Phuket

Adrian · #1 01-06-2004, 18:22

Hi,
We are all set to leave on the 17th from here and will be in Thailand on 18th June.

Our first night is planned for Bangkok as our flight arrives late in the afternoon around 13.00 hours. We have a flight to catch the next day at 10.00 for Phuket. Booked via Air Asia more than 2 months back and got a fantastic rate of 997 Bhat which is very cheap compared to the other rates on offer. Actually the return from Phuket was even cheaper for which I paid 299 Bhat for our tickets. I guess I booked it more than 3 months in advance. Can anyone tell me which terminal in Bangkok does Air Asia fly to Phuket. Will be staying in one of the airport area hotels. Any good tips on what can be done or what to do in one evening.

Will stay in Phuket for 10 nights which also include 2 nights in Phi Phi. Any suggestions of things to do and places to eat. Have read the whole forum and have got a lot of information. The only thing that is of worry is the transport from Airport to hotel and around Phuket. Is there a taxi booth like the one outside Bangkok airport which is reliable. Don’t want the taxi guys to take me to visit any agents on the way. I will be staying at Bangtao beach in the Laguna area and have not read anything positive about the transport from this area anywhere. Any good hints from the senior guys out there.

Back to Bangkok for another week of shopping, eating and visiting different places.

All suggestions are welcome.

IRISH JONNY · #2 01-06-2004, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

The only thing that is of worry is the transport from Airport to hotel and around Phuket. Is there a taxi booth like the one outside Bangkok airport which is reliable.
All suggestions are welcome.

MOST TAXIS ARE OK........BUT MAKE SURE YOU GET THE PRICE BEFORE YOU GET IN TO THE TAXI........
500 BAHT IS THE MOST YOU SHOULD PAY FROM THE AIRPORT TO PATONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicke · #3 01-06-2004, 20:01

The limo taxis has a fixed price of 550 baht to Patong, to Bang Tao it is maybe 350 baht or something. Order your taxi at the taxi desk inside the airport, pay the fee and you get a ticket and then out to the car. This is no hassle at all.

Even if the taxi to Patong stop at a travel agency, still no problem, just say no thanks politely and the ride goes on but I doubt this will happen to you when you go to Bang Tao beach. I dont have this problem myself thought, I speak some Thai and just say I live here and want to go to my apartment so they never bother to stop at a travel agency.

As for Air Asia, just go to the domestic terminal check-in and you will see one booth with Air Asia sign instead of Thai Airways or other domestic airlines.

Spend a night in Patong, maybe another one in Phuket Town, it all depends what you like to do. Watch Simon Cabaret and Phuket Fantasea shows, see real Thai boxing at Saphan Hin, go for diving/snorkeling/fishing tours or just experience a long tail boat to a nearby beach.

Phuket Zoo may also be worth a visit. Gokart and ATV if you want some competition with a friend. Play Golf on one of the many courses available.

Paddy · #4 01-06-2004, 21:22

Are you wondering about terminals or desks? If it's terminals, no problem. There are only two at BKK - international and domestic. So you'll land and depart at international and take your flight to and from Phuket at the domestic terminal.

At Phuket airport, yes, there's a reputable taxi service booth. You can't miss it on the way out. It has all the prices up on a board. As Nicke says, it's 550 to Patong. You pay them at the booth then they give you a ticket to give the driver. As currently discussed on the 'obnoxious Thais' thread, if your taxi driver stops at a travel agent and they try to make you switch hotels, don't listen to a word they say.

Have fun!

Right. That's my helpful deed for the day. The pub, I think.

Grabber · #5 02-06-2004, 05:35

Adrian,

I was in Phuket in February and I took a Mini-Van from the arrival terminal to Patong. It was 150 baht. Just before you exit the arrival terminal there is a booth on the right hand side for the Phuket Limousine and Business Service Co-op. That is where you can purchase a ticket. You share a mini-van with others and you will have to stop at a travel agent along the way. You will also have to wait your turn until the mini-van gets to your hotel. As mentioned before, just tell the travel agent you already have hotel.

dknyten · #6 02-06-2004, 05:40

Headed to Thailand (phuket) in August---will be on my own.... will it be difficult hooking up w/ other travellers?

IRISH JONNY · #7 03-06-2004, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by dknyten

Headed to Thailand (phuket) in August---will be on my own.... will it be difficult hooking up w/ other travellers?

I USUALLY TRAVEL SOLO.....YOU HAVE A MUCH BETTER TIME........
USE THE MTB AS A BASE AND YOU WILL BUMP IN TO A FEW BMs.......
GOD GAVE EVERY ONE A MOUTH TO TALK WITH SO IF YOU CAN USE IT YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS IN MEETING PEOPLE ...
JONNY

river · #8 03-06-2004, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

Hi,
We are all set to leave on the 17th from here and will be in Thailand on 18th June.

Our first night is planned for Bangkok as our flight arrives late in the afternoon around 13.00 hours. We have a flight to catch the next day at 10.00 for Phuket. Booked via Air Asia more than 2 months back and got a fantastic rate of 997 Bhat which is very cheap compared to the other rates on offer. Actually the return from Phuket was even cheaper for which I paid 299 Bhat for our tickets. I guess I booked it more than 3 months in advance. Can anyone tell me which terminal in Bangkok does Air Asia fly to Phuket. Will be staying in one of the airport area hotels. Any good tips on what can be done or what to do in one evening.

Will stay in Phuket for 10 nights which also include 2 nights in Phi Phi. Any suggestions of things to do and places to eat. Have read the whole forum and have got a lot of information. The only thing that is of worry is the transport from Airport to hotel and around Phuket. Is there a taxi booth like the one outside Bangkok airport which is reliable. Don’t want the taxi guys to take me to visit any agents on the way. I will be staying at Bangtao beach in the Laguna area and have not read anything positive about the transport from this area anywhere. Any good hints from the senior guys out there.

Back to Bangkok for another week of shopping, eating and visiting different places.

All suggestions are welcome.

Just go to the BKK domestic terminal about 1hr before your departure time, someone will point you in the right direction.

Also Air Asia you only need to book maybe 10 to 14 days ahead for cheap flights I had BKK to PHKT return for 1400 bht incl. taxes.

tintin · #9 03-06-2004, 16:34

My favorite and not expensive, are:

Mama's kitchen in center of Karon! Made before you and fantastic breakfast as well!

More touristic, but very good food, delicious Pad Thai:

Club 44 on the beach-road in Karon!

they moved from Kata, the owner died, but his wife serves exellent food! Many scandinavians and more family orientated!

Adrian · #10 07-06-2004, 16:06

First of all thanks for the info to all the guys that posted replies to my query. But is that all. I was really hoping for some more advice and real good tips. Come on guys. \give me your expert advice.

Thanks

river · #11 07-06-2004, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

First of all thanks for the info to all the guys that posted replies to my query. But is that all. I was really hoping for some more advice and real good tips. Come on guys. \give me your expert advice.

Thanks

Go straight to Mai Thai about 10pm hook up with Nicke if he's around start drinking Black Deaths mixed in with the odd Tequila and all will become clear.

Grabber · #12 07-06-2004, 17:44

Adrian,

Half the fun, once you get there, is to discover the place on your own. Call it a sense of adventure if you will. However, having said that, I have some suggestions for you.

1) I liked the disco action the best (your opinion may differ) and I would recommend the Tai-Pan Disco near the intersection of Rat-u-thit and Bangla Road in Patong Beach. Many nice freelancers in there. Try it round about midnight. I would also recommend Tiger Disco and/or Banana Disco. Get yourself a good map of Phuket/Patong Beach. You can get one free at the information booth at either the BKK airport or the Phuket airport. They have maps of other areas and cities as well.

2) Rent a 125 cc motor bike (bigger if you can handle it - because of the hills) and take a day or two to go around the Island. 125 cc bikes rent for around 150 baht per day. Maybe higher as i don't exactly remember. It would be twice as nice if you have a guide with you if you catch my drift. Also, if you choose to take this recommendation be CAREFUL. Many Thai's drive like drunken fools and so do many farangs. Consequently, there are many accidents involving motorbikes. Often with serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

3) The best beach IMO is Laem Singh (sp?) which is north of Patong Beach on the west side of the island. If I have mispelled it perhaps some others here can correct me. You park above the beach (use your motor bike to get there) and then walk down a fairly long path to the beach. Parking is not free. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Grabber

Apollo · #13 08-06-2004, 06:05

Adrian, just keep reading throughout the board. You'll get loads of useful information and tips--stuff I wish I could have learned PRIOR to my first 2 tours...

Adrian · #14 13-06-2004, 19:29

Thanks to all those who replied. % days to go and can't sleep at all. More than me its my wife and daughter who are excited. Is it ok to visit the Mai thai bar with the KID. I hope its not a problem. Hope to have a good time.

Allybabba22 · #15 13-06-2004, 22:30

yeah everybody's welcome at the mai thai bar... hope ye hav a great trip...

JayBee · #16 14-06-2004, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

Is it ok to visit the Mai thai bar with the KID. I hope its not a problem. Hope to have a good time.

Bargirls love kids.

At least, every one I've ever been with did. Lord knows, they've got enough of their own.

As for us punters, we may look like ogres, but we don't bite anybody(except for the BGs, of course, and that's back at the roongraem (hotel).

dawsey · #17 15-06-2004, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

Thanks to all those who replied. % days to go and can't sleep at all. More than me its my wife and daughter who are excited. Is it ok to visit the Mai thai bar with the KID. I hope its not a problem. Hope to have a good time.

Adrian
Both your daughter and wife will be welcomed by the BGs and will keep your nipper amused with boardgames whilst you enjoy the scenery

Just don't let your wife catch you looking