Patong Beach: A Complete Guide to Phuket’s Most Popular Beach

Patong Beach is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled and unforgettable beach vacation in Phuket. It is the largest and most famous beach in Phuket, stretching for 3 kilometers along the west coast of the island. It is known for its soft white sand, clear blue water, lively nightlife, and diverse attractions. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Patong Beach, including its history, its best time to visit, its things to do, its places to stay, and its visitor tips.

History of Patong Beach

The name Patong comes from the Malay word ‘patong’, which means ‘the forest filled with banana leaves’. This refers to the abundant banana trees that used to grow in the area before it was developed into a tourist destination. Patong Beach was originally a small and peaceful fishing village, with a few local shops and restaurants. In the 1970s, it started to attract tourists who were looking for a more secluded and natural beach than the crowded ones in nearby towns. Gradually, more hotels, bars, clubs, and shops were built along the beachfront, turning Patong Beach into the most popular and vibrant beach in Phuket.

Patong Beach was one of the hardest hit areas by the devastating tsunami that struck Phuket on December 26, 2004. Many buildings, businesses, and lives were lost or damaged by the powerful waves. However, thanks to the resilience and solidarity of the local community and the international aid, Patong Beach was able to rebuild and restore its beauty and charm in a short time. Today, Patong Beach is a symbol of hope and recovery, as well as a testament to the spirit and culture of Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Patong Beach

Patong Beach has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 32°C, and the average humidity is around 80%. There are two main seasons in Patong Beach: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season lasts from November to April, and it is the peak tourist season in Patong Beach. The weather is sunny and pleasant, the water is calm and clear, and the beach is crowded and lively. However, the prices are also higher, the traffic is heavier, and the noise is louder.

If you are looking for a sunny and lively beach vacation, the best time to visit Patong Beach is from December to February, when the weather is the most favorable and the festivities are the most abundant.

Things to Do in Patong Beach

Patong Beach offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, culture, entertainment, or relaxation. You can enjoy a wide range of activities, from water sports to shopping, from dining to nightlife, from sightseeing to spa treatments.

Water Sports

Patong Beach is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, who can choose from a variety of options, such as windsurfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, paddle boating, sun lounging, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving. You can rent the equipment from the vendors along the beach, or book a tour or lesson from the operators nearby.

Shopping

Patong Beach is a shopper’s delight, where you can find everything from souvenirs to designer brands, from handicrafts to electronics, from clothes to jewelry. You can shop at the various markets, malls, and stalls along the beach, such as the Patong Beach Road, the Jungceylon Shopping Center, the Banzaan Fresh Market, and the OTOP Market. You can also bargain with the sellers to get the best deals and discounts.

Dining

Patong Beach is a foodie’s heaven, where you can taste a wide range of cuisines, from local to international, from street food to fine dining, from seafood to vegetarian. You can dine at the many restaurants, cafes, and bars along the beach, such as the Savoey Seafood Restaurant, the Hard Rock Cafe, the No. 6 Restaurant, and the Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.

Nightlife

Patong Beach is a party animal’s dream, where you can experience a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, from live music to cabaret shows, from pubs to clubs, from karaoke to ladyboys. You can party at the numerous venues along the beach, such as the Bangla Road, the Paradise Complex, the Simon Cabaret, and the Illuzion Nightclub.

Sightseeing

Patong Beach is a sightseer’s wonder, where you can explore a rich and varied culture and nature, from temples to waterfalls, from museums to gardens, from art to history. You can visit the many attractions near the beach, such as the Wat Patong, the Kathu Waterfall, the Phuket Trick Eye Museum, and the Phuket Botanic Garden. You can also learn more about the history and heritage of Patong Beach, such as the Tsunami Memorial Park, the Sino-Portuguese Architecture, the Tin Mining Museum, and the Thai Boxing Stadium.

Spa Treatments

Patong Beach is a relaxation seeker’s oasis, where you can indulge in a range of spa treatments, from massages to facials, from aromatherapy to reflexology, from manicures to pedicures. You can pamper yourself at the many spas and salons along the beach, such as the Let’s Relax Spa, the Oasis Spa, the Breeze Spa, and the De Flora Spa.

Places to Stay in Patong Beach

Patong Beach has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, from hotels to resorts, from villas to hostels. You can find a place to stay that suits your needs, preferences, and budget, whether you are looking for comfort, convenience, or privacy.

Hotels

Patong Beach has many hotels that offer comfortable and convenient facilities and services, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, and laundry. You can choose from different star ratings, locations, and prices, depending on your expectations and affordability. Some of the popular and recommended hotels in Patong Beach are the Holiday Inn Resort, the Amari Phuket, the Novotel Phuket, and the Millennium Resort.

Resorts

Patong Beach has many resorts that offer luxurious and exclusive amenities and experiences, such as spa, jacuzzi, sauna, golf, tennis, beach club, and shuttle service. You can choose from different themes, views, and styles, depending on your taste and personality. Some of the popular and recommended resorts in Patong Beach are the Le Meridien Phuket, the Avista Hideaway Phuket, the Diamond Cliff Resort, and the Impiana Resort.

Villas

Patong Beach has many villas that offer spacious and private living spaces and features, such as kitchen, balcony, garden, barbecue, pool, and maid service. You can choose from different sizes, designs, and locations, depending on your group size and privacy level. Some of the popular and recommended villas in Patong Beach are the Villa Yoosook, the Villa Baan Paradise, the Villa Baan Santisuk, and the Villa Baan Thap Thim.

Hostels

Patong Beach has many hostels that offer cheap and social accommodation options, such as dorms, shared bathrooms, common areas, lockers, and free breakfast. You can choose from different vibes, themes, and ratings, depending on your mood and quality standards. Some of the popular and recommended hostels in Patong Beach are the Lub d Phuket, the Bodega Phuket, the Slumber Party Phuket, and the Bearpacker Hostel.

Visitor Tips for Patong Beach

To make the most of your visit to Patong Beach, here are some useful and practical tips and advice that you should keep in mind:

The best way to get around Patong Beach is by walking, renting a motorbike, or taking a tuk-tuk. Avoid taxis and buses, as they are expensive and slow. You can also use the Grab app to book a ride or a delivery service.

The best way to stay safe in Patong Beach is by being aware of your surroundings, keeping your valuables secure, avoiding scams and rip-offs, and respecting the local laws and customs. You should also be careful of the traffic, the sun, the water, and the alcohol.

The best way to enjoy Patong Beach is by being open-minded, adventurous, and respectful. Try new things, meet new people, and have fun, but also be mindful of the environment, the culture, and the people. You should also be flexible, adaptable, and prepared for any surprises or changes.

Patong Beach is a great place to visit for anyone who loves the beach, the sun, and the fun. It has a rich history, a favorable weather, a variety of things to do, a range of places to stay, and some helpful visitor tips. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Patong Beach today and experience the best beach vacation of your life!

Patong Beach Reviews

Rhishabh Naredi

47 Followers

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What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is what they say for it, why don't they have a similar line for Thailand I always wonder!! Wandering through the lanes of Phuket, a city of Thailand, I stumbled upon a night market which wasn't selling goodies - Patong the entrance read. The street was filled with glamour and shine, lights all red and blue were sparkling but soon I felt a hand on my shoulder and it was my dad who said "this ain't for us let's leave" Yes, I was in Thailand with my family, not something I would recommend. I looked at my cousin who was 22 then and we both knew what we were doing tonight. Soon we were at our hotel and everyone was asleep, we had a room to ourselves, me and my cousin and we both sneaked out in Thailand with no money, no phone, no nothing. This was risky indeed but the risk involved in it was giving in the kick. The streets had all gone dark, the restaurant where we had our dinner was closing and a few more miles of walk and we were there the Walking Steet of Phuket. Ping Pong dance, Pole Dance whatnot were the ladies offering, we neither had intentions nor money to do anything but if you are in Thailand you need to visit this at least once to make it a lifetime trip XD Crawling through the streets we, at last, reached a shady lane, "let's not go there" I said, but my cousin was high on the atmosphere of Thailand and said "don't worry you are my responsibility, nothing will happen" We headed into the street and the only shop open had a few ladies (if they were ladies) sitting outside it. Just like an ant is attracted to something sweet, these ladies came running to these two wandering bodies. In no time we were in the formation of these ladies standing all around us saying just one thing "you need massage?" In a proper Thai tone possible. One of the ladies made her way to me and now i was scared, she was filled with makeup, and had bathed in perfume, her lips were dark red with the lipstick and she asked in suspicious "how old are you?" I last week had turned 19 but with no beard and mustache I looked like I was 16. "19" i said fumbling. She turned around and said something in Thai that we didn't understand and everyone started laughing and the next thing I knew was she was hugging me and now she had changed her speech from "do you need massage" to "wanna boom boom?" Enough research before coming to the trip had helped me understand that BOOM BOOM meant sex and now I was shivering, I called out for my brother who was covered by another group of ladies. "NO MONEY NO MONEY" I shouted. I am good with my English but that night other than NO MONEY nothing escaped my tongue. She again laughed and said, "FREE FOR YOU". Something was fishy indeed and before I knew she was pulling me inside her shop when I shouted again "Bhaiya" and I felt a hand gripping me and it pulled me to him, it was my brother's hand, we both ran sprinting through the streets and reached to end. I could hear their laughing fading when the same lady who had caught me was shouting "I LOVE YOU DARLING, DO COME BACK FOR ME." We reached the end of the street which was way more crowded and seemed safer than before, we sat on nearby steps and laughed our asses out. Thailand indeed was a lifetime experience and I will never forget it. I'll be sharing more about my experience in Thailand in various stories so stay tuned!!

Charu Rawat

102 Followers

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I wasnt quite sure what to expect from Phuket, having heard from some people that its an overly commercialised party town and from some that it has some of the most beautiful beaches that one can go to. I had my share of partying and night adventure in Bangkok (about which i shall blog later). So i was looking forward to a more beach-and-chill vibe on heading to Phuket, ofcourse with a whole lot of exploration of beautiful places. I took an overnight bus from Bangkok from the Southern Bus Terminal for 700 Baht. It dropped me right at the Phuket Bus Terminal. The journey was pretty decent, the landscape was nothing short of beautiful, it already started to feel like a perfect vacation. I reached Phuket around 11am. From the bus terminal i took a shared bus to the downtown market and then another bus to Patong, all in an hour. I reached my accommodation by noon. I put up at The Little Moon Residence which was about 1.5km from the Patong Beach. First things first in any place, get a Vehicle. Be it a bicycle or a bike or a car. It just becomes convenient to travel and you'll save up on quite a bit. The public transportation in Thailand is expensive. One can rent a bike for 200-500 Baht in Patong.And for god sake the Thai accent is almost impossible to understand. You wont understand a thing the locals say and they wont understand a thing you say. You're just gonna have to rely on finding the thai written text for whatever you need and show it to the locals. Since i didnt have much time left in the day,i went to Phromthep Cape which is the southern most tip of Phuket, 22km from Patong. You get to see a beautiful view of the ocean from there but it gets pretty crowded around that time.You could walk all the way down to the end of the cape but on the way back uphill you might wonder why you had to inflict this upon yourself (as did i). For dinner, i went to the Malin plaza which is basically your organised streetmarket. They serve up beautiful roasted meat to yum thai food to delicious crepes and fresh fruits. A full meal can cost you upto 100 bahts on an average. If thai food isn't your thing, Phuket has a whole lotta multi cusine restaurants and bars and even your mainstream Mcdonalds and Burger King at the Banana plaza and Jungceylon. There are a lot of shops on the street offering you everything. Every other shop is a thai massage parlour or a 7-11 which is basically your 24*7 shop.

Charu Rawat

102 Followers

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Day 2 started with my friends and i driving up to Bang Tao Beach which is about 15 km away from Patong. It's one of the more secluded beaches of Phuket , and it's beautiful, but it was so hot right when we reached at 1pm that we decided to skip going into the water and instead head somewhere else. We sat there for a while and shared just a plate of fried rice amongst ourselves as everything there was priced 3 times the usual. We left Bang Tao and headed back south, passing Surin Beach on our way. We stopped at a Malaysian food stall to have some Super spicy Malay prawn curry with rice . I was on the scooty for about an hour and i think 70% of my tanning started and ended there itself in the scorching heat. (Atleast i thought so) We then headed to the Kata and the Kata Noi beach. Both the beaches are adjacent to one another . The setting reminded me a lot of the Flic en Flac village in Mauritius. There's not much to do in Kata Noi apart from admiring the beautiful scenery , walking on the super soft sand and taking a swim in the beautiful water. Kata beach on the other hand is a surfing favourite , so you might catch some surfers riding some waves against the beautiful backdrop. There are quite a few people who come there but definitely less than what one will see on the Patong beach. If you're the kind who likes to have the waves pull you push you here and there, Kata Beach is a must for you! ( I actually enjoyed that) I headed back to the Patong street market and had Tom Yum Kung Shrimps with rice (blissfull) for dinner and took a walk around the beautiful streets of the town to end my Beachy day.

Swati Chaturvedi

373 Followers

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Day 1 After arriving at Phuket international airport, we took a minibus to go to the hotel which was at the Patong beach. Minibus- 200 THB per person. Patong beach hotel- 6000THB for two nights/twin room. Soon after reaching the hotel, we dropped our luggage and set out to explore a few sunset spots. For that, we rented a bike for half day. Renting a bike is easy, and there are many rental shops. You need to check the bike and keep your passport at the rental shop as a deposit. The bike cost 200 - 300THB. We first visited Karon viewpoint, famous for stunning views of the ocean, three beaches & lush surroundings. Our second stop Promthep Cape, which is at the end of the south of Phuket and has impressive sunset views. While going back, we stumbled upon another viewpoint called Windmill viewpoint, which was the most beautiful point out of three overlooking the Andaman sea and gorgeous sunset views with a green grass to sit. All the viewpoints were close to each other, and we could cover them in 3 hours.

Radhika Arora

105 Followers

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A long awaited 6 days relaxed holiday to Phuket. We purposely chose a hotel near to the beach, as the main attraction of Phuket is its coastline. The most popular beach being the Patong Beach is best known for its calm and beautiful vibes during the day including on-going activities to keep people busy of all ages, like paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing etc. Worth mentioning is its vibrant nightlife, filled with drinks and dancing, making it the perfect place to end your day. Walking is The Bangla road which is hardly 500m from the beach, u can actually start walking on the beach and take a turn where the Bangla road starts. Bangla Road actually comes alive once the sun sets. In the evenings, the road is closed for vehicle traffic and converts into a 500 metre festival of bright lights, loud music and lots of alcohol.