The long stretch of beach that runs parallel to the beach road is busy most days, especially during weekends and high season. Patong Beach is actually best enjoyed at night when there aren't many people around and there are no sun loungers or parasols. During the day, the beach doesn't look especially appealing.



Swimming is possible at the beach in Patong. The water isn't the cleanest you'll find in Phuket, but there's nothing to stop you from taking a dip or from trying out one of the watersports on offer. Be aware that jet-ski operators in Patong have a bad rep for becoming aggressive with customers, especially after jet-skis have become damaged. If you refuse to pay a hefty fine or work out a deal, the police might conveniently show up.

During the day while walking around Patong, there are lots of places to go shopping. There are market stalls lining practically all of the streets, selling CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, flip flops, suits and more.

Nothing in the markets is priced, so the fee you will be quoted will be marked up considerably. Try your haggling skills out and if the price seems too much, walk away and wait for the seller to call you back ? works every time.

Jungceylon is a modern mall with everything you'd expect from such a convenience, including restaurants, a cinema and a bowling alley. There's also a courtyard area where an impressive water and light show plays every day.

For somewhere to eat in Patong, you only need walk out of your hotel to be bombarded with a hundred menus thrust in your face. There's Mexican food, Indian food, seafood, Thai food, and every other food you can imagine. Prices tend to be higher than elsewhere on the island. If you want to save a bit of money, there's nothing wrong with eating street food for 30 baht.

Patong is famous for its nightlife. Soi Bangla is the busiest area, with its range of beer bars and discos. Seduction is one of the most popular clubs and Hollywood is a newcomer in the Bangla scene.

Along Patong's beach road there are a few pubs and clubs worth checking out, including Rock City for rockers, Saxophone for jazz fiends, Club Lime for house heads and La Salsa for people who just want to dance the night away.

Some people spend their entire holiday without leaving Patong. While Patong may be a fun place, there is a lot more to Phuket than its most popular beach spot. Elsewhere on the island, there are better beaches, restaurants and scenery, but for a short stint, Patong might be just what you're after.