Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok
Discussion
2hoots said:
Why all the hate for Ao Nang
I enjoyed it there but i had spent the past 3 weeks partying on Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Patong (with a 2 days to chill in Karon) so it was a nice break from the crazy nightlife, beach parties, traffic etc. Ao Nang does not offer much except restaurants,shopping and a few bars but it has a great beach and for many people this is all they want on a typical holiday. its also a good location for checking out Railay and Phi Phi. Phuket is slightly further but few hours by ferry and an international airport is 40 min taxi ride
2hoots said:
I'm in Ao Nang also at the end of January and like you plan on using it as a base to visit the other islands. Why all the hate for Ao Nang, I've been told it's fine and that I'll love it.
Ao Nang is alright ..OK : it doesn't have some of the key features of Patong : Bogans, large groups of Russians etc ( though prob fewer Russian tourists now as the ruble has collapsed.
Staying overnight on Railey is really lovely : enough bars and eateries/ some fire shows / music .. The sunsets are awesome ... And as no cars, and no boat traffic after dark .. Is quite special ( IMO)
It's only 15 mins by long tail from Ao Nang. And is a national park. Also has some rather neat hikes / scramble down to a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs..
I will deffo go back : for the scenery, chilled atmosphere And world class rock climbing
alfaman said:
Also has some rather neat hikes / scramble down to a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs..
just how easy is it past the first stage? i got about 20 feet up and wimped out as i had one too many Changs and didn't fancy a broken back 
did see photos of those who went to the lagoon and viewpoint and it looked pretty cool!R1-Jay said:
If you go to bangkok, Banyan tree is superb, especially with the moon bar, one of the best views on the 61st floor, or if you like the hangover films, try the lebuna hotel
Would second that, stayed at Lebua and went for dinner at the restaurant on the top floor and went for drinks at Moon both well worth a visit.rich85uk said:
just how easy is it past the first stage? i got about 20 feet up and wimped out as i had one too many Changs and didn't fancy a broken back did see photos of those who went to the lagoon and viewpoint and it looked pretty cool!
It's not that easy down the last steep 20-30m drop to the lagoon . did see photos of those who went to the lagoon and viewpoint and it looked pretty cool!Basically like a via Ferrara with some muddy ropes to cling on.
I am a climber / hiker so OK ... But if not used to greasy steep scrambles ... Maybe avoid .
... Had to help a couple of ppl back up from the lagoon .
Edit : realize u are referring to the scramble up ... Which is a lot easier than the descent down the other side to the lagoon.
The scramble up to viewpoint is basically OK - never too steep really .
The last 20-30m descent to lagoon is a lot harder
Edited by alfaman on Saturday 21st November 04:36
The Logon is easy, I took my twins there when they were 6, OK I did some bits three time down with one up down with the other, but there are no big drops.
As Alfaman says, Ah Nang is just a nice beach, but all a bit spoiled today with huge number of people, go further SE past Sadau toward Trang, Pak Meng, Yoh beach are fantastic you will be the only European there, but you will need transport.
As Alfaman says, Ah Nang is just a nice beach, but all a bit spoiled today with huge number of people, go further SE past Sadau toward Trang, Pak Meng, Yoh beach are fantastic you will be the only European there, but you will need transport.
The wife and myself (early to mid 40's) are heading to Perth, Australia in April next year for the sister-in-laws wedding, we’ll then be heading over to Sydney to see my dad. Been to Australia plenty times so no advice needed there.
However, we’ll have around 10 days/9 nights free at the end to head somewhere neither of us have been to on the way back, and Thailand is fitting the bill at the moment. A few days in Bangkok and then off somewhere for a bit of R&R.
We don’t have oodles of cash to spend on this (budget maybe £500 tops for 7 nights in resort), but Phuket is looking to fit the bill budget wise, with a good nightlife and Emirates links to Dubai/Glasgow. Any advice on heading there, Karon and Kata would appear to be the best area than perhaps Patong, we'd like a few decent restaurants and bars to enjoy, we don't need 100's of them!
Considered returning to Hong Kong for a few day (been several times before and love the place), before heading to Phuket, but never tried Bangkok. Is Bangkok worth missing and heading for Chang Mai instead?
However, we’ll have around 10 days/9 nights free at the end to head somewhere neither of us have been to on the way back, and Thailand is fitting the bill at the moment. A few days in Bangkok and then off somewhere for a bit of R&R.
We don’t have oodles of cash to spend on this (budget maybe £500 tops for 7 nights in resort), but Phuket is looking to fit the bill budget wise, with a good nightlife and Emirates links to Dubai/Glasgow. Any advice on heading there, Karon and Kata would appear to be the best area than perhaps Patong, we'd like a few decent restaurants and bars to enjoy, we don't need 100's of them!
Considered returning to Hong Kong for a few day (been several times before and love the place), before heading to Phuket, but never tried Bangkok. Is Bangkok worth missing and heading for Chang Mai instead?
Karon is a good bet, nice beach, close to Patong so you can visit but enough bars and restaurants if you choose to stay in Karon. I had a great time in Patong but it's very big, crazy traffic, beach jammed packed and mental nightlife it felt more like a city than a resort IMO
If I'm being honest Phuket felt too big to spend 7 days on where Koh Tao and KPY were perfect for 5 days each with exploring the island in the day and a good party scene at night
Have you considered Koh Samui? Direct flights from Bangkok and it offers everything Phuket does but on a smaller, nicer island IMO. If you don't mind a flight then ferry I would look at Koh Tao aswell
If I'm being honest Phuket felt too big to spend 7 days on where Koh Tao and KPY were perfect for 5 days each with exploring the island in the day and a good party scene at night
Have you considered Koh Samui? Direct flights from Bangkok and it offers everything Phuket does but on a smaller, nicer island IMO. If you don't mind a flight then ferry I would look at Koh Tao aswell
Cheers Rich, given our (relatively) limited time the attraction of Phuket is we can jump on Emirates back to Dubai then Glasgow rather than having to either go back to Bangkok or get from wherever we are to Phuket, plus it appears that accommodation deals are better value.
Karon does seem to suit us, or that general area south of Patong, but within easy reach if we fancy a night out there.
Karon does seem to suit us, or that general area south of Patong, but within easy reach if we fancy a night out there.
In that case being based in Karon with the option of a chilled evening in Kata or a wild one in Patong would be a good bet and have everything you would want 
I never made it to Chiang Mai but i thought Bangkok was a fantastic city and a must for anyone going to Thailand, cant promise you will like it (some people hate it) but its a crazy city you should visit atleast once
I never made it to Chiang Mai but i thought Bangkok was a fantastic city and a must for anyone going to Thailand, cant promise you will like it (some people hate it) but its a crazy city you should visit atleast once
If your budget is limited Coconut Village Patong, great clean hotel pool etc, far enough away from the noise, but you can walk to everything, not on the beach, but 30 pounds night bed and breakfast for two.
I ride to Patong fairly often and its one of my choice place if I'm on my own, if you go to Krabbie then Beach terrace in Ah Nang, same sort of price.
You will find these hotels are used by middle class Thais and expats, offer great value, Patong is what ever you want, you can easily have nice time there and avoid all the trash.
I ride to Patong fairly often and its one of my choice place if I'm on my own, if you go to Krabbie then Beach terrace in Ah Nang, same sort of price.
You will find these hotels are used by middle class Thais and expats, offer great value, Patong is what ever you want, you can easily have nice time there and avoid all the trash.
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