my opinion:
avoid Pattaya at all cost - unless you want to mess around with the girls. otherwise it's a dirthole
i have been to Phuket and can highly recommend it. you have a couple of great beaches and when you go to the south (Nai Harn/Rawai) it's relatively quiet but still very enjoyable. And if you want to party there is still Patong
and it's pretty safe, take care of your stuff the way you do at home too and it's fine
also i would highly recommend to throw in a couple of days in Bangkok, great city.
