Phuket and Patong Beach
Phuket is probably the best know destination in Thailand as well as being the one that is mispronounced the most. The largest island in Thailand, Phuket has firmly established itself as one of the top tourist destinations in South East Asia.
In Phuket you will find some memorable beaches that will make you want to go back to the island again and again.
Flying into Phuket at the north of the island, try to get a window seat on your plane so that you can see the great views of white sandy beaches on the final approach to Phuket airport.
Many part of If you are looking for spectacular scenery, tropical sunsets, great food and a busy night life, then Phuket is where you need to go.
The island is vast and difficult for you to cover in a two week break. In any event, you will probably find that it has the perfect beach for you and end up camping out on your deck chair under a parasol for the duration of your vacation.
Whether you are looking for a family holiday, hectic night life, outdoor adventure, budget break or just lying in the sun looking at all the beautiful people, Phuket has exactly what you need.
The centre of the island is Phuket Town, but the real heart of the island for tourists is Patong and Patong Beach. Here you will find a large, extensive resort that has brought pleasure to millions of tourists over the years. Patong is the type of perfect resort where every type of tourist can find something to suit them.
There is a very busy night life in Patong that goes on well into the early hours of the morning. There are good restaurants, bars and clubs to cater for every taste. Patong also has a gay quadrant that includes bars and clubs that are popular with Thai boys and foreigners alike.
As with many Thai tourist resorts and cities there are quite a few 'host' bars catering for heterosexual and gay clientele. However, this is but one element of the Patong night life and is something that you can easily avoid.
Whilst Patong is by far the number one destination in Phuket, the island is large and there are many other places to stay that offer large resorts, great beaches and outdoor activities. There are also remote isolated beaches that are ideal for couples seeking a romantic break.
Phuket Town has a ferry service to Phi Phi Island and there are numerous travel agents offering organised tours to the island. If you book, you will be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken back again at the end of the day.
With hotels to cater for every budget and some of the best scenery that you could hope for, there is not much more to say about Phuket other than you really should include it on your 'things to do' list for your next visit to Thailand.
Things to do on Phuket
- Have a night out at Simon's Cabaret. Thailand is famous for its ladyboy shows and Simon Cabaret is a local show that features some stunning boys that will leave the guys wondering if it is really a boy or a girl and the ladies jealous of such stunning figures. Shows are daily and you can book from any phuket travel agent. Price should be around 500 baht per person.
- Walk long Bangla Road in Patong. Bangla Road is the heart of Patong's night life and is not for the feint-hearted! With dancing girls, ladyboys and some over-excited westerners, Bangla Road really does provide some sights that you are guaranteed never to see back home. The best way to approach this is to realise that it is all light-hearted fun and a source of amusement and wonder for the curious tourist.
- Visit Phi Phi Island. You can get an organised tour from any travel agent or head down to the pier at Phuket Town and get a scheduled ferry yourself. Phi Phi is a great place to visit, either for a day trip or an overnight stay.
- Go see a Muay Thai fight. Whilst there are some 'fake' Muay Thai shows in the alleys off the Bangla Road, Phuket does have a real Muay Thai boxing ring. The Thais are justifiably proud of their sport, which requires a high degree of skill and fitness. Check out the fight times in Patong.
- Visit the waterfalls and gibbon sanctuary. The waterfalls are not that spectacular but they are within a national park with an enjoyable forest trail to walk through on your way. This is a pleasant day out if you want a change from lying on the beach. There are organised tours but you can also negotiate with a taxi driver who will take you there then wait for 2 hours before taking you back to your hotel. There is a 200 baht entrance fee for national parks (although foreigners who show a Thai work permit are exempt from this charge).
- Enjoy the Phuket Gay Festival. The Thais love their festivals and this one is held each year at the same time as Songkran (Thai New Year) in April. Whilst Songkran itself is usually enough fun-filled madness for any foreigner, Phuket's Gay Festival provides yet another full-on party making Phuket's songkran a double dose of Thailand's unique way of celebrating. Fun for everyone.