basic Phuket/Phi Phi questions...hotels, driving, diving...
 

Hi. For our honeymoon in early September, we want spend a week or so in either Phuket
or Phi Phi - after spending a couple of days in Bangkok. We've already booked the
flights and the Bangkok hotel. From what I've read so far, Phuket seems like it might
be a bit too commercial - filled with numerous beat-up hotels, go-cart tracks,
arcades, sleazy nightclubs, etc. Are there areas of Phuket that are more remote and
romantic? I see that there are some world-class hotels in Phuket, but their websites
don't show whether or not they are located right next door to some loud, obnoxious
places. Don't get me wrong, we DO want to spend some time checking out the nightlife,
but we don't want to hear it from our room at 3:00 in the morning. We're looking for
an upscale hotel directly on a beach (w/ room service, nice rooms, restaurants, dive
shop, etc.) Do we have to go to Phi Phi to avoid the loud commercial activity?

Also, we''d like to drive from Bangkok to our beach destination, spending a day or
two stopping at a few intersting places along the way (which I guess would rule out
going to Phi Phi). We've done this in a few latin american countries and have enjoyed
checking out the less touristy areas. But we've never been to Asia and don't speak
any Asian languages. Is this a good idea?

Thanks a lot,

Frank, New York City

Re: basic Phuket/Phi Phi questions...hotels, driving, diving...
 

I've been to Koh Phi Phi twice now and it is a very pretty island, although I have to say that the last time I went (April 2001) I noticed that it had become more touristy. I don't think it's anywhere near as commercialised as Phuket, although I haven't been there persoanlly and don't particularly want to. There are boat trips you can do between the 2 islands anyway - why not split thew time between the 2?? I've also been to Railay Beach (nr Krabi) and Koh Lanta which are both very nice too - maybe you could consider one of these.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers

Lisa

Re: basic Phuket/Phi Phi questions...hotels, driving, diving...
 

As far as Phuket is concerned, it is not my island. Having been to Thailand many
times I found it too much an island for tourists although we did discover beaches in
bays where we were just by ourselves. Of course you need a vehicle to go there.
Tuk-tuks used to be expensive although it seems that the government has imposed much
lower rates just weeks ago. Avoid Patong beach. The beach towards the south are much
nicer (west coast) We once drove down from Bangkok to Koh Samui and then to Phuket.
It is a long drive and not very interesting. The road is good (kind of highway) but
boaring. It is better to fly to Phuket directly and rent a car there. If you drive
down from Bangkok , refrain from driving at night. Gangs are attacking cars (although
it seems they prefer the more expensive ones) and it seems that even people have been
killed. Although I have always felt very safe in Thailand, even in remote areas I
think you should not drive at night anywhere. Driving in Thailand is not the same as
we are used to in Europe. Do not be astonished if you are facing cars overtaking
before curves of hilltops. Once you are used to it there is no problem. Driving is at
the left-hand side of course. There are many web-sites about Thailand. It is a
fantastic country with a very kind and friendly population. Congratulations with your
wedding and enjoy your honeymoon trip to this fantastic country.

On 26 Jul 2002 19:18:02 GMT, [email protected] (Cathpwalsh) wrote:

    >Hi. For our honeymoon in early September, we want spend a week or so in either
    >Phuket or Phi Phi - after spending a couple of days in Bangkok. We've already booked
    >the flights and the Bangkok hotel. From what I've read so far, Phuket seems like it
    >might be a bit too commercial - filled with numerous beat-up hotels, go-cart tracks,
    >arcades, sleazy nightclubs, etc. Are there areas of Phuket that are more remote and
    >romantic? I see that there are some world-class hotels in Phuket, but their websites
    >don't show whether or not they are located right next door to some loud, obnoxious
    >places. Don't get me wrong, we DO want to spend some time checking out the
    >nightlife, but we don't want to hear it from our room at 3:00 in the morning. We're
    >looking for an upscale hotel directly on a beach (w/ room service, nice rooms,
    >restaurants, dive shop, etc.) Do we have to go to Phi Phi to avoid the loud
    >commercial activity?
    >
    >Also, we''d like to drive from Bangkok to our beach destination, spending a day or
    >two stopping at a few intersting places along the way (which I guess would rule out
    >going to Phi Phi). We've done this in a few latin american countries and have
    >enjoyed checking out the less touristy areas. But we've never been to Asia and don't
    >speak any Asian languages. Is this a good idea?
    >
    >Thanks a lot,
    >
    >Frank, New York City