Phuket is a paradise island in southern Thailand. Its warm Andaman Sea attracts numerous tourists, who at the moment provide an influx of funds to Phuket. Patong is its largest beach and has gained fame as a party center. But this is not just a resort that can entertain people who are tired of the gray everyday life of cold countries. It is also a place with a rich history.
History of the island
About Phuket became known to Europeans in the Middle Ages. From the book of Claudius Ptolemy, they learned that navigators often had to pass through a certain cape Chunk Silon, on their way to the Malay Peninsula. This area has long been considered a transit point for merchants between China and India. Their hospitality and generosity provided a reason to visit not only for geographical reasons. The main natural we alth of the island was tin. It was mined so much that by the 17th century a real war broke out between nations for the opportunity to trade with Phuket. The first trading port here was founded by the Dutch, and then by the British, and immigrants from Portugal. As a result, the influence of these countries spread so widely that the king of Ayutthaya who ruled at that time decided to ally with France in order to gain hope for independence. By the end of the century, the French gained the long-awaiteda monopoly on tin mining, but this did not last forever, as the Siamese revolution took place. Looking at Patong, Phuket, the photo of which is presented in this article, it is hard to imagine that rest was by no means the primary concern of the islanders. The 18th century turned into a real nightmare for them, expressed in the Burmese invasion. The next century was marked by a change in the ethnic picture for the island: crowds of Chinese workers came to develop tin. All this time, Phuket was not considered a separate province, becoming one only at the beginning of the 20th century. At present, the prosperity of the island is possible thanks to tourism and rubber production. Back in the 70s, the wonderful climate led to the formation of several resort areas in Phuket: Patong, Kata and Karon.
Tourist business as the basis of Phuket's prosperity
In the 60s, the question raised about tourism in Phuket Province would have been ridiculed. At the time, the island was suffering from transportation problems, as there were almost no real hard roads. Consequently, no one could find out about this place due to limited sea transport. The crisis in the economy, caused by a failure in the steel industry in Thailand, has forced residents to think about alternative ways to enrich themselves. High-quality roads begin to be rebuilt, the first hotels appear, an unexplored fairy-tale island is advertised. Magazines with flashy titles urge sophisticated travelers to try something new in a land almost untouched by civilization. Nowadays, the island is experiencing a shortage of hotels for a huge number of visitors.exotic place. Every year the number of hotels is growing rapidly, but this is not enough for everyone. Phuket's airport is in a similar trend, recently having to be doubled in size at a significant cost, as by 2012 there were so many tourists that the runway was unable to accommodate half the planes.
Phuket Entertainment
In addition to a beach holiday, it is worth highlighting such a type of cultural entertainment as museums. The province is famous for its National Museum, Seashell Exhibition and Mining Department. Scuba diving ranks second in popularity after beach activities. The beauty of the sea depths and walks with their inhabitants do not leave tourists indifferent. Expeditions to the Similan Islands have long been considered staples for diving enthusiasts.
Golf is another great type of recreation on the island. The Phuket area has been completely man-made to create some of the finest golf courses. They meet the set standards so well that world competitions are even held here. Some experts believe that Patong will soon share the level of popularity with golf in Phuket. Experts estimate that this type of entertainment brings billions of dollars to Thailand every year.
Patong Beach (Phuket): Key Features of Thai Paradise
Patong is Phuket's biggest beach. It is a place full of life, fun and idleness. For a tourist who prefers peace and quiet, it is notfit. This is a resort for active party-goers who dream of plunging into the world of nightlife, parties and tropical cocktails. There are a lot of nightclubs, expensive restaurants, as well as hotels that all of Thailand is famous for. Phuket, Patong and other beaches of the island are able to awaken a thirst for adventure in any party goer. Dozens of different bars can be found on the main street of Bangla. Non-alcoholic relaxation can be found in the massage parlors of Patong. The choice of the tourist will be provided with erotic or therapeutic massage. Moreover, it can be done right by the sea, on the beach itself. For lovers of non-standard spectacles, cabarets with transvestites and strippers are always open.
Water sports
Water sports are one of the great things about Patong (The Beach). Phuket is a diver's paradise. Here you can always rent equipment and buy a swimming card. Barracudas and turtles, sea snakes and unusual fish - all this is the underwater world of Thailand. A unique chance to see a whale shark or a rare manta rays live is provided to fans of Phuket. It is also possible to take a boat ride to other islands of Thailand. Also popular is jet skiing or parasailing.
Nightclubs
Club life is one of the main advantages of a place like Patong. Phuket, whose photos are replete with shots from parties, has earned itself a reputation as the most "outrageous" island. Starting with small establishments such as Banana Disco, you can try to visit the largest clubs overnight. "Banana"lovers of small and comfortable rooms with high-quality music prefer it, because famous DJs will not fail to appear in such a place for music lovers.
Do not forget about the bars and dance halls located directly in the hotels. In some of them, dance floors can compete with club ones in terms of size and equipment.
Large establishments
Hollywood Club is the most attractive place for locals. Most of the employees of neighboring bars come here after a working day to enjoy light pop music. In the midst of the fun, small souvenirs are thrown around and free drinks are offered.
Pinky's Bar is famous for its striptease and dance music of various styles. In the first place in terms of popularity, you still need to put the old Tai Peng club, where the most people gather. Its central location and fame with its residents make it the most interesting place to visit.
Thailand. Phuket, Patong: Affordable Vacation Hotels
To choose a hotel in Phuket, you need to decide on its purpose. Since this is primarily a short-stay accommodation (after all, most likely, tourists will prefer to spend time on beaches and other places of outdoor recreation), an inexpensive hotel may well be suitable. As mentioned above, hotels are what Phuket has been famous for recently. Patong provides 3-star hotels in an amount that other beach resorts have not dreamed of. Despite such a number of stars, in any hotel in Patong, travelers expectcomfortable room, and even with air conditioning, without which life on the island would have seemed much more difficult.
For connoisseurs of good shopping, a significant number of hotels have been built near shopping centers. As soon as dusk falls on Patong, preceding the incendiary atmosphere of night dancing, it turns into a real market. The shopping street and all the roads are lined with tents selling handicrafts. Such a souvenir will be an ideal gift for relatives.
Hotel map
For better orientation, there is a map of Phuket hotels. Patong is depicted on it in great detail with all the major hotels. This card can be bought in bookstores, found in guidebooks, at the reception of the hotels themselves. As a rule, it depicts the lines of the beach, the coordinates of hotels, the main attractions and ways to other islands.
Third line hotels are not necessarily far from the beach. So, many of them are located 15 minutes from it, and along the main street. Three-star hotels can provide transportation for clients. Nearby, as a rule, gasoline is sold. There are no frills in this type of room, but all the basic amenities are provided: a shower, beds, tables and even a small balcony. There are always clean cups and tea in the room. Bed linen is changed regularly. Often there is a small safe for storing especially valuable things. The cuisine is distinguished by the quality of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. The helpfulness of the staff of economy class hotels amazes the townsfolk. Always at the hotelthere is a restaurant, which usually has live music.
The most convenient hotels in Phuket
Studying the opinions of tourists who visited Patong (Phuket), reviews of hotels can be found very different. If a three-star hotel is enough for someone to plunge into the atmosphere of the country of parties and exotics, then some tourists will prefer expensive hotels with an impeccable reputation, where everything is inclusive. Such hotels can provide one hundred percent entertainment for their residents on the spot. Without leaving the room, customers can appreciate the wonders of Thai massage, enjoy national cuisine, drink an exquisite cocktail. In the basement of five-star hotels there are large pools, many of which are adjacent to aquariums, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the local underwater world without moving away from your place of residence. Prices in these hotels are much higher than in less "star" ones, but the services are much more.
Houses and villas for rent
Map Phuket, Patong, full of expensive hotels. For the most sophisticated travelers, there are also rental houses and villas. They employ select service personnel who discreetly create better living conditions. These options are usually used by movie stars, singers, politicians who want relative privacy combined with comfort.
Large and luxury hotels are located in the center. Due to the number of nightclubs around, it can be very noisy. But if the tourist was looking for nightlife, this location will definitely play into his hands.
Unusual hotelsPatong
There is such a type of accommodation as a boutique resort. This means that the hotel is in close proximity to the beach line (10-15 meters). In addition to their own pool, such establishments are also famous for their separate access to it from the room. The cost of a hotel of this level starts from 4500 baht.
What else is Phuket famous for in the hotel business? Patong, whose hotels are located in a tropical garden, has become a real legend for tourists. On the territory, ranging in size from 10 to 12 acres of the most diverse vegetation, there is a luxurious multi-storey palace, in which only those tourists who are willing to pay at least 5,000 baht per night are allowed to live.
Most luxurious hotels
There are hotels in the north of Patong that offer views and access to another famous beach - Kalima. Even during the rainy season, the price of a room in a hotel with such facilities does not fall below 6,000 baht. This is very prestigious for those vacationers who value not only the comfort of their stay, but also the status of the chosen hotel.
Studio apartments are another new addition to Phuket visitors. Patong offers its guests villas or houses with such apartments for a price of 10,000 baht. The villa can have a private garden, swimming pool, balcony. A jacuzzi and a shower will be at the disposal of the client. And the transfer to various places of entertainment will certainly be included in the price.
SoThus, every traveler can find exactly what he was looking for in Phuket. Hotels and inns for every taste and income are a strong feature of a holiday in such a place.
