Clicky

Falling Out of Love With Phuket | The Trading Travelers
The Trading Travelers
Sharing is Caring!

Falling Out of Love With Phuket

Well, I’ve officially jumped on the Phuket haters bandwagon. I really thought all of the negativity towards Phuket was a little over the top about it being “too touristy” and “overpriced” and I never wanted to dissuade anyone from going there. After all, I visited Phuket on my first trip to Thailand almost four years ago and that’s when I completely fell in love with this country. But after paying another visit during our two week Thailand trip when my brother was visiting from the States, I completely get it now. I won’t say I hated it, but Phuket has really changed over the years and not for the better. Or maybe it’s me that’s changed. Either way, I’m not going to say I will never return to Phuket, but I don’t have any desire to return. At least not in the foreseeable future.

034-2

Krabi vs Phuket

Phuket vs Krabi is often the big debate for tourists and travelers visiting the beaches of Thailand for the first time. I couldn’t decide between the two either, which is why I decided my brother just had to see both. Going forward, there is no debate for me. Krabi will win every time, hands down. The strip in Ao Nang is cleaner than any part of Phuket I’ve seen. Although both are pricier than the north, Phuket is still far more expensive than Krabi. And to me, the beaches in Krabi are so much more beautiful and less crowded. Sure, they are both touristy. I’m not usually one to complain of “touristy” places though; I am a tourist myself after all. Railay Beach in Krabi is lined with tourists but it is still one of my favorite beaches in the world. And it still feels like Thailand. Phuket, on the other hand, took the term “touristy” to a whole new level.

2 weeks in thailand itinerary

Phuket AKA Little Russia

You may have heard of the influx of Russian tourists to Phuket? Well…that’s pretty much all it was. No offense to any Russians but if I wanted to go to Russia, I would have gone to Russia. Everyone around me was speaking Russian. All of the signs were in Russian. All of the menus were in Russian. Even at the airport, the gate signs were Russian. I started to question which country I was in! It definitely did not feel like Thailand at all.

phuket

Phuket Prices

Because of the influx of tourists, the prices in Phuket were insanely high. It was nearly impossible to even find simple street food until we got completely away from the beaches. We thought we could at least depend on the Kebab man we ate at several times on our last visit for 50 baht, but as it turns out he has doubled his prices and is now slinging kebabs at 100 baht each! I have never ever seen a kebab in Thailand cost more than 50 baht. Furthermore, we know what the cost of a motorbike rental should be; the price of fried rice from a local Thai eatery; a fair price for a 1 hour Thai massage. It grew really annoying having to negotiate practically everything due to absurd prices the whole time. Even more frustrating was the cost of trying to get back to the airport. Prices were at 1,000 baht for a taxi ride from Kata and it took us a half day to find a mini-bus that would take us for 250 baht/person. This ride ended up taking us 2 hours and we probably should have opted for the 1,000 baht taxi ride in the end…which is still outrageous for Thailand. Sure, these prices might still sound reasonable compared to other parts of the world and maybe we sound crazy for complaining about them. But after living in Thailand for nearly 2 years, I suppose our mentality has changed. Maybe that’s why we enjoyed it so much more the first time around – before we were spoiled by the rest of Thailand and before we learned what the “norm” was. As bad as it sounds, maybe it was one of those “ignorance is bliss” situations?

phuket thailand

Don’t get me wrong. The beaches are still undeniably beautiful. The emerald seas sparkle just luring you in for a dip. There is nothing like motorbiking around sharp curve only to be met with some of the most magnificent vistas and the cliffs plunging into the sea in front of you. Its truly spectacular and reminds me a bit of driving the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

IMG_1830

But the rest of the city just felt rundown. For the same price we paid in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang, our hotel was much shittier in Phuket – outdated, unkempt and we could barely get lukewarm water in the shower. Also unlike Ao Nang, which has one of the nicest beach strips we’ve been to, the streets were just dirty and filled with trash and rats scurrying around in the rubbish. It wasn’t the most inviting or relaxing vibe.

Scams in Phuket

Scams targeting tourists are prevalent in some areas more than others and Phuket happens to be one of them. Everything in Phuket felt like a scam so you really have to do your research (like we should have done in Bangkok!) and keep your guard up, whether you are renting a motorbike or jet ski, etc. For example, we encountered a massive police check point while motorbiking around the beaches. Although we had no issues since we were wearing helmets and had our Thai motorcycle license with us, there were about 40 other tourists that were not so lucky and that was just what we saw in the two minutes we were driving through. Sure, a lot of them probably deserved whatever fine they were getting, but at the same time these check points are often set up specifically targeting tourists and these “fines” collected are pocketed for beer money later.

phuket thailand

There are many things that lead to my falling out of love with Phuket, but regardless, it just isn’t what it once was. Thailand has so many beaches and islands waiting to be explored. I think we are ready to move on and see something new the next time we take a trip down south for some fun in the sun…

Have You Ever Fallen Out of Love With a Destination?

What Are Your Favorite Beaches in Thailand?

Let us know in the comments below!

About the Author Charlie and Brittany

We are Brittany and Charlie - we traded the 9 to 5 and the so-called "American dream" to live our own dream and see the world. We sold all of our belongings and left the US in August 2013. For 5 years, we lived primarily in Thailand and built our online business and location independent lifestyle while we traveled to over 30 countries. We’ve had house sitting gigs on 3 different continents and we’ve even appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters International.

Leave a Comment:

50 comments
Camille says April 25, 2015

Such a shame the way Phuket is developing and turning Russian rather than Thai! It’s always sad when one’s favourite destinations start going downhill… You guys need to head to the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui/Koh Phangan/Koh Tao) if you haven’t already been – I think you would like it, especially the North of Phangan… I spent quite a bit of time there so get in touch if you want some info!

http://www.camilleinwonderlands.com

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says April 26, 2015

    We definitely have to explore some other islands! Charlie’s been to Koh Samui a few years back but other than that our time at the beach has been limited. We are definitely ready to see some new destinations though. Will definitely be visiting your website for some info – thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

    Reply
Dean says May 9, 2015

Can’t comment on Phuket as I have never been there and have no desire to go there either. Everything I have read or heard has just been validated in your article.

I don’t understand why the Thai government have let the Russians take over to the extent they have. Yes the answer is money but sooner or later it will ruin their tourist destinations. Pattaya is starting to go that way also.

My favourite beach is Railay Bay in Krabi. I went during the rainy season and loved it. Peaceful, tranquil, beautiful. Forever etched in my memories.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says May 9, 2015

    Yes completely agree – we LOVE Railay too! Definitely one of our favorites. Sad what has happened to Phuket and hope the same doesn’t happen to Krabi as well. Thanks for commenting!

    Reply
Melissa Legarda Alcantara says May 27, 2015

This is such a shame! One of my favourite beaches, Boracay in the Philippines, was a paradise five years ago too. Now, the Russian overtaking has occurred — signs, restaurants, hotels, even dive schools are now all Russian! And the prices are insane. Tragic. At least you got to experience Phuket before the beast that is rapid tourism devoured it whole!

Mel x
illumelation.com

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says May 29, 2015

    Wow I didn’t realize the same thing was happening in Boracay! It is sad to see such beautiful places completely lose their character. We haven’t made it to the Philippines yet but are really hoping to get to there this year. Maybe we should plan to avoid Boracay and stick to some of the less touristy islands?

    Reply
      Melissa Legarda Alcantara says May 30, 2015

      Definitely avoid Boracay! Go for El Nido or Coron (Palawan), Bohol, or Camiguin — much less touristy and far better bang for your buck 🙂

      Reply
Two Weeks in Thailand Itinerary & Travel Guide | The Trading Travelers says July 8, 2015

[…] Read more about why we fell out of love with Phuket… […]

Reply
samstravlog says July 30, 2015

Wow, Thailand is definitely on our list. I will make sure to avoid Phuket and try some of the other places mentioned. Thanks for the informative post.

Reply
Ao Nang Krabi Travel Guide & Budget Tips | The Trading Travelers says August 14, 2015

[…] For us, it is no competition. Krabi wins hands down. I’m sure you picked up on that after our last post on Phuket. The stunningly beautiful Krabi province just has so much to offer and a trip to Thailand […]

Reply
the red tides of Phuket – Todd Bradley's Galaxy says January 14, 2016

[…] Falling Out of Love With Phuket […]

Reply
Chong says January 24, 2016

Maybe u can pay visit to my lovely country – Malaysia, not far away from Phuket, there are many wonderful beaches from Kemaman to Kuala Terengganu than spans along 170km east cost line…it is peaceful, quiet, serene and not commercialized at all…

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says January 26, 2016

    We have visited Malaysia in the past (Penang, KL and Langkawi) and loved our visit there. We would love to visit some of the less touristy beaches though in the future. Thanks for the recommendation!!

    Reply
Sara says February 17, 2016

Phuket was on my list of places to rediscover. As is Thailand. I was there in February 1992 ! having travelled from Hong Kong , Bangkok and returned via Singapore to the UK it was beautiful as were the surrounding islands like Phi Phi which had 0 hotels I recall . I noticed from a recent trip to Sri Lanka in September last year the influx of Russian tourists Unfortunately those at my particular hotel I found to be quite rude and unfriendly . I guess it’s back for a forth trip to Mexico which I simply adore ❤️

Reply
WhenTwoWander says September 2, 2016

We’ve just arrived in Phukt and the first thing we noticed was that everything is in Russian… I still don’t really understand why. Karon beach is pretty nice but the rest of it is nothing special from what we’ve seen.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says October 5, 2016

    Isn’t it crazy?! Doesn’t even feel like Thailand!

    Reply
Beachump says November 23, 2016

And you forgot to mention the TuK TuK Mafia.
I too first fell in love with Thailand based on Phuket but later switched my favorite to Pattaya. It to has now been infested by Russians.

Reply
Sarah says November 27, 2016

I returned from Phuket 5 days ago, it was our fourth time going there and I have to say we’re not in a huge rush to go back! We have seen a steady rise in the number of Russian tourists and prices had increased year on year. However this year was just ridiculous! The prices have gone up far too much that it didn’t make it much cheaper than eating/drinking here in the UK which was very surprising for us! A lot of the signs have changed to Russian and the amount of people that just assumed we were Russian was actually quite offensive but I guess that’s just what they’re used to! It’s such a shame to see a gorgeous place become as you say, Little Russia. It has completely lost its Thai characteristics and I hope one day it will return!

Reply
Dan Morris says December 6, 2016

Have I ever fallen out of love with a destination? Well, sadly, a large amount of my favorites have disappointed me on return trips–I actually cried a couple times. Tourism, greed and globalization is and will continue to be the death knell to the remaining 3rd world cultures and the developing cultures in our world. I live in Isaan, the North Eastern rice basket of Thailand. NO tourists. But creeping Bangkok greed and globalization are here. I do not begrudge the “kebab seller” his price increase from 50 B to 100 B. He both needs and deserves the extra income. I DO begrudge the profits made by a Bangkok Investor group as they sell out another condo to 1/2 Thai growing middle class and 1/2 visitors. I simply cannot believe that the current, globalized price of rice is 14 B a kilo!!! The Military will now be forced to prop up the price…or choose not to so the haves and have-nots continue their respective positions in Thai Society. (If you are curious about what globalization does to farmers read what happened to Jamaica–one of my many favorite destinations.)
I have been immeasurably fortunate in my life. I was 14 years old and living in Rome, Italy when my parents gave me permission to fly or train anywhere in Europe or the Med I wished! They paid any and all travel and expected me to be on a backpacker budget while traveling on school holidays. They taught me well: I am 57 now and although I am not on a backpacker budget, and I pay all costs, I have never stopped wandering.
Another unhappy reason I cannot go to my some of my favorites is Religion. The first country I visited after my parents gave me the freedom was Tunisia. The reasons I went to a North African Arab country are multiple and considering the current uneducated beliefs about Muslims I will not be telling you why Tunisia is MY FAVORITE destination. I also spent a lot of time in Egypt. An utterly amazing country and culture. (One visit I went into the big central pyramid with a candle and NO guide and NO tourists!)
And on and on. Never STOP traveling. The smallest memory can stay with you forever. (Reminded of a good tip: learn when, where, why and how to bribe officials of every kind. Similar tip: Pre-Tipping works wonders in ensuring quality service.)

Reply
Tristan says January 5, 2017

Hello. I agree with you about Phuket now. I’m here and its just awful. I was wondering about the minibus you got TO the airport. I cant find anything about it. If you could share any information in regards to this, that would be great. Thank you.

Reply
Jack says March 10, 2017

I guess everyone has their own opinion but I totally disagree with this article.
I absolutely LOVE Phuket, and have spent the last 8 summers there. I go for a full 2 months at a time and really get a feel for the place. It’s very very affordable. For example, I rent a 3 room condo right on the beach with an amazing sea view for about 2500 USD/month. Sure, there are cheaper places in the world but when you compare what I would get in Nice, Barcelona, or Sorrento its really a bargain. Also, the Russians are a very welcome addition! To say you don’t like a place because of a nationality is very rude and racist. I am from the UK but its crazy how would you feel if someone else wrote that a place was ruined because of all the Brits there?!?! The Russian girls are unbelievably beautiful and fun to party with. I actually met wife while here. So I invite all the tourists of the world to come to Phuket and have an amazing party!

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says March 16, 2017

    You’re absolutely right – everyone does have different opinions and different expectations. It also depends what you are looking for. A great party? Then yes I agree Phuket would be a great choice. But a place that is a little more authentic Thailand? There are much better choices in Thailand in my opinion. And I said nothing bad of the Russians. It is nothing against them, as I said in the article, but more about the fact it doesn’t “feel” like Thailand there. And when compared with other beaches and islands we’ve visited in Thailand, Phuket would be at the bottom of the list for us.

    Reply
Tim says March 21, 2017

I first went to phuket as well as koh phi phi in 1999, at a time when mass tourism from China, korea, japan and the middle east didn’t exist nor had the hysteria for teenagers just looking to get high or drunk in paradise (although there were still some pretty nice parties going on although more “low key” and respectful in my opinion). Those were the days. Nowadays it’s just ruined I think.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says March 26, 2017

    Would love to have seen it back then!

    Reply
Alex says December 17, 2017

You sound very ignorant although it’s a typical perception of someone who has barely visited a country. You are not fit to judge it. Sorry to say. I lived in Thailand for 14 years. Some lived for a lot longer. We are fit to judge it. I suspect most of your complaints are about Patong which is only good for partying, etc. Phuket has amazing Thai culture and we prefer Phuket Town as it has great food and no problems like Patong. Same thing for all your other complaints. You really don’t know Thailand. Lots of places like Ubon, Korat, etc. are just amazing, perhaps even more than Phuket. Real Thailand is amazing and Patong is not it. As for Russians, they are the future of Phuket and Pattaya and even Koh Chang, so get used to it. Sure, many are rude, etc., but Thais only care about money. No money, no honey. So Russians are here to stay and so anyone else who pays, including aliens in spaceships if they got the cash. Phuket has amazing beaches. Eating in local restaurants is still affordable. You are just hanging out in wrong areas – tourist traps, really. I don’t even know what to say, you just appear to be young and ignorant. You need to get out more before writing up selective and incomplete reports. Try going up North for a change, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rain, Sukhothai, etc. Thailand is a great country, probably one of the best ever. You are basically criticizing some few selected bad areas, really red light areas like Patong. LOL. Red light Patong is NOT Thailand. OK? OK.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says January 7, 2018

    Hi Alex, thanks so much for your comment. I’m not sure if you read the full post – it doesn’t sound like you did – because you would realize that you actually are supporting everything that we said in it. We also have lived in Thailand on and off for 5 years (maybe not as long as you so I guess we are not fit to judge, according to you), and we spent a lot of our time in Khon Kaen, including owning a restaurant there. We’ve traveled all over Thailand, and that is why we stated that Phuket is not the ideal place to experience real Thailand. We also agree that Phuket is beautiful and has amazing beaches, regardless. Chiang Mai is still our favorite city in the world after visiting over 30 countries and we have plenty of posts on our love for Thailand. If you read the full post or any of our website you would see that we actually agree on a lot of things. Instead you chose to jump straight into criticizing us and calling us “ignorant” before you even got to know us.

    Reply
      Jack says January 28, 2018

      It’s alright Charlie and Brittany, Alex may just be Russian himself, honestly as you said nothing against the country, but the things i have seen Russians do here on the beaches and on the road have left me speechless. I also see a lot less tourists from other countries, its as if everyone knows not to come here because of the influx. I’ve witnessed them mistreating animals on the streets as if it was okay, fishing and torturing turtles and sea creatures just for photos. It’s just disgusting.

      Reply
        Charlie and Brittany says February 1, 2018

        Uggh. That’s awful to hear 🙁 Disgusting indeed.

        Reply
philip says January 28, 2018

Charlie and Brittany are as complicit and as much an integral part in the degradation of Phuket as I or the Russians are…How many daily flights into Phuket? How many people per flight? How many people on any given flight will determine not to return home to try to live/work/retire there or even, God forbid, ‘open a restaurant’ The first back packer who crested Patong hill and looked down upon the bay and told his or her friends of a secret paradise…as culpable as Charlie, Brittany, the Russians or I.

Phuket 40 years ago, the lowland forests long logged out to make way for hectares of rubber plantation, the hinterland of most beaches looking like they had been bombed, tin mining tailings piling everywhere. the sea horribly polluted by offshore mining, entire reef systems devastated within just a few years. Now the seas are azure the tailings grassed over the open cast pits, lagoons. I often wonder if the mass tourism you complain of is any worse than what may have continued unabated had it not been for the advent of that aforementioned ‘cheap mass tourism’.

You say ‘go to Krabi’, ‘Go to Ao Nang’ and people go… it becomes Phuket all over again…. then you say ‘Krabi’s not what it used to be Go to Trang, lovely beaches’ eventually you’ve tipped everyone off the edge of the world, maybe your still blaming it on the Russians the Chinese or the greed of the Thais… but in the end when there’s nowhere else to go you might reflect on the fact that you AND I and everyone else who lauded its beauty (whether 4 or 40 years ago) also contributed to the supposed despoliation of Phuket….

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says February 1, 2018

    So what do you think is the solution?

    Reply
      Jason Smith says March 2, 2018

      I am a Canadian traveling in phuket for the first time…. and its pretty much the most disgusting place I have ever seen as far as “tropical” goes … I wanted to give it a try so bad and this year i did. Being use to all inclusive like Dominican and Mexico and Cuba and places all over the Caribbean I have found this place unbearable .. the costs are rediculous . On average I am spending 700 to 1400B on meals . Drinks are average 250B everyrhing is Russian and although I have 6 days left before my flight home I spent the extra money to upgrade my room to a balcony area over looking patong beach. With a large patio and other than beach in the morning and maybe a walk to the mall for coffee club breakfast decided to get the sun from the deck and not leave anywhere. I will forever be thankful the travel packages Canada has to the south after this trip.. I feel like i can’t walk 5 feet without being pulled by my arm to by suits from east indians or aggressive massage parlors cutting you off walking and pulling you to their door . The scams with drinks I have watched were disgusting. Bars charging people drink tabs they didnt drink to swindle their money. Or tuk tuk taking you places you didn’t want to go. Stories of people coming back from stores they were brought into and asked to buy stuff in order to leave. And let’s not forget the Thai police .. They are deliberately picking on tourists are every turn. Walking or driving. Threatening fines for shit you didn’t even do. I actaully feel unsafe here and I have wandered the unbeaten paths of Mexico before. This place is so corrupt its borderline scary. But let’s go back to the Russians.. Like where the hell did they all a sudden get these cheap travel packages and costs from? Is the Thai gov and Russian gov colluding with each other for Russian travel brand? Now that Turkey and Egypt and many of western Europe is off the list of Russian travel due to sanctions or the terror war that has left Turkey and Russia one sneeze away from war.?? I can only assume that’s why their is so many Russians here and they get away with lots Lol.. I mean lots. I have read in last few days Russian gov officials were in Thailand for a summit on Russian tourist safety ( AKA pay them money leave my Russians alone ) thats a hell of a gov visit.. to come to a tourist area to discuss ” Russian tourist safety” listen Europe and North America their are better places to travel people. Yes I know it’s my first time and yes I know i haven’t been here enough to prob be able to bash it but i can certainly compare it to other tropical areas.. and my comparison is an “F” I the flip side I would love to chat more about travel to the OP.

      Reply
        Robert says March 25, 2018

        I absolutely agree with your assessment. I’m waiting for my lease on my flat to run out in June before I leave this place for good.

        Reply
Robert says March 25, 2018

This article is dead on. Phuket is a shit hole, if I wanted to go to Russia I would have booked a ticket there. The infiltration of rude and inconsiderate Russians has ruined this place for the worse. Phuket used to be an ideal destination, now it is this over commercialized cess pool of human excrement. Can’t wait to get the Hell! out of here.

Reply
Cornelia says April 23, 2018

Well, we Visited phuket in 1993. I found it disappointing back then. Also Phi Phi ( which was very Dirty) und Ao Nang. We stayed there for a few days and flew to Koh Samui. This was a paradise in those days. Bangkok Air had only one flight per day. Can you Imagine? There are a few gems left in Thailand. unfortunately everybody is blogging about those secret places. I guess I will keep those memories. Though I‘m still in Love with this Country. Best Cornelia

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says April 24, 2018

    I can only imagine what it must have been like to travel there in 1993! I agree – still love Thailand so much. It holds a big piece of my heart. But Phuket is not somewhere I would want to visit again. There are far more beautiful places in Thailand to see!

    Reply
Dave says May 16, 2018

I first went to Phuket in 1981 and it really was paradise. For the next few years I went back to Thailand for a few months each year but went to the east, usually Samui. I started going back in 2002 and went back to Phuket, which had commercialised significantly but was still lovely, I continued going for the next six or seven years and each year it had changed for the worst, until In 2010 I decided I would never go back. I’ve had reports from my friends of how it had become awful, overrun with Russians and the Russian mob, with the Thai police were worse than ever. The Thai police are the most corrupt I’ve ever met anywhere and are frightening to say the least. I am going back to Thailand next year, as I have family (Thai wife) and intend to go to Krabi after Bangkok. I’m just hopeful Krabi hasn’t been overrun with Russians by then. I fully intended to retire to Thailand but that is unlikely to happen now and I feel disgust at the Thai government for allowing this to happen but most of all I feel sorry for the Thai people, who’ve been betrayed by their own government, all for filthy roubles.

Reply
Charlie says June 14, 2018

Omg, I’m moving to Phuket shortly to start a work contract. I’m going to be living in Kathu, and now I’m vaguely terrified. I’m black British, the Guardian has led me to believe Russians are not a fan of either. God preserve me and where the devil did I leave that Magnolia paint. 🙂

Reply
cdog says September 22, 2018

I just stumbled across this website tonight and have enjoyed reading the comments. Ive been to phuket four times 1999, 2001, 2004 and 2012.
My First three trips there were just awesome! thai culture, beaches the food atmosphere etc i didnt wana leave. However returning in 2012 i was like WAAAAAAAAAAAAT the FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK. Russians everywhere, massive malls and resorts built all over the place. It didnt feel good at all and was actually quite scarey.
Still enjoyed it tho I stayed in Phuket town. I would hate to think what its like now 2018. I dont have a desire to go back phuket.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says September 22, 2018

    Yeah Its been a few years for us as well! I imagine its changed even more since we were there! Would have loved to have seen it back in 99.

    Reply
only1invillage says December 29, 2018

Hi everyone,
Reading lots of Quora recently and stumbled upon the conversations here. There is no doubt that Phuket has changed. There is no doubt that Thailand has changed. No country stays the same. No country’s tourists stay the same. Every thing goes in cycles. All foreigners have no rights to complain about other foreigners in Thailand. You are a guest in Thailand. You are the foreigner. It is your responsibility to learn some basic Thai, smile, do the “wai” when saying thank you (palms together, hands just under or in front of your nose), take your shoes off if you see shoes outside etc. All nationalities have taken their turn as the ‘bad’ tourists, first it was the Japanese with their cameras and V for victory sign, then the British in Spain and Greece, the Australians in Bali, the Americans in Italy, the Chinese around the world and now it’s time for the Russians to take some heat. Having just returned from Kata and Karon (did not venture to the cess pit they call Patong) I can indeed state that there are plenty of Russians. However, the signs are in 3 languages, not, as someone reported only in Russian. There are menus in English, Russian and Chinese. Yes, there are Russian nationals sitting outside tour agencies and real estate agencies. Russians are on the beach, walking around and eating in restaurants, doing what tourists do. According to my hairdresser, Russians don’t want to learn to speak to you in Thai or English, only Russian. They don’t try to use translating apps like the Chinese do. As soon as they know you don’t speak Russian, they give up and move on. Reminds me of the English attitude and expecting the Spanish to speak English when they retire to Mallorca and Malaga. Yes, English is the lingua franca of the world, but you’re in Thailand, so learn a bit of Thai. Even if the accent is wrong and the intonation is bad, Thai people will appreciate your ‘farang’ attempt at their language in their country. Back in the day, when Thailand was my home for a year, Phuket was still Phuket. It had beaches, it had sand, it had clean waters, it had 5 star hotels, it had mangoes for sale, it had banana pancakes, it had unfinished pavements, it had foul smelling waterways and drains, particularly after a storm! The majority of tourists then, were Europeans, Australians, Singaporeans and Hong Kongers. Some of them didn’t smile, didn’t walk one abreast on the narrow pavements when an opposing couple were coming, demanded loud discounts, got drunk and stumbled around, forgot to take off their shoes at salons and spas, threw up in a taxi, took pictures where they weren’t supposed to, pointed their feet at buddha statues, touched monks and smoked when there were no smoking signs. It’s not a uniquely Russian problem. It’s a tourist problem. There just happens to be a majority of Russian tourists at the moment and for the last 8 to 10 years in Phuket. We have all contributed to the change of Phuket, just by going there and telling our friends who tell their friends and then the place changes. There will be more and more places to fall out of love with, the more we travel and think the destination is just for us and it should remain the way it was, when we first visited. This can never happen if countries want to develop their tourism industry, so accept that in this age of global tourism, you’re going to meet and live for two weeks with people from around the world. That’s modern tourism. If you love Thai food and that’s why I love Thailand then try Samui, which is more cosmopolitan. As I overheard a Danish woman say, all the Scandinavians are going to Krabi to escape the rude Russians, so maybe there. Personally, we didn’t find them any more annoying than any other nationality. If you’re still convinced Russians have ruined Phuket then try Indonesia’s beautiful islands. Visit our website https://only1invillage.com/uncategorized/top-10-things-to-do-in-java/ for tips on when to go, how to avoid taxi scams at the airport and what to see. Read about fascinating Java, Lombok, Lembongan, Penida and Bali. No Russians here, but on Bali, you’ll be surrounded by Australians.

Reply
Don says December 30, 2018

Agreed, and whoever says otherwise in these comments is either making money off of Russian business or russians himself, especially Alex who commented here, o bet my left arm you are russian.
They contribute nothing to the culture and the government will wake up one day to take care of it and it wont be preety

Reply
Konstantin says January 25, 2019

Hey mate, I’m from Russia and I couldn’t agree more.
Have been staying in phuket for the past couple weeks and it feels like I’m in Sochi. Karon is more or less ok, but Patong is a total mess. Overall the place does not feel authentic at all.
I’ve been to Koh phangan for a week as well and it’s been much better. Planning to go back there soon

Reply
What I Would’ve Done Differently in Thailand: Phuket – The Unanchored Passenger says January 28, 2019

[…] In mid-2017, I traveled to Asia for the very first time for a one-month trip in Thailand and Cambodia (here’s the itinerary). The trip was an incredible experience, but there are some things I would’ve done differently. One of my biggest regrets was going to the island of Phuket. […]

Reply
Alex says February 7, 2019

Hi there. In my opinion, its not tourists that kill places, its local and national governments. If you dont regulate number of tourists, where and where not to build, make hotels everywhere, dont protect the local people then occurs what happened to Phuket, Mallorca, Ibiza and many other places.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says February 8, 2019

    yes thats very true!

    Reply
Veronica says March 10, 2019

We just returned from two weeks in Phuket. I had no idea that Phuket was not “little Russia”. I have been all over mainland Thailand and Krabi in the past. My BF and I needed a relaxing beach get away to reconnect and I fell in love with Thailand when I visited previously, so Phuket seemed a perfect spot. I was really disappointed by the influence of Russian culture (as you say- if I wanted to go to Russia, I would have gone to Russia). We even saw borscht on more than one menu! We spent our first week in Karon-Kata and thought we loved the beaches, the water, hiking in the jungle, and visiting various temples, I never dreamed that there would be aggressive competition for our business, something I did not experience in any way when in Thailand previously. I also noted a influx of things like shooting ranges- the sprituality of the country just wasn’t there. For then next leg of our vacation we went up North. The beaches weren’t as white- but the water was lovely, the street vendors were legitimate, and the people were the happy, spiritual Thai people I remembered. I still am in love with Thailand, including Phuket, but next time will visit the mainland instead.

Reply
    Charlie and Brittany says March 14, 2019

    Very well said! We couldn’t agree more. Its definitely not the same Thai culture you experience in other parts of the country.

    Reply
Tabea says December 18, 2019

I can’t disagree with most of what you say here, except for the bit about kebabs. It seems to me that kebabs are one of the most expensive street foods in Thailand. The 100 baht price you quoted is not anything out of the ordinary. Perfectly ordinary kebab stands in Bangkok (ie nothing obviously scammy), charge this rate. In fact, I have never seen a kebab sold for the quoted price of 50 baht. Maybe because kebabs are something clearly aimed for the foreign tourist market? Also that the target market comes from rich countries (Gulf tourists) and these tourists are structurally limited in what they can eat, due to dietary requirements?

Reply
Ron Thomas says April 6, 2020

I have been going to. Thailand since 1972 when I was first stationed there and it has been ruined the minute Gen M found it , it went downhill. Overbearing young guys with little money and big attitudes, Russians and Koreans acting boorish and rude (their spoiled kids even worse). Thailand was a sleepy little paradise now its has been turned into a snobby I ll act rich though I am not destination.

Reply
Steve says April 30, 2021

I was just in Phuket, and the difference between pre and post COVID is staggering to say the least.. I managed to book a seaside resort room at Kata for a ridiculously cheap rate, stupid cheap, and even then I was the only one staying there, same with the beach, no one there aside from a few expats doing the morning stroll. Everything was boarded up, 7’s closed, no where to eat… the only place close was a noodle stand and some Auntie doing krapow or hmoo gob and rice and that was 4-5 minutes by motorbike on the main drag going into Kata. A far cry from where I was first there over 7 years ago, and the place was heaving, bars going all night, tuk tuks everywhere, never escaping the doof doof kick drum anywhere.
I’ve been living in Chiang Mai for 7 years now, and it’s a shadow of itself as well, although nowhere like Phuket or Pattaya.
That was a mother thing about Phuket that got to me, signs everywhere, it seemed, either in Cyrillic or simplified Chinese, rather than Thai, I think the only place I really got away from it was in Old Phuket.. It tells you how a place has developed when I would go in to say, a 7 or Big C and speak Thai to the staff, some looked either shocked or returned speaking very good English, try that in Chiang Mai, you’d just get a blank stare or weak nervous smile…
For all the lack of tourists, the prices didn’t seem that cheap aside from the ludicrously cheap beachside room I booked at Kata, and even then I was the only one there.
Motorbike hire 300 baht a day..
Everywhere was bolted shut in Kata, Karon, Patong and Kamala beaches, everywhere looked a wasteland and deserted .. I think I got one come from a massage girl along the beach drag at Patong, otherwise closed up, out of the 7’s were gone as well, which is a daunting sign, I only know of one that closed in Chiang Mai, near Thapae gate.
The disturbing thing to me is more that so many invested so much into the tourism thing in Phuket, Samui and Pattaya and are now destitute or homeless, a lot will have gone home and hope to wait it out, but all those shops, restaurants even food salengs are idle, as are the masses of taxis and songthaews. When I flew in and got out of the airport, of course the minivan wasn’t running, “maybe in three hours or so” and they tried to hit me up for 700 to go to Kata.. Taxi mafia trying it on so I asked this Somchai looking hopeful, if he’d take a 1000, there and back, and snagged a ride with him in his new ute. He didn’t care that the might have a problem later with the mafia, he needed money, end of story and was grateful to get what he could. Smart guy, when he picked me up to go to the airport, he had his small daughter with him, of course I had to give him a big tip for “nong noi” … I didn’t mind he was a decent bloke.
In saying all this, my Thai wife and I are leaving Chiang Mai, we’ve had enough of the four months of the year being unbreathable air from the local burning and the break neck speed of development here, the General vowed to make CM the Bangkok of the North , and it’s well own it’s way.. We are going south, probably somewhere between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan… Phuket is not on the cards at all, although we may visit again before the hordes come back, I reckon at least another 18 months, although the General is adamant of open earlier by vaccinating Phuket island first and making it a travel bubble, he’s dreaming, he really is…

Stay well guys!

Reply
Add Your Reply