Heading off to Chang Mai and Ko Samui soon with the family.

[Wombat]

The Big Buddha (overlooking Karon beach) is well worth a visit.
The Green Man is a top pub for a beer and a feed. Close by is a shooting range and a good go-kart track.
Phuket zoo is great but a bit depressing as some of the cages are ordinary....but the monkey show was very good.
Also head up to the hills for some Elephant trecks and maybe some quad bikes.
All activities you can haggle for a discount when you pre book.
Mauy Thai is a must see. There are 3 stadiums.....locals tell me Old Phuket town has the best fights.
Bangla rd is a must see but....if Pommies approach you with free scratch cards....don't bother as everyone is a winner and they just trying to get you to go to a time share presentation.
Phi phi island and James Bond islands are fantastic and if you are keen kayak through limestone the caves it awesome.
I always tip massage people and others. 20baht is enough to make em smile


Do you like real Thai food? Let me know Stay away from the Italian on the northern end of Patong beach as it is disgracefully expensive.

 

[true believer]

thanks wombat .if i had a chance i'd go to the mauy thai every day
same with the food . i'd eat thai everyday .the boy is real good too.
but i can't see the girls eating much besides Pad See Ew
i'll make sure i have a wod of twenties

thanks again its a great start.

 

[Wombat]

there are 2 thai restaurants that you have to queue to get into....(a lot of the western style thai food was shite) Aoy from East Gosford is from Phuket so I will get the name of the good restaurants for u

 

[Wombat]

There are some really good Gyms for training in Phuket. I trained at Kata beach but if your lad fancies a couple of hours training I will check with my son who he recommends. At 14yo it can be a really good experience in humility and respect for other cultures.