subject: Patong Beach [print this page] Patong Beach is one of the worlds top tourist hot spots for people that like an action packed vacation, meet new buddies and enjoy the good life. Patong is described by many as "sin city", because of its pumping night life and its ease of finding a new friend to spend the night with. Relax at one of hundreds of outdoor beer bars, dance the evening away at a state of the art discos, or take in the famous Simon Cabaret lady-boy show.
Not that long ago, Patong was a place where pirates fought. During the 1940s, residents of Phuket could not even reach the small village as the dense tropical forests was too thick to pass. A dirt road was built in 1947 and Patong finally became accessible. In 1976, the road became sealed, and then in 1979 electricity were supplied to Patong for the first time.
The first travellers arrived in 1980, finding a spotless, undeveloped beach. They were made up of mainly European and Australian tourists. Then in 1994, Patong Beach's holiday maker industry and resort development grew considerably.
In 2004, Patong was devastated by the December tsunami destroyed much of the town and left behind significant damage and death. Patong recovered quickly with the majority of the town re-built within 12 months and by 2006, resort development continued.
Patong's 3 kilometre beach is the ideal spot for relaxing on a sun-lounger, swimming, snorkelling or jet-ski and para-sail action. There are many eateries close to the beach with some of the big franchises such as McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks along the main Beach Road.
Thai cooking lesson are available in some of the resorts for something a bit different so you can impress your friends when you get home. Spend a couple of hours unwinding in one of Patong's many day spa centres or a foot massage on the beach.
Patong is probably not the best location for a quiet family getaway with the kids although most of the big resorts such as Holiday Inn Phuket have kids clubs with plenty of activities. More popular of Phuket's beaches for families are Karon and Kata just south of Patong where the night life is not so wild and is far less seedy.
Patong is great for some day time retail therapy with numerous markets such as O-Top Market, street stalls, shops and the famous Jungceylon Shopping Mall that comprises hundreds of retail shops, cinema complex, restaurants and bowling alley.
In the downstairs section of the Mall, there is a food court and shopping area where you can buy some souvenirs and hand-made items such as silk scarves and jewellery.
At 6pm every night, Patong is modified into a sea of fluorescent lights and the Bangla Road strip is open to pedestrian traffic only. Gays, lesbians and lady-boys are widely accepted in Phuket and you can find them at the Paradise Complex on Rat-U-Thid Rd. You can also find them hanging out at the intersection of Bangla Road and Soi Crocodile parading in their costumes.
Enjoy fine dining in Patong at popular eateries such as Joe's Downstairs while taking in Andaman Sea views. If you are a single traveller to Patong, enjoy the company of a Thai girl, boy, or maybe even something in between. Visit a go-go bar along Soi Sea Dragon, relax at one of the hundreds of outdoor beer bars, or kick your heals up at one of the many discos such as Hollywood or Tai-Pan that pounds and pulsates all night long.
Patong's night market open up along the main roads at about 6pm where you can find cheap and tacky clothing with local beer brands, handicrafts, silk scarves, toys or electronics.
Hotels including some of the worlds largest chains, are found along the main beach road of Patong, so you won't have to walk too far to escape the Patong heat and into the comfort of your air-conditioned room.
Museums, Churches and Shrines provide a peceful change from bustling street activity and traffic of Patong. Beach-weary visitors can enjoy a tranquil taste of "old" Patong around the Wat Suwan Khiri Wong temple. Visit a real Chinese Shrine, the Pun Tuao Kong or the more famous church that sits atop Patong Hill. Patong has a rich history as well as unique quiet beauty buried deep beneath its seedy side.
