Where to combine with Phuket in December (12yo travelling too)

natbags

Looking for a holiday to Thailand in December (over Christmas, as have a 12 y o who can only go in school holidays!)
We would like to have 5-7 days at a resort in Phuket , possible over christmas, which has been recommended to us however not sure where else to combine on the hol? OH and I are happy to travel a bit but 12 y o, not so keen so a little travel would be good. Otherconstarints are that we have to do it in 15 days max (with travel) Any recommendations or suggestions? Thanks

richardw

Do you want somewhere a short flight away or by car?

lovesgshp

IMHO I would avoid Phuket. It is overpriced and a big rip-off. May also be a good idea to learn Russian and Chinese, as they seem to be the main tourists there now. Son lives there and says it is the "pits".
Get off the island and go to some of the resorts maybe in Phang Nga Bay. Your son would probably like the trip to "James Bond Island", plus the scenery is fantastic on boat trips.
Another place in the opposite direction off the island is Koh Lak.

Doshwaster

I'm not a great fan of Phuket itself but it does make a good base for exploring the region and there are lots of day/overnight trips you can do. Take a look at http://www.phuket.com/tours/destinations.htm for some ideas.

If you really want to go to Phuket then look at the resorts of Karon and Kata which are a cheaper, quieter and less seedy than the main Patong beach, though Christmas is peak time everywhere in Thailand so nowhere will be really quiet... or cheap.

Perhaps a few nights in Phuket then take a boat ride to Phi-Phi for one night then onwards to Krabi/Ao Nang before returning home.

PompeyPete

Like Doshwaster says December is Peak holiday time, and all the popular places will be 'rocking' to their seams.
Plan carefully, if you choose somewhere that's not your cup of tea then you might be stuck with it.

Mr_Wang

lovesgshp wrote: »

IMHO I would avoid Phuket. It is overpriced and a big rip-off. May also be a good idea to learn Russian and Chinese, as they seem to be the main tourists there now. Son lives there and says it is the "pits".
Get off the island and go to some of the resorts maybe in Phang Nga Bay. Your son would probably like the trip to "James Bond Island", plus the scenery is fantastic on boat trips.
Another place in the opposite direction off the island is Koh Lak.

^^^This^^^

If you listed all the Thai islands in terms of beauty Phuket is no where near the top. Think Blackpool with palmtrees and Russians and you won't be far off.

Personally I would head to ditch Phuket and head to Ko Lipe or Ko Lanta, maybe even Turutao or Phang nan.

natbags

Thanks for the replies, Richardw - we dont mind car or plane
The recommendation we had was for Kata, so had thought if we fly into bangkok, couple of days there, then a few 'beachy' days over Xmas day Boxing Days for son and then onwards to...
I'll have a look at all your recommendations, Thanks