Patong

Patong is a beach area in Phuket, and is the most popular with many types of travelers. It’s easy to see why, Patong has it all. All of the tourist amenities, including chains such as Starbucks and McDonalds are easy to find here, as well as people able to speak a variety of languages, with English being the most common. However, with this tourist hub is the tradeoff of higher prices and possibly more scams. However, Patong beach area remains the most popular in Phuket.

Patong is an area where anyone can be anything they want. People watching is perhaps the most exciting activity here, as there are endless things to see, whether it’s other people, monkeys, dogs, or people trying to attract attention to their establishment. Patong is a city that doesn’t sleep, you’ll see vendors and tourists at all hours of the day and night. The nightlife here is also never ending, with drinks flowing and loud music thumping all through the night.

The beach in Patong is not the most tranquil, so those who want to read quietly or nap under the sun are advised to find a different nearby beach, as Phuket isn’t lacking in beaches. Patong beach is filled with vendors trying to sell beach activities, whether it’s jetskis, parasailing, kayaks, or a boat tour of the surrounding islands. Most of these vendors are up to negotiation, and since there are so many to choose from, it’s not too hard to get them to a lower price than originally offered.

History of Patong

Patong gained its initial popularity during the 1980s among European tourists for its beach. Since then, hospitality and entertainment industries have found strongholds in this entertainment hub of Phuket, and is now renowned for shopping. There’s both high end shopping as well as tourist/backpacker style shopping.

On December 26, 2004, Patong was one among many beach areas in Thailand struck by the tsunami, taking a number of lives and destroying the waterfront. These days, Patong has recovered to its former glory.

Surrounding Environment

Kamala Beach

A more relaxed version of Patong but without sacrificing the availability of amenities is Kamala Beach. There are plenty of street vendors that will keep you fed and hydrated throughout the day. The incredibly popular family attraction Phuket FantaSea is in Kamala. FantaSea is a theme park that combines shows about the rich cultural heritage of Thailand with 3D effects and animals.

Karon Beach

The third longest beach on Phuket, Karon is located between Patong and Kata Beach and is a top destination for travelers all over the world. A bit more mellow than Patong, the beach boasts fantastic clear water snorkeling as well as diving. There’s a weekly market, and easy access to Karon Bazaar. There’s even some nightlife and excellent restaurants towards the southern end of the beach.

Kata Beach

The beach here is filled with families, as the water is clean and the scenery is especially gorgeous with the palm lined beach. There’s enough to do, but the nightlife is not overwhelming. There are even some waves here to catch from May to October. There’s an abundance of shopping here, with various shops selling all sorts of things from electronics to clothes to souvenirs.

Transportation

By plane

Patong is 35km north of Phuket International Airport, one of the largest airports in Thailand after Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Getting to Patong from the airport:

To reach Patong from the airport, you can choose from several modes of transportation:

• Limousine taxi : THB 800

• Metre taxi: THB 700 or more

• Minibus: THB 180 (these will often stop at a travel agency where they’ll try to sell you tours. Just say “no thanks” and they’re pretty nice about it)

• Airport shuttle bus: one-hour trip to Phuket Town for THB 85. You’ll switch to a local bus, costing THB 120. Currently there are airport bus going directly to Patong as well, with fare THB 130, leaving in hourly basis, from 08:15 to 20:45 daily.

By bus

There are regular buses coming to and from Phuket and other major cities and provinces in Thailand. Patong is served by two bus stations, simply named bus station one and bus station two.

• From Bangkok: exits at bus station two

• From Surat Thani: exits at bus station two

• From Phuket Town: regular buses serve trip to Patong every 30 minutes from 07:00 – 18:00. Trip will cost THB 30, for a 30-minute ride.

Public Transportation in Patong

Patong and its attractions in general can be reached by walking. However, the heat will sometimes prevent you from wanting to walk around. Here are some alternative methods if it’s too hot (or if it’s raining)

Minivan Songthaew

Coloured bright red or bright yellow, you can spot these minivan songthaews. Remember to negotiate the price before hopping on. It usually cost THB 200 for a one way short trip.

Regular taxi

There are few metered taxis in Patong, as most of the island operates on a negotiated fare. Occasionally you’ll see a car that says “TAXI METER” on top. Make sure the driver turns on the meter before taking off. If he/she won’t turn on the meter, get out or negotiate your fare before continuing on.

Motorbike taxi

The fastest and perhaps most efficient and economical way to reach your destination is a motorbike taxi. Again, these are often negotiable. Average fare will be 40-100 THB.

Tuk tuk

These are another common way of getting around Patong. However, tuk tuks are almost exclusively for tourists in this part of Phuket, so make sure you negotiate before hopping on. Make sure that you’re clear on what you’re negotiating for, sometimes the driver will quote you a price per person, or a price for the ride. Make sure you know which you’re getting!

Hotels in Patong

There are plenty of hotels in Patong, for all types of travelers. Here are some of our favorites:

The Frutta Boutique Hotel Patong

Located near the Boxing Stadium for ultimate convenience as well as the Sphinx Theater, The Frutta Boutique in Patong is a reasonably priced place to stay. Rooms are as cheap as 500 THB per night, and the rooms are clean, the receptionists friendly, and they even offer motorbike rentals. There’s restaurant area as well as a bar for those who don’t wish to venture out to get their meals after a long day of exploring.

Kalima Resort and Spa

Only 1km from Kalim Beach, this resort and spa is a luxurious facility that may not require leaving to enjoy. It’s a luxurious location and in the higher spectrum of pricing, with rooms running at least 4,000 THB per night. Rooms have fantastic views, and the service is one of the best in Phuket. There’s a pool, minibar, and the restaurant is supposed to be quite good.

Holiday Inn Express Patong

A bit of familiarity for those who enjoy the Holiday Inn chains. Less than half a km from Patong Beach, the location of this hotel cannot be beat. In a lively, upbeat neighborhood filled with people, Paradise Complex and the hospital are also just steps away from this perfectly located hotel. The building is quite new. The rooms are incredibly clean, and the staff is more helpful here than many other places in Patong. There’s a pool, laundry service, tour bookings, a fitness center and a business center.

Baumanburi Hotel

Prices start at 1,000 THB per night on average, which is very reasonable considering the caliber of this hotel. Equipped with room service, a swimming pool, terrace, fitness center, spa, sauna, bathrobes, hairdryers, and even a movie theater with a projector, this is a fantastic place for families to relax. Babysitting is even available with an additional charge. Bangla Night Street is a 5 min walk away; although if you’re too lazy to walk that far, the food at the restaurant is quite good. There’s a full bar, and bartenders that know what they’re doing.

Grand Mercure Patong

The ultimate luxury in Patong. Rooms aren’t cheap, but you’ll find the service, amenities and facilities unparalleled. There’s a BBQ seafood buffet, and the Bangla Night Street is only a 5 minute walk away. The Boxing Stadium isn’t too far either. There’s an amazing pool to relax in, and Patong Beach is only a few minutes away.

Attractions in Patong

Patong Beach

if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing beach to read and hang out, go elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a beach that’s happening, has tons of people and people watching, with easy access to food, drinks and water activities, then Patong beach is the place for you. Patong Beach is 3km of bustling tourist activity, thumping music from beach lounges, and tons of water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, beach parasailing, beach volleyball and snorkeling and swimming. The water can get quite deep at some locations, so swimming is an option as well. There are plenty of facilities such as bathrooms and parking lots.

Opening hours: 6am to 8pm. Things tend to close down after sunset, but there are still bars and restaurants open until the late evening.
Entrance fee: free

Paradise Beach

Situated the tip of South Patong Bay is Paradise beach, which is a hidden haven from the touristic side of Patong Beach. Sparkling blue water, soft and white sand and much less populated than Patong Beach, this is a diver’s paradise. There are several locations to get PADI and IDC certified here.

Opening hours: 6am to 8pm. Things will close after sunset.
Entrance fee: 100 THB. For this reason, you probably won’t find many backpackers or large families, so it may be well worth it.

Kalim Beach

Located to the north of Patong Bay, it’s known for its gorgeous rocky landscape and hilltop viewpoints reachable by foot. Kalim Beach is much more relaxed than Patong Beach, although it still has plenty of the amenities that Patong Beach offers. It’s one of the best spots for surfing in Phuket, and surf watching may be an activity if you’re lucky.

Opening hours: 6am to 8pm, although some restaurants and bars will still be open after 8pm.

Activities in Patong

Simon Cabaret

Although many cabaret shows in Thailand are mostly for adults, the Simon Cabaret is much more cultural. Although still not quite fun for the whole family, the cabaret showcases some of the transgender culture in Thailand in a tasteful way.

Opening hours: 6pm to 1030pm
Entrance fee: Shows at 700 THB each.

Shell World Museum

A collection of some of the most beautiful seashells you’ll ever see. There are an array of over a thousand sea shell types here from 135 countries. The centerpiece is a 200 kg giant clam.

Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
Entrance fee: 200 THB

Travel tips in Patong

• Prices here are often much higher than in other places in Thailand, even compared to other places in Phuket. It’s always a good idea to try and negotiate and ask for a lower price, but you often won’t get it due to the tourist nature of this part of Phuket.

• The nightlife is often what brings people to Patong in the first place. Always be vigilant about safety here, especially with your belongs. Thailand and Thai people are generally wonderful, kind, and not greedy, but Patong often attracts the most outrageous people from all over the world.