although it now seems like forever ago.

We had stayed in phuket a few trips ago (2002) and while we adored the hotel, Central village karon- on the headland between karon and patong- we did not choose to return to phuket, having in the meantime discovered samui.

However, this year, the complexities of spending our tesco vouchers for a trip to thailand meant '3 nights in phuket' so we decided we could tolerate it again! In the end, virgin hols let us opt out of their hotels and do our own thing once arrival at phuket airport, so we opted for khoa lak instead, and had a fabulous time. It was much much better than my recollection of phuket. of course, we were looking for something quiet and relaxing. If you want a patong-like experience, it will not be the place for you. But we liked not being scalped for transport, and not being so noisy and busy.

We stayed at the orchid, before some new construction began in may, and it was idyllic. right on the beach, and a good 20-30 minute walk before you reached the next hotel. There was a town centre of sorts with lots of shops and eating places. It was enough for us, but we were glad the hotel ran a shuttle as it was too far for me to walk. I will say it was the only place in thailand we have ever considered hiring a moped or scooter thing (but we didn't). I did borrow a hotel bike one day and rode along a track near the beach, which was fun.

We used KL as a jumping point for 3 nights at elephant hills camp in the khao sok jungle, which is also fun. you are very close to this sort of thing in KL. Many people at the hotel were doing boat trips and diving and snorkeling, so if you're into all that, it should be paradise for you. I preferred the pool, walking on the beach and a couple hours in town of an evening. and u n w i n d i n g. . .

we loved it, but as always, it depends on what you want. do remember that most of KL disappeared in the tsunami, and is coming back slowly. On the other hand, everything is brand new!