Best Patong Hotels
Patong Introduction
The undisputed party capital of Asia, Patong is hedonistic, raucous and extravagant. Phuket's famous beach resort town is notorious for its go-go bars and massage parlours, and refreshingly honest about its diverse sex scene, but to dismiss Patong as a playground for debauchery is a mistake. Away from the neon-lit Bangla Road, the town's crescent beach, lively cabaret shows and colourful street markets make for a friendly holiday destination that finds favour with everyone from backpackers to families.Hotels in Patong
Bargain hunters keen to save their spends for Patong's nightlife will find an array of discount hotels to choose from, with the lowest rates typically found at homestay-type deals without pools or air conditioning. Those seeking luxury find exactly that at the plush resorts and 5-star hotels – many of which serve up pampering spa treatments and private beach cabanas beside sparkling outdoor pools. Don't fancy roughing it too much but lack the funds to splurge? Middle of the road options – in the form of 3-star hotels – are plentiful both in the busy and quieter parts of town.Where to stay
If you've arrived in Patong intent on soaking up the sun by day and the entertainment by night, staying downtown is probably your best bet. Hotels here come in many flavours, but all place you within strolling distance of both the bars and the beach. The background noise that is an inevitable part of the package around Bangla Road often sees families or those after a quieter stay head to the outer parts of the town. Although Patong hotel rates are a little higher there, most properties are still near the beach – and far enough away from the nightlife to ensure a good night's kip.Things to see
Whether you're in town purely to relax or are planning an action-packed break, Patong comes up trumps with a range of activities to suit every kind of traveller. For those intent on doing very little at all, beach days are about all that's needed. Those in the know swerve the crowds along the main strip and catch a boat to the lesser-known Freedom Beach – a secluded white-sand bay without a single banana boat in sight. Follow with a tranquil boat trip or a relaxing visit to the Kamala Royal Thai Spa. More adventurous types will find bungee jumping and go-karting located on the outskirts of town, while those who want to experience a little bit of everything can indulge in cooking classes and cultural visits to the Big Buddha by day and check out everything from adrenaline-pumping Muay Thai boxing to Phuket Simon Cabaret's world-famous ladyboys by night.How to get to Patong
Most flights from the UK will touch down on the tarmac at Phuket International Airport after taking off from London Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester. It's possible to leave from alternative airports, though you should expect additional stops at the likes of Dubai or Kuala Lumpur. While many hotels offer their own transfer service, if you're left to go it alone options include buses via the main terminal, shared minibuses and direct taxis – the latter being the most expensive option, but typically the comfiest and quickest. When you've arrived at your hotel, travel in Patong is best experienced in a tuk-tuk.
