Patong Beach

Overview

Patong is Phuket's largest, busiest, and most developed beach — a 3.5-kilometre crescent of coarse golden sand facing the Andaman Sea. It serves as the island's tourism epicentre, backed by a dense strip of hotels, shopping centres, and the famous Bangla Road nightlife area.

Highlights

• Water Sports: Jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, and sea kayaks are available directly from the beach.
• Jungceylon Shopping Centre: A large air-conditioned mall right behind the beach with cinemas, dining, and retail.
• People Watching: The promenade is lively from dawn (joggers) to late night (bar-hoppers).

History

Until the 1980s, Patong was a quiet fishing village accessible only by a winding mountain road. The opening of a wider road and the arrival of charter flights transformed it into Thailand's most visited beach by the 1990s.

Visitor Tips

• Peak season: November–April offers calm seas and sunshine. May–October brings monsoon swells (good for surfing).
• Sunbeds: Rental typically costs 200 THB per day.
• Duration: 2–4 hours including a swim and stroll.