Patong
Beach, Phuket, Thailand
 Patong
Beach (banana plantation) Phuket’s most famous beach and center of
the island’s night life has the largest concentration of visitors
on Phuket Island. Set in a deep, well protected bay that has long been
used to shelter ships from the northeast monsoons. It offers a beautiful
tropical beach ringed with lush green mountains.
The bay is a 4 km gently curving crescent of beautiful
white sand, suitable for every kind of water sport. It is the most
developed of all Phuket’s beaches, almost solidly lined with
hotels, bungalow complexes and a concentration of restaurants, shops
and night-spots appealing to all tastes. It is not recommended for
those in search of tranquillity, but definitely suitable for those
looking for a lively holiday.
 It
is a public beach, there are no closed or reserved areas. In practice
however, most of the beach has been staked out by private vendors who
will rent you a long chair and shade umbrella for 50 Baht per person.
Pay your money take your seat and let the show begin.
Venders selling everything including massage services,
food, beverages, fresh fruit, clothes, jewelry, electric power tools,
etc. will beat a path to your chair. One intrepid vender of note
has been sighted pushing a cart full of "folding step ladders"
down the place. To prevent that boring serenity that many seek from
a beautiful tropical setting, here you will be treated to the sight
and sound of numerous jet skis (500 Baht per hour), para-sailing
(500 Baht), and any number of other small water craft with large
motors.
 Those
seeking a less commercial and quiet atmosphere may want to head north
on the seaside road a short distance to the intersection with Phrabarami
Road (which means "road constructed through Royal influence")
the main road to Phuket Town. Here the seaside is strewn with large granite
boulders that deter all but the most determined venders and offers an
opportunity to comb for small seashells that often wash ashore here.
Just around the rock outcroppings to the north
is the much quieter Kalim Bay. On the south end, near the bridge
connecting to the Coral Island Resort are a group of long tail boats
for hire. A small stream empties in the bay here, unfortunately
the water is untreated wastewater.
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