Anyone who writes off the Phuket nightlife has not been there recently; the island has positively exploded with new venues and new ideas, making what was once a fairly stale experience much more exciting and varied.
The traditional Thai clubs are still the mainstay of the Phuket nightlife but these do not dominate the market as comprehensively as they once did. These clubs are popular with the locals who dance around tables and listen to local cover bands playing until the early hours.
The more tourist driven areas cater to the Western taste more, and these clubs are geared to getting as much money through the doors as is possible. Like with any vacation location these clubs are, and will remain, popular.
The slightly hidden jewel in the Phuket nightlife crown are little known clubs playing much harder dance and club music. From techno to drum and bass and hip hop these newer venues concentrate on the music first and receipts from covers and alcohol second. These venues are starting to get more popular (though recent gigs by popular DJs like Judge Jules and Louie Vega tended to be full but not full up) while the residents and visitors to Phuket get used to this new aspect to Phuket nightlife.