In the wake of another earthquake in The Andaman Sea last night and the evacuation of everyone to the nearby hills, I thought I'd write a review of Patong Beach as I saw it on my recent travels around Asia and in particular Thailand. It's my ay of hopefully bringing back the custom to Phuket.
Luckily, ... Read review
Aspery Hotel is favourably located only a 3-minute walk from the beach, and close to the ... more
shops and famous Patong Beach nightlife.Hotel Aspery is a modern boutique-style hotel. Enjoy the well-appointed and contemporary rooms, including the refreshing rain shower in the bathroom. Write home using the free Wi-Fi internet access.Rejuvenate at the spa and with a massage. Follow it with a dip in the pool. When going out, ask at the tour desk for advice. For excursions, use the car rental facility. The currency exchange is also useful.Enjoy tasty food at the chic restaurant on an attractively open and airy terrace, and a drink at the bar.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Only a hundred metres from Patong Beach, the luxurious yet affordable Rayaburi Hotel ... more
enjoys a convenient location with many leisure activities at its doorstep.Located along Patong Bay, Rayaburi Hotel is surrounded by some of the best restaurants, bars and cafés in Phuket. Nearby are also markets and shopping centres. Friendly and professional, the hotel staff can help guests with bookings of excursions or day tours.Near to Rayaburi Hotel is a wide selection of water sports. When not snorkelling, scuba diving or simply enjoying the sun, guests can hire a long tail boat or speed boat to explore the surrounding islands. Rayaburi Hotel also comes with a rooftop garden complete with an outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and scenic views of Patong Bay.Furnished in contemporary Thai designs, each comfortable and spacious room features a 32-inch LCD TV, Egyptian cotton linen and luxurious toiletries infused to Thai herbs and spices.For a relaxing moment, Rayaburi Hotel has a spa that uses only natural products made from oriental fruits, herbs and plants. For your convenience, Rayauri Hotel offers free wireless internet throughout the hotel.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Discover contemporary design only steps from the beach. La Flora Resort Patong features ... more
the truly relaxing Pool Villa, Pool Access and Surface Bar with a panoramic view. Indulge yourself with the entertainment in the tropical paradise on Patong Beach. The resort is located exactly on the beach front of Patong beach, and at the centre of the commercial and entertainment area, including nightlife fun at Bang La road.La Flora Resort Patong offers a perfect stay in any of our 67 rooms and villas of contemporary design. A private balcony grants you the view of the pool and a brilliant ocean view. The luxurious furniture and elegant amenities add to the memorable experience.The resort offers a wide range of cuisine options and on outstanding wine list with around 138 choices. The refreshment list has a great selection of spirits as well as a great many different cocktails.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Lamai Guesthouse has 26 deluxe rooms with air-con, fan, hot shower, TV, DVD player, ... more
refrigerator, mini bar, hair dryer, and free wireless internet. Lamai Guesthouse is near Simon Carbalet Theater on Sirirat Road in Patong Beach. Lamai Guesthouse is 900 metres from the beach, 100 metres to Karon-Patong Mountain, and 1.5 km to Jungceylon Shopping Center on Bangla Road.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Just a short stroll away from Patong Beach is Nipa Resort, which offers you a tranquil ... more
setting to relax and recharge from the noise of the city.Nipa Resort offers contemporary styled rooms and are fully decorated with wooden furnishings. Rooms also feature a private balcony or veranda offering city or pool views.Unwind with a session in the Jacuzzi or have a refreshing swim in the pool. If you're looking to just enjoy the sun, lounge around the pool while sipping a cocktail or head to Patong Beach, which Nipa Resort provides a free shuttle service to.If you're looking to find out more information on Phuket's attractions and explore the island, enquire with the helpful staff at the tour desk. Car, jeep or bike rentals are also available. Other facilities include an on-site restaurant, which serves local and western favourites.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Anchalee Inn is a reasonably-priced and elegant, classic hotel located in downtown Patong ... more
and is only 150 meters from the beach.The inn offers 30 clean, comfortable, cheap and classy rooms and comes with a broad lobby hall, restaurant and bar, and a wide range of services. Its friendly and informal atmosphere makes Anchalee Inn the best choice for those who wish to enjoy their holidays without spending a fortune on accommodation.
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. The Patong Beach Hotel is a modern Phuket, Thailand hotel located in the center ... more
of lively Patong Beach. It is two blocks from the nightlife of Bangla Road and one half kilometer from the beachfront. Hotel Features. Patong Beach Hotel rises from an environment of tropically landscaped gardens and two free form pools. Additional recreational amenities include a steam room, a sauna, and a fitness center. Spa Varee features rich, dark woods and colorful fabrics, and offers indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Spa treatments include facials, scrubs, and massage with traditional herbs, fruits and spices. Three restaurants and a coffee shop provide an array of Thai cuisine and pizza and pasta dishes. Phuket Bar offers drinks, games and live music. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, conference rooms and a library. Pets are not permitted at this hotel. Guestrooms. The 10 story hotel includes 245 guestrooms in the Sunset, Sunrise and Siam wings. Guestrooms are decorated in contemporary style with Thai color schemes and teak floors. All rooms offer balconies with pool, garden or ocean views. Amenities include minibars, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea makers and refrigerators. Rooms also include cable television, desks and safes. Deluxe rooms and junior suites offer four poster beds. Guestrooms are nonsmoking. Expert Tip. At night, the beach becomes a bazaar with merchants selling leather goods, Thai cotton and other textiles and beach apparel. Prices are relatively inexpensive, and bargaining is expected. Complimentary Benefits: Guests who book a stay for travel from May 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008 will receive complimentary welcome drink and fruit plate upon arrival, 10 percent discount for food and beverage at the hotel's restaurant, 25 percent discount at Spa Varee from all package prices, excluding à la carte menu item
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. The Patong Beach Hotel is located in Phuket, Thailand. Less than one ... more
kilometer from Patong Beach One kilometer from Jung Ceylon Patong (mall) 15 kilometers from the Phuket Country Club Hotel features. 24 hour front desk Wireless Internet access in public areas On site restaurant and 24 hour room service Guestrooms. Cable/satellite television Direct dial phone Minibar, refrigerator, and coffee/tea maker
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. The Patong Beach Hotel is a modern Phuket, Thailand hotel located in the center ... more
of lively Patong Beach. It is two blocks from the nightlife of Bangla Road and one half kilometer from the beachfront. Hotel Features. Patong Beach Hotel rises from an environment of tropically landscaped gardens and two free form pools. Additional recreational amenities include a steam room, a sauna, and a fitness center. Spa Varee features rich, dark woods and colorful fabrics, and offers indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Spa treatments include facials, scrubs, and massage with traditional herbs, fruits and spices. Three restaurants and a coffee shop provide an array of Thai cuisine and pizza and pasta dishes. Phuket Bar offers drinks, games and live music. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, conference rooms and a library. Pets are not permitted at this hotel. Guestrooms. The 10 story hotel includes 245 guestrooms in the Sunset, Sunrise and Siam wings. Guestrooms are decorated in contemporary style with Thai color schemes and teak floors. All rooms offer balconies with pool, garden or ocean views. Amenities include minibars, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea makers and refrigerators. Rooms also include cable television, desks and safes. Deluxe rooms and junior suites offer four poster beds. Guestrooms are nonsmoking. Expert Tip. At night, the beach becomes a bazaar with merchants selling leather goods, Thai cotton and other textiles and beach apparel. Prices are relatively inexpensive, and bargaining is expected. Complimentary Benefits: Guests who book a stay for travel from May 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008 will receive complimentary welcome drink and fruit plate upon arrival, 10 percent discount for food and beverage at the hotel's restaurant, 25 percent discount at Spa Varee from all package prices, excluding à la carte menu item
Information: :Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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Advantages: Sun, glorious beaches, amazing people Disadvantages: Long haul flight
...I'd write a review of Patong Beach as I saw it on my recent travels around Asia and in particular Thailand. It's my ay of hopefully bringing back the custom to Phuket.
Luckily, last night, the all clear was sounded about three hours after the evacuation meaning everyone could return home for some sleep before waking up this morning and 'getting on with it' as normal.
This happened to me too in May when the earthquake ... ...my review...
Patong is placed on the west coast of the island of Phuket in the south of Thailand. It's long stretch of pristine white sands, backed with palms is a sight to behold, especially around sunset when the views are breathtaking to say the least. The beach itself actually is the one thing that was thankful of the tsunami as it cleared the rubbish and debris that had accumulated there over the years. Now back to its original ... more
In the wake of another earthquake in The Andaman Sea last night and the evacuation of everyone to the nearby hills, I thought I'd write a review of Patong Beach as I saw it on my recent travels around Asia and in particular Thailand. It's my ay of hopefully bringing back the custom to Phuket.
Luckily, last night, the all clear was sounded about three hours after the evacuation meaning everyone could return home for some sleep before waking up this morning and 'getting on with it' as normal.
This happened to me too in May when the earthquake in Indonesia sparked another few worrying hours for everyone who witnessed the devastating tsunami on Boxing Day last year. The alarm rang and within minutes the streets were awash with everyone heading on up to high ground nervously awaiting mother nature's anger. The precautions and early warning system working perfectly and ensuring the safety of one and all.
So to my review...
Patong is placed on the west coast of the island of Phuket in the south of Thailand. It's long stretch of pristine white sands, backed with palms is a sight to behold, especially around sunset when the views are breathtaking to say the least. The beach itself actually is the one thing that was thankful of the tsunami as it cleared the rubbish and debris that had accumulated there over the years. Now back to its original state, it's one of the best in Thailand.
Patong isn't everyone's cup of tea. On my travels, I met with many who disliked the 'idea' of visiting the area due to the sordid reputation it has among the ignorant. Yes, there's prostitution happening here, and yes, many young girls are lured into the world's oldest profession by the idea of earning enough money in a night to feed their families back in places like Isan for a whole week or more, but that isn't all Patong is about.
Patong is a great 'base' for people who want a bit of everything. There's golf, scuba diving, Muai Thai boxing, markets, sightseeing, temples, great dining, fun bars, go-karting, shopping, sunbathing, watersports, massage and relaxation all within a cheap tuk-tuk ride.
Getting there: Flights go to bangkok then you can hop on a plane for 45 minutes to Phuket International Airport. This'll cost you about 1500 Baht (£20) or it could be part of you overall flight. A coach would take about 12 hours but would be a fraction of the cost.
Basics: The Thai's language is great fun to learn. It's polite to at least say hello (sawadii khrap/kaa) and thank you (khop khun khrap/kaa) so please try. The Thai's love it when you do. There's nothing better than the smile of a happy Thai.
The money is Thai Baht. It's roughly 70 Baht to the Pound so a good exchange rate for Brits.
Never touch anyone's head, including children, and never point your feet. The head is sacred as it's the highest part of the body and the feet are regarded dirty as they are the lowest part of the body. Also, never disrespect the Thai Royal famly, especially the King.
Hotels: So many but high season of November to March can be busy so book early. I tended to stay in cheaper places but there are some amazing resorts at about 3-4000+ Baht per night. My fave places were Neptuna Hotel, about 800 Baht per night, Sand Inn at 1200 bahy per night and Sea beach Inn at 900 baht per night. All very clean and friendly and all with good air-con (a must). If staying longer than a couple of weeks thenit's worthwhile getting an apartment along Soi Nanai for aroud 8-12000 Bah per month.
Getting about: Tuk-tuks are fairly cheap and will get you wherever you want to go. You can negotiate a full-day fare to see parts of the island or pay fixed prices around to other nearby beaches and attractions. Taxi's are more expensive, but are air-conditioned so good for longer trips like going to and from the airport. I prefered my own transport so hired a moped for the duration of my stay. it work out about a quid a day. You MUST wear a helmet if you're riding the moped but passengers don't have to. You must also carry around at all time your driving licence. There are regular police checks which if you abide by these points will not cause you any concern.
Religion: Most Thai's are Buddhist and rehularily attend temples. There are many scattered all over the area. The biggest and most famous on Phuket being Wat Chalong on the other side of the island to Patong but well worth the half hour ride. You are welcome to watch or join in, just remember not to point your feet at the Buddha images whilst sitting. Usually photo's are ok as long as there's not a sign telling otherwise. be respectful please.
There is a large community of Muslims too in Patong. They have their own mosques. Much of Thailand's south is Muslim, especially along the border with Malaysia.
Food: I love this section... Thai food is delicious. There's something for everyone too. If you like it spicy, I can recommend Tom Yom Gung which is spicy prawn soup or if you like flavoursome curries try Mussaman Moo which is Pork Curry with potatoes. There are some fantastic restaurants. My favourites are Kaab Gulay, a traditional Thai restaurant, where mainly Thai's eat, Mr Good's Seafood restaurant at the top of Bangla Road for the best curried fish and mussels in Patong, Deng, a small cheap restaurant opposite Mr Good's that sells great local dishes the way they should be and The Islander for when I needed a flavour of home cooked English food.
Drinks: Go for Singha Beer. Brewed in Bangkok, it make the likes of Tiger and Leo taste like gnat's pee. For the teetotal out there try watermelon shakes. It's like drinking pure watermelon and is so refreshing in the heat of the day.
Nightlife: The nightlife along Soi Bangla, the main party street feeding many smaller soi's (streets) has a fantastic nightlife and something for everyone. You can shop all night and maybe grab a really cheap bargain here or have amazing Thai food, or get a tattoo, or listen to both live music and club sounds or just mix with the locals and tourists alike.
There are so many bars along Soi Bangla and its adjoining streets but here are my favourites: Scruffy Murphy's has a fabulous live band doing anything from old Irish songs to pop music. And it serves a great pint of Guinness. Blue Note is upstairs above Scruffy Murphy's and has great music and a good view of the whole street from a higher vantage point. One of the best is Kangaroo Bar, across the street, where it's party night whatever the night.
My favourite bar though isn't actually on Soi Bangla. It's called Dolphin Bar and is at the southern part of the beach. Owned by Willy, from Holland, it has the best staff and great food, plus pool tables, TV's showing all the latest sport and news and fab barbeques every Saturday evening.
Patong is also home to some rocking 'discos'. Banana on the main beach road, Dragon and Crocodile along near Soi Bangla. Great fun.
Scuba Diving: The Andaman Sea is fantastic for scuba diving. Whether doing a beginner couse, a more advanced course or just un diving, it's cheap and well run. Nowhere else in the world do you get this level of service and attention to detail. There are many dive companies. My faves are Dive Asia, a German run company with an awesome boat, great friendly staff and excellent local diving knowledge and Scuba Cat who have recovered from last years disaster and are going great guns again.
Shopping: Markets and shops aplenty in Patong or head to Central Plaza Mall on road to Phuket Town for air-condition eating, cinema and shopping.
Massage: Try a traditional Thai massage. It'll seem like torture at first but you feel so good afterwards. There are more massage places in patong than there are bars I'm sure. I can recommend Diamond Beauty & Massage upstairs at Soi Big One, near Patong Tower on the beach.
Some other activities: Go-karting track on the way to Phuket Town. Get a tuk-tuk. he'll even wait for you to finish. Three amazing golf courses. fantastic days out. Caddy supplied too. Thai Boxing tuition and training available on Soi Gepsup and weeklt fight nights at the stadium near Soi Sai Nam Yen. Many differnt form of watersport available on the beach. Jet-ski's and parascending among the most popular.
I cannot recomment strongly enough The Rough Guide to Thailand. It has essential information, is easy to navigate through the sections and saved my life on numerous occasions...
I hope this review has helped anyone wanting to visit this amazing country soon. It is essential that people go back to places like Phuket as the only way for the people and the place to survive is tourism. Everywhere is cleaned up after the tsunami, most of it in better condition thab before. Please, please go back.
Advantages: sun, sea, sand, good food, bargains. I have always felt safe. Disadvantages: Some of the hotels are a little way from Patong beach
Whilst patong beach can be very busy it is also very long so it is quite easy to find somewhere quiet. The shopping in Patong is excellent. There are fabulous shops and stalls lining the streets offering excellent value for money goods. Though be prepared to barter and start very low. Although there is prostitution here it is a safe place to take your children. It is not shoved in your face, and if you walk the street with children you will not be ... ...closed bars as they will not bother you. If however you do not have children with you, what looks like a perfectly normal menu will turn out to have a lot more on offer?
Sea food restaurants are excellent as the majority of restaurants.
An excellent place when you want an english meal is the Islander Bar, which offers things such as sausages and mash with onion gravy. I want to experience Thai food you may say, but after 15 days of rice you start ...
cathglas 08.06.2007
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Advantages: the smaller beaches get you away from the hordes of tourists on Phuket island Disadvantages: none
Phuket, the island provence in the south of Thailand, is the richest provence in the country. While the provence got rich from rubber and fruit, it stays rich off of tourism. Expect to pay more for things here than anywhere else in Thailand, sometimes as much as 10 times more. However, even at these prices things are still cheap to a Westerner.
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Advantages: Clear signs, difficult to get lost Disadvantages: Transport to and from the airport is not great
domestic ones from within Thailand but there are a growing number of International ones from within Asia and one that is due to start to London this year with Phuket Airlines.
Transport
The airport itself is about 32km north-east of Phuket Town and north of the main beaches such as Patong and Karon. It is easily reached by car, taxi or minibus ? there are no trains on Phuket. Although officially there are buses that going to the airport, in reality they are not worth bothering about and you have to rely on some sort of private transport to and from the airport.
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If you have not already arranged a transfer with your hotel, there are a variety of ways to get out of the airport. There are a couple of multinational car hire companies ? Avis & Budget if you wish to go down that route. Just outside the doors ...