Another short ferry ride and I arrived in Phuket, a place I had fond memories of from a previous visit. This time though I was headed for the main resort of Patong for a few days to see what all the hype was about...

On the way we stopped off at a gibbon rehabilitation sanctuary to see all the good work that is being done to try to free these animals back into the wild. They are often found in tourist destinations in Thailand being used to climb trees for coconuts or being made to perform in bars and when they are rescued this is the place they are brought to.

In Patong we stayed in a great little guesthouse just outside of town (thankfully!). I had a huge kingsize bed all to myself and there was even a proper fluffy duvet, just like you get at home! Only thing was it was so hot you didn't really need it, but I decided that for just one night air con was a good thing just so I could wrap up in my duvet!

The beach in Patong is pretty busy and very commercialised with all the conveniences and water sports you could ever want. But the sand is perfect powder white and the sea clear blue which helps to make up for it. But by night Patong becomes a drinkers paradise...there's one main street that is shut to traffic and just has bar after bar after bar along it. Bangla Road is also known for it's more unusual inhabitants - we saw iguanas, snakes (although we're still debating whether they were real or plastic?!) and pole dancing done by women and men dressed as women although it's hard to tell the difference as the lady boys are very convincing. All makes for good entertainment though trying to work out who is really female, but even more fun watching the guys do the same before they try to chat them up!!!

After Patong I headed for the much quieter resort of Nai Yang beach. I stayed here a few years ago before the tsunami hit, but it was still the same as I remember it - totally paradise. There is still a lot of work going on to rebuild after the tsunami but all the little beach bars and restaurants are back up and running. I even managed to find someone I'd met three years ago out there who now runs his own bar.

I spent three wonderful days here just lazing on the beach, taking some time to relax after being on the move for so long. The beach is perfect, the water so warm and calm and clear, and the only distractions you'll find on this beach are the temptations of a thai massage should laying on the sunbed become too stressful for you! I loved it and will definitely be going back...