I'm off to Phuket

[beerlaodrinker]

Of to phuket this arvo, haven't been for many years and the last time I only saw it through the bottom of a beer glass, Got the wife and kiddies this time. Any must see,s? Or any ideas on what would amuse a 4 and 7 year old? The plan so far is just to eat seafood and relax, pretty sure mrs BLD has other ideas though and I will likely find myself being dragged around to see yet another Buddha statue. Any TD punters about?

[Ratchaburi]

Have a good time BLD & look forward to the Pic's

[PAG]

You'll be arriving at the tail end of some atrocious weather we've been having, though it should improve considerably later tomorrow (Wednesday), and much better Thursday. Loads of good seafood restaurants, on the East coast particularly. Just along from Rawai pier, there's a line of market stalls selling shell/pearl jewellry, and in the middle of this line there's a few stalls selling fresh/live seafood. Make your selection and take it across to one of the restaurants opposite (the largest one - distinguishable by always having the most customers - is best). They cook it any style you want, charging a small amount per kilo cooked.

Where are you staying?

[beerlaodrinker]

Thanks pag, we are staying 2 nights in karon then 2 in koh phi phi, and 1 more night again in karon when we return from phi phi, might hire a car on Wednesday and have a look around, cheers

[BaitongBoy]

Don't get your lime-green thong in a knot...Heh...

Have fun, mate...

[crocman]

If you fancy a nice sunset with your dinner get yourself off to the After Dark Bar which is up the hill on the way to the Kata/Karon lookout. It is probably about a ten minute ride from the Karon roundabout.

It is a top spot with pretty good food, a great view and good hosts.

The Dragon Lady and I have returned there many times.

[pescator]

BLD.

Your kids might enjoy the Dino Park Mini Golf in Kata.

Dino Park Mini Golf in Phuket - Kata Beach Activities

There used to be a restaurant in Kata (hope it is still around) , where you could fish your own tiger prawns in a pool. There were the size of langoustine.

My kids enjoyed that very much and the missus enjoyed eating them afterwards. And I enjoyed footing the bill... Oh, well....
They serve great seafood at this place.

Have a great trip, BLD.

[slackula]

Or any ideas on what would amuse a 4 and 7 year old?

Not having kids myself i never know what to say when people ask this, the Jungceylon shopping centre in Patong usually has something going on and it has a pool where kids can run about in a huge inflatable balloon things, it looks like fun but they won't let me try it so I can't be sure.

Whatever you do watch out on the beach, this time of year the waters are very treacherous on Karon.

You'll be arriving at the tail end of some atrocious weather we've been having, though it should improve considerably later tomorrow (Wednesday), and much better Thursday.

You're not joking, it's been blowing up a storm day and night here in Cherng Talay for days now.

Loads of good seafood restaurants, on the East coast particularly.

PAG's right about that, and he's the expert on such things. If you don't have time for exploring then pier@kaneang (usually called Kan Eang 1) isn't too far from Karon and is quite a nice spot, although not the cheapest. It's even got a website! Stop for a drink at The Green Man on the way to or back, it's a very child friendly English pub with a safe garden and child menus etc.

[PAG]

When you have a car, my recommendation would be to head to Cape Panwa, visit the Aquarium at the end of the Cape, then a few kilometres along to the Khao Khad viewpoints (overlooking Chalong Bay), stopping for refreshments at "The Beach Bar", a great spot right next to the beach with fine 180 degree views. Good food and company, and safe for a bit of swimming in the sea (if you're there just before/after high tide.

Definitely not recommended is swimming in the sea at Karon at this time of year. Of the people who drown on Phuket every year (and there are quite a few), Karon is the number 1 danger beach. Rip tides are the norm April 'til November. Stick to the hotel pool.

There are a few other places that I'd normally recommend, however you're only on Phuket for a few days, and there's severe traffic congestion around the centre of the island at the moment due to a couple of major underpasses that are being constructed. Best to keep to the south/south east.



When you have a car also, 'Big Buddha' would be worth a visit, in Chalong, with great views of the southern part of Phuket.

Think you'll find Karon/Kata very quiet at the moment, as though there are still quite a few tourists on the island, most are Chinese or Russian, who seem to spend most of their days looking glumly out of the side windows of large buses taking them to the next source of commission revenue for their guides.

PM me if there's something you'd specifically want to do or advice upon (though I avoid the main tourist areas so couldn't offer advice on typical tourist activities).

'Q.C.'s right about "The Green Man", however you are unlikely to feel claustrophobic as it's a candidate to be re-named "The Nobody Inn". Premium prices for average food also.

[toslti]

Hi BLD... welcome to Phuket... if you do get over to the pit of moral inequitude that is allegedly Patong | would be happy to meet up for a beer. As for rainy days and something for the kids Home | Kids ClubKids Club

[beerlaodrinker]

Just arrived and checked in to the woraburi resort, quite chuffed with the room as are the missus and kids, open the balcony door and step straight into the pool, Even better it's not costing me a zac used frequent flier points doesn't appear to be busy at all in karon but we will see in the light of day, some bloody good suggestions from folks to, I like the sound of fishing for our own prawns, kids will love that, I was thinking of hiring a car from the airport but decided against it as I fully expected to be 3 parts pissed upon arrival, paid 900 in a taxi to karon, probably get up early tomorrow and see what's available around here

[BaitongBoy]

Smart move...Don't fecking drink and drive...Will only end in tears...

[toslti]

Please be very careful with the beaches at Karon and Kata... Big riptides there that claim the lives of many Chinks and Russkies every year.

[beerlaodrinker]

Hi BLD... welcome to Phuket... if you do get over to the pit of moral inequitude that is allegedly Patong | would be happy to meet up for a beer. As for rainy days and something for the kids Home | Kids ClubKids Club

That sounds like a plan , got an early start tomorrow to get the ferry to phi phi, but Saturday nights a possibility, will PM you , Moral inequitudes right up my alley

[Dillinger]

Moral inequitudes right up my alley

What's an inequitude ? Is it some kind of root vegetable ?

[beerlaodrinker]

You would have to ask withnall,