One week in Phuket
 

We have a week in Phuket, is there any tours we just have to do and any great restaurants we just have to go to.

Definately plan for a day trip out to the Phi Phi Islands. We took a speedboat tour and it was a great deal of fun. <BR>If you are into outdoor activity, you can also do a kayaking tour of Phang Nga bay.<BR><BR>In terms of restaurants, the two we thought were the best were Baan Rim Pa, which is just outside Patong, and the Boathouse in Kuta.

Go to James Bond Island, the sea kayak trip and Phi Phi Islands. There are just so many tours to choose from. You will find all the information in your hotel room and at the hotel tour desks. We had a dinner at Baan Rim Pai for 4 and the bill came to over $150, though we did have 1 bottle of wine that cost about $40. The following night we paid $20 for the same food and $15 for an almost identical bottle of wine at a lovely restaurant next to Seaview Villa in South Patong. There mosy be over 150 restaurants in Patong, so much choice you will be amazed. Go on the local bus into Phuket town and wander around the old parts of town, lovely, reminded me somewhat of Malacca in Malaysia with ithe old wooden buildings.

Take a taxi to Kan Eang 2, which is a little out of the way and caters mostly to non-tourists. The food is the best you'll have in Phuket at very inexpensive prices. Lots of great seafood. Ask the front desk of your hotel about it, that's how we learned of its existence.

Always ask hotel staff, they know the best places. There are more trips than you will be able to manage. Pearl farm, PhiPhi of course, the elephant safari is great fun.

If you're looking for a good restaurant, I highly recommend &quot;LJ Divers Restaurant Bar&quot;(there is no sign outside the restaurant) at 107 Patak Road West, Karon. The street numbering is quite confusing (and the official number has apparently recently changed to 218 Patak Road West) --- it's across the road from &quot;Baan Karon&quot;, next to the blue and red &quot;Nok Laundry Service&quot; sign (on the Kamala side of the sign), and with a spirit house at the entrance. Don't be misled by the name, or the very basic decor - the prices are very low, and the food is absolutely superb - the best Thai food we enjoyed during three weeks in the country (having tried everything from street vendors and night markets to upscale restaurants with numerous guide book recommendations).<BR>

&quot;Red Onion&quot; at Karon beach, up from the circle about 100m on the left, great food. Baan Rim Pa in my opinion is grossly overated, just expensive!