Patong Beach


Patong Beach

Patong Beach is Phuket’s most frequented beach, packed with so many amenities and services visitors will want for nothing. From Starbucks to McDonald’s, North American favorites abound. With abundant cafes, local markets, surf and dive shops, there is no lack of development here. Acclaimed as one of the best diving sites in the world, Patong attracts all walks of life hoping for a glimpse of the incredible, underwater landscape nearby and access to some of the best beaches in Thailand
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In 1947 a main road was constructed in the simple village of Patong by the government. By 1979, the island received electricity. Tourism began rising, with growing infrastructure supporting and popularity at an all-time high. In 2004, Patong was devastated by the Asian Tsunami. One of the worst hit, it took the beach only one year to recover to 80 percent of its annual tourism rate. Today, Patong enjoys a full recovery with tourism back to normal.
Patong’s resident population is around 20,000, a number rising to more than 70,000 in high season, between November and April. Renowned as a major party beach, Patong supports one the most raucous backdrops on Phuket (and in Thailand). Younger crowds, and others with endless stamina, cherish Patong for the incredible array of nightlife options, from restaurants with live music to lively bars to nightclubs and discos reverberating until the wee hours. The main nightlife district is on Bangla Road (Soi Bangla). As a first destination upon arriving to Thailand, Patong can be slightly overwhelming, but jump on in and enjoy what this area has to offer.
Almost any type of hotel room is available on Patong Beach, from high-end resort suites to basic beach bungalows. Reserving in advance (essential if you have specific needs) is more often than not essential from November through May. Though many areas are in the vicinity of the often booming music, it’s possible to find quieter places to stay at the north and south ends of the beach. Central Patong Beach is where the heavy, uncensored partying happens without reprieve.
Partying might take top spot on most agenda’s, yet there’s plenty to do beyond pounding drinks at a local bar or club. Daytime activities on the beach include parasailing, diving, snorkeling, and cable skiing. Kite surfing is a growing trend while jet skiing and windsurfing have long been offshore staples. Day trips to nearby islands and bays are also ultra-popular, easily arranged via beachfront dive shops or outfitters or in town.
Kayak trips to Phang Nga and snorkeling and overnight camping trips to local islands are just a taste of possibilities. Painting and cooking classes, elephant treks on Khao Lak, bowling, and more are also readily available on and near Patong Beach. Four local courses appease all golfing needs. A wide array of charter boats whisk off on fishing excursions for the likes of barracuda, marlin, and Dorado or on fun sightseeing cruises throughout the area and island.
Experienced and novice divers alike will find a huge variety of diving options to choose from. PADI courses are some of the most inexpensive in Thailand, creating high demand for certification training. The number of dive shops rival that of the hundreds of restaurants on the island. There are half-day and day trips and overnight camping/diving excursions. Though beginners may dive off Patong’s shores, experienced divers will be taken to nearby islands, cays, and bays to top area dive sites. Live-aboard charters to remote dive sites are also available for serious divers seeking an all-encompassing experience.

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