Just back report 21/07 - 01/08

Our JBR 21st Jul – 1st Aug

I haven’t posted much on this forum (yet) but all the information I ever needed was already here – so THANKS to everyone who is a regular contributor, your help was much appreciated and all was useful. Also, I love reading all the JBR’s so I thought I would add our holiday journey as well (sorry it may be a bit long)

Well we came back on Thursday and I am now suffering from a severe case of post holiday blues … The trip over and back was both with Thai airways, the flights were good but I found the service and food served to be quite poor (maybe my husband and I were spoilt on our first trip with Thai back in Nov 2005 which was excellent). The flight back was horrible only because it was so late – left Bangkok at 11:45 pm and arrived in Perth at 7:00am (and we still had customs to go) – and travelling with young kids is always a challenge, next time I think we will try to get in at a reasonable time if possible.

Accommodation: We all stayed at the Holiday Inn (there were 13 Adults and 3 Children). My husband, stepdaughter and I all stayed in a Kids Suite … I was initially disappointed with the Hotel and the room but changed my mind in the next day – the staff were beautiful and the bed was fabulous. My brother and his family were in a Family Suite and this room was just great, strongly recommend people with young kids to try these rooms out, everyone will have a ball! The rest of the group all had superior rooms, and these are nice, clean rooms. The location was just perfect for all of us, markets out the back and front, restaurants everywhere, and the beach across the road … wish I was there now!! Another couple we knew who were there stayed at the Ban Thai (think that is how you spell it) and they both said that this hotel was great and they would definitely be going back there again.

Food: We ate a few different restaurants, I have to say Sweets was one of the highlights for me – Service and food were both excellent and there were so many of us and they still did separate bills for all of us (most restaurants did if you asked). We also ate at Patong Seafood, S and G, Savoey, Point Break (or Break Point) and a couple of others which I now can’t remember the names of… The only one I was disappointed in was Savoey, service was really slow and a fan above our table shorted out and the blades came raining down on half of us and there wasn’t even an apology … probably won’t be going there again.

Shopping: I just love walking through the streets in Patong, even with the tailors and taxi drivers … by the end of the holiday most of them would recognise us and just say “No suit for you” and smile at us, I found if you answered with a smile and a laugh they would let you be. Also, on a side note, loved the guy dressed as a cowboy (think he was working for a restaurant called Karlsons??) “Howdy Partner … do you wanna ssshhhhtteeeak” he provided all of us with endless hours of entertainment.

We really didn’t buy too much we did buy a lot of DVD’s (at Kitty’s and so far they have all been good – still a lot to go through though :)). I bought a lot of silk stuff i.e. tablecloths, table runners, cushion covers etc and my partner bought quite a few clothes and Boardies. Prices most of us paid are below:

DVD’s, CD’s 60 Baht (sometimes 50 Baht)

T-shirts 200 Baht

Board shorts (Surfie Brands) 400 Baht

Men’s Shorts (Surfie Brands) 600 Baht

Sunglasses (all brands) 200 Baht

Silk Cushion Covers 90 Baht

Silk Tablecloths (large sizes) 450 Baht

Silk Table runners 400 Baht

We also bought some art work from the Ban Lamaii art gallery on Beach Road – Prices vary we bought a very large piece which was in 4 parts and we loved it think in the end we probably could have got it cheaper but we were happy anyway :)

Tours: We didn’t get as much done as we would have liked, it’s hard to get such a large group of people heading in the same direction haha we went out to Phi Phi and Krabi islands – the tour company was OK (can’t remember the name even though they told us three times) and the tour guide more than made up for it he was such a laugh. One of the guides on the boat took us out quite a distance on Krabi island for snorkelling to look for reef sharks and we got to see a couple (I can’t believe I had the guts to do that and when I saw the first shark I did think about going back to shore – but the reef out there was just beautiful - not like closer to shore where it has been destroyed).

We all went to Fantasea as well, everyone really enjoyed our evening out but we all said we should have gone earlier as we missed out on seeing a lot as you walked in (especially if you have young children with you I suggest). We did the buffet and show and would recommend others to try this out as well, the sheer size of the buffet hall is amazing and something to see.

I wanted to do the Hongs by Starlight but didn’t get a chance – looks like I will need to go back again ..haha

All in all – we had a blast and all want to go back again … I am already researching new places to go and see :)

Sorry for the long read (and a repeat of information already given) but it’s nice to have a sneak peak into someone else’s holiday :)

All the best,

Jo

Just back report 21/07 - 01/08

Thanks Jo,

That was a great read. Glad you all had a good time, and shopped well !!

It%26#39;s can%26#39;t be good having fan blades interupting dinner by landing in it. I%26#39;ll must make a mental note of that one........

Have fun planning your next trip.

Jubby

Just back report 21/07 - 01/08

A few things i forgot ...

Weather - was pretty good for the 11 days we were there, one day of full rain and most other days had a shower at some stage (this didn%26#39;t hamper as at all, we were still swimming, drinking, doing tours ect :)

Bangla Road - what a hoot!! 6 of us went out for a night out here can%26#39;t say there was a problem with the bar girls at all, they can see you are in a couple and are all good fun. Went to a go-go bar and while the biys enjoyed :) and I don%26#39;t think i would go back, think we made other men in there feel uncomfortable haha ... All the katoeys were fun, but geee don%26#39;t take their photo without being paid haha saw them getting quite stroppy with a few people!!

Went to Dino Park - this was good fun, and the bar and reatuarnt look great - but please remember to take mosquito repellant haha i will remember for next ime ...

Bought handbags (from secret rooms - not sure that makes any difference) and the cheapest i could get them for was 1500 baht. I was happy with that ....

OK - think that is everything now.

Jo

Hi Jo,

Enjoyed reading your report, was the Kitty%26#39;s near Sweets Restaurant or was it near O Top markets?

Cheers,

Stewie.

Hi Jo, thanks for the report, the longer the better....I know excatly what you mean about trying to get a large group all wanting to do the same thing!!!!This time there will only be 8 of us going to Phuket so might be a bit easier.

Thanks for all of the tips and happy planning for your return trip :)

Rene

Hi Jo, what a great read,

If fact it wasn%26#39;t long enough, thanks so much for sharing your hols with us,

Sweets was one of our Favourite eats when no one could make up their mind where to go.

So glad you all enjoyed yourself s

Cheers, Pete.

Thanks for a great read Jo. Enjoyed it all.

Kerri

Hi Stewie

We went to both Kitty%26#39;s - The one at Otop markets would never go below 60 Baht (which was fine) and the one on Beach Road was the same (however we went in there a couple of times when no one else was there and they dropped the price to 50 Baht - that could be because we bought so many though :)). We also found that at the beginning of our holiday they didn%26#39;t have much selection, but a shipment must have come in on the 4th or 5th day cause the shelves were packed by then ...

Cheers

Jo

Thanks Jo

I agree, that is a nice concise report, not like my ramblings.

I think you are a brave woman trying to coordinate that many people, you did really well.

Keep looking you will find so many more things to try for next time.

Lee

Hi Jo,

What a great read, thanks for your JBR.

I%26#39;m interested in buying some artwork, do you remember how much you paid? I%26#39;m after some pretty big paintings, maybe 1-2 metres, how big are yours and did they roll and package them for you? I have a beautiful painting of frangapanis that my parents brought home from Phuket a couple of years ago and I want to get a couple more.

We leave in 4 weeks and we%26#39;ve booked a kidsuite at the Holiday Inn. What made you initally dissapointed with the room? Will it be a bit squishy with 2 kids?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Ta, Bec

Hi Bec

Happy to answer any questions :)

Artwork is a really good price over there ... most paintings you see are copies with slight variations, most of these in about the size you are after were priced around 8000 Baht - but believe me you can barter for these and get them cheaper. When we got our frst piece in Nov 05 we got a picture of buddha%26#39;s head for approx $100 AUS (it%26#39;s about 1.5m by 2m). The piece we got this time was rather expensive as it was an original and it was in 4 pieces which were approx 0.8m by 1.5m each - we paid $1000 AUS for this one ... slightly over our budget (but thank god for Credit Cards). We probably could have got this cheaper but we didn%26#39;t try very hard!!

The only reason i was slightly dissapointed in this room is because i had really high expectations, and in the pictures on the hotel website the room looks much bigger than what it really is. We didn%26#39;t have a sitting area, we only had the king size bed with a desk ... and i was expecting the extra room of the sitting area, so slightly dissapointed. I am not sure of this was just our room, but you may want to check it out cause there wasn%26#39;t as much space as orginally anticipated. :) But it is still a wonderful hotel.

Sorry for the length of the reply ...

Cheers

Jo

help with decision

hi everyone .

still trying to work out where i want to go .

i can stay at either..... krabi , phuket or samui .

first time over for me .

what are people preferences of these 3 places and why ?

your input will help me make my choice , obviously samui is a little bit more expensive to get to , but thats ok .

i am not really a '; lay on the beach all day '; person so cleanest beach is not a problem , more of things to see and do would be more of a preference to me .

thanks for your input .

cheers

batt

help with decision

Hey Batt

Blogs are up and running....

For things to see and do you should choose Phuket probably.... Or Samui... both have good areas for day trips...

Phuket you could do Phi Phi Island or Khao Sok or Khao Lak or John Gray Hong By Starlight.... Rawai Beach...

Samui you can do snorkelling at Ang Thong Marine National Park or visit Ko Phangan.. explore the island....

Reet x

help with decision

thanks reet

i got onto your blogg last night .

only got to read bangkok though , then got busy ...havent had a chance to get back to it again yet , but i will.

anyone else with any thoughts to add ??????

cheers

batt

For what you seem to want, and ease, I would suggest Phuket. Get a hotel on Patong beach. The area is very user friendly.

I%26#39;ve stayed here; http://www.safaribeachhotel.com

fair price, nice rooms, great location.

You should be able to find a better price than advertised on their website by googling it.

you read my mind , that is the hotel that i had picked out if stay there ,only thing is it goes up in prce in march quite considerably .

can i ask what room you stayed in ?.....the website rooms , dont seem to match the agents descriptions ...that is - they have a room called the safari delux room , yet agoda only have deluxe rooms ...all very confusing as the safari website has 3 deluxe style rooms ....lol

and it is really hard to choose a room .

i also read that there is 2 parts to this hotel ...which is the best part to stay in ?

thanks for your help

cheers

batt

I stayed on the ground floor next to the pool, it was the cheapest of the rooms, and was very comfortable.

Keep searching for the best price, and don%26#39;t be afraid to contact the Hotel directly, and ask them if they can beat your lowest quote.

thanks a million Fourb2

i am searching now ....lol ..... giving myself a headache ! ....lol

cheers

batt

HH to Khao Takiab

We%26#39;re heading to HH in 10 days time after Bangkok and Cambodia. The beach at Khao Takiab looks nicer than at Hua Hin. How much is a tuk-tuk / taxi rather than the songthaew from the Sofitel to there? Also, would it be able to drop us off at the beach rather than at Chopstick Hill? Thanks.

HH to Khao Takiab

The Songthaew ( pick-up buses ) run along the main Petchkassem Road, a couple of minutes walk from the Sofitel and then turn into the main market area.

The fare is 10 Baht all the way to Khao Takiab ( chopstick Hill ) but they stop at the bottom of the hill area, you can wander to the Khao takiab beach which runs north from Khao Takiab past Wora Bura, Hyatt / Chiva Som etc or you can walk to the beach around the corner at Takiab Bay / Suan Son, a tuk-tuk from town probably around 120 Baht all the way to either of those beach areas.

HH to Khao Takiab

Thanks! Looking forward to getting there now.

the bees

extension to sqltableprovider

Phuket - best resort for restaurants & relaxation?

Everyone has been so helpful so far that we have planned 2 weeks of our holiday simply on Trip Advisor recommendations! Here is the final week and we have 7 days to fill in Phuket

We would like to stay in Phuket and in a resort that could offer us the following:-

1) Not TOO lively or too young - we are in our mid thirties

2) Good restaurants - we%26#39;re foodies so we%26#39;ll be trying a new one each night and would be good if we could walk to them

3) Nice beach, perhaps pretty, nice views

4) An accommodation that is 3/4 star - not too expensive but possibly a little oriental and not too colossal

5) Lots of trips out - Phrang Nga, Phi Phi - we want to divide our days between sights %26amp; sun

Any help from anyone would be lovely.

Many thanks

P

Phuket - best resort for restaurants %26amp; relaxation?

Where on Phuket is a big issue as it is a large island with many different options for areas - so it depends a bit on what you like. And you will find that the average visitor here is not so young - your age limit won%26#39;t be too hard to meet.

Great food is everywhere.

So . . . the real limits are keeping the cost down while still getting a sea view from a not-so-large resort that is an easy walk to good restaurants. IMO this is much easier to do if you head somewhere like Kamala Beach - just 12 minutes north of Patong. A little less well known, it is not as crowded as the main tourist areas - but still has all the amenities.

Kamala Beach Resort is a good option - views from many rooms, great stretch of beach shack restaurants just to the north of the resort - and the restaurant area of town is about a five minute walk down the beach. Layalina is another option in the area but more upscale - but does have some special touches.

Andaman Bang Tao Bay Resort on Bang Tao Beach is another decent option - bungalows on absolute beach front.

Kamala Dreams is a pretty special and small (only 16 rooms if I remember correctly) - again in Kamala Beach.

A good review of the Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao Beach areas is at:

www.PhuketGoldCoast.com

There is info on restaurants, walking tours, local markets and of course - hotels.

Phuket - best resort for restaurants %26amp; relaxation?

Hi there,

We have been to Phuket twice (going back next year) once staying in Kata and once in Karon at the Marina Phuket resort.

We would definitley go back to the Marina, its a great hotel for relaxing at the pool and you can also walk from the hotel on the beach.

It is in great walking distance to restaurants (many right on your doorstep) and 3 part of your hotel.

You can get great deals booking online directly with the hotel.

We also stayed at Diamond cottages this year (we had booked to go to Patong but loved the area and restaurants of Karon so much we stayed) which is across the road from the Marina. It was not as modern as the Marina, but the pool was relaxing, the bedroom big and very clean, fitted our purpose perfectly and was very central. Not too expensive and has an oriental appeal.

Good luck,

Carinna

Ted ,

Will you please stop plugging the Andaman BangTao Resort!!

We were at the Best Western Bang Tao resort in May this year, and

we loved The Andaman Bang Tao Resort!!

The restaurant is great and I had a look at the bungalows and they are so nice.

All overlooking the sea !!

Please stop it or the price will go up and I won%26#39;t be able to afford

to stay there next year.

Really Ted%26#39;s advice is spot on!!

Lindy.

I agree with Carinna re Marina Phuket, we stayed there in April and it%26#39;s lovely (so did Lindy).

Hi Lindy, funny you like the Andaman Bang Tao Bungalows, we wished we%26#39;d stayed in them for a few days last time too. Also hoping to get there on next trip.

Lee

Woo hoo! OK, I%26#39;m now going to spend the next hour searching all your recommendations. Keep them coming. I think our priority it to have somewhere pretty where we can find a different restaurant every night ... although I know I%26#39;ll justhave the prawns every time ... and plenty of trips out in the day.

We were thinking of Kamala but thought it might be a little too quiet so we%26#39;re swaying towards Kata. Will give it a second luck now.

Thanks P

First trip to Samui

Hi everyone,

We%26#39;re planning to vist Koh Samui/Tao/Phanghea in mid- to late-November. The last time we visited Thailand, we did not need to make hotel reservations at all since hotels were readily available at all places we visited from Bangkok to Chang Mai to Phuket/Koh Phi Phi.

Given that November is the low/monsoon season in Koh Samui, do you know if I need to book hotels in advance, or we can easily get one once we arrive at the Samui airport? Our budget is approximately USD $100 per night.

Thanks!

First trip to Samui

HI

you should be able to get hotel once you reach Koh Samui.

I like to book the first night or two before then I don%26#39;t have to worry about finding a place when I arrive and I am tired and hungry.

then the next day if you don%26#39;t like the place it is easy to find another place when you are rested.

you usually get a better deal on the internet then walking up.

If you come in after dark at the airport it is hard to see and find anything as it is an outside airport. not much lighting.

First trip to Samui

hi

agree with the last poster about booking before on the internet to save money, even if its only a few days before you arrive, its definately more expensive to book on the front desk,

in november none of the hotels will be full unless there are some conferences on in the big ones, hope that helps

How much could be the difference between walk-in price and internet price?

HI

kata1

I saved 600 baht a night at hotel in Chaing Mai.

I made a last min trip to Chaing Mai last June

found hotel I liked on internet but didn%26#39;t have enough time to book on line I went to hotel and asked for same price as internet they said no I would have to pay 1800 Baht. for the night. but the receptionist told me to pay for just the first night then go book rest of my stay on internet she even told me go outside to internet cafe because the internet in lobby cost too much.

I did and got the same room for 1200 baht.

I didn%26#39;t even have to change rooms

I had booked a delux room first night the internet was run of the house.

Amari Palm Reef or Central samui beach resort - help!

Hi,

I have booked 10 nights at centara grand beach resort ( formerly central samui beach resort) in october, however they have just confirmed that the building works that are on going will not be finished at this time.. I now have the option with my travel agent to move to a different resort. I%26#39;d like to stay in the same area. Centara grand can not confirm what kind of works will be going on, they have said I will get a newly renovated room and will be upgraded for the bother but I don%26#39;t know if this would make up for any disruptions to our stay.. has anyone been recently and could advise or should I just book the amari palm reef nearby, which has better reviews on this forum anyway... any help much appreciated.

Amari Palm Reef or Central samui beach resort - help!

That`s a tough decision for you sorry I can`t really help aside from the fact that both resorts attract consistently good reviews.Centara is a very big resort so maybe the noise won`t be noticeable or would cause minmal disruption, only someone who has been there recently can help.

Amari %26amp; Centara aren`t near each other.Centara is at the southern end of Chaweng,Amari is towards the northern end

Amari Palm Reef or Central samui beach resort - help!

Thanks for the reply jamiesamui... would you know which location would be better - north or south chaweng??

In my opinion the southern end.

The southern end has the better beach %26amp; water condition%26#39;s is reasonably quiet(not as full on as main Chaweng)%26amp; has some nice restaurants,shopping %26amp; entertainment options in the general area also it`s only a relaxing 20 min walk or 5 min songtaew ride into the main eating entertainment %26amp; shopping part of Chaweng.

The northern end where Amari is 5 mins from the main part of Chaweng.The beach at the Amari tends to be a bit narrow %26amp; there is a reef in the vicinity of there which at times makes swimming difficult but that is easily overcome by going on to the beach %26amp; turning right %26amp; just walk until you find a spot nearby that you like.

Either place you decide in my opinion you`ll enjoy, there is not that much difference between them.They are not poles apart in what they offer.I just like the southern end.

Hope this helps

Jamie

I forgot

The Amari has a lovely Italian restaurant called Pregos very nice food a tad expensive compared to some other places but you expect that eating within a resort,

A plus for Amari is that you are very near the ';action';plenty of eating,shopping %26amp; entertainment nearby.

Hi,

My husband and I spent 2weeks at the Central in June it was our second visit. We love the location which is on the best part of Chaweng beach (white sand and crystal clear water). Restaurants up and down the beach which is an easy walk along the waters edge. Yes, there was some construction at the hotel but it didnt bother us as we were in the other wing closer to the pool and beach bar/restaurant. Our room was in the 600range ground floor. The Central has a great pool and a deck area overlooking the beach.

Last year we stayed at the Chaweng Regent which is on the northern end of Chaweng nearer to the Amari and even though the Regent is a beautiful resort the beach area isnt much you cannot really swim there. Ive checked out the Amari on my walks even had a swim in their pool it certainly looks a nice resort but a shame about the location Im afraid. Also it spans 2sides of the road. Friends of ours had a room in the garden area not by the sea. They enjoyed the Amari but it was their first time to Samui and they didnt bother to venture far to compare what else was around.

I loved sitting at the beach bar during happy hour at the Central and looking out over the beautiful beach area.

If you want a nice restaurant try Olivio%26#39;s (italian) they have courtesy transfers and the food is excellent .

Hope this helps a little

Glennie

Not sure about the other resort you are looking at...but the Amari is on both sides of the road. So you will have to determine whether you want to be in the part of the hotel that is beachside...much busier as that is where the main pool is and the restaurants...

or weather you want to be across the road...this area would be quieter, it still has its own pool, but there was no poolside service when we stayed...maybe this has changed.

We stayed across the road, away from the beach...only because it was all they had, it was very quiet and we virtually had the pool all to ourselves and where able to take drinks from our room to poolside.

Hi We have stayed in them both and both have good points. We have though gone back to the Amari twice.

The beach here is not as good but it is nearer to where the action is on the beach at night.

Walkable to all the nightlife.

Jamie is right about Prego it is devine.

The rooms are on both sides of the road and it has two pools.

The rooms at the very back can be a bit of a trek.

The service here is excellent. It was at the central but we found a bit more stiff and stilted.

The breakfast at the Amari is wonderful and you will find many people comment on this in their reviews.

When we stayed at the central we were upgraded to a suite for our silver wedding and it was lovely.

I find that end of Chewang a bit more up market just a few different shops etc. The rooms there were ready to be up graded from recent things that i had read. They have a lovely pool.

The two hotels at at seperate ends of chewang beach.

Hard one not sure what I would do to be honest. No help there then !!

What ever you will love Samui.

Sheraton Pool Building

I%26#39;ve heard that the Sheraton is building a second pool - can anyone tell me if that is correct and if so when it will be ready for. Also is there much distuption at the hotel because of it.

Thanks

Sheraton Pool Building

Yes, they are building a second pool with swim up bar (says the information on the website on Sheraton.com). On their own website they say it should be finished at the end of October.

We are going there for two weeks arriving at the end of October so I have searched alot for info myself. If you visit in October (which I think you will from your other post) there will probably not be any ';noisy'; work left. Only silente works. Or maybe it is already finished and ready for use.

I%26#39;ve read from different visitors who has been there past months about the work because of the new pool, but the ';disturbing'; work should defenitely end soon or maybe it already has.

(Crossing my fingers and hope they manage their time schedule.)

:-)