I just got back home from spending some time in Thailand and I must say I was really surprised how things have changed in Phuket. I was there a couple of years ago before the big storm and really liked it there. It was a perfect place to go to and relax at the beach without a ton of tourists there. You could walk along the beach and only see a few people there in Patong. There were also no bars along the beach. So I figured this time when I went to Bangkok I would book another trip to Phuket. So a few weeks before I was about to go I booked a cheap ticket on Airasia. I must say I was for the price you can't beat the airline for tickets throughout Thailand. Any how not to get off the subject I got to the airport and decided to look at hotels. Finally after talking back and forth I decided on a hotel not far from Patong Beach. Went outside and got the taxi for 500 baht and proceeded my way to Patong Beach. All those good memories from years ago were going through my head. I couldn't wait to get there and take a nice walk on the beach.To my suprise I was amazed at how many buildings and bars there were. It was like I took a one hour plane ride to Pattaya. Bar girls were every where and the tourists were also every where. I couldn't believe in just 3 years how much the place had changed. I guess its great if you are into that sort of scene but I like a more relaxed atmosphere without the huscle and bustle.If you are looking for a nice quiet beach to go to I would not reccomend Phuket. I am sure there are parts you can go to that might not be like Patong but you are better off just taking the bus to Pattaya if you want the same scenery.Finally I would like to say that I also went to koh Samet. Samet was awsome! It was a nice beach, not a lot of tourists and prices were not out of control like Phuket. So if you are looking for a nice beach to go to then Samet is somewhere I would recomend. Especially if you are going with your girl or family and want to hang out somewhere nice. Any how its back to work this week. I must say I miss Thailand already. To bad I couldn't meet some of the people from this website. I tried to meet some people but things just didn't work out. I will definitely have to get a cell phone next time when I am there.Take care and hope everyone has a great weekend!   

Phuket is the main tourist island in Thailand (or close to it) thats where the money is!!!!!!! For alot of people!!!

Yes, Phuket has been going steadily downhill for many years now. And despite declining quality, prices keep going higher and higher. They really are killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Greed, greed, greed.

Patong is the worst, though. It's been like Pattaya for a long time already.

It's all very very sad, as I really loved Phuket.

Im absolutely amazed by people who go to Phuket, especially Patong Beach, and think they will be the only people there.......................

Imagine finding tourists in a tourist resort, just what will they think of next

No bars along the beach a couple of years before the 'storm'? They had bars along the beach back in 1994 when I was working there...George said the rest.