Newbie here....

I was in staying at Patong beach during the Tsunami, fr Dec 25-28. On the night of Dec 27, the last street at bar area was open, we actually had a lot of fun there. (How can I post pictures up?) I heard since then the tourists had dropped and the girls are charging a lot less and doing a lot more. BTW, the hotel is a lot cheaper now too....

Advise on Phuket? stay in Patong, that's where all the fun are... just rent a moped and get around, it is pretty easy.