4D3N Phuket: July 2009

Day 1

This time round, we decided to go for Air Asia since the journey is only 1 hour and 10 minutes away. Before we even started, we were already very frustrated with the airline for the numerous flight retiming. Initially we booked the 1.30pm flight then it was retimed to 8.25pm so we asked to change to 12.15pm and just a week before we depart, it was retimed again to 2.10pm. Arrgh! There's more....flight delay on the day of departure. Anyway, thanks to AA, we finally arrived safely at Phuket.

We have prebooked our driver for the airport transfer before we left for Phuket. He was already waiting there when we arrived. Luckily he didn't leave as I was worried that he may be confused with all the time changes. He charged us THB700 per van (6 of us) from airport to Kata. So far his rate has been the most reasonable. I've enquired elsewhere and they all have different charges. The hotel charges THB1500, Oriental Escape charges THB900, JC Tour charges THB900 and another popular driver charges THB800. See? I've done my homework well.

We arrived at Sugar Palm Resort, a 3 star hotel at Kata in about an hour's time. This is our hotel. We were very happy with our stay at the hotel and would not hesitate to recommend this place to you. They actually have 3 branches. The other 2 is at Karon Beach and Kata hillside.

Just outside our hotel, there are two massage shops. The one nearer to the hotel which is the one shown below is Kata Big Rock II. Their price is 50 baht cheaper than the next door but their masseurs are older and very grouchy. We went there once at night for foot scrub. My, their faces were so black and there was no smiles on their face at all. They looked as though they were forced to service us. When we screamed and laughed because it was painful at times, their expression was like "if you can't stand pain then don't do it" look. Hey, I paid for your service you know!! Can't you just smile and laugh with us? You might earn some tips....guess what? One of them accidentally cut the foot of my brother. He was bleeding and his masseur slowly dissappeared and came back about 10 minutes later with a handiplast. After that she wanted to continue scrubbing my brother's feet and he said NO!!! The rest of us were so quiet after that. We didn't dare to make any noise just in case they also cut our feet!

This shop, Lucky Friend is just next to Kata Big Rock II. We went there 3 nights consecutively for our thai massage and aromatheraphy massage. The girls are younger and very friendly. In fact on the 3rd night we already know each other so well and on the last day they even shouted good bye to us when they saw us boarding our van to the airport. Hmm, I miss them and also their massage which was firm and so relaxing. Their rate for aromatherapy was 300 baht after negotiation and 250 baht for thai massage. Do give them a try and also Kata Big Rock II to compare if you ever stay at Sugar Palm Kata.

Outside the hotel, there is a pharmacy, 7-11, a minimart and some shops. It was very convenient.

Kata Beach Resort is opposite the hotel. The Kata beach is also opposite the hotel, a mere 5 - 10 minutes walk. We walked to Kata Beach on our first evening at Phuket.

This is Kata Beach.

Ahhh .... the sunset at Kata Beach.

After sunset, we walked along the main road (from hotel turn right). A short distance away is this area with rows of restaurants. We didn't know where to eat since all of them are selling the same food. In the end we stepped into Natalie's for our first dinner. The environment and food was just ok. No complaints. Price is reasonable, about 80 baht - 120 baht for rice and noodle. Coconut drink was 50 baht.

After dinner we had a quick walk at a nearby bazaar. We didn't buy anything as the products are very similar to the Thai fair that we always have back in our own country. Moreover the prices are not cheap even after you bargain. Most of the sellers here are Indians and not the Siamese.

Day 2
The buffet breakfast was lousy. Choices are limited and they serve the same food everyday. On the third day we were so sick of the food already. After breakfast, we checked mails at the free Internet kiosks while dad browsed the DVD library.

The highlight of the day? ATV!!! I have booked the ATV tour with http://www.atvphuket.com/home.html before coming and was really looking forward to it since my last ride in 2004 in Australia. They charged us 1,500 baht per adult and 1,000 baht for adult passenger. They also gave us a 10% discount at the end. The ATV tour company came to pick us from the hotel in the morning and with another 2 groups from another hotel, we headed to the ATV camp which is quite a distance away.

We were served with ice bottled water with some local fruits such as banana, mangosteen, papaya, watermelon and pineapple upon reaching the camp. We had to wait for another group to arrive. After that we were given a short briefing on safety and the guide taught us how to use the bike. 10 of us took the 1 hour ride while the other 8 took the challenging 2 hours ride. Unfortunately it was drizzling a little so we had to wear the rain coat and the guide advised against bringing camera so we can't take any pictures of our ride in the jungle.

They provided us with croc shoes to change so that we don't dirty our shoes during the ride. Don't ask me if it's real crocs...

The ride was very fun. All of us enjoyed it very much, even our parents. We rode through rocky paths, some mini slopes, up and down the muddy pool of water and at one point we had to go into a pool of muddy water that is knee length high. I was so glad that my engine didn't died off. Sometimes it was scary because you do not know how deep the hole is when it is covered with the muddy water.

We have to wash our dirty legs after the ride.

While waiting for the group that went for the 2 hours adventure, they served us ice coke and more fruits.

Finally the 2 hour group is back. They told us that the second hour is very challenging as they have to ride up and down some very high and steep slopes. Let me practice a few more rounds and I shall upgrade to the 2 hours next time....hehe

After that we asked them to drop us at Patong. We had a quick shopping at OTOP which is opposite Hard Rock Cafe in Patong. There are many stalls here selling almost the same stuffs and again we didn't buy anything since we can get the same stuffs at the Thai fair at home and at a much lower price.

We had lunch at a nearby restaurant. The food portion was quite little compared to the restaurant in Kata, and well it was edible. The tom yum soup was delicious.

We took the tuk tuk back to hotel in Kata. They refused to reduce the amount and charged 450 baht per trip for the 6 of us. It was exactly what I read in the tripadvisor forum.

That evening we had a swim in the hotel's pool, or rather I should say the ladies dipped themselves in the pool to relax the tired and aching muscles from the ATV ride.

We decided to venture out further that night and we walked about half an hour from the hotel. You will see some restaurants and shops here and there along the road. Dino Park was just around half an hours walk from the hotel. I wanted to go in for a visit since I read so much about it but the rest was not so keen.

So we ended up having dinner at a nearby restaurant. Environment was good and they have a live band next door but food serving was slow. Price was also expensive and not that tasty e.g. coconut water was 89 baht.

Day 3

Today the same driver that picked us from airport drove us around for a day trip in Phuket city. We hired him for 1,500 baht for the whole day. First we stopped at Karon View Point.

Next, he stopped us (at our request) at an elephant camp. My dad and brother took the half hour ride for 500 baht each. They enjoyed the ride very much. They also have ATV here but when we found out that they do not have insurance, we decided not to go for it. So we waited and entertained ourselves while waiting for dad and brother.

Then we head to the famous Promthep Cape.

Promthep Cape is indeed very scenic. I wish I could spend more time admiring the beauty here but the guys, you know...when you asked them to take pictures they will yawn...it's like such a torture for them.

Next, my turn to yawn. We went to the shooting club and here the guys have the opportunity to hold a real gun for the first time in their life. They were so excited. Price range from 690 baht - 990 baht for 10 bullets. Bang! Bang! Bang! and the hard earned money is gone just like that....better don't argue with them. They sure say that we don't understand!

At the same place is the go-kart. It was 890 baht for 10 minutes so each of us took one and start racing.

The guide then drove us to this restaurant for our lunch. The service there is quite bad. The staffs were quite unfriendly and food serving is very slow.

After that we went shopping at Central Festival.

Before we call it a day, we asked the driver to drop us at Patong Beach and Karon Beach for a visit. This is Patong Beach and to show you that we stepped foot at Patong Beach while in Phuket.

This is Karon Beach. Among the 3 beaches, Kata Beach is the nicest.

On our last night we decided to have dinner at one of the restaurants outside the hotel and it turned out to be another Natalie's branch. Well, ok.

Before I end, ladies...this is roughly the price of massage in Phuket in 2009. The difference is usually +/- 50 baht. We have a good time in Phuket and hopefully you will enjoy yours too.