We are planning on staying in Phuket area for 7 nights and were considering 5 nights in Phuket and 2 nights in Ko Phi Phi. Are we spending too much timie in Phuket?

Also, any hotel recommendations in Phuket or Ko Phi Phi? We waited too long to book the JW Marriot. We're looking to spend $200 or less per night in November. Thanks.

I'd say "yes" to your first question. Once you tire of sizzling out on the beach, there is really not much to do on Phuket. You must take a tour to Pang Nga bay (preferably by sea canoe), but that is a day trip. Phi Phi is even smaller, so that might not be the solution.

A check on RatesToGo.com (the place to go for last minute reservations) shows the Tonsai, Mom Tri's Boat House and Kata Thani all with available rooms.

I would recommend Mom Tri's Boathouse, if they have specials going on. I've stayed there,and also stayed at their Villa Royale property a couple of times. I don't think you can get a villa for $200, but if you can get a room at the Boathouse, you should enjoy Kata Beach.

Phuket is a much bigger island than Phi Phi. You could spend a couple of days with a rental jeep driving around and stopping at markets and beaches. I have never spent more than about 4 nights on Phuket at one time, but have never been bored either.

Carol

I would say 4/5 nights in Phuket is about right around the Kata beach area. We spent 5 days there and was not bored at all. You can book elephant treking, James Bond Island from there also if that interests you. We stayed at the Andaman Cannacia which was a pleasant friendly hotel with many of the rooms having stunning views of the bay. It is high up and about a 5 min walked from the town.. Only draw back was walking back up the steep hill but easy and cheap to get a tuk tuk to run you back Have not been to Phi Phi since the Tsunami, whilst Phuket was up and running after 3 weeks I think Phi Phi is still badly damaged with lots of building work going on

I think that 2 nights on phi phi is too short a time to spend there. I'd say three nights at least - otherwise you will spend half a day travelling there from phuket, have one full day, and then leave again the next morning.

The main beach on phi phi don, Ton Sai, is by all accounts still pretty bad although a lot of rebuilding work has already taken place, but there are lots of thai workers and international volunteers working there to get it ready for the next season (November onwards) so I think you might be okay. The other side of the island, Long Beach etc, was not really affected so if you are around that side you will definitely be okay (see www.ppisland.com).

There is a lot more info about phi phi and the current position there on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum.

Maybe Phuket / Ko Phi Phi isn't the best option? We fly into and out of Phuket and have a total of 8 nights and 6 days to work with. Any other itineraries would be welcome. We enjoy the beach and activities, but also don't like to be caught up in extremely touristy areas. Thanks.

Koh Phi Phi is lovely. You might want to spend five days there and only two in Phuket.

We booked 4 nights at the JW Marriott in Phuket towards the end of November and have another 3 available to try another resort (preferably less expensive) or another island. I understand the JW Marriott provides a bit more seclusion in Phuket, so we're open to other resorts on Phuket or islands. Thanks.