Patong is the island's oldest and most developed tourist area, with a wide range of accommodation from simple guesthouses to luxury international hotels.
The 3,000 metre crescent shaped beach provides lots of space for windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, jet-ski rides, para-scending or swimming. Hire a local longtail boat and go fishing or take a snorkelling trip around the headlands.

If you simply want to soak up the sun, it's a great place to watch the joggers, hawkers, walkers, shell collectors, and local people. At sunset, visitors can often be seen joining the locals in a game of football or Takraw - an Asian game played with a rattan ball. A great place to meet people and have fun.

Nightlife in Patong is the most vibrant in Phuket. Pubs, go-go bars, discos, markets, and a few exotic sights, all within easy walking distance. On Soi Bangla in the centre, the renowned Katoeys (lady-boys) strut their stuff while further along, you can see the extraordinary spectacle of a Thai boxing match. There are pubs with excellent live music, bars with local entertainers and huge choice of very good restaurants. Sit on a stool in the street with a bowl of noodles, watching the world go by, or dine in a beautifully decorated, air-conditioned, restauant? Japanese, Thai, German, Italian, French, Swedish, Pub Grub, Pizza, McDonalds or KFC? It's a tough choice!

Out for a stroll? Look for bargains in the street markets along Rat-U-Thit Rd or along the main Beach Rd every evening. Shops are open until late, so there's no need to rush. Besides, you can always come back tomorrow.........