Patong

Patong is Phuket's largest beach resort and Asia's party capital, centered on the infamous Bangla Road with its frenetic mix of pubs, beer bars, and go-go bars. The town offers a cosmopolitan array of dining options including Arabic, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Russian restaurants. While prices run higher than Phuket Town, budget accommodation exists inland where 'mansions' offer air-con rooms from 300 baht/day. The beach town has recovered from the devastating 2004 tsunami, with evacuation route signs now serving as the only reminders of that tragedy.

Patong is reached via Phuket International Airport, approximately 45 minutes away. Transfer services like Phuket Connect Transfers, Phuket Travel Box Transfer, and Phuket Transfers operate 24/7, offering private car or van transport from the airport or anywhere on the island to destinations as far as Krabi or Khao Sok. Shared minibus services are also available.

Patong can be covered on foot, but taxis and motorbikes are plentiful though unregulated and expensive. Phuket has two taxi types: bright red or yellow songthaew minivans without meters (always negotiate beforehand, short hops cost around 200 baht since the one-way street system was inaugurated) and fewer metered sedans (generally cheaper for longer distances). Motorbike taxi rides start around 40 baht, though unwalkable distances typically cost 100 baht or more.

Peak season brings higher prices with air-con rooms ranging 500-1,500 baht, while low season offers air-con rooms from 300 baht. Backpackers may find better value during the rainy season (May-October) when prices drop significantly, though this is not Patong's target market. The area is seismically active with tsunami risk; pay attention to evacuation signs and local warnings.

Budget travelers should head a few blocks inland where 'mansions' offer clean air-con rooms from 300 baht/day (less without air-con), or 3,000-10,000 baht/month. Peak season sees simple air-con rooms at 500-1,500 baht. Mid-range options like Anchalee Inn (600-2,250 baht), Hotel Orchid Residence (680-1,880 baht), and Hotel Swiss Garden (650-1,500 baht low season) offer good value near Bangla Road. Upscale resorts like the Diamond Cliff (from 5,797 baht) and Amari Coral Beach occupy prime beachfront locations.

Patong offers diverse cuisine including Arabic, French, German, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Scandinavian restaurants. Basic meals like fried rice cost around 150 baht; hunt for better deals. Seafood is priced by weight. Night market stalls appear along main roads in the evening. Notable restaurants include 99 Seafood Restaurant (affordable open-air seafood on Rat-U-Thit Rd), Ali Baba (Indian and Arabic cuisine, 60-100 baht appetizers, 200-350 baht mains), Red Chilli Restaurant (150-450 baht), and La Diva (Thai food with Latin music). The food court at Jungceylon mall offers good local value.

Patong Beach is Phuket's most developed beach. Freedom Beach requires a long boat charter (1,000-2,000 baht) or taxi (600 baht) plus 200 baht access fee. Dive centers like All4Diving and Thailand Divers offer PADI courses and day trips to Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and Similan Islands. Jet-ski rentals carry significant scam risk with extortion attempts; avoid or use trusted hotel agencies. Evening entertainment includes Simon Cabaret (700-800 baht for ladyboy shows) and Cocktails and Dreams (free ladyboy cabaret near Tiger complex). Nightlife centers on Bangla Road with its four sois: Crocodile (also called Soi Katoey), Eric, Gonzo, and Seadragon.

Patong transforms into a large night bazaar every evening with stalls selling handicrafts, silk scarves, sarongs, beach clothes, leather goods, luggage, and CDs. Bargain hard as everything is negotiable and starting prices are high. Jungceylon mall offers safer shopping with over 200 shops, a food court, Big C Extra supermarket, and cinema. Fake goods are prevalent; quality is poor and buying pirated items is a criminal offense in Thailand. Get local help with haggling to avoid overpaying.

Jet-ski rentals carry well-documented scam risks where tourists are falsely accused of damage and extorted for tens of thousands of baht. Police may not help due to alleged kickbacks. Avoid jet-ski rentals entirely or use only trusted hotel agencies—no insurance exists. The area is seismically active; note tsunami evacuation routes posted throughout town. Massage parlors range from erotic to therapeutic (nuat Thai) genres; beach sand massage costs from 100 baht.

Nearby beaches include Kamala (next to the north) and Karon (next to the south). Khao Lak, 100 km north, offers diving facilities and a quieter atmosphere. Ko Phi Phi is a popular day trip via tour packages. Freedom Beach requires boat or taxi access. The Similan Islands National Marine Park attracts divers via day trips from Phuket.

From Patong, continue north to Kamala beach, south to Karon beach, or further north to Khao Lak's diving centers. Phuket Town offers cultural attractions and lower prices. Ko Phi Phi Islands make popular day trips. Khao Sok National Park and Krabi are accessible via transfers arranged through Patong travel agencies.