[Asia] Thailand - Phuket

[thotshouse]

Hi, I am going to Phuket during the June holidays for 4 days. Any suggestion on the itinerary and places of interest?

This is my current plan.

• Day 1 - Check in to hotel and walk around the town area - Street & sunset photography
• Day 2 - Island hopping and snorkeling. I was told that Khai Island is very nice. Any good suggestion on which package is good? - underwater photography
• Day 3 - Spend morning along beach. Afternoon go shopping and some street photography. Any good recommendation?
• Day 4 - Check out

[andrOo]

hey, which beach you will be going? cause some beaches are quite far away. Anyway, if you were to be at patong beach that stretch, there's a big shopping center there. And if you walk along the beaches, you might see some guys with cars, offering you a day of trip, whereby they will bring you around, for 300-400 baht iirc. there's a gun range there, can check it out. =) enjoy yourself..

[thotshouse]

I am staying @ holidayinn along Patong beach. I hope it doesn't rain when I am there.

[Shen siung]

Hi there,

Patong is frequent by a lot of tourist, so if you like the crowd, it will be fine. As it is full of different people from different places, street candid should be fine.

From what I know, to take different style of sunset, you may wish to travel to other beach, but it is not nearby patong and if you take taxi it will not be cheap.

I personally enjoy the visit to Phuket town, it is about 40 min drive from Patong beach. It is just a typical small town, less touristy, and full of various old style (say post WWII) shop lots.

You may take bus there, but I ride a motorcycle there.

Regarding island hoping, the price may varies, best thing is the 1st day you go out walk around to compare the price there. A lot of small stall offering various tour, and most offer hotel pick up. Usually (not always), my own experience, the more you pay, the better you get.

[ahbian]

Be prepared for rainy days, its the season over there now. But the good thing is, prices will be slashed to attract tourists.

[thotshouse]

Originally Posted by Shen siung From what I know, to take different style of sunset, you may wish to travel to other beach, but it is not nearby patong and if you take taxi it will not be cheap.

Any recommendation on the nice beaches (other than patong)? Preferably if there are some nice (and cheap) seafood nearby so that we head for dinner after the sunset.

[ahbian]

There are many many beaches, three of the more popular/crowded are (from most crowded to least) Patong, Karon, Kata. Prices also go up with popularity.

For a good view of the sunset, you might want to visit Prom Thep Cape (south part of phuket), it is a popular tourist viewing point. You can expect the usual fare of restaurants there also.

[Sardinecan]

For cheap & good Thai food, you can try the arcade at Patong Tower. Patong Tower is the all tallest building on Patong beach. You can't miss it. Eat at 'Sweet Restaurant'. After that have the banana-nutella crepe from one of the road side stalls. To end the day go back to the Patong Tower arcade & get Thai massage at the 'Original One' (Orange) Thai massage shop.

If you are feeling rich, go to 'Baan Rim Pah' It's on the hill just north of Patong beach. Go before sunset & watch the sun go down over dinner.

The food at the Big Mall, Jungceylon is not bad. Eat at the food court at the basement. Must top up a stored value card to purchase food. If you drive, parking at Jungceylon is free for the first 3 hrs as long as you purchase 100baht worth of stuff from the mall. Have fun!

[r0n1n]

imho, the beach at patong is not that nice. they say karon beach is much better and less crowded. if you love water activities, patong is the place. do try parasailing...it's awesome! if you're lucky, you'l be accompanied by a monkey while you're up there "flying"

i second the banana-nutella crepe..must try

if you're into island hopping, don't miss phi phi island

[nemesis32]

u can try charter a speedboat if budget is flexible... i think it's about US$180/day or something..they will drive you out to some small island where you can snorkel and have lunch on the beach. I think the island i went is now a 4-5star hotel liaoz.. haiz..

[zeith]

If you're interested in island hopping, Khai Nok island is the best.. Enjoyed myself snorkelling at there..

[thotshouse]

What about Phuket Fantasea? Is it suitable for children below 8 years? From the reviews that I have read, it seems like a lame show and there isn't much scenic to take photographs too.

[thotshouse]

Originally Posted by zeith If you're interested in island hopping, Khai Nok island is the best.. Enjoyed myself snorkelling at there..

Is this the one with Phang Nga Bay (limestone islands) ?

[srinivasanj]

You should not miss out on Maya Bay. This was the location where the movie 'The Beach' was shot.

Below is a shot from this area...there are zillion places in Phuket where you can go shooting. I didnt manage much unfortunately.

[nemesis32]

i thought the BEACH was shot in Koh Phi Phi, which became famous after the movie.

[trucatus]

I just came back 2 days back. Very sunny now skin is peeling..... I was in Surin, lesser crowd.

[thotshouse]

Originally Posted by trucatus I just came back 2 days back. Very sunny now skin is peeling..... I was in Surin, lesser crowd.

That's good cos I am going there 2 days later.

Any good recommendation on where to go/eat/shoot?

[Wolfsfire]

Could you share some of your photos when you get back?? I hear it's absolutely gorgeous over there and relatively affordable for a great travel destination. I hope to go and visit Thailand myself one day soon. Have a great time!!

[TsQ]

I was there last wk.. no rain.. but low season so things are quite, but price is still almost the same except hotel room now cheap.

island hopping is the best part for me, seeing those clear blue water that only postcard have..

[JoeJerry]

Plan to visit Phuket in 2 weeks later (1st time).
Is it safe to bring our dslr there?