Patong Beach: A First-Timer’s Guide
The party capital of Phuket — but also a great beach by day. Here’s how to do it right.
Patong gets a reputation as the noisy, neon-lit corner of Phuket — and parts of it are. But the 3-km crescent of sand is genuinely beautiful in the morning, and there’s far more to do than just bars.
The morning shift (6 am – 12 pm)
The beach is empty, the sand is cool, the sea is calm. Walk the full length end-to-end (about 45 minutes), grab a fresh coconut for 60฿, and finish at Jungceylon for breakfast.
The afternoon (12 pm – 6 pm)
Rent a sun lounger (200฿) on the central section — quieter than the Bangla end. Try parasailing if the weather is calm, or escape the heat at Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, a hillside temple 10 minutes inland.
The evening (6 pm onwards)
Sunset cocktails at Kudo Beach Club or any of the rooftop bars on Bangla Road. After 9 pm, Bangla Road itself becomes a pedestrian street with bars, food carts and live music.
Getting there with PKSB
From the airport, take the Airport ⇄ Patong ⇄ Rawai route — about 75 minutes, 100฿. Get off at the Patong stop near the Bangla intersection.
Plan your ride
Check the daily timetable or track your bus live before you head out.
