Patong is all of Thailand in one place
For many, Patong is simply the place to be on Phuket. For decades, it's reigned as one of Thailand's most-visited all-round resorts. It's a proud jack of all trades, fusing backpacker beer bars with gaudy go-go dancing, Thai boxing bouts with back-cracking massages. Of course, the anchor of the whole lot is one particularly gorgeous beachfront. Patong vacation rentals along the shore mean morning views of the sky-blue Andaman Sea, not to mention acclaimed seafood kitchens and chic cocktail bars all within sight.
Getting sandy in Patong
Patong's big draws are, unsurprisingly, its beaches. You can linger on Patong Beach itself if you don't mind wedging between crowds of other sunbathers and watching people on personal watercraft shoot back and forth over the waves. Or, you can hop on a boat and head further afield. Freedom Beach hides in the headland to the south. It's uber-romantic, secluded and has shimmering white sand. Karon Beach is nearby, too, touting dive outfitters and a more casual scene. It's also possible to launch excursions to the rugged isles of the Phi Phi archipelago – one of Thailand's best-loved national parks.
Sunning, spas and something after dark in Patong
Sunbathing and snorkeling are just the beginning of the activities on the menu for folk staying in Patong vacation rentals close to the beach. Days can be filled with intrepid scuba expeditions to local dive sites – a PADI, perhaps? They can be spent whizzing back and forth on personal watercraft or sailing around the Phuket coves on a charter boat. And that's just near the shore. Traditional Thai massage parlors dot almost every corner of this town, there are buzzing bars to meet and mingle with other travelers, and there are raucous cabaret shows, after dark.
Dodge the pattering rains in Patong
Like the whole southern side of Thailand, Patong has 2 seasons. There's the wet season, which runs between May and October, and there's the dry season, from November to April. For the best beach-lazing conditions, you will want to book your Patong vacation rentals for the latter. It's got days laden with sunshine, hardly any rain and temperatures in the 80s. The wet season sees fewer crowds and cheaper rates, but you'll need to be ready to contend with some hefty downpours.
Patong is anchored on the beach
Patong Beach is what first elevated this town to fame. It's consistently hailed as one of the most beautiful in Thailand – nay, the world. White-sand powder and waters of clear blue are the name of the game, but the inevitable crowds might just take something away if you're looking for a real escape. To find a little more seclusion, you can hit the coves in the peninsulas to the north and south. And there are always the wildernesses that exist underwater. Don the scuba tanks to explore those, with their coral reefs and manta rays and sea turtles.
Transportation options to and around Patong
Fly into Phuket Intl. Airport (HKT), the closest airport, located 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from the city center.
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