Thank you for all of your info!!

I've decided to book a hotel in Koh Samui for the longest part of the "beach" portion of this vacation, and then go to Phuket for about 2-3 days towards the end. The tourism authority in the area sent me some photos today illustrating the largely cleaned up beaches, but I'm sure it's not as nice as they make it out to be.

Hopefully we will be able to book a boat tour to some of the neighbouring islands from Phuket, and see Phi Phi that way.

Does anyone have any suggestions or contacts in Phuket for a private, day boat-rental?

Peter.