Patong's 2 km strip of golden sand is one of the most popular beaches
in Phuket, it's a place to watch the world go by. By day, Patong
Beach is a hive of activity with parasail and jet-ski operators,
boat drivers, beach vendors and masseuses all vying for the attention
of the many visitors relaxing on the beach chairs.
During November to April (NE monsoon) the water is very flat and
calm.
Patong Beach:
What's Good
Large
beach and shallow water Lots
of activities and facilities Restaurants
on the beach Beach
snacks sold by vendors Exciting
nightlife and good shopping Toilet
facilities
What's not
Water
quality sometimes impaired Occasional
noise from jet-skis Crowded
in high season
May to October (SW monsoon) there can be some larger waves on some
days however Patong beach is safe to swim on most days, pay attention
to the red flags when they're out.
The northern part of Patong Beach, where the Novotel
Phuket Resort is located, hides a beautiful small sandy creek
where water is very shallow and clear during high season. Several
beach chairs are available.
The southern part, near the bridge leading to Amari
Coral Beach Resort is the mouth of a river where several fishing
boats anchor. The other side of the bridge leads to a small fisherman
village.
Tucked away at the quiet southern end of Patong Beach is Avantika Boutique Hotel, a small luxurious hotel where everything's just right. A few steps across the road and you're on the beach, most rooms have stunning sea views.
It's close enough to the restaurants, bars and clubs of Patong which are just a five minute walk away, but importantly it's also far enough away from the noise. Try out the spa with both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms for a pampering you'll remember.
Facilities on the beach
Everything you could possible need is available on Patong Beach,
except someone to rub suncream on your back.
Sunbeds are aplenty on Patong Beach, a set (2 sunbeds, a table
and an umbrella) costs THB 200 for one day (2007).
There are 3 sets of public toilets spaced out along the beach that
are reasonably clean, you usually have to pay 5 baht (US$0.15) to
use them.
SuperSaver US$ 88* / night (THB 2,888) -
Now til 15 Nov '08
Superior Room
A holiday away
Beach Eats
The sunbed vendors also sell a wide variety of food, drinks, snacks
and of course ice cream. Even better is that you don't have don't
have to leave your sunbed, you're every need will be taken care
of.
The whole length of the Beach Road is full of restaurants and cafes
(there's even a McDonalds) so lunch won't be a problem, nor any
other meal for that matter.
Patong beach is jet-ski and parasailing heaven, operators can be
found every few hundred meters.
Exercise caution and wear a lifejacket when participating in motorised
watersports - most jet-skis have "no insurance" stickers
on them, very re-assuring! Also popular is banana boat, waterskiing
and wakeboarding.
Hobie cats are available, as are kayaks and windsurfers.
The best place to surf at Patong
Beach is at the north end, where the waves can be quite good, fast
and open to the wind.
Details: Slight winds with waves up to a metre and a half
with a beach break. (Read more about
surfing)
Beach Activities
Some good snorkeling can
be found by the rocks at the north end of the beach, equipment can
be rented on the beach easily.
There are a couple of volleyball nets for those who enjoy beach
volleyball, everyone's welcome to play - it's a great way to meet
people. Games usually start around 4.30pm as it starts to get cooler.
What better location could there be for Thai massage other than
the beach, readily available and excellent value for money, the
masseuses are set up in the shaded areas. Other types of massage
and reflexology are also available.
Beach Vendors
Throughout the day beach vendors walk the beach selling all manner
of things, silks, clothing, henna tattoos, costume jewellery, fruit,
ice creams, nuts, ornaments and games to name a few. Sometimes you'll
see the oddest of items that will have you laughing out loud.
A polite 'no thank you' is all that's required to ensure they pass
you by however the ice cream sellers are usually most welcome. Should
you wish to look at something on offer you're not obliged to make
a purchase. When actually buying something you'll need good bartering
skills to get a good price, bartering should always be conducted
in a warm friendly manner with a smile on your face (the smile is
the most important part).
Large
beach and shallow water
To 
