Mar 18, 2007
Phuket
I got to Phuket at about 1pm. And for you uniformed, unworldly travelers, it is pronounced “poo-get” not “fuck it”. A little overcast but somewhat cooler than Bangkok, thank Buddha. The airport is a small affair similar to airports at beaches around the world. It is located at the north end of the island, my hotel and the more famous beaches are toward the south. It was about an hour taxi ride and the cost came to 450 baht just like the guy at the taxi stand promised. The road we took wound through the center of the island and it was pretty built up commercially. We finally reached my hotel. It is a a big mother spreading over several hectares. When you arrive at the front, the security checks out the taxi with a mirror for explosives and looks in the trunk like I saw them do at the JW Marriott in Bangkok. But then inside you drive to a welcome lobby — outside with comfortable chairs while the hostess radios the main buildings. A tram takes you back to one of the many lobbies. I was met at the tram by a bellboy with flowers and asking by for me by name. He takes my bag and shortly we’re met by the guest relations manager who welcomes me to the hotel and she walks me to the special check in area. A hostess arrives with a drink and cool towels. After the check-in details, the manager gives me a brief tour of the place on the way to the room in the Lotus building. The nice room has a huge fruit basket and a commanding view of the Andaman Sea. She shows me the letters of welcome from the General Manager and herself reminding me I have access to the executive lounge on the 12th floor and if I need something, not to hesitate to ask. The best part of my traveling for work is getting Diamond status with Hilton. Some hotels treat me as a prince. I have a nice room even though I’m paying for the bargain basement view-of-the-trash-dumpsters room. A piece of advice: Always sign up for the frequent hotel and airline programs, even if you think you’ll never go there again. Circumstances can change and you might find yourself using the services and getting points. I went to Europe for free using nothing but miles and hotel points a few years ago. I have enough now, that my next vacation anywhere will be free. Well, except for beer and other stuff.
I took a walk down to the beach and around the pool. The place is crawling with Europeans with just a few Americans. Just the way I like it. I forgot sunscreen and so I decided not to get into the chaise lounge and pass the time. Instead I sat on a chair on my deck and stared into the sea. There was a nice cool breeze coming off the ocean. I could get used to this.
This morning I’m up early. I took a walk along the beach as the sun came up. Very nice [say it like Borat, that's how I sound, if you haven't heard me]. Now, I’m at the Executive Lounge having me breakfast.
A nice full spread. Killer view and very attentive help. Today I’m going to take a taxi to the main beach town and get supplies and walk around and see some sites. I thought of going to Phi Phi to find the Scandinavian girls David speaks of but the boat left already. I’m also going for a haircut, shave, manicure, pedicure and Thai massage. Lifestyle of the not rich or famous.
i’d get off of phuket and head over to phi phi. phuket is seedy with middle-aged german men seeking sex with underaged boys. phi phi is a tropical paradise that is breathtaking. each day you spend at phuket is one less day you get to enjoy phi phi. just sayin.
Mr Hasselhoff,
There seems to be a glut of people like you recently spreading ridiculous and resentful comments about Phuket in blogland.
Care to explain how you are qualified to make comments like that? Do you live in Phuket? How long have you spent in Phuket in the last couple of years?
For anyone else reading this, Phuket is not like the above comments at all. If it was then why would it be such a popular place to come?
A middle aged German man, Mr. David Hassellhoff, is telling me about middle aged German men cruising for underage boys?
I would agree with you if I were staying at Patong, but I’m down at Karon which is nicer and without the sleeze.
Phi Phi is dead to me after DiCaprio ruined it.
Well I still wouldn’t agree that Patong has middle-aged Germans cruising for underage boys.
Let’s hope Mr H clarifies or backs up his comments. I’m not holding my breath!
Gecko – Of course we are kidding about the Germans on Patong. And Hassellhoff’s hyperbole is famous here. I’ve taken it to be jealousy that he’s stuck in the States while I’m off in paradise.
And you must admit that Phi Phi is less built up and commercialized. I don’t think there is a McDonalds or Starbucks there yet.
i was a scuba diver on phi phi from 1998 to 2000. greatest time of my life. my german comrades loved the phuket, but i’m not into lady boys. kirk has a point, i am jealous that i’m stuck in the states.
And Dave, don’t forget a lot has changed on Phuket since the tsunami. A lot of the west-facing beaches are different now. You need to come back, and spend some time here [or Kata Beach] before you go to the island DiCaprio ruined.
well that’s great news! but that doesn’t answer the question, “why are you on the computer while you are in paradise?”
Not really. 8,000 people died. I wouldn’t say that was great.
And I’m on the computer now because I’m at the airport. And the Spanish girls are not giving me any play even though I’m dropping espanol on them. Probably my Tex-Mex accent is abrasive to their iberian ears.
Phuket seems to be back to pretty much where it was before the tsunami – to me anyway. This high season also felt busier than the 2 previous to the tsunami. Kirk, what did you mean by ‘different’ when you said Phuket has changed?
btw, 8000 people was the total amount of people who died (and are missing) in the whole of Thailand. The vast majority were in Phang Nga (Khao Lak) and Krabi (Phi Phi) not Phuket. Phuket was relatively unscathed, though you would not think that from the reporting at the time (that’s a whole story on it’s own)
I do agree that Phi Phi is less commercialised on the whole, but that is only because of it’s location, I can find more peace and tranquility in certain places in Phuket than I can anywhere on Phi Phi, and I prefer to be able to have both worlds when I want them.
I don’t know what I meant aside from wanting to remind Dave Phuket may not be the place he remembers from 7 years ago. Same with Phi Phi.
damn, has it been 7 years ago? i guess so. those damn germans scarred me for life. when i was there, i saw at least 2-3 couples of german men with thai boys holding hands everynight. glad to hear that doesn’t happen anymore.
It may not be your or my thing, but don’t be so intolerant. Ladyboys are part of the tapestry of life. And not just with zee Germans.
Gecko, are you doing the same as me? Looking for people sledging Phuket and trying to set them right?! It just makes me mad when I read garbage like this about Phuket. There are a couple of streets in Patong where you have bars, girls, boys, ladyboys, boyladies, whatever. Patong is a tiny speck where I never go. Phuket is more that 500 square kilometers and Patong is not Phuket, it’s another world.
Have a good day! Lucky you at the Hilton, Kirk.
Jamie
Phuket