Is Phuket just for tourists?

[Donald_Morgan]

I really know Phuket only as ‘the Ibiza of Thailand,’ a place to travel to for a party. Does it lack for local amenities or do locals find it as enjoyable a place to be as the tourists?

[Maciek_Klimowicz]

I think it can actually be the opposite, Phuket is a great place to live in but I wouldn't recommend it as a holiday destination - too big, too crowded, much less appealing than some smaller Thai islands, unless you're lookig for a resort style holiday.

Living here is a joy because it combines the convenience of living in a city - shopping malls, hospitals, schools etc, with living in a seaside village - nature, proximity of the beach. Plus the tourism side provides the nice holiday vibe - good restaurants, bars, some entertainment.