laurenkarl

Hello!
I will be arriving into Phuket via the private catamaran from Phi Phi Island resort at 15:30 on Saturday March 9. We will be flying back to Bangkok at some point that evening (flights range from 18:30 - 21:30) and staying by Don Muang before an early morning flight on Sunday to HCMC.
My question is whether there is a good place to have a early drinks/dinner on Phuket on the way from the pier to airport or if I should just head to Bangkok and hang out at the airport hotel (probably staying at Amari Don Muang which seems to have a fun pub). I would not be looking for anything fancy since we will be dressed casually for travel but would be interested in good food and outdoor dining.
It will just be my husband and myself with normal luggage.

Thank you fodorites!!! This is my second trip to Thailand and as with the first trip, I greatly appreciate all of the advise given here.

Hanuman

"Kan Eang" restaurant at Chalong Pier is quite nice and fit all your requirement and very laid back. http://www.kaneang-pier.com

Are you arriving into Don Muang and flying out from Don Muang on Air Asia? The Amari is pretty run down IMO but I have not seen the room or been in the hotels in a long time. There are some good 3 and 4 stars hotel within 10 minutes drive from Don Muang. Take a look at Rama Garden and Miracle Grand. I like the Rama Garden especially the rooms in the new wing.

laurenkarl

Hello Hanuman,
Thank you for the feedback! Apparently the Phi Phi Island Resort catamaran docks at Ao Po Grand Marina up north so I don't think Kan Eang would be the best option (although it looks great). Any other suggestions would be welcome!
I did see some photos of the Amari, it seemed fine. I just really like there is a walkway directly to the airport.
Thanks again!

Kathie

Last I stayed at the Amari it was pretty awful. That was back when they were keeping it up better because Don Muang was the only airport. Unless they have upgraded it significantly, I'd avoid it. The rooms in the new section of the Rama Gardens are nice. I'd also be very surprised if the Amari has "fun pub."

laurenkarl

Hi again,
I did look at Rama Gardens and it looks quite nice, thank you!
I just looked at the Indigo Pearl on Phuket that appears to be 2 miles from airport and have emailed them about just having dinner there. Can anyone recommend that property (looks nice from the website)?

Hanuman

I recall reading a few trip reports with people here staying there. How are you going to the airport - do you have someone picking you up? If you have transportation I would just drive around the shores near the Indigo Pearl and just pick a place to dine.

For other places near the airport I have only eaten at the golf courses near there but the food was average and unless you're a golfer it doesn't really make sense to stop by.

Again I would advise that you don't stay at the Amari. Don Muang is undergoing a facelift but the hotel is not as far as I know. The Centara Grand Ladprao is around 15 - 20 minutes from Don Muang and offer a lot of good dining choices in the hotel and the adjoining mall. You don't have to worry about traffic for Sunday morning either. If you catch a flight at around 18:30 you can be at your hotel in Bangkok by 20:00 and have dinner then.

laurenkarl

Hi,
We will be coming from the Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa so will either be in a cab or utilize their ground transportation. It was my understanding that IP was only 2 miles from Phuket airport and since we could check our luggage I thought it would be more convenient than just going to a restaurant.
Hear you on Amari, will definitely reconsider!