Patong — still the best area in Phuket?

Solid advice. I'd rate my experience similarly.

Just booked my flights after reading this. Thanks for the motivation!

100% agree. The quality there is hard to beat.

Adding to this thread with my own experience from February:

I noticed some changes since my last visit in 2024.

Biggest change: Better quality overall.

Still a great destination. Recommend for both beginners and veterans.

How long did it take you to find the good spots?

Spot on with the prices. That's exactly what I paid when I visited in February.

I was there in early March and can add some detail:

Prices: Good value overall. I spent about $100/day on the hobby side.

Girls: International mix. Quality was excellent.

My favorite spot was a place recommended by another member here.

One tip: Weekdays are quieter and better.