Hi, <BR>I am planning on going to asia next year in Sept/Oct with my family and we have narrowed it down to 2 destinations,Penang or Phuket. <BR>If anyone can give me any info on a preferance it would be much appreciated. <BR>We would be interested in shopping,laying on the beach and would like the kids to have a good time as well ,a hotel with a kids club or something like that. <BR>Thanks for any help <BR>Richard

With a family I would go for Penang, it has none of the sleeze of Phuket. On the downside the beaches are not as good, but there is a lot else to do on Penmang.

Penang is also nice to visit, and appreciate this old charm city, although Phuket also has its old neibourhood, but it is more well-known for the seaside resort. Why don't you go for both of them, there is direct air-link between both cities. It is a really tough choice to choose one. <BR>Welcome to asia.

Hi Folks, <BR> <BR>I just saw a movie called "Return to Paradise" which would make a-n-y-o-n-e think twice about goin to Penang. As with so many countries in Malayasia, the Moslem influence there is intense; women are second-class creatures and the social burdens of guilt and blame govern the general mentality. <BR> <BR>One of the tings I like best about Thailand, is that 90% of the people are Buddhist. In the Buddhist viewpoint, everyone is perfect in their own world. This spirit of freedom is prevalent throughout the kingdom. <BR> <BR>If your decision is "either, or," I cast a vote for Thailand. Everyone should experience the peaceful co-existence of the Thai culture at least once in a lifetime. <BR> <BR>Sawasdee, <BR> <BR>Dr. Zae

I went to Phuket with 3 kids in '96 - we all had a great time. The beaches were spectacular. Lots for kids to do, especially if they like the beach. Good shopping. Great weather. Some day tours available to other islands. We had a great time and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. <BR> <BR>Linda

I'd say Phuket. There is Phuket Fantasea which has a spectacular show and is a very mini fun park and ideal for the kids. Try Club Andaman in Patong but this is the 'busy resort' part of Phuket. Thais are fantastic with kids and meals/snacks no problem. Most hotels have kids pools. They will like the beach too. Penang is nice but for a family you need to keep the kids busy and I'd say that's easier in Phuket. Patong Thara hotel does good deals for families. Meridien is expensive but has a special kids club with day-long activities arranged. If you do decide on Penang the Rasa Sayang (pricey) also has special kids club, but there is certainly more to do in Phuket.

If you go to Phuket you might want to consider a trip to Krabi. You can take a taxi or bus from Phuket. It was voted as one of the best beaches in the world.

No contest here. Phuket without any doubt at all is the more attractive place to go. Penang is highly overrated and does not deserve its sobriquet of 'Pearl of the Orient'. <BR> <BR>The 'sleaze' factor on Phuket is easily avoided by taking accommodation at the south or north end of Patong beach and avoiding the central strip, or simply by going further south to Karon or Kata beach or other area beyond as recommended by any guide book. <BR> <BR>Krabi is probably overall even nicer than Phuket, and more children-oriented. The beach resorts are in fact about 15km out of town, but easily reached by taxi, bus or boat from Krabi Town. But you wouldn't find much in the way of shopping here, whereas Patong caters for the tourist very well.

I live in Phuket and only go to Peneng to renew my visa. The people (muslim) are cold, at best. You can buy pirate software in Penang, however. that's about it... <BR> <BR>Here in Phuket, we have Sunday jam sessions if you like music (See my posting on this forum). <BR>great views, delicious food, stunning women. There is really no comparison with Penang. It's way down the list of desired places tio go.

Hi Richard: I've been to Thailand 9 times and have just gotten back from Phuket. I usually stay at Club Med at Kata Beach. It's one of Club Med's best facilities and great for kids. It's all inclusive and fantastic for families because of the activities. They have a beautiful pool and the beach is right there. If you're planning for Sept., that's the slow season and the prices are best. Good Luck!

Definatley Thailand

If you are looking for beautiful beaches, I'd also recommend Phuket over Penang. Penang has some nice old world charm, but otherwise it seemed less interesting than Phuket and I didn't think the beaches were as nice. Either place though will make for a great vacation so you can't really go wrong.

Tae and Zae, <BR> <BR>You mean muslim women are less available than their Thai counterparts? The Penangites are warm and friendly to those who respect their culture. Yeah, if you are looking for cheap sex, Phuket is the place for you. I think Penang can do without sex tourists. <BR>

Hi _ I did a Hong Kong - Bali - Langkawi and Penang vacation which concluded in mid-november. <BR> <BR>I cannot speak about Phuket, as I have not been there. So I will talk about Penang. I stayed in the area known at Batu Ferringhi Beach. At The Parkroyal Hotel. I think they do not get many Americans there at the Park Royal because I was given an immediate upgrade on my room. It was a large corner room on a high floor. Very Large. The balcony was immense. The beach itself was not sparkling with crystal clear water, but still it was quite attractive. You could parasail, rent, jet skis etc. Batu Ferringhi has about a two kilometer strip of hotels and shops and restaurants. During the day it is fairly sedate. But every evening the street comes alive with hawker stalls and booths selling everything under the sun. <BR> <BR>As for the 'issue' that someone mentioned about the Moslem influence...Penang has a multi-racial identity. There are plenty of Indians and Chinese. <BR> <BR>Penang has excellent restaurants in both Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi. <BR> <BR>I recommend Penang...I cannot say I would or wouldn't select it over Phuket. <BR>I also recommend that you take a look at Langkawi which is another Malaysian resort island. <BR> <BR>Michael