From Koh Lanta my next stop was Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. To get there I had to take two ferries to Phuket and then a flight. Unfortunately the second ferry didn’t arrive in time for the flight and I had to spend a night in Phuket.

I visited Phuket in 2002 and found it to be a very seedy place full of go-go bars, prostitutes and older Western men arm in arm with very young Thai girls. I didn’t want to visit again but opening my mind in 2009 I decided to see how it had changed in 7 years. It has got a lot worse!

I stayed in M&K Guesthouse in a private ensuite double with good decor for 800 baht, approx 16 GBP. M&K is in Patong Beach which I knew would be the centre of Phuket’s night scene and therefore seedy aspects. When I arrived in the main strip I was surprised by the extent of Phuket’s demise over the last 7  years. If you are looking for bars full of young Thai girls / lady boys, prostitution, blaring music and no semblance of taste go to Patong Beach in Phuket. Otherwise avoid.