Patong is one of Thailand’s most bold, developed and lively areas and may not be the best spot to choose if you’re aiming for serene and tranquil. It attracts a large number of tourists every year and many are seeking the attraction of the exotic nightlife. That said, it is easy to see the attraction of the area, tropical palm-fringed sandy beaches combined with almost every western convenience you can dream of. Our Patong villas are located just a few minutes drive from this popular town.
Patong is one of Thailand’s most bold, developed and lively areas and may not be the best spot to choose if you’re aiming for serene and tranquil. It attracts a large number of tourists every year and many are seeking the attraction of the exotic nightlife. That said, it is easy to see the attraction of the area, tropical palm-fringed sandy beaches combined with almost every Western convenience you can dream of. Patong has progressed a long way from its routes as a fishing village. Patong is circa 36km from Phuket airport, so it has a short flight transfer. Our villas are located in the Patong hillside away from the hustle and bustle of the Patong beach area.
Visitors are drawn to all that Patong has to offer. This includes its cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful beaches, street markets, the sights and smells of its broad culinary delights as well as the buzz of its bars and nightlife. The south end of Patong beach is the quieter end and a better choice for families. There is ample opportunity to experience fine dining in Patong if you know where to look and you can also select an upscale bar on 'beach road' to enjoy a fine wine or cocktail and enjoy the spectacular sunsets. Tha bangla road area is quieter in the day, but is literally the epicentre of the wild nightlife in the evening and you should avoid if this is not what you're looking for. There are a wealth of other activities in the area. The beach plays home to jet-skiing, parasailing and wakeboarding. Patong is perfectly positioned for day trips to neighbouring islands and you can find some traditional culture by visiting a cooking school and learning to cook Thai or visiting the local temples.
Beaches
Patong Beach
There is 2km of beach that runs the entire length of Patong. The beach has beautiful sand and crystal clear water. It is very lively and popular, so expect to see lots of people and vendors selling anything from coconut-housed exotic drinks to hats! If you are struck by a sudden desire to paraglide or ride a banana boat this is the place to be!
Freedom Beach
This secluded beach can be reached by taking a short long tail boat ride from Patong beach. You can reach by road, the parking lot is at least 200 metres above the beach itself so it is difficult to access. The accessibility issues make the beach more exclusive and the beauty of this beach is that powered watersports like jet skiing are actively discouraged, so great if you're seeking somewhere quieter than Patong beach. Whilst here you can take in a game of beach soccer, go snorkelling or simply relax on the white sugary sand.
Tri Trang beach
This beach can be reached by tuk tuk and is around about ten minutes from Patong beach. It is beautiful and calm and quieter than lively Patong. It will really appeal to those looking for relaxation and to perhaps sip on a cocktail, but it's not always great for swimming.
One of the main Patong attractions is that there are so many things to do here. If you would like to immerse in local culture try visiting a local temple, learning to cook Thai or taking a tour to another island. If you are really here to let your hair down try one of the many watersports on offer or even go Zorbing.
Suwan Khiri Wong Temple
For those looking to escape the crowds and experience some local culture a visit to this beautiful temple is a must, monks also give talks at the temple. Remember to respect local customs re dress code. The temple marks the entrance to Patong.
Pum's Cooking School
Learn to cook traditional Thai food from scratch in this cookery school, book a longer class and it will include a visit to the local market to shop for ingredients. th.pumthaifoodchain.com
Watersports
If you want to grab a banana boat ride, go parasailing or try jet skiing there are plenty of options. There are also several dive operators.
Day Tours
Patong is well positioned to take a day tour to other islands. Some of the most popular including visits to James Bond Island, Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay.
Phuket Kart
Go Karting with a large range of karts and a good track.
Street Market
Beach road and some of the side streets along Patong beach come alive in the evening. There are lively vendors selling all sorts of souvenirs including silks, handbags and handicrafts.
XD Theatre
A 3D cinema with moveable seats too. Strap yourself in your seats to experience a thrilling film and ride. The experience is located in the JungCeylon shopping centre in Patong, a great option to escape from the sun for an hour.
Zorbing
One for the kids and the big kids. It involves rolling down from the top of a large hill, whilst in a large plastic ball with 40 litres of water. www.rollerball.co
Shopping
Jung Ceylon is located more or less in the centre of Patong and is probably the largest of the two shopping malls, the most well known and biggest stores inside are Robinson department store and Big-C Supermarket.
Banana Walk is Patong's newer shopping mall - you can eat, drink, shop and even indulge in hair and beauty treatments here. The mall features well known international brands such as Boots the chemist, Quiksilver and Paul Mitchell.
Spa's and Wellbeing
Patong has a huge choice of facilities and there is ample opportunity to try a massage on the beach. If you would like to try yoga, check out the classes at Anantra yoga in Patong. If you would like to visit a day spa try the Senses Resort or the Nakalay spa at Thavorn Beach Villa Resort, both in Patong beach. The Spa by Burasuri at the Burasuri resort also has good reviews on Trip Advisor.
There are an array of restaurants in Patong, with almost every type of cuisine you can think of on offer here. Patong has its fair share of fast food outlets, but there is also a selection of upscale restaurants and fine dining choices. Here's a selection of what's on offer:
La Gritta - Italian
Savour the sumptuous food in this Italian restaurant located inside the Amari Hotel in Patong. Gourmet pizzas and pastas and a gorgeous view from the beachside terrace.
Le Versace
Visit this restaurant for French fine dining from chef Alain Carre and fantastic views. Located near the Novotel between Patong and Kalim. This is a spectacle to behold, the restaurant features two golden lions with wings statues - which gives you a feel for the kitsch decor inside.
The 9th Floor
This restaurant is located on the 9th floor of an apartment building on the Rat-U-Thit road. The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows offering both sea and city views. The dishes are mostly Mediterrenean and there is an extensive wine list which the sommeliers will happily guide you through. Reservations recommended.
Baan Rim Pa
This open air restaurant serves traditional Thai food and has great views over Patong to the Bay of Kalim. A lovely setting to enjoy fine Thai dishes and sample from the extensive wine list.
Brush
Baluchi Restaurant
There is a wild side to the nightlife in Patong, whilst this is part of the attraction for many, other will prefer just a drink or to enjoy a sundowner in one of the upscale beach road bars. Here are some of the places you can choose:
Joe's Downstairs
An upscale restaurant and bar, the terrazzo terrace makes a great place to sip a cocktail and enjoy the sunset in a relaxed atmosphere. Beautiful views over Patong and Kalim bay.
Bangla Road area
The bangla road area is loud and lively and very busy. The nightlife here is wild and if that's not your sort of thing, don't go after sunset!
The Surface Restaurant & Bar:
This terrace is outdoors and you can sit outside and sip a cocktail surrounded by the sea, moon and stars.
Molly Malone'ss Irish Bar
This is a really popular and lively bar, open late and serving a full range of drinks and playing music
Coyote Margharita
This is a Mexican restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the beach, there are over 80 different Margharitas to choose from.
UK:
+44 (0) 208 144 0482
+44 778 785 4850
THAILAND:
+66 (0) 810 039 620
+66 (0) 810 039 620
rentals@ThailandRetreats.com
Thailand Retreats Ltd Trading as Thailand Retreats. Company No. 84649 4 Warwick House, St. Saviour, Jersey, Channel Islands
