Looking for recommendations on where to stay in Phuket.
Heading there mid November & looking for somewhere near all the action but at the same time not too "full moon party". Mid range price.
We're also visiting Koh phi phi, Koh Lanta and the Railay area if you have any recommendations there too.
Thanks in advance!

*

Go to the Reggae bar on Koh Phi Phi for some amateur Muay Thai. Good times
http://www.thenomadictraveler.com/.../muay-thai-into-the.../
THENOMADICTRAVELER.COM
Muay Thai - Into the Ring - The Nomadic Traveler

*

http://patongsawaddi.com/
PATONGSAWADDI.COM
Sawaddi Patong Resort and Spa | Phuket Hotel and Resort

For Koh Phi Phi, Dojo Bar is good, Reggae Bar, Slinky's (fire limbo and jump rope), Carlito's (fire show). Avoid Stockholm Syndrome (I think that's what it's called). Also make sure you do a tour that goes to the other islands: Monkey Island, James Bay Island, Maya Bay ("The Beach"), Panyee Island.
Simon's Cabaret in Phuket (ladyboy show) is fantastic.

I would say skip Railay. What was once a beautiful island has become an overpriced, polluted dump. Unless you are an avid climber (which I hear is good there but didn't experience myself). The mangrove (cheaper side) is literally filled with garbage and very expensive for what you are getting. Then the beautiful ocean beach side is even more overpriced compared to the rest of Thailand (I'm talking $100 Canadian/ night) and even then not worth it. As you are laying on the beach trying to enjoy the view.. All you get are the people coming in on long tail boats, from other islands, smelling the fumes and listening to the constant blare of the motors. I heard it used to be amazing but we ended up leaving after 1 night. If you want a relaxing, authentic, Thailand experience after going to the party islands, I would suggest Ko Pu/Ko Jum. Just my opinion tho! I did LOVE the ride in tho, as well as the beach after main boating hours were over... And the stray cats were cute lol

Thanks for your comments - really helpful! We were thinking of staying at Ao Nang beach near Railay, would you give that a miss too? Perhaps we could spend more time on Koh Lanta instead

We've been to Railay 2 times and the second time we were really disappointed. It totally changed, as Cassandra noted above. We did stay in Ao nang for the first couple days of our trip, it's not bad for a "start off" place, but I would DEFINITELY choose to stay longer in Koh lanta. It's amazing. Rent a scooter!!!

I didn't stay in Ao Nang so I can't comment. I heard Koh Lanta was pretty great tho. The good part about Thailand is you can literally pick up and go.. So if you don't like a place, just move on. Or if you REALLY like a place.. Stay a while. I wish we were going back soon
. Have fun!!

I literally go running away from the town of Phuket. BUT there are lots of great places nearby. One two of my trips to Thailand I've used Ao Nang as a base for a week or so to explore around. Just north of Ao Nang beach, there is a great national or provincial park beach and island that is walkable at low tide. Crystal clear water here. I rent a motorbike and head up there for the day, then stop in for some great food at tne restaurants that line the beach road just north of ao nang.
You can take a boat taxi to railey or the next world famous beach where yes its busy in tbe afternoons, but still worth the trip. Island tours are good in the area with snorkling and visiting TheBeach movie beach.
If you're on koh lanta try Mangohouse for something different either to stay or to eat.
If you are thinking of a budget beach bungalow vacation, you will have to explore outside this zone. This area outside of or instead of Phuket is nice, tourist friendly, non sleazy, has good attractions and activities, still has a wide range of different priced accomodations and is largely walkable.

I agree with Dave, definitely not staying in Phuket town. There are so many new properties on the east side not too far from town and the ferries. Personally I like Cape Panwa and stayed at this property with a private beach http://www.capepanwa.com/
CAPEPANWA.COM
Cape Panwa - Cape Panwa Hotel, Phuket, Thailand