After flying with Thai Airways the previous 2 years, we thought we'd go with Emirates, as we had heard nothing but good reports and meant we could go from Glasgow and miss out Heathrow. What a real disappointment they were. Nothing better than a charter flight we thought and doubt we'll use them again, Thai airways much better in everyway, legroom, service, food etc.

Anyway, that was the start of our holiday to Bangkok, Phuket and Ao Nang. This year we booked into the Davis. Hotel was nice, but I still preferred the Landmark as the location was about a 10 minute walk from the skytrain. Other than that the hotel was great and they have a nice pool on the top floor. We visited the shops in Siam and the mall where the Erawan tearooms are. All very nice and my wife bought several items. Speaking of the tea rooms, we went and had afternoon tea after the recommendations from. Excellent value and a nice experience. We were there for the bombs, but were oblivious to anything that happened. We had to be told by our family back home what had happened! Took a trip down Koh San rd and had one of our best meals at Silk restaurant. Food was very hot (authentic) and this was a pleasant surprise to us. Next day we headed up to china town for a wander, but it was all a bit much to be honest and everything being sold was just tat, so we managed about 1 hour then left. Had a night at the lumpini market, and went up the big wheel, you get amazing views of the city, and there are some really good stalls , especially food at this market. Other than that, we spent time in Patpong, I love the buzz of the market stalls there, and had a nice meal at Tip top on Patpong 1. It is right beside a girly bar, but don't be put off as the guy shouts Tip Top as if he is advertising for a 'show'.

From Bangkok we flew to Phuket and stayed at the Kata Poolside report in kata. We upgrade to a pool access room, but on reflection shouldn't have bothered I think. Room was nice, just a bit noisy, and we hate being disturbed in the morning. One thing to mention is though, I woke up at 6am on the first morning and had a look out at the pool, only to see nearly every sun lounger booked with a towel already on it! We spent most days at Kata Noi beach which is very pretty and quite quiet with an excellent beach stall at the far end for food and drinks. Popped into Patong for one night, lets just say it wasn't for us.

After that it was the ferry to Ao Nang. This was 2 hours and not a bad experience other than our luggage going to Railley Be sure when you book on that they put a sticker on your luggage as well as on you, otherwise the same thing might happen if you are not careful. We love Ao Nang as it is a great base to explore other islands and we stayed at the Pakasai. After enduring 3 dyas of very noisy neighbours (it is popular with families) we upgraded to a room right at the very top with stunning sea views and a balcony which was nearly as big as the room. Places we went to, Chicken Island was just superb, as was Phrangna bay and a beach that we were the only ones on is across the river from where the ferry drops you off. Just get one of the longtails to take you over for 50 bht and then when you are ready to come back give them a wave from the other side. There are 3 bungalow operations on this side of the river, one was just re-built after the tsunami and if you want peace and quiet and isolation then I would suggest heading here for the day. When the tide is out you can also walk over to the nearby islands, and you'll see any number of crabs and shellfish on your way. One bar I need to recommend in Ao Nang is Sea of Love. It is up the same road as the Ao Nang villa and set in small square with stalls and assorted shops outside. The music collection the guy has is excellent and a really friendly bunch, they even took me clubbing one night which was really nice of them. I'm sure there is more I could report on, so will edit as I remember!