Finding What’s Nice In Patong, Phuket

Phuket’s most popular beach destination is notorious for its nightlife along with the expansive powdery sands.

I have always been in the ‘Not on your Nelly‘ camp, when it comes to Patong, happy to leave the wild partygoers to have their fun and crowded beach. I’m more desperately seeking some charm and authenticity, than the sketchy nightlife of Bangla road. Just call me a boring Wren!

The unedited natural charms of Patong Beach July 2021

Finding what’s nice in Patong!

Like most places, if you know where to look, you can find your tribe!

My tribe likes a nice hotel, preferably new or newly renovated, with a wow of a bathroom and a balcony with a great view, We’re not averse to roaming the ‘fun’ areas, but we want a peaceful retreat to return to. We’re even prepared to overlook the ‘has seen better days” shut up shops of Patong, in favour of access to a great beach.

We delight in tasty great food (some of us would like to think in another world we’ll be back as Foodies, but for now in pandemic days choice is limited) which we like to be fresh, healthy, and doesn’t make us sick and of course, good coffee is a must!

Hang on a mo – that’s exactly what I found in Patong! Hmmm, maybe I should not be so hard on the place?

Is Patong still popular?

In terms of Phuket Sandbox arrivals, it appears Patong remains high in the popularity stakes with people mistakenly booking based on memories of yesteryear. No one I’ve spoken to can believe it could be as deadly quiet as it is.

Don’t get me wrong there is much more happening in Patong after the first couple of months of the Sandbox than previously.

Let me share with you some of my most lovely experiences in Patong. Won’t you come for a wander with me, and I’ll show you all things nice?

Patong Beach

Worth rediscovering – Huge bay – Great for walking

We love the 3km mega bay beach looking out over the Andaman Sea. It’s relatively sheltered which makes water sports possible year-round. 

With the party crowd minimised, you’ll find the beach brilliant for walking, swimming, and its quiet without the hoards of jet skis, banana boats, and the drinking on the beach crowd.

Patong Beach Clean Up

Patong beach is generally well looked after by the local authorities, it is after all their golden asset. With a beach clean, there is always something to be done and I love it when local people go out of their way to make a difference and to contribute to their communities.

Khun Jang is a popular Thai language teacher from Kathu Language School, who often organises beach clean-up mornings on Patong and the surrounding beaches for her students. Jang and friends win the award for being the nicest people I met on the beach!

If you want to see what we collected, do check out her Youtube below!

To join please contact Jang via here Facebook here. All welcome.

Patong Resorts and Hotels

Holiday Inn Resort  SHA+ Approved 

You’re a standout winner for showing me the very best that Patong has to offer. Check out the  Busakorn Villa rooms with private pool access for an extra splurge.

This large resort offers something for everyone. six swimming pools, great facilities for kids, in downtown Patong with the beach opposite.

This resort stands the test of time, it’s been here over thirty years and has weathered much from tsunami to pandemics. This resort is emerging strongly in the Patong recovery. I see why people return again and again, the staff are amazing,

For more check out our Youtube: Holiday Inn Resort and hit Like & Subscribe for more!

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Four Points by Sheraton SHA+ Approved 

At the quieter end of Patong beach, this hotel, one of the newest in town puts the nice and new into Patong.

If you are looking to be beachfront in a fresh new resort then look no further. Lots of great Insta spots around the place especially at the swimming pool area which is across the road from Patong beach.

A good value resort and an excellent choice in Patong. Notable for its fabulous breakfast, and Lazy Days in-room menu! We also think this has the best choice of TV channels we’ve seen in a long time – Aussie Rules Footy on the TV gets a big thumbs up!

Great for all the family – with an active Kids’ Club.

Kalima Resort & Spa SHA+ Approved 

On the way out of town but with spectacular views across the bay you’ll find the modern Kalima Resort. Beware it is mountainside though for those who like to walk on the flat.

Offering fabulous romance-styled rooms, with helpful staff, a wonderful infinity pool area, brilliant fitness classes, a spectacular sunset setting (check out the Thai hotpot special) all at a fabulous price. Talk about quietly getting on with and nailing a Phuket Sandbox offering. We loved our stay!

For more on our stay see our IG TV here: Kalima Resort.

Where to Coffee

Hern Coffee

My favourite place for coffee is the beachfront cafe (well across the road) at the southern end of Patong Bay at Hern Coffee & Bistro! A perfect place to people-watch.

WHERE TO BREAKFAST

Four Points by Sheraton

Of special mention is the fabulous brekkie at Four Points by Sheraton offering one of the best breakfasts we’ve found in Phuket. With a wide variety of choices, there would have to be something for all to be found here!

WHERE TO DINE

We ate well at all three of the hotels above which have given us great dining experiences.

Terrazo Restaurant

For a recent SKAL International Phuket event, we had the fabulous opportunity to see the very best this restaurant can offer. Bringing a touch of Italy to Patong Beach, Terrazzo offers up a variety of flavourful Italian restaurant-style dishes. It’s right on the street front across from the beach & had a live band playing the night we were there. It has some great dinner deals and is the winner of Phuket’s best burger.  (note closed in Sept 2021 for a refubishment)

Baan Rim Pa

Also worthy of note is Baan Rim Pa restaurant, opposite Kalima resort (on the north drive into Patong.) Here you will find elegant Royal Thai cuisine and spectacular sunset views. This is the place of choice if you are in search of a celebration meal.

Patong what next?

These days, Patong needs to decide what she wants to be, this is a big opportunity to reinvent. I chat about Phuket as the popular girl in class in my Love letter to the Hoteliers of Phuket. In Patong, we currently find this girl with her make-up off and tourist depleted.

Underneath that brash exterior, there was a stunning beach to be rediscovered, and an empty town struggling to emerge in post-pandemic days.  Patong is currently like the spotty, wild teenager, we’re all waiting to see which way she is heading. 

Is she going to continue with her wild ways or is she emerging to blossom and the rest of us say phew?!

Let’s hope it’s the latter. I’m hoping to expand this post with more nice and lovely finds to enjoy in Patong.

Happy wanderings and let me know in the comments if you have any places to recommend!