#72400 - 06/01/08 12:29 PM
JBR
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Snoops
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Registered: 12/12/07
Posts: 62
Loc: Perth WA
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Hi everyone. Got back 10 days ago but been laid up in bed since then so not had the strength to put pen to paper so to speak. First they thought it was Denge Fever – then pneumonia but now they say it was just a very bad virus.
Before I start – Michelle – get that bottle of wine girl ! I would just like to say a really big thank you to everyone who helped us have such a fabulous holiday to Cathy and Michelle especially. All my family thought I was a total loser because I was so addicted to this site – but once in Phuket they would all ask “where did the site this and what did the site that” – it became a standing joke in the end so thanks again to EVERYONE for all your help and advice.
FLIGHTS
We left Perth on 22nd May & travelled direct to Phuket with Thai Airways. The flight was an hour delayed but we were all in high spirits and the delay was not a problem. The flight was fine and the staff and the food were excellent.
WEATHER
We arrived in Phuket and Oh My God did the heavens open. It was just a few days after the Burma disaster so obviously we were getting the tail end of that. It lasted in total for about 5 days but again we just laughed our heads off and enjoyed ourselves. The locals thought we were totally crazy !
HOTEL
We stayed at the Sunset Beach Resort which is about 5 minutes in a Tuk Tuk from town and it was perfect. There was a free shuttle bus every half hour to and from the hotel up until 9pm. We had sea view and pool view and a single bed for Megan our daughter. Jim and my bed was massive – in fact we measured it one day and myself Jim, Jamie and Ryan who are both 6 ft + lay side by side and there was still room for Megan ! The room was cleaned and the bed changed daily. The breakfast was great and the staff in the hotel could not do enough for you especially at reception who always had a smile on their face. The pool area was luvly and never too crowded and the restaurant and main bar are right on the beach front which is luvly to watch the sun go down. I was a little apprehensive as I had read some negative comments about the hotel but we honestly found it great value for money. Basic but clean, tidy and as I say the staff were luvly – we only paid $1100 for 15 days per person from Perth so we were really delighted with what we got for our money. There was also a great 7/11 and laundry at the back of the hotel (50 thb per kilo). I would definitely recommend it as it is away from the hussle and bussle which is nice. When we got in at night I would sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee and a ciggy and watch the world go by & listen to the waves lapping the shore and in the morning watch the fishermen or guys on their boogy boards – heaven ! I honestly think I would have been lucky to get this view at a 5 star resort.
FIRST IMPRESSION
We had all decided that as soon as we had unpacked that was us – we would head off into town. We have a friend who lives in Thailand who had come through to see us for a few days and we had arranged to meet him at the pool bar at the top of Bangla. We arrived about 9pm – Oh My God – coming from sleepy little Perth were our eyes opened ! Harry our friend was killing himself laughing at our faces and kept taking pictures. Now Jim my husband is a total party animal but even he was totally and utterly gobsmacked. Harry took us down one of the soi’s off Bangla and 8 girls jumped from behind a bar grabbed my 17 year old son Jamie and hauled him over the bar and said to Jim “Papa Papa – no charge”. Jim just grabbed Jamie by the legs and dragged him back and poor Megan just stood there shaking – niether her or her dad looked happy – I just thought Oh My God – I’d been to Bali before so was semi prepared but it was just such a big culture shock for Jim. It’s so in your face – so loud – the noise and the smells – I love it ! As the night wore on and Jim calmed down and actually spoke to some of the locals he realised it was all in good fun and we all had the best of times making new friends.
After the first night we usually ended up at The Blue Bar – it’s the first bar on the right as you go down Soi Eric. The staff there are fantastic and made all of us very welcome – we were sorry to say good bye to our new friends. Jim loved it in this bar and danced the night away – so sad !!!!!
FOOD
We ate at all the places recommended on this forum, Sweets, Sabai Sabai, Molly Malones, No 6, Roma Italian – all brilliant.
For Jim’s birthday we booked Pan Yaah which was opposite our hotel (5 minutes in a tuk tuk from town) and it was divine. The service, food and views were out of this world and very good value. We got there at 5.45 to see the sun go down and got a table no problem but when we were leaving at 8pm it was mobbed.
There was also an amazing place called Sakron, out of Bangla Rd and turn left onto Rat U Thit Rd and it’s about 2 minutes walk on the left hand side. There are about 6 outdoor type restaurants together and their all amazing.
When we were at Karon Beach we went to a fabulous restaurant called Vitaporn. The food and service were amazing and it was sooooo cheap.
On ‘average’ our food per night for 5 (with two drinks each) came to about 1500 - 2000thb which we thought was very good. The most expensive was Molly Malones but they had the largest portions.
TUK TUKS
We were told from day one never to pay more than 150 thb from the hotel to town so that’s what we stuck to. We never came across any hard sell tuk tuk drivers at all although some were a bit crazy on the old driving.
DENTIST
It was Jim’s birthday whilst we were there and I promised I’d get his teeth done for him – I never have lost that romantic touch eh !
We spoke to numerous people all with good and not so good reports and then we were recommended Sawasdee Dental Clinic.
The clinic is run by Denis who is Australian and is Thai wife Kung who is the dentist and speaks perfect English and their beautiful daughter Danielle. The clinic is brand new, spotless and Jim was absolutely delighted not only by the workmanship but also Kung’s caring nature. Jim doesn’t normally like going to the dentist but felt very at ease with Kung and enjoyed catching up for a natter with Denis. Jim had Laser Whitening Treatment, 3 fillings, and a crown. It took a total of 3 visits and cost approx. $800. The clinic can be found on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd. It’s right in front of the Paradise Hotel down a side road called Soi Paradise (just off Rat-U-Thit Rd). You will see a Gold shop on the left corner of the Soi and a Gold shop on the right corner of the Soi. They can be contacted on 076-341282 or 089-5078047 or jbuathong@sawasdeedentalphuket.com – Highly Recommended. Thanks Andrea for the recommendation – it was luvly to meet you – I enjoyed our girls day out together and our luvly iced coffee’s !
DVD PLAYER
We bought all of our DVDS from Kitty’s on Beach Road but then realised there was also one on OTOP too. We paid 50 thb and just asked them which one’s were no good and they told us.
When it was raining really heavy one day we hired a DVD player for 300thb from the hotel. The next day we decided to by one from Carrefour for 800thb and it works great at home too. It’s a Phillips slim line and we’re delighted with it.
SHOPPING
Bags – nice quality and big 1000 thb – OTOP
Victoria Beckham Jeans 700 thb – OTOP
Victoria Beckham Shorts 500 thb – OTOP
Victoria Beckham Skirt 500 thb – OTOP
Armani etc mens T Shirts 300 thb – OTOP
Singlets 150 thb – OTOP
Purses – nice quality 300 thb – OTOP
Mens Cargo ¾ shorts – 300 thb – OTOP
There’s a great little market behind Jungceylon shopping mall which I found really good and the prices were so low you didn’t even have to barter.
Also we went for a great day out to Karon Beach and the prices at the market there were 50% cheaper than Patong.
Thought the shopping malls were great but to be honest when you’ve seen one shopping mall there all the same aren’t they. I love the atmosphere of a market when I’m on holiday.
FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ
We booked the Friday Night BBQ for our first week and boy were we pleased we did as it was closed the following Friday for the very first time as one of the girls was getting married.
On the night we met the gorgeous Megumi and the just as gorgeous Richard – what a luvly couple and what a pleasure to have spent so much time with them. They made everyone so welcome and as there were only 48 of us it was just like being in a good friend’s back yard – by the end of the night everyone knew everyone – hi to Paul, Kylie, John and the rest of the crew – thanks for your company we really enjoyed it. The food at Mamas and Papas was absolutely to die for. It all looks so basic when you first walk in but the food was really really good. The spare ribs were the best I have ever had and the Potatoe Au Gratin mmmmm !. You could go up as many times as you wanted in fact Richard kept feeding me with the most gorgeous prawns and asparagus kebabs and fresh chillies that blow your mind. Ryan who is 6 ft 4 had 5 full plates full – not because he hadn’t had enough but he was enjoying every mouthful.
The 100 thb jugs of Chang went down a treat and after swallowing a few of them we were all in party mood and then headed off down the road to the Sunshine Bar.
The girls in the Sunshine Bar are something else. From the minute we walked in we were all made to feel special the music started playing and we all started to have fun. There was nothing whatsoever seedy or smutty about this bar and both Megan whose 13 and Jamie whose 17 both said it was one of the best nights of their lives. Jim and the boys climbed the pole and although you were encouraged to when you said no – no one pushed you or made you feel uncomfortable which was luvly. Thank you so much Megumi, Richard and all the fantastic staff at the Sunshine Bar – the highlight of our night time trips. We enjoyed it so much if it had been open on our second week we would have gone again – though I don’t know if Richard would have let me – think I ate to many prawns !!!
BARS
Another favourite night time haunt was the Chang Beer Garden in Jungceylon – just ask anyone where KFC is.
You could get 3 litre towers of Chang for 340 thb – Jim and the boys thought they’d died and gone to heaven. There was a great band here – which Jim got up with a few times and it was a nice place to take a break away from the hussle and bussle of Bangla. Great place if you fancied a beer with the kids cos there was lots of room for the kids to run round.
TRIPS
We had booked a trip with Mark months ago and to be honest it was the trip top of my list of to dos. Unfortunately due to the terrible weather we had the first week poor Mark had to phone and cancel because the weather really was that bad. Mark sounded so apologetic I felt sorry for him. I was nearly in tears to be honest because I was sooooo looking forward to the trip – but these things happen and a trip out with Mark will be top of our list next year.
The boys went White Water Rafting which they thoroughly enjoyed.
We booked the following through Richard and Megumi. There service and attention to personal care is amazing – they both go “that extra mile”. They can be contacted on:
Phuket Pro Dive & Sail Co., Ltd.
Main Office Tel:076-383-913, 914 Fax:076-383-915
Richard:081-893-4686 Megumi:081-891-9276
Mail to: prodive@phuket-scuba-diving.com
http://www.phuket-scuba-diving.com
Phi Phi Snorkelling and Sunset Cruise with Richard and Megumi. What a fantastic slow, relaxed and totally personal trip. The boat was gorgeous and there were only about 25 people which was perfect. Megumi spent the whole day running round with her camera and when we returned home she sent us a copy of all the fantastic photos she had taken – even the under water ones of us all snorkelling – what a luvly lady and what a special gift to treasure… thank you so much Megumi. The food was delicious and it was just like spending a day with special friends.
Elephant Trekking – What a fantastic day. We were only expecting a one hour elephant trek – boy were we wrong. We were collected from our hotel and met up with Richard at a bar/café close to the elephant base. Richard spent 45 minutes giving a very interesting and informative talk about the elephants and their history etc. while I drank the worlds best ever Pina Colada mmmmmm ! Then we headed off to meet these beautiful creatures. It was a luvly hot day when we headed into the jungle on these gorgeous animals. Our Mahout (elephant rider) was so friendly and as we travelled through the jungle he sang softly in Thai which made the experience perfect. The views from the top of the hill were amazing and as we travelled back down we were all given the option to sit on the elephant’s neck and guide him down ourselves which was awesome. When we got back to camp we spent an hour with the two local gibbons who lay on their backs and let us groom them which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We were then taken back to the bar/café to meet Richard where we had a fabulous lunch and then Richard spent the next two hours driving us round and taking us to places we would never have seen otherwise and meeting some luvly local people – the whole day was amazing and a day we will never forget.
ATV – what another fantastic day. The only down side was we only booked the 2 hour trip and really wished we had booked the 3 hour one – never mind next year. The guys on the tour we unbelievable. We never felt afraid – even when my quad bike nearly came flying back on top of me – the guys were there in seconds and helped sort me out – I’m getting too old I think ! I’m blame Cathy entirely for this flash of bravery on my part ! There was not once on the trip where the guides weren’t there right by our side. In fact when we went down on the beach my son Jamie actually rolled his quad – his own fault entirely – 17 years lad – what do you expect. Luckily had had headed the introductory talk and realise when it rolled to dive off it straight away. He was totally unharmed and again – within 5 seconds the lads were there to ensure he was ok. For the fainthearted I would say I was totally and utterly terrified the first five minutes – then I thought – hey … I can do this and away I went – I loved it and it certainly got the adrenalin going. More great memories.
Fantasea – enjoyed the show but having been to Florida many times (and experienced their amazing shows) I can say that I’ve been to Fantasea now – but wouldn’t go back.
MOBILE PHONES
Tested our phones before we left and none of them were ‘locked’. When we arrived the lads were desperate to get Thai sim cards to keep in contact with their girlfriends so I just jumped into the first mobile shop I saw – opposite Otop markets – what a major mistake. They told me the boys phones were locked and charged us 900 baht to unlock them. I wouldn’t have paid the money but the boys insisted. They had nothing but trouble with their phones from day one and their credit just kept running out – they bought DTAC Happy cards. I showed the guys in the shop mine and Jims card and they said that they too were locked but I declined their services. The next day I took the very same phones to Jungceylon shopping mall. On the top floor of Robinsons it is all mobile phone stores and I took the same two phones along – they placed DTAC Happy cards in – they were not blocked and Jim and I got far more time on our phones – head here for your cards !
THEFT
Our friends son Ryan who was with us and Jamie went down to the beach one afternoon at the bottom of Bangla Road to play football with the locals. The lads had never been away before and are still only 17. Ryan put his bag on his sun chair – with his wallet inside and when they returned from playing football his wallet was still there but his 1500thb was gone. A lesson to be learnt for a young lad I think and a mistake he will never make again.
All in all it was a fantastic holiday. To come away with so many great memories of a really awesome family holiday was truly amazing. Jim was so apprehensive that first night and all I keep hearing now is him telling EVERYONE about how much he enjoyed his holiday and loved the Thai people.
Sorry for babbling on – but guess what – we’re going back next year so you’ll have just the same from me then.
Thanks again guys – to everyone your help and advise was invaluable.
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#72402 - 06/01/08 07:01 PM
Re: JBR
[Re: Aussie1]
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tumbi traveller
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Registered: 03/04/08
Posts: 14
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Thanks Snoops for a great report. We are heading over July 4 as a family too and really enjoyed all your information.
Jon
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#72403 - 06/01/08 07:50 PM
Re: JBR
[Re: tumbi traveller]
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shwaygwailo
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Registered: 12/03/05
Posts: 255
Loc: OZ
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BIG report. Thanks. Looks like Thailand has claimed another one, or six.
Shway
_________________________
"I ought not to let my mind wander, as it's too small to go off by itself"
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#72405 - 06/02/08 03:05 AM
Re: JBR
[Re: shwaygwailo]
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Pamela
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Registered: 10/15/04
Posts: 151
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
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Great report,
I always scroll down to see if there is a lot to read, get disappointed if there isn't. Yours made me happy.
We leave in less than 2 weeks, Vietnam first then 10 days phuket and 5 days Bangkok. We are going on Marks yatch, hope we don't have a cancellation like you.
Pam
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#72406 - 06/02/08 03:41 AM
Re: JBR
[Re: Pamela]
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Snoops
Member
Registered: 12/12/07
Posts: 62
Loc: Perth WA
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Thanks Pam. Have a fantastic trip and please give my love to Mark. Tell him we have a date next April lol !
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#72411 - 06/02/08 05:50 AM
Re: JBR
[Re: Snoops]
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Ronnie
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Registered: 07/01/05
Posts: 482
Loc: Rockingham Western Australia
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Fantastic report soumds like you's had a brilliant time.
Sad that the young bloke had his money pinched but I am sure that a lesson was learnt as you said. Thank's...Ronnie.
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#72413 - 06/02/08 07:41 AM
Re: JBR
[Re: Ronnie]
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Mooch
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Registered: 04/12/02
Posts: 211
Loc: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Snoops really enjoyed your trip report. We are arriving on July 8th for our family holiday too! looking forward to it!
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#72418 - 06/02/08 09:49 PM
Re: JBR
[Re: Mooch]
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snoopy
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Registered: 04/07/08
Posts: 69
Loc: Melbourne
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Snoops for me being a first timmer going to Thailand you have given a lot of info. Glad to hear your holiday was packed with so much fun, sorry to hear about your sons wallet.
Can you tell me what the trip with Mark was going to be, And does Richard do the Elephant Trek, Water Rafting and Phi Phi Island tours. Is it better to book when you get there and aproximate what was the cost.
I wish I had of asked awhile ago about a dentist my
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#72419 - 06/02/08 09:53 PM
Re: JBR
[Re: snoopy]
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snoopy
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Registered: 04/07/08
Posts: 69
Loc: Melbourne
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Sorry snoops I hit the submit button.
What I was saying is my husband has just spent $4000 Aus dollars getting his teeth fixed not happy!!!!!!!!
Any way great report
Snoopy
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