Patong is the most popular beach in Phuket in Thailand. It is here that the highest concentration of entertainment and people per square meter. Prices for food and housing can be found for every budget. However, according to reviews, Patong Beach is not the best place for swimming, it is better to choose the nearby Karon, which can be quickly reached by motorbike or tuk-tuk.
A bit of history
Patong Beach gained popularity back in the distant 80s of the last century and eventually turned into a real tourist Mecca. It is three kilometers of sand and a small town at the end. It is here that the most famous clubs, bars, hotels and shops are concentrated.
December 26, 2004 Patong, along with the entire western coast of Phuket, was destroyed by powerful tsunami waves and suffered much more than other areas. The element claimed the lives of vacationers and staff, destroyed almost all coastal establishments. To date, the beach has almost completely recovered and restored its former appearance. Numerous colorful photos and reviews of Patong Beach in Phuket speak of this.
Climate
The climate in Phuket is tropical and the year is divided into periods of wet and dry seasons, with temperatures fluctuating slightly, in winter up to+30 ºС, +34 ºС in summer, the night is only 3-4 degrees cooler. However, these are indicators of hydrometeorological centers, and they do not take into account many additional factors, for example, heated asph alt and roofs of houses, or, conversely, coolness after rain. Therefore, you should not strongly believe the forecasts, unanimously stating that it is more comfortable and cool in winter, in fact, because of the rains, the opposite is true.
Unlike other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, protected from all sides, Phuket is completely open to the elements, so it is characterized by heavy rains and high waves at sea.
The rainy season here lasts from May to November, precipitation falls every day, and quite strong and noisy. The peculiarity is that the downpour does not last long and begins suddenly. It can start five times a day and last only ten minutes, and it is almost impossible to predict the appearance of a new thundercloud.
In September, according to reviews, Patong Beach, as in October, is not the best place to relax. High waves, strong undercurrents add to the changeable weather, making swimming difficult, and for children and inexperienced swimmers making it dangerous. A more comfortable month for relaxing on Patong Beach is November. According to reviews, there is already quite a bit of rain, and if they do start, they are more likely to bring a pleasant coolness, rather than irritation.
Sea water
Patong is washed by the waves of the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean. The entrance to the water is gentle, and the bottom is covered with sand. There are special places for swimming, separated from the technical zones.
Water, according to reviews,on Patong Beach near the shore, it is unclear and not as turquoise as on advertising booklets. And due to the abundance of yachts, jet skis and boats, it loses its natural smell, acquiring a slightly specific one instead.
However, tourists are still happy to swim in the sea, the water is always warm, and if there are no strong currents that raise sand from the bottom, then it is clear. The beach is popular for water sports such as surfing and snorkelling. The amazing marine life is worth taking a closer look at and taking your time.
Hotels
Finding good and affordable accommodation in Patong is easy. A condo will cost from 3 to 65 euros for one day, and the price for a villa by the sea ranges from 170 to 400 euros. It all depends on the location, living conditions, infrastructure of the area and a personal agreement with the owner.
There are a lot of offers, in addition to hotels and villas, you can rent apartments and condominiums, bungalows, townhouses or rent housing in a cottage village, but the last option is expensive.
Whatever choice you make, it is important to consider that long-term rent is the most profitable. The longer the term, the lower the price. Sometimes landlords require a deposit to secure the property, which is returned at the end of the lease.
According to reviews of Patong Beach in Thailand, it is worth worrying about finding a suitable housing option in advance, already on the spot it will be possible to bargain and reduce the price. There are many who wish all year round.
Promenade
A shady area stretches behind the beach strip andpark for relaxation and leisurely walks. Right behind them is a motor road, crossing which you get to a long alley of restaurants, tour agencies, massage parlors, shops and money exchange points.
The legendary Bangla Road originates here, leaving the beach deep into the city. On both sides of it there are many bars, cafes and discos. Bangla Road can honestly be called the party heart of Phuket.
At sunset, this street is blocked from traffic, making it completely pedestrian. At the same time, most entertainment and drinking establishments open. Outwardly, it does not look very presentable, but the food is tasty and inexpensive, and strong drinks flow like water. According to reviews, Patong Beach in Phuket is an ideal place for those who love and do not get tired of having fun all night long.
Transportation
From the airport to the beach can be reached by minibus, but you will need local currency. In 2017, a ticket cost 180 baht (about 260 rubles), you can buy it at the counters in the airport building or on the street, but then you have to stand in a long line.
You can choose the bus, but then you have to make a transfer. From the airport, he will first deliver to the capital of the island - Phuket Town, where you will need to transfer to another bus that will take you to the beach for 30 baht. It turns out cheaper, but if there is a lot of luggage, it is better to choose the first method. This is evidenced by the numerous reviews of tourists about Patong Beach. From the neighboring beaches of Kata and Karon, you can easily get to Patong for 40 baht by bus. By the way, this transport runsonly until five in the evening, so there is a great chance of simply not being able to catch it. In general, the entire island has pretty good transport links.
If you have the funds, you can choose a taxi or a tuk-tuk, their price will be five times higher, but comfort and speed too. On the island it is possible to rent a bike or a car. True, you need to prepare for the fact that traffic during the day can be very busy, and Thais often ignore traffic rules.
Currency exchange
Exchangers can be found almost anywhere in Patong. They are small booths with an Exchange sign, they are hard to miss. The course fluctuates, so you can go through several, compare and choose the most profitable one. Dollars with a lower denomination are exchanged at a lower rate. There is no commission, after each exchange transaction a check is issued.
Experienced tourists advise the airport not to change a large amount at once, as there is always an overvalued exchange rate.
Attractions
- Loma Park.
- Buddhist temple Wat Suwan Kriri Wong. It is located at the very exit from Patong, so to get to it, you will have to walk a bit or use public transport. It is difficult to drive past the temple, as it is perfectly visible from the road.
- Masjid Nurul Islamiyah Mosque.
- Boxing stadium.
- Simon drag queen cabaret show
Shopping
You can buy souvenirs, clothes, suitcases and everything you need in a hugebeautiful shopping center Jungceylon, located in the heart of Patong. It is located near the central Bangla Road, so it will be very easy to find it.
The center itself includes not only retail outlets, but also two catering areas, one of them is on the ground floor, and the second is outdoors.
Entertainment
Most of the positive reviews about Patong Beach in Phuket are focused on its nightlife. It is considered the noisiest, most dynamic and vibrant in the whole country, there are real legends about it. There are all kinds of nightlife here: discos, bars and pubs, go-go shows, billiards, even prostitution, which, despite the ban in all of Thailand, is officially allowed here.
It is on this beach that Asia's largest transvestite cabaret show "Simon" operates: incredible costumes, music, impersonation skills, the most popular genre among Thais is parody.
Evening Patong is a shopping Mecca, dozens of merchants gather here to sell tourists everything their heart desires: cosmetics, traditional clothes, souvenirs. The price, by the way, is much lower than in the Jungceylon shopping center, besides, there is an opportunity to bargain.
What to bring?
The most popular, according to tourist reviews, on Patong Beach are Phutai and Home Decor souvenir shops, where you can find absolutely everything, from magnets to crocodile leather women's bags. It is better to buy jewelry in a specialized place, for example, in Wang Talang.
Useful Acquisitions:
- Cashew nuts are very cheap, sold roasted with honey, s alt and garlic, as well as chocolate and apple sauce.
- Latex orthopedic mattresses are able to adapt to the shape of human affairs and provide a restful, he althy sleep.
- Spa products: oils, creams, balms that have received many prestigious international awards.
- Korean cosmetics are sold only in one store of the Jin Sun Mi company, the prices are affordable, they contain vitamins, antioxidants, peptides and plant extracts.
- Brown herbal toothpaste - looks and tastes quite specific, but the benefits for teeth are great.
- Tiger balm for colds, severe coughs and muscle pain. Sold in four versions: red, white, warming and cooling.
- Snake vodka - a poisonous snake enclosed in a bottle of strong alcohol - a traditional Thai remedy.
Ten gift ideas
Reviews about Patong Beach are full of tips on buying souvenirs and trinkets. There are really a lot of them. Scented boats, carvings of geckos and turtles, small boats and tuk-tuks. Prices are affordable, the choice is huge. Everyone can find a gift to their liking. For those who are not sure what exactly to bring, there are some great tips. Among ten gift ideas, there is sure to be one that suits you:
- Jewelry. Phuket is not for nothing called the pearl of the Andaman Sea, becauseit is on its shores that the best pearls are mined. In addition, craftsmen use emeralds from Colombia, chrysolites, opals, topazes, diamonds from South Africa and garnets to make beautiful jewelry.
- Coconut oil nourishes and softens the skin, it is better to buy it in large shopping centers, in the department of edible oils.
- Batik. T-shirts, pareos, scarves, skirts and bags made in this technique combine bright colors and a unique Thai style. You can also purchase a solid canvas that can fit into any interior.
- Ceramic products that act simultaneously as a household item and interior decoration.
- Wooden utensils - ladles, mugs, pepper pots.
- Clothes. In Phuket, you can find real designer items at reasonable prices, almost all famous brands are available here: Ecco, Lacoste, Levis.
- Thai mask - not very expensive original product, usually depicting characters of myths or the Buddha. These products are cut and painted by hand. They cost around 10-20 dollars per joke and are used to protect the house from evil spirits.
- Bags. According to reviews, on Patong Beach you can find a bag made from anything: crocodile skin, papyrus wood, coconut fibers.
- Buddha figurines are made from a variety of materials - wood, stone. You can find any shape and size, the price varies from ten to one hundred dollars. Factory ones cost a minimum, but manual work is quite expensive.
- Souvenirs - magnets, key chains, carvings and much more. All this costs mere pennies, but the main thing is -attention.
This beach is not in vain considered the best in Thailand. But to be convinced of the positive reviews about Patong Beach, you need to visit it yourself, see everything with your own eyes, swim in the azure waters, lie down on the warm sand, walk along the streets crammed with shops and tuk-tuks.
