Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

You come here for the amenities and the company, not for solitude. Patong is Phuket's busiest and most famous beach: 3 km of fine sand on the Andaman Sea, warm waters in front, and a dense cluster of restaurants, shops, and bars behind. Sun loungers, umbrellas, jet skis, and parasailing offers line almost the entire beach, and Bangla Road, the island's entertainment district, is just a few blocks away.

The beach has three very different areas. The central area, with its restaurants and bars, is the liveliest and gets very crowded during peak season. The northern part is quieter and has cleaner water, and at the southern end, the longtail boats depart for the roundabout to Freedom Beach. Those who want to swim and not just people-watch should head north.

Patong's strength lies in its compact size. You can easily walk to dinner, a massage, or a beer without having to arrange transportation. Hotels are available in every price range, making Patong an ideal base for day trips to other parts of the island. The town is 37 km from Phuket Airport, a journey of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, and the Smart Bus (100 Baht) stops there.

December to March are the driest months. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings surf and strong currents to this coast. When red flags are flying, the water should be avoided. December and January are the busiest months with the highest hotel prices.