I'm in Cm right now and will be in Phuket on Monday but here's the scoop:
I can't give you info on the spiritual side but Cm is more happening than Phuket in the nightlife by far. There are two universities here
the beer bars suck but the nightlife happens and it goes late.
here's some info:
1. go to riverside, it's happening and has two bands and so many girls and most are not BG's but girls who work hotels, and other jobs and they are very cute. Very recomended.
2. Skip Foxy Lady I don't know why anyone likes that place.
3. Bubbles disco is for tourists give it a miss.
4. Bunny nightclub, never heard of it.
5. Give the beer bars a miss until after you go check out the following:
Firstly if you speak Thai you will have even a better time in Cm but it's not manadatory.
The disco's in no order - Warm up, Fashion House, Discovery, Horizon, ED 4.
Late night and your drunk and really drunk go to Spicy.
There are two discos I'm forgetting but will post when I'm sober.
I love CM and it's a city that you warm up to and the women are much better looking than Phuket IMHO.
Also it's a much more integrated city where the Thais and Farangs mix.
Cheers! and enjoy!
Come check out manathai village on soi Tapae 3 when you get a chance as it's one of the hotels I work at.