Evalamo

Hi

my friend and I are going to Thailand for a couple of weeks in January. We are going first to Chiang Mai for a few days, and then we want to visit the south for the rest of our trip. The plan is to to go to Railey - Krabi, and then spend 3 nights in Phi Phi and 2 nights in Phuket. However, we are concerned that Phuket will be a tourist trap, too built-up, very crowded and with a crazy nightlife (not that we don't want to go out at night but a half way/not too crazy scene suits us better). However, I know that most tours along the coast depart from there and we are tempted to do a sail tour of the Phang nga bay.
Also, if we end up going to Phuket, where would you suggest staying at? We are looking for rather authentic places not 5 star luxury hotel chains, perhaps with thai decor, clean and with a friendly staff, not too expensive.
In other words should we skip Phuket, or, if it's worth going, where should we stay?
Thank you all.

Kathie

Phuket us a large island. There are busy areas and less busy areas. It's not all like Patong. Your biggest problem will likely be in finding "not too expensive" accommodation - but that is true in Krabi and PhiPhi as well.

You might take a look at a local Thai booking site: www.sawasdee.com as well as at some international ones like www.agoda.com

crellston

Some people love Phuket, some do not. I used to like it years ago but stopped visiting when it got so busy and expensive when compared with other parts of Thailand. That said, I dare say a there are some less busy places around the island if you seek them out. This sight make haeld a little if you search around http://www.travelfish.org/location/t.../phuket/phuket

simpsonc510

Heading to one of the quieter beaches for the new year! Looking forward to it. I avoid Patong beach. Too crazy, too busy, and too many pushy touts.

MissGreen

you have to see Patong but after the first time you get sick of the nightlife, the bars, the continual requests to come down some dark alley to see a sex show.

It's so hard to say skip something as your opinions, likes and dislikes are so different to others.

I stayed at Le Meridien at Phuket. It was your usual big hotel but the rooms were a bit more traditional than your usual stainless steel and gloss Intercontinental. We had a Junior Suite and there was lots of timber, a bathroom with wooden slat windows that opened to the bedroom. The beach here was fabulous. I believe it is one of the few hotels near Patong that has a beach at the hotel. Lovely white wide sand and great water. I wouldn't swim at Patong Beach. Would I stay here again? Ummm, I guess so. I didn't absolutely love it as it was not pure luxury, but if you're not expecting that you won't be disappointed.

cokesmith

After Krabi and Railey, Phuket will be big letdown...

Evalamo

Thank you all for your suggestions. We are probably going after all, however we might go to Kata beach as it seems to be a bit quieter.
Thanks much!

zoso

Hi,
Please make sure if u want to see Elephants go to The Elephant Nature park near chang mai The only humane place to see the Eles for sure!!!Need to book in advance. So wonderful!!!
Its a rescue park.

simpsonc510

Kata is a good choice. It is much preferred over Patong in my opinion. Kata has plenty of dining and shopping right outside the door of the beachfront hotels.

Dickie_Gr

We are sailing in Phuket over Christmas, our first visit but we have done plenty of research.

Koh Phi Phi looks beautiful but would appear to be overrun with the sort of tourism you are trying to avoid. I would question whether 3 days on the island would suit you. A day trip from Krabi or Koh Lanta may be a better idea.

Sidny

I was in Kata beach last January for 3 nights (went to Patong one night). I was not a fan of Phuket in general, overall too touristy for me and relatively expensive to other parts of Thailand. Kata was definitely better than Patong, but one of my overwhelming memories was the constant smell of trash dumpsters while walking the main streets to/from our hotel. The beach was nice.

I went to Koh Samet for a couple of nights after that and breathed a huge sigh of relief at finally being in the Thailand I had always imagined. If I go back I doubt I'll be going to Phuket. We hit Chiang Mai at the beginning of our trip and loved it! Have a great time!

Evalamo

Thank you all! very much appreciated.We have booked only 2 nights in Koh Phi Phi and 2 nights in Phuket in Kata...we won't be staying in Kata that much after all as we are planning to do day trips. We left one night in between to be decided once we get there! But thank you all again.