Phuket Reports

[MickyJuice]

Appreciate it Mick. I'm in agreement I think Kata makes the most sense and yea I'll probably just rent a scooter to get around and use the apps when I don't feel like driving it. Where are you staying in Kata if you don't mind me asking? 25 nights brother I'm jealous!!

Its a nice balance I think, not too busy / noisy and plenty of places to go within easy reach. I've got a place booked on the South end, for me its the best entry to the beach for surfing and I like going to Mama's restaurant. I just heard yesterday though that Merit Hill Bungalow has a great new opening (new owners, formerly Kata Hill) special up until September. Its an easy walk to the Kata bar street and for anything else you might need.

[MrRockwell47]

Really depends on how you plan to get around. Local transport is expensive unless your catching the smart bus, but if your not worried about $ or being limited by the smart bus route / time, you will get around to all those places. If you rent a scooter / car you will be way more independent and will be able to get around to all those places easily, September shouldn't be very busy on the road compared to months outside of wet season.

In short, stay in Patong and hire transport if your not concerned about $ or hire a scooter / car if your comfortable self navigating. Personally I'd suggest staying in Kata / Karon and just doing trips North / South as required. But I have no interest in Bangla Rd, it might be the place to be if your chasing the most lively place though. I'm hopping in bed just as the place is firing up haha.

I'll be in Kata for 25 nights, Sept / Oct and will rent a scooter to cruise around Kata / Karon / Rawaii, highly unlikey I'll venture North of Karon.

Appreciate it Mick. I'm in agreement I think Kata makes the most sense and yea I'll probably just rent a scooter to get around and use the apps when I don't feel like driving it. Where are you staying in Kata if you don't mind me asking? 25 nights brother I'm jealous!!

[ThaiGoodTimes]

Oh yeah, have heard good things about Bolt. That is another option, have heard they can get busy in the evening though.

To get around in Phuket, go with BOLT, GRAB, or InDrive.

All are phone apps.

[MickyJuice]

I guess with 'local transport' you mean the taxi maffia? I was in Patong lately, and have used Bolt taxi's to get around. Some examples of the prices:
Airport - Patong Beach: 550 Baht.
Patong Beach - Big Buddha: 360 Baht.
Patong Beach - Thalang Road, Phuket: 300 Baht.

Oh yeah, have heard good things about Bolt. That is another option, have heard they can get busy in the evening though.

[MrRockwell47]

Just curious how the action / activity breaks down in terms of day of the week in south thailand.

Are weekend days Friday and Sat significantly better in terms of volume of action / quality talent around?

I'm considering departing on a Sat or Sun and trying to decide if I'll be missing something great Sat or if all the days can be equally as good.

Appreciate the info in advance!

[Bunnies]

Bunky.

That is not the case in Phuket.

There are no street hawkers at all.

Yes, some pharmacies do sell without a prescription, but not many.

Thanks for that. Got any insights on the pharmacies that do any chance?

[Mogwai]

Local transport is expensive unless your catching the smart bus,
SNIP
In short, stay in Patong and hire transport if your not concerned about $
SNIP

I guess with 'local transport' you mean the taxi maffia? I was in Patong lately, and have used Bolt taxi's to get around. Some examples of the prices:
Airport - Patong Beach: 550 Baht.
Patong Beach - Big Buddha: 360 Baht.
Patong Beach - Thalang Road, Phuket: 300 Baht.

[Bunky]

That is not the case in Phuket. There are no street hawkers at all. Yes, some pharmacies do sell without a prescription, but not many.

I should have specified that my experience is limited to Bangkok and Pattaya. My bad.

Thanks for the information about Phuket. Looks like guys visiting there will have to work a little harder.

See what I did there? "HARDER!" I crack myself up.

Bunky

[ThaiGoodTimes]

Most pharmacies sell sildenafil and taldalafil. The brand names and countries of origin vary, but they are the real thing and no prescription is required. Mostly available in tablet form, but gel packs are on offer too. There are also hawkers on the street selling these meds. Some guys swear by them, and some steer clear. In my view it's smarter to buy from a real pharmacy, even though that might cost a bit more.

Bunky

Bunky.

That is not the case in Phuket.

There are no street hawkers at all.

Yes, some pharmacies do sell without a prescription, but not many.

[MickyJuice]

My first time in Thailand, Sept 2023. Will be in Bangkok for 2 days then Phuket / Patong area for 4.

Originally was going to stay in Patong, but after reading some of the reports on here (thanks for the info! I'm thinking I want to do at least some exploring in Rawai. I don't love the over commercial scene and looking for some non-coached young talent / hidden gems.

My question is what area to stay. Is it possible to stay in Patong as a home base and then still go out in Rawai and come back to the hotel in Patong? Or is this too out of the way? Would staying somewhere like halfway as in Kata or Karon be a better "split the difference"? I didn't love the hotel options in Rawai and also am not sure I want to spend all 4 days there ultimately anyways.

Appreciate in advance! Would love to buy whoever's around a beer or two in September!

Really depends on how you plan to get around. Local transport is expensive unless your catching the smart bus, but if your not worried about $ or being limited by the smart bus route / time, you will get around to all those places. If you rent a scooter / car you will be way more independent and will be able to get around to all those places easily, September shouldn't be very busy on the road compared to months outside of wet season.

In short, stay in Patong and hire transport if your not concerned about $ or hire a scooter / car if your comfortable self navigating. Personally I'd suggest staying in Kata / Karon and just doing trips North / South as required. But I have no interest in Bangla Rd, it might be the place to be if your chasing the most lively place though. I'm hopping in bed just as the place is firing up haha.

I'll be in Kata for 25 nights, Sept / Oct and will rent a scooter to cruise around Kata / Karon / Rawaii, highly unlikey I'll venture North of Karon.

[MrRockwell47]

My first time in Thailand, Sept 2023. Will be in Bangkok for 2 days then Phuket / Patong area for 4.

Originally was going to stay in Patong, but after reading some of the reports on here (thanks for the info! I'm thinking I want to do at least some exploring in Rawai. I don't love the over commercial scene and looking for some non-coached young talent / hidden gems.

My question is what area to stay. Is it possible to stay in Patong as a home base and then still go out in Rawai and come back to the hotel in Patong? Or is this too out of the way? Would staying somewhere like halfway as in Kata or Karon be a better "split the difference"? I didn't love the hotel options in Rawai and also am not sure I want to spend all 4 days there ultimately anyways.

Appreciate in advance! Would love to buy whoever's around a beer or two in September!

[Bunnies]

Most pharmacies sell sildenafil and taldalafil. The brand names and countries of origin vary, but they are the real thing and no prescription is required. Mostly available in tablet form, but gel packs are on offer too. There are also hawkers on the street selling these meds. Some guys swear by them, and some steer clear. In my view it's smarter to buy from a real pharmacy, even though that might cost a bit more.

Bunky

Perfect, thanks.

[Bunky]

Sorry can you clarify what you mean by 'legal' ED drugs. That's what I'm seeking. In Australia I can't get these without a doctor prescription, but I wanted to know if I can buy them without any doctor visit in Thailand?

Most pharmacies sell sildenafil and taldalafil. The brand names and countries of origin vary, but they are the real thing and no prescription is required. Mostly available in tablet form, but gel packs are on offer too. There are also hawkers on the street selling these meds. Some guys swear by them, and some steer clear. In my view it's smarter to buy from a real pharmacy, even though that might cost a bit more.

Bunky

[Bunnies]

It's very hard to buy anything other than legal ED drugs in a pharmacy.

The ED drugs you see openly available around Bangkok and Pattaya and not found in Phuket anywhere.

You can ask around and see, but likely you will have a lot of hunting to do.

Sorry can you clarify what you mean by 'legal' ED drugs. That's what I'm seeking. In Australia I can't get these without a doctor prescription, but I wanted to know if I can buy them without any doctor visit in Thailand?

[MakeItOrBreak]

I've never experienced good snorkeling in Thailand, especially off a beach. Even the tour boats to Phi Phi don't get you to good snorkeling locations, I'm not sure they even exist. Suggest you find a boat that is strictly for snorkeling and diving.

I don't enjoy Patong beach, but there are some private beaches nearby that are much nicer, for example Paradise Beach can be easily reached by tuk tuk. Pre COVID they had free shuttle busses that would pick you up on Bangla Road, maybe that bus is still available.

Head down to Lipe or Trang area and you will find good snorkeling out from beach.