The island of Bali is a cesspit, Kuta being the worst of it.
Phuket is similar to Bali but about 3 stars better.
Patong beach is the Kuta of Phuket, head north 15 minutes and your in paradise. The food is 100% better, the beaches aren't littered with blind mullet, the people are at least as welcoming overall I would say cheaper and definitely on the safer side.
Anyway, I'm not here as an ambassador for Thailand, just to offer ideas, the above link offers some good deals from most parts of Australia.
I agree with the Vietnam comments as well, a good holiday to be had.