I'm off to Phuket next month, 9th trip to Thailand, been all over but these days just go to Phuket as its a direct flight from Sydney.
I've never had shots, I advise everyone else to but myself and wife never have\ and yeah I have been bitten by a dog.. my fault. Chemist cleaned it up and offered me some Valium and viagra... only in Thailand hehe.
One tip I will give is if you need anything, get yourself in to a 5 star hotels reception, they have better English and contacts.
If you see a sign that says don't touch dangerous.. then don't touch or your probably dead.
9 trips never had a hooker, red light areas in any part of the world stink and are full of fuckwits. Porn for your eyeballs is good though! so go have a look and get out.
For when your in Phuket
I recommend John Greys
John Gray's Seacanoe Thailand, Sea Kayaking in Thailand, Vietnam, Timor, Fiji, Philippines and Hawaii since 1983.
I prefer to stay kata
Boathouse | Boathouse on Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand
or budget
Sugar Marina Resort - FASHION | Official Site - Kata Beach 2-min walk from our resort
For PhiPhi and Mayabay
Maya Bay Tours
Phiphi its self is like a rave on a beach, which I LOVE, but its a get in and get out thing.
Get your taste buds used to more spice before you go, any Asian grocer will sell frozen thai chilli.. get some. Start with one per person in a dish and work your way up to 6.
There's crap eateries everywhere for tourists though and maccas in every city, but then.. why bother going.
Enjoy the experience!