Hi all, first post here so be gentle.
I am coming up in May June 09 with the missus for a couple of weeks as part of a 6 week stint checking out all the yachtie friendly spots between Phuket and Kota Kinabalu as I eventually plan on coming up that part of the world in a couple of years for a very extended stay.
I have been to Malaysia (KL, Penang and Langkawi) and loved it, and Air Asia had cheap flights so threw 2 weeks in Phuket (spur of the moment) in with the mix this time as well as some of my yachtie mates up in Asia recon plenty go there in favour of Langkawi.
Question now of course is where?
What I dont like
I dont get off at all on in my face touts.
Ladyboys, pros and sexshows are not my thing, but I wont be offended if they are about, just leave me out of it.
I dont like crowds and touristy stuff.
Taxi Mafia
What I do like
From a cruising background so cold beer, cheap fresh seafood, palmtrees and clearwater.
Hawkers (cheap food) markets like in Malaysia where one can eat, not get sick and not get harassed to buy buy buy.
A bit of beach where we can sit down, read a book and have a few cold beers and a feed
Had a flick around here and it looks like Patong is not me but Karon Beach may be and suggestions have been made for Krabi on here as well, but what about down the bottom end around Rawai Beach and Chalong Bay as that seems to be where the yachtie types hang out.
We will probably want to stay in 3 different areas for 4-5 days each.
I'll also be wanting to rent a cheap car, like a Perodua or Suzuki something for a bit, I have always done this in Malaysia and have just rented from a mate of a cabdriver or hotel worker or similar, but is that OK to do in Thailand and can I drive with an Oz license
Any recomendations and comments gratefully recieved
Thanks
BB