Give Phuket back to Malaysia :)

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Well, it's just an idea 

Apparently the very first visitors to the island were Malay seafolk who, upon spying the island, exclaimed "Bukit" which, as you all know, means hills/mountains in Malay.

It was Bukit for a long while and only quite recently changed to Phuket.  I'd tell you the year but my google (and my PC) is having a bad day today unfortunately.

So... it ought to be part of Malaysia.  Not a lot of people know that.

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hi,

That's new and interesting.

I don't think that you'll garner a lot of support for your proposal from all the bar owners, bar workers, working girls, and the annual Gay Pride Carnival.   

Although it seems, groan, that Malaysia is about to have a re-hash of it's own Sodomy-on-a-Mattress festival which is going to be a real unwanted Carnival. I really can't believe this is going to happen again.

I've opined before, and I'll post it again : (a) Earn the cash in Singapore, (b) Have very happy holidays in Thailand, and (c) Live in Malaysia. And long may all 3 countries have their own distinct charms.

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Scott -- and I'm well aware I'm opening a can of worms with this one -- what family-friendly stuff can you do in Thailand? Is the language an issue? I hear the roads, except for those around Bangkok, are atrocious. Are the infamous epic traffic jams any better? Any recommendations from MM2Hers?

Kaz @ Johor (who might end up flying to Bangkok rather than driving)

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Scott -- and I'm well aware I'm opening a can of worms with this one -- what family-friendly stuff can you do in Thailand? Is the language an issue? I hear the roads, except for those around Bangkok, are atrocious. Are the infamous epic traffic jams any better? Any recommendations from MM2Hers? Kaz @ Johor (who might end up flying to Bangkok rather than driving)

Hi Kaz, If your question is specifically about Bangkok, then there is one answer.
If your question relates to Thailand in general then the answer will be very different.
Re what family stuff to do in Thailand....well you name it you can do just about everything and anything apart from ski!
Language can be an issue if you stray far from the urban areas. However you would have to stray a long way from the beaten track before you would find no one who could converse at a basic level. I thin these days most Thai schools teach at least a smattering of English!

The roads generally are fine but not the modern highway/expressway type to be found in Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Western society. I have driven from KL to Phuket dozens of time (takes about 10 hours for 1,000kms). I have also driven to HuaHin & Bangkok. I've been on a coach from Chaing Mai to Chaing Rai. Roads were generally fine.

Except in and around Bangkok Expressway type roads are rare, however dual carriageway type roads are very common; you just have to watch out for the U turns at regular intervals, so you cannot afford to go 'flat out' in the outside lane as slow traffic exits and enters at the these regular U-turns.

As Papaya lives in 'Bukit' I am sure she will be able to give you a very precise answer re. the Island as to how it really is.

By the way the driver/motorcycle issues are very similar to Malaysia (if you know what I mean).
 

PS, Love your post by the way. You provide a refreshing new perspective to the forum.
 

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Ah, good point, Fizzy. Specifically Bangkok I think. Let me feel out the country first before we dive in! With two small kids (7 & 9 yo), one must be cautious with one's level of adventuresomeness.

Kaz @ Johor

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Can only speak about Bhukit.  Though I'm living here, I think Fizzy is better travelled round Thailand.

If you are holidaying then language is probably not a problem.  Most hotels, restaurants, bars have someone speaking basic English.  At the private hospitals they speak perfect English.  If you're living here, you do need to learn some basic Thai at least.  Most of the workers we've had round our house - and I'm talking air-con men, cleaners, pest control, telephone man - spoke no English whatsoever.  A big smile and lots of pointing helps but it can be a challenge sometimes.

The roads are generally good on Phuket.  The driving is pretty appalling but that is because the driving test is not that extensive and a lot of people don't have licences anyway.  I'm sure the 8 year old kid I saw earlier today riding a motorcycle didn't have one     Still, maybe after our upcoming trip to Penang, I might say something different 

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Oh ha ha. That's wonderful, papaya! Thanks a lot. Okay, I think I'll take the plunge. Just have to decide when. Thanks to all with your suggestions.

Kaz

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hi,

Family friendly stuff in Thailand.

1). How about the garden-style resorts in Chiang Mai that take advantage of the colder climate to have extensive gardens. Also the Chiang Mai hot-spring spas - you can buy 1/2 dozens eggs to hard boil, or have fun like the Thais and drop the eggs over a gusher and watch them hurtle into the sky, crash back and splattttt - falling apart all round, especially when they hit someone.   

And there are elephant rides for the kids.

It's a short trip up to Chiang Rai and Mae Sot where Myanmar meets Thailand meets Laos. Being a fallang, I only got as far as the security point on the bridge for a photo op, whereas the locals were crossing with no problems.

A trip down the Mekong would be great. I never did this as I was on a motorbike and heading south of Ubon Ratchanathani where I stayed in a village on the Cambodian border - we strolled down the pathway and into Cambodia, but didn't stay.

2). How about Sukothai, the old capital near Phitsanoluk. Great for a few days exploring.

3). There's the wonderful seaside resort of Hua Hin. Stay at the Railway Hotel, or one of the chalets on the beach.

Even Pattaya is pretty clearly divided into Pattaya Beach centred on the town which is for families, and Jomtien Beach across the next headland which is more free and easy.

And there's Songcran, the Thai water festival in mid-April. Boy, the kids would go crazy over this. In Bangkok it's only a couple of days but up in Chiang Mai it's a lot longer. Last time I was there I was on the back of a motorbike with Rambo style pump action blaster water pistols, one in each hand. They weren't much good against buckets and hose pipes, and the rice powder. 

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Oh that's a great round-up Scott. It sounds like Chiang Mai might be just the ticket!  Many ta's.

Kaz

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What an interesting thread this is,

I am not an expert on Thailand but have been there a few times, would you believe I never came across any "sleaze" at all.

Of course I have never visited Pattaya or Bangkok (other than to get the heck out asap). Koh Bukit is a brillant place, especially in the south. If Kaz wants some family friendly stuff to do thats a good place to start. Unless the family don't like sea, beaches, food, diving, trekking, boating, culture etc. In that case you could try Chiangmai for wildlife, rafting, mountain climbing, biking, night safari, photography, shooting, and lots more.

I have a slight advantage when in Thailand as our son is a Thai speaker and that makes things sooo much easier.

Papaya,

Be careful what you wish for, maybe the Thais will want Langkawi back

Bob

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Koh Bukit, huh? I'll add it to my list, thanks Bob. I'm currently planning two family weekends away for September ... one to the Tiara Resort @ PD and another to Sibu Island. Might do a write-up on my impressions, if people are interested...?

Kaz @ Johor

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Of course Koh Bukit would be the old Malay name for Koh Phuket

Bob

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Aw, it was just a playful suggestion Bob    But shouldn't it be Pulau Bukit or is that Bukit Pulau?

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I would counsel great care on the subject of Songkran and water pistols etc.  Many Thais keep "special" water for farangs.  It might be urine, acid, toilet cleaner or absolutely anything.   I have lived here 11 years and NEVER go out at Songkran.  It is extremely dangerous.  Everybody is drunk and messing about and there are a lot of fights. 

Example: Down my soi, a woman went out into the road and threw water at a passing motorbike.  He was temporarily blinded, and ran straight into another motorbike coming the other way.  Both were grievously injured.  The woman knew both bikers and was distraught.  Songkran might appear to be fun, but there is an appalling downside.

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Last year we had to take some friends to the airport on Day 1 of Songkran (the worst day apparently) and really appalling stuff going on.  This year we battened down the hatches for the full holiday.

It all sounds like a lot of fun until someone gets killed.