If you were to pay attention to expat forums and travel websites, you'd soon come to the conclusion that Phuket wasn't worth visiting. Long-time expats and grumpy travelers have been known to paint a very gloomy picture of Phuket. It's the same old story: overdevelopment has spoiled the beaches, there are too many people, everything is expensive and it just ain't like it used to be. All of this is true, to an extent, but only if you choose to hang out in the island's tourist traps.



A visit to Phuket can be as lovely or as depressing as you want it to be. Spending a week in Patong in the hopes of finding a secluded beach paradise would put most people off a return trip to the island, but with a little thought and planning ahead, it's easy enough to suss out a few of the better spots to visit.

On the other hand, if you want a holiday chock full of rowdy nightlife, late-night discos, a reasonable beach and lots of tourists, Patong could be just what you need. There's no denying that the beach resort can be a lot of fun if not taken too seriously, but let's face it, most people go to an island to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Kata and Karon are two beaches that are less crowded than Patong and a whole lot more appealing. Accommodation at these two beach spots is reasonably priced and it's easy enough to travel from one part of the island to another. The best way to get around is, of course, by hiring a motorbike, but there are taxis and tuk-tuks that will ferry travelers around for over-the-top prices.

So if the island's most popular area is worth giving a miss, you might be wondering if there are enough other decent spots to still make a trip to Phuket memorable. There are lots of beautiful areas of Phuket, some better known than others. Phuket Town may not have a beach, but it's still a place that should be checked out, if only for the good food and lazy vibes. It's also a transport hub, with regular links to most of the island's beaches and other points of interest.

If you're keen to see some of Phuket's beaches, find your way to Yanui Beach or take a trip to Coconut Island, just off the east coast. Mai Khao Beach is another good one, although for the most part it is so deserted that there isn't even anyway to buy a cool drink.

Phuket is a great place for a holiday. It's popular with families, couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, solo travellers and backpackers. Whatever category you fall into, be it travelling on a shoestring or searching for luxury spas, you'll be able to find something to keep you happy in Phuket.

Phuket has changed a lot over the past 20 years, but that doesn't mean it should be scratched off travelers' itineraries. Just don't listen to the jaded long-timers.