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#1
03-10-2003, 09:47
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lots of information needed please
Hello everyone! It is my first post here...so be gentle.
I am a 30 year old woman traveling alone to Phuket for the first time. I am trying to figure out where to stay, what to do, where to eat, how to make it alone, etc. I have traveled to other beach type places alone but never to one so "interesting". How strange will I be perceived if I go into a bar alone? When I booked my trip, I had no idea how "liberated" this place was...and now I'm a little apprehensive. What should I expect? Thank you in advance for all of your great information. I have been very enlightened just by reading some of your posts! 
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#2
03-10-2003, 11:42
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Hey u should have a great time. If youre from Nebraska u might be shocked.
I stayed at a place called Duangjitt Resort Nice pool and very safe. It was about 45 U.S dollars a night. U will enjoy yourself and have a great time shopping. I only wish I could join u and be your guide. Have a fun trip
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#3
03-10-2003, 15:30
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Hi,
what's ur budget like? are a long stayer or a short tripper? Is an accomodation just a room to rest for the night or its where u spent most of the time....(pool, spa. blaah blaah..) and how comfrotable are you with a bar scene?
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#4
03-10-2003, 20:53
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even if you are worried about the bar scene dont be,the bar girls will make you feel as welcome as anyone else.when are you off to phuket? steve
__________________
 "Oral sex makes ones' day, but an al sex makes ones' hole weak." 
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#5
04-10-2003, 01:04
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first visit
to usa women
glad to see a women on the forum for a change. about questions on phuket. the questions have to ask have to be a bit pursific as phuket is a big place and you might only need answers for persific places in phuket and lot's of members have better answers for the places they go. one question to start is. where is the friendiest bar and the best bar owner in soi eric. answer : mai thai bar owned by nicke. another question is what to avoid to many of in one night. answer : to many of nicke small black liquid drinks in one night. anyway post when yor going ,im sure a few forum members would buy you a drink. were all gentlemen on this forum. well may be most of us, south of the border.
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#6
04-10-2003, 06:02
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If I were you I wouldn't be worried at all. There's lots to do during the day: walk on the beach, lay out, get a massage, go parasailing, go scubadiving, etc. At night? Try some of the discos. You'll have fun. There are people there from all over the world. Rex
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#7
04-10-2003, 12:26
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some of my specifics
Hello all and thank you for the information so far.
I am leaving from the US in two weeks...Oct. 18-29...Kind of a short trip. I just needed a relaxing vacation... It sounds like I am going to need a vacation from my vacation though after I return. I would like to find a hotel for under 1200-1400 baht/night...the cheaper the better. I would like a decent hotel though, in case I am uncomfortable with the bar scene...never know til I get there. I would prefer the hotel to have a pool of some sort and not be too sleazy. Anyone have any suggestions? I am a little worried about the whole bar thing...just afraid that I will be uncomfortable with the women there. It is good to know that you guys think that they will be welcoming. I've never been into a go-go bar in my life but I think I would regret not going to one while I am there. Any suggestions? How strange would it be if I went in alone? All my friends are prodding me to go...I'm kinda the uptight professional type all of the time here in the US. Would like to let loose a little but still be able to respect myself in the morning.  I plan on staying in Patong for about a week and then go on to Phi Phi and perhaps Ao Nang. Any suggestions? I also plan to dive in Phuket...which company do you guys recommend? Sorry to drone on...just need lots of help. Thank you all in advance. Ashley
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#8
04-10-2003, 15:42
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I did the scuba-diving thing, and I suggest you to have your scuba start in phi-phi island instead of phuket: the reason? In phi-phi the sea is much better and it's a really quiet island, while in phuket you'll have sooo much to do! At every moment! Please, don't get worried about how you will react at the contact with the bar scene: I saw by my eyes several alone occidental girls stepping in soy eric/crocodile/bangla and having a warm welcome from the bar girls, so warm that more than a man could feel alittle jealous! Thai are very friendly, always smiling, and a "farang" girl is a fun change for the bar girls. If you have blonde hairs, here you go! They love real blonde hairs, and many of them will ask you if they can touch your hairs  My advice is this: stay on the board until 18th of this month, get familiar with the board members and with nicke in particular, so that when you'll arrive in Patong, you'll have already a starting spot: the Mai Tai Bar. It's really in the middle of the fun, and you can sit there chatting with nicke or somebody of us(I will not be there though  ) and looking around. You'll get in touch with the bar scene in the best way, I can assure you.About the self respect you don't want to loose: you did the right decision by coming to Phuket alone: have fun, open your mind and when the holiday ends, you are again the respected carieer-woman you told us you are. Things would be a little more complicated if you were with a friend..both of you would feel not free to join the fun that phuket has to offer! That's all, from the board's italian guy  Last edited by peejay : 04-10-2003 at 15:46.
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#9
04-10-2003, 19:19
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to Ashley
the hotel / Inn i stay in is the lamai Inn on main road that runs through patong and only 10minutes walk fronm bangla Road the main nightlife street. In November when i go i'm paying 900baht a night. very nice rooms,clean sheets and towels every day,tele,fridge.and double bed but sorry no pool but the beach is only 10minutes walk away. most hotels without pools are only about 10 minutes walk or ride in a tuk tuk. why worry about a pool in the hotel, if your only staying one week in patong, it's good just walking to beach and visiting the eating places near the beach instead of staying in the hotel area.The beaches inpatong are not crowded, you don't get bothered to buy tourist c..p and the only people to selling stuff is the drinks and fresh fruit sellers. As for going into a go go bar and respecting yourself in the morning. there not as bad as you may think. from a blokes point of view there more funny to watch then they are sleazy. so long as you don't join in on the action on stage then there be no problem. once you've seen one there mostly the some. it's a bit like strippers once you seen one they get quiet boring after a while. I'm sure if you went to the Mai Thai bar in Soi Eric and had a word with nicke he could arrange a male escort to go with you to a Go Go place. Any of the forum members would surely not take much persuasion to accompany you, if there at the bar. anyway if you go alone how likely is it that someone you know would be in there drinking. As for disco's in patong go to the Star World or Tiger if it's open. Nice large disco's with a variety of people fron different country's. The Banana disco near the beach is smaller and it's full of European men thinking they can dance. Not my choice if you want a good dance and a laugh.The disco's do charge when you go in but they give you free drinks vochers so really they are free. the drinks inside are a little bit more then the bars but still cheap.If the tiger disco is open watch out for the stairs when you come out. The last few stairs are built a bit wrong and i've missed the last stair. if you have any other question just keep asking. but always remember to post some photo's on the forum from your trip. baz
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#10
05-10-2003, 05:48
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USA woman I have stayed at this hotel...
http://www.phuket-palace.com/
About 10 minute walk down to the beach. Has a nice pool. A friend of mine from New Zealand is running it. If it looks like you could be interested let me know and I will make sure that he looks after you room rate wise. There is also an Australian woman who lives there with her husband at the hotel and is always looking for someone to go shopping with if thats your scene. Last edited by kiwi steve : 05-10-2003 at 05:51.
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#11
05-10-2003, 06:54
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a thousand thank yous!!!
You guys rock!!!
I have tried other message boards with no real success...maybe one reply after waiting days!!! You guys are so attentive and I really appreciate all of you! How would you guys recommend that I break up my time in Phuket? I am going to spend time on a few of the nearby islands. Which other do you recommend besides Phi Phi (I plan on visiting there)? How will I know who Nicke is at the MTB? I think it would be cool to meet some of you guys there...for anyone visiting/staying during Oct. 18 thru 29. I'll be the blue-eyed short haired blonde with the eyes popping out of her head from the sights! Will my US drivers license be enough to rent a mo-ped or do I have to have the international drivers license(whatever that is) that I have read about on other boards...it was never clear on the other boards and no one would answer me. Again, thank you all so much! Ashley
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#12
05-10-2003, 16:21
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Hi Ashley,
I stay at MTB everyday at 10 pm and forward but I will also be in KL during your stay here, I need to renew my VISA. You need an international drivers license if you want to be fully legal, but otherwise, they never check tourists driver licenses these days. Rent a bike is a good way to look around and explore for yourself. If you think you have time for other places rather than Phuket and Phi Phi, then Krabi or Koh Lanta may also be of interest.
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#13
05-10-2003, 19:10
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to Ashley
i wouldn't recommend hiring a bike. far to dangerous in my opinion. I hired a jeep, alot safer and comfortable to take things with you. spend one day in patong and see how bad they drive there motorbikes around, cutting in front of lorry's ,cars not stopping at junctions, going through red light just to name a few and fitting three people on one motorbike designed for two. i found it bad and in England we drive on the left as in thailand but as you drive on the right in america it must have even have more problems. as for visiting other islands, there's loads of trips to do just days trips and back for the night life in patong. hire a jeep and go and explore the great beaches around, eat in the local fish restaurants when visiting the other beaches. there so easy to drive to, because theres only a few roads so you cann't get lost. To hire the jeep in the attached piture all i needed was my passport as prove in identification. It cost 900baht per day but if you hire it longer it's cheaper. that's how bad it is in thailand, show your passport, they don't worry if you've got a driving licence or can see the road. pay your money and there's the key's. sorry i'll miss you i arrive on 9th november. you description sounds great. have a great time. any picture on the forum always goes down well with the members. cheers. baz
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#16
05-10-2003, 19:36
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Kiwi Steve, hi -
I just had a look at the Phuket Palace hotel website. It looks great. But is it guest friendly? Would really appreciate knowing, as I'm in Patong in a couple of weeks from now and still haven't made a firm decision on where to stay. Cheers mate. And Ashley - If you're travelling on your own, you really couldn't have picked a better place on Earth. The whole of Phuket is an exercise in tolerance and a lesson to us all on how so many different races, genders, cultures, ages, wishes, desires and persuasions can all get along just fine. Even when rollicking drunk on a Saturday night. It's the Thai people themselves who make it so magical; they're incredibly friendly and that even rubs off on us surly European types! Everyone who's ever been will have a story to tell you of amazing kindness and friendliness. If you want to get talking to people, you will. If you want to sit quietly on your own and just watch it all go by, you'll be able to do that too. No one will mind. On a more practical level, no one will bat an eyelid if you go into, say, a restaurant to eat on your own. And the next time you go there, they'll greet you like a friend. Relax and enjoy! All the best Paddy
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#17
06-10-2003, 02:08
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Yes Paddy no problem's at Phuket Palace..
guest friendly wise. Staff there are very good also. Have stayed three times and never any problems. My friend from New Zealand runs it - good guy will make sure you are looked after.
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#18
06-10-2003, 09:27
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one more question
How is topless sunbathing looked upon? I have read a few posts from another board...never asked myself... and the information was conflicting.
Do most women keep their tops on or is it ok to go au natural? Thanks in advance. Ashley
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#19
06-10-2003, 09:44
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Topless sunbathing is looked upon..
very nicely especially by male members of this board.
But just to be sure in your situation it might pay to post a picture to get 100% approval!
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#21
06-10-2003, 19:27
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Ashley, I went to the Similan's with these guys last year (see links below), and it was a great trip. So great, that my whole vacation at the end of this year is planned around going to Burma with them. I think there prices are a little higher then some of the other dive shops, but compaired to some of the other boats I saw diving around us, the price was well worth it. Also, they have what looks to be a nice hotel assoicated with their one dive shops. http://www.seaworld-phuket.com/ http://www.crisseyco.com/
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#22
06-10-2003, 20:19
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I missed the diving part.
West Coast Divers has a very good reputation and also a nice and modern fleet, maybe the best fleet in Phuket. If you want to learn diving, I can recommend Merlin Divers in Kamala beach, a small company but very friendly. I took my open water with them but I have been doing daytrips with west coast.
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#23
06-10-2003, 20:41
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Diving info
I have been a certified diver since 1996 and took a scuba review class just yesterday...but not that confident (actually timid) of a diver. Which spots with the dive shops that you guys recommeded will be the best. I have been reading about Shark Point and Anemone Reef and they look pretty good...however, they state that they are intermediate level diving. How tough are they for novice divers?
Thanks in advance. Ashley
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#24
06-10-2003, 21:48
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Topless sunbathing is fairly common among western women here on many beaches.
Though i doubt you will see a Thai woman going topless it is generally tolerated. Use your own discretion but do try and wear more than just a Bikini when in town/on the beach road. And Nicke is easy to spot - he's the one getting his ass whupped at Backgammon! He will also introduce you to any other board members who are present - enjoy your stay.
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