hi all ...

I am new in this forum. I am from Malaysia.

Myself and bf planning to Phuket coming July 06. Below a few question need yours help to provide your experienced info.

1. I am looking for cheap/budget accomodation at Patong Beach, can anyone recommend to me?
2. I shud book the accomodation b4 leaving or just look for agency while arriving?
3. How far from Phuket airport to Patong Beach?
4. If i am not mistaken, Patong Beach is quite long rite? So, which part of Patong is the most happening from daytime till nite time?
5. Wat is the charges if i were to get a snorkelling trip there?

Tentatively, that's that my question ... hope u guys can share your 2 cents knowledge with me... thank you...

cheers,
natalie

Hi there, welcome...

1. What's your idea of cheap ??

2. I recommend you make an on-line reservation shortly before you leave. Usually these are the best deals.

3. Quite far, about a 50 minute taxi drive.

4. Most happening in middle towards south end of the becah. North end is much quieter.

5. Snorkelling price... don't know.

Alex, thanks for your reply.

1. cheap as in range not morethan 1500 baht..

2. From air port to patong wat is the charges like ar?

thank s ... cheers..
nat

nataliee, you can try to search for rates from www.phuket.com

June is low season, so your budget should be ok.

Fr airport to patong should cost you bout 170 baht or so per person, you can arrange with the hotel for pickup.

If you dont mind the long walk, i stayed at www.swisspalmbeach.com last time.

Just to clarify, 170 baht/person is using a shared minibus. A taxi will cost more, about 400 baht for meter taxi and 550 baht for airport car. Ordering from hotel is the most expensive option.

1,500 baht won't get you much, even during the low season. It'll get you a good standard guest house second line back from the beach. It will not get you a good resort on the front. I suggest you wait until 14 days before you leave and check the prices on www.latestays.com/phuket No need to book too far in advance as there will be plenty plent room availability from May to October. You might check out the Blue Ocean resort. I think it offers the best value for facilities available and it's in a good location, very central and only 5 minutes to the beach. Check out www.phuket.com/blueocean

Nautilus,

Thanks for your information. Swiss Palm is too far away ... cos i am goin with my bf only ... so we prefered to stay in the crowded places for safety purpose.

Alex,

ya.. thanks for your advise. Blue Oceon is actually one of my choice which suit my budget too ...


Btw, month of July is low season... becos of weather? how's the weather or environment like for that period?
Safe to be there?

Thanks n cheers,
natalie

I publish daily weather reports each day for the past 4 years. Have a look at July 2003, 2004 & 2005 on www.alexmalcolm.net/weather.html

The weather is not that bad in July. it's just that the sun is not guranteed May - October, and there is a good chance of rain showers. Whereas Dec - March it's almost sure for lots of sun and almost no rain, although this high season did have poor weather in December and much of January, so you never can tell....

Hi, I'm new here too. Going to phuket in May. Have booked ourselves in Salathai resort. Done some research and it's supposedly 2 mins walk to the beach and the hotel reviews I came across, so far have been good ones. Can anyone second this? Have I made the right resort choice?

Natalie, I came across 'Patong Bay Garden Resort'. Situated right on Patong beach. I think it fits your budget but I'm not sure of the reputation of the hotel. Looks ok online though...

Alex, saw your weather report. Now I'm not sure if I chose the correct time to go in May! I'm kee on going snorkelling so I hope the seas will be kind to me when I'm there

Do you plan to go snorkelling off the beaches by yourself, or go with an organised trip ? There are plenty of sheltered places all year round with the organised trips. Off the beaches in May might be ok. It's into August before the currents really pick up.

Salathai is not right on the front line, but a 2 minute walk to the beach is correct.

Patong Bay Gardens is a reputable small scale resort. Good location, good value for money.