Banyan Tree hotels in Patong

The main tourist beach on the island of Phuket, Patong sits on the west coast of this island destination in southern Thailand. In 2004, Patong was struck by the tsunami, but today there is little evidence of this, and it is again the centre of the island’s nightlife and shopping. It is easy to get to Patong from anywhere else on the island, including the airport. There are airport express buses that go to the beach town, while regular buses link it to Phuket Town. It is also possible to take a songthaew (local bus) from anywhere else on the island. Alternatively, there are metered taxis, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis.

No visitor will run out of things to see and do in Patong, with its beaches, shopping malls, spas and parties.

Beach lovers don’t have to leave the beach for days as there are activities right on the beach. Visitors can go swimming, sunbathing or get a massage. For something more exciting, hire a jet ski, or go water-skiing or wakeboarding. There is good snorkelling at the far north end of the beach. KUDO Beach Club is one of the trendiest spots on the beach, offering a pool party every Friday and a colourful Caribbean Carnival every Sunday. Paradise Beach Club, in addition to offering plenty of activities, also hosts a monthly full moon and half-moon party.

Those that want to get off the beach should try these activities; ziplining over the tree tops of Phuket’s rainforest, go-karting along a race track, wakeboarding at an obstacle course and swimming under Kathu Waterfall.

There are so many eating and drinking options in Patong that it can be overwhelming. No matter what you crave, chances are you will find it in Patong. Taweewong Road, Rat-U-Thit Road and Bangla Road are where most of the action is, though it is possible to find a place to eat or drink on every street in Patong. There are also places to eat inside Jungceylon shopping mall and a food court that sells Thai fast food inside Banzaan Market. For upmarket dining, try one of the restaurants in the luxury hotels.

At night, Patong turns into a night bazaar, with the roads filled with stalls selling everything from handicrafts to beachwear. Malin Plaza Patong is another good place to shop for souvenirs, clothing and beachwear at night, as is the Paradise Night Market. Those who like to shop in an air-conditioned mall should head to Jungceylon Shopping Complex, which has over 200 shops, a large supermarket and even a shopping arcade dotted with vendors selling all sorts of goods.