Phuket>>>Bangkok

[escapism]

Hi, I'm planning for our honeymoon in Dec. Since this is the first time I'm planning my own trip I'm kind of clueless.

We intend to go Phuket for abt 2-3 nights then head down to Bangkok for SHOPPING!

Anyone care to share which beach is great to stay in Phuket? Patong, Karon, Kata & etc. And what resorts/hotels do you recommend?

As for Bangkok, any recommendations for an accessible hotel? I presume moving around in Bangkok is pretty easy rite? no?

Lastly, do you think it'll be cheaper if I were to book the accommodation + air tixs (fly by budget airlines lor!) myself rather than through an agency?

Appreciate your views.

 

[alhana]

Hi suzie

I did the Phuket-BKK thing a year back and booked everything myself. Found it cheaper and more flexible as I had more options to pick from.

If you're in Phuket for the first time, you may want to stay at Patong, which is the most popular beach area. The rest are quieter. We stayed at the Burasari, which is a small boutique hotel located next to the Holiday Inn. It's pretty nice..we got ourselves the junior suite.

As for BKK, you can stay in the Siam Square area for easy access to the major shopping centres. Popular choices are Asia Hotel, Novotel Siam Sq, Pathumwan Princess, Arnoma Hotel. They are close to shopping centres and the skytrain stations. BKK is easy to move about if you take the trains. WHile cabs and tuk tuks are readily available, the BKK traffic can be a nightmare at times.

 

[sweet_apple]

Hi Alhana,

Can you give more advise as to which type of rooms to book for Burasari? Is it better book the Junior Suite or the Pool Access? Is it better to get the higher floors or ground floor? I heard there is no privacy at the ground floor as ppl can just peek into the rooms. I also heard that there is unpleasant smell in some of the rooms, is it true? Will it be ok if I book 1 month in advance? Or do I have to book earlier?

Sorry for so many questions.....

 

[alhana]

Hi Apple

I took the Junior Suite as the pool access rooms were fully occupied. Think there are only 5 pool access rooms. My suite was actually on the ground floor, and just a few steps to the pool, so it was almost as good as having pool access with prob more privacy (for pool access, people can sit in the pool on the steps leading up to your room and look in..so some may not like it). For us, we didn't hv any problems of people peeking in..most of the guests are not so kay poh or pervert one lah I didn't hv any problem with smells..it was a perfectly lovely room. As for booking, depends on when you're going. If you go in the off peak season, prob 1 mth in advance is ok. However, since it's a small hotel, and if you want a particular type of room, then maybe it's better to book earlier to ensure you'll get what you want.

 

[escapism]

hi, this may sound sceptical but isit really safe to travel to phuket in dec?

 

[alhana]

Why not? If you're worried abt tsunamis, well, they can happen anytime, any where. Earthquakes don't really hv a fixed time schedule. In terms of weather, Dec is actually one of the best times to go coz the weather is supposedly dry and cool.

 

[escapism]

i was more worried abt the weather actually. but since you've said that, i'm like 90% confirmed going to phuket. heh. been to phuket.com and the beaches all look so lovely!

 

[zenith]

hi gers,

i'll be going to phuket next monday to fri. thot of going bangkok over the weekends. may i noe how do i go to bkk frm pkt? any recommendation?

 

[alhana]

Hi zen

I took Air Asia to BKK from Phuket. Actually they have quite a few airlines in Thailand besides Thai Airways. There's PB Air, Bangkok Airways etc. Just check out Phuket Airport website and see which airlines fly the domestic routes. You have quite a few options. Other options incl taking bus or cab..but long journey lah..waste time

Suzie,

I last went to Phuket in Dec and the weather was PERFECT. Awesome beach weather..so yeah, in that sense, it is perfectly safe to go then

 

[sweet_apple]

Alhana,

Besides direct access to the pool, what is the difference between a Junior Suite and Pool Access Room? Is there any Superior/Deluxe room on ground floor? I guess most of my time will be soak inside the pool.

I'm still thinking if it's worth it to pay higher price for Junior Suite/Pool Access.

 

[alhana]

Apple,

From what I know, they have more junior suites than pool access rooms, and some junior suites are not located on the ground floor. I think the junior suite is bigger. When I was last there, I was kinda glad that I didn't get the pool access rooms, coz it seemed less private (people can easily see into your room from inside the pool), and the deck area was heavily shaded by trees...can't really tan there. BUt if you like the idea of stepping straight into the pool from your room, then I guess it's ok to pay the price for it. It really depends on what you want

When we were there, we will only in the pool one day..the rest were spent going on tours to islands etc.

 

[dreamymi]

I jus help my sis to check for her trip....

The cheapest airline to take is Airasia at THB1657.43 (inclusive of TAXs).... But the most good for bargain is Orient Thai... with tax is only THB 1700 plus food n drink are included inflight.... Price is based on August trip. The rest of the airline is Expensive.

 

[ms_bubly]

hi all...

for those who wanna know more..
we've jus came back from our honeymoon in Phuket.
Was great.. sun was superb..fine weather with rains only in the night(phew!)
Well, anyway, we enjoyed out stay in Phuket Courtyard Marriot, which is pretty new and CLEAN. It's in surin beach slightly away from the busy Patong. However, i feel the beach in Patong or Surin cannot be compared to "The Racha". We also went ahead, to an island off Phuket and stayed in this resort called "The Racha". It's FANTASTIC! A great choice for short get away honeymoon.... 2 thumbs up for their service, and of course the resort! visit their web: www.theracha.com you'll knw why.... i visited their website and thought the pictures were so fakely beautiful, but in actual fact, it's REALLY beautiful... haha, nv thought i could take so fine pictures with my so-so digi. try it.

 

[idono]

can share ur pics?

 

[neuross]

Hi Ms Bubly!

I'm also thinking of going The Racha for my honeymoon. Do you mind sharing some of your pics taken there? Which suite did you booked at The Racha? And how to you travel there cos I understand The Racha is located on another island in Thailand.

Email: [email protected]

 

[blurbaby]

oh my!!! i'm drooling on The Racha every night..

Will attempt to go there next Sept cos need to save up for this expensive trip. Had been pleading with my hubby to visit The Racha...

Let's pray that we will go there..

 

[joanne_lim]

Hi All,

I'm planning to have my honeymoon @ Phuket in Sept 2011.
As I willing to know more information on some place that MUST go for shopping, eating, or any other activity.
As its my 1st time been there with my finance.
I would like to know how many days I should stay over there 3D2N or 4D3N enough??
Anyone would like to share with me, whether should I stay @ hotel or resort??
Which hotel/resort will your recommand??

 

[ngfifi]

Hi there

Anyone did book any day tour for island hopping in Phuket?

I've paid 1,600 baht/pax for island hopping via speedboat to Raya Island (aka The Racha) and Coral Island plus free airport transfer from Phuket International airport to my resort located in Bang Tao / Laguna area

Not sure if what i've paid is "over" or a norm?

 

[smelly_melly]

Hi, I've booked tickets from SIN to Phuket and from BKK back to SIN. Planning to go from Phuket to Hua Hin or Krabi before to BKK. Anyone have any idea?