I'm going to Asia with my 16 y.o. son and my 15 y.o. daughter. We were in Koh Samui and Bkk last X-mass, so we were thinking about Phuket and Bkk this time. I'm also looking at Philippines as an alternative destination (Boracay). My kids prefer Thailand.
If we end up going to Thailand, where will be a better place to spend New Years Eve-Phuket or Bkk ?
We stayed last year in Bkk in Byokie Sky Hotel, you all sugest here to stay on the river, what is the advantage? (prices are so much higher on the river)
Thank you
Maggie

Give serious consideration to Boracay and maybe a few days in Manila. You will find your $$$ go a lot farther in the Philippines ands since you have been to Thailand why not strike out for someplece different!
We are heading to Manila in February.

Having spent two New Years Eves on Phuket in recent years, I'd suggest you stay on the island. It's a bit more peaceful than GKK, I think. We were at Mom Tri's Villa Royale (Kata Beach) which has its own party with a lovely dinner and fireworks on the beach. I'm sure you cannot get a room at Mom Tri's (either the Boathouse or the Villas) at this point. Some people book their return accomodations a year ahead!

In any case, I think Kata Beach, or maybe Kata Noi or Karon Beach, would be nice choices for New Years Eve.

Enjoy your trip.

Carol

Thank you for your tips.
How can I convince my kids to go to Philippines? I downloaded photo gallery from Boracay and Palawan, but my kids do not seem to interested. Any tips to catch their attention. They love beaches, last year had a blast to be able to go by themselves on seadoos in Koh Samui. They also like to shop, and I saw there is a good bargain shopping in Manila (called SM).
Is it as safe as Thailand, are people as friendly and honest?
Thank you also for the tips on New years Eve. If we go, we will definitely stay in Phuket.
Thank you all,
Maggie

There are plenty of things to do and see in Manila. Search this forum for my trip report- I published it back in March of this year. The best bargain by far are the pearls- incredibly cheap and they are the real deal. South Sea Baby Pearls for just a few dollars- really! They can be found in the greenhills shopping mall. Plenty of shopping malls and markets in Manila.Tell your kids that their shopping budget will go farther in Manila.
Great restaurants as well. If you decide that the Philippines is the way to go we have relatives there that are in the touism industry and they can help with your planning if you like. Borecay will be less expensive than Palawan. Borecay is also closer to Manila so getting there will be easier/cheaper. Borecay has been touted as having one of the best beaches in the world. The resorts there are not 5 star, but neither are the prices!
It is safe and of course everyone speak english so language is not an issue.
People are very friendly- I thnk you will like it.

Bill
Thank you for your post. I've read you Trip to Manila report. Very detailed, great help.
Couple Questions:
We are Canadians - do we need any visas?
Are ATM machines as easy and convenient as in Thailand?
Do you tip in Philippines? Taxi, Hotel, Restaurant?
Bargain with vendors? What sort of percentage can you knock off (I'm terrible with that, but my daughter is some what better)
I tend to carry waist pouch with my money, camera etc. - is it safe there?
Can I use you Family Travel Agency? I copy their e-mail & phone# from your previous posting.
I don't have much time now, we are leaving for HKG Dec 24th but I will try to get as much info as I can. If I can't pull it together there is always next trip, and I will be well informed.
Thanks a million
Maggie

Yes by all means use my relatives listed in the trip report. Just mention my name. I don't know about the VISA question- ask the travrel agent they will know.
Best to keep valuables in a security wallet- where ever you are in Asia.
Yes tip- but not as much as in the US I would say 5% for taxis, and for hotels maybe 20 pesos per bag and maybe 50 pesos per day for the maid.($US equals about 54 pesos.)
yes bargain- there is no hard rule of thumb but I would say at least 30-40 % off of what they start out at- applies at markets, small vendors but not the bif stores in the malls. Plenty of ATMs around so that should not be a problem.
If not this time around then keep it in mind for your next trip! Whatever you decide have a great time!

If you are heading to Phuket next week your biggest concern would be getting accommodation still available though you should get something you will probably have to go for what is available rather than choosing. New year's on Phuket is fun especially in Patong, most hotels though will have compulsory parties but depending on where you stay that can be great or otherwise. Flights from next weekend until after New year will be heavily booked up though Thai has extra flights on certain days. If you are planning for next week I would get busy right away! Have you got your long haul flights booked? As I am guessing that you haven't got your long hauls flights yet.

Bill
Great answers to my questions, thanks a lot.
James
I have flight booked YYZ to HKG Dec 24th. Last year I didn't have a problems getting flights even after Tsunami.
I've been checking some hotels in Kata and Karon, we are on budget, so I'm only looking for 3 stars and it looks like there are still quite a few available. I've also heard that you can get some hotel recommendations from the Phuket airport info kiosk.
Thank you
Maggie