Crowded!
by beachboy
Phuket or Koh Phuket (Koh means island in Thai) is generally crowded especially during its peak season from Nov to April. There are many famous beach along the coastline of the island. Patong Beach stands out as the busiest and the most crowded of all time. Plenty of shoppings, restaurants and cafes here!
Definitely take mosquito repellent
by annase
During the high season, you don't need much clothes because it is warm - even if it was cloudy or dark. Bring comfortable sandals though if you are walking a lot and possibly an umbrella - unless your hotel provides one. There are really well stocked pharmacies in Phuket including the local ones as well as Watsons on the main beach road and Boots in Jungceylon shopping centre. Pharmacists luckily often speak really good English, so there is no problem there. However, the girls in the chemist don't, so don't rely on them. Definitely take mosquito repellent with you in case you want to go to the beach after it gets dark, I got bitten and my legs were really itchy for days despite having some cream
Finding new friends
by DONBURGESS
One good way to find new friends in Phuket is to get away from the town center and head out into the country and stop and talk to people, I found that along the roads near the beach the local fisherman where allways ready to stop and talk, even if they don't talk english, its still good fun.
People there are a lot more friendly then back home and where allways ready to explain to you what it is they where making or doing, so get away from town and meet some locals
Phukets verson of Woolworths!
by lindyz about Carrefours at Jungceylon Mall
Carrefours is in the Jungceylon Mall in Patong and is a 2 storey bargain department store, that I would say is close to our Woolworths or Big W in Australia. Many great bargains to be had here, plus what I discovered will certainly make me want to go back there again! They have this fresh fruit section where you can buy any kind of Thai/Asian fruit, already peeled, cut and packaged!!! I found my favourite fruit, the Pomelo, there and quickly bought a tray of that! Pomelo is hard to get in Australia and if you do find it, it certainly doesnt taste as nice as it does here! Its kind of a cross between a lemon, an orange and a grapefruit. Also, its is rather difficult to peel and section, so its a great thing to be able to buy it already done! A large tray of Pomelo ready to eat cost only 49bt which is about $2AUD!!! PLUS .... they have a pretty cheap grog shop in there, we bought some vodka and Jim Beam I think for very cheap prices, also with a large selection of wines.
Also, something else rather amazing we found in Carrefours were demo ladies! That is my job in Australia - a supermarket demonstrator so I was rather amazed to find ladies doing my job in Phuket!!! So, if I ever want to permanently move to Phuket ...... I will have a job!!!! hehehe
Sailor Bar
by Cathy&Gary about Sailor Bar
The Sailor Bar is located on the beach road just north of Soi Bangla.
As we normally stay at the northern end of Patong Beach the Sailor Bar is a regular drink stop for us.
The place is very popular with Aussies, especially during the footy season with all games broadcast live.
We have watched the AFL grand final here and the place was absolutely packed.
Drinks are cheap here and all the staff are very friendly and fun to be around.
Everyone, couples included are made to feel very welcome at the Sailor Bar.