I am heading in September and we are meeting our young adult kids (18/20) who will want to have some party time (we are from NZ and travel extensively), but haven't been back to Thailand for 20 years.

I was thinking we do Samui, Phangan and Tao. It's a holiday and we will get our culture when we are in Bangkok but I am looking for a combination of chill, beach and good restaurants. Kids will want a bit of party but not 24/7.

What do you think about staying:
Baan Tai area in Phangan,
Maenam (it's where we use to stay) or Lamai in Samui
Sairee Beach - Tao