Hi all.I'm just back from patong,so if anyone needs 2 know anything,just ask.Cheers

We were in Patong in 2006 and we found it difficult to find a good cappacino or latte. We are on our way back in 5 weeks and would like to know if there is any recommendations?

I found that coffee world did a good latte big head tho but not too bad. one of the better cups I had in Thailand they are outside of JungCeylon

Hi CSimmo2,
How about giving us all a bit of a write up about your trip.
Cheers,
Stewie.

Hi All
Just had 2 weeks in patong with family and friends,10 people all up.We stayed at the Safari Beach Hotel,which we booked through sawadee (no problems).A nice small hotel right in the middle of patong beach.The Savoey restaurant at the front of the hotel was pretty good,with 10% off if you stayed there,but there are a thousand places 2 eat at in Patong.This was our 1st trip 2 Phuket having stayed at Koh Samui the last 3 years.Yet again the locals were fantastic,but even though we had a great trip,we all agreed the Samui was a nicer holiday.We did all the island trips and had a ball,but i think James Bond Island was a waste of time, unless you are a James Bond fan or you like pictures with a big rock.Before i go on my wife and i are in our 40's and our daughter is 17,we love a drink and a good time.I don't want 2 turn anyone off Patong,the shopping is great,there are that many bars you would need a year 2 visit them all,the locals are the most beautiful people you could meet,but we found the beach a waste of time unless you like lying on a deckchair,because thats all there is 2 do on the beach.Look i'm not a prude,and i know everyone has 2 get their rocks off,but at times i thought every grandfather in the world was over there picking up the young thai girls.But saying all of that, we had a great time and i would suggest 2 anyone 2 go.About the coffee,i don't drink anything hot but my mate was drinking Starbucks by the bucket load,so it must have been ok.I don't understand how anyone can drink hot water when it 35 degrees.Beer Beer Beer.Let me know if you need 2 know anything.Cheers,Simmo

Hi csimmo2,
Tell us more about Samui. It would be interesting to know what adavantages it has over Phuket for my next holiday.
I look forward to your response.

Also interested in hearing about Koh Samui as we have been thinking about a holiday there for a change.

What are the differences between Phuket & Koh Samui that make it a better holiday? ....Thank's, Ronnie.

Hi Ronnie we stayed in Samui for 5 nights last April before Phuket. Unfortunately for us we chose Bophut after reading lots of info re Chaweng being too busy and touristy. We caught a taxi there on day one and really wondered what people were on about. Chaweng is more laid back than Patong in regard to shopping, tailors & shop sellers were less pushy. We hired a jeep and drove around the island one day, ended up back in Chaweng shopping that night and realised we would have been quite happy to stay at Chaweng, many restaurants to choose from (many on the beach). I'm sure others will disagree but we are keen to head back there for another holiday, slthough I have heard there really is a lot of building going on everywhere.
Lee

Hi All, we have stayed the 3 previous years at Chaweng,b4 travelling 2 phuket this year.But all my family agreed Samui was a better trip.As Leebee said you can hire a car and drive around the island in a day if you want too.We all hired bikes and took our time and cruised around the island and just dropped into places that looked different.We liked Phuket but Chaweng is a lot more laid back.We met a couple in Phuket that had been 2 samui for there 1st week of there holidays and they liked Samui a lot more.We just found the beach was nicer without having 40000 deckchairs on the beach,still room for a soccer game or cricket with the locals.There is still all the shopping for the girls and plenty of restaurants 2 pick from.We stayed at the Baan Chaweng Beach and Spa Resort the last few times,so if your looking for a middle of the road resort this is it.right on the beach and close 2 everything.I f you need atailor try Mr Lucky out,he is on your left when you walk up the driveway 2 the main road.Ihope thats a bit of a help.Cheers,Simmo

Hi Simmo thanks for that info. I have been interested to go to Samui as well not because I dislike Patong but just to see some where else which is "Same Same but Different" So it is good to hear something about it. The only thing that puts me off a little is now that we can fly direct with Jetstar the thought of organising connecting flights puts me off a little. I am sur it would be worth it though.

Cheers

Michelle

Thank's Lee & Simmo, you's have been a great help. My wife & I have been to Phuket 7 times and have loved every holiday but have been looking at Koh Samui for a couple of years but it's alway's will we like it or not where we know that we will have a great time in Phuket.

Will definatly look into Koh Samui this year and the Baan Chaweng Beach & Spa Resort, Thank's Simmo for that one, do you highly recommend it as a middle of the road resort?

We stay at the Patong Merlin in Phuket, if you know it would you rate it as around the same standard? Sorry if that's a hard one for you. Dont need fancy but like a nice pool and close to beach and restaurants ect. Would love to hear your best eating places, bars, shopping { for my wife, I'm not interested } and will help us decide if we make the venture to Koh Samui or back to Phuket.

Thank's again, look forward to your reply's....Ronnie.

Hi Ronnie
My husband and I feel the same, we love Phuket and the Patong M erlin. Returning there in June.
I have 2 friends that have been to Samui one loves it more than Phuket and the other thinks it is too quiet, and loves Phuket. I keep thinking that we will try it and then maybe be disappointed.
I would be interested to hear from other people as to their experiences. The accomodation is more expensive than Phuket.
Pam

Hi Pam, It's hard when you know that you are going for a good holiday compared to will we or wont we like it.

I love Phuket and will be back there many times before my time is up but Koh Samui looks lovely, just thinking of a change.

We only go on holiday once a year and want to enjoy it, might take a punt....Ronnie.

I have enjoyed the discussion about Samuin. Like the other contributors I would like to go to Samui for a change (whilst still visiting Thailand) but have to say the accommodation prices and the extra airfare costs put me off, particularly when one takes two offspring as well!!!!!!! I did investigate flying to Phuket with Tiger (cheap) and the Phuket to Samui is not too expensive.

I found most hotels seem pricey. But like others I don't require something too lavish but a lovely pool is essential, near the beach, shopping and restaurants is also good.
Any further discussion around this topic would be great!

I agree, we too have two kids, so we look for a room that can take the 4 of us, my kids are only 9&5 so shouldnt be a problem, but it is.

Its very hard to find something that can take the 4 of us that isnt an outrageously expensive pool villa, when you add transfers there it does add up.

In saying all that, it is somewhere I plan to go one day and will take the kids for sure.

Bupis

Hi All,
I have been visiting Phuket for 7 years and fell in love with the place and the people - last year we drove to Khao Lak for a couple of days - upon our return to Phuket I had a very different opinion of Phuket and Patong in particular. I realised how busy and noisy it was in comparison (and we were in Phuket in LOW season). I had seen the old men with the Patong bar girls but suddenly realised the enormity of the situation. Khao Lak had NO Girlie bars or go-go bars - no prostitutes, which was refreshing! No vendors in the street desperate for business, hardly any traffic and relatively quiet beaches - they were not deserted by any means but no rows upon rows of deck chairs. Everything was low-key and tranquil.
Khao Lak continues to struggle following the Tsunami with so much still left to do. You could easily forget that the Tsunami effected Patong so badly. The Khao Lak area lost many more people and experienced much more devastation but did not attract the mass-media coverage and funds.
I understand why people (including myself) Love Phuket and all it offers but venture away from the crowds to experience a different Thailand. I have never visited Samui but I may visit one day.
I will be staying my whole holiday at Khao Lak this year - I haven't turned my back on Phuket - I just want a change of pace and holiday - away from all of things that cast a shadow over Beautiful Phuket!!!

Hi Ronnie.I'm not sure about the Merlin, the Baan Chaweng has about 60 rooms is right on the beach,plenty of shops for the wife and plenty of restaurants 2 pick from.I don't know about everyone else,but each trip we have booked has been with Sawadee.I just read all the reviews and go by that.I find that most europeans have a gripe about,either the food or how rude the staff are in all the reviews,so i don't take much notice of them.Look for the aussies reviews they tell it more how it is.I find if your polite 2 most people they will be friendly and helpful in your travels.Someone mentioned that they have trouble finding accomodation for themselfs and their kids. At the Baan chaweng we just book adjoining rooms,and it has worked fine.Hope this has been a help 2 all.Cheers,Simmo

Thank's Simmo, much appreciated...Ronnie.

Yeah, I've just posted my first post asking some general type questions.

Really interested in your ideas of cheap places to eat and how much would we expect to pay for say something like Pad Thai??

The cheapest Pad Thai i paid for in Patong was about 35 Baht if not mistaken. Some at small restaurants like N0.6 sell it for 60 Baht with prawns.

How good are the roads in phuket compared to samui?

Havent driven in Samui but the roads in Phuket are fine, no problems at all.

Cheers

Bupis

is the live band still on at the port, which is next to the holiday inn hotel on patong beach

hi ladyjet
yes, the band is still playing at the port.cheers

Good information! Thank you.