Thailand.org

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is a center of beach, shopping and night life in Phuket. The beach runs over a mile long, and is the most extensive resort on the island. Life along Patong is defined by the shops, restaurants and clubs that run along it. The area serves as a cultural melting pot, with a wide variety of both traditional and alternative sub-cultures co-existing in the area.

Cultural stops along Bangla Road provide a wide array of choices for visitors, including upscale shopping and traditional Thai food, while Paradise Complex caters more to alternate lifestyles. while the area suffered damage in the 2004 tsunami, it has been rebuilt with hard work from locals to restore the resort town. Today, Patong is among the most bustling, fully developed beaches in the country, with an active local music scene and vibrant clubs for visitors of all walks of life. Transportation to the beach is available locally via bus or taxi, although you will likely find that most of the prime areas are within walking distance. For those traveling from outside the area, Phuket International Airport is within a 45 minute drive.

Patong Activities

Patong Club

In addition the life along the beach, there are a number of water-based activities including Scuba, snorkeling, jet-skis and para sailing. You can also take a river boat cruise, or try you hand at surfing or motor boating.

There is also an active Thai boxing and martial arts (Muay Thai) scene at Bangla Stadium with nightly competitions. Muay is a fierce, competitive sport that combines a number of martial arts elements. Additionally, you can take kick boxing lessons from some of the participants.

For those looking to relax, the dancing is lively at the wide selection of disco clubs including Baya Beach, Banana Disco, Tai Pan and the D-Club. There are also cabaret shows on display at a number of clubs at night. The most lively bar scene in the area is Thanon Bang La which features a number of energetic pubs. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the traditional Irish bar Molly Malone’s provides a good pub atmosphere.

Patong Shopping

Shops in Patong range from small, local merchants selling hand-made clothing, scarves and souvenirs to luxury shops selling fine international goods. Most local shops will negotiate prices, and bargains are available to those who seek them out. The area also has a large Jungceylon shopping mall, as well as the OTOP Shopping Paradise market.

Patong Restaurants

The area has among the most diverse choices of cuisine, ranging from traditional Thai food to a full selection of global cuisine. Among the finest restaurants near the beach is Ali Baba, which serves both Indian and Arab cuisine, as well as having a hookah bar at night. For those seeking traditional Thai food, the Baan Yin Dee restaurant provides traditional hospitality and menu choices, along with La Diva which has a Latin American theme to spice up the delicious traditional Thai menu, Oceanview Restaurant which offers Thai at a great value and the Green House and Balcony which serves upscale Thai in a relaxed environment.

Patong Hotels

For travelers on a budget, consider staying at the Kaya Guest House which provides a good value with clean, air conditioned rooms with amenities for much less than traditional hotels.

Traditional hotels near the beach include the Patong Inn, which has an ideal location near Bangla Road and the Quality Resort Patong Beach, a high-quality value resort within walking distance of the beach.
Travelers seeking a luxury resort will find a wide range of choices in Patong. Those seeking a romantic setting off the beaten path will find the Amari Coral Beach Resort to be an ideal choice with views of the private beach and professional staff. Another ideal option is the Diamond Cliff Resort, which has a startling view of the Andaman Sea as well as a complete resort garden. The Impiana Phuket Cabana is a resort with luxury rooms and service, and is highly recommended. The Thavorn Beach Village and Spa offers a non-traditional setting with private villas and bungalows across from Nakalay Bay. Within walking distance of the beach, the Deevana Patong Resort and Spa offers a private tropical garden and a relaxing atmosphere.

The area offers a full selection of options for every traveler, so make sure to chose carefully to get the most from your beach experience.