I just got back from a great 2 week trip to Thailand. I have been there before and it is still my favorite place to travel. I can not stress enough how beautiful Phuket is. I know there are many people out there who are hesistant to travel there due to the Tsunami but please don't be. We stayed on Karon Beach which is about 6 miles from Patong Beach which was the area most severely hit. I did not get to see Patong Beach because I was too busy having fun in Karon. It was difficult to imagine that this island was hit with a Tsunami. We did see some uprooted sidewalks and trees etc. along with construction in some areas but it in no way detracted from the beauty of the island. We ate at fabulous restaurants, shopped at the night markets, went on day trips to different islands and enjoyed perfect weather. If anyone is considering not going to Phuket because of the Tsunami, don't. You will miss out on a wonderful, peaceful vacation.

I appreciate your update. I was just in Thailand in February, but only went to BKK on this trip. I love Phuket, having stayed on Kata Beach a number of times. I'm glad to hear that the place looks great.

What about tourist numbers? Did you think they were way down?
Carol

Carol- have you tried the Philippines? (check out my trip report on this forum). The bargains there on jewelry were unreal!

Great you enjoyed it! Some of the construction/repairs going on along Karon front was where there used to be an open air market, I saw some green boarding up but I think that was just a new construction. Karon is a good example of how very little damage was done. In Patong the long row of hotels/shops etc at the front bore the brunt of it as so many m/bikes and cars parked along there. Otherwise Patong was just as normal.

BillT
No, I've not been to the Phillipines. Maybe some day?

The group of 5 folks who were all just in BKK together were just now talking about our memories. We all wished we were there right now! It was great timing. We all showed up and the same place, same time, without any idea that everyone would be there!

Austine, Tell us a little more about your trip. Did you go anywhere else other than Phuket?

thanks for the mini report...lets hear some more when you have time....i'm looking forward to my 4 days on phuket in june

Karon Beach did not appear to be crowded at all. We talked to some regulars who stated that normally the beaches and restaurants would be busy and that currently the beaches seem like they are when it is low season. Thailand was great. We stayed several days in BKK then went to Chiang Mai and then to Karon Beach on Phuket. We flew domestic on Air Asia and except for a 2 hour delay on one of our flights we had no problems. I bought the tickets over the internet many months ago so to fly from BKK to Chiang Mai literally cost us about $17 per person. We ate like kings while in BKK, CM and Phuket. Chiang Mai was very cheap with Phuket being the most expensive but it was still a bargain compared to upstate New York prices. One does have to be aware of some of the scams which seem to be constant when it comes to the Tuk Tuk and Taxi drivers. You'll find that no matter where you want to go they will tell you that it is "closed" or "not open yet" as they are hoping to direct you to a shop or restaurant where they will get a comission for bringing in customers. Just insist on going and if they continue with their pitch get out of the vehicle. You will be able to flag another Tuk or Taxi within seconds. Also before getting into the taxi I would ask the driver if he would use the meter. Most of them agreed and followed through but a few would try to negotiate a price once you got in the taxi. Again, just get out and get another taxi. We were also approached many, many times by "nice friendly folks" who wanted to know where we were from or where we were going. I would be polite and say hello but would not engage them as inevitably they are trying to get you to go to some shop. My friend, who is very outgoing and friendly, was constantly "sucked" into these conversations as I continued to walk. It may seem rude to do that but one has to be aware of these scams so as not lose precious time and money while traveling. I am a woman in my 40's and explored a great deal on my own and I in no way felt unsafe. Just be aware of the scams and don't be afraid of offending these overly friendly people on the streets as most of them are con artists. I am not talking about the general population only the "friendly folks" that approach you for no reason and want to engage in friendly banter. I can't wait to go back and I think my friend is sold also. Hopefully I will be there again in 2007.

Austine, Where did you stay in BKK & Chiang Mai? Any recommendations for restaurants? Any special things you did or shops you found?