We used to have condo in Phuket. It was a good escape from Hong Kong. When I was younger I did the Triathlon there each year.
It is an odd place. Both seedy and suitable for little kids at the same depending on what block you are on. I had friends there when the tsunami hit. They were not hurt because they’d taken the kids for an elephant ride rather than going to the beach.
The ride from the airport to the hotel area is hair-raising.
An elephant ride sounds like fun- as long as you stay on top.....