Thailand again… Phuket suggestions
Discussion
Hi all,
Can’t stay away from the place, it seems. Wanted some winter sun and was nearly going to push the button on Bali until I realised it was peak monsoon there! Have 2 weeks in Feb flying into and out of Phuket. Not bothering with BKK at all this time, Qantas via Singapore. Had some great suggestions 18 months ago from griffith4ever and others.
I’m aware it divides opinions, but we really liked Phuket on a stopover last time, beautiful historic hotel in Old Town that is booked again. Also loved Koh Jum and its vibe but keen to branch out. Transited through Phi Phi for a couple of nights and it absolutely isn’t our thing!
Where’s good to go? Thinking a few days of National park/adventure and some beach relaxation. Quite happy to go simple accommodation-wise. Our Thailand level is around £30-£40 a night.
Are the Similan Islands worth a look?
Can’t stay away from the place, it seems. Wanted some winter sun and was nearly going to push the button on Bali until I realised it was peak monsoon there! Have 2 weeks in Feb flying into and out of Phuket. Not bothering with BKK at all this time, Qantas via Singapore. Had some great suggestions 18 months ago from griffith4ever and others.
I’m aware it divides opinions, but we really liked Phuket on a stopover last time, beautiful historic hotel in Old Town that is booked again. Also loved Koh Jum and its vibe but keen to branch out. Transited through Phi Phi for a couple of nights and it absolutely isn’t our thing!
Where’s good to go? Thinking a few days of National park/adventure and some beach relaxation. Quite happy to go simple accommodation-wise. Our Thailand level is around £30-£40 a night.
Are the Similan Islands worth a look?
One of our best holidays was staying in Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket, lovely area.
Did a day trip out to Phang Nga Bay, stopping off at various islands, canoeing through bat caves and swimming in lagoons.
Avoid the James Bond Island though, it will be jam packed.
The other islands will be quiet and peaceful.
We also did a speed boat trip to Ko Lon and Ko Thanan islands for a bit of snorkelling in crystal clear sea water, absolutely amazing..
Did a day trip out to Phang Nga Bay, stopping off at various islands, canoeing through bat caves and swimming in lagoons.
Avoid the James Bond Island though, it will be jam packed.
The other islands will be quiet and peaceful.
We also did a speed boat trip to Ko Lon and Ko Thanan islands for a bit of snorkelling in crystal clear sea water, absolutely amazing..
Can I suggest an elephant camp in the jungle of Khao Sok there are loads at all different price points only 2 hours from the airport.
https://www.khaosok.com/
https://www.khaosok.com/
Rent a motorcycle and go exploring, always do it, and around Phuket was where I enjoyed it most.
I would mot bother with a Phi Phi trip, unless you really want to, do a short one, it ain,t what it once was.Overnight was boring.
Found some fantastic deserted beaches, with a bike if you don,t like somewhere off you go, if the Welsh couple still have a bar, say hello if you happen to bump into it. Had some great nights there.
Would kill for Thai street food right now, hank marvin....
Enjoy.
I would mot bother with a Phi Phi trip, unless you really want to, do a short one, it ain,t what it once was.Overnight was boring.
Found some fantastic deserted beaches, with a bike if you don,t like somewhere off you go, if the Welsh couple still have a bar, say hello if you happen to bump into it. Had some great nights there.
Would kill for Thai street food right now, hank marvin....
Enjoy.
Anything sounds sensible in Thailand.
If renting a car make sure you have s credit card,a debit card won’t be accepted.
It used to be ok but with the proliferation of speed cameras they take the same approach across the whole business.Unless you find a Thai that will rent you his family car then none of it applies.
If renting a car make sure you have s credit card,a debit card won’t be accepted.
It used to be ok but with the proliferation of speed cameras they take the same approach across the whole business.Unless you find a Thai that will rent you his family car then none of it applies.
carreauchompeur said:
Hi all,
Can’t stay away from the place, it seems. Wanted some winter sun and was nearly going to push the button on Bali until I realised it was peak monsoon there! Have 2 weeks in Feb flying into and out of Phuket. Not bothering with BKK at all this time, Qantas via Singapore. Had some great suggestions 18 months ago from griffith4ever and others.
It's an addiction :-) - we are off in 3 weeks time, 25 day private tour in India, then a beach villa in Goa for 10 days, then off to Thailand for 7 weeks ;-)Can’t stay away from the place, it seems. Wanted some winter sun and was nearly going to push the button on Bali until I realised it was peak monsoon there! Have 2 weeks in Feb flying into and out of Phuket. Not bothering with BKK at all this time, Qantas via Singapore. Had some great suggestions 18 months ago from griffith4ever and others.
Koh Similian is very much a snorkelling thing. Unless its changed there is limited accom on the main island and nothing to do at all in the evenings. It was a long trip in a fast speedboat there, then fabulous snorkelling. Was supposed to be there 3 nights by bailed after 1 night and caught another boat back - might have just been us at the time.
Koh Sok was fascinating - did a trip there with an overnight stay in the jungle in a spider infested tree house. Canoe trips etc, and amazing tree canopy / zip line adventure. Hope you like heights :-)
This year we are going down further south than Jum to try out Koh Mook , Kraden & Ngai. Jum as well for sure. Then across to the other side for Chang and then try Lipe below - all in the air really - all I have booked is the flight from BKK to Krabi when we leave Goa.
Head to Ranong a small market town, about four hours drive North of Phucket, up the coast of the Andaman Sea. On the way there, you will pass some lovely beaches, resorts and restaurants, all presenting decent stop off points on your journey.
The town itself is like a Thai version of Keswick; plenty of accommodation options to suit every pocket if your looking for authentic Thai food, you’ll find it here, because that’s the only type of Thai food you can find, however, there are other options. Local shops (hardware) and the like, garages, farm supplies etc.
There are plenty of places to visit nearby, hills, rivers/waterfalls, temples, beaches and the Namtok Ngao National Park.
This is very much a working town as well as border town. You can see Myanmar across the sea, it used to be possible to do a Kawthaung to Ranong border crossing, not sure at the moment.
The town itself is like a Thai version of Keswick; plenty of accommodation options to suit every pocket if your looking for authentic Thai food, you’ll find it here, because that’s the only type of Thai food you can find, however, there are other options. Local shops (hardware) and the like, garages, farm supplies etc.
There are plenty of places to visit nearby, hills, rivers/waterfalls, temples, beaches and the Namtok Ngao National Park.
This is very much a working town as well as border town. You can see Myanmar across the sea, it used to be possible to do a Kawthaung to Ranong border crossing, not sure at the moment.
Me again!
Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
At present have 2 nights booked at Naiyang Beach on arrival. We then have a Khao Sok 2 night tour booked, but not for a day after. Any nice places to check out up the coast for a night en route?
After then we were thinking of going to Railay and thereafter Koh Jum/Pu for a few nights. Final 2 nights booked at lovely hotel we stayed at in old town Phuket last year.
Does this sound like a plan? Transfers wise I was just going to use Grab, unless anyone has more cunning suggestions? Just the two of us.
Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
At present have 2 nights booked at Naiyang Beach on arrival. We then have a Khao Sok 2 night tour booked, but not for a day after. Any nice places to check out up the coast for a night en route?
After then we were thinking of going to Railay and thereafter Koh Jum/Pu for a few nights. Final 2 nights booked at lovely hotel we stayed at in old town Phuket last year.
Does this sound like a plan? Transfers wise I was just going to use Grab, unless anyone has more cunning suggestions? Just the two of us.
carreauchompeur said:
Me again!
Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
At present have 2 nights booked at Naiyang Beach on arrival. We then have a Khao Sok 2 night tour booked, but not for a day after. Any nice places to check out up the coast for a night en route?
After then we were thinking of going to Railay and thereafter Koh Jum/Pu for a few nights. Final 2 nights booked at lovely hotel we stayed at in old town Phuket last year.
Does this sound like a plan? Transfers wise I was just going to use Grab, unless anyone has more cunning suggestions? Just the two of us.
Yeah, I'm here now - been here since Dec 20th. Nothing booked ahead of 8th Jan. No flights, nothing. Xmas and NYE required accom and flight booking in advance - always does, but its easing off now.Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
At present have 2 nights booked at Naiyang Beach on arrival. We then have a Khao Sok 2 night tour booked, but not for a day after. Any nice places to check out up the coast for a night en route?
After then we were thinking of going to Railay and thereafter Koh Jum/Pu for a few nights. Final 2 nights booked at lovely hotel we stayed at in old town Phuket last year.
Does this sound like a plan? Transfers wise I was just going to use Grab, unless anyone has more cunning suggestions? Just the two of us.
If you go to Koh Jum ask any questions - was there very recently and go most years. Currently in Koh Mook - bloody amazing. No cars, only bikes and tuk tuks so no roads, only wide block-paved pavements!. Its like fantasy island, and Charlie beach - the sea..... best I've experienced in Thailand.
carreauchompeur said:
Me again!
Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
I've always found somewhere to stay in Thailand. Not necessarily the best at busy times and sometimes expensive, but never had to sleep onthe beach Just starting to firm up some details. Generally like to wing it but since we have a relatively short stay and it seems quite busy in terms of hotels etc so don’t want to risk it.
Reassure me though, Thailand IS somewhere you will always sort something out, right?
But .. It does get very busy around Chinese new year, so take that into account.
I always hire a car. Driving is easy enough in daylight - lack of lighting on motorbikes make nightime driving more stressful.
carreauchompeur said:
Thanks… we went to Jum on your suggestion and loved it. Mook looks tantalising and very reasonable accommodation.
Looks like there are speedboats from Mook to Phuket, and from Krabi…how did you get there?
Road transport currently only unknown as we are short on time.
We got the big ferry from Jum (Krabi to Lanta ferry). 1hr 45 from Jum. Big ferry now stops at Jum new pier.Looks like there are speedboats from Mook to Phuket, and from Krabi…how did you get there?
Road transport currently only unknown as we are short on time.
There are loads of ferry option from here back to Krabi. Or a very short 30 min one to the mainland and thus trang airport.
Never been to koh mook but been to its neighbour koh Ngai about 12 years ago, found the best beach in Thailand on the south west coast there no long tails only a handful of people (straight out of the “Beach”)probably ruined now.
Stayed on the east coast where all the accommodations were (stayed Coco cottages) Hornbills in the trees , lizards running around on the beaches.
Of to Lipe in 2 weeks which is a very busy little Island with no cars etc and fantastic beaches can’t wait!
Stayed on the east coast where all the accommodations were (stayed Coco cottages) Hornbills in the trees , lizards running around on the beaches.
Of to Lipe in 2 weeks which is a very busy little Island with no cars etc and fantastic beaches can’t wait!
Edited by GT4P on Monday 6th January 08:34
Mook is bloody great. Off on a private long tail tour tomorrow. Still unspoilt, not many longtails on Charlie beach. Sailed past Ngai and it didn't look busy or spoilt in any way. Mook is a must-not-miss. Weather forcast on this side is a little grey and stormy for a week or so in a few days so moving back "up" an "across". We are a bit "beached out" tbh so time for an intermission.
Mook, btw - hornbills, lizards, the lot - a nice break in the journey if you are on the ferry or speedboat to Lipe. Ignore the hype about the white sand beach - its unusable. Charlie beach is where its at.
Day after tomorrow we are getting a short boat and a plane back to BKK. Then some city time and Ayuttha(?) never been, then back to Kanchanabury for a change of scene, waterfalls (again), death railway etc., then we have 2 weeks left after that so I've booked 6 days towards the end of the month in a very posh resort at the very south of Ko Chang - going to get the local bus down as we are in no rush and fligths are fuking stupid to Trat now. En-route we are going to take a week going from the top pf Koh Chang down to the bottom staying in different places / beaches.
Finally returning to BKK around the 27th. Then its Chinese new year on the 29th! - will be in Chinatown!! then fly back home on the 30th. Phew!
Got a nice "soft return". Business class with Finnair, then overnight in the Premiere in at Heathrow, then 1st class train (I know, but it wqas only slightly more) back to Somerset for some rain/snow/a real pint (for £6.50 :---( thats going to hurt ). I'm going to miss chillies and Thai basil, but, that's nearly a month away! ;-)
p.s. bum finally protested about my prik nam pla heavy diet so on Immodium now, but all recoving fast ! :-)
We will be in bkk 9,13,14,28,29 Jan so shout if our dates coincide and ill buy you a Chang ...lek
Mook, btw - hornbills, lizards, the lot - a nice break in the journey if you are on the ferry or speedboat to Lipe. Ignore the hype about the white sand beach - its unusable. Charlie beach is where its at.
Day after tomorrow we are getting a short boat and a plane back to BKK. Then some city time and Ayuttha(?) never been, then back to Kanchanabury for a change of scene, waterfalls (again), death railway etc., then we have 2 weeks left after that so I've booked 6 days towards the end of the month in a very posh resort at the very south of Ko Chang - going to get the local bus down as we are in no rush and fligths are fuking stupid to Trat now. En-route we are going to take a week going from the top pf Koh Chang down to the bottom staying in different places / beaches.
Finally returning to BKK around the 27th. Then its Chinese new year on the 29th! - will be in Chinatown!! then fly back home on the 30th. Phew!
Got a nice "soft return". Business class with Finnair, then overnight in the Premiere in at Heathrow, then 1st class train (I know, but it wqas only slightly more) back to Somerset for some rain/snow/a real pint (for £6.50 :---( thats going to hurt ). I'm going to miss chillies and Thai basil, but, that's nearly a month away! ;-)
p.s. bum finally protested about my prik nam pla heavy diet so on Immodium now, but all recoving fast ! :-)
We will be in bkk 9,13,14,28,29 Jan so shout if our dates coincide and ill buy you a Chang ...lek
Edited by Griffith4ever on Monday 6th January 10:31
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