Just back Report!

We just got back from five nights in Phuket, six nights on Phi Phi Don, and 3 nights in Bangkok on our honeymoon. We stayed in the Laguna resort complex and the Sheraton Grande. This hotel exceeded our expectations in everyway. There is a review posted under the hotel section. We did everything imaginable but I’m going to limit this post to the Rehabilitation Center, Friday Night BBQ, Patong shopping, John Grey’s Twilight tour, and scuba. If anyone has any particular questions please ask.

Our first day in Phuket we were picked up at 8:15 sharp by the transportation that Richard arranged. After about an hour of bouncing around in the back of the pickup we arrived at the Elephant Rehabilitation center. Immediately we were greeted by Richard with Charlie perched atop his head. The posts by everyone else describe the experience perfectly. Charlie was very nice and adorable, something we wont soon forget. After grooming Charlie and waiting for Yum Lai (who never showed) we went on the Elephant Trek. The sign lists options for the length of rides (20 minutes, 40 minutes, 1 hour) but I think the default is one hour which everyone took part in. We were lucky enough to ride “Big Momma”. She was by far the biggest and a bit intimidating. The mahout jumped on the head and led us up the mountain through the rubber plantation. The route was very steep and deep in mud but “Big Momma” was more sure footed then any off-road vehicle, she never missed a step or stumbled. About half way through the trip the clouds opened up and it began to pour, apparently “Big Momma” does not like the rain and it quickly began to show. Her growls and screams definitely put a chill in your spine. Throughout the whole ordeal the Mahout was in complete control and the smile never left his face.

On Friday we took part in the Friday Night BBQ festivities. The BBQ was great and the food seemed to never get low. It wasn’t typical Thai food but rather a western style BBQ. The feast was truly fit for a king. After the BBQ the fun really began at the Sunshine bar. I will be the first to admit that it took me a few drinks to warm up to the atmosphere. But once the pole climbing started the fun began. I’m glad to report that both my new bride any myself made it up the pole and after three attempts I made it up using only one arm! It was a great night with singing and dancing and dancing and more dancing. Just one warning: Beware of the Sunshine Shot it is disgusting, it tastes like mouthwash!

After reading about Patong so much on the forums we decided to spend an afternoon shopping and that was more than enough time. The shopkeepers were pushy and arrogant but we had fun bartering and bought some souvenirs. Our overall impression was that Patong was dirty and too crowded. One bright spot was the Holiday Inn in Patong. We toured the hotel and ate lunch; the facilities were spotless and beautiful. If we ever stayed in Patong Holiday Inn would be top of the list.

The highlight of our time in Phuket was the John Grey Twilight Sea Canoe. We arranged the booking through Richard and it is something that needs to be experienced to fully appreciate. The entire day from pickup to drop-off was worth every dollar. Our guide was Mr. Simon he was quite a sight at first, but he was great and very knowledgeable. He wasn’t just someone to paddle your boat; he had an answer for every question and was an expert at spotting wild life. The dinner buffet is as good as advertised, great Thai food and no one left hungry. We have pictures and memories of this experience that will last a life time.

We decided to scuba dive while we stayed at Phi Phi. We arranged the dive through the Leisure Center Dive Shop near the Holiday Inn on Phi Phi Island. The shop is run by a cute Brazilian couple, Cas and Paula. They were great and took us to two great dive spots at the Bida Nok and Bida Nai. They provided lunch %26amp; all of the gear, and they were much nicer and more pleasant then the hotel dive shops and the pushy shops @ Tonsai Bay.

We did much more but this is a good summary. We will be posting our trip in Phi Phi and Bangkok soon. Any questions or specifics please ask!

Just back Report!

Hi Guys

Congtats on your wedding, thanks for a great trip report.

We have just finished booking our accommodation for April next year and although temtpted to stay at the Holiday Inn during our stay, we have chosen to stay just outside of Patong, but hope to have a look at the Holiday Inn during our stay.

Look forward to reading your other trip reports.

Lee

Just back Report!

Thanks for the report, can i just ask did you book the John Grays trip through Richard before you went over to Thailand or when you got there ?

As i want to do this and need the info.

Thankyou

Phill.

We booked through Richard when we got there. It worked for us, but I imagine during peak season it is probably advisable to book early. I believe we paid 3200 Baht per person, 6400 total. While in Patong a tour agent offered the tour for 6100 total. I%26#39;m not sure if it was on the up and up but she made some phone calls and gave me the 6100 price first. No matter what you pay it is worth the experience.

Congratulations and sounds like a fantastic honeymoon. Have you got any good photos of the Friday Night BBQ you want to share, if so can u send to Richard please.

Thanks again for your report it was a good read.

Cathy

Hi,

Great report. We are planning to go to Phuken in middle of December, and are defnately goin to visit the elephant rehab, after all that we have red about it, it feels like it will be wasted holiday if we don%26#39;t go there.

Got a quick question, what is this Friday BBQ? where is it being held and what times?

Thanks

Hi Elvie, The Friday Night BBQ is an all you can eat BBQ for 150Baht at Rawai. Richard is the organizer for this night and after dinner everyone heads off to the Sunshine Bar.

Go to the link below and theres lots of info on the night plus photos and reports from people who have attended this fun night.

Cathy

members.virtualtourist.com/m/b3082/160bcd/