Phuket Beaches - Patong Beach

Patong
is the most famous - some would say infamous - beach resort on Phuket. With
its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to
party and play.
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.
Loma Park, with its trademark dolphin sculptures and children’s playground, is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Patong after Soi Bangla, home of the island’s nightlife entertainment scene.
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.
Recommended hotels Patong Beach
Aspery Hotel
Aspery Hotel is favourably located only a 3-minute walk from the beach, and close to the shops and famous Patong Beach nightlife.
Hotel Aspery is a modern boutique-style hotel. Enjoy the well-appointed and contemporary rooms, including the refreshing rain shower in the bathroom. Write home using the free Wi-Fi internet access.
Rejuvenate at the spa and with a massage. Follow it with a dip in the pool. When going out, ask at the tour desk for advice. For excursions, use the car rental facility. The currency exchange is also useful.
Enjoy tasty food at the chic restaurant on an attractively open and airy terrace, and a drink at the bar.
Burasari Resort 
A specially designed boutique resort with well-appointed rooms exuding contemporary Thai design, style and sophistication.
With many exclusive touches, this resort is a heaven for discerning travellers. Your comfort, pleasure and peace-of-mind are of the greatest concern, and every detail will be attended to.
Relax amongst stylish surroundings, excellent service and many indulgent facilities.
Hotels Patong Beach- Last Minute Hotels Patong Beach - Patong Beach hotel deals
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.
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