Phuket is an island on the southwestern side of Thailand. It is known for it's beaches and partying. Phuket was very hard hit by the tsunami in December 2004. Several of it's beaches were completely destroyed and life was devastated here. Many lives were lost in this area. Nearby is Phi Phi Island, one of the many dramatic rock islands in Thailand. Phi Phi was also one of the hard hit areas during the tsunami.