What to do in Patong Beach?
Contents
- What to do in Patong Beach?
- Patong Beach Video
- Patong Beach Live Webcam
- WHAT TO DO IN PATONG BEACH?
- The Beach of Patong
- Beach Massage
- Patong Surf House
- Nearby Beaches
- Freedom Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Tri Trang Beach
- Day Trips and Excursions from Patong
- WHERE TO STAY IN PATONG?
- Four Points by Sheraton
- View Patong Hotels on Map
- SHOPPING IN PATONG 🛍️
- Street Shopping
- Jungceylon Shopping Mall
- Banzaan Fresh Market
- Malin Plaza
- PATONG BEACH NIGHTLIFE 🍺
- Bangla Walking Street
- The Kee Sky Lounge
- Live Music Bars
- Go Go Bars
- Kudo Beach Club
- WHERE TO EAT IN PATONG?
- Street Food
- Best Thai Restaurants in Patong
- Hern Coffee and Bistro
- Best International Restaurants
- L’arome by the Sea
- HIDDEN PATONG BEACH
- Patong Sunset View Restaurant
- Wassa Homemade Bar
- PATONG BEACH INFORMATION
- Getting around Patong
- Exchanging Money
- Is Patong Beach safe?
- Fast Facts about Patong Beach
- Patong Beach Map
- Your Patong Beach Travel Guide
- More Patong Photos
- More Beaches in Phuket
- FAQs about Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the most popular beach resort town in Phuket, with a 3 km long beach and an immense choice of hotels, restaurants and shops, and legendary nightlife. What makes it so attractive to many is often what other people dislike most about it. Patong can be big, bold, crowded, bright and loud in normal years, yet millions of people can flock here like flies on honey every year. If Bangkok is the Big Mango, then Patong is the Big Durian: you’ll love Patong or hate it!
The initial success and popularity of Patong mostly rotate around two things: a fantastic beach and a legendary wild nightlife. The rest? Don’t blind yourself: shopping, dining, and foot massage are just the cherry on the cake. Anyway, there is a long list of things to do at night in Patong!
Just walk up and down Bangla Walking Street at night, and you will instantly understand why it is so popular. Everyone is there: guys, girls, couples and even families with kids. And why not? Patong has rooftop bars, beach clubs and world-class nightclubs. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime party experience (once a year for some). For others, it’s mostly a curiosity to tick off their Phuket must-do list and something to talk about once back home. Just look at the crowd staring at sexy and feminine ladyboys dancing on a street stage in a very tiny outfits, and you’ll get the picture. And don’t forget to close your mouth.
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WHAT TO DO IN PATONG BEACH?
The main reason people come here is obviously: the beach! If you decide to spend the day on the beach, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, get a beach massage, try parasailing, or get yourself killed by renting a jet ski (we warned you). Beyond the beach and the nightlife, Patong has a surprisingly wide array of things to do for everyone. There are rooftop bars, night markets, ziplines, cable skiing, cinemas, bowling and huge shopping malls that are much more fun than you may think.
The Beach of Patong
The beach is 3 kilometres long and often crowded in the middle part during the high season. Forget parking your car anywhere; even parking your motorbike can be a problem.
The northern part of the beach, not far from Novotel Phuket, Four Points by Sheraton and Graceland Resort, is more beautiful and less busy. There are fewer people in this part of Patong, more parking, and plenty of local food and fruit vendors to enjoy. Water is also clearer and bluer during the high season, and plenty of palm trees offer shade.
The water at the southern end is not always as transparent as in the north. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs available on 10% of the beach on this part of the beach (probably more now!). A long floating pontoon allows tourists to board those longtail boats to take them to the beautiful and secluded Freedom Beach during the high season.
Beach Massage
Beach massages have always been popular because they are affordable, very casual, and the perfect way to relax and make the best of your day on the beach. There are a few types of massages available: foot and leg massages, shoulder massages, Thai massage, which involves strong pressure on muscles or pain points; the oil massage, which is a great way to relax and even the aloe vera massage; which is a great way to help that sunburn you probably got on your first day on the beach! The massages are done on a mattress under the shade of a tent and usually cost around 300 to 400 baht.
Patong Surf House
Surfing is popular in Phuket during the rainy season, but you can surf anytime at Surf House Phuket Patong, a fun activity that is more like a soft version of wakeboarding. Thankfully it is also a lot easier than real surfing or wake-board, with a prime location near Bangla Road and the beach nearby.
Nearby Beaches
Freedom Beach
Freedom beach is one of the most beautiful public beaches in Phuket, and despite being just next to Patong, it has remained relatively untouched because it’s not easy to access.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a popular tourist destination known for its clear waters and small white sandy beaches. It is 5 km south of Patong and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Beachside bars and restaurants serve food and drinks and the place is known for its Full Moon Parties.
Tri Trang Beach
Tri Trang is a beautiful beach situated just a couple of kilometres south of Patong, known to be surprisingly quiet and one of the few beaches in Phuket where you can swim safely in the low season. You will find a few modest restaurants with superb views on the roadside, plus a couple of hotels to stay at, including the luxury Rosewood Resort.
Day Trips and Excursions from Patong
There are dozens of day trips, cruises and excursions available around Phuket Island and beyond, and all can be booked in the street, at your hotel or even online. What’s great is that all tours include pick up at your hotel and transfer to the pier when your boat departs from. It is easygoing and stress-free!
There is a lot more to do in Patong Beach, click on the button below to see the full list!
WHERE TO STAY IN PATONG?
There are hundreds of hotels in Patong, and you will find yours with no problem. We tried some because they are close to everything, close to the beach or stand out from the rest. Below are some favourites, but there are many more. Read more
Four Points by Sheraton 
The Four Points by Sheraton Phuket is a great spot for travellers looking for a quiet location but at walking distance to all the fun of Patong. It’s right across the street from the beach, and it’s a short walk to the famous Bangla Walking Street – the heart of Patong’s nightlife. Plus, the hotel is bright, modern, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Phuket. Read more
Distance to the beach: across the street
Beach condition: excellent
Range: 5-star resort
Swimming pools: 3
Restaurants and bars: 5
Facilities: Fitness, spa, kids club
Distance to Bangla: 1.2 km
Other popular hotels in Patong
View Patong Hotels on Map
SHOPPING IN PATONG 🛍️
You could say, “there is something for everyone in Patong Beach, ” but it’s very tourist-oriented. As you walk the streets, expect to see souvenir shops, Thai massage-foot massage-soapy massage, suitcases shops, art galleries, and many tailors.
Night markets have become incredibly popular in Patong, and there are no less than four to explore, Otop Market, Malin Plaza being the most popular. There are also two shopping malls here to enjoy. Jungceylon and Central Patong offer a more sophisticated shopping experience and an excellent way to escape the heat with plenty of restaurants, shopping and activities. If you want to know more, read about the Jungceylon Shopping Center, but don’t miss the Banzaan Fresh Market just behind it, it is a chance to see real fresh local fruits, spices and products!
Street Shopping
Street shopping is fun and convenient, mostly because it is entertaining as you walk around. Usually, people are not here to shop, but something grabs their attention as they walk. It can be something they need but didn’t think about, but it’s usually just for the fun of buying. The demanded price always starts higher than expected, so bargaining is necessary. That starting price changes with seasonalities, central location (near Bangla), and crowd density: you should bargain harder during the high season, especially if the town is busy. With Covid, people are desperate to sell, so it better not negotiate much.
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
Jungceylon is a massive shopping and dining complex that occupies a strategic location in Patong near the famous Bangla Walking Street. Here you will find a department store, a huge supermarket, a cinema, and many restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. Travellers often spend time here before the party, when it rains or even when it’s too hot.
Banzaan Fresh Market
Banzaan started as a fresh market on the lower, a bazaar selling cheap clothing on the second floor, and a modest food court. Its popularity grew when it opened the night market where visitors can buy mostly seafood and have it cooked on the spot. It is just a little cheaper than in a restaurant, but it’s more fun, typical of south-east Asia.
Malin Plaza
Malin Plaza is a popular and successful night market in Patong. It is an excellent place to spend some time after the beach eating, drinking, and buying inexpensive souvenirs and clothing.
PATONG BEACH NIGHTLIFE 🍺
Patong nightlife had changed a lot since the old days when Patong was mostly beer bars, go-go bars and a couple of discotheques. There are now great live music bars, enormous international nightclubs, beach clubs and even rooftop bars. Of course, Go-Go Bars are still here.
Bangla Walking Street
Patong nightlife rotates around Bangla Walking Street all the way to Rat-U-Thit Road (the second road parallel to the beach). Every evening from 6 pm, this road closes to the traffic and turns into a bustling walking street. Many entertainment battles to grab your attention, senses, and money on each side!
The Kee Sky Lounge
There are more and more rooftop bars in Patong, and while they can never compete with rooftop bars in Bangkok, they are a great way to enjoy a sunset from a high point. So far, we have found four rooftop bars in Patong and The Kee Sky Lounge is one of the most popular ones, located just next to Bangla Walking Street.
Live Music Bars
Live bands are very popular in Phuket, and Patong features a few excellent bars with a stage equipped with good lighting and sound systems. The quality varies with the day and the hour, but the bands in Bangla road are generally pretty good, and it only costs you one drink to enjoy any of them.
Go Go Bars
Whether it’s with bright light, loud music, ladies wanting you to have a seat at one of the many open beer bars, or even touts inviting you to look at the naughty shows (you should never follow touts, by the way!)
Kudo Beach Club
KUDO Beach Club is a popular venue with a unique location on the beach of Patong with a pool right by the beach for pool parties. Guests can also enjoy of drinks at the pool bat, a restaurant and even a hotel above the party area.
We have a lot more information about parties in Patong, click on the link below to see the full list!
WHERE TO EAT IN PATONG?
Restaurants are everywhere in Patong, serving anything from Japanese to Russian, but real Thai food is difficult to find. You’ll get some Thai restaurants serving decent Thai food, but you would hardly see a Thai person eating there, which should give you a clue. For instance, in Soi Post Office, roughly around the middle of the beach, is Sabai Sabai, a Thai restaurant popular among tourists. You will find little places to eat around these small streets, but the taste of the Thai food served is often adjusted and toned down to fit tourists’ palates.
Street Food
Like everywhere in Thailand, street food is omnipresent in Patong, from noodle soup to fried chicken, fish, and rice. It’s cleaner than most newcomers think, very cheap and surprisingly good. You will often see carts along the beach with a little smoking barbecue attached to them. The fruit vendors and banana pancakes are the most popular!
Best Thai Restaurants in Patong
Hern Coffee and Bistro
Hern Coffee and Bistro is an attractive and well-designed Thai restaurant on the beachfront of Patong. The restaurant serves great breakfast, brunch and a beautifully prepared dinner. The location in front of the well-known Baan Lamai Beach Resort is very convenient, making it a great place to enjoy a dinner with a good atmosphere within walking distance from Bangla Walking Street. Read more
More Thai restaurants in Patong
Best International Restaurants
L’arome by the Sea
L’Arôme by the Sea is a contemporary French restaurant serving modern cuisine over Kalim Beach, with amazing views of the Andaman Sea. Chef Yannick Hollenstein shares his passion with sophisticated dishes and surprising compositions in a perfectly balanced menu. Read more
More international restaurants in Patong
Read our list of restaurants in Patong, and click on the link below to see the full list!
HIDDEN PATONG BEACH
Patong is a busy beach, especially during the high season (December to April) and most of the places will go from busy to crowded. If you know where to go you can find peace or hidden gems most people don’t know about.
Patong Sunset View Restaurant
The Patong Sunset View Restaurant is an excellent place to cap off a day with a delicious meal or just a drink while taking in one of Phuket’s stunning sunsets. Although the restaurant is on the small side, the spacious terrace can accommodate a good number of guests, and the prices are very reasonable. From the terrace, you can take in the breathtaking view of Patong bay and the sun gradually set over the ocean.
Wassa Homemade Bar
Wassa Bar is a small, unassuming spot situated atop a hill at the back of Patong Beach, offering a panoramic view of the area. Visitors can catch a breathtaking sunset at the site, which consists of a few wooden huts with terraces and thatched roofs surrounded by lush greenery. After a hot day in Phuket, this popular lookout point is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink, snack, or Thai cuisine.
PATONG BEACH INFORMATION
Getting around Patong
Getting around Patong and beyond is very easy and stress-free. Tuk Tuks are the most obvious way to go anywhere and can be fun, but the price varies depending on each driver, so always agree on the price before stepping in. Motorbike taxis are cheap, fast and a casual way to cover short distances.
Exchanging Money
While you can easily exchange money in your hotel, exchanging money in street booths always offer a better value. Some are official banks and some are unbranded booths, but they are always safe to use. Just double-check the amount before leaving but we haven’t heard any complaints. ATMs are also everywhere, convenient and safe to use.
Is Patong Beach safe?
Patong Beach is very safe, considering the massive number of tourists visiting it yearly. Of course, just like in any city, there are a few incidents and occasional tourist scams, but if you use your common sense, you will never feel threatened or worried, even very late at night. Patong beach is very much alive until 4 am, and finding a tuk-tuk to return to your hotel is always easy, and it’s a lot safer than driving your motorbike if you have a few drinks!
Fast Facts about Patong Beach
| ⛱️ Beach condition: | Good |
| ⛱️ Other beach nearby: | Freedom Beach |
| 📷 Thing to do: | Bangla Walking Street |
| 🍴 Best restaurant nearby: | L'Arome by the Sea |
| 🍹 Best Sunset Bar: | Wassa Homemade Bar |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Rosewood Phuket |
| 🧳 Best mid range hotel: | Baan Laimai |
| 🛌 Best budget hotel: | The Bloc Hotel |
| 🚙 Distance to Kata Beach: | 10 km |
| 🚙 Distance to Phuket Town: | 14 km |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 37 km |
Patong Beach Map
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