Hi All!

I posted a thread asking for suggestions on where to go when I travel to Phuket.
Thanks for your help!
We have booked our flights, we arrive at 8:30pm at the end of March. We have booked accommodation in Kata Beach, and they are having a taxi transfer pick us up at around 9:30pm. Does anyone know if this is a realistic pick up time for having landed at 8:30pm, going through customs etc??

We're staying at Kata Beach for 4 nights, from there we will do some tours, see the sights, probably get a taxi into Patong or Phuket for a day just to experience the busy towns etc.
I've heard about an elephant conservation and research area in the ranges of Phuket. Does anyone know if that's actually the case, or is it just a tourist trap? I definitely don't want to fund any cruelty to animals.

We haven't booked it yet, but we're then going to Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights. I know people have said it's populated and touristy, but it looks nice enough and it's kind of on the way to Koh Lanta. So why not? I've heard some good things about it. Can anyone recommend a ferry or boat to travel from Phuket to Phi Phi?

We'd then like to catch a ferry from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, for 3 nights. I haven't looked into what area or accommodation yet.. suggestions??
We'd then probably get a speed boat back to Phuket, which is apparently a 1.5 - 2hr trip (rather than 4 hrs on ferry). We're thinking of doing that on the day of our flight home from Phuket. Is that a bad idea at the beginning of April? Is the weather likely to turn bad and our transfer boat back to Phuket be cancelled? From what I can tell, we'd get back to Phuket at around 3pm, our flight isn't until 6:30pm.

Ok, if anyone can give us any suggestions we'd greatly appreciate it!!

Bec :)

Hi Bec,

What is your hotel budget for Phi Phi and Lanta?

In Phi Phi the Mama Residence is a very nice hotel.

On Lanta I would recommend Lanta Castaway resort on Long Beach.

But again, it all depends on what your budget is because there are tons of accommodation choices and prices on both Lanta and Phi Phi

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Thanks.
We don't really have a budget. From what we see so far, most of the places that we are interested in (bungalow style) are under $200AUD per night, maximum!
On Phi Phi, from what I can tell, we like the look of Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort, but then I found Phi Phi The Beach Resort, which is a bit more expensive, but possibly nicer for our anniversary. The only thing is, I think it might look a little over the top, touristy? Anyone know??

I'll look into Mama and Castaway. Thanks again!

I would not book Phi Phi accommodation in advance. Once on Phuket you'll find many options with travel agents, much cheaper and very easy. Also transport will be included.

If you do decide to book accommodation in advance and only need transport to Phi Phi, book on the spot. All travel agents can help you with ferry tickets including transfers to the pier. Much easier than doing it all yourself.

Phi Phi is a backpackers party island BTW, but there still are some nice, secluded spots.

Beginning of April your chances of the speedboat trip being canceled because of the weather are virtually nil.

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Diving Phuket and Similans

Sorry, forgot: there is no elephant conservation center on Phuket, only commercial trekking centers.

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Diving Phuket and Similans

If this is the case, I would recommend other places on Lanta(although Castaway is still awesome) like Crown Lanta or Rawi Warin resort. Crown is amazing!

Sorry Steven, but I would disagree with this. Local travel agents only care about which place gives them the most commission. Also, you might get overcharged since you can't compare prices(or might just not want to waste time) Finally, it is still high season in April, so places can be fully booked.

If you were looking for guesthouse or cheap accommodation, I would agree with just showing up and finding a place, but if you want something nice as Bec mentioned, I would go ahead and book in advance.

Bec, the places you mentioned are both nice in Phi Phi. Also look into Zeavola Resort which is the best on the island but might be more expensive. However, if you stay under your budget in Phuket and Lanta, you might want to treat yourself!

Lenny

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I think you can stay at Patong beach, Phuket (walking street) we stayed at Rico's Hotel and we stayed there a couple times and he gave good deal. I think you can check with them. Also we visited near by island for 1000 -1200 baht per person inclusive of food. I don't remember the agent name..they were located at the entrance of the walking street. Happy vacation..enjoy it.

Thanks, but we're going to stear clear of Patong in regards to accomm. We'll visit there, to see what it's like. But it doesn't sound like what we want.

Thanks Lenny. I actually love the look of Castaway! You hit the nail on the head the first time. I'd prefer to have all our accomm booked before we go. I'm trying to book it all myself because we've tried using a travel agent here, and she just pushed and pushed for places we didn't want. We had to walk out!!

I've had good communication via email so far with many accomm's and ferrys, transport etc and I have receipts, plus paid most through paypal for better security. So it seems that booking it myself will be ok.

Has anyone booked ferrys through this website before? Transfer to Phuket and Ko Phi Phi from Ko Lanta,Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand.

Yeah we're aware Phi Phi is backpackers party island. We are both under 25 and do love to have a beer and meet new people, so I think a few nights here could be great fun.

Thanks!