Hi TFers. "Golden Week" is coming up in Japan -- a week long string of national holidays -- and inspired by my friend Chianti Ruffino I've just booked a flight online to Phuket from the end of April.I have never been to Phuket. Can somebody give me some intel please? Specifically, what I need to know is...1. Location:  I need Internet, and I'm travelling alone so I don't want romantic beaches full of starry-eyed couples. lol But I also don't want to be in the true heart of the action. So someplace close to the party area, but quiet at night. 2. I reallllly love to be able to work by the beach, so an area with a lot of beachside restaurants, bars or cafes is top choice. 3. Hotel: I'm a super cheap Charlie about accommodation -- I just use my room to sleep and shower, so I just need a good shower, air conditioning and a decent bed and not a noisy place. Any suggestions?I reward good intel with alcohol, so bring it on!!!! And if any TFers are currently in Phuket and want to hang out, PM me. I've been working pretty full on lately so I'm ready to party! Thanks!!!

- As you need to be able to work nearby the beach, not too much nightlife and cheap proce hotels, I think Kata and Karon area is really suit your need. Internet is easy here, most of hotels and guesthouse has it, also plenty of internet cafe, it's really easy for internet.

- If you can ride mortorbike or rent a car [your choice] your holiday will be much more easier, you can go around anywhere and anytime and dont feel annoying when when u have to pay for Taxi or Tuk Tuk. Make sure you drive good as here has lot of crazy drivers lol

- Hotels, now there are many hotels lower their price you can get very good deal just make a good search, even 3-4 stars hotels also offer the good price on the low season. if you need help for that, pls tell i can give some names

Plaa!! You rock! Great intel! OK, I'll start my search at Kata or Karon.

As for hotels, let me have a look around first, but expect a PM begging for help to find the right one I usually use tripadvisor.com to get a feel for what's good/not good -- but nothing beats local intel. Thanks!!

Phuket sucks. There is probably a good reason you have never been there.

You can't get from point A to point B without getting ripped off, so prepare to stay planted.

If you like ladyboys, Phuket has highest per capita in the world.

This is just my opinion... I highly recommend Jomtien beach.

But you have your ticket already.. Live and learn.

I recommend Kata or Karon.

Accommodations are cheaper.

Long white stretched beach.

10 minutes to Patong, 30 minutes to town.

Less touristy

Nightlife in a smaller scale.

Walking distance between Kata & Karon beach

International Cricket 15-19 Apr

Beautiful sunset

What hotels? I don't know, I live here and I don't shop for hotels. Ask me for nice places to visit, I can tell you plenty of them.

Don, you're such an optimist. This is what I love about you, bro!!! Booya! haha

Enchanted: OK, you're the 2nd person who has recommended Kata or Karon. And nice sunsets? That's a bonus. Actually, I'll be working every day there -- but when a sunset is involved, that's when I order a beer, put the computer on stand-by and just enjoy life As for hotels, that's a minor detail. The location is most important. So thanks for the input

Kata - Karon are nice.

About hotel searcing, I recommend Plaa.

I love Phuket where is my paradise. I will be there again in May. ^^

Nozomi. You'll be there in May? Beginning, middle or end?

My opinion is -

if you want a party area - welcome to Patong

If you want relax and quiet place for a work - welcome to Nai Harn Beach

for searching hotels - welcome to sawadee.com

someplace close to the party area, but quiet at night.... http://hilltophotel.com/

overlooking Patong Bay; very quite at night; great sunset; free internet; 5min by motorbike to the beach ore nitelife on walking street