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jg
Joined: 26 Mar 2003
Posts: 1263
Location: Ralph Lauren Pueblo
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 Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:57 am Post subject: Discounted travel locales? |
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Can anyone give me info on cool places in the provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga? I am working in Shanghai and would like to spend about 10 days in an area that has some beaches, pubs, coffeeshops, nightlife, but also some placid and serene areas to stroll in. The idea of sitting in a comfy teahouse reading, with the beach 15 minutes away (or closer!) appeals to me.
I hope that isn't asking for too much, or for the best of both worlds, but I have never done the tropical island thing before, and I am intrigued by Thailands reduced tourist numbers.
Here is an article about the current tourism scene in Thailand
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/asiaquake6months;_ylt=Ah7fF6UdmP3LQvRp92MIVCEDW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
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Thai authorities admit tourism has been slower to rebound than they had hoped, and industry officials say they expect the coming peak travel season starting in November to be weaker than normal, with a full recovery possible by late 2006.
Thailand's national economy has absorbed the shock even as it sputters on high oil prices, but tsunami-hit provinces are paying a high price.
Official numbers for the first quarter of the year paint a dire picture: arrivals of Swedes and Britons, who usually visit in greater numbers than other nationalities, are down by 67 percent over the same period last year.
German tourists have dropped off by 74 percent and French 70 percent.
Asian tourists are also staying away: arrivals of South Koreans are down by 64 percent and Japanese by 86 percent.
"This June we have an average occupancy rate of less than 20 percent, compared to nearly 60 percent last year in the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi" along the Andaman coast, says Napasorn Kakai, assistant director at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Phuket.
In Phuket and Krabi, nearly 90 percent of hotels have reopened, but in Phang Nga -- which witnessed the majority of Thailand's 5,400 fatalities -- only 38 percent are back in business.
The province which six months ago was home to at least 40 five-star hotels now has only one, says deputy governor Jit Phasompong.
"We have 40 percent of bookings for the next peak season starting in November," says TAT's Napasorn, referring to travel agent bookings that are usually confirmed by October.
"We should have 80 percent. It means the tsunami is still a big disaster for the tourism industry," she says.
The vice president of the Phuket Tourist Association, Kitti Phatanachinda, says the numbers make grim reading for the island that normally welcomes about one third of Thailand's tourists, representing some two billion dollars a year in earnings.
Only 10 percent of hotels have been hit, but the whole island is dying," he says, pointing out that "90 percent of businesses on the island are linked to tourism."
Twenty airlines flew to Phuket before the tsunami, against eight now, six months since the disaster killed more than 220,000 people around the Indian Ocean. |
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Sheep-Goats
Joined: 16 Apr 2004
Posts: 527
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| Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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If tourist numbers are actually down that much you'll also quickly find that so are available accomdotion and things to do, so the tourists get packed in a bit tighter. In any case, there aren't very many places in Thailand that are both worth hanging around in and tourist free -- I'd wager to say that you could probably count them on the fingers of one hand.
You should be able to find what you're looking for at any of those places. Phuket is the busiest of the three, so it'll be a little harder to find beachside serenity there. |
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Volodiya
Joined: 03 May 2004
Posts: 1025
Location: Somewhere, out there
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| Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:55 am Post subject: |
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By all means, go. Thailand is an immensely pleasant place to chill out, and the local people will appreciate your being there. Since you live in Shaghai, I think you'll be comfortable with the prices of things there, even if there are no "tsunami" discounts.
People worry about everything, and some would say don't go during the monsoon season. But, with relaxing and experiencing the tropics your goal, anytime of the year is good, in Thailand.
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In recent years, I've spent more time in the Krabi area. Ao Nang and Ao Nang Beach are nice places to hang out, and a short boat ride away is Railey Beach and its environs. [These are small places but they have a reasonable selection of cafes and restaurants and, of course, lots of bars with friendly staff.] Some of the most beautiful scenery in Thailand lies between Krabi Town and Ao Nang as the road winds among karsts, and through rubber tree plantations.
Phuket Island would also be a nice place to hang out. There are a number of beaches and environs to choose from. Relatively cheap, surface transport exists between many of the beaches, and the entertainment opportunities associated with them.
Both of these locales are accessible by air from Bangkok (cheap tickets available, if you book early, and online). |
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laura1d
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 108
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:12 pm Post subject: Chill Out |
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Hi there,
I have lived in Thailand for around 2 1/2 years now. I know of some 'off the path' islands that tourists do not go to. Big secret time! Many people that live here know them but they are not in the guide books - or pretty much skimmed over.
If you want a total chill out and get away from it kind of place then private message me and I can give you a couple of good places... Bear in mind I am talking - on the beach, no electricity, no bars (apart from where you stay) no clubs, no full moon parties, no young girls in skimpy bikinis (well not compared to the tourist trail)
All depends what you are looking for...
Laura |
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