Hi all,

Havent travelled to Thailand since I was a kid so looking forward to my trip which is scheduled for the 25th Dec to 10th Jan Would anyone be able to provide me with some good accomodation options in Bangkok (3 nights), Koh Samui (5/6 nights), Phuket (5 nights). Just looking for some nice, reliable hotels.. reasonably priced and in a good central area.

Any information would be much appreciated. Also, when in Phuket would anyone recommend staying somewhere else instead of Patong or is this a safe bet?

Nick

You do realize that those dates are the peak of the peak season? So accomm' will be scarce at Samui & Phuket. My advice is start searching the Net pronto and try to make reservations now. Nice reasonably-priced central hotels are what everybody wants and they get booked way in advance.
As for Phuket, Kata is a better bet than Patong.

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Hi Webby1987,

I've been to Thailand quite a few times. I like more upscale hotels, so I wouldn't know what to recommend in terms of your budget, but as for your question about Phuket, I would recommend I've been to Kata and Karon beaches and they have great hotels, and the area is very safe around both beaches.

We all have our own Idea,s as what is good or good enough for each trip.

Go to [url]www.sawadee.com look at the prices for this time of year in all places you want to stay, also the hotel reviews and pictures,then ask about your hotel choices .

Myself I dont like above 3 star(Asian 3star that is) Because I like the freedom of dress codes/B.Y.O drink to the pools, cheaper food ect.

Some prefer more lavish as it may be a one off trip.

I spend very little time in my hotels,perhaps breakfast a quick afternoon swim and bed.

Some love the resort and spend a lot of time in it.

Den

we tried khao lak in january and enjoyed it. wanted to book into the sunset resort but this was full so ended up at the orchid. it was paradise, but too far away from town to walk. hotel runs a shuttle, free some trips, others were 50B (eg very cheap). Hotel is on the beach and very idyllic. however, if looking for nightlife on the doorstep, you would not be happy! There also seemed to be plenty of hotels which were walkable into town though. we will definitely return to the orchid, as soon as possible.

Krabi also seems a nice mix of some liveliness and peace with a much more bustling, but not overwhelming, centre. Lots of shops and places to eat, etc, but also a beach and lots of trips by longtail to other beaches if you don't want to just use the one in krabi. we would like to stay at the Vogue Resort there next time, or the princeville or somkiet buri (the hotel we were booked into in krabi this year was not a good experience, so we looked around and liked these three). wherever you go, you'll have a great time. Oh yes, tuk tuk prices in krabi are 20B for any trip, so indulge yourself.

If you are set on phuket, I agree with the previous post, that kata is much preferable to patong. don't plan on exploring much, unless you want to spend a lot on tuk tuks.

Aren't the tuk-tuk/songtaews in Phuket regulated like at other tourist spots in Thailand? I hear so many bad stories. At Pattaya for example there's a fare list displayed on the back of the driver's window, giving the standard rates for rides around town and outside.

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Hi Bob,

Correct about the Songteaws in Pattaya but I wonder about Phuket as well, there seems to be no regulation as theu easlily charge you 200 or 300 Baht for a 5 minute ride. Guess somebody is profiting with them.

As for hotel recommendations for the newyear you could try Siam@Siam in Bangkok, Samui Paradise in Samui and Burasari in Phuket. All central and reasonable prices although I dont know for peak peak season.

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If enough people complained loudy then the greedy devils will have no choice but to also regulate their fares. All I can say is if any tourists at Phuket feel bad about this situation then complain to anybody who'll listen: TAT, tourism agencies, Thai Embassies, on and on. Ask them why these buggers are allowed to carry on like this, charging Thais 10Bt and a tourist 200Bt for a short ride? Threaten to tell all your friends never to go to Phuket.

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Bobmac i have had plenty of arguments about the price in Pattaya as well! Some just want to charge more than the fare because you look fresh off the boat,even when you just hand them the fare without making eye contact.

Also they do the old trick of turning off towards Jomptian and stopping just after you have got on if you are the only ones

On Phangan We jumped on a semi full songtaew for about 1km on a streight road, when I got off I handed the driver 200baht for the both of us and he drove off slowly waiving his fist and ranting at me. The price on Phangan is 200 each low season and 100 each in high season.

I didnt see the fare table like in Patt on the Samui and Phangan songtaews.

Den

i have posted about this before the tuks in Phuket are a rip and nearly as bad but not quite in Samui.
This last time we just refused to use them at all. and there are row upon row just sat there doing nothing. the baht buses in Pattaya are the best thing about Pattaya and are always well used and moving.
The tuk mafia in Phuket deserve to fail They wanted 200 baht from otop market to near gracelands. We walked instead and drank the 200 baht. If the prices were more reasonable more would use them.
Sorry all that off thread
Hotels at that time I can only echo what others have said it is peak season and you will struggle so start looking now and don't be surprised at either the price...watch out for compulsary dinners gala nights that they can charge any thing up to 6,000 baht per person for. Also the hike in tarrif for this time it is eye watering. We have been 3 times at this time of year and I have decided to knock it on the head 'cos of the price. The other thing is Samui weather can be a bit iffy at that time if the rain is late starting.
if you want it buzzing you will certainly get that but there will be many many families and young children especially swedes....don't know how they afford it !
sawadee is a good site to get the reviews etc and to check prices and availability.
Jackie

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