Hi all
Can anyone give me any info on the City Tour?
It visits Phuket View Point and onto Rawai Beach, see how the Sea Gyipsies live.
It also goes to the Cashew Factory, Gem Factory and old temples.Has any one done this .

Also what is the best to do Fantasea or Simons Cabaret?

Cheers Lorraine

Hi Lorraine,

I did this tour back in 2005. It was free cos we booked a few other tours. We went to Wat Chalong, which was absolutely amazing, we went to three beaches I remember one was Kata Noi and the viewpoint. At Rawai we saw where the water tower that the tsunami wave was taller then and the guide told us a story about a restaurant owner. Very moving.

The cashew factory was interesting to see how is all works, but we found the cashew were cheaper at ocean plaza but they didn't have as much variety.

They drive thru Phuket town but you don't stop, they just pointed out Robinson's etc.

Then final stop was the Biggest Gem shop in the world. I actually don't mind going to the Gem stores. They are interesting and so much better value for money then here.

I would recommend this tour. Well I enjoyed it anyway. I'm travelling with first timers in nov and was going to suggest it to them.

I haven't been to Simon cabaret but my inlaws went to both and they want to go back to simon cabaret again. I liked Fantasea but I personally think it's a once only show but amazing all the same.

hope this helps,

Pebbles.

Hi Pepples
Thanks for your reply, I want to see a bit of the Thai culture, not many people mention going to the Temples what are your thoughts and do you know the better ones to go to. We are staying in Karon and arrive 31st. October. It is our first time to Thailand I usally go to Bali, people say once you go to Thailand you dont want to go back to Bali, but I love Bali so I will go back lol.

Thanks Lorraine

The worlds biggest gem factory, you wont be able to miss this as everyone will want to take you there but if you can avoid it [ good luck } don't waste your time unless you are serious about purchasing one of their products and if you are only there because you were on a tour or in a tuk tuk that the driver took you without your permission then be prepared to have a boring 30 minutes and to be followed around like a criminal...Give it a miss...Ronnie

Hi Lorraine I have sent you a PM. I did one of these type of trips 3 weeks ago with a private driver (not the same as I had done lots of places before), really enjoyed it.
I agree we EVERYTHING that Pebbles said above, Wat Chalong is really interesting, Cashew Factory is interesting love the Sesame Honey cashew but I buy the at Ocean Plaza in Patong there cheaper (but if I had never been to the Cashew factory I would not have known about them. The Biggest Gem Shop is great we go there every year and either get something made or take stuff from hom that needs fixing.

I have not done Simons Cabaret but have done Fantasea and would recogemend it.

Michelle

When i did the tour we only went to the one temple, Wat Chalong. I haven't been to Bali but one tour that had some Thai culture was the siam safari.

You see a demonstration of the monkeys picking coconuts, then learn about Thailand's rubber industry, there is a Thai cooking demonstration (the yummiest prawn curry)and finally an elephant trek. I think this was a half day tour. I would recommend this too.

As Ronnie said with the gem shop you are followed but they look at it as you are "allocated" a sales person who can lead you in the direction of what you are looking for. My mother in law hated it and thought the same as Ronnie but my theory was I would rather have an attentive sales assistant then someone who won't give you the time of day.

Hubby bought me some beautiful items there and have had them valued since I have been home and they were worth at least triple what we paid. Hubby got a pewter beer stein, this was a free gift.(not sure if this was based on the amount we spent or cos he smiled sweetly : )) But if you are not interested then I guess you will be bored. Although you can have a free drink at the bar while you are waiting for the rest of your group.

I like to make up my own mind but you can always hire a driver and taxi for the day and just choose places you would like to go to.

Have an absolute wonderful time and don't forget to let us know your own thoughts when you get back.

Relax and enjoy,

Pebbles.