I have an Australian passport and wondering where the best place to get a chinese visa would be, I currently live in phuket. Is there anywhere here that I can get a visa or will I have to go to bangkok and how long will it take in bangkok?

The best place to get a Chinese visa is really in Hong Kong, it is extremely fast and easy. You can probably get an agent and send your passport to their embassy in BKK if HK is not an option. If you decide to come the queue to turn in your application is usually very long like 4-5 hours easily. To pick up also very long wait time. I did my visa there twice but I can't remember how long it took to be ready. I suggest you google "Chinese embassy Bangkok" and see the official information on their page.

For Chinese visa are strict nowdays

1)Return air ticket

2) Hotel booking comfirmation

3) IF you working need a letter/ ED visa need letter to proff or student pass

Good luck!

just wanting to go for a 2-3 week vacation to china and hotels will have hilton confirmations, How do I go about getting one in Honk Kong and will I need a visa to visit Hong kong?