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Patong Beach -
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I first visited the beach back in 1982 on my first trip to Phuket. Back then it was basically just 2 roads: one which ran a short distance along the central part of the beach and the second which joined the first around half way along its length. Together they made the shape of a ‘T’. There were a few girlie bars, some restaurants and some small backpacker hotels and not much else.
Patong Beach is set within a bay and the wide sweeping beach was an irresistible attraction to those early visitors.
Over the years, I have seen the area grow from this small village-like development to what it is today, a large town dotted with high-rise buildings.
Probably now, the beach is a secondary attraction to the nightlife of Patong with road after road of girlie bars, shopping malls, street stalls and restaurants.
The place really comes alive after dark with music blaring out down the main street (Bang La Road). There is so much activity and noise that some people might feel intimidated. Not that I believe it is dangerous in any way but your senses might be in for a surprise.
Just a word about safety. Fortunately I have never witnessed nor heard of any problems but statistically there are certainly thieves around and you must be aware of personal safety just like you would anywhere else where there are a lot of people together. Do not wear expensive jewellery, do not flash money around and, if you carry a bag, keep it close to your body. I know you will be on holiday but unfortunately that does not mean you can forget the basic commonsense safety precautions.
Personally I get a buzz out of walking around Patong and if you are into food and/or shopping I am sure you will too. You can find the whole range of cuisine here from Italian and Indian through to Royal Thai. There are shops galore from the street hawkers selling fake watches to air-conditioned shopping malls and everything in between.
You could very easily find accommodation in the town because there are a large number of hotels from which to choose, although I would argue there are none that meet my deluxe standard. However, I do not recommend you stay here unless you want to stay in a busy town that happens to be on a beach. I do understand that there are those for whom this is perfect but it just isn’t for me: fortunately we are all different.
What I prefer doing is staying somewhere quieter, away from Patong Beach and just visiting once or twice during my vacation. Usually I will pop in late afternoon for some shopping and then stay on for dinner, probably at one of the many restaurants along the sea front (Thawiwong Road).
Love it or hate it you must visit Patong Beach to make up your own mind. And I would be keen to have your
feedback.
Return from Patong Beach To Phuket Island
