Beach Road and the immediate surrounding areas were hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami, however the only signs now remaining are the "tsunami" titles on sale at the VCD/DVD vendors.
Phuket Island in general and Patong Beach in particular are visited about once per year by ships of the United States Navy. The sailors are generally well behaved and are policed by their own Shore Patrol. As Phuket is not considered big enough, very large navy ships usually visit [wiki=0fd360636058b928fc4d4e875290241c]Pattaya[/wiki] instead.
Patong's three main axes are the aptly named Beach Road (Thanon Thawiwong) and Thanon Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi (the last bit means "200 years" and is pronounced song roi bee) running parallel a few hundred metres inland, bisected at the midpoint by the world famous Soi Bangla. These roads are one way streets- the beach road runs to the right of the beach as you face it, and Rat U Tit Road runs in the other direction. Transport into the beach comes from Phuket Town/Airport etc, along this road.
Running parallel to the Beach Road and Rat-U-Thit about half a kilometre inland is Nanai Rd which is the residential expatriate area and has many cheaper guest houses and hotels. The restaurants on this road tend to be cheaper as well as beers which can be had for 50 baht a bottle generally.
Between Nanai Rd and Rat-U-Thit is the new bypass road which is almost open, suitable for motorbikes at present and braver car owners. This road runs behind the huge Jungceylon shopping centre and past the local fresh fish and vegetable market 'Baanzan', well worth a visit if you are self catering.
The best time for visiting Patong beach may be during the winter, from November until March. The weather is cool and comfortable. The average temperature is around 24°C to 32°C. On the other hand, the hottest time is from April to May and the average temperature is around 27°C to 36°C. The weather is hot with heavy rain.
Phuket International Airport is 35km to the north of Patong. "Limousine" taxis from the airport to Patong are a steep 800 baht (45min); meter-taxis 700+ baht (from the meter-taxi stand at the airport: ignore the touts and turn right as you exit the terminal); shared minibuses limit the damage to 180 baht (and on the way the driver stops to "get information about your destination" at a shop, where you will be sold tickets for activities. It's a scam. Don't buy.) All the drivers at the airport seem to be working in collusion making negotiating a cheaper price impossible. An even cheaper (however, also more time consuming) option is to take the comfortable air conditioned airport shuttle bus to [wiki=3018b9d4eb3f83ba411aae7dacb9750d]Phuket Town[/wiki] (85 baht, 1h), and switch there to a local bus to Patong (see "[wiki=c4eaadc81ff5542ebb2c3f9936e0e848]#By bus[/wiki]" section, below). Alternatively, if you know the right road, you can get off the bus after you pass the Big C shopping centre on the right (the airport bus goes to the left there, and the road to Kathu and then Patong is to the right from the same intersection), and try to catch a local bus to Patong there, which also passes that intersection. Local buses to Patong are clearly marked in English and in Thai.
Recently Airport bus to Patong town has also started service with fare of 130 Bhats. Bus leave from Airport Bus Terminal every hour.
Regular buses connect to [wiki=3018b9d4eb3f83ba411aae7dacb9750d]Phuket Town[/wiki] (30 baht, 30-45 minutes) every 30 minutes or so between 07:00 and 18:00. The route starts from the southern end of the beach, after which the bus crawls through town (via Bangla Road), stopping to pick up passengers, before finally heading off across the hills, and going via Kathu, then passing near Big C before entering the Phuket Town.
In Phuket Town, those songteows (2/3 bench pickup trucks) are usually waiting for passengers near the local market (1.5km west of the Phuket bus station). (see Phuket Town for how to get around the bus stations and find the local transport)
As of 2013, these songteows now start from the bus station (number one), and then go to the market to collect a full load before proceeding. Will cost an extra B10. There is also a bus, which travels the same route.
If you're coming by public bus from other areas in Thailand (like [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki] or [wiki=75d32d219c5589eb557db3ac58ea8407]Surat Thani[/wiki]), you will end up at the new number two bus station. It could cost a fortune to get to the beaches from here, so look at Phuket Town for how to do it cheaper via the old number one bus station.
If you walk out of the bus station and try to get the pink bus you can go to Phuket Town for around THB10 - see [wiki=8ccf1b3546812e76bda92644f0b35b48]Phuket_Town[/wiki] for more details and information.
A new [url=http://phuketairportbusexpress.com/en]Phuket Airport Express[/url] shuttle bus has been inaugurated which links Phuket International Airport with [wiki=082cb4d75a024e47a730bfdd9a95e40d]Patong Beach[/wiki] without the need to change in [wiki=3018b9d4eb3f83ba411aae7dacb9750d]Phuket Town[/wiki]. A single ticket which you buy onboard costs 120 Baht and the service runs every 45 minutes commencing at 08:15 daily. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The last bus leaves at 20:45 arriving in Patong at 22:40.
The return journey from Patong to the airport commences at 08:00 with the last bus leaving at 19:00.
The route runs via Muangmai, Thalang, Lotus Thalang, Monument, Boat Lagoon, Lotus Bypass and Kathu to [wiki=082cb4d75a024e47a730bfdd9a95e40d]Patong Beach[/wiki] and terminates at Banzaan Market which is located at the rear of the [url=http://www.jungceylon.com/index_en.aspx]Jungceylon Shopping Mall[/url]
The additional journey time compared with a taxi to Patong which takes about 40 minutes may be of interest to travellers arriving on early morning flights who are unable to check-in to hotels until early afternoon and want something to do to while away the time.
There are also plans to extend the destinations to both Kata and Karon at a later date subject to sufficient interest in the service.
Phuket Connect Transfers [url=http://www.phuketconnecttransfers.com]]( info@phuketconnecttransfers.com ) By Local Diver. Transfers by private car and van from any place in patong beach to any place around phuket. Available 24/7. You can arrange in advance and tell them to prepare a baby seat for kid free.
Phuket Travel Box Transfers [http://www.phukettravelbox.com[/url] ( phuket@phukettravelbox.com ) By Local English Speaking driver. Price is very cheap starts only at 700 THB. They have more than 7 minivan Toyota Commuter and 10 cars. Price is compatative and baby seat is free.
Limousine usually refers to a larger sedan or saloon car, such as a Toyota Camry, with leather seats. They cost around 600-700 baht to go to Kata Beach. Considering the drive is about an hour long, this is one of the best options to get to Kata Beach.
Set designs are outstanding, costumes extravagant and the performers glamorous! Luxurious and intimate theatre with hi-tech sound and lighting equipment. International show featuring modern and traditional acts from around the globe in English and other languages.
High-end services are Thai-style with 24 beds for Thai massage, 16 private rooms for oil massage and foot massage. Free pick-up in the Patong area.
Best snorkeling and diving from the beach in Phuket. Great Beach, very relaxing.
* Liveaboard at Phuket and Similans. PADI Scuba and IDC Courses. Scuba & Snorkelling for the whole family.
* Snorkeling and scuba diving, gear rental, Speedboat tours, and information.
* Day trips to Ko Racha Yai for either scuba diving or snorkelling. A full day trip can provide amazing scenery both above and below the surface. Trips are available daily, all year round.
* Scuba diving holidays to the Similan National Marine Park.
* a complete PADI 5 Star Career Development Scuba Diving Center and IDC. Provides day trips and PADI scuba diving courses, from beginner to professional level of instructor, to [wiki=12c2e6331b49ce0be6d3a262e8f48fc0]Ko Racha[/wiki] and [wiki=54811f6a880e7786858198280147848a]Ko Phi Phi[/wiki] islands. They are Liveaboard specialists to [wiki=54ac002b6a9f3d6fcec566544a8e2aad]Similan Islands[/wiki] and [wiki=53b98f90a1c4b17176913e24570306bb]Bali[/wiki], having they own fleet - M/V Mermaid's
You might want to reconsider renting a jet-ski in Phuket. There is a well-known and notorious scam where tourists are falsely accused of damaging the jet skis and extorted out of huge sums of money (many tens of thousands of baht). The extortionists are extremely persistent and are known to use threats of physical violence and the police might not help if they're getting a cut of the proceeds. The general consensus seems to be that to stay safe you should *not* rent a jet ski in Thailand. There is no insurance if you insist on renting a jet-ski.
Even the locals stay clear of jet-ski operators, because they show a reckless disregard for life and limb. In addition, if you collide with any swimmers, you risk injuring or killing the swimmer, with terrible consequences for the both of you. In short, please support the popular (non-government) current campaign to force these ski operators to close down - don't jet-ski! However, the authorities are intent on keeping these ski-operators in business, for obvious reasons. Please don't let them succeed!
One of the first custom tailors in Phuket.
* Get a designer-style suit or dress made for comparatively low cost.
*An experienced and high quality bespoke tailor.
Small, but good DJ.
*a Thai style nightclub with a live band playing Thai music. Unlike western nightclubs there is no dance-floor as such instead patrons stand around small tables. There is no corkage fee to bring your own bottle of spirits if you pay for mixers.
*Nightclub under joint Thai/Swedish ownership. Closed?
* - Popular, pulling in many of the nearby bar girls after work, and a lot of young tourists. Plays dance and contemporary pop music, unfortunately not over the best sound system/acoustics. Features 'prize throw' giveaways.
* the most famous bar of Bangla Road dance music and lap dances.
* The granddaddy of all Patong's discos and is always very busy.
* Probably has the most creative design of all go-go bars on the Bangla Road strip
Soi Paradise, just North of Bangla Road is the world famous gay area known as Soi Paradise. Many of these bars on the soi leading up to Paradise Hotel (where the soi takes it name) will have cabaret shows featuring ladyboys and transvestites. Most of the bars will close at 2am and anyone wanting to continue the party will head to Boat Bar. Every April there is a Gay Pride week that culminates on the final day in a parade from Beach Road to Soi Paradise where all the bar staff and customers dress up like peacocks - a sight to behold if you're in town.
Basic, clean, en suite rooms with no windows at south end of beach. About 15min walk from Bangla Road. Helpful staff.
* 173 Serviced apartments, located in the heart of Patong. Shopping, food and the beach are all within walking distance. The apartments are compact and modern with fully-equipped kitchen, available for short and long term stays. Also features a swimming pool, lounge area and fitness facilities.
*Al1 rooms and 2 dorm rooms with 2 bunk beds each (4 people/room), one shower and a big fan. Each bed has a locker. Clean simple and cheap.
* Bodega is a relaxed and vibey hostel, music cafe and gallery in the heart of bustling Patong.
*Comfortable rooms, easy bus trip to the beach, no joiner fee, Wi-Fi, cable, food and coffee downstairs.
*50m from Patong Beach and not far from to the entertainment centre at Bangla Road. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-con, mini-bar, satellite TV, complimentary bottled water and free beach towel use. Under new management.
* 28 full air-con units including superior room and deluxe room at economical rates, all have balcony, cable TV and mini bar. Internet, pool table and professional massage room.
* air-con,TV, DVD, Wi-Fi. 100 m to nightlife on Bangla Rd.
* 20 spacious rooms on the lower slopes of the mountains of Patong Beach Bay. 5 min drive to the centre of Patong. Hotel swimming pool.
* 16 rooms and 2 big apartments, all of which have balcony, air-conditioner, cable TV, DVD player and mini bar. Jacuzzi/bath in the tropical garden, Internet kiosk in the bar. Airport transfers.
*
* Private rooms and shared hostel dormitory rooms. Clean, quiet and safe. Free Wi-Fi, lockers, cable TV, friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
* 5 minute drive from Patong Beach and Jungceylon Shopping Mall. Has a fitness centre, sauna and non-smoking rooms with a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Free Wi-Fi and free parking.]
* Rooms above a bar run by a Thai/British couple, close to the beach. air-con, minibar, hot water.]
*
Add Mansion, (แอ๊ด แมนชั่น), 209/25-26 Rat-Uthit 200 Pi Road. ☎ +66 76 29430, +66 76 294431. 15 rooms. From 1,300-1,500 baht.
* Aloha Villa, (อโลฮา วิลล่า), 145/2 Rat-Uthit 200 Pi Road. ☎ +66 76 345 733, +66 76 345742. (fax: +66 76 345743) [url=http://phuket-aloha.com],]121 rooms. From 1,100-2,500 baht
* Amici Miei Hotel, Soi Banzaan 74/38, ☎ +66 76 296062. Italian owner. Clean & stylish rooms. Located only 1 min. from the main shopping mall, but that means also at the far end of things from the beaches, so expect a ~20 min. walk. Street-side rooms can be noisy. From 1,300 baht for double.
* Apartment for rent near Simon cabaret and the Life spa massage with Two swimming pools, 24h security and a Fitness center.
* Rooms have a modern design, air-con, cable TV, and a coffee/tea maker. High-speed Internet, swimming pool, and massage service.
* C&N Hotel, 151 Rat-U-Thit Song Roi Pi Rd., Patong Beach. (on its own soi about 50 m from the corner of Bangla Road). [url=http://www.cngroup.viewshop-webhosting.com/cnhotelpatong/special.php]C&N Hotel[/url[/url]. ☎ +66 76 341892, +66 76 341893, (fax +66 76 341 895). Four storey hotel with friendly management. Double glazed at the front, but not at the rear of the building. Has its own massage parlour, restaurant and beauty salon in addition to free overnight parking facilities. Complimentary free airport transfer for bookings of three days or more. Rooms from 1,000 baht.
* Location is good, a short walk to Patong beach, 248 rooms hotel with roof-top swimming pools, a restaurant, bistro cafe serving local and international food. Bar lounge and a gym.
* KN Guesthouse, ☎ +66 76 294151, [url=http://knphuket.com].](off Ratuthid Road on Soi Jintana, near the Paradise complex). Swimming pool and restaurant. Squeaky clean and great hosts. From 1,200 baht.
* Komma Bar & Guest house, (south end of the main Patong strip, across the road from the beach). Food, warm vibes and hotel quality rooms for 1,400 baht.
* Superior and deluxe rooms, all equipped with air-con, 32-inch LCD TV and telephone. The Chali Restaurant & bar, swimming pool with Jacuzzi and free Wi-Fi.
* All rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, balcony, LCD TV, IDD telephone, mini bar, safety box and WI-FI internet. Some of its facilities and services are Varee swimming pool, exercise room, bar, Chomvaree restaurant, baby sitting, free shuttle bus from hotel to Patong Beach, internet service, money exchange, medical on call service, room service and airport transportation.
* Patong Inn, 128 Taweewong Road ☎ +66 76 292545. Right in the middle of everything, just across the road from the beach and steps away from Bangla Road. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable. 2,000 baht including breakfast for 2 people.
* Patong Lodge Hotel, 284/1 Prabaramee Road ☎ +66 76 341020, [http://www.patonglodgehotel.com[/url]. On a hill between the end of Patong and Kalim beaches, overlooking the Andaman Sea. Walking distance to the beach, 5 min drive to the centre of Patong. From 1,000-5,000 baht.
* 20 spacious rooms in the foothills of Patong, 5 min drive to the centre of Patong. Swimming pool and relaxation area.
* air-con rooms, bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini-bar, Internet, telephone, radio, hair dryer, safe and daily breakfast. Restaurant, bar, 2 outdoor swimming pools, fitness room and parking.
* The rooms are decorated in Asian and Lanna style.
* Nice people and great rooms and suites
65 rooms.
* The only resort up on the small hill at the east end of Patong Beach away from the noise of the town. Very peaceful. Nice staff.
* 91 rooms
* Set around a stunning infinity edge pool, with 180 degree panoramic views of Patong Bay, Baan Paradise villa is surely one of the finest villas in Phuket.
* Boutique resort in a quiet soi on the south side of Patong. 15 m from the beach. Swimming pool, deluxe pool access rooms.
* On 12 acres of tropical gardens on Patong Beach. 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport and a 10 minute walk to Patong beach.
* Views of Kalim Beach. 333 rooms and suites in 20 acres of gardens, all with private balconies.
* 30 min from Phuket town in its own grounds and near Patong Beach. 265-room main wing or 140 studio and villa rooms in the Busakorn wing with 2 swimming pools.
* 160 rooms in 1-3 storey buildings. All rooms have bathtub/shower, toiletries, cable TV and air-con.
* Boutique resort at Patong Beach. 70 rooms with full services and amenities.
* Next to the Diamond Cliff with views over Patong Beach and the sea. 6 restaurants including the "Old Fisherman" seafood restaurant. 215 rooms.
* Rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, shower, telephone, satellite TV, private balcony, safety deposit box, hot and cold water. Swimming pool, spa, parking area, restaurant, bar, room service, free Wi-Fi, complimentary shuttle bus to Patong, laundry and dry cleaning service.
*A swimming pool is a short walk from the rooms.
* Thai-style pavilions are placed strategically throughout the resort leaving pleasant open green spaces.