Hello out there.

I knew the title would at least get a couple of community members attention.

We are a middle age couple in our 50's contemplating our first trip to Thailand from Australia in early to late March. We are looking to stay around 14 days and we have a couple of queries we are hoping you may be able to help us solve.

1. Whether to have a stop over in Bangkok on the way over or way back?

2. We have 2 resorts in Phuket which have been suggested to us by a travel agent: The Merlin Beach Resort & The Holiday Inn Busakorn Wing, has anyone stayed at either of these and what can you tell us about your stay?

Any places to visit in Phuket worth mentioning or checking out, we are not into heavy night scene but would appreciate some suggestions. Best shopping in Phuket or is this better left to Bangkok??

3. What do you recommend we take as far as tours go - Phi Phi Island day trip for example?

4. Is Koh Samui worth a visit?

Appreciate your feedback on any of the above.

Hi Rusty
Four of us went to Thailand Sept 2006.Two couples all late 40's early 50's.We had a great time.all 2nd timers to Thailand but a long time frome our first trips so we were lets say born again virgins
We stopped in BK on the way home as we are from Perth and can fly direct to Phuket from Perth but have to fly home via BK.
As for shopping--we shopped in Phuket and in BK.MBK shopping centre in BK is a must .Have heard that the new big shopping centre in Phuket is fabulous Juceylon ?sp--but they hadn't finished building it when we were there.
We are notgreat night owls either but wandered around had a few drinks,nice meal and then off to bed at a reasonable hour.There are great night markets in Phuket --think it's called Mon Top or some such.Lots to see and do.
As for the rest of your questions will leave that to others who have more knowledge of the tours etc.
Cheers laurs

Hi,

Please read my review listed on the link below. We also stayed at the Katathani and if you look at my postings, you will find a description about it, as well as the Merlin Beach Resort. I think that most people are very happy with the Holiday Inn although it looked very crowded the last time I saw it, but it is right in the middle of Patong, so unlike the Merlin Beach Resort, you won't have to travel by tuktuk every time you want to leave the hotel. Look up Twin Palms Resort at Surin it is magical and the beach leaves Patong for dead. The surrounding restaurants are fantastic and it will take you 15 minutes by car to get into Patong. The travel from Kata is a bit longer probably about 20 - 25 minutes.

Best Wishes
Michelle



Patong: Merlin Beach Resort - Traveler Reviews - Merlin Beach Resort full of Yobbos - TripAdvisor

We have stayed at both the Merlin Beach and the Holiday Inn Busakorn wing... for me personally the Busakorn wins hands down. At the Merlin we stayed in deluxe and direct pool access and they were very nice (our pool access room was smaller than the deluxe) We found Merlin Beach was out the way and you had to get a tut tut every time you wanted to go out.... there is no haggling with the drivers, they have a set rate and are unbending. The hotel bus down to Patong is always packed (it doubles up as the staff personell carrier) and only runs at certain times of the day. When we stayed there, there was only one restaurant up the hill and across the road... this was destroyed in the Tsunami so whether it's up and running again I don't know.
At the Holiday Inn you step out of the foyer and there are hundreds of shops and restaurants to choose from and you are spoilt for choice. Yet inside the hotel you would never know it was there. You are far enough away from the Bangla Road scene for it not to effect you. There are a lot of repeat guests at the Busakorn... their rooms are lovely and exactly like their website. We have booked to return for our 4th visit in October direct with the hotel. Just waiting for Thai's Airways prices to come out then I'll be set like a jelly.
Cheers Geri

Hi Geri,

Many thanks for your informative reply, it has helped us a great deal to make our choice of hotel for first timers !

Cheers Rusty

Hi Michelle,

Many thanks for your reply. It was good to hear such an honest report. Sorry your holiday was such a disaster.

regards Rusty.

Hi Laurs,

Thanks for your reply and your handy information regarding shopping. We will certainly take your advice on board.

regards Rusty.

Hi
I have just re-read my post... when I said there was only one restaurant, I meant only one restaurant near the Merlin Beach Hotel within walking distance.
There are restaurants within the hotel though... I hope I didn't confuse you.
Cheers Geri

Here is a link http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com/ Cathy posts on this forum and I found her travel pages invaluable when we went to Thailand.Sheeven has prices for the items you may wish to purchase.
Cheers laurs

Not at all. Thanks again Geri.