I Love Patong
Feb 27th, 2008 by Steven
Patong, located on the west coast of Koh Phuket, is undoubtedly the island’s main tourist spot. There is something for everyone – the straight, gay and family. It’s the activity hub of Phuket; a magnet that draws millions of tourists every year.
By day, the entire 2-km Patong Beach is a sea of tourists, predominantly farangs or kwai-loh, occupying practically every deckchair on the fine sandy beach. An equally large number are on the nearby streets, especially along the main Soi Bangla and connecting roads, either shopping, eating or drinking.
When the sun sets over the horizon, the town comes alive with vibrant colours and sound. Nightlife is centered on Bangla Road and Paradise Complex – it’s said that Bangla is predominantly straight and Paradise predominantly gay. But it is really not that demarcated…more like a borderless convergence.
Quick Take: In 2002, Phuket played host to more than 4 million tourists, who spent about 72 billion Baht. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported in March 2006 that the island had 532 establishments offering 31,778 hotel rooms, half of which are 3-star accommodation.
Opened in 2007, Jungceylon - taken from the old name for Phuket - is the newest shopping mall in Patong. Its tenants include Robinson, Carrefour, 2 major sports shops, a multiplex cinema showing English soundtrack movies, food court, etc.
This is on the long road fronting Patong Beach - with establisments like Starbucks and McD, you feel at home especially for the farangs. Clearly, Patong is ‘created’ for tourists.
Patong (or Phuket for that matter) is not only for bird-watchers, it’s for hunk-watchers too. Renting a bike to tour the island is very common…you can easily make a trip to Phuket town 15km away on these 2-wheelers.
Common to find tourists dressed to the minimum for comfort
The Royal Paradise Hotel dwarfs over other buildings…probably the tallest in Patong at 25-storey high
Muay Thai exponents in a promotional display for upcoming fights
Patong was one the hardest hit areas by the destructive 2004 tsunami waves. Today, the only thing to remind you of the tragedy - reportedly, 2,000 died in the Patong area, is blue signboards like this. Patong town and its beach had since been speedily rejuvenated to welcome back tourists.
The pink colour building is Christin Massage - the largest, I think. Heard they offer ‘other services” apart from traditional Thai massage. Go ahead, have fun…enjoy. While Phua Chu Kang advises “Don’t play, play” (pronounced ‘pray, pray’ by PCK), it’s OK to play, play BUT play safe, lol. If not, it’s pray, pray!
(All photos taken Canon 350D)