Thara Patong Beach Resort, Phuket

Advantages: Stunning scenery, beautiful people, cheap prices and safe.
Disadvantages: Long flight

...on the South end called the Patong Beach Resort. Accommodation was simple in semi detached bungalows with air-conditioning, hot water and the hotel had a private pool, but this seemed a little pointless as the sea with crystal blue waters was within five minutes walk. This cost about 1200 Baht per night (20 Pounds) inclusive of breakfast, which we never made it to. Our stay at this hotel was abruptly ended however after we realised that one of the security guards had an interest in watching us through the mosquito netted windows on a nightly basis. This may appeal to the more exhibitionist types but was a little too intrusive for our comfort! Patong itself is a hive of activity, even in May, with literally thousands of street vendors selling everything imaginable from fake Rolex watches to traditional Thai arts. Prices are cheap by Western... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: It's got everything imaginable
Disadvantages: Not enough time to fit everything in

..., to and from Manchester, Heathrow, Bangkok and Phuket, private car transfers to and from the Thai airports and hotels and our hotel accommodation, which was three and a half star in Bangkok – The Hotel Asia, and a four star hotel in Phuket – The Kata Thani Hotel and Beach Resort. Both hotels were on a bed and breakfast basis. Our hotel in Phuket was truly amazing: A large, low-rise complex, that had everything you could imagine. Firstly it had a magnificent beachfront setting, which was lovely in the evenings, just watching the sun go down from our balcony was heaven. The beach itself was very clean, tidy and private, with sun loungers available. Unfortunately due to the time of year, we were unable to go swimming in the sea because of the strong under currents (red flags were put up on the beach, as there were no lifeguards... Read review

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Advantages: Sun, glorious beaches, amazing people
Disadvantages: Long haul flight

...In the wake of another earthquake in The Andaman Sea last night and the evacuation of everyone to the nearby hills, I thought I'd write a review of Patong Beach as I saw it on my recent travels around Asia and in particular Thailand. It's my ay of hopefully bringing back the custom to Phuket. Luckily, last night, the all clear was sounded about three hours after the evacuation meaning everyone could return home for some sleep before waking up this morning and 'getting on with it' as normal. This happened to me too in May when the earthquake in Indonesia sparked another few worrying hours for everyone who witnessed the devastating tsunami on Boxing Day last year. The alarm rang and within minutes the streets were awash with everyone heading on up to high ground nervously awaiting mother nature's anger. The precautions and early... Read review

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