So they'll spend a total of at least B4000 each whilst here? That's about enough for a Gatorade after the taxis are finished with them !!

Posted by Mister Ree on February 1, 2010 19:49

"Phuket's mountainous interior is densely forested with mahogany, rubber trees, tropical evergreen, royal palm, ficus, and bamboo."

- Better hurry, QM2. There might not be any left by Wednesday.

Posted by Treelover on February 1, 2010 20:38

I'd advise the tourists to stay on the boat.

Posted by Get real on February 2, 2010 03:39

Take a tuk tuk, but don't pay Queen Mary prices, head for a little tour of the beaches e.g. do a southern loop, Patong, Karon, Kata View point, head for Wat Chalong, go to Chalong pier and have a great seafood lunch at the Pier. Before heading back to the Queen Mary, go for a nice foot massage.

Posted by wolfgang on February 2, 2010 10:16

Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Town in the morning, then lunch in a small sup kitchen, like this gay guy's shop near Bangkok Hospital (my favorite noodles) in Hongyok Utis Rd. corner Samakkhi Soi 3 - is airconditioned and delicious. Then go and see Cape Yamu and PhangNga Bay, walk the National Park with the monkey station nearby. Then go and see the sunset at a western beach, preferable Kamala or Kata, Karon

But you should know a guy with a limo you can rent for a day.

Posted by Lena on February 2, 2010 18:42

Some tips for a successful holiday

Riding motorbike is ideal in phuket while warm sea breeze is gently touching your hair. As you can see soon, one motorbike can provide full transportation for your whole family.

Take a friendly and cheap tuktuk to motorbike rental shop. Tuktuk drivers have also very good recommendations about places where to go.

Head your riding to Patong beach through kathu side. On way to patong you can also get some extreme excitement with Bungy jump. If you are lucky you may get free extended holiday in phuket! On the way patong you will see amazing temple. You should horn couple times on temple. It will bring good luck for you.

Traffic is different, but you should just adopt local ways, like old saying is telling "in rome, do what romans do". If you want to express your feelings among another roadmates. Just feel free to use international hand signs.

As you maybe already know Patong is main tourist area in Phuket and quite expensive. Especially beach chairs. So why you dont take own foldable one with you. You can easily attach that on your motorbike, like you can see how locals are managing transportation.

On Patong beach jetski activities will provide you unforgettable moments! Patong has one operator who is famous worldwide because of his very special way to express hospitality.

Or maybe you really fall in love with patong and you will find friendly person who is willing to sell you time share with bargain price.

Tailors are also very skillful and fast. They can take your measurements for suit when you are walking or even running.

Hand shaking is very traditional way to say hello in Thailand and you will find many friendly guys on streets who just want make you feel welcomed.

Posted by tripadvisor on February 2, 2010 20:29

TripAdvisor. Thank you for the very informative article, I can see by the truth here, you are an experienced expat who knows the ropes.
Thank you for making my evening a very funny one indeed.

P.S. Where do reckon is the best place to get memorable photographs of the tourists and their antics?
Be well.

Posted by Graham on February 2, 2010 21:20

Singapore and Hong Kong have had facilities for cruise ships for over 20 years and are not just developing them, I first came to Thailand on the QE2 in 1985 working on the vessel, Thailand has some of the worst facilities for cruise ships in the world which is why you do not get any overnight stays (That is as told to me by the cruise companies), you still get some occasional visits as it a customer requirement and a good sell, but TAT you need to think and make a proper cruise center and as you have said go and visit Hong Kong and Singapore and see there cruise centers a lot nicer than being dropped off in Ao Makkam deep sea port

Editor: As we've reported recently, Singapore and Hong Kong are substantially upgrading their existing facilities.

Posted by Michael on February 3, 2010 09:30