Attraction - Takeoff Landing [Mai Khao] Review

Exciting!

4*

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Nai Yang Beach viewpoint certainly compares to the world famous Maho Beach at Sint Maarten (which I have not visited but have watched videos of). I read online that it is technically illegal to watch planes at this location in Thailand, and apparently it even carries the death penalty! However, when I visited there was no warning signs other than a warning about your own personal safety, and there was at least 50 people there so I doubt that the authorities would ever enforce such laws.

The planes fly in right above your head which is spectacular; maybe 10 metres if that. Great for avid plane enthusiasts or just those who want cool pictures. Of course you need to make sure you go when the wind is blowing from the east which is generally most of the high season [December - May] as otherwise the planes would be taking off in this direction which is not as spectacular.

The beach is also very nice, and thanks to the 200 baht per person [foreign adult] entrance fee to Sirinat National Park at the southern end of the beach, it is not busy at all. This fee is pretty ridiculous though and you can enter from the north for free to access the viewpoint. If it wasn't for the fee that caused a lot of issues for me just trying to reach the plane viewing spot, I probably would have given this attraction 5 stars. Nonetheless, I certainly recommend this activity if you have a spare day, like planes, or are waiting for a later flight as I was, and thus had some time to kill.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1223683-d14031904-r737960823-Takeoff_Landing-Mai_Khao_Thalang_District_Phuket.html

Accommodation - Patong Mansion Hotel Review

Great hotel & lovely pool

4*

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We stayed at the Patong Mansion over Christmas and it was a great choice!

Our room was clean and spacious with good aircon and a safe. The bed was comfortable and we had cool blue lights which were a nice touch! My only criticism of the room is that the shower layout made it really awkward to shower and made most of the bathroom soaked.

The roof top pool is great, it's not huge but it's a good size considering the size of the hotel. There are a few sun loungers and chairs for guests and the pool is in the sun all day which is a plus!

The staff were all really kind and friendly, and on Christmas day they hosted a free buffet and drinks in the evening which was lovely touch, something they didn't have to do but did anyway as they obviously care about their customers.

The breakfast here is also good, with lots of options including Western and Thai cuisine.

The hotel is around a 15-20 minute walk to Patong beach, which I liked as it was a lot quieter than hotels near the beach but it is something to consider if you want to be closer to the beach.

Overall, this hotel and the staff are great, it's a perfect place to stay if you'd like a relaxing stay with good amenities in Patong! I would recommend.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g297930-d5039224-r737956967-Patong_Mansion_Hotel-Patong_Kathu_Phuket.html

Attraction - Kata Night Market Review

Touristy & Dirty

3*

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We ate at 'Kata Night Market' mainly because it was near our hotel and it was the most affordable place (although it was still more expensive than places in Bangkok; e.g. a chicken Pad Thai was 80 baht here). The food was okay but nothing to rave about, and eating at the market was not very pleasant as it was fairly dirty and over crowded. We took our food away on a couple of occasions which was nicer. There are a few items sold just beyond the food stalls like clothes and bags, but nothing extensive and probably over priced again (we didn't inquire about any products however).

In summary, a convenient place to visit for food if nearby, but nothing more than that.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1210687-d15075519-r737791934-Kata_Night_Market-Kata_Beach_Karon_Phuket.html