Patong
If you are dreaming of a sleepy tropical hideaway, you might want to look elsewhere – Patong is full of action. The most popular tourist area in Phuket, it features a great range of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. Many of the area’s high-end resorts are sheltered enclaves with lush gardens and private swimming pools. The seemingly endless shopping options, wild entertainment venues, legendary nightlife, and a host of daytime activities make Patong a favorite destination for people who crave activity on their beach holidays.
Patong Boxing Stadium (muay thai fights) • 2/59 Sai Nam Yen Road • 07634 5185 • Adm B1,300 onward • www.boxingstadiumpatong.com
Bangla Boxing Stadium (muay thai fights) • Bangla Road • 07627 3222 • Adm B1,3 00 onward
1. Patong Beach
Phuket’s most popular tourist beach teems with sun worshippers – lounge chairs and umbrellas stretch three-deep down the golden-sand beach. Roving vendors sell fresh coconuts, beachwear, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy a massage in the shade.
2. Water Sports
If you enjoy getting an adrenaline fix at the beach, Patong is the right place for you. From wave running and speedboats to parasailing and banana boats, Patong Bay offers all the most exhilarating marine activities.
3. Discos
Patong’s awesome nightlife needs little introduction. Some of the area’s most popular party spots include Tiger Disco, Banana Disco, and Seduction Discotheque. The discos draw in the hordes and dance floors are packed as DJs spin everything from house music to the latest pop favorites.
Tiger Disco • 49 Bangla Road • 07634 5112
Banana Disco • 124 Thaweewong Road • 07632 0306
Seduction Discotheque • 39/1 Bangla Road • 07634 0215 • www.seductiondiscotheque.com
4. Bangla Road
The central vein of Patong is ablaze with neon lighting and has music blaring from every direction. There are also numerous open-air bars.
5. Street Markets
The night markets sell everything from T-shirts to wooden Buddha images, and prices are low. The markets near the beach road offer the widest selection.
6. Bars
As the island’s bar capital, Patong boasts a variety of places for enjoying a cold beer or cocktail. From traditional Irish pubs to open-air beer bars, and from go-go bars to sports pubs, Patong has something for everyone.
7. Fresh Seafood
At sundown, restaurants along the beachfront promenade display the day’s fresh catch packed on ice. Snapper, grouper, shrimp, crabs, lobster, and other delicious seafood can be individually selected and grilled and seasoned to your taste.
8. Massage and Spa Treatments
Thailand is renowned for its world-class hospitality, best experienced in its traditional massage treatments and spas. These facilities are ubiquitous in Patong.
9. Cabaret Shows
These colorful shows, starring transvestites, have been thrilling audiences for nearly 20 years. The most popular venue, Simon Cabaret, puts on two shows inside an extravagantly decorated theater.Simon Cabaret • Sirirach Road, Patong Beach • 07634 2011 • www.phuket-simoncabaret.com
10. Muay Thai Fights
No trip to Thailand is complete without watching this Thai martial art. Five three-minute rounds, accompanied by romping music, are preceded by the pomp and ceremony of ancient pre-fight rituals.
A Matter of Perspective
Some foreign travelers who arrive in Patong are shocked by the extremely liberal sexual norms of the area, where transsexuals, prostitutes, and occasionally, transsexual prostitutes seem to represent such a large segment of the local population, particularly after the sun goes down. But while seeing the area’s “red light” elements is probably unavoidable, it certainly does not mean that Patong only offers such venues. Indeed, there are also plenty of ways to have good, clean fun in Patong.
Tip: Most prices are negotiable, so be sure to barter with vendors and other service providers. Tip: Some of the most delicious Thai food is served up at the street-side food carts.
