Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Whirlwind]

Hi,

I'm heading out to Phuket in April and am interested to hear some advice about hotels, day trips,etc. from people who have been there. I plan to fly in without a hotel reservation. Good idea or bad idea? Any "must-see" places there? Thanks for any advice.

[VanIslander]

from what i've read about thailand in the past...

April is the end of the busy season of foreign tourists, but it's the holiday season for Thais (end of the school year brings lots of young adults to the beaches), many of whom go to some of the beach resort areas en masse, making it difficult to get a good room. But I heard that about Hua Hin. Maybe Phuket isn't so attractive to the locals in April. Others can confirm.

[Zark]

My home is on Phuket - and I love it here.

As April is kind of the ending of high season - it might be worth booking your hotel just to avoid having to truck your luggage around in the heat looking for something. Also, the online bookers get volume deals that you can't get - and will beat your price at the door (IME/IMO).

Depending on if you are looking for nightlife or not - I would recommend staying away from the tourist areas of Patong/Kata/Karon - but if you are into the bar scene - then do stay there.

The islands out in the bay are stunningly beautiful and you might want to take a dive or snorkling trip out there. Lots of lesser know beaches exist that are beautiful and much less crowded. Take a look at "Phuket's Best Beaches" - http://phuketdelight.com/Best%20Beaches.htm

It's also worth renting a scooter or car and getting out and seeing the rural parts of the island - some with great views of the sea and bay - take a look at "Phuket's Best Island Drives" - http://phuketdelight.com/Best%20Island%20Drives.htm

There are several beaches that have lots of beach shack type restaurants - great for watching the sun go down and having a great - inexpensive - meal with your feet in the sand. The best beaches for these type restaurants are Bang Tao, Surin, and Nai Yang.

Enjoy!

[Free World]

If you get the chance, take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.... it is stunningly beautiful!
Here are a couple pictures taken 2 months ago.



Phuket is great too though, I'm sure you will have an amazing time.

[cdn_guy7610]

Whirlwind, when exactly are you heading to Phuket? What prices are you getting quoted for airfare?

[gochubandit]

i'm thinkin about heading there in june. cheapest flight out there from INC to Bangkok??? not quite sure how to do it here in korea. only from the states. what's the whole visa process like too? i've got a multiple entry to and from korea. can i just fly out to Thailand and snag my tourist one right then and there?

[SweetBear]

Book a room for sure, you will pay at least 25% more otherwise and as Zark said, who wants to lug around luggage in the heat ( it will be hot !) Many a good deal to be had and much fun here
Zark is THE man when it comes to Phuket, take his advice.
Most nationalities can, I believe, get a tourist visa on arrival. For cheap flights I used Kangsan in Busan. There is also a sticky in the FAQ, but, be patient with travel agents in SK and only book flights. Initial e mails are good, but follow up calls are essential.

[Patong Dong]

I lived in Phuket, Patong and Kamala, for a few years and one of the things I always enjoyed was the Songkran (Thai New Year) holiday in April. It is a lot of fun and even after living in Phuket became routine I was always impressed with those 2 days. In Patong it is a huge, two-day water fight/party. Many Thais I knew said it was not what the celebration should really be like, but I always enjoyed spending the day walking around with my water gun being shot at and shooting anybody both in and out of bars. On Bangla, the main party drag, the bars cover up their walls and encorage the water fights. The odd drunken idiot takes it too far but most make it fun. Be careful on motorbikes though as the roads get slick and people throw water in your face while driving by. Also, once night comes it's supposed to stop.