Returned from Phuket last week. 5 days trip, visited mid-March 2026.
Arrival and first impressions: Uber worked perfectly. Checked into my hotel near Bangla Road.
Day 1-2: Explored the area, got the lay of the land. Found the local spots quickly.
Days 3-5: Found my favorite spots. The Bangla Road area was buzzing.
Prices: 2000-4000 THB ST. Some room for negotiation.
Tips for others: Don't flash money around.
Would I go back? 100% — already saving for the next trip.
Karon trip report — what I found
Started by DCExplorer · 8 Mar 2026 · 1912 views
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8 Mar 2026 at 11:06
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8 Mar 2026 at 19:05
Interesting report but I think you may have overpaid. Next time try going during the week.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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9 Mar 2026 at 04:34
Agreed on all points. One thing I'd add — make sure to bring small bills.
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9 Mar 2026 at 12:30
Adding to this thread with my own experience from 3 weeks ago:
The scene has definitely improved since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
The scene has definitely improved since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
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9 Mar 2026 at 13:02
Adding to this thread with my own experience from last month:
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2024.
Biggest change: Better quality overall.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2024.
Biggest change: Better quality overall.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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9 Mar 2026 at 14:06
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience when I was there last month.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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10 Mar 2026 at 00:12
Adding to this thread with my own experience from 3 weeks ago:
I noticed some changes since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. One of my top 3 worldwide.
I noticed some changes since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. One of my top 3 worldwide.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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10 Mar 2026 at 01:53
Thanks for sharing. Did you use a dating app or find girls at clubs?
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
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10 Mar 2026 at 05:09
Thanks for sharing. Did you use an agency or find girls through referrals?
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10 Mar 2026 at 13:09
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything you said checks out.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
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10 Mar 2026 at 19:33
Thanks for sharing. Did you use a dating app or find girls at clubs?
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11 Mar 2026 at 04:05
Adding to this thread with my own experience from last month:
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2023.
Biggest change: Prices have gone up about 20%.
Still a great destination. Solid 7/10.
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2023.
Biggest change: Prices have gone up about 20%.
Still a great destination. Solid 7/10.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
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11 Mar 2026 at 11:28
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience when I was there last month.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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11 Mar 2026 at 20:59
Excellent write-up. This is why I love this forum — real, actionable information.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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12 Mar 2026 at 01:27
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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12 Mar 2026 at 04:07
Any restaurants or bars you'd recommend for hanging out during the day?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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12 Mar 2026 at 10:15
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything you said checks out.
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12 Mar 2026 at 22:13
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
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13 Mar 2026 at 02:16
Adding to this thread with my own experience from February:
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2024.
Biggest change: Better quality overall.
Still a great destination. 8/10 from me.
I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2024.
Biggest change: Better quality overall.
Still a great destination. 8/10 from me.
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13 Mar 2026 at 11:52
Adding to this thread with my own experience from last month:
Things are much the same as always since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
Things are much the same as always since my last visit in pre-COVID.
Biggest change: Some of the old spots have closed.
Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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