Phuket

imd8ta · #1 14-09-2005, 05:35

First post here. Advanced thanks for the help. I'm gonna need it.
Got enough free miles to to LOS 1st. class from the States 1st. week of Dec.
to Jan and need some varied advice.
Want to stay in BKK a few days for the std. sites, with Pattaya and Phuket as well as this will be the first trip to LOS but no SEA. Also want to get in a little diving around the Similans ect.
What about side trips to Issam or Cambodia? Worth the effort?
And what about the pre-scheduled, escorted tours available, or is it best to go it "on your own".
Can rooms at that time of year be found "on the fly" or do I have to set them up in advance?
Based on the activity on this board, I hope to get enough info to get plans at least started.
Tall order I know, but if I can get some input and recommendations from those in-the-know or in-country, the brews are on me.

seafox · #2 14-09-2005, 05:54

you better book a room now or you will have a room for 1st 2 weeks of December and then be sleeping on the street from December 17 or 24 until after January 1 as that time period is the busiest time of the year in Phuket even though hotel rates are the highest so is occupancy.

Talk to BM's to see about best tours and everything but it is Christmas and everything will be busy. You will probably do better on price in LOS(Thailand) but at least have confirmed space if you pre book.

Excellent time to dive in Phuket so that should be good.

Also Europeans travel to Phuket and stay for long periods of time so that makes it hard to get hotels over Christmas. Most board members(BM's) on the forum are from Europe and never do less than 2 weeks in LOS, maybe not all in Phuket but still some of their time.

aussie dollar · #3 14-09-2005, 05:55

Rooms this time of year would be easy.
different views on deals some BMs walk in off street others reckon
pre-book on internet on such as
http://www.phuket-info.com/hotels.htm
or
http://www.asiarooms.com/

some guest friendly hotels here

http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6567
http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3143

not into diving some other BM will give you some info on that im sure.

by the way welcome to the board

seafox · #4 14-09-2005, 06:26

Hey AD,

He is trying to go over Christmas, not now. That is why I told him to book the hotel.

too early in the morning over there in OZ?

How are your greyhounds doing? Have they been winning enough for another trip to LOS?

imd8ta · #5 14-09-2005, 06:33

A bit clearer now. I know I'd get varied opinions but not that different.
Guess I'd better start plan this thing out and get booking.
Just want a good beach to chill at with nightlife close.
Thanks for the posts so far..........you to AD

seafox · #6 14-09-2005, 06:47

Not sure AD saw your dates but the 2 threads he sent you have good info if you need a hotel that allows you to bring BG's over at no extra cost. Check on that thread first if you are going to bring girls(BG's) back to hotel if that is what you want to do. Then check prices with websites that he gave you.

Internet prices in Thailand are best way to go for booking if you need to pre book.

Similans are good for diving, quiet, calm waters on eastern side facing Phuket with sloping coral reefs that have soft corals, hard corals and decent fish life. Northern, Southern, and especially western sides of island more exposed, big boulders with large gorgonians, not much soft coral but chance to see big animals. Leopard sharks, Mantas maybe. Do a short liveaboard to Northern Thailand(Richelieu Rock) if you get the chance.

fun2have · #7 14-09-2005, 08:25

4 days bkk to see the sights, then down to phuket i would say pre book over the net especially for that time of the year.

girl friendly hotels are listed on this site.

I am a lover of the issan so my views are too biased on this subject to say its worth going too or not.

If you intend to return to Los shortly you will have some time to go north and the north east.

All BMs would know many who have travelled many times to Los and never left bkk, patong or pattaya.
We find a spot we like and we return time after time.

i think 3 weeks diving, partying and relaxing at phuket you will need 1 month to recover when you go home.

aussie dollar · #8 14-09-2005, 12:13

SEAFOX could still find acc at christmas by walking in,but yes i read the post wrong and prices now on internet probaly would be cheaper
greyhounds have payed for my next 2 trips
29 sept till 12 oct
and 26th dec till 17 jan
reckon they may just pay for a few more for next year also.

seafox · #9 14-09-2005, 22:45

I think I need to get some greyhounds!

Glad to hear that they are successful still. Double win for you, take home the purse and win the bet also. I would like to go a Xmas also but have trip to Philippines in November so looking to go to Phuket in April/May 2006. Wish I could go sooner.

Have a couple of great trips.

marc26 · #10 15-09-2005, 01:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie dollar

SEAFOX could still find acc at christmas by walking in,but yes i read the post wrong and prices now on internet probaly would be cheaper
greyhounds have payed for my next 2 trips
29 sept till 12 oct
and 26th dec till 17 jan
reckon they may just pay for a few more for next year also.

hey cliff,
god i may be there when you are there next month. its going to be my "going back to work party"

Mav · #11 15-09-2005, 07:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox

I think I need to get some greyhounds!

Don't let them near IJ.....he will shoot them.

imd8ta · #12 16-09-2005, 10:51

I've actually just booked the flight. Arrive BKK on 12-7 close to midnight and leave on 1-14. Decided to extend it and take advantage of the free fare.
I've heard various stories on visa's. I have a US passport good for 30 days in country. Looking at visa requirments as I'm there for 38 days.
I figure now a week in BKK, another in Phuket (out b4 Christmas) back to Pattaya for a week and then have another 16 to either backtrack or go north.
Any thoughts?????

marc26 · #13 16-09-2005, 11:00

just go to the thai consulate ihouston and get a 60day tourist visa. you can also get a 10day extension while you are in phuket or pattaya. pretty easy tat way tpp. just ask whee immigration is. yu are real lucky, i would think, getting a flight with miles that time of year. what airline you flying with and whats your route from houston?

imd8ta · #14 16-09-2005, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2have

I am a lover of the issan so my views are too biased on this subject to say its worth going too or not.

As you've been there, I'd still like your opinion. Every BM is biased but I'm looking for something other than sitting in a bar or layin' up with someone.
Oh, I'll certainly leave my share of body fluids behind, but there's more to LOS than that.

imd8ta · #15 16-09-2005, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

just go to the thai consulate ihouston and get a 60day tourist visa. you can also get a 10day extension while you are in phuket or pattaya. pretty easy tat way tpp. just ask whee immigration is. yu are real lucky, i would think, getting a flight with miles that time of year. what airline you flying with and whats your route from houston?

Flying American. Houston to Chicago (or LA) to Tokyo to BKK. Back thru Osaka to LA to Dallas to Houston. Don't really care about the time as it's Firsr/Business class all the way and I'll not be jammed up in coach. That's one of the reasons for extending to trip....110,000 miles.

fun2have · #16 18-09-2005, 12:04

when in udon i would hire a car 1000bt a day and take a trip out to the Ban Chiang world heritage sight.

trip down to Erawan Cave is a cracker but take heaps of water for those steps.

a nice lazy trip up to nong khai and have a leisurely lunch at the river. 2 nice little guest houses near the market

airfares bkk to udon about 2000 on thai air, nok air cheaper.

hotels in udon 1200 down to 350 for the less luxurious hotels.

the night life is ok and if you want some p4p action the locals or tuk tuk drivers will direct you. (girls mainly from laos). Moon Bar on the ring road is like an upmarket thai p4p with some english speaking girls.

breakfast in the hotel forget it if it saves money and go to Mojo or Steves for a relaxing brunch.

Udon is not hugely exciting but it is real thailand and as such should be seen.

From udon you can fly to Chiang Mai or if you want to see Khon Kaen and Korat go by bus spending a couple of days in each.

I know KK has soapies (caesars) which udon does not have and has a nice little farang bar area.

The bkk, pattaya and phuket bgs will love it when you can say you have been to the issan.

imd8ta · #17 20-09-2005, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2have

I know KK has soapies (caesars) which udon does not have and has a nice little farang bar area.

Thanks, cut and pasted, Good info. Thanks
But

Soapies (caesars)........???

fun2have · #18 20-09-2005, 16:41

soapie is a very relaxing way of starting or ending the day.
body massage, nice warm water and the extras.

my first thing in phuket (christin) is always a soapie it relieves the jet lag, and prepares me for the night ahead

imd8ta · #19 20-09-2005, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2have

soapie is a very relaxing way of starting or ending the day.
body massage, nice warm water and the extras.

my first thing in phuket (christin) is always a soapie it relieves the jet lag, and prepares me for the night ahead

Ok a massage, One of the many treats I intend to experience as I get one here on a weekly basis , but Caesar and Christin ? Whats that about?