www.agoda.com has very good deals on hotels for SE Asia.
It's main focus Thailand.
There are Google Maps you can zoom in on that show you exactly where and how close you are to the beach.
Click the "satellite" option on the map view.
There are also up to date reviews of the hotels.
Kata and Kata Noi beaches are the main surf scene areas for Phuket surf.
Not Indo but can be as good as any beach break on a good day.
Thailand's surf scene is still fledgling.
Those beaches will have the biggest crowd.
But it's super mellow mix of Euro's, Japanese and local kids.
Patong Bay has a decent right point setup at the North side of the bay.
At the bottom of said point are a couple pile of rocks that hold sand to create decent peaks at times.
There are some gems around if you explore a little, but it's mostly wind swell surf so beach breaks are best options.
Most often something like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZMuW-_Q ... dded#at=50
On best days like this.....
Over all the place is much cleaner and certainly mellower than Bali.
Your family will love it.
And do take a day tour North of Phuket to the Phang Na Bay of Islands.
Trips to famous Phi Phi island will be rough sailing this time of year.
But if it's really calm, could be worth the trip.
โชคดีครับ!!! = Chok Dee Krahp = Good Luck!!!
