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