h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have lived in Phuket for 6 years now. At first (before I explored) I thought the whole island was a big beach resort. Patong is a bit of an overdone place, but has everything you need as a tourist and outside the peak November-March season can be nice. There are many beaches. Kata and Karon are developed but not to the same degree. Then you have many small beaches, often uncrowded, such as Naiharn, Naithon, Nai Yang, Yanui, Ao Sane, Kamala, Surin...its quite a list.

Phuket is much bigger than most people realise. It can take an hour from the airport to your hotel. The island is 540 square km, and has many quiet and beautiful places.