While Phuket remains Thailand’s most popular island destination, there is one area of the island that visitors have a love-hate relationship with. That area is, of course, Patong Beach.

Patong Beach was the first area of Phuket to be heavily developed. As a result, it is an absolute mess, with concrete everywhere. The beach is filthy, the people are an unwholesome bunch and the whole vibe of the place is decidedly uncomfortable. Yet because it was the first area to be developed, it remains the most popular place for tourists, who are usually ferried to Patong Beach straight from the airport.

What Patong Beach has going for it is that it’s easy. There are budget accommodations, exotic nightlife and cheap booze all around. The nightlife at Patong Beach is its primary draw, but it is also the reason why many people hate the area.

Continue reading Love it or hate it: Patong Beach