Booze, Novotel, shopping

Luckyduck · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2007, 02:41 AM

Going to Phuket in 2 weeks. Staying at Novotel - anyone care to comment on this hotel? Also should we take spirits and wine from Australia or purchase in Phuket? We like to stock up on life's necessities on arrival - is there a large supermarket in Patong? All advice will be really appreciated.

Tania · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2007, 05:11 AM

HI lucky duck
We've been back about 6 weeks now. We go every year and love it. I don't know of any large supermarkets in Patong but, there are smaller supermarkets. The one underneath Ocean Plaza is where we usually buy our beer to have in the room. Ocean Plaza is right up the other end of the beach rd from the Novotel. As far as spirits and wine go, we usually buy from Duty Free and take with us. My partner also buys the Thai whiskey over there, which he sometimes picks up quite cheap. Thats not for me though. That covers our room and balcony. After that there are some great bars along the beach rd.
Have a fantastic time.

CathyP · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2007, 11:56 AM

Hi Lucky Duck,
We have only been back 2 days and already counting down the days to next year.
Theres a huge fantastic supermarket in Patong at Jungceylon, its been open for quite awhile, everything you will need plus more is there.
Grog is cheaper in Phuket than Aussie duty free. I was paying on average about 520baht for a bottle of bacardi. Various brands of scotch start from around 260baht.
On the same road as Jungceylon but at the northern end (Rat-U-Thit) theres a place called The Deli Supermarket, they have a huge selection of wines from around the world and prices are pretty reasonable.
Have a great trip
Cathy

CathyP · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2007, 11:56 AM

Forgot to add the supermarket is called Carrefour

brunh2 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2007, 10:23 AM

Hi
Definitely take Aussie wine with you. (You are allowed 1 litre per person.) There is a 200% tax on wine which makes it far too expensive. eg a bottle of Banrock Station cost around $A30!! Minimal tax on Scotch and I personally like Spey Royal (40%proof) and suposedly comes from Scotland and bottled in Thailand. around 250 to 270 baht a bottle. Very good value
hope this helps