Monday Escape: Patong Beach, Thailand
Just give in, say “Phuket”, and escape immediately to Thailand’s gorgeous beach town, Patong Beach. Located on Thailand’s largest island and tourist destination of Phuket, Patong Beach is also the region’s center for nightlife and cheap shopping.
And if you enjoy the beach life, Phuket is the place to be. The island’s west coast is lined with many of the world’s most majestic beaches. The city of Patong Beach itself hosts a beach by the same name– which is one of the most popular in Thailand.
The city is also relatively tolerant of gays, lesbians and transgendered folks. Nightlife is centered on two main areas Bangla Road and Paradise Complex, with Bangla Road being predominantly straight and Paradise Complex being predominantly gay. Both roads are lined with many themed bars, discotheques, and go go clubs.
If the clamoring, partying pace of Patong Beach starts to wear you out, then quiet, relaxing and peaceful escapes are a short hop, skip and jump away. Some of the island’s multifarious nearby other beaches and smaller resorts include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Rawai, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach.
The island of Phuket itself is connected by bridge to Thailand’s mainland, so it’s readily accessible and easy to move to and fro.
While the area was one of the worst hit by the devastating tsunami of 2004, the city is steadfastly recovering. It’s the perfect chance to move here, help rebuild and recapture the excitement surrounding this electrifying, beautiful region.