Kata beach is very nice but it is also quite commercial. Its not as lively as Patong or Karon, but its not too far behind. Having said that you could just do as your suggesting book a flight and a few nights accommodation and if you don't like it move on elsewhere. Much of the main Kata Beach is taken up by the Club Med, and quite a bit of the rest is taken up with sunbeds .

Quieter resorts do exist on Phuket if quieter is what you are looking for. Plenty to do on Phuket - elephant rides as you say, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Sancturary, island trips, sea canoe.

Phuket and Krabi are quite close to each other, with Phang-Nga Bay with host of islands seperating them. Some of these have small resorts on them. Phi-Phi lies about half way between Phuket and mainland Krabi and is easy to get a ferry to.

thank you so much,you have been a great help,

ta

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