In the beginning stages and need some help!
Dec 25th, 2007, 09:24 PM
#1
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In the beginning stages and need some help!
We have just booked our flight to Thailand for July. I know it's wet session but it is the only time that will work. I'd like to hear from others that have been to Phuket and Bangkok in July. What was the weather really like? Is it true that it is so hot you can't breathe? How often and how much did it rain?
Has anyone got any suggestions where to stay in Phuket? We are a family of four - parents and 18 and 20 year old daughters. Would like a place on the beach with water sports. Other interests include shopping and maybe some elephant experience (only if it is elephant friendly). Any help from others would be appreciated.
PS - Merry Christmas.
Has anyone got any suggestions where to stay in Phuket? We are a family of four - parents and 18 and 20 year old daughters. Would like a place on the beach with water sports. Other interests include shopping and maybe some elephant experience (only if it is elephant friendly). Any help from others would be appreciated.
PS - Merry Christmas.
Dec 25th, 2007, 10:02 PM
#2
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Quick, see if you can get a refund! It was so hot they fried eggs on the sidewalk and it rained so hard the elephants had to take swimming lessons!
Seriously, I've been at that time, and it was hot and humid, but not enough to keep you iside all day. Had a few rainy days, but mostly short, intense showers in the afternoon.
Seriously, I've been at that time, and it was hot and humid, but not enough to keep you iside all day. Had a few rainy days, but mostly short, intense showers in the afternoon.
Dec 25th, 2007, 10:39 PM
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Regarding the water sport around Phuket. The sea can get quite rough during July so you're limited to activities closer to shore.
"So hot that you can't breathe?" I've only experienced that in Arizona when the temp was around 120F.
"So hot that you can't breathe?" I've only experienced that in Arizona when the temp was around 120F.
Dec 26th, 2007, 01:51 AM
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July is actually not the hottest time of the year in Thailand, that would be April. It will be hot a nd humid, but not debilitating.
In July, you are better off going to a beach in the Gulf of Thailand, for example Ko Samui. The weather will be much better.
In July, you are better off going to a beach in the Gulf of Thailand, for example Ko Samui. The weather will be much better.
Dec 26th, 2007, 05:04 AM
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I've been in July a number of times. It is hot but you learn to adjust. Don't try to do too much, and try to slip in and out of the AC'd buildings/skytrain/taxi.
The red flags were up most of the time on Phuket (red flags mean dangerous currents) but one could still enjoy the pool, travel around the island in a taxi for the day, etc. Because it is the low season, the prices are better.
I've been to Koh Samui in July also, and it rained there too. A real hard downpour. But it didn't last long. Overall, weather is probably better on Samui over Phuket, if you look at stats over the years.
Resorts: Phuket
I've stayed in several. Mom Tri's Boathouse (on Kata Beach) and the Kata Thani (Kata Noi) are both good choices. Kata Noi is a small beach and the resort is family oriented. There is not much to do right outside the door of the resort, however, so you would have to taxi up to Kata Beach or onward to Patong. Kata Thani has several very large and gorgeous swimming pools and beachside bars.
Mom Tri's Boathouse is on Kata Beach, which has shopping and night life and restaurants right outside the door, and maybe a short walk up the street. Smaller pool though.
Samui: I stayed at the Chewang Regent. It was nice, but I think I would not stay there again. The area at the other end of Chewang beach (near Poppies) seemed better to me.
So... are you a teacher? I retired from 33 years in first grade back in 2004.
Carol
The red flags were up most of the time on Phuket (red flags mean dangerous currents) but one could still enjoy the pool, travel around the island in a taxi for the day, etc. Because it is the low season, the prices are better.
I've been to Koh Samui in July also, and it rained there too. A real hard downpour. But it didn't last long. Overall, weather is probably better on Samui over Phuket, if you look at stats over the years.
Resorts: Phuket
I've stayed in several. Mom Tri's Boathouse (on Kata Beach) and the Kata Thani (Kata Noi) are both good choices. Kata Noi is a small beach and the resort is family oriented. There is not much to do right outside the door of the resort, however, so you would have to taxi up to Kata Beach or onward to Patong. Kata Thani has several very large and gorgeous swimming pools and beachside bars.
Mom Tri's Boathouse is on Kata Beach, which has shopping and night life and restaurants right outside the door, and maybe a short walk up the street. Smaller pool though.
Samui: I stayed at the Chewang Regent. It was nice, but I think I would not stay there again. The area at the other end of Chewang beach (near Poppies) seemed better to me.
So... are you a teacher? I retired from 33 years in first grade back in 2004.
Carol
Dec 26th, 2007, 05:37 AM
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As others have said, you'll have the worst weather on the Phuket side. If you want a beach, opt for one on the Gulf side like Koh Samui or take a look at Hua Hin.
For historic weather info, www.weatherbase.com for Koh Samui, use Surat Thani.
How much time do you have and where else in Thailand do you want to visit?
For historic weather info, www.weatherbase.com for Koh Samui, use Surat Thani.
How much time do you have and where else in Thailand do you want to visit?
Dec 26th, 2007, 10:00 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. I now feel a little better about the heat. We were in Italy and Greece in 2006 and it was sweltering. I was a little worried that Thailand would be worse.
We have a three day stop over in Hong Kong, fly directly to Phuket and are departing from Bangkok twelve days later. We were thinking a week in Phuket with a few days in Phi Phi and then a couple of days in Bangkok. Anyone have any other suggestions?
We have to arrange our airfare from Phuket to Bangkok and looking on the internet it looks relatively inexpensive right now. Do you think this will change? I was wondering how soon I should purchase the tickets - don't want to wait too late and have the price skyrocket.
We have a three day stop over in Hong Kong, fly directly to Phuket and are departing from Bangkok twelve days later. We were thinking a week in Phuket with a few days in Phi Phi and then a couple of days in Bangkok. Anyone have any other suggestions?
We have to arrange our airfare from Phuket to Bangkok and looking on the internet it looks relatively inexpensive right now. Do you think this will change? I was wondering how soon I should purchase the tickets - don't want to wait too late and have the price skyrocket.
Dec 26th, 2007, 07:48 PM
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the air fares will remain about the same and there may even be a sale nearer to low season---april/may maybe
the heat is not really the problem. its the humidity....that kills you day and nite...insist on a/c..
we need to know something about your hotel budget to suggest places...
in bkk try to stay on the river....the marriott resort and spa might work for you...
generally you will need 2 rooms everyplace...
the heat is not really the problem. its the humidity....that kills you day and nite...insist on a/c..
we need to know something about your hotel budget to suggest places...
in bkk try to stay on the river....the marriott resort and spa might work for you...
generally you will need 2 rooms everyplace...
Dec 27th, 2007, 02:34 AM
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Can't stress enough how much I agree with the advice above that going to the EAST coast of Thailand is going to be MUCH better in July. I live in Hong Kong and wouldn't go to Phuket in the summer months. You can fly non-stop from Hong Kong to Koh Samui. You can also consider the east coast of Malaysia, just south of the east coast of Thailand which is very lovely in July. Places like the Redang area in the north off Kuala Terengganu, or places off Mersing like the lovely Rawa (very basic hotel but great beach). IMO you are much, much better off on the east coast in July if you want a beach holiday. Better snorkeling and winds and currents are better in the low rain season as well.
While heat and humidity are bearable in July in Bangkok (you aren't really gong there for the weather and can work around rain), you can get whole days or whole afternoons of rain in Phuket in July which is NOT what you want on a beach holiday, IMO.
While heat and humidity are bearable in July in Bangkok (you aren't really gong there for the weather and can work around rain), you can get whole days or whole afternoons of rain in Phuket in July which is NOT what you want on a beach holiday, IMO.
Dec 27th, 2007, 07:43 AM
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My husband and I were there last July - and it wasn't soooo terrible as far as the heat goes. During our trip, the heat/humidity was actually worse in HK than in Thailand. It didn't rain in Bangkok at all while we were there, luckily!
However, we did Phuket and it rained a lot. We had planned to dive, but the weather put a stop to that. We got a little beach time, but again, the rain chased us back. We did get beautiful weather on the day we left though... We stayed at the Banyan Tree - which was great! Thank goodness we had the villa - it kept us from getting to stir crazy with the rain. And when it was sunny for a few hours, we could lounge by our own pool before it rained again. So worthwhile! In my opinion, a week in Phuket is far too long. We did 3 nights and it was more than enough. Sadly, we were not nearly as impressed with Phuket as it was made out to be. Biggest let-down of the trip. (Then again, maybe we would've had a more favorable opinion if the weather was better...)
If you're looking for elephants - we had the most amazing experience at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. It's very pricey (esp for Thailand), but was the most incredible trip we've ever taken. Baby elephants at breakfast, private training and riding of the adult elephants as part of the package. At least the flight to get up there from Phuket was cheap... (think $12 on Air Asia!)
Have an amazing trip!!!!
However, we did Phuket and it rained a lot. We had planned to dive, but the weather put a stop to that. We got a little beach time, but again, the rain chased us back. We did get beautiful weather on the day we left though... We stayed at the Banyan Tree - which was great! Thank goodness we had the villa - it kept us from getting to stir crazy with the rain. And when it was sunny for a few hours, we could lounge by our own pool before it rained again. So worthwhile! In my opinion, a week in Phuket is far too long. We did 3 nights and it was more than enough. Sadly, we were not nearly as impressed with Phuket as it was made out to be. Biggest let-down of the trip. (Then again, maybe we would've had a more favorable opinion if the weather was better...)
If you're looking for elephants - we had the most amazing experience at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. It's very pricey (esp for Thailand), but was the most incredible trip we've ever taken. Baby elephants at breakfast, private training and riding of the adult elephants as part of the package. At least the flight to get up there from Phuket was cheap... (think $12 on Air Asia!)
Have an amazing trip!!!!
Dec 29th, 2007, 03:37 PM
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Thanks everyone for the help. I am not so worried about the heat issue now. I am in the process of checking on flying to Ko Samui for a few days (our flight is booked and it arrives in Phuket).
Atodhun, thanks for the elephant suggestion. I checked out the website and it looks fabulous. Unfortunately, it is a little over our budget (four of us travelling). You must have had a great time.
Three out of the four of us are vegetarians (octo lavo). Do you think we will have difficulty with the food? We plan on packing nuts, protein bars, bean soups, etc. to take with us as a back up but would sure like to enjoy the thai cuisine. We don't eat anything with a fish or meat stock and I know that will limit our choices.
Thanks again for all the help. Fodorites are great!
Atodhun, thanks for the elephant suggestion. I checked out the website and it looks fabulous. Unfortunately, it is a little over our budget (four of us travelling). You must have had a great time.
Three out of the four of us are vegetarians (octo lavo). Do you think we will have difficulty with the food? We plan on packing nuts, protein bars, bean soups, etc. to take with us as a back up but would sure like to enjoy the thai cuisine. We don't eat anything with a fish or meat stock and I know that will limit our choices.
Thanks again for all the help. Fodorites are great!
Dec 31st, 2007, 12:45 AM
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I think the elephant experiences in Phuket are quite canned and touristy and I would not recommend them. Elephants were not used historically in Phuket as work animals like there are in northern Thailand (no logging in Phuket), so they are imported only for tourists. IMO it is not worth the money in Phuket. I would save it for another actual trek experience in northern Thailand or elsewhere. The conditions that the animals live in, and the short trip you will take are overall a disappointment, IMO. You won't find elephants in Koh Samui at all as far as I know (again not a logging island).
Saw this and your other post on vegetarianism. Don't forget about bean curd and tofu, which is served in a myriad of ways in Thailand, especially dried or preserved bean curd, in which case it has not been cooked or cured with any meat, chicken, fish stock or lard. (Sometimes foods are fried in lard rather than a vegetable oil, you have to ask about this as well.)
Overall, however, I believe you will find many options. In good hotels I really would not have any issues with a green salad to be honest. You can get a grilled cheese almost anywhere now (I see them on restaurant menus in the weirdest places here), and of course banana pancakes are the backpacker's staple in Thailand and elsehwere. Pad Thai will work if you can get the kitchen to omit the fish sauce used (and of course the shrimp typically served with it). Fresh fruit of course, and again in a good hotel, I would not have any issues if you did not peel it yourself. With street food, just use common sense, but the oil it is fried in may very well be lard so do ask. Buddist temples are often a good source of true vegetarian meals without any animal products.
For some restaurant suggestions, and a helpful pronunciation guide for saying things like "no fish sauce", take a look at http://www.happycow.net/asia/thailand/. If you don't want to try the language bit, you should have your hotel write down in Thai words to the effect that you are a vegetarian and do not want your vegetable dishes cooked with any fish, chicken or meat sauce, stock or fat/lard.
Saw this and your other post on vegetarianism. Don't forget about bean curd and tofu, which is served in a myriad of ways in Thailand, especially dried or preserved bean curd, in which case it has not been cooked or cured with any meat, chicken, fish stock or lard. (Sometimes foods are fried in lard rather than a vegetable oil, you have to ask about this as well.)
Overall, however, I believe you will find many options. In good hotels I really would not have any issues with a green salad to be honest. You can get a grilled cheese almost anywhere now (I see them on restaurant menus in the weirdest places here), and of course banana pancakes are the backpacker's staple in Thailand and elsehwere. Pad Thai will work if you can get the kitchen to omit the fish sauce used (and of course the shrimp typically served with it). Fresh fruit of course, and again in a good hotel, I would not have any issues if you did not peel it yourself. With street food, just use common sense, but the oil it is fried in may very well be lard so do ask. Buddist temples are often a good source of true vegetarian meals without any animal products.
For some restaurant suggestions, and a helpful pronunciation guide for saying things like "no fish sauce", take a look at http://www.happycow.net/asia/thailand/. If you don't want to try the language bit, you should have your hotel write down in Thai words to the effect that you are a vegetarian and do not want your vegetable dishes cooked with any fish, chicken or meat sauce, stock or fat/lard.
Dec 31st, 2007, 07:48 AM
#14
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Thanks for all the help Cicerone. I made a seperate post re the veggie thing because I didn't get any responses. Got lots of suggestions. I wasn't thinking about the lard but that is an issue for me. Will forgo deep frying.
I will certainly put aside my deep desire to interact with elephants if they are in anyway treated inhumanly. Don't want to perpetuate the problem and encourage enslavement of elephants. Maybe save it for my future (hopefully) dream African vacation.
I will certainly put aside my deep desire to interact with elephants if they are in anyway treated inhumanly. Don't want to perpetuate the problem and encourage enslavement of elephants. Maybe save it for my future (hopefully) dream African vacation.
Jan 1st, 2008, 04:42 PM
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Lard is not just used in deep frying, it is used in stir frying too. You do say you eat cheese, so animal fat may not be an issue to you, but if it is, you should ask about what oil is used for stir fying.
