How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Patong Beach, Thailand
Find the ride you need in Thailand
Besides an incredible beach, Patong Beach, Thailand, is known for its lively atmosphere. Read on to find out all the things to do in the area.
Welcome to Patong Beach, Thailand, where natural beauty and modern attractions blend seamlessly.
What was once a sleepy fishing village has transformed into a bustling tourist hub. While its charm still remains, you now have an excellent range of entertainment, dining, shopping and accommodation options.
Are you ready to learn more about the enchanting mix of stunning beaches, cultural hotspots and the renowned nightlife scene?
Of course, you are! Let’s do this!
Where is Patong Beach?
Patong Beach is on the island of Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, in southwestern Thailand.
It’s one of the most famous and popular beaches in Phuket, on the west coast, approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) away from Phuket Town, the province’s capital.
Fun fact: Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Is Patong Beach Nice?
That’s a definite yes.
Patong Beach boasts a stunning coastline stretching for 3km (1.9 miles) with soft, golden sand. Backed by coconut and palm trees, the water is typically calm and suitable for swimming and other water activities.
From the north to the south of the beach, the dynamics vary.
Head to the southern end if you wish to be amongst the action. You will find bars, clubs and restaurants at the edge of the sand.
Prefer to get away from the action? Head to the north end, near the Novotel Phuket, for a more laid-back atmosphere. You’ll also find the most transparent aquamarine water there.
Facilities
While beautiful, this beach is by no means remote. You can pretty much find anything you need to make your vacation extra.
You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs to make long days at the beach more comfortable.
And scattered along the shorefront, you’ll find public toilets for beachgoers.
Pro tip: It can be challenging to find parking at the beach—for a car or motorbike—due to its popularity and limited space. You may have more luck at the north end of the beach. Otherwise, walking or taking a tuk-tuk (a motorized open-air three-wheeled vehicle) is best.
Restaurants and Bars
You won’t need to scan the beach very long before noticing the abundance of roadside stalls, wandering vendors, restaurants and bars along Patong Beach.
You’ll find everything from Thai, seafood, and international dishes to fusion delights. And many of these spots provide a scenic view of the beach.
Try KUDO Beachclub & Italian Restaurant, Chez Bernard or the Patong Beachfront Food Court.
Watersports
Looking for something to do in Patong Beach, Thailand? Then enjoy a few laughs and screams while jet skiing, parasailing or wakeboarding.
You can even get the family together on a banana boat ride.
Most vendors are at the southern to middle end of the beach. You won’t have an issue finding access to watersports.
Pro tip: Due to all the watersport action, head to the north end of the beach if you wish to snorkel. There are places along the beachfront where you can hire equipment.
Things to do in and Around Patong Beach
Experience the Patong Beach Thailand Nightlife
A visit to Patong isn’t complete without experiencing the vibrant nighttime atmosphere of Bangla Road.
This lively street offers a captivating blend of street artists, ladyboy shows, breathtaking rooftop bars and pulsating nightclubs. There is something for everyone.
Enjoy Delicious Thai Food at the Night Markets
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Thai cuisine, and the night markets are the best for trying it all. It’s incredibly tasty food at meager prices. What’s not to love?
And when you are done trying all the noodles, curries and maybe even a water beetle or two, you can shop for locally made handicrafts, trendy t-shirts, tech accessories, stylish handbags, and other unique souvenirs.
Below are some of the market locations:
- Jungceylon Shopping Mall
- Banana Walk Shopping Mall
- Banzaan Market
- Malin Plaza Patong Night Market
- OTOP Night Market
Visit the Neighboring Beaches
For all the beach enthusiasts out there, you’re in for a treat. There is an abundance of stunning beaches you are sure to love.
• Freedom Beach – Though it may be slightly more challenging to access, the effort is well worth it. This secluded gem, nestled amidst a lush jungle, resembles a picture-perfect postcard. It doesn’t get much better than this.
• Kalim Beach – Located just north of Patong Beach, this popular surf beach is a favorite among wave riders.
• Paradise Beach – Despite its small size, it is breathtaking. It offers protection from strong waves, making it ideal for snorkeling around beautiful coral reefs. Just note that there is a USD 7 entry fee as it is privately owned by Paradise Beach Club.
• Tri Trang Beach / Emerald Beach – South of Patong, this beach has minimal shade and a few rocky areas. Visitors can engage in thrilling activities such as jet skiing or parasailing. Beach massages are also available.
See a Simone Cabaret Show
Looking for something to do in the evening?
Book tickets to The Simon Cabaret show—a fun way to keep the holiday vibe going.
Ranked among the best shows in Phuket, the 70-minute performance runs nightly. It’s a full-on cabaret performed by glamorous transgender people featuring all sorts of singing, dancing, and comedy acts.
Enjoy a Massage on the Beach
Don’t just unwind on the beach; take it up a notch. You’re on vacation.
Choose from a variety of affordable beach massages, such as Thai (prepare to be folded like a pretzel), foot, shoulder or hand massage.
These blissful sessions take place in shaded areas on comfortable mattresses, typically costing around 300 to 400 baht ($8 to $12).
Treat yourself to the perfect beach experience while basking in the coastal serenity.
Learn to Surf at Surf Day Phuket
If you want to learn to surf but are a bit nervous about taking on the ocean waves, here is a solution.
Head to Surf Day Phuket, a popular surf center that offers a safe and controlled environment for learning. You will master the fundamentals of surfing on a flow rider, ensuring a thrilling experience without the unpredictability of the open sea.
Head to Flying Hanuman
For all those adrenaline junkies, head to Flying Hanuman for a unique viewpoint of Phuket’s rainforest. You’ll get to navigate through multiple zipline courses and traverse sky bridges amidst the jungle terrain.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure with this eco-friendly company!
Take a Hike to Kathu Waterfall
If you enjoy chilling amongst nature, head to Kathu Waterfall. As you hike to the top through lush vegetation, you’ll see a series of cascades and pools.
During the rainy season, the water is at its fullest. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid visiting while it’s raining heavily.
The drive from Patong to Kathu Waterfall will take you 22 minutes.
If you’re into hiking, there are some other incredible hikes in Phuket to check out.
Pro tip: Since you’re in the area, head to Kathu Shrine, which holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the area.
Experience Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
With crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, there are excellent opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter tropical fish species.
There are multiple dive companies in the area to assist you with learning to scuba dive or practicing your skills if you are experienced.
You can choose between day tours to other islands like Racha Noi and Racha Yai. And there are even longer live-aboard boat trips that last a few days.
Pro tip: If you prefer to snorkel, you can either hire equipment from a vendor on the beach or book a day trip to the neighboring islands.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Learn to cook Thai cuisine and bring the skills home to show off to your friends.
Numerous cooking schools have classes from 90 minutes to over six hours. You’ll learn dishes such as tom yam kung (hot and sour shrimp soup) and mango sticky rice.
Visit Loma Park
At the northern end of Patong Beach is Loma Park.
Throughout the year, the park hosts live music performances, cultural festivals and sports tournaments, so be on the lookout for what’s on during your time there.
When there isn’t an event, it’s an excellent place for families with young children to enjoy the small playground nearby.
Weather in Patong Beach, Thailand
So now the question is, when should you plan your trip?
Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October).
The good news is that year-round temperatures range from 25-34°C (77-93°F).
If you are heading there during the dry season, you can expect warm, sunny days with little rainfall. It is the most popular time to visit, as the seas are calm, making it perfect for swimming and beach activities.
If your work schedule prevents you from visiting during the dry season, don’t stress. Even though the rainy season can bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, these are often short-lived.
Packing List Essentials for Patong Beach
The best thing about packing for a beach holiday is that you don’t need to worry about fleece jackets and beanies.
Instead, bring a few pairs of swimmers, lightweight clothing, a sun-protective hat and sunscreen. No one gets dressed up in Thailand, so forget high heels.
Below are a few key items that will also come in handy:
- International adapter: This is an easy item to forget, but it is also crucial to ensure you can charge your phone and camera.
- Walking shoes: Most of the time, you’ll live in flip-flops, but it’s always a good idea to pack a pair of sturdy walking shoes for visiting places like the Kathu Waterfall.
- Snorkeling gear: If you own a pair of flippers and a mask, why not pack them? That way, you have the flexibility to explore the underwater world at any time.
- Lightweight day pack: This will be a lifesaver if you plan any day trips from Patong.
How to get to Patong Beach
Ready to book it? We don’t blame you.
If you plan to fly (domestic or international), look for flights to Phuket International Airport (HKT). From Bangkok to Phuket, the flight is one hour and 20 minutes. From Koh Samui to Phuket, it will take only one hour with Bangkok Airways.
Once you arrive at the airport, jump in a taxi to Patong—it’ll take one hour.
Otherwise, if you enjoy traveling slowly, why not travel by bus or ferry?
A ferry from Krabi to Phuket will take two hours and 15 minutes. This will drop you to Rassada Pier. From there, it is approximately 40 minutes by car to Patong Beach.
One Final Thought on Patong Beach
Patong Beach, Thailand, is full of action. It may not be the most sensible choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway, but families with young children and groups of friends are bound to enjoy endless daytime and nighttime activities.
Not sure where to go after Phuket? Check out our 2-week itinerary. Besides adding Phuket to your trip, check out Bookaway’s other routes in Thailand.
FAQ
It’s best to arrive at Phuket International Airport.
Patong Beach is in the town of Patong in Phuket. You will find everything from accommodation to restaurants and bars, as well as an abundance of shops and massage parlors.
Given the number of tourists that come to Patong Beach, the area is considered very safe. Of course, there are the occasional tourist scams, but you should never have to worry if you use common sense.
Absolutely. The water is very clear, particularly at the northern end. There are lifeguards on duty, and when the flags are up, it’s advised to swim within them for your safety.
