We are a family of 4, with boys aged 12 and 15 planning our first trip to Phuket in late May/early June. We are Bali-fanatics who think it is time for a change.

At this stage we think we will be staying at the Holiday Inn as it sounds central to everything and reasonable accommodation.

Would like to know:-

1. what will the weather be like
2. good things to do
3. what shopping for teenage boys is like i.e. surf clothes
4. the islands people talk about travelling to is it in calm waters
5. thoughts on the Holiday Inn

Look forward to replies

Cheers

Dear Debbie, we have been going to Phuket every year since 1995, alot of our freinds were Bali fanatics too until they tried Phuket so you are bound to love it also.We have three kids, they love the place too.The weather in may/june is classified as monsoon season.But it depends on mother nature. 2 years ago we went in may & weather was not too bad, a few rainy days mixed with sunny days, a bit windy but still hot.Last year we went in June & it bucketed down for 3 days and the place was very wet & wild but then it cleared up again. This year we went in September & weather was perfect, 3 overnight heavy showers & sunny & hot during the day. On the last day however we got rained out literally, took us ages to get to airport as visibility was shocking.But the rain is great as it cools you down.
As for things to do Im sure you'll get alot of advice from other posters, theres never a shortage of things to do in Phuket, from snorkelling, swimming, visiting temples & doing a tour to an island , shopping, getting reflexology done or a massage whatever it's up to you, there are plenty of helpful people everywhere you go, just ask.
The shopping is much better quality than Bali, clothes last much longer, like years.
As for Holiday Inn, have not stayed there but it sounds good from other travellers.
Goodness I could just go on & on about everything but I'm taking up too much space.
If you have any questions feel free to email me direct at malagass@start.com.au

quote:

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Originally posted by Debbie:
We are a family of 4, with boys aged 12 and 15 planning our first trip to Phuket in late May/early June. We are Bali-fanatics who think it is time for a change.

At this stage we think we will be staying at the Holiday Inn as it sounds central to everything and reasonable accommodation.

Would like to know:-

1. what will the weather be like
2. good things to do
3. what shopping for teenage boys is like i.e. surf clothes
4. the islands people talk about travelling to is it in calm waters
5. thoughts on the Holiday Inn

Look forward to replies

Cheers

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Debbie,
You can email me at suemac@cybergal.com and I will forward you some information that I have put together. Have a great holiday.
Sue

patong with a family is thumbs down. stay at kata or karon

Disagree Vince, a holiday is what you make it anywhere you go

been 7 times to Phuket, 3 to bali and prefer Phuket and have stayed at Karon and patong. The main consideration is what you want to do and where. Patong has 90% of shops and stall but Karon is growing. No hawker hassels like Bali except time share who anoy the hell out of you. Tuk Tuks are everywhere and cheap and if you get a good driver arrange a trip with him at a later date. He knows he will get a good fare instead of waiting on the side of the road touting for business. Bartering same as Bali. Hundreds of similar shops if one is too dear. Start at about one third. Music CD's about 110 baht and so goes it. Someone may even submit the lastest prices for general purchase. I go in August now and only one or two rainy days in 2 weeks is the average.

Dear Debbie,

We were in Patong in september 2001 and we had a great time. The weather was very hot... we have had 1 shower...during 1 hour. So, the weather was perfect, the place is perfect, you can buy what you want a low prices: you have to barter.
About Holiday Inn, we stayed there about 14 days and we had a wonderfull time. The hotel and its staff is very great. They do everything for you. The food is exellent, the rooms are great! The swimmingpool is very nice. When I should go back to Patong, I would go back to HOliday Inn, sure!
The hotel is exellent....sitting at the pool, it looks like paradise....it is very quiet there, but when you walk out the pool area into the main street of Patong, you walk into busy streetlife.
If you want to know more, mail me at jfwolf@zonnet.nl

Jan Frank
The Netherlands

Hello Debbie

Went to Patong with familly, my wife and 3 "kids" 18,17 and 10. Had a fantastic time,plenty to do and see. You must go snorkelling/boat trip. We went with "Coral Seekers" They were excellent. There is plenty of teen clothes and beach wear etc. Nightlife is buzzing and teenagers would love it...(Enlightening)....
Also Go to The Haunted House.
Have a good one

Thank you everyone for your replies it has been most helpful. We have decided to go in April school holidays as it seems that the weather may be slightly more reliable then

A holiday is what ever you make of it. But there were very few kids around when I went there in November. So if you bring kids there will be no one of their age to play with. But since it is a FAMILY vacation there is lots to do WITH your kids.