So my friend and I are flying to Bangkok tonight after a sun-soaked week in Phuket. I have to admit that it was n’t quite like I expected (or the Lonely Planet suggested).

For instance we went out in Patong which is suppose to be the domain of rich package tourists and home to sleazy nightlife and while both were evident to some extent, it was actually very family orientated and friendly. It certainly was not as ghastly as we expected (or expensive for that matter!).

We stayed at Kata beach where the guidebook suggested the younger / backpacker folk stayed but actually even I felt very young in comparison!

Sometimes the guidebooks can put you off somewhere but you have to remember this is usually the opinion of a few travel writers.