Patong at a glance
Patong stretches along a bay on the west coast, about 15 km from Phuket Town. The town is dense, noisy and very commercial: it is the choice of travellers who want to find everything on foot, without renting a car. It suits groups of friends, couples looking for action and short stopovers; it suits less families with young children and those seeking calm. For the short page, see Patong.
The beach
Patong Beach runs along the whole bay: loungers, cafés, water sports and showers. From November to April the sea is generally calm and swimming pleasant. From May to October strong currents and waves bring red flags (swimming banned): respect them. For a quieter beach, see Kata or Kamala.
Where to eat
Patong lines up Thai restaurants, street food, seafood and international chains. The Jungceylon shopping centre offers air-conditioned restaurants and a food court; the streets around Bangla Road concentrate the terraces. To eat more locally, move away from the bar street: prices drop and menus are shorter. Check the price before ordering seafood sold by weight.
Going out at night
In the evening Bangla Road is the heart of the nightlife: bars, clubs and street shows, some for adults only. If the area does not tempt you, two classic outings are more sedate: a Thai boxing match, with a first bout around 9 pm, and the Simon Cabaret show, with three performances a night according to most resellers. Keep your belongings close and watch your drink.
Shopping
Jungceylon is open from 11 am to 10 pm according to several guides, with a Big C supermarket, fixed-price shops and a cinema. In the street, stalls haggle: compare and negotiate with a smile.
Where to stay
Patong's hotels range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Choose according to how much noise you can stand: hotels on Bangla Road suit night owls, those in the north of the bay and on the seafront are quieter. In all cases ask for a room away from the street. To compare with other areas, read where to stay in Phuket.
Getting around
In Patong you walk a lot. For the rest, taxis, ride-hailing and tuk-tuks: tuk-tuks have no meter, so agree the price before getting in. Our article getting around Phuket details the options, and from Phuket airport to the beaches explains the arrival. To avoid traps, read scams and safety in Phuket.
When to come
The best time for the beach runs from November to April; the rest of the year the sea can be dangerous. See best time to visit Phuket.
Going further
To plan your stay, see Phuket in 3 days and Phuket in 2 days.
