Thailand

[frizzytwig]

I'm travelling to Phuket on 1st April with my husband and 2 kids aged 5 & 7. We are staying at Cape Panwa which is a few miles away from Patong. Can anyone tell me what the situation regarding mossies and malaria will be at that time. I really don't want to take malarial tablets as they are not without side effect, obviously I will if the chance of getting diseased is great.

Thanks

[dzug]

From http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

MALARIA PRECAUTIONS
Risk present throughout the year but mainly in rural and forested areas near the borders with Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia (including the neighbouring island of Ko Chang). There is very little risk in the central belt of the country and the major cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the tourist resorts of Pattaya, Phuket, the River Quai bridge area and the Ko Samui islands

[Mac attack]

I have been to Phuket 3 times during March / April period and never been advised by my doctor to take precautions against Malaria. However, mosquitos in general are a problem. Make sure you put plenty of anti mossie spray on after dusk and before sunrise and make sure it contains deet. If you do get bitten Boots sell this clever little 'clicker' device that sends a tiny electrical current into the bite and stops the itching. It works loads better than any of the creams you can buy. Also Thailands very own Tiger balm is quite good. But of course the best method is prevention rather than cure!!

[debbierose59]

we have being to phuket several times,

the cape panwa is a ways from patong but taxi's are cheap, avoid tuktuks for that lenght of jouney,

go to the chemist and get some cittanela oil,

dilute it down and use it around your room and sitting areas you can put it on your skin too. watch out for aussies selling time shares there are as many mossies.

go to james bond island if you get the chance its beauiful. have a meal at the gpysy lodges they are fab, also phi phi island for an interesting time,

make sure the kids have plenty to drink buy sealed water buy it from the supermarkets instead of the hotel its cheaper also have a massage and pedicure at a salon rather than on the beach. although can be good the girls are not likly to be trained take your own braiding beads for yhe kids hair its cheap to have their hair braided but as the beads and combs have being used several times they might catch nits.(sorry)

go on an elephant ride its agood way to spend a half day and the kids will love it.

have atrip into the town its a good days shopping. and places to eat are good there too. there are proper shopping centres there and the prices are exellant,

don,t over pack your cases, your can buy the kids clothes out there and they are great if you are a small size you can also buy fabulous clothes out there also have something made at a tailors. show a tailors card to the others and they'll stop bothering you hope this helps