The busiest beach resort on Phuket Island, Patong is home to family-friendly cultural attractions and international restaurants. The nightlife hub of Bangla Road carves through its center, with massage parlors and souvenir shops packed into the surrounding streets.

Things to do

Pubs, cabarets and nightclubs ignite Bangla Road after dark. Don’t miss the Simon Cabaret, which presents both traditional Thai and international performances and is particularly famed for its lavish costumes and sets.

A short drive south from Phuket takes you to aptly-named Paradise Beach where you can rent a beach chair to soak up the sun or go snorkeling along the offshore reef. Alternatively, head north to Kalim Beach, a beautiful coastline backed by rocky coves.

At sunset, Patong Beach transforms into a lively bazaar with stalls selling everything from handicrafts and silk scarves to leather goods and DVDs. There’s also a great selection of authentic Thai street food to sample. Head to one of the many international restaurants to enjoy Japanese, Italian, Scandinavian or French cuisines.

Want to capture the historic side of Phuket? Make a day trip to explore charismatic Phuket Town, established at the end of the 19th century during the island’s tin mining boom. Admire the Sino-Portuguese shop fronts and opulent tin baron mansions, together with Chinese shrines and temples established by early migrants.

Getting around

Phuket International Airport is around 50 minutes’ drive north of Patong, and regular buses connect with Phuket Town to the east. Although Patong is an easy destination to explore on foot, hiring a motorbike or taxi is recommended for accessing the surrounding sights and beaches.