sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Anyone been? Just booked a holiday for me and the enemy on that Voyage Prive website. Looks pretty decent, 5* hotel, 3 swimming pools, private beach etc.. but was very much an impulse purchase so haven't done a great deal of research on the area. Anyone been? Any advice/tips from people with experience of the area would be most appreciated. Cheers! Sam(bosa75) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 I had a mate who lived out there for 6 months a few years back, he loved it. I'll find out the best places to vist from him and let you know. In the meantime i'll leave Andy666 to tell you things like "it'll be hot" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Stunning area. Lonely Planet before you go You need to get out and into Phang Nga bay, best way to do it (but totally non PC or Elf & Safety minded) is to find a fisherman who will take you for the day in a long-tailed boat. Failing that then you do the tours - prefer the speedboat to the whole Sea Kayak mass production trips. Eat a Lot & have a massage a day minimum. Hotel Spa's can be a rip off but the little shops will put the two of you side by side to avoid any "issues" Rent a taxi for a day for about 30/40 quid and have your own private tour, do Elephant Safaris, Snorkelling/Diving and just Chill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 I had a mate who lived out there for 6 months a few years back, he loved it. I'll find out the best places to vist from him and let you know. In the meantime i'll leave Andy666 to tell you things like "it'll be hot" Yeah nice one, be interested to hear what he says. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Stunning area. Lonely Planet before you go You need to get out and into Phang Nga bay, best way to do it (but totally non PC or Elf & Safety minded) is to find a fisherman who will take you for the day in a long-tailed boat. Failing that then you do the tours - prefer the speedboat to the whole Sea Kayak mass production trips. Eat a Lot & have a massage a day minimum. Hotel Spa's can be a rip off but the little shops will put the two of you side by side to avoid any "issues" Rent a taxi for a day for about 30/40 quid and have your own private tour, do Elephant Safaris, Snorkelling/Diving and just Chill Great advice, thanks. Shame about the side by side massages mind... haha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/luckylove/pacific-asia-08/1206429480/p1040281.jpg/tpod.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Do not drink Black Russians in disco bars after 3am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Do not drink Black Russians in disco bars after 3am. Dare I ask why not or am I being dense and this is some reference to lady boys that I am not getting?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Yeah nice one, be interested to hear what he says. Cheers. He said visit the Tiger Temple which is at the top of some mountain and has great views across the area, steep walk up a mountain. Take a boat ride out to the two rocks next to each other (cant remember the name of them) but are supposed to be the symbol of Krabi. THere are two really good markets for cheap and lovely food, one near the piers and in the centre of Krabi town. He said beautiful place, friendly locals and quite cheap. Perfect place to take a bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 He said visit the Tiger Temple which is at the top of some mountain and has great views across the area, steep walk up a mountain. Take a boat ride out to the two rocks next to each other (cant remember the name of them) but are supposed to be the symbol of Krabi. THere are two really good markets for cheap and lovely food, one near the piers and in the centre of Krabi town. He said beautiful place, friendly locals and quite cheap. Perfect place to take a bird. Cheap works for me. Nice one mate, appreciate it. Will look in to the places mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Where/what is the resort called??? Been down that way a few times and have to say I really enjoyed it. Let us know where you are and I'll give you a few tips as some decent things are further south and some north (can make a bit of a difference). Rented a jeep for a few days and did a bit of independent travelling inland to a couple of great places, close by were some thermal springs and the Tiger temple-with monkeys!!, whilst further afield was Chieow Laan Lake and the floating rafthouses-probably best place I have been to in Thailand. As Phil says a trip around Phang Nga bay is a must, but there is a big issue about who you go with and where you go (can get very, very touristy) and the same can be said about heading south to Koh Phi Phi. I did it with John Gray and that was a really decent trip, but think I did it out of Phuket. Some good diving as well, there's a wreck of a recent(ish) passenger catamaran out there and only place I've seen sharks in Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Where/what is the resort called??? Been down that way a few times and have to say I really enjoyed it. Let us know where you are and I'll give you a few tips as some decent things are further south and some north (can make a bit of a difference). Rented a jeep for a few days and did a bit of independent travelling inland to a couple of great places, close by were some thermal springs and the Tiger temple-with monkeys!!, whilst further afield was Chieow Laan Lake and the floating rafthouses-probably best place I have been to in Thailand. As Phil says a trip around Phang Nga bay is a must, but there is a big issue about who you go with and where you go (can get very, very touristy) and the same can be said about heading south to Koh Phi Phi. I did it with John Gray and that was a really decent trip, but think I did it out of Phuket. Some good diving as well, there's a wreck of a recent(ish) passenger catamaran out there and only place I've seen sharks in Thailand. I'm not really sure what the area is. The hotel is http://www.amari.com/vogue/ Hopefully this will mean something to you as to where in Krabi it is! Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Shearer Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Ah Thailand. I've just come back from seeing Phuket, Koh Samui, Phangan, Pattaya and Bangkok. Mad country to go to. Singha is good and so is Chang. Land of knock-offs - its amazing. I'm just sad that I didnt buy any stubbies or a pair of Beats by Dre headphones! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 I'm not really sure what the area is. The hotel is http://www.amari.com/vogue/ Hopefully this will mean something to you as to where in Krabi it is! Cheers! Yeah, heard of the resort, but never been there. Comes with a very good reputation. Stayed at a resort about half a mile or so south of it (Elements). It's in a very quiet part of Krabi, just a few other hotels around, so will be very relaxing with a great beach (and wonderful sunsets). Easy enough to walk the beach to try out food in other nearby hotels, but otherwise a bit limited. Not much shopping around either (read almost none). Nearest "town" is Ao Nang, about 15 mins taxi ride away which has quite a few restaurants, bars and shops, but being honest it's a bit tacky. OK to pop in for a change of scenery in the evening (poor beach). Krabi Town itself is further south again (30 mins??) and I really enjoyed as it wasn't at all touristy (mainly a stopping off place for Koh Phi Phi & other places). Had a couple of great markets where the locals will happily let you sample their wares without any of the hassles at a more touristy place. There isn't a great deal to see in the town, but you will see how the locals live (particularly in the evening when everyone comes out to wander). As Turkish says, the Tiger Temple is close enough by with stunning views and scenery & caves. When we went it was fairly busy with pilgrims, but was no problem just wandering around by ourselves (cover up as it is a very religious place). I also really enjoyed the Thermal Springs near Klong Tom and a place called Emerald pool (a bit further away). You can do these places by yourself (rent a car and drive on the left), but could also do as a day trip (private or as part of a group). Quite a lot to do inland and a couple of national parks and water falls (depending on season), so would definitely drag myself away from the beach. However, I think the best parts of the area are out to sea with the various little islands, Hongs and beaches. the only problem with this is that they are so beuatiful that they are often swamped with day trippers from Phuket. A day out kayaking and snorkelling aroung Phang Nga, a speedboat journey down to Koh Phi Phi (taking in some other little islands), a trip to Raillay Bay and the Princess Cave, diving at Shark Point, all recommended but expect it to be touristy and busy. I doubt you'll be able to drag yourself away from the pool/beach, the beach massages and the lovely sunsets!!!! Thailand is very switched on for tourists, whether package or independent and it is pretty easy to do whatever you want. Some things may cost you a bit, but generally if you fancy something, then someone will be up for sorting you out!!! Flying direct (via Phuket) or stopping in Bangkok??? as that's a totally different ballgame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 As Phil says a trip around Phang Nga bay is a must, but there is a big issue about who you go with and where you go (can get very, very touristy) and the same can be said about heading south to Koh Phi Phi. I did it with John Gray and that was a really decent trip, but think I did it out of Phuket. . Been down there a bunch of times on holidays and conferences. As UP says the people that take you round the bay - there will be hundreds of them and thousands of touts. Some are just so OTT touristy that they are just miserable days out, others are so designed to simply rip you off and are overcrowded and unsafe. Doing it "the back-packing" way - ie hating crowds, you will probably find the hotel has a number of cars / almost taxis attached to it (If they are limo types then forget it) but the guys are normally tied in to the hotel (by mafia more than employees) but they 1) Will know a lot and 2) will need to keep hotel clients pretty safe as it is their long term livelihood. With that in mind when we were last in Phuket we used the hotel taxi driver for a day out then next day got him to take us to the "Long Tail Boat" dock which was just off the Island and closer to Krabi. There he spoke to some people and we ended up with what appeared the dodgiest crew you could imagin and a boat that was made of rotting wood. Anyway we loaded a cool box the driver called the hotel to tell them where we were and where we were going then he came and joined us for the trip as well he had life jackets and off we went - the guy knew everywhere, the only time we saw tourists was at James Bond Island, yes we actually broke down but within minutes he'd got a mate alongside and we all just hopped across and carried on. Yeah it was scary but also real "adventurous" but we did know that someone linked to teh hotel knew where we were and this guy had obviously been doing this every week. It cost us about $100 for a day - less than the monster boats, we took our own beer and munchies and would go back there in a flash and do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 There he spoke to some people and we ended up with what appeared the dodgiest crew you could imagin and a boat that was made of rotting wood. LOL. We thought we were going to drown down that way when we stayed at Raillay. Left it late getting back from Ao Nang to Raillay one evening (only way in is via a boat) and with a big storm brewing no one was that fussed about taking us around the headland. Had almost settled for getting a room for the night, when a young lad said he'd do it for double the going rate (£1 each instead of 50p). We took him up on his offer, but halfway through realised we probably shouldn't have. Was the only time I saw the locals put their life jackets on with his mate bailing us out as we got in some choppy waters with forked lightning overhead. Won't mind admitting I though we might not make it, but with the usual Thia laughter we got through. Had the boat lads join us for some beers until it died down a bit and they returned somewhat drunk (saw them later in the holiday though!!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Yeah, heard of the resort, but never been there. Comes with a very good reputation. Stayed at a resort about half a mile or so south of it (Elements). It's in a very quiet part of Krabi, just a few other hotels around, so will be very relaxing with a great beach (and wonderful sunsets). Easy enough to walk the beach to try out food in other nearby hotels, but otherwise a bit limited. Not much shopping around either (read almost none). Nearest "town" is Ao Nang, about 15 mins taxi ride away which has quite a few restaurants, bars and shops, but being honest it's a bit tacky. OK to pop in for a change of scenery in the evening (poor beach). Krabi Town itself is further south again (30 mins??) and I really enjoyed as it wasn't at all touristy (mainly a stopping off place for Koh Phi Phi & other places). Had a couple of great markets where the locals will happily let you sample their wares without any of the hassles at a more touristy place. There isn't a great deal to see in the town, but you will see how the locals live (particularly in the evening when everyone comes out to wander). As Turkish says, the Tiger Temple is close enough by with stunning views and scenery & caves. When we went it was fairly busy with pilgrims, but was no problem just wandering around by ourselves (cover up as it is a very religious place). I also really enjoyed the Thermal Springs near Klong Tom and a place called Emerald pool (a bit further away). You can do these places by yourself (rent a car and drive on the left), but could also do as a day trip (private or as part of a group). Quite a lot to do inland and a couple of national parks and water falls (depending on season), so would definitely drag myself away from the beach. However, I think the best parts of the area are out to sea with the various little islands, Hongs and beaches. the only problem with this is that they are so beuatiful that they are often swamped with day trippers from Phuket. A day out kayaking and snorkelling aroung Phang Nga, a speedboat journey down to Koh Phi Phi (taking in some other little islands), a trip to Raillay Bay and the Princess Cave, diving at Shark Point, all recommended but expect it to be touristy and busy. I doubt you'll be able to drag yourself away from the pool/beach, the beach massages and the lovely sunsets!!!! Thailand is very switched on for tourists, whether package or independent and it is pretty easy to do whatever you want. Some things may cost you a bit, but generally if you fancy something, then someone will be up for sorting you out!!! Flying direct (via Phuket) or stopping in Bangkok??? as that's a totally different ballgame. Yeah I had heard the immediate area is pretty quiet but to be honest, that will suit me fine during the day. So if we fancied a bit of atmosphere and few drinks by night where would be our best bet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Yeah I had heard the immediate area is pretty quiet but to be honest, that will suit me fine during the day. So if we fancied a bit of atmosphere and few drinks by night where would be our best bet? Maybe Turkish's mate would come up with something else, but I think you're only option for something a bit busier would be a trip in to Ao Nang. Most hotels do a shuttle in to town (or taxis are pretty cheap). Too far to walk and about 15 mins by car. But from memory even Ao Nang is fairly quiet, although there are quite a few restaurants, bars, ATMs and a couple of little markets. Krabi Town is quite a bit further (more like 30 mins+ from your resort). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 10 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Maybe Turkish's mate would come up with something else, but I think you're only option for something a bit busier would be a trip in to Ao Nang. Most hotels do a shuttle in to town (or taxis are pretty cheap). Too far to walk and about 15 mins by car. But from memory even Ao Nang is fairly quiet, although there are quite a few restaurants, bars, ATMs and a couple of little markets. Krabi Town is quite a bit further (more like 30 mins+ from your resort). I dont mind 30 mins. Presumably taxis are fairly cheap by our standards over there anyway. Is renting ones own scooters a no-no over there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 Good advice from Um Pahars. I've been there a couple of times and love it there. It's a lot less commercialised than Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, but depending on what you're after, probably better for it. We've got a hire car from the airport, playing one operator against another to get a good deal. But be warned, unless you have a good map, it's a bit of a distance to the beach resorts and you could easily get lost. Advantage is that you can drive back to the airport when you leave. The Tiger Cave and the Emerald Pool are good calls. You'd have to be pretty fit to climb to the top of the Tiger Rock and its a bit precarious on the way so you need a head for heights. At the other end of the Ao Nang beach there is a little fishing village that serves great fresh fish. Nearby is a creek where you can hire a boat to take you to Koh Phi Phi. We went on a large and extremely fast speed boat with two huge Perkins engines. They stop at various islands on the way and you have time for some swimming/snorkelling, with lunch at Phi Phi. A great day out. As Um says, also a good trip to Phang Nga and James Bond Island, gypsy fisherman's village, canooing etc. Phuket is doable in a day trip if you have a car. We were there in the monsoon season, peed down a couple of days, so we went to phuket to see if it was drier there and it was. Ao Nang is where to go for a bit more night life, restaurants, bars etc. Krabi town is not particularly touristy, but worth seeing as a good example of a working Thai town. But the entire area is really very pretty with the limestone formations making spectacular islands on the mainland landscape and in the sea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 October, 2011 Share Posted 10 October, 2011 (edited) I dont mind 30 mins. Presumably taxis are fairly cheap by our standards over there anyway. Is renting ones own scooters a no-no over there? Taxis are cheap by our standards and when they use the meter properly they are dirt cheap!! Problem is that many around the touristy areas start to demand a fixed price, which although still cheap by our standards is a bit naughty. If they don't use the meter, I reckon you'd be paying anything from 300 to 500 baht each way (£5-£9). Loads of people rent scooters (cheap and plentiful), but in my many travels to Thailand I have lost count of the number of tourists I have seen with a Phuket Lovebite (exhaust burn), bandaged up arms, legs and heads. The roads are terrible, pot holes, poor surfaces etc, they become treacherous after a drop of rain, roads can be full of people, chickens, dogs, cows etc, other road users are mental!!!!!! IMHO it's just a recipe for disaster. Much better off getting a hire car and staying safe (seriously until you see people on the wrong side of the road 5 up + chickens on a moped dodging a cow, whilst the water lorry swerves to avoid a pot hole in the pouring rain, you won't believe me). A car is much safer and driving in a car is actually alright, they drive on the left. Just don't hand your passport over (give them a copy if they insist). I also forgot to mention that maybe a trip up to Chieow Laan lake & Khao Sok Park could be on the itenary (have a look at Limestone Lake Tours). Probably my most wonderful experience and I reckon it's about 90 mins north of you. It's a lovely place with some fabulous scenery and wildlife. If you could stay overnight in a rafthouse then you'll really see why it's so special (although at th eprice you're paying for Amari, I doubt you'd want to pay again!!!!) Edited 10 October, 2011 by um pahars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 If a taxi demands a fixed price, don't take it. Insist on the meter and take another one if they don't play ball. Apart from the risk of serious injury on a moped/scooter, as far as I know, you can't get insurance, so would have to pay for any damage. A decent new Toyota could be hired for 800/1000 baht at the airport if you haggle. Haggle for everything you buy. Offer a third of what they ask for, which is probably the lowest price that they would settle for and if you get the item for half the original price, then you will both be happy. If they sell, take it that they are happy at the price, despite protestations to the contrary. Restaurant prices if displayed are generally what you pay, but accommodation, clothes, boat trips and other excursions are all negotiable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baj Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 This thread really wants to make me go to thailand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 If a taxi demands a fixed price, don't take it. Insist on the meter and take another one if they don't play ball. Apart from the risk of serious injury on a moped/scooter, as far as I know, you can't get insurance, so would have to pay for any damage. A decent new Toyota could be hired for 800/1000 baht at the airport if you haggle. Haggle for everything you buy. Offer a third of what they ask for, which is probably the lowest price that they would settle for and if you get the item for half the original price, then you will both be happy. If they sell, take it that they are happy at the price, despite protestations to the contrary. Restaurant prices if displayed are generally what you pay, but accommodation, clothes, boat trips and other excursions are all negotiable. Lol there speaks another wise head. Always amazes me when a tourist automatically offers half what the "seller" asks and then ends up thinking a 25 or 30% discount is a good deal! We had a conference over there (Phuket) one year for customers and actually sent them out to haggle as a part of the training course. The winner got 80% discount, but it took him 2 trips. The loser was a Brit who thought he'd done well getting 10%. Don't know about Krabi but in Phuket the Tuk Tuk's are a decent way to get around but again they always try and double the price. What you end up paying usually depends on how late at night it is and how many beers you've had, you reach the point with them that you just cannot be arsed to go to yet another to fight! Oh and for Sambosa - side of the road fish restaurants - Sea Bass steamed with Lemon Grass and Chilli.... Squid stuffed with minced pork or crab.... yummmmmmmmmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 11 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 October, 2011 If a taxi demands a fixed price, don't take it. Insist on the meter and take another one if they don't play ball. Apart from the risk of serious injury on a moped/scooter, as far as I know, you can't get insurance, so would have to pay for any damage. A decent new Toyota could be hired for 800/1000 baht at the airport if you haggle. Haggle for everything you buy. Offer a third of what they ask for, which is probably the lowest price that they would settle for and if you get the item for half the original price, then you will both be happy. If they sell, take it that they are happy at the price, despite protestations to the contrary. Restaurant prices if displayed are generally what you pay, but accommodation, clothes, boat trips and other excursions are all negotiable. Great info, much appreciated. I've got no problem haggling, in fact my Mrs is even better at it than I am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 11 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 October, 2011 Lol there speaks another wise head. Always amazes me when a tourist automatically offers half what the "seller" asks and then ends up thinking a 25 or 30% discount is a good deal! We had a conference over there (Phuket) one year for customers and actually sent them out to haggle as a part of the training course. The winner got 80% discount, but it took him 2 trips. The loser was a Brit who thought he'd done well getting 10%. Don't know about Krabi but in Phuket the Tuk Tuk's are a decent way to get around but again they always try and double the price. What you end up paying usually depends on how late at night it is and how many beers you've had, you reach the point with them that you just cannot be arsed to go to yet another to fight! Oh and for Sambosa - side of the road fish restaurants - Sea Bass steamed with Lemon Grass and Chilli.... Squid stuffed with minced pork or crab.... yummmmmmmmmmmm Massive fan of Thai food anyway, I plan to eat as many curries, prawns, lobster and crabs as I can get my chubby little paws on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 If a taxi demands a fixed price, don't take it. Insist on the meter and take another one if they don't play ball. Have you seen the Samui Taxi Mafia lately???? A return there a couple of years back saw literally every taxi have no meter running and everyone demanding a fixed fee!!!! Managed to negotiate down, but did not find one willing to use the meter. They would all rather leave you standing (knowing that some other tourist would pay the rate). It was still a cheap(ish) fare, but like you felt it wasn't right (I certainly insist on the meter in Bangkok and elsewhere). Ended up using the Songthaews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 Serious flooding in Thailand ATM http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15255542 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 11 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 October, 2011 Serious flooding in Thailand ATM http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15255542 Love how the video shows them all wading through with big grins of their faces still though. Apparently February is a hot, dry time to go so hopefully won't experience being waist high in water unless its the sea or the pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 Sorry Sambosa - I thought you were going there very soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnet Posted 11 October, 2011 Share Posted 11 October, 2011 Serious flooding in Thailand ATM http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15255542 Just got back from 16 days in Thailand, Bangkok, Chang mai then Phuket. 14 days of rain and worst floods for 7 years. Our hotel in Chiang my was under 5ft of water, lucky our lugage was on the first floor. Was a bugger trying to rescue it though! Had to fly everywhere as trains werent running, still loved it and probably go back in Feb to see some sun :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 12 October, 2011 Share Posted 12 October, 2011 Have you seen the Samui Taxi Mafia lately???? A return there a couple of years back saw literally every taxi have no meter running and everyone demanding a fixed fee!!!! Managed to negotiate down, but did not find one willing to use the meter. They would all rather leave you standing (knowing that some other tourist would pay the rate). It was still a cheap(ish) fare, but like you felt it wasn't right (I certainly insist on the meter in Bangkok and elsewhere). Ended up using the Songthaews.We hired a car both of our trips, so I didn't realise that was a problem. In that case, it was good to flick two fingers at them. On Samui the situation is similar, but as you say, in both Krabi and Koh Samui and most other resorts, the Songthaews are plentiful and cheap. For Sambosa's benefit, a Songthaew is like a utility van with two rows of seats parallel to the sides, They can hold about a dozen people. Sometimes it can get very cosy. In Phuket, there was the Tuk Tuk mafia who threatened all sorts of reprisals against the taxis who were trying to start up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 17 October, 2011 Share Posted 17 October, 2011 Do they still eat people in Thailand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 17 October, 2011 Share Posted 17 October, 2011 Hotel gets really good reviews (No2 out of 83 in Krabi) http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g297927-d802095-Reviews-Amari_Vogue_Krabi-Krabi_Town_Krabi_Province.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 17 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 17 October, 2011 Do they still eat people in Thailand? You've just sent me a video by PM which I can't access as I'm at work... Judging by the nature of the post above I'm not sure I want to watch it now!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 17 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 17 October, 2011 Hotel gets really good reviews (No2 out of 83 in Krabi) http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g297927-d802095-Reviews-Amari_Vogue_Krabi-Krabi_Town_Krabi_Province.html Really useful website with recent reviews and candid photos. Must say the hotel looks pretty decent and majority of reviews are favourable so I'm very excited!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 17 October, 2011 Share Posted 17 October, 2011 Really useful website with recent reviews and candid photos. Must say the hotel looks pretty decent and majority of reviews are favourable so I'm very excited!! Its a very very good site. Covers just about everywhere and I dont book a hotel now without first checking it out on tripadvisor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 17 October, 2011 Share Posted 17 October, 2011 For anyone travelling in the future I use this to compare hotels & deals before travelling, have used them for the region http://www.asiawebdirect.com/ http://www.latestays.com/ Also passed on to friends who have had nothing but good results. Latestays are great for last minute & special deals. You can also book airport transfers and the like through them if you aren't confident of the local taxi service. Trip Advisor running alongside then helps with the final choice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 12 February, 2012 Author Share Posted 12 February, 2012 Hi all, just come back from this trip and the advice given on this thread was brilliant and very accurate! Thanks for all advice given, currently looking in to booking up again for some time towards the end of the year. If anyone wants a hotel to stay in when in Krabi, I can't recommend the Amari Vogue enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 12 February, 2012 Share Posted 12 February, 2012 Hi all, just come back from this trip and the advice given on this thread was brilliant and very accurate! Thanks for all advice given, currently looking in to booking up again for some time towards the end of the year. If anyone wants a hotel to stay in when in Krabi, I can't recommend the Amari Vogue enough. What was the total damage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 12 February, 2012 Author Share Posted 12 February, 2012 What was the total damage? Can't remember. Hotel was booked back in October along with the flights and I don't remember exactly how much for. I know that our total bill when checking out was just over £200 which included numerous meals and cocktails. They even gave us a free 3 course meal one night which was a lovely touch. Service was excellent. Best hotel I've stayed in and I've stayed in a lot of good'uns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 13 February, 2012 Share Posted 13 February, 2012 Did the ladymen deliver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 13 February, 2012 Share Posted 13 February, 2012 I'm going in May so this info is really useful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 13 February, 2012 Share Posted 13 February, 2012 Am going to Singapore for work next week and wanted to go to Krabi for a few days R&R after - but couldnt get a direct flight. Booked Rawa Island in Malaysia instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 13 February, 2012 Share Posted 13 February, 2012 Am going to Singapore for work next week and wanted to go to Krabi for a few days R&R after - but couldnt get a direct flight. Booked Rawa Island in Malaysia instead. Tough life, running a charity ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 13 February, 2012 Share Posted 13 February, 2012 (edited) Tough life, running a charity ;-) Get a speakers fee (which goes to the charity), accommodation and flight paid for. Would be rude not to Edited 13 February, 2012 by buctootim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george burleys mum Posted 15 February, 2012 Share Posted 15 February, 2012 Would be interested to see what you think of Rawa as many people in Malaysia have not even heard of it. It only has 2 places to stay, one offers just beach huts and a very basic offering, the other is a more usual hotel and amenities. The basic one is by far the best and you will see guests coming from the hotel over to the beach hut side to enjoy the food and more chilled atmosphere. In fact there is nowhere better in that region for R & R. However weekends can get raucous as people head up from Singapore for the weekend. BBQ on the beach on Sat night is fantastic. Have a great time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 16 February, 2012 Share Posted 16 February, 2012 Would be interested to see what you think of Rawa as many people in Malaysia have not even heard of it. It only has 2 places to stay, one offers just beach huts and a very basic offering, the other is a more usual hotel and amenities. The basic one is by far the best and you will see guests coming from the hotel over to the beach hut side to enjoy the food and more chilled atmosphere. In fact there is nowhere better in that region for R & R. However weekends can get raucous as people head up from Singapore for the weekend. BBQ on the beach on Sat night is fantastic. Have a great time!! Thanks for that. Really good to get first hand experience, especially so positive, really looking forward to it. I booked in the hotel type - in part because it wasnt untiil after I booked that I even discovered there were two places on the island. No matter its a small place and will be a great craic Im sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george burleys mum Posted 16 February, 2012 Share Posted 16 February, 2012 Yes indeed, it is a small place, very small in fact! How long are you there for? If there on a weekend I would still recommend you head over for the beach bbq on the Sat. You can pay and join in. Talking about it makes me want to book to go back but unlikely that will happen for me but thats another story.........................! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 17 February, 2012 Share Posted 17 February, 2012 Yes indeed, it is a small place, very small in fact! How long are you there for? If there on a weekend I would still recommend you head over for the beach bbq on the Sat. You can pay and join in. Talking about it makes me want to book to go back but unlikely that will happen for me but thats another story.........................! Finishing work in Singapore Friday evening and heading out first thing Saturday morning. Will probably hire a car (the buses and taxis seem a bit complicated because of the Malaysia border) only there for couple of nights and then home again late night Monday. I wonder what your story is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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