Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiger Beer]

Its one of those place I've never managed to get to.. but heard so many 'great' things about it (and sometimes nothing good).. but regardless, so many well-traveled people seem to go there on vacations anyways.

Am I working the place up in my mind now? What makes the place so great (or so undesireable) for people who go there (or have been there)?

[bucheon bum]

overrated. It's just another place in the sun. Not sure what all the hype is about.

[Bulsajo]

For me it was the right time in the right place at the right price for a great vacation, but I could see absolutely no reason to go back, once was enough.

[Zark]

What are you looking for?

My reasons for basing my home here - might be quite different from those of someone visiting or doing the tourist thing.

But . . . it does have nightlife if you are interested in that.

It has access to Phi Phi/Krabi/Phang-nga Bay/Khao Lak areas. And to the world-class Similan Islands (diving).

It has overcrowded jam-packed beaches - but it also has some very quiet and semi-deserted beaches.

It has gritty tourist centers, but it also has some quiet villages (like where I live) away from it all.

It has tourist touts and hustlers - but it also has the same gentle and friendly people you'll find anywhere else in Thailand.

It has beach shack restaurants - eat cheaply with your toes in the sand - or expensive five-star restaurants where you can sit in A/C and view multi-million dollar yachts (the Watermark).

I would suggest that most people who are ho-hum about the island have only spent time in the tourist centers. Just my opinion.

As above, it all really depends on how you want to spend your time there.

[Tiger Beer]

I like dense crowded beaches with lots of fun and bikinis.. and extremely clear ocean water where you can actually see what you are stepping on while in the ocean.

I also like to have A LOT of 'urban' things to do nearby.. city center and such. Bars, clubs, restaurants, even movie theaters would be cool for me.

(Not your typical beach traveller here, but thats what I like - like Waikiki/South Beach style). I also loved Boracay. Kind of seems like based on all of those things.. I'd probably like Phuket too - but never been there though.

[Zark]

You might then, prefer Kata Beach.

It is one of the better beaches for swimming and clear calm water. Also - it is packed (in high season anyway).

Nightlife is in Patong - about 15 mintues away - though there is some right in Kata and/or in Karon (about 10 minutes away).

Central Festival Mall (maybe 20 minutes away) - has an SFX multiplex theater - with all the latest flicks - for about B100-120.

[newinseoul]

I was in Karon beach area of Phuket over Christmas. It was a great beach but, there was mostly older married Europeans couples on this beach. Kata beach which is right next to it has a younger crowd, more people and more nightlife. The best place to party and see tons of people is Patong beach. The place is really happening and the beach is really nice too, but crowded.

Depends on what you are looking to do or see in Phuket. Everything is close distance wise though. The three beaches of Patong, Karon, and Kata are all a short tuk tuk ride away (150baht from Karon to Patong). If you get a chance go and see Simon's Cabaret show. It is a ladyboy cabaret and it is hilarious. But, seriously the beaches are paradise! You can get a cheap(150b) massage right on the beach while watching the sunset. I will go back soon.

Good Luck!

[tzechuk]

We loved it.

We went to Kata beach... stayed in a great hotel right behind the beach.

It was a wonderful experience!!

[Tiger Beer]

[Bulsajo]

How did the Kata Thani hotel fare through the Tsunami?
(and to clairfy my post- I've nothing against Phuket but with so many great places in the world to visit there isn't anything to draw me back there a second time except maybe to catch a ferry to the Similians).

[bucheon bum]

My parents flew into Phucket about 10 days ago, went kayaking in phang nga bay. They really enjoyed the area, but didn't spend any time in Phucket.

[itaewonguy]

I went to KATA beach spent 7 days there!
stayed a cool little resort behind the beach! name was ummmmm
palms? no.. umm cant remember! anyway was cool! wonder if its still there after the tsunami.. im sure the 5 star places on the beachfront got totalled!
anyway Puket!! its about what you want! who you are going with!
and what you are planning on doing!

its got sun surf and sand! just like most places on thailand!
elephants, crocs and zoos! just like other places in LOS..
its got woman, shows, and massages! just like other places in LOS!
it does have cleaner water less sexpats! than pattaya!
its got Krabi and phi phi close by..

great for a couple get away!

[tzechuk]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

Kata beach, good times. If you need cheap, go to the Philippines. If you want culture, try Vietnam or Bali. Phuket is a little pricey, but it's a relatively stress-free vacation without hawkers bugging you on the beach.

Ken:>
Pictures: http://keneckert.com/pictures/southasia/thai/thailand1.html

[Patong Dong]

I lived in Phuket for about 3 years in total. Patong was the the most convenient for me in terms of work and living, but it definetely has its seedy sides. I lived in Kamala for about a year and could afford a 2 bedroom house for what a studio cost me in Patong. As Zark mentioned though, there are still alot of isolated areas that would surprise people that holiday in the Patong to Kata stretch. Even after 2 years of exploring I found a small beach that I had to walk through the forest to get to that had about 6 people on it. Get a motorbike and cruise around; the island has a lot to offer. I stayed 5 months after the Tsunami but had to come back here because work just wasn't going anywhere, but would've happily stayed otherwise.

Zark, out of curiousity, where do you keep a place?