| Patong is the leading beach resort in Phuket. It is also able to compete with any of the other famous beaches of the world. But many people do not know that, as late as a few decades ago, Patong was the remotest district of Phuket, cut off from the main part of the island by mountains. High quality careful develop has evolved Patong from a small fishing village into a mecca for tourists. Although the TSUNAMI hit Phuket, because of the strength of the economy the Thai people and government, Phuket was able to recover quickly. In fact it has cleansed Phuket, giving it a fresh uncluttered feel and look. |
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| Patong Beach is widely known among Thais and foreigners because of two important factors. One is its natural beauty the white sandy beach, plentiful sunshine, clear turquoise sea, fantastic underwater life and soft breezes. The other factor is the availability of a wide range of man made facilities. Here you have a big choice of accommodation from luxury hotels to beach cottages, a host of restaurants and shops, all kinds of aqua sports equipment and numerous places of night time entertainment, including enchanting transvestite cabaret shows. Patong is also famous for its late night markets where everything wanted by tourists can be found. Patong Beach Map! |
During the day, the beach is the centre of the action in Patong
with people relaxing, throwing a Frisbee, swimming (areas are cordoned
off to separate swimmers from water sports) or simply chatting with
new found friends...
If you're bored with being a beach bum you could hire a jeep and
explore the island, or take a local tour to Phang Nga or Phi Phi
Island. There are also eco-tours which include canoeing, elephant trekking or snorkelling if you want more then simply
sightseeing, or visit some of the local attractions nearby. |
Lit up like Las Vegas, Patong is hopping every night of the week.
Shops and restaurants stay open late, and there's the never-ending
choice of bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, cabaret, massage parlours,
go-go bars, discos and different kinds of shows..
You'll find a whole range of "informed opinion" on the nightlife
in Patong, with comments from "sleazy" to 'brilliant." Much is made
of the girly bar scene, which occupies a small part of town. There
are pubs and bar beers - places to drink, play games with the girls
and be merry (usually outdoors) and go-go bars, with air-conditioning,
"entertainment"and often good music. Couples are welcome in most,
and the style is pretty relaxed. Some of the go go shows are not
for the faint hearted, but visit with an open mind and you are sure
to enjoy all that Patong has to offer as the nightlife begins.
Most of the action is centred around Soi Bangla which joins the
Beach Road at one end and Rat-U-Thit Road at the other. In between
are a number of small sois (streets) with bars, go go bars, restaurants
and cafes, literally next to each other. For the gay community,
the Paradise complex on Ratutit Rd has bars, cafes, guest houses
and restaurants. |
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