Club Med Phuket

We're looking to do three weeks at Phuket this August. We've done several CM's in North America, this is our first in Asia. So I have a few questions:

1. How rainy will it be in August?
2. How buggy?
3. How is the diving post Tsunami?
4. As we want to stay for three weeks (sweet!) should I book them up front or just book a week and negotiate the other two weeks when I'm there?
5. I have young kids (6 & 9) dare I take them off the CM compound? Is it a heathen den of drugs and prostituition or just pricey tourist traps?

We'll have been in Shanghai 8 months by then and are looking forward to the trip.

Thanks!

I live in Thailand fulltime so I guess I can give you fairly good advice.

1. How rainy will it be in August? not too bad...its raining here right now where I live(very close to Phuket) and its the "dry season"...its the tropics...you gotta expect climate changes.Still it will be quite warm so no need to worry about bringing anything more than shorts and t-shirts.

2. How buggy? Again its the tropics...jungles have bugs...take the good with the bad...Bring some Skin so soft and you will be fine.

3. How is the diving post Tsunami? Very very nice...enjoy

4. As we want to stay for three weeks (sweet!) should I book them up front or just book a week and negotiate the other two weeks when I'm there?
Why anybody would want to spend more than 1 week in Phuket is beyond me.This country is truely one of the most naturally stunning places on earth and Phuket is quite touristy..Do a Google of Koa Sok ntnl park, or Chiang Mai and consider seeing some other parts of Thailand besides the tourist demimonde of Phuket.also if you are into diving,research Ko Tao and Ko Phangnan.

5. I have young kids (6 & 9) dare I take them off the CM compound? Is it a heathen den of drugs and prostituition or just pricey tourist traps?

Thailand has its prostitutes sure,but unless you plan on dragging your kids into go-go bar,or into a pub for a few pints you wont even notice them.drugs are highly illegal here and some offenses bring the death penalty,so no drug issues to speak of.
Yes Phuket is a tourist trap,yes its over priced compared to the rest of Thailand,however that still akes it about 50% the price of stuff in america and europe.Its a very inexpensive place to live and visit.
Also not when you finally do venture out for a evening of shopping,when purchasing from vendors in small shops and road side stands always xounter offer 1/3 the price they just quoted you....bargaining is sport to the Thais...better get good at it.

Again I STRONGLY suggest you travel within the country..dont be a pickleheaded tourist who only sees Phuket...what a waste!

Enjoy your stay in LOS(Land of Smiles)

Darren DJ

Darren DJ

Thanks for the info. My wife particularly liked the picklehead moniker. I know Thailand's a beautiful place, but after 8 crazy months in Shanghai, pickleheading it under a palmtree for three weeks sounds very appealing. Also in 20 years of being together I've never gotten more than 7 days of beach vegging. In the States we live in the New Mexico desert; a long way from a beach. I might never get this chance again.

Yes definitely go to Phuket. I have been there 4 times myself(the Club Med), as I have really close friends who work for the Club. I am looking forward to visiting them again this August as part of my month traveling around Asia(Bali, Malaysia, perhaps Maldives). I am so excited! Phuket is amazing, you should rent a moped and drive around the island. its fun! And you wont be the only americans if you go in August! :) hehe I will be there then as well

Hey I feel ya,I dont live on a beach for nothing,but trust me when I tell you that there are plenty of stunning locations in Thailand w/ palm trees and postcard-like beaches....much nicer than Phuket.Its like going to Disneyland and not leaving Main Street.

Also worth mentioning,but dont put too much worry into it.Thailand has been torn by Muslim seperatists in the south for several years now,clamoring for there own Muslim state.Phuket is full of muslims and located in the heart of the violence.In the last year alone over 1000 have died in the bloodshed,however unlike in the Middle East the muslims in Thailand are targeting other Thais and pretty much leave westerners alone.If youre gonna stay 3 weeks all in Phuket(god forbid) stick to the beaten path and you wont have any worries.

Darren DJ

1. How rainy will it be in August?
Expect rain at least for 1-2 hours. The sea is too choppy for swimming.Club med has stopped its sea sports and kayaking activities.

2. How buggy?
Not too buggy. At the club - just bring your moskies repellent.

4. As we want to stay for three weeks (sweet!) should I book them up front or just book a week and negotiate the other two weeks when I'm there?
The peak periods for Phuket are
Aug 4, 8-11, 18, 25

5. I have young kids (6 & 9) dare I take them off the CM compound? Is it a heathen den of drugs and prostituition or just pricey tourist traps?
I brought my 3year child around - and walked passed Patong where the girlie bars. I found it perfectly safe.
The Thais loved to bargain - so brush up your negotiating skills !

Enjoy Phuket !

Bargaining skills? I live in Shanghai; here everything is negotiable! I'm starting to get psyched.