Going to Phuket for 2 weeks (Mar 1-15). Could use any advice on accom or day trips

redrum22 on 18/02/2014 - 15:01

I've booked in my airfare and next thing on the list is accom. I've heard don't stay in Patong, and look to the beaches to the north or south. I'm used to booking resorts but find I don't really use their facilities and get out and about most of the day. Looking to maybe do this accom more on a budget, but at the same time don't want a dungeon.

Anyone have experience or recommendations on the budget accommodations around phuket?

Are Kata and Karun the best places to stay? Are the $40 - $80 pn places good? Going with the gf.

Considering trips to Phi Phi and Racha (and staying a night or two there).

Thanks for any input.

Travel

Comments

  • battler on 18/02/2014 - 15:22
    +1

    some tips here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/131308

    assume you haven't been there before.. have you been to Bali? (just trying to gauge your expectations).

    Staying out of the centre of Patong is OK…you will get the feel for busyness of Patong, but far enough away to avoid it when you want. (Patong is a coupe of kilometers long, so plenty of space top and bottom to avoid Bangla Road)

    Perhaps a week in Patong and a week in Karon/Kata.
    40-80 should be OK for budget, but check the reviews on Tripadvisor and/or Agoda.
    Plenty of well rated 3 star hotels in that range - make sure it has a pool (if that's a requirement for you).

    • redrum22 on 18/02/2014 - 16:56

      I have been to Bali. Stayed in Nusa Dua and while it was nice, was too 'resorty' and a bit out of the way. If I went again would stay somewhere like Seminyak. I suppose I'm ideally looking for the Seminyak of Phuket.

      • battler on 19/02/2014 - 11:01
        +1

        it's been a while since I was in Bali… but from memory (and correct me if it has changed) I think it was most bogan and seedy in Kuta, then got gradually better through Legian and towards Seminyak.
        So as a rough comparison, find Bangla Road in Patong and mark that as Kuta, then head north/south (within Patong) and that will be Legian and then Seminyak as you head 1-2kms out.
        Karon/Kata would definitely be in the Seminyak league.

        Obviously very rough comparisons, but trying to put some perspective on it since you have been to Bali.
        General note: Patong is not as bogan as Bali.

        As another suggestion, spend a week in Patong/Karon/Kata and a week in Khao Lak - much less hustle & bustle than Patong region, and some nice resorts to be had a cheaper prices.
        Taxi khao lak to patong about $70 (ish), 2 hours.

        • redrum22 on 19/02/2014 - 15:25

          is khao lak just resorts, or is there plenty of stuff to do in the area?

        • battler on 19/02/2014 - 18:50

          By comparison, it is just resorts. There's a few things to do there, but nowhere near as much as Phuket. After a hectic week in Patong, you may appreciate the relaxing nature of khao lak.

  • m2000 on 18/02/2014 - 15:59
    +2

    I agree with battler.
    Stay a week or so in patong and a week in karon/kata
    For the last few days you can even stay in a more luxury hotel, after you have enjoyed and done all the touristic/scenic stuff…where you can relax and enjoy their facilities.
    PhiPhi is really nice, I think it is worth staying at least one night there! (if you like taking photos probably one if not the best place) Go early in the AM.

  • ode1online on 18/02/2014 - 16:15
    +1

    I stayed in PATONG my first trip to Thailand (deevena patong)
    agree , it can be a bit busy, remember THAI's see you as an ATM .LOL

    March is still high season , so prices can be a bit higher than expected , its usually drops from april to October.

    A friend of mine likes to stay at kamala beach resort with his fiancé, he likes it as they have a no kids under 15 policy, and a few big pools to choose from as well as the proximity to a beach.

    check out Agoda for popular hotels and use trip advisor as a reference, but remember to only use trip advisor as a guide and not to take it all as gospel.

    good luck

  • xyron on 18/02/2014 - 16:43
    +1

    I've been to Phuket twice now, I love Thailand but won't be in a hurry to go back to Phuket. Next time I go to Thailand it'll probably be to Krabi for some rock climbing and/or up north to Chiang Mai and surrounds.

    Patong is a sight that has to be seen and experienced. Excellent for a bucks weekend or travelling with other mates, not so great if you are travelling with the girlfriend.

    I would probably recommend staying further south or north of Patong, Kamala is quite nice but a bit out of the way (not an issue if you decide to hire a car, which I have done twice before - driving in Thailand is really easy).

    Definitely head to Phi Phi for at least a couple of days. Old Phuket Town is also worth checking out over the course of an afternoon.

    • redrum22 on 18/02/2014 - 18:56

      already did that before posting. the relevant posts seemed to be more about either families with kids or bucks type trips.

  • ilsan0 on 19/02/2014 - 18:52

    hey guys, dont mean to thread crap, but looking for tickets syd>HKT in mid july but not having much luck.

    Is around $890 the cheapest with Air asia
    should i jump?

    • battler on 19/02/2014 - 20:15

      at that price look at jetstar for direct flight, even if a couple of $ more.
      try also scoot.
      i would never pay 900 syd to hkt… would be looking in the 500-700 range…. guess it depends on peak/school holidays, etc.

      • ilsan0 on 19/02/2014 - 21:08

        yeah got school reunion so am stuck with dates

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join