FUN IN PHUKET


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by BalanceOnline on 11/03/2012 - 03:30 pm |

Hi everyone, Leanne here.

Thought I would share my overview of a fantastic holiday that I just had with a fabulous friend, Glenda. We spent 10 days in Karon Beach Phuket.

FIRST OFF - THE FLIGHT

STRATEGIC AIRLINES

What a fun flight we had. Strategic is Australia’s new full service budget international airline. Travelling at the moment from Aust to Bali and Phuket Direct. Yes, that’s right, direct Melbourne to Phuket. Budget maybe, but the service was fantastic. Great food, which was surprising for plane food and the service from the crew, was exceptional. Great big thanks to Steve and his crew. The flight was on time and arrived 30 mins early. How good is that?

STRATEGIC FACTS

Two airbuses in their fleet, the Airbus A320-200 and the A 330-200, this means nothing to me suffice to say they are big planes, not jumbos though. Don’t expect flash new planes, but the seats are comfortable and the entertainment runs throughout the flight.

Business class has close to the equivalent of Premium economy on other airlines. It was very comfortable for the daytime flight but still difficult to get comfortable on the return overnight flight. No surprises there for any flights.

We left Melbourne before lunch and arrived in Phuket about 5pm. Time enough to get to our hotel, check in and try our first cocktail while we watched the sunset over the Andaman Sea.

The return flight was Sunday at 8.30 pm, so we had the whole day in Phuket to have our final swim , shop and cocktail watching the sunset over the Andaman sea.

For more details on Strategic and their fantastic flights at great prices please check out their website at www.flystrategic.com.au or chat to your travel agency about the flights.

NOW TO THE ACCOMODATION

We stayed at the Karon Beach resort and spa located right on Karon Beach, South of Patong.

4 stars, wonderful service especially the restaurant staff for breakfast and snacks during the day while lying by the pool. There are 2 pools to choose from, one with the swim up bar, gotta love that.

The rooms had everything we needed and were cleaned each day.

There is no kids club at this resort, which may be an issue for some families. We did stay there last year with my daughters and they didn’t seem to mind. It was great to have 2 pools to choose from and I could watch my girls from my sunbed wherever they were.

The beach is at the bottom of the stairs from the resort pool and there you will find the massage ladies!!! For only $12 Australian, a massage every day has to be in order. I tried every massage on the ‘menu’ including an Aloe Vera massage with I thought might be gooey and a bit weird but it was fabulous, my skin felt so soft afterwards.

This resort is worth a look if considering going to Phuket: www.katagoup.com or talk to your travel agent.

THE SHOPPING

Take a half empty suitcase my friends. It really is cheap there and it is fun to barter. We had a ball bartering with these lovely and fun loving people. There is no need for people to be rude though. We were at times amazed at how aggressively they are treated with people expecting to be ‘ripped off’ so go at it like there lives depend on getting the lowest price. Remember that it is still cheaper than here. Who knows if you could get the price down lower, just enjoy the banter.

Glenda and I each had clothes made so if you are planning on travelling to Phuket take pictures from magazines that you would like custom made for you. I had the most beautiful trench coat made. So happy with it! I might have bought one cheaper off the rack in some stores here but this is made to fit me perfectly and it was full length. I could not be happier and a BIG THANKS to Krish, Ramesh and Joni at Phuket fashion and Tailor at 74 Karon Rd Karon Beach Phuket. I also took some pants and a blazer over to have copies made. Very good idea and they improve on the design make it ‘better for you’ as they would suggest. They were always right; of course!

THE RESTAURANTS

A short ‘tuk tuk’ ride into Karon Beach the busy end for great traditional Thai food at the RED ONION. We over ordered each time so just beware not to order too much. Also there is quite a queue to get in to this restaurant. They do move patrons in and out fairly quickly though. The wait is worth it.

Great cocktails anywhere really! Look out for the VOLCANO at the Dino bar. Yum.

Also at the Dino bar is a baby elephant called Nadia who is there each night from 7pm for tourist to pat and feed bananas and cucumber to for 20 baht. There is something amazing about elephants that bring so much joy to anyone. Great people watching while having a cocktail here and a change from watching another beautiful sunset when you can watch the pure joy of people with this baby elephant was just as brilliant.

INTERESTING THINGS TO DO

Take a ‘tuk tuk’ ride or perhaps hire a motor bike for the day and go for a short journey up to the Giant Marble Buddha that sits on top of the mountain overlooking Phuket. It is definitely one to view and be astounded by the engineering of this beautiful architecture.

Also, take a turn and see the intricate detail of the Wat Chalong Temple which is open to tourists to view.

Please be aware that you will need to cover yourself respectfully at these venues, board shorts and a long sleeved cotton shirt is adequate.

Of course there is also the busy district of Pa Tong for hotels, more shopping, dining and nightlife.