| Traditional Thai culture at Patong Beach is | | | | off of it is the epicentre of the scene and |
| largely absent, with the arguably | | | | is literally brimming with venues where young |
| unattractive commercial development of the | | | | Thai lovelies ply male tourists with drink |
| area leaving little space for the authentic | | | | and pursue sexually provocative codes of |
| local way of life. Still, this suits visitors | | | | behaviour. |
| for whom the diversity of raw eastern living | | | | |
| is not conducive to the comfort and | | | | The girly bars of Patong are frequented |
| convenience they would expect of a typical | | | | largely by male clientele who go to drink a |
| sun and sand holiday. | | | | beer or two while enjoying the company of |
| | | | openly-flirtatious Thai ladies. Punters can |
| Patong Beach's main drag epitomises the | | | | partake in light conversation, challenge the |
| resort's relentless pursuit of capitalism, | | | | girls to bar games or just sit with friends |
| presenting each and every tourist with an | | | | and enjoy the music and atmosphere. There's |
| endless tirade of solicitation from locals | | | | always the option to take a girl out of the |
| offering goods and services. Patience is a | | | | bar for other pursuits, but no obligation or |
| virtue that visitors will benefit from; | | | | pressure to do so. |
| however, when you're feeling a tad hung-over | | | | |
| or just a safe passage between locations and | | | | At the go-go bars voyeurs enjoy the spectacle |
| have no need for a new suit, a Thai massage | | | | of scantily clad females dancing in a |
| or a tuk-tuk ride to any of the area's local | | | | suggestive and sexual fashion around metal |
| beauty spots, you may find yourself getting | | | | poles. Punters can simply sit back and be |
| slightly irritated by the persistence of | | | | titillated or opt for a little interaction |
| hawkers. Your Phuket travel guide | | | | with the ladies, buying them drinks and |
| | | | making plans to take them elsewhere. The |
| The beach itself is a place of great beauty | | | | scene is undeniably risqué, but the |
| although your ability to appreciate it might | | | | atmosphere is non-threatening and welcoming |
| be diminished by the masses that descend upon | | | | of any class of customer. A gay scene |
| it during high season and the excess of | | | | meanwhile presides at the Paradise Complex on |
| hotels sat 'behind' it. If you can manage to | | | | Ratutit road with all manner of venues |
| render yourself oblivious to such things, | | | | including bars, massage parlours, saunas and |
| afternoon views of the vibrant blue sea | | | | discos. |
| waters or evening views of the fiery sunset | | | | |
| are impressive. | | | | Less in-your-face and welcoming of couples or |
| | | | groups of female holidaymakers are venues |
| Enjoy the resort's shopping opportunities if | | | | such as The Banana on Thaweewong road and The |
| the gamut of pirated goods are high up on | | | | Shark Club at the intersection of Rat-Uthid |
| your list of must-buys, else feel | | | | and Bangla roads. The vibrant Patong Beach |
| disappointed if you were hoping to find any | | | | area These clubs and a good selection of |
| unique Thai curios or original object d'art. | | | | establishments like them offer opportunities |
| Only mass-produced souvenirs and handicrafts | | | | for drinking and dancing the night away among |
| line the shelves of the local vendors. | | | | a mixed and easy-going crowd of mostly |
| Knock-off CDs and DVDs are as ubiquitous as | | | | holidaymakers. |
| the fake Lacoste t-shirts, wannabe Billabong | | | | |
| shorts and North Face backpack | | | | Few venues close early and it would seem that |
| wish-they-weres. | | | | Thai licensing laws are largely ignored by |
| | | | the majority here, allowing punters to enjoy |
| Once the sun has set over Patong Beach, | | | | partying until sunset should they so desire. |
| certain areas of the resort get ready to | | | | Though the atmosphere is relaxed and |
| become a playground for those seeking the | | | | excessive alcohol consumption is common, |
| sleazy side of Patong's evening | | | | drugs are not tolerated and visitors are wise |
| entertainment. Bangla road and the small soi | | | | to avoid them at all costs. |