Phuket Beaches - Patong Beach

Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East will likely not find it here among the McDonald's, KFC, Boots and Starbucks outlets, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of 'mai pen rai' - which translates roughly to 'It doesn't matter' or 'Don't worry, be happy'.

By day, Patong's curved sandy bay is a hive of activity with parasail and jet-ski operators, boat drivers, beach vendors and masseuses all vying for the attention of the many visitors relaxing on the beach chairs.

Those looking for more to do than sunbathe can try their hand at diving, sailing, elephant-trekking, ATV-riding, Harley Davidson tours, sea canoeing, bungy jumping, water-skiing and more, all of which can be arranged at the many tour desks set up around town and in the hotels. And those needing some pampering can indulge themselves with a relaxing massage, spa or beauty treatment.

Patong's food choices are nearly endless. Spicy noodle stands, fast food outlets and fine dining spots featuring cuisine from all parts of the globe are all readily available.

At the top end are the Baan Rim Pa, Otowa and Da Maurizio restaurants - all clinging to the rocky shore, side-by-side, just up the road north of Patong - offering fantastic cuisine, stunning views and some of the island's best range of wines. The elegant beachfront Sala Bua restaurant at the Impiana Phuket Cabana is fast becoming a 'must visit' spot with its inventive, award-winning dishes. Other favourite spots known for their excellent service and food include Sam's at the Holiday Inn, Baluchi Indian restaurant at Horizon Beach Resort and Lim's.

Budget and mid-priced options are too numerous to mention, and best discovered by strolling Patong's streets. If the place is packed, it's a good indication that the food is tasty. Be adventurous and don't be afraid to try some of the more casual, local spots, where unexpected delights may be found.

Twenty years ago, beach huts were the only accommodation options in Patong. Since then, the huts have disappeared but in their place an explosion of options have emerged, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts. Whether one's looking for a cheap room or an opulent seaview penthouse, Patong's got it covered.

Patong Nightlife

Newcomers will notice that the streets of Patong are relatively quiet by day, but they'll soon find out that when the sun goes down the town awakens and roars. At night, the beach road and back streets turn into a hectic treading ground for street vendors and pedestrians while the bars, pubs and discos become heavily populated with fun-seeking locals and visitors.

Bangla Rd is the center of the nighttime action with its long stretch of beer bars and pubs and side lanes leading down to more naughty spots. The notorious Soi Katoey, just off Bangla, is a lively place where punters can watch super-sexy 'ladies' dancing on stages at the soi's entrance and further inside. The other sois are amusing places to wander, with countless beer bars, a-go-gos and pubs to explore.

An entertainment venue that doesn't feature scantily-clad women is the Muay Thai boxing ring at the east end of Bangla, with regular shows of the famous martial arts form in a cavernous beer-bar setting. The famed Phuket Simon Cabaret has two spectacular shows a night, while the newly opened Sphinx Restaurant and Theatre offers dining and live dance shows in a classy setting.

Fans of rugby, football and other pro sports worried about missing the big games will be relieved to hear that Patong has numerous sports pubs with satellite TV links to all the favourite European and international matches.

Dancing fiends will not be disappointed with the long-running Banana, Tai-pan and Safari discos being consistently popular places to shake a leg, while newcomers to the scene are Star World (formerly the Shark) and Tiger discos.

For live music, good bets are Molly Malone's, Scruffy Murphy's and Margarita pubs, and The Port at Banthai Beach Resort with its marvellous Filipino band and twirling stage.

The myriad shopping outlets and open-air markets, bowling alleys, bookshops and cafes offer an alternative for those looking for quieter nighttime options.