Ao Nang Beach

The south end of Ao Nang beach holds little interest for me. The massage huts are fronted by female massage touts who always ask 'massage?' in a tone that suggests you must be stupid because you don't seem to have have noticed that this stretch of the beach is given over entirely to massage. The tone holds a ring of surprise too. Surprise, I guess, that a Farang has the audacity to march through this stretch of beach without the slightest interest in massage. That's why I'm here love, but they'd never understand that.
I used to enjoy a diet coke and an hours read of the latest novel I had on board at 'The Last Cafe' but, during my visit in late June / early July this year , 'The Last Cafe' didn't seem to be operational. Either seasonal or a global economy casualty.

The north end of the beach I really like.

Ao Nang

Adams Bungalows, one of my favorite garden setting accommodation locations in Ao Nang was shut. I wasn't sure why. However a short walk down the road (in the beach direction ) brought me to the View la Villa.
After some negotiation and a room change because of a faulty safe and a shower that never heated water, I felt very comfortable in this room. I wouldn't have got this price at any other time of the year. En suite bathroom, hot water shower, air con, tv, fridge and safe. 400 baht a night. No breakfast.

Phuket Town

During the so called low season (early July) in Southern Thailand there is a tremendous choice of low cost accommodation available.
The Rattana Mansion in the heart of Phuket Old Town was 600 baht a night for an ensuite room with air conditioning, tv, refrigerator and wifi in the room. It was clean and functional.
Thalang and Thalang Street was a 10 minute walk away. Twee coffee shops and intriguing art oriented paraphernalia tucked away in the nooks and crannies of old Phuket.

The Casablanca

A short walk from the Rattana Mansion hotel in the heart of Phuket Town, I came across a beautifully presented boutique hotel called The Casablanca.