(content by John S)
Thailand is a popular destination with tourists from all over the world and has been immortalized forever in everything, from cinema to poetry. This Asian island paradise, famed for its turquoise waters and stunning green jungles, is also home to some of the world’s most spectacular and famous beaches. Arguably the most famous of them all is Patong in Phuket.
Patong was the beginning of Phuket’s tourism boom, and those tourists have significantly changed the experience of being on the beach over the last several decades. Now, it’s Phuket’s best-known and most popular holiday hotspot, and the beach is packed with people, jetskis, and all the other comings and goings you’d expect. There are bars and restaurants ranging from the cozy, to the seriously upscale, as well as quiet cafes for the daytime.
Patong is also the only beach in Phuket with its own cinema, and there’s a huge range of hotels with prices for all pockets. From the quirky to the luxurious, there’s something for everyone.
Patong also has a raucous nightlife scene, with hundreds of bars and clubs, discos, and cabarets. The notorious Bangla Street is home to sex shows, strip shows, and the raunchier side of Patong’s nightlife. It’s easily avoidable if you choose to, but if you feel like going wild, go for it! Patong is open from dusk ‘til dawn.
Patong in the Past
Back before Patong was the most popular destination in Phuket, it was a small, traditional fishing village. It wasn’t until the 1970s, and backpackers started coming to Patong, that the Thai government realized they had a hit on their hands and committed to turning Patong into the tourist hotspot we know today. As a result, Europeans began flocking to the area.
The Beach
The beach at Patong is the busiest in Phuket. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, you’ll need to find another stretch of sand! It gets especially busy near the end of the day, around sunset, as tourists pack themselves in to watch the sun go down over the sparkling waters. If you’re in Patong and do need a moment of quiet, you might find it at the southern end of the beach. It tends to be a little less busy.
Because of its popularity, Patong Beach has a huge range of activities for you to go to. You can try parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, bungee jumping, hire a scooter, go diving or snorkeling – whatever you want. Just be sure that you’re covered in the unfortunate event of an accident, and that you won’t be liable if any equipment gets damaged.
For a more relaxing and stress-relieving activity, there are also plenty of massage spots right on the beach. You could get a head massage, full body massage, traditional Thai massage, or just your feet. There are plenty of spas in the area if you’re not sure about getting a massage outdoors. Just be aware that these are a little pricier than the beach masseuses.
