highest price they have ever asked me.

On Kata beach, there are towards the end some restaurants ON the beach, wich are nice to be on, even in the evening with your girl.

Even the ones on the beach road at the end of Karon beach are nice

In general the atmosphere is much more relaxed and less pushy sales people

Gazman · #10 08-05-2006, 12:57

I appreciate the responses, as contradictory as they may have been.

One other question -- are there short time hotels near either the Kata or Karon fun spots? I'm sure the Hilton doesn't approve.

ruby123 · #11 08-05-2006, 13:27

Welcome to the board Gaz... would be nice to know if you have been to Phuket before or is this your first time?

I would suggest going to Karon centre. There aren't as many bars as Patong but its much quicker than walking to Kata.

Have a gd dirty time

Gazman · #12 08-05-2006, 13:56

Hi Ruby

I've been to Thailand/Phuket many times, but only once have I stayed in the Karon area and as I was with my Bangkok girl I wasn't looking beyond her lovely brown eyes.

I presume the Karon centre is inland from the traffic roundabout on the beach road?

Cheers

kjo2 · #13 08-05-2006, 13:58

[quote=ruby123]Welcome to the board Gaz... would be nice to know if you have been to Phuket before or is this your first time?QUOTE]

The same goes for your good self. Why don't you reply to many BM's posts about introducing your self. You simply ignore the many requests! What is your big secret? Just curious - Come on now.....

Gazman · #14 08-05-2006, 16:32

And I should point out that I can't find a decent map to show me exactly where the Hilton is in relation to Kata/Karon.

Crustasian · #15 08-05-2006, 16:55

Hi Gazman.

There is a good strip of bars and the main Karon nightlife.It's starts at the big roundabout and where the main road goes inland.It's not as busy as the Patong strip but good enough.

If you go down Soi Islandia Hotel you will find Angus O Tool's Irish Bar which is good for food and beers.The guys there know all the girlie hangouts.

The Gun Bar on the main road is very accommodating.

banger_chris · #16 08-05-2006, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazman

I'm unsure if I'll have the time to head into Patong too often and wondered if there was any action in Karon itself. Bars? Massage places? I'd appreciate any advice.

Hi Gazman!

I stay in Karon twice every year and have to say i like it alot more over Patong. The Beach is very nice and clean. For some relaxed Nighttime Action try the Sois that go left from the central Karon Circle. Nice little Bars and Restaurants all over the place. Not as many girls like in Patong but still you find someone to have a beer or more.

I usually stay in Golden Sand Inn when in Karon. Stayed there in February for 800THB/Day which is outstanding for this time of the year. Nice Location with only 2 minutes to the beachchairs. Tuk-Tuk Transfer to Patong Area around 200THB which is a fair price for the distance (around 10 Minutes for the Ride)

Enjoy your stay!

ruby123 · #17 08-05-2006, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by banger_chris

Hi Gazman!

I stay in Karon twice every year and have to say i like it alot more over Patong. The Beach is very nice and clean. For some relaxed Nighttime Action try the Sois that go left from the central Karon Circle. Nice little Bars and Restaurants all over the place. Not as many girls like in Patong but still you find someone to have a beer or more.

I usually stay in Golden Sand Inn when in Karon. Stayed there in February for 800THB/Day which is outstanding for this time of the year. Nice Location with only 2 minutes to the beachchairs. Tuk-Tuk Transfer to Patong Area around 200THB which is a fair price for the distance (around 10 Minutes for the Ride)

Enjoy your stay!

Have to agree with Banger...........every year i find myself spending more time in Karon I also like the restaurant attached to the Golden Sand Inn too.

ultras*depor87 · #18 08-05-2006, 20:18

Hi guys,

I agree Karon is very nice, I always stay there as well. Last time I stayed at the end of Karon beach close to Kata. there are some nice bars too in Kata which are worth a visit

banger_chris · #19 09-05-2006, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruby123

Have to agree with Banger...........every year i find myself spending more time in Karon I also like the restaurant attached to the Golden Sand Inn too.

Hi Ruby123!

For my taste the Restaurant in Golden Sand Inn is just "so-so". Good Prices doh. Price Range around 20 to 80 THB for a normal sized portion. Good Location with open Air to see the world pass by.

My personal favourite is a Restaurant called "Bernies" which is just at the End of Karon Beach heading to Patong on the right side. They serve huge portions for allmost every dish they serve (Bot Thai and Western) I like it alot there. I go there once sometimes twice a day for some grub. They also have a Pool Table and Outside Bar.

Cheers

erik1 · #20 09-05-2006, 23:52

One of the best is the Red Onion half way the circle and the temple on your left hand. Great food for a very good price. Masuman Curry and the duck with chili and orange.

Quote:

Originally Posted by banger_chris

Hi Ruby123!

For my taste the Restaurant in Golden Sand Inn is just "so-so". Good Prices doh. Price Range around 20 to 80 THB for a normal sized portion. Good Location with open Air to see the world pass by.

My personal favourite is a Restaurant called "Bernies" which is just at the End of Karon Beach heading to Patong on the right side. They serve huge portions for allmost every dish they serve (Bot Thai and Western) I like it alot there. I go there once sometimes twice a day for some grub. They also have a Pool Table and Outside Bar.

Cheers

seafox · #21 09-05-2006, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazman

And I should point out that I can't find a decent map to show me exactly where the Hilton is in relation to Kata/Karon.

Right in the middle of Karon fronting the beach. Huge complex and definitely not girl friendly.

erik1 · #22 10-05-2006, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox

Right in the middle of Karon fronting the beach. Huge complex and definitely not girl friendly.

Or to be precise: look at the beach road and look for the s in the road. There you will find the hilton

I

erik1 · #23 10-05-2006, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox

Right in the middle of Karon fronting the beach. Huge complex and definitely not girl friendly.

Or to be precise: look at the beach road and look for the s in the road. There you will find the hilton say walking to karon circle is about 20 minutes and to the bars nearby 10 for the normal walkers

I did my best making sort of map for places around kata will add some if people know more i am forgetting either on purpose or not

haha you see i better stick to using cameras

Gazman · #24 10-05-2006, 11:15

I appreciate the trouble you went to making the map. Makes things much clearer.