First Timers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,

We are going to Phuket in November, my first trip out of australia, wanting to know some insiders tips, hints, and day trip ideas.

We were going to do the zoo but not sure now after reading some of the posts on here.

Any feed back really welcome.

Thanks

Ronni

First Timers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Ronni,

Have a look at these.

www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com

www.jamie-monk.blogspot.com

I have 3 trip reports.

The first one is a summarised report from 2004 and 2006.

The second one is a summarised report from 2008.

The third one is a day by day report from 2008.

Just type in Phuket search box.

My 2 Trip Experiences To Phuket.

Stewie%26#39;s 2008 Phuket Trip report.

Stewie%26#39;s 2008 Day By Day Phuket Trip Report.

Cheers,

Stewie.

First Timers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out this page www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com

You will find heaps of info, tips and suggestions.

Have a great trip. Just remember to do everything with a smile.

Kelly

Hello We rare from Perth and we are going to Phuket in Nov (8th) too. I have been wondering around in this web page and looking at all the tips. Just want to say thanks for all those who posted it here. I have learn so much about Phuket.

Hi Ronnie, and welcome to the forum.

You will get 95% of your info from Cathy%26#39;s web site it really is very good.

There are many things to do it just depends what sore of things you like to do or see.

I would defiantly recommend a couple of things that are very good.

A sail tour through Phang Nar Bay with Captain Mark from Phuket sail tours is a must.

Hire one of the many drivers for a day or 2 to take you touring around the Island there are so many beautiful places to see.

An Atv tour is a great way to look around local villages.

Keep reading everyone%26#39;s JBR%26#39;s (just back report) you will pick up so many things from them, its how most of us started to discover this magnificent island.

Before you know it you will be hooked on this forum like the rest of us!!

Cheers, Pete

The zoo is not worth it and has dual pricing for Westerners and Thais, even for Westerners on legit work permits. This really annoys me so I don%26#39;t go.

A walk around Phuket Town is interesting and there is some Portuguese architecture if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Hi Ronni,

What date are you going to Phuket? We are going on the 26th november for 8 nights and it%26#39;s our first time as well. This site has been fantastic for information.

Wendy

My tips:

1- unless you really need them eg suits for work, dress for a formal occasion etc, and know exactly what you want, don%26#39;t get clothes made. The shopping centres sell name brands cheap enough for most needs. Always ask if they give a discount, you should always get a minimum 10-20% off from shopping centre shops, unless it%26#39;s on special already.

2- book tours through the roadside tour operators, not your hotel. It%26#39;s much cheaper. Also, consider half-day tours if you aren%26#39;t big into doing tours. The half-day 3 island tour was good for a bit of snorkeling.

3- Buy all your duty free stuff at Sydney or Melbourne airport, leave it there and pick it up on the way back. Spirits (and I think cigarettes ?) are at duty free prices in Phuket. On the way back, you can%26#39;t take any booze you have already through customs in your hand luggage at Phuket airport - 100ml rule. You can pack it in your suitcase.

4- Don%26#39;t buy the seafood you see at the front of restaurants, sold by weight, unless you want to pay a fortune. You are better off ordering fixed price off the menu.

5- Don%26#39;t get freaked out by all the hassling as you walk down the street. It%26#39;s harmless, and it%26#39;s going to happen. I saw many an occidental stressing out over this - just expect it and ignore it. Never get angry in a dispute, gets you nowhere fast.

6- Don%26#39;t expect service like you get back home from the hotel staff. If they put you in a crap room, be insistent about getting it changed, but stay polite and keep smiling. It costs a lot to get over there, so enjoy. Don%26#39;t let little things spoil your holiday.

7- Stop reading forums so that some things still come as a surprise ! Eat at places not mentioned here, go on different tours to John Grey or Simba, hire your own driver off the street... then report back !

Thnks everyone.

Wendy,

we are also going for 8 nights but at the start of november, can%26#39;t wait getting very excited!!!