Patong is a very popular seaside resort for tourists. Known mainly for its nightlife, it attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to discover the famous Bangla Road. To choose the right hotel for your needs, it’s crucial to consider the question of where to stay in Patong when planning your trip.
Patong is well served by public and private transport, and you can easily get there from anywhere on the peninsula. It’s also easy to set off on excursions. Everything is done here to ensure that visitors enjoy a memorable stay. Located in the western part of the province, it’s a great place to stay in Phuket.
In this guide, you’ll find different accommodation options with our recommendations for each area.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Patong, here are some key things you need to know about the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Patong:
- $ this hotel, centrally located near Bangla Road. It offers very good value for money.
- $$ this one, also centrally located and closer to the beach.
- $$$ this upscale waterfront establishment, just southwest of Patong.
Map of different areas to stay in Patong
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Patong
Areas where to stay in Patong
Here are the different places where you can choose to stay in Patong. For each, we’ll recommend a few places to stay.
To stay in the lively heart of Patong
The heart of Patong is the famous Bangla Road, also known as Bangla Walking Street or Thanon Bangla. For decades now, this street has been known as Phuket's party epicenter.
Beer bars, café-concerts, nightclubs and go-go bars, it's all there for tourists to feast their eyes on.
Thanks to its location, this district is close to the beach. Patong Beach is a four-kilometer stretch of sand.
Bordered by the town, it's one of the best-known and busiest beaches in the whole of Phuket. To stay in the center of Patong is therefore practical if you don't have a car and want to be free to move around.
As you'll have gathered, this is a very lively area, and you're sure to enjoy the local life. There are several night markets, including one on the beach.
Here, you can sample local flavors and buy souvenirs before heading to the waterfront to watch the sunset. Alternatively, you can stroll around the gigantic shopping malls such as Jungceylon or Central Patong.
However, if you're a light sleeper or just want to relax in peace and quiet, we don't recommend staying in this area, as you may be disturbed by the noise of the parties, which are in full swing until late at night.
If you're attracted by the nightlife or come here to party, you'll definitely want to stay close to Bangla Road!
To stay close to Tri Trang Beach
Located at the southernmost tip of Patong, Tri Trang is actually surrounded by several beaches.On this small peninsula surrounded by mountains, you'll also find Merlin Beach, Paradise Beach and Freedom Beach.
Formerly known as Emerald or Crystal Beach, Tri Trang Beach is one of Phuket' s most beautiful beaches and enjoys a privileged location away from mass tourism.
The Merlin beach is reserved for guests of the Marriott Resort, located at the very south of the peninsula.Out of reach unless you've booked a room there, you'll enjoy a pleasant stretch of white sand, where you can also relax or snorkel.
Paradise Beach is located at the very western end of the small peninsula.
There is an entrance fee (around a few hundred baths), but it's well worth it, as this money helps to maintain the site, which has remained quite unspoilt as a result.
In the evenings, it's becoming increasingly famous for its full moon parties.
Finally, there's Freedom Beach, one of the most beautiful in Thailand.Accessible only by boat, it enjoys a rare tranquility.For around 100 baths, you'll enjoy the feeling of being at the end of the world.
Despite its location, this group of beaches is little-if at all-crowded, compared with Patong Beach, for example.So, if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, this is the place to stay.
The hotels in this area are upmarket to very upmarket, but offer excellent facilities.
To stay in the north of Patong
For a vacation with family or friends, you may be looking for a little more peace and quiet. To stay in Patong's northern sector is a good choice. You'll be away from the city center, but you'll benefit from lower prices on your accommodation.
Don't worry, you can take a cab or tuktuk to the liveliest streets, such as Bangla Road. Although less well known, this area offers some rather pleasant accommodations at quite affordable, if not very affordable, prices.
You'll also be close to the Patong Boxing Stadium. Here, you can watch real Thai boxing matches. This sport is deeply rooted in Thai culture.
So, for an evening, you can watch men, women and even youngsters of all levels compete in this popular sport.
If you'd like to stay close to the beach, but are looking for something a little more authentic, we can recommend Kalim. Situated in the far north, above Patong Beach, it's a very pleasant, but well-developed beach with plenty of stores and restaurants. If you like surfing, it offers great waves between June and September.
In short, you'll have understood that this somewhat off-center neighborhood is for the budget-conscious or for those who want to stay close to a big city while remaining calm.
Accommodation in Patong South
This area is somewhat equivalent to Patong's northern district. Quieter, you'll enjoy staying here with family or friends.
It offers the proximity of a big city and the many activities it has to offer. On the other hand, it's a more affluent area, where you can enjoy a stroll through the many boutiques.
Nearby is the Malin Plaza. On a human scale, this night market offers a variety of products.
Clothing, shoes, accessories, souvenirs and food - you'll find everything you need during your stay in Thailand! Beware, however, of counterfeit goods, which could get you into trouble once you arrive at the airport...
Simon Cabaret is also not far away. Famous the world over for its enchanting shows with its famous lady boys, it's accessible to the whole family. The acts are all very different from one another, and you'll enjoy spending an evening in a magical, grandiose universe. At the end of the show, you can even take photos with your favorite performers (photos during the show are forbidden).
Likewise, you'll probably have to take a cab or tuktuk to get downtown. But don't worry, it's quick and easy.
As you can see, this mid-range neighborhood is a very pleasant place to stay in Phuket, as it's close to the beach, all amenities and the city center, without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle.
Summary
This guide to help you choose where to stay in Patong is now complete. You should now have all the keys you need to know which accommodation to choose.
Whether you prefer a luxury hotel close to Tri Trang Beach or a room in the heart of Bangla Road, it’s up to you to choose the place you want to stay and discover Phuket!