Patong Beach ⛱️ in Phuket ✅

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Everything You Need to Know about Patong Beach

Patong beach is one of the most popular and one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, facing the Andaman Sea on the west coast of the island. The 3 km long sandy beach holds a large choice of hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops and various other tourist attractions that make it a favorite pick amongst visitors. Patong beach is well-known as a party town with a legendary nightlife. Patong nightlife is world famous and is quite a unique experience to live. It has countless bars, cabaret shows, massages, tailors and street food. There are also pubs, go-go bars, rooftop bars and world-class nightclubs that you will find in the heart of Patong, in the notorious Bangla Walking Street.

Shot of Patong beach with white sand and blue water — Patong Beach

Patong is the only beach town with cinemas, bowling, big shopping malls, arcades and shops that never seem to end. There are also souvenir shops and night markets with local and Thai products. Anyway, there is an extensive list of things to do in Patong! What makes it so attractive to many is often what other people dislike most about it.

Colorful letters with trees in the background — Patong beach Phuket

Two beach chairs and umbrella on the beach — Empty area

Patong is large, crowded, noisy and busy. It seems this popular seaside town never sleeps – you will love Patong or hate it! But what are the reasons why Patong is so famous? Patong is where the tourism boom in Phuket started certainly, and it’s easy to see why. Patong’s popularity is mainly due to 2 reasons: a beautiful and jaw-dropping beach and a wild and endless nightlife! While it’s not for everyone, Patong has some honesty about it. It doesn’t try to hide its shabby side. It’s all out there in the open, and you can party from dusk till dawn or avoid this side of Patong Beach altogether.

Umbrellas, ocean and blue sky in the background — Patong beach in Phuket

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most famous, busiest and most crowded beach in Phuket. So don’t expect to have this wide beach all to yourself. With its half-moon shape, the beach is a wide stretch of soft sand about 3 km long shaded by palm trees and tropical trees. On Patong beach there are some designed areas where you can rent umbrellas and loungers for 200 Baht. Otherwise, you can freely choose to stay in a secluded and shady place without anyone telling you anything.

People on the beach with blue sky — Crowded beach in Phuket

Red umbrellas, white sand and blue sky — Umbrella zone of Patong beach

Palm tree and ocean in the background — Palm tree by the beach

Sand, ocean and blue sky in the background — Beach view

Smoking on the beach is not allowed. Then go to the designated smoking area otherwise you will face a hefty fine. Violators face a year in jail, or fines not over 100,000 Baht or both! On sunny days, get a tan, practice water sports, gaze at the sea and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. In addition, it is possible to have body or foot massages on the beach at very affordable prices.

Smoking area with green trees and the sea in the background — Smoking area

The southern part of the beach, not far from Amari Phuket and Burasari Phuket, is very picturesque despite the water is less clear. There are many long tail boats that you can rent to reach the most beautiful beach in Phuket, Freedom Beach during the high season. This part of the beach is less crowded, perhaps because there are a lot of noisy jet skies.

White sand and boats and blue sea water — Thai long tail boats

Boats and colorful sky — Warm Phuket sunset

While the central part of Patong beach, just a few steps from the famous Bangla Road, is more attractive and busier. There are many bars, restaurants for dining but few parking spaces. So, it is very chaotic and it is easy to see why.

Green palm trees and blue sky in the background — Central area of the beach

Letters and green trees — Name of the beach

Palm tree and orange sky in the background — Golden sunset

The northern part of Patong beach, near the Four Points by Sheraton and the Novotel Phuket, is much nicer and less crowded. There are fewer people here, although there are some well-known international brand hotels. The beach is shaded by many coconut trees and there is plenty of local food. The water is also clearer and blue especially during the high season.

White sand and crystal blue water — White sand and crystal water

Roti pancake seller — Pancake street vendor

Palm trees, white sand and ocean with blue sky in the background — Quiet area of Patong beach

Best things to do in Patong Beach

The main reasons people come here are obviously: the beach and the legendary nightlife. From the early in the morning you can walk on the beach or do gym. You can rent a lounger and umbrella where you will spend the day. You can get a beach massage, try the parasailing or rent a jet ski. Swim in the calm, clear waters of Patong Bay, but always beware of jet skis. In addition, beyond the beach and the nightlife, Patong has a surprisingly myriad of things to do for everyone. There are restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, spas, night markets, temples, rooftop bars and beach clubs. There are also nightclubs, hotels, banks, shops and much more than you may think.

Colorful parasiling with blue sky in the background — Beach activity

Multi colored sailboat with blue sky in the background — Beach activity

Patong Beach Nightlife

There are plenty of things to do in Patong at night. In fact, it is the place to head to if you want to go partying and clubbing in Phuket. Patong nightlife is world-famous and legendary and is quite once-a-time experience. Patong Beach is the party capital of Phuket, here you can party all night long. But that doesn’t mean you have to party hard in Patong if it’s not for you.

Patong nightlife has changed a lot since in recent years. While before Patong was mainly beer bars and go-go bars, bars and some nightclubs. There are now some great international nightclubs and live music. There are even beach clubs and gorgeous rooftop bars. Of course, the popular Go-Go bars are still here. Most of the go-go bars, live music bars and nightclubs are mainly located on the famous Bangla Walking Street.

Blue letters and many people on the road — Bangla Walking Street

Bangla Walking Street in Patong Beach

Patong nightlife essentially takes place in the legendary Bangla Walking Street. Bangla Road or Soi Bangla, in the heart of Patong Beach, is about 400 meters long and closes to the traffic from 6 pm until 4 am. Then, it turns into a lively walking street where you can party from dusk till dawn.

Colorful sign with many people on the road — The legendary Bangla Road

Tourists from all over Phuket come here to party and have fun of course. Just walk up and down Bangla Walking Street at night, and you’ll instantly understand why it’s so famous. You will immediately notice that on both sides of the street there are many pubs, bars and nightclubs with lots of neon lights, and you will hear the music blasting. You will find lots of happy people, but also families and couples walking on Bangla Walking Street to witness the nighttime madness.

Colorful neon light and people on the road — Tourist and workers

People and colorful neon lights — Crowded Bangla Road

Bangla Road is also a popular venue to see sexy ladyboys or street performers doing their show between the crowds. There are also many girls showing up posters with the drink promotion to attract tourists, and it often works! The most popular go-go bars are located in a side of Bangla Road, in Soi Sea Dragon. At the end of Soi Sea Dragon there is the best go-go bar in Phuket, a Suzy Wong’s a Go Go. Suzy Wong’s is an icon of Bangla Road nightlife with the most beautiful girls well-known for their ass smacking fun.

Red neon and two grey statues — Suzy Wong’s a Go-Go

The other go-go bar is the popular Harem by Suzy Wong’s. Harem by Suzy Wong’s is the most luxurious go-go bar in the whole Phuket. But that doesn’t mean the prices are higher. They are sometimes the same or even cheaper than in some bars in Patong Beach. The best way to enjoy a wild night in Patong is to go from one bar to another.

Two girls and red wall in the background — Harem by Suzy Wong’s

Nowadays, there are even 7 nightclubs in Bangla Walking Street. But, I remind you that the party in the nightclub starts late, after midnight. Then, you will have time to enjoy at some bars or at the popular go-go bars in Bangla. To sum it all up, you will never be bored in Bangla Road as there is plenty to look at!

Blue and violet lights and people — White Room Nightclub

Yellow lights and and the white led wall — Illuzion nightclub

People and yellow lights — Sugar Nightclub

Where to do shopping in Patong Beach

Patong is a big town where there are not only resorts, hotels and restaurants. But there are also many shops and markets where you can do shopping at affordable prices. In addition, there are also 2 large shopping malls in Patong Beach with many international brand shops. The immense Jungceylon and Central Patong. Below, there are some of the most important places to do shopping.

Jungceylon Shopping Mall

Jungceylon Shopping Mall Phuket is the largest mall in the center of Patong Beach and one of the biggest mall in Phuket. Jungceylon is considered one of Phuket’s best malls with over 300 shops. Ranging from fashion and leisure brands to restaurant and lifestyle products. In addition, there is also a large and well-stocked 2-level supermarket Big-C.

Shot of a white building with a blue sign lights — Jungceylon Shopping Mall

On the third floor there is a 5 room SF Cinema City and adjoining a 16-lane bowling alley and karaoke room. In addition, there is an XD Theater here bringing you a 4D motion ride experience. A great entertainment on rainy days or to escape the hottest days. There are many restaurants to try. To mention few; Wine Connection, Starbucks Coffee, La Casa, Churrasco Steakhouse, Joe Louis Thai Restaurant, The Coffee Club, Seoul Barbecue and Shabu Shi.

Shot of a cyan water in the pool with a white sailing ship in the background — Sailing ship

Jungceylon is divided into 4 zones, Silang Boulevard, The Port, Sino Phuket and Phuket Square. It is conveniently located near the famous Bangla Road and Patong Beach. It’s a huge shopping mall, you can’t miss it! It has a large parking area for more than 2,000 cars and 100 buses. Opening Hours for Jungceylon Shopping Mall are daily from May to October 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. From November to April 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. The Big-C Supermarket opens between 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

City lights and big orange building — The supermarket Big-C

Central Patong

Central Patong is located in the heart of Patong Beach, on Rat U-Thit 200 Pee Road opposite the large Jungceylon shopping mall. Patong Central offer a large variety of outlets with many internationally renowned clothing brands on different floors. While the underground floor is exclusively used for selling food in a welcoming and modern ambience.

There are many restaurants and a well-designed Food Court serving a wide variety of food. There is also a specific burger restaurant called Prime Burger. The well-known Prime Burger was awarded Phuket’s best burger 2019. Nowadays, Prime Burger has opened 6 stores in Thailand. Congratulations! Central Patong, Open: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm.

Chairs and tables inside the restaurant — Prime Burger at Patong Central

People with their smiling face — Prime Burger staff

Banzaan Fresh Market

Banzaan Fresh Market obviously takes its name from the Soi Banzaan. Soi means road in Thai. It is the most popular market in Patong Beach located just in front of the Jungceylon shopping mall. Set in a massive building that contains a wide variety of fresh food at reasonable prices. On the first floor you will find rich displays of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers. There are also rich seafood and meat displays. The tropical fruit displays are truly beautiful to look at and also to photograph.

Many types of tropical fruits — Tropical fruits

Shells crabs and snails and crabs into the ice — Seafood

Red tomatoes green veggies and orange carrots — Fresh vegetables

Chicken legs inside the iron box — Chicken meat

While on the upper floor which houses a Food Court, seafood restaurants and a few clothing stalls. At around 6 pm, the parking lot adjacent to the market turns into a street food area. The night market is well-known by locals and tourists and is often very busy. It is the right place to buy food at affordable prices. You will find everything, it’s worth a visit! Open: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza Patong is located exactly on Prachanukhro Road in the southern end of Patong Beach. It is the most popular and crowded night market in town. The front is a large food area with many stalls selling local and international food, fresh fruit at affordable prices.

While in the center there are a myriad of shops selling clothes, souvenirs, bags and spa products. I always advise you to bargain the price if you buy more things! The market is often crowded especially in the evening! Open: 2:00 pm – 12:00 am.

OTOP Market

OTOP Patong Market is located exactly on the second road of Patong beach, just a few steps from HOOTERS and Hard Rock Café. OTOP Market is relatively small but it looks interesting and decently good. It comes to life in the evening in a well-lit and attractive walking street. Food stalls mainly cook Thai food at affordable prices. You can order and sit at any of the tables in front of it. In addition, you can also shop in the stores adjacent to the market for cheap prices. They sell everything! From bags to clothes, from souvenirs to phone accessories and much more.

In the back side you will find many bars with thatched roofs, decorated with lights and flags to make them attractive. They sell mostly beers, cocktails and whiskey. Obviously with disco and rock music to make the atmosphere festive. Why is it called OTOP? The unusual word ‘OTOP’ serves as an acronym for ‘One Tambon One Product’ (which means ‘One District One Product ‘). The market was originally designed in promoting locally made products sourced from sub-districts (Tambon) across Thailand.

Where to stay on Patong Beach

In Patong there is a wide choice of hotels to choose from. From the 5-star luxury hotels to the cheap guesthouses. I stayed in some hotels in Patong, so the hotel list below could evolve during the year.

Amari Phuket Resort

The luxury Amari Phuket resort is one of the best hotels in Patong Beach, probably the best! The resort is strategically located in a quiet area with sea view, but close to the notorious Patong nightlife. It is a 5-star beachfront resort with 380 rooms and suites. In addition, to having its own small beach, it also has 3 swimming pools, 2 well-known restaurants, a Club House and a professional spa. Read more…

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket is a new 4-star resort in Patong Beach elegantly designed to host a wide range for modern travelers. With its golden location, right in front of Patong Beach, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket is ideal for couples and families who want to get away from the busy life. The resort has 600 modern rooms and suites with 8 types to choose from. Some of these have direct access to one of the 3 pools, while the others offer views of The Dek Beach Club and Patong Beach. Read more…

Novotel Phuket

Novotel Phuket is located on the northern end of Patong Beach. Perched on a hill, this 4-star resort offers stunning views towards the entire Patong Bay. Not many hotels in Patong can afford. The hotel has 200 comfortable rooms with all the amenities you can expect from such an international brand hotel. Read more…

Skyview Phuket Patong Beach

Skyview Resort Phuket Patong is a modern hotel with many features for a great holiday if you are searching for reasonable mid-range accommodation in Phuket. The luxurious hotel is located at the foot of the hills overlooking Patong Beach. The hotel has 43 rooms with 7 types to choose from, including affordable poolside rooms. In addition, it has a great restaurant, a well-equipped gym and a trendy rooftop bar. Read more…

Burasari Phuket

Burasari Phuket is a superb boutique resort located within a short walking distance from the famous Patong Beach. While the notorious Bangla Road is just at 10 minutes by walking. Burasari Phuket is a 5-star luxury resort. It has an award-winning Burasari Spa for rejuvenating treatments and 2 swimming pools. In addition, the luxurious rooms are elegantly furnished and plenty of amenities. This is the reason why it is one of the best hotel in Patong Beach. Read more…

Patong Bay Hill

Patong Bay Hill is a resort perched in the green and peaceful hills in the south of Patong. The massive resort is divided into many blocks with a total of 380 rooms and suites. The spacious rooms are well-furnished with a lot of amenities. The direct pool access rooms are more attractive and mainly requested by guests, of course! The resort has a large lagoon pool with pool bar, a restaurant and a large outdoor car parking. The prices are really affordable despite being a 4-star hotel.