Phuket

[DanWA]

Who to fly with?

Where to stay?

Whats it like compared to Bali?

Places to see?

Shopping?

Don't know anyone thats been there so thought i'd shove a post up.

Looking to go start of feb for 1-2 weeks.

OR

Somewhere else i should be going? just got told Bali was shit thats all.

[EYEH8HSV]

Phuket is AWESOME. i rate phuket over bali anyday..cleaner, more places to party and more things to do. (ping pong girls ;) )

Me and the boys stayed at patong merlin and i highly reccomend you check it out as it was a quality hotel and service. The shopping is a heap better then bali with more variety and the clothes are heaps better quality too.

I flew with thai airlines and had no complaints..the only let down about phuket from my point of view was the alcohol was a tad more expensive :(

[ClevoCapri]

Fly air asia via KL. They have the cheapest flights. If U want to fly non stop then Thai is the go. If u want to party stay in Patong, if your arter a quiet time stay in Karon. A Tuk Tuk ride will get you anywhere u need to go.
You can still get beers from the 7eleven for $1.

[adrenalin]

I love phuket. Favourite place i have been to and easily shits on Bali.

I stayed at the Hilton at Karon and just tuk tuk'd it everywhere. Also stayed at another one but it was to far out and was shit.

The ATV bikes over there are shitload of fun.

Did all the usual clubs + pubs there like banana disco etc.

Have to go to the buffalo steak house there steaks were amazing.

[JasonSS]

+ 1 for Merlin.. unreal hotel and service.. Bali is a dump compared to Phuket.

Seriously you have to hire scooters.. me and a few mates kept them for 4 days and it made our trip.. it was unreal fun! Best thing we did was the scooters and a day trip.. went elephant riding, white water rafting and finished of with a long Quad bike ride through the bush.. rivers muddy steep hills and massive cliffs..

[Dirty32]

Goin in late Feb/ early March 2010, stayin at Patong Merlin - Cannot fukin wait!!

Also flyin Air Asia via KL for 2 nights...

This thread has made my day so far!

[DanWA]

Ok what about travel agents or is it better to book yourself?

Do you get hit all those little charges at the airport like Bali?

Take USD or convert to Baht?

As for quad bikes and rapids.. what else is fun there?

[JasonSS]

We booked through flight centre.. we got ripped off 1500 for 8 days at merlin, when we got back we worked out we could of gone for under a 1000. I took aussie dollars and just changed it when i was out of BHT

We had fun shooting, but its not cheap.. like fully automatic yeah, but 100AUD for 50 rounds or something it was!

Just Patong beach night life was awesome.. ping pong shows are ok, birds fly out of every place possible lol Go to the aussie bar and write ya name up on the wall.. also hit up the tiger bar.. lots of talent out there lol.. we went to a massive theme park.. i forget the name, they do a massive stage show check that out for sure.. get to play with tiger cubs and feed the elephants

Honestly the best fun we have was getting on the scooters and flying up and down the coast.. so much freedom.. night riding up and down the zig zag hills was just a blast.. we popped a tire at 2am.. within 5 mins a dude pulled over and put a new inner tube in and pumped her up and we were away.. we also had to bribe a cop to let us continue riding coz a mate couldn't show his drivers license, cos he didnt have one.. 400bht and we were away again hahaha

[DanWA]

Sounds like a plan... also considering a night or 2 in Singapore on the way over... worth it? brother-in-law reckons it just stinks hardcore.

[DanWA]

Also anyone got a tatoo done over there?

[zxz]

We booked through flight centre.. we got ripped off 1500 for 8 days at merlin, when we got back we worked out we could of gone for under a 1000.

so you could do it for 1000 per person?

i remember ages ago i saw someones tickets etc to phuket and all up it cost the two of them $1200 for 8 days or so, and it also included airfares.
can you still get something in this price range?

i was planning to go to sydney for a long weekend, but would rather go to somewhere like phuket if i could

how much spending $ do you need if you want to do some shopping, ride elephants, pat tigers, ride quads, theme/water parks, scooters and maybe rapids?

[Passage GT]

both my brothers and my old man have had several tatt's done over there, work as good as anything i've seen and half the price, dude they went to is very clean, all his equipment comes from sterilized bags etc
i'll try find out what his shop was called if you want

[DanWA]

Yeah grab the name and where it is if you can please Trav

[DanWA]

The other question was spending money... 3k-4k enough?

[Turbo2.6L]

Depends how many lady-boys you want to tap! :lol:

[AGIT8D]

The other question was spending money... 3k-4k enough?

That's heaps dude. Just eating and boozing I was spending around $100 a day in Bali (bit cheaper than Phuket). If you factor in a few fun activities you're still well below the 4k mark. Depends how much shopping you plan to do though. I'd recommend the white water rafting if it's the right time of year, heaps of fun, granted I haven't done it in Phuket, only Bali a few times..

[JasonSS]

Fuck i took 2800 spending cash and came back with 400.. thats with doing everything and anything we wanted.. scooters piss and food and shopping, youll live like a king for 4k!! and we went when our dollar was piss weak, at a all time low..

We def got ripped with ticket prices.. ive heard some ppl saying 550 for 5 days.. 4 star hotel.. well worth it.

A mate i was there with got an 8 hour session side piece done, but he got a grey wash no color just lots and lots of shading.. looks awesome, youll know when u walk in, if it smells safe it will be safe.. a girl i was there with got a back piece done full color and 1 year after being back its faded to fuck, shes got it recolored now.. there color ink isnt always the best.

[JasonSS]

Depends how many lady-boys you want to tap! :lol:

HAHA even them youll get for under 60AUD HAHAHAHA :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Anahera]

Who to fly with?

Where to stay?

Whats it like compared to Bali?

Places to see?

Shopping?

Don't know anyone thats been there so thought i'd shove a post up.

Looking to go start of feb for 1-2 weeks.

OR

Somewhere else i should be going? just got told Bali was shit thats all.

I used to work at Flight Centre

Fly with Virgin Blue - they are heaps cheaper and they will fly direct from Perth and have great times. Or you could fly with Thai Airways but they stop on the way back through bangkok. You could opt for a couple of nights i bangkok.

I would reccommend staying at the Phuket Gracelands resort - its a 4 star hotel but at cheap cheap prices!

Compared to Bali - its a bit cleaner and quieter. The shopping isnt as great but it still a beautiful place. Bali is alot cheaper to go to.

Places to see: I would reccommend doing a day trip to Phi Phi Island - one of the james bond films were there. They have alot of day trips also that you can go on - get a brochure on Thailand they have heaps of info.

Feb is their wettest season - monsoon season.

Shopping is in the main part of Phuket - Patong - you will find a few shops there and great night life.

I would reccommend checking out Kho Samui also in Thailand, that is a beautiful place! :)

I hope this helps!

[Anahera]

Book yourself as Travel agents charge a commission!

Go to Virgin Blue website and Holiday Planet.

[DanWA]

Oh so Feb is not a good idea? might throw a spanner in the works... every site ive looked at classifies it as "high season" but not peak.

[Anahera]

Its going to rain all year round but it rains more in the months of Feb Mar and Apr.

High Season is peak season - it means its the most popular time to travel so all hotels, airlines and travel agents will bump their prices up.

[1JZNOSHIT]

i just got home from Phuket. during the day was beautiful, no clouds at all, nice and warm.

at night, usually after 9pm, it was pour with rain. next day would be perfect again!

I found shopping away from Patong was cheaper. Go to the smaller markets/shops at Kata or Karon beach, they were cheaper and seemingly more desperate!

40Baht Heinekens from the 711s are pretty awesome!

I stayed at the Banthai Beach Resort & Spa. Fucking awesome place, and barmen at the pool were top blokes.

also spent 6 nights at Club Med, but at about $400 a night twin share, it aint cheap but once your in there you dont pay for anything. As much food and snacks you want and an open bar from 8am-2am. spirits, beers, cocktails etc the works!

[Bakerboy]

i used this website and booked evrything myself was cheap and easy and the hotel was good for only $75 a night

http://www.phuket.com/

[lambchops]

I would rate Kuta over Phuket anyday!! Balis cheaper, cleaner and more fun. Phukets nightclubs were like $20-$30AUD to get in. There is a huggeeee sex trade over there too. Good for a boys trip but not as good if you're taking the mrs.

I got a tattoo in Thailand but i would'nt reccomend it unless you take your own ink+needles. The quality of work is good its just the ink they use isn't the greatest.

my 2c

[GTS4SUM]

highly reconmmend staying at Ban Thai resort its right in the middle of everything the rooms are great, it has 3 big pools with bars, and it has an awesome buffet breakfast till 11am :)

also check out the dates of the full moon party in Koh phangan if you want to party, had one of the best nite of my life there!

[DanWA]

Fuck flights have gone up since earlier today... Up to $1200 return for 2 on both virginblue and jetstar... ideas?

[PSI 304]

seats are obviously selling fast! and demand is high.

[zxz]

Fuck flights have gone up since earlier today... Up to $1200 return for 2 on both virginblue and jetstar... ideas?

tiger has flights for $88 one way

return might blow the budget though.... a whopping $142

proly doesnt include taxes though

[AGIT8D]

This thread excites me. I'm heading over mid September for 2 weeks.. Going with the girly, and she will want to shop til she drops so what's the go with the markets etc? Barter similar prices to what we'd pay in Bali?

What's some good coupley stuff we can do as well as boozing etc?

Will hit up Phi Phi? island for a snorkel and a look around, might try to drag her to the go karts and dirt bikes

What else fuckers?

[adrenalin]

This thread excites me. I'm heading over mid September for 2 weeks.. Going with the girly, and she will want to shop til she drops so what's the go with the markets etc? Barter similar prices to what we'd pay in Bali?

What's some good coupley stuff we can do as well as boozing etc?

Will hit up Phi Phi? island for a snorkel and a look around, might try to drag her to the go karts and dirt bikes

What else fuckers?

Well just came back. And have to say its gone down hill big time.

Thai people have been kicked out of the markets and replaced with indians who are just pingpingpingpings and wont barter. Fake handbags and shit they wouldnt budge under 30 AUD and when you walk off they used to chase you but they dont now.

DVD's dont pay more then 50 Baht a disc ( under 2 bucks aud )
Singlets no more then 5 AUD
Fake shoes can get for around 20AUD however we found a few places that wouldnt budge under 80AUD for fakes

Do the newer go - kart place that opened up. 9HP carts and the track is quite big and easy to slide the carts around

The Quad bikes kick ass and are fun.

Done the shooting range however guns dont really interest me but you can pretty much shoot anything

your mrs prob wants to check out the gem factory which is a massive jewellery shop.

There are a couple of big shopping centres that are ok ( city festival and jungceylon )

Apart from that sit on the beach with your Heinekken beer and get massages
( bout 8 bucks for an hour )
Its still awesome to party to sight see but the indian pingpingpingpings have wrecked it over there

[AGIT8D]

Well just came back. And have to say its gone down hill big time.

Thai people have been kicked out of the markets and replaced with indians who are just pingpingpingpings and wont barter. Fake handbags and shit they wouldnt budge under 30 AUD and when you walk off they used to chase you but they dont now.

Its still awesome to party to sight see but the indian pingpingpingpings have wrecked it over there

Hahahaha awessssssssssssssome!

What's the exchange rate like at the mo'? I don't know what's good or bad.

This is a great success for me though, no shopping = perfect holiday. Might hit the markets just to stir some fuckers up :D

[ryanr32]

every second shop or resteraunt is owned or run by indians or is indian food especially in patong. still an awesome place to go. hit up the go karts good fun

[adrenalin]

We got around 27 baht to 1 AUD so pends on share market etc so hopefully 27 or higher

[DenZel]

LOL about the indians, i was told they get charged a cover charge to any of the strip joints, as they just sit around a table drinking water ordering no drinks

lol.

[ecent]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH^ Gold.

It's like when an India/Pakistan cricket match is on at the bar.

Bar manager's fucking hate that shit, no pingpingpingpings buy any drinks.

[coFF33]

went in may for 10 days

Patong is the place to stay, we stayed at http://www.baumanburi.com/

3.5 star hotel , but compared to anything in Aust. its 5 star. The staff all speak excellent english, and really are happy to help with anything you need, directions , tips on where to go and who to speak to to get things. etc etc

Cost me and 3 mates $200 for 10 nights with buffet breakfast all you can eat every morning to cure the hangovers. swim up bar, and close to EVERYTHING including Bangla Road (party street at night) and the massive otop markets (actually are right next door) !


Beer from Family mart/ 7.11 are only $90c aud, so make sure you get on the chang or singha during the arvo walkin round before you go out to party or whatever as its cheaper!

Make sure you smash a red bull (syrup little bottle which is actually like having 3x 250ml shitty fizzy australian red bull) every morning when you hit the street, and every arvo. to keep you going ! and they are only 20c , and wellllllll worth it !!!

Singlets are 100 - 150 bht MAX!
Boardies are 300 - 350 bht MAX!
Sunnys are 150 bht MAX!
Womens "Clutch" purses are ~300 - 400 MAX!
Womens bags (average size you see chicks have) are ~500 bht MAX!

If you go out drinking, make sure you play the games with the bar staff as you win free drinks if you beat them ! in connect 4, jenga, jackpot , the hammer game, etc .... youll see what i mean.

If you goto bangla road, dont go down the lady boy alleyway. even though it looks like the most crazy party one of them all , just dont.

If you want a massage, which you'll basically wanna punch every chick in the face after 24 hours of being there, goto Juncelyon. down stairs tehre is some really nice ones that are legit! and get a OIL MASSAGE not a THAI MASSAGE.


The worlds biggest jewelery store is pretty fucking sick, but dont take ya girl there if you dont wanna spend sub 3k on a ring / earings etc .... its EXXY!


Hire scooters to get around, they are 150 bht a day = $4 and enables you to drive up the mountains and down to Karon and up to other places, go see teh waterfalls etc


Its an amazing place, its not ruined by anything at all. i dont really know what the above posts about it being ruined are about ??? its still paradise compared to shitty ass australia.


pro tip: dont buy any drugs off anyone ever at all . no matter what.
pro tip 2: DONT GOTO SEDUCTION CLUB ON BANGLA RD.
Pro tip 3 : try and punch out one of the pommie fuckheads who try sell you a ticket to SEDUCTION club for me :)


goodluck and have fun!

[AGIT8D]

^^^^^^^^^^ GOOD POST, WOULD READ AGAIN!

I know we are staying in Patong, but I don't know the hotel name or airline we are flying with yet. The mrs Mum is booking it all for my gfs 21st.

That's given me a pretty good idea of some stuff to do, I think some sight seeing will definitely be in order. I have been to Bali a lot and never do the sight seeing anymore because I've already done it but haven't been to Thailand yet so it should be a great experience.

It sounds like most things operate much the same as Bali, what with the drugs off the street etc etc.. Do they sell ephidren in Thailand? :)

Also (and evilvl might chime in here) does anyone know where I can go and watch a decent Muay Thai fight? Would love to go and check it out full thai rules thai style haha.

Thanks for the info peeps!

[coFF33]

ROFL

MONDAY NIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT MUAY THAI BOXXXINGG BENGLAARR STADIUMMMM SEE THE BEST OF THE BEST, TEH CHAMP OF THE CHAMP !!! TONIGHT , TONIGHT!! BENGLARRR BOXING STADIUM



hahahahahahahahahahahaahhaah

you'll understand that ^^^ once you get there you cant fucking miss it :p :p

[AGIT8D]

Is that in some reference to your last post? Ladyboy haven? :)

[Missile]

^^^

Scares the shite out of you the first few times when they bang their bags.

What is so good about the Patong Merlin - stayed there last year and it was very quiet/family orientated. pingpingpingpings got shitty if you were walking from your room to the pool with the rig out!

My only Thai tip is try and get out to some of the islands... Phi Phi if with the mrs, or Phangan (or at least Samui) with the lads. Even if there isnt a full moon party on, Phangan was just so fkn relaxing during the days - plus you get a lot of travelers from all over the world! Phuket IMHO was same same but different to Bali - a little cleaner, a little less hassled on the streets. The only thing that Bali has on Thai is the lack of sex trade. Was sick of seeing 50 year old pingpingpingpings walking around holding hands with 16 year old Thai girls through the day/night...

[AGIT8D]

Why not Phangan/Samui with the girly? Not appropriate or not oriented towards a chilled out time? We'll be doing plenty of partying but pretty keen to snorkel at Phi Phi so if we can hit up a couple of islands for a look around we will.

I might invest in a cheap under water camera for the trip. Any recommendations without going wildly O/T?

[Missile]

Phangan or Samui with the girly would be fine - but they are a little more party orientated. Less shopping/massage etc. which the girls love to do. Upon reflexion, they are probably more appropriate than the fkd up shit you see in Phuket (Patong). Banglar Road at night time is a real eye opener!

Camera, Olympus Tough series are great to travel with (simple point and click). Depending on budget you can get one water proof to 10m ($400ish).

[Firstround]

Beer from Family mart/ 7.11 are only $90c aud, so make sure you get on the chang or singha during the arvo walkin round before you go out to party or whatever as its cheaper!

Hire scooters to get around, they are 150 bht a day = $4 and enables you to drive up the mountains and down to Karon and up to other places, go see teh waterfalls etc

pro tip: dont buy any drugs off anyone ever at all . no matter what.
pro tip 2: DONT GOTO SEDUCTION CLUB ON BANGLA RD.
Pro tip 3 : try and punch out one of the pommie fuckheads who try sell you a ticket to SEDUCTION club for me :)


goodluck and have fun!


Couldnt agree more with the above information, i spent so much my first few times on tuk tuk's and taxi's before realizing how cheap it is to rent a car or a scooter, as long as your not a dick ... (you have no insurance if you crash)

** if you do crash, normaly if you take it back to the guys you hired from they dont give a shit you might be up for 400-500 baht . some guys we saw over there got jipped by a pom for about 5000 baht for repars to an indicator and a mirror.

i couldnt agree more about seductions and the poms. fk i fkn hate the drug fucked shit over there they ruin it!!
- ive been 3 times now and fkn love it


have stayed at
Everson Rawi beach epic hotel, but way to far away
Twin Palms Surin beach - this would be my favorite hotel *http://twinpalms-phuket.com (http://twinpalms-phuket.com/)/ *
Deevana Patong -

if you want to party the Deevana is ok, its 5 mins walk from the beach - has two pools and the shittiest tinyest rooms. but if your just gonna pass out who cares the rock hard mattereses are great for your back rhahaah
- they advertise as a 3.5 star which it clearly isnt, short of having breakfast included you might aswell stay at a backpackers. - but for around $30 a night off peak twin share... its ok

[Firstround]

Also (and evilvl might chime in here) does anyone know where I can go and watch a decent Muay Thai fight? Would love to go and check it out full thai rules thai style haha.

Thanks for the info peeps!

there is normaly only one fight a month - the locals will let you know when but unfortunatley most people end up paying $$$$ for watching a training/sparring session.

still intense - but if you go on the right night to the right place its fkn wild

[AGIT8D]

Oh okay.. I don't mind if it's not a big fight, I don't really follow the who is who of muay thai but I'd like to catch a fight if I could. A friend of mine was supposed to be flying over early next year for a fight so it'd be awesome to go see what he is up against and how the training compares (worlds apart!) then show him some videos to amp him up haha

[RK 86 WA]

i have to echo what coffee said:
do not fucking buy drugs from anyone in thailand


you are likely to end up with a one way trip to the bangkok hilton for a long term stay, or possibly dead.


stuff to do with the missus:

- phi phi island ('The Beach' was shot there)
- elephant riding (make sure you go to the ones on the mainland rather than on phuket island)
- shooting range
- fantasea (mainly for the buffet)
- quad biking
- white water rafting
- fishing? if she is that way inclined
- para sailing
etc etc etc

have fun and enjoy 30 baht large changs :)

[AGIT8D]

I don't think I'll get her shooting, riding a quad, rafting or fishing, she'd be too scared of breaking a nail or something, but I'll give it a go anyway.

Where's the best place to get drugs in Thailand?

[RK 86 WA]

haha :) you can always try :P

seriously, go to the chemist hahaha, couldnt believe the shit they sold over the counter and without a prescription.

[coFF33]

Oh, also,

if you see a dude at otop markets.
His name is Jamie Jury. (yeah like the TV guy)
hes indian lookin,

if you want a suit speak to him and say John and Lindsay from Australia sent you.... he will know what your talkin bout and give you a fucking MAD suit made in what ever fabric you like for around $1500 bht. (140 aust) fitted and everything.
amazing quality too!

RE: dvd's, they are all 60bht now, and you can no longer barter with them as the police/government have put a law on them saying any pirate dvds must be 60 bht no more no less. they can get busted for selling to you less or more!!!

Also , on the main street that OTOP and Christin Massage (pink giant brothel building) there is a Sweedish food place, that has all those red/blue flags out the front , they do all day all night breakfasts, that are fucking bombed.

we went there often as its weird not having a set of bacon and eggs now n then when all you eat is thai gear.

:)

[adrenalin]

I managed to get 2 suits and 3 shirts all fitted for 220 AUD

Those cars with the muai thai guys gets fucking annoying

With quad biking she can ride on the back if you want but its definately worth it as its heaps of fun and prob my highlight

Phi phi island is good for snorkelling.

james bond island sucked ass and was a waste of time. Looks good but overrated.

[AGIT8D]

Mad, I need another suit for the wardrobe, cheers!

We've got tonnes of DVD's already and anything we don't have we can get from the mrs Nan as she lives in Bali and comes back here 3-4 times a year.

I'm pretty hangin for thai food hey, love it. Mrs hates coriander so her life will be hell but I'm sure they still do western food over there :)

Abundance of advice flowing here lads, keep it up.

rk86 - You know if you can bring stuff from chemist back? Bro's ex bought some pretty strong pseudo eph cold and flu tablets and flew some back with her, I thought that was a BIG no no?

[Firstround]

#1 best thing to do - happy hour - ring the bell at the Zea bar on the patong beach. 10 shots of tequila for about 500Baht

#2 Buy Poy-sian, sniffy thing like vicks ... so good

[adrenalin]

I got sick while tere and brought them back.

I put them in my suitcase. Long as there marked in the box \ Packet you should be ok.

Heaps of western food and most places do a fucking awesome schnitzel.

[RK 86 WA]

fuck western food whilst you are there :P eat local food ftmfw!!!

Just go to places with lots of locals and HIGH TURN OVERS as you are more likely to get some good food at cheap prices and less likely to get sick.

Regarding brining shit back, sorry I have no idea as I am not brave enough to in Thailand haha.

[coFF33]

we found in the 10 days , the best places to eat were the ones that youd normally walk past for dodgyness in Perth.

:)

[RK 86 WA]

Don't get me wrong, I and a fiend for the road side stalls etc and am 100% in agreeance :)

Just have had a few bad cases of 'the shits' as a result hahaha

[coFF33]

oh nah man, fuck those road side stalls dude!!

i mean like , walk in places with menus. but are completely thai. with thai everything and can barely understand you.

Those road side bird/rat cook things are fucked , they smelll soooooo good
but are rank!

We heard lots of bad things bout them

also, we ended up eating Pidgeon Drumsticks on the last night we were there as we were so fucking maggot, and these girls (who work) at a bar were having a free bbq for all the locals , it was in the street etc, and they were all chowing down , so we stopped in for a few beers and they just served us them..

they were like fucking awesome gormet style chicken drumsticks...
only the next day talking to the taxi driver did we find out they were dead birds legs from like birds on the street

then yeah singapore airports toilets got well abused from all our anus's

[RK 86 WA]

AHAHAHA @ FUCKING DEAD STREET BIRD LOL

shit thats nasty hahhaha

Ah man would love a Larb, Coconut and Large Chang right about now haha

[Firstround]

+1 for pointing at what you think you want on the menu because there is no way they understand you when you try and said thai green curry. oh how i miss the 600ml chang for 120baht (sit down resturaunt price) ... or being a hobo and paying 32baht at the 7.11 and wandering the streets with one

[RK 86 WA]

Oh also forgot I miss the proper thai grade tiger balm, red bull and STREET VENDOR CREPES.

NUTELLA AND BANANA FTMFW!!!

[AGIT8D]

rk I think you or someone else mentioned it in this or another thread.. somewhere down on the beach who makes crepes fresh in front of you? not sure i could trust to eat anything off the street but it does sound pretty epic man!

[RK 86 WA]

dont need to travel far from your hotel :)

they are everywhere, delicious and dirt cheap!

[AGIT8D]

damnit im too excited for this holiday now, and its 2 months away. ill try grab the flight and accom details so i can compare with what others have suggested. when i spoke to the girlys mum yesterday she said it was about $1200 each so i don't think she managed to get any sort of special deal! hoping for decent flight with no stop over and movies/food etc etc. i usually cheap that shit and regret it instantly.

[AGIT8D]

Patong Boxing Stadium on Sai Namyen Road.

Fights every Monday and Thursday.. Turns out my mate is going over there on the 25th Sept to train for a few weeks, somehow I don't think that'll be as enjoyable as my trip.

[RK 86 WA]

I know where I'd rather be right now :)

The other side of the bay is as good if not better IMHO. Rayleigh/Tonsai if you are after a more rural experience with epic beach parties and delicious sheesha :)

Also fuck going up against a thai boxer. Lol.

[AGIT8D]

Haha yeah somehow I don't think learning thai style in aus quite matches up to learning thai style in thailand.. He fights a thai boxer over there in April, and assures me if I go to watch a fight when I'm there in Sept I will see people get knocked out by knees, elbows and spinning back fists! (Y) Sounds like MMA without the cuddles :D

[coFF33]

Take $1.5k - 2k spending money with you
live like a king 24h's a day.

[AGIT8D]

Staying at the Patong Merlin. That's orrite eh? Think I've seen it mentioned here before, time to scroll back thru thread

[RK 86 WA]

Oh forgot to mention that its normal to tip for meals/tours/tuk tuks/ etc etc etc in Thailand

[adrenalin]

Tuk tuks are expensive now to what they used to be.

Indians have taken them over as well.

So what used to be f.all is still f.all but 3x as much.

When they give you a price say shit like

"we paid 100 less than that to get here" and if you do it to a few and they wont budge well your fucked.

Indians have gotten in and made everything fixed prices and its not as flexible as it used to be

[RK 86 WA]

^ i know what you mean, stingy as hell!

[coFF33]

200bht for a tuk tuk from random drunken location , to the beachfront in most of patong beach if u CBF walkin/gettin hasseled

[adrenalin]

Cause we were staying in karon beach to get to patong used to be 150 baht. Got charged as much as 400 when i was there 2 weeks ago.

[AGIT8D]

In Bali we just get the taxis with a meter on them, works out a lot cheaper than trying to bargain a price for going around town etc.. I take it they don't have this option in Phuket?

What's the standard tipping %?

[RK 86 WA]

Depends on what you do.

If you go out for a meal, tip a couple dollars i.e 50 baht per/person

If you go out on a tour and they were an awesome guide, tip what ever you think it was worth i.e for their beer money lol

[Firstround]

standard tip is 20% but im talking like - you just had a fkn huge seafood feed with beers and it cost you 340baht ... dont be a stingy cnt just give them 400 rahaha.

whats the extra $2 aus - i went back to the same place 3 times (if you decided you like it) and the the 2nd and 3rd times they gave me the same table bought a fan over chilled towels n shit... epic

[AGIT8D]

Do you tip em if you just go to a pub and order a beer tho? Shit would add up quick, I plan on drinking a lot of beer, and car mods > tipping them for doing their job :P

[Firstround]

i dont bar hop as much as most of my mates, every time you get to the next bar you hope for a cold towel so on really hot days you feel like having a beer at every pub on the street. but mabe just tip on the final beer. most pubs give you a bill at the end ... not pay as you go (unless really busy)

dont tip per beer.

also if you dont mind italian - on patong beach there is a fairly new italian place - (massive and new) they have amazing air con, great cocktails and play the muai thai fights on the big projecter to watch as your waiting for your meal ... KICK ASS!

[RK 86 WA]

^ yup tip on the total bill rather than per item :P

Also beers are bullshit cheap so if you still are planning on that 2k spending money, you have nothing to worry about lol.

Btw Chang or nothing!

7.xx% IIRC?

[AGIT8D]

i dont bar hop as much as most of my mates, every time you get to the next bar you hope for a cold towel so on really hot days you feel like having a beer at every pub on the street. but mabe just tip on the final beer. most pubs give you a bill at the end ... not pay as you go (unless really busy)

dont tip per beer.

also if you dont mind italian - on patong beach there is a fairly new italian place - (massive and new) they have amazing air con, great cocktails and play the muai thai fights on the big projecter to watch as your waiting for your meal ... KICK ASS!

Any idea of the italian joints name? or is it impossible to miss?? I love cooking/eating italian man, be good to give it a go.


^ yup tip on the total bill rather than per item :P

Also beers are bullshit cheap so if you still are planning on that 2k spending money, you have nothing to worry about lol.

Btw Chang or nothing!

7.xx% IIRC?

I just got a BONERRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RK 86 WA]

700ml variants available for just over a dollar at 7/11s :)

[Firstround]

yeah man 7% changs in those long necks are fkn awsome :D

hmmmm its pretty hard to miss i walked past it nearly every time i walked along main road along the beach ... ill find out for ya - i think its called Casa Mia - cnt be 100% sure ... but its fully closed off with big windows looking onto Thaweewong Rd.


ps - i strongly recommend long island ice tea's at the hotel and nice resturaunts. and beer everywhere else

[AGIT8D]

ahhhhhh this is going to be epic. what was the exhange rate when you boys were there?

easy enough to locate some floaty pool toys at the big shops there or should I pack one before I go?

[RK 86 WA]

~30baht to 1 aus$

Not sure about the floaty pool things lol.

[Firstround]

hmmm i cant say i have seen any floaty pool toys whilst there :(

yeah 33 a few years back ... then 27 the most recent time, get your money exhanged there not here, our fee's are FUKEDDD

[RK 86 WA]

First: Did you happen to notice what the mark up was in terms of currency exchange at the airport vs the local exchanges?

[Firstround]

local if your brave use 1 ATM near your hotel all the time, you get direct currency - or take your coin over in AUD and get it changed at any of the little stall's - on one stretch of road you may get anywhere from 26.5 up to like 27.5 so when changing big ammounts its worth looking around.

at the airport you normaly get slogged near on 10% from memmory, its pretty rough,

[evil1]

mate of mine got back few weeks ago, reckons he stayed at some hotel near the beach, all sorts of creepy shit was going on, felt like someone was watching him sleep every night, alot of hookers not wanting to go back to his hotel cos of where it was...dunno if anyone else experienced this sorta shit?
after the tsunami of course...

[adrenalin]

its currently at around 27 to 1

Can thank the fucking labour party and there awesome tax scheme for making aud drop.

I saw that italian restaurant but we didnt go in !

Massages i tipped an extra 100 ontop of the 350 to you its fuck all to them its heaps

[Firstround]

yeah but tipping the massage girls next time you walk past they drag you in... and want 'boom boom'

[coFF33]

fuck man, just reading this thread makes me wanna go back there so bad.
fukkkkkk jealous of you man

[Firstround]

mate of mine got back few weeks ago, reckons he stayed at some hotel near the beach, all sorts of creepy shit was going on, felt like someone was watching him sleep every night, alot of hookers not wanting to go back to his hotel cos of where it was...dunno if anyone else experienced this sorta shit?
after the tsunami of course...

mmm there is an eerieness to alot of the area's north on patong beach, there is a hotel right next to the cemetary that i have heard is a bit odd at times.

im not big on all that kinda stuff, but yeah you can get spooked occasionaly.


mabe your mate is just but ugly :P RAHAHAH jks

[RK 86 WA]

fuck man, just reading this thread makes me wanna go back there so bad.
fukkkkkk jealous of you man

+1, been looking at airfares for phuket the last few days and wondering if its worth it :P

[AGIT8D]

September is the hottest time and the wettest time from what I can work out. But the occasional monsoonal shower will not put me off at all, I intend on being surrounded by water for the most part anyway. Just hoping the water will be calm enough to get to Phi Phi and back without too much hass.

Pretty amped at the mo' but not sure if I can maintain this enthusiasm without going insane for the next 2 months.

[coFF33]

their wet season tho is like walking around and having a warm shower (in your home bathroom) the whole time...

just cover your beer when ya walkin down the street so the water dont drip off the dirty roofs of the markets and into ya beer :)

[dnl777]

I hit this place up during their new year... Think it is called songkran or something..... WAS SO EPIC..... it was like one big water fight although had to be careful that didn't get water in eyes/mouth but people are pretty respectable about it.

Oh one thing, be careful of Bangladesh road... the one with all the clubs on it and errrrm the "interesting" looking "ladies". haha.

[AGIT8D]

it was like one big water fight although had to be careful that didn't get water in eyes/mouth but people are pretty respectable about it.


http://fromtherough.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/action337-golden-shower.jpg

[MrSparkle]

antilag tour phuket?

im keen

[RK 86 WA]

Oh yeah no one has mentioned lady boys. ahhahahaha

You are in for a shock dude.

Not a shock as in "wow there goes a lady boy".

But a shock as in "wow is spent 30 mins checking out that awesome looking bird.... OMG ITS A DUDE!!!"

[dnl777]

yeeeeeeah.....narh if you can't tell pretty much straight away by their over the topness you need to go home and sober up.

[RK 86 WA]

haha i never said anything about my level of intoxication :P

however some are bloody hard to tell even if you are sober IMHO

[dnl777]

There is always one sure way to check..... just reach in and if you can feel a hang down they're most likely not all lady.

[AGIT8D]

Okay lads so I a few questions I have:

*Do I need to transfer any AUD to baht etc to get into KL/Thailand?

*Does Merlin Hotel have an adaptor in the room so I can charge my camera/laptop etc?

*I want to cash in on duty free and get some fat stogies and a decent bottle somewhere along the way - is the range in KL/Thailand just as good as Perth? If I can avoid lugging it around I will but I don't want to risk departing Thailand and not seeing anything I want.

*Can I do duty free at KL as a stop-over? I'll be there for around 5-6 hours on the way home, watching the AFL grand final and wasting time

*Is there some sort of a sports bar/guaranteed area where I'll be able to catch the AFL grandy at KL airport?

*Did you all book your tours etc through the hotel? Or go about it a different way?

*Is it easy enough to tee up a tuk tuk to get to the hotel? And what should it cost me to make the trip? I'll make sure I have this money in baht before I leave

*Where is it best to exchange money? Hotel concierge/kodak shops like Bali?

Haaaangin' to get over there :) :)

[RK 86 WA]

First off, I hate you you lucky bastard :)


Okay lads so I a few questions I have:

*Do I need to transfer any AUD to baht etc to get into KL/Thailand?

you dont need to transfer any money

*Does Merlin Hotel have an adaptor in the room so I can charge my camera/laptop etc?

Best to pick up an adapter on the way in duty free, or pick up one in perth

*I want to cash in on duty free and get some fat stogies and a decent bottle somewhere along the way - is the range in KL/Thailand just as good as Perth? If I can avoid lugging it around I will but I don't want to risk departing Thailand and not seeing anything I want.

Phuket duty free isnt at all flash, I'd get everything whilst in KL (also pick me up a box of mild sevens please? hahaha) as its an international airport, its been a while since ive been to KL but there should be a good range, other than that, there is an average range at your 7/11s. if you are game, try some thai rum lol.

*Can I do duty free at KL as a stop-over? I'll be there for around 5-6 hours on the way home, watching the AFL grand final and wasting time

as above long time since ive been to KL so cant help you there

*Is there some sort of a sports bar/guaranteed area where I'll be able to catch the AFL grandy at KL airport?

as above

*Did you all book your tours etc through the hotel? Or go about it a different way?

booked all of mine through the hotel. There are so many tour guides throughout phuket, who offer the same services as everyone else, that we just thought fuck it, just deal with who ever was at the hotel lol

*Is it easy enough to tee up a tuk tuk to get to the hotel? And what should it cost me to make the trip? I'll make sure I have this money in baht before I leave

not really, but depending on where your hotel is located, just walk down to the nearest main road and you will get flooded haha. Pricing depends on how far you are going, but i mean at the end of the day, its a few dollars for unique experience haha.

*Where is it best to exchange money? Hotel concierge/kodak shops like Bali?

they have ATMs, which allow for any Maestro card to withdraw money, There is a transaction fee but it isnt that big IIRC

Haaaangin' to get over there :) :)





I'll add more if i can remember haha

[AGIT8D]

Thanks dude!!

So points to note: No money needs to change hands to get into KL/Thailand?

Getting a taxi might be a pain but work out which way to walk and exit the premises :P - will guys try to grab our luggage and ask for cash Bali styles?

I'd prefer to take my own cash where possible so will need to exchange it somewhere. Last time I used my card I was getting filthy bank exchange rates and got robbed by 'em.. So decent places to exchange cash is a must

[RK 86 WA]

Hmm by "get into thailand" do you mean, you want to try and bribe customs officers or something? A little confused on what you mean LOL!

Nah they wont ask for cash, but its always good Karma to tip them :).

If cash is your worry, I find that the exchange kiosks outside of the airport are the best bet. Airport tends to do the dirty and fuck you over. If you havent changed any aussie dollar to baht by the time you reach KL, don't worry too much as they will accept our currency in the duty free. Or alternately just change enough :)

Make sure you eat a fuckload of crepes and coconuts lol.

Btw when are you leaving?

[AGIT8D]

You been to Bali before? You need to pay an arrival and departure tax when you get there/leave.. I'm just seeing if this will be the case for when I arrive/leave KL and Thailand so I can prepare monies. :)

I'll make sure the mrs carries all our bags then so I don't have to worry about tipping them for that service.

Yep sweet AUD no drama for duty free, out on the streetz buying food and stuff is where they might not like my Aussie dorrah though ;) Will smash bulk crepes!

Oh - I was going to turn my phone on int. roam... Will my interwebz work over there on my phone? And if so will it rack up a crazy ol' bill? I'm with Optus.

Leaving this Sunday night!

[RK 86 WA]

Nice :)

Go roaming, but dont use the GPRS off your phone. Go ask for wifi at the hotel or at an internet cafe. make sure that you turn data roaming off otherwise you will get fucked in the ass! lol

That arrival departure tax is fucked! no you dont need to in Thailand :)

Ah take some baht for food and what not :)

Do yourself a favour and go to a non dodgy looking street side vendor, Chicken Pahd Thai and a Large Change for 70B, (2.33$) FTMFW!

[rucker_]

Looking at going in april/may!

10 nights at the horizon plus flights $900 bucks!
Anybody have any experience with this hotel?

Lady at the travel agency said phuket is pretty much good weather all year round and also busy all the time so you're better off going around april/may.

Has anybody been around that time before?

[Jase]

I went late Feb this year, still seemed pretty busy but apparently wasnt 'flat out'. Didnt really have to que up anywhere ever
Weather was good, cant commment on that Hotel as I stayed at Graceland Patong- which wasnt bad.

Good place for a holiday, was my first time to Phuket for me but I been to other places around Thailand. The guys in the stalls are very pushy and annoying as fuk, waaaaay worse than everywhere else I've been, way worse, especially the Indians... must just be coz Phuket is tourist central.

To save coin hit up the 7elevens for all your alcohol needs, steer clear of jewlery shops and "discount warehouses", dont buy tickets to clubs off the guys on the street, and dont change your money in Australia as you get ripped a new one! The purple coloured exchange places tehre seem pretty good, theres on as you exit the arrivals lounge in Phuky.

[Firstround]

i have been in june and it was fine weather but they close alot of the beaches, if you go dec or jan everything is amazing but during our winter its a tad monsoonal. its still warm and sunny with the occasional shower but yeah the main difference is in the beaches.

havnt heard fk about the horizon tho

[Scaf]

Cant believe i havent seen this thread.

I leave for Thailand in a little over 3 weeks.

We are Flying to Koh Phangan for 2 nights, and going to the Full moon party, than flying to Phuket for 7 nights, should be a blast!
Ive only ever been to Bali so im hoping Phuket is as good.

Anyone stayed at Gracelands Hotel in Pa Tong?? Any good?

[AGIT8D]

Fuck this thread. I seriously cannot wait to get back to Phuket after my trip in September.

Also, all 5 pages of this thread would indicate that the indians are cvnts and shopping in the markets is expensive and a real hassle... I did not have a single problem over there. I got singlets, boardies, snorkels ets for fuck all, bartering is very easy (esp if you've got Bali experience) and I fould all of the sales people a delight. If you said no they said no worries had a laugh and moved on.

[sky_high_psi]

went in may for 10 days

Patong is the place to stay, we stayed at http://www.baumanburi.com/

3.5 star hotel , but compared to anything in Aust. its 5 star. The staff all speak excellent english, and really are happy to help with anything you need, directions , tips on where to go and who to speak to to get things. etc etc

Cost me and 3 mates $200 for 10 nights with buffet breakfast all you can eat every morning to cure the hangovers. swim up bar, and close to EVERYTHING including Bangla Road (party street at night) and the massive otop markets (actually are right next door) !


Beer from Family mart/ 7.11 are only $90c aud, so make sure you get on the chang or singha during the arvo walkin round before you go out to party or whatever as its cheaper!

Make sure you smash a red bull (syrup little bottle which is actually like having 3x 250ml shitty fizzy australian red bull) every morning when you hit the street, and every arvo. to keep you going ! and they are only 20c , and wellllllll worth it !!!

Singlets are 100 - 150 bht MAX!
Boardies are 300 - 350 bht MAX!
Sunnys are 150 bht MAX!
Womens "Clutch" purses are ~300 - 400 MAX!
Womens bags (average size you see chicks have) are ~500 bht MAX!

If you go out drinking, make sure you play the games with the bar staff as you win free drinks if you beat them ! in connect 4, jenga, jackpot , the hammer game, etc .... youll see what i mean.

If you goto bangla road, dont go down the lady boy alleyway. even though it looks like the most crazy party one of them all , just dont.

If you want a massage, which you'll basically wanna punch every chick in the face after 24 hours of being there, goto Juncelyon. down stairs tehre is some really nice ones that are legit! and get a OIL MASSAGE not a THAI MASSAGE.


The worlds biggest jewelery store is pretty fucking sick, but dont take ya girl there if you dont wanna spend sub 3k on a ring / earings etc .... its EXXY!


Hire scooters to get around, they are 150 bht a day = $4 and enables you to drive up the mountains and down to Karon and up to other places, go see teh waterfalls etc


Its an amazing place, its not ruined by anything at all. i dont really know what the above posts about it being ruined are about ??? its still paradise compared to shitty ass australia.


pro tip: dont buy any drugs off anyone ever at all . no matter what.
pro tip 2: DONT GOTO SEDUCTION CLUB ON BANGLA RD.
Pro tip 3 : try and punch out one of the pommie fuckheads who try sell you a ticket to SEDUCTION club for me :)


goodluck and have fun!

Lol i heard seduction was the best club there? y u no like?


Cant believe i havent seen this thread.

I leave for Thailand in a little over 3 weeks.

We are Flying to Koh Phangan for 2 nights, and going to the Full moon party, than flying to Phuket for 7 nights, should be a blast!
Ive only ever been to Bali so im hoping Phuket is as good.

Anyone stayed at Gracelands Hotel in Pa Tong?? Any good?

Hell yeh we are... cant wait

[sethor]

Looking at going in april/may!

10 nights at the horizon plus flights $900 bucks!
Anybody have any experience with this hotel?

Lady at the travel agency said phuket is pretty much good weather all year round and also busy all the time so you're better off going around april/may.

Has anybody been around that time before?

Horizon Beach resort in Patong? I stayed there last time it's OK. Rooms are large, a pool in each section, PC's are available for free, It is also a secure site so if you have mates staying at other resorts/hotels they are not allowed on site. You will notice a heap of the scooter taxi guys offering coca cola *tapping their nose* when walking back from Bangla road don't take up any offer for drugs. Also don't drink the tap water, just fill up the basin or tub & you will see why, Go to Carrefour (supermarket like Coles) or a Seven 11 for water/drinks/snacks. April/May weather is fine the wet season is July/Aug & coolest months are Dec/Jan/Feb, Go around April 13-15 its the Thai new year (Songkran festival http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran ) which is celebrated with huge water fights out in the street for a few days. Also if your chasing fireworks if you see any stall selling the small legal ones ask for bigger ones they will have them hidden out of sight, be firm and only offer them 25% of the price they ask & don't let the cops see Ive had some confiscated off me a few years back.

[joey89]

phuket is the bomb!

the girls/boys are hot aswell ;)

[Jase]

Fuck this thread. I seriously cannot wait to get back to Phuket after my trip in September.

Also, all 5 pages of this thread would indicate that the indians are cvnts and shopping in the markets is expensive and a real hassle... I did not have a single problem over there. I got singlets, boardies, snorkels ets for fuck all, bartering is very easy (esp if you've got Bali experience) and I fould all of the sales people a delight. If you said no they said no worries had a laugh and moved on.

Most people over there are easy going, but compared to other parts of thailand I reckon theyre a bit more full on. One indian guy threw his calculator across the room and was yelling "Fuck off you Aussies, waste my fucken time bla bla" lol All I did was say 700 Baht for a singlet was too much.. i woulda bought 10 off him had he come down the the going price

I've been to Thailand 3 times this year, always buy bulk shirts, singo's n shit, for 100-150Baht its fucken great.

Bartering takes a bit of getting used too- after a while you just go hard and knock them down heaps. Like the better quality fake handbags for my misses started at 5000Baht, got most down to between 350 and 700 Baht ($12-24) They would come down 1000baht, and Id only move up 50 type deal. Coulda gone the cheap $2 bags but thats no fun. Eveyone sells the same stuff so if they dont budge- move on.

The 'local' shop keepers seem very nice, and many will joke around and say to make a offer

...I reckon everyone should stop in Bangkok 1st and get shopping out of way then head to Phuky or where ever for the more touristy activilties, sun, pool and beers :)


Anyone stayed at Gracelands Hotel in Pa Tong?? Any good?
Yeah its not too bad hey, its not 5 star but its pretty nice, foods OK, people are good, and I found the tours that we booked through their in house agent had really good guides, funny as fuck.
.. Your going to want to ask for a softer bed though
Also there is a Deli just out the back gate, go there for beer ($1 a can opposed to $5 at hotel)



Will hopefully be back in Bangers then Phuket in about 4-5 months, cant wait!

Thailand = win!

..anyways I could go on with my super cool stories all night, so ill leave it at that

[Gonzola]

Has anyone spent any time in Vietnam?

I'm offshore here now, had 3 trips out here so far and im hooked.
Keep paying my own way to stay on time off.

10 nights in a 3 - 4 star hotel in Vung Tau ~ US$250 - 400 depending what you want.

Working here with a guy who lives in Pataya and he's keen to move here.

Not many folk seem to have looked into Vietnam.

[mys1]

Parents just go tback from Vietnam a few months ago, Step brother is there now for his honeymoon. thhey loved it, recomend it for less of a youristie destination.

I leave on the 1st of January for Thailand. Staying 18 nights.

Basically fly into Phuket then Making our way up to Bangkok over the course of the trip were we are flying out.

Back packs ftw :) Hopefully dont get mugged for my liver :s never been before