sassie

Thanks for your input, but a lot can happen in 10 years. I have done a lot of research, spoken to plenty of people who have stayed there recently (within the last few months) and as I said it ticks all the boxes for us. The short walk into Kata, is apparently only 10 minutes (yes I know about the hill), but I've walked a lot further than that when we stayed in koh samui last year, so that should't be a problem. We have chosen to stay in a suite right on the beach, don't know if that is in the newer blocks or not, but that is what we have chosen. The reason we chose Kata Noi in the first place is that it is a lot quieter than the likes of Patong and Kata, which suits us.

Gemma setter

Have a great holiday. I'm sure you will enjoy Kata.
Do not miss a visit to The Big Buddha.

bakedbean

Yup, have a good holiday. I liked the Big Buddha too.

I took this pic a couple of years ago.....

uk_vette

There is one Big Buddah in Jinan,
It's masshoove

This on 1000 Buddah Mountain.





'vette

uk_vette

Double

Gemma setter

We were talking about Phuket

nonthaburi

So you've got no time for buddha in your life, everyone could do with practising a bit of Dhamma from time to time

david_gr

I've visited Phuket twice in the last year or so, stayed once at the Club Med but would rather recommend staying at a Thai hotel, more local flavor and certainly cheaper. One important thing to do there is hire a moped for getting around, if you can handle driving one! Last time I was there was in July and rented an automatic for 125 baht per day, around US $4. You can use it to travel all over Phuket and to different beaches during the day, and in the evening to go up to one of the restaurants overlooking Kata Noy bay. You'll need helmets but the renter can supply them.

bakedbean

Ya... well we went a bit off topic there but never mind eh? Dhamma? Mmmmm

Motorcycles in Phuket... geez... you won't get me on one of them for love nor money. Seen too many accidents on Phuket and it's always the bikes that come off worse. Hire a car. I mean, the driving aint great either, but it's a little bit safer.

Gemma setter

The big Buddha wasn't finished two years ago; we have been frequent visitors and all our grandchildren have their names on the bricks available to sign .
Even now it is not all complete, but is an amazing achievement and worth a diversion. The views are spectacular.

EU_Girl

Have a wonderful holiday andrewrh.

Stayed on Karon beach years ago and loveeed it. Can't recall Kamala beach but I am sure I would love it now instead of winter.

Btw. which is the best and most affordable place/beach in Phuket?

uk_vette

.
.
Definatly got no time for any Buddah, or any religious stuff, all just leads to trouble.

'vette

david_gr

Yup, baked bean is certainly right - if you can't ride a motorcycle, don't try to learn in Thailand.... but if you are a motorcycle rider, it's easy to ride one of these 110cc mopeds and good fun. Yes there are accidents and you must be very careful and vigilant... and most car drivers give way to motorcyclists - that's the law. But it's the guys who disregard the law who you have to beware of, and if you're involved in an accident and you're in the right, there's no compensation for the injuries you may sustain, and a ruined vacation.
I ride every day, so when on vacation it makes sense to rent a moped. There's so much to see around Phuket, it's a pretty place and you have an unrestricted view from the seat of a bike. The weather is great, ideal actually.
If you don't ride a bike, do rent a car and drive around the southern end of Phuket to Niharn Beach and west to Kata and Karon. And do the day trip by boat to Koh Phi-Phi. Have fun!

nonthaburi

Disagree, if more Thais actually followed buddhism seriously rather than the token mumbo jumbo efforts most seem to do Thailand would IMO be a far better place. That goes for other countries too though.

nonthaburi

Phuket, no problems, it's all concrete, just go slow and you'll be fine. Remember the hills in Koh Phangan years ago when there were no roads, now that was scary on a moped. Especially after a few as well !