33 Best Things To Do in Patong

Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) is Patong's liveliest party zone. No visit to Phuket is truly complete without at least taking a look. Famous for its extreme nightlife, Soi Bangla offers an incredible entertainment area filled with drinks and music that increases in volume as the moon rises. While things start kicking off from soon after nightfall, the place really hits its stride around 11pm at the earliest, but more typically at midnight.

Jammed most nights throughout the year, it's a relatively unintimidating yet lively place to walk around, with bars that proactively compete for customers. With beer bars, go-go bars, live music, dining, market stalls, street performances and international-standard nightclubs, there's something along Bangla Road for most tastes.

The Jungceylon shopping complex is diagonally opposite the famous Bangla Road and is almost a city in itself. The 2 main stores in the shopping complex are Robinson – a gleaming, well-lit, upper-end department store – and the Big C supermarket.

The 200-plus other stores in this shopping heaven sell brand-name clothes, spectacles, sunglasses, cosmetics and perfumes, shoes, DVDs and computer games. There are also tons of mobile phones and accessories and other electrical goods. It's also a great family entertainment destination with the SF Cinema and a 16-lane bowling alley on-site, perfect for rainy days or to escape the heat of the day.

Of the many big shows to see around Phuket, Simon Cabaret is ranked among the very best. The plush theatre on the road leading towards Karon is home to nightly 70-minute performances of a remarkable extravaganza, which features huge song and dance routines, comedy acts, soundalikes and more, with influences from around the world.

A unique aspect of the family-friendly cabaret shows in Thailand is that each and every one of the dozens of performers is transsexual, though you'd never be able to tell as they are all remarkably glamourous – particularly those at Simon Cabaret.

Freedom Beach is a 300-metre-long strip of white sand on Phuket’s west coast that’s dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by hills covered by thick and luxuriant jungle. Essentially, Freedom Beach’s exclusivity comes from the simple fact that it's rather difficult to access, although things are getting a bit better nowadays.

Apart from sunbathing, popular activities that can be enjoyed at Freedom Beach are beach soccer, beach volleyball and snorkelling. There are no jet skis or other noisy marine leisure activities at Freedom Beach. The only audible engines are those of the long-tail boats sailing in and out with visitors.

Paradise Beach is one of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in Patong. It’s one of the most attractive of the many wonderful beaches Phuket has to offer. Being in a small cove on the side of Patong Bay, protected from the waves of the Indian Ocean, the beach offers safe swimming all year round. It's compact and has great views right across Patong Bay.

The beach itself is barely 150 metres long and there's another small beach right next to it that you can reach by a path through the rocks. Paradise Beach is also the home of Phuket's only Koh Phangan-style beach party venue.

Surf House Patong Beach is a vibrant surf centre on Patong’s Beach Road, just over the road from the Immigration office and the famous sandy Patong Beach. It’s a fun ‘flow-riding’ facility where you can learn to surf in a safe and controlled environment.

The second outlet of the famous Surf House in Kata Beach, the Patong Beach branch has a similar size of flow-rider. It can be divided up into a range of lanes that provide you with ‘sheet waves’ that you can surf on as if they were waves in the ocean. Due to the water speed around you, this is a wild ride that can be enjoyed by all different levels of experience.

Eco-friendly and well-executed, Flying Hanuman offers you a chance to discover Phuket's rainforest canopy from a really special angle. It's a unique experience as you’ll never see exactly the same scenario, even if you return many times.

According to the time of year or the time of day, the forest's colours and atmosphere changes. This fun and family-friendly adventure lets you get right up close with nature in a way that no usual forest trek could ever match.

Patong is a great place to see live Muay Thai matches. It has 2 stadiums – Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen and Bangla Boxing Stadium. Between the 2 venues, Patong Boxing Stadium is considered to be more ‘real’. Matches are usually held every Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights. It isn’t so much about the show and more about champions of their craft going head-to-head at the centre of a lively and excited crowd.

Phuket Wake Park near Kathu Waterfall is one of the most fun and challenging outdoor activities in Phuket. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy many exciting wakeboarding rides on a large freshwater lake that’s equipped with 2 Sesitec Cable systems: a short one for beginners and one that goes all around the basin.

The wakeboarding park is open year-round and is usually busiest during the monsoon season when the waves off Phuket's beaches generally become too rough for swimming. The park’s English-speaking and friendly staff members are always around to guide you along, especially if you’re totally new to the sport.

Patong Go-Kart Speedway is a fun and rip-roaring activity that’s great for the whole family. You can find the go-karting circuit at the foot of Patong Hill, on the Kathu side. The racetrack is 750 metres long and has a series of sharp curves, smooth bends, and a long straight towards the start/finish line that calls for thrilling acceleration.

Opened in 1991 and managed by a German national, it's handled by a professional and dedicated Thai team. Anyone with a passion for motor racing visiting Patong should definitely check out this place.

Kathu Waterfall is a popular weekend spot for locals to chill out among nature at. The waterfall consists of a series of pools that are sometimes gushing with rainwater, though they can also be little more than a trickle, depending on the season. The best time to go is usually between June and November when there’s plenty of monsoon water, but it’s advisable not to go when it’s actually raining as things can get rather slippery underfoot.

To get to the very top of Kathu Waterfall, expect a hard climb, though the beautiful scenery justifies the effort. Right at the top, there’s a pool in which you can take a dip and there are other ‘drop pools’ on the way you can cool off in. Most of the ascent is shaded, so you can stop and take rests, too.

Bangla Boxing Stadium features regular Thai boxing (or Muay Thai) fights 3 nights a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It's run by a team of professional Muay Thai promoters who are said to present only the real deal in the ring. Many of the fighters here are foreign boxers who train hard before getting in the ring.

If you're lucky, you might have the chance to witness some women’s matches that also take place here, though not as often as men’s events. From the outside, the whole scene looks like something out of The Flintstones as it looks more like a big cave than a modern sports stadium. But don’t let this fool you; once you step inside, it’s a serious boxing stadium.

Loma Park is a refreshingly quiet spot to relax in the shade along Patong Beach, towards the north end of the beach. Many festival events are held here during the year, and it's a popular park for local families to enjoy a nice afternoon.

The park is a great go-to for families, not least because of the small playground nearby. The soft white sand and the blue waves of Patong Beach are only a short walk away, and there’s a small market by the beach for light bites and souvenirs. Those looking for some action can choose from the many watersport options available on the sand nearby.

Red Mountain Golf Club opened in 2007 in Phuket’s Kathu district, on what used to be a tin mine. It's right next to its sister golf course – Loch Palm Golf Club – and has become one of the favourite courses in Phuket. Red Mountain Golf landed its name from the mesa-style appearance of its landscape, made up of red soil, granite rocks, hills, and vegetation.

Located only 15 minutes by car from Phuket Town and Patong Beach, it's a great place to play – far from the busy scenes of such a busy island. The 224-hectare, 18-hole course is a par-72, with a total length of 6,781 yards (6,200 metres). The clubhouse is a modern building with a restaurant terrace overlooking the superb natural surroundings and 2 of the 18 holes.

Kalim Beach is just north of Patong Beach and, unlike its famous neighbour, still retains some of its local Thai touches. A concrete parking and vendor space at its southern end, in front of the local school, cuts the beach into halves and hosts a small but popular street food market most evenings, with half-a-dozen stands selling roti mataba, noodle soup, Thai ice creams and other delicacies, as well as soft drinks.

Kalim Beach itself is pretty rocky and not very attractive for swimmers, even though some snorkelling is possible at high tide. The beach is great for surfing in the low season. Some top surfing events are held there each year. Kalim is also famous for its fine-dining venues, with its good concentration of well-respected restaurants in the area.

When cresting Patong Hill, most drivers honk their horns to show respect to the Boon Kaw Kong Shrine that straddles the hill. Built in 1980, it's not a big shrine but it is well respected. When devotees' wishes are granted they usually come back to pay respect by setting off firecrackers. Some people show open-air movies across the road from the shrine or donate money for the shrine's maintenance. Photography is not allowed inside.

Loch Palm is a golf course in Patong that’s described as 'balancing challenge and fairness'. The greens are maintained at playable speeds that are never superfast, thus encouraging visiting golfers to return.

Nevertheless, there's plenty of testing carries across water and close encounters with impenetrable jungle. Placed neatly within a cordon of hills, the flight of most shots can be easily tracked through the air against a background of forest or jungle. Tee times are based on availability – reservations are necessary.

Football Crazy Golf Phuket opened in December 2011 and is located next to the original Phuket Go-Kart circuit at the bottom of Patong hill on the Kathu side. This activity is extremely popular in Scandinavian countries where tournaments are organised every year but is relatively new to Thailand (the first Football Golf course opened in Koh Samui in 2005).

This sport is obviously a mix of football and golf. Phuket Football Crazy Golf is set on an area about the size of a regular football field and offers an 18-hole, 69-par course. Fun for the whole family, this sport does not require any specific skill.

Kathu Shrine has shared a long history with Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival and is known as the original home of the festival. The original Kathu shrine was very small and not at all grand. Over the years, a lot of work and effort was expended to renovate its condition and nowadays this shrine is considered by many islanders as the holiest of all in Phuket.

Traditional materials and techniques were used and the restoration was done following traditional Chinese architecture as visitors can see, starting from its main entrance. You can find the shrine in Kathu Village, about 2 km from the Kathu-Patong junction on Samkong-Kathu Road once you turn right.

Phuket Country Club Golf is an 18-hole course in Kathu that’s set in a valley and runs through a forest, undulating hills and flat country. Water comes into play in 7 holes and there are 54 bunkers. It could never be called daunting and offers the prospect of a relatively low score.

On the other hand, the 9-hole course (par 38) is a true test for golfers of all skill levels. Only 1 hole is free from water hazards, and there are 27 bunkers.

Yoga is a popular activity in Phuket, with many experienced instructors having relocated themselves to this beautiful island. Some of the popular yoga centres in Patong use the Hatha Yoga method (a sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises practised in a heated room). They have full, spacious studios with floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors, complimentary mats and towel rentals as well as complimentary lockers and more.

Alternatively, many hotels and resorts in and around Patong offer yoga classes on a daily basis or can arrange a private session for you. Such places include Millennium Resort Patong and Sun Hill Hotel among others.

Phuket Mining Museum, located in Kathu on the road between Loch Palm Golf Club and the British International School, is one of the island’s most interesting museums. You can't miss the entrance: a Sino-Portuguese-style double archway. Inside, it features displays ranging from tin mine models to a recreated scene in an opium den.

A visit with a guide (or someone who has some knowledge about Phuket's history) is recommended as, for now, most of the signs and descriptions are only in Thai. There’s a minimal entrance fee.

Breeze Spa, located within the Amari Phuket resort, is a great pick for a massage or spa treatment to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Open to non-guests, anyone can enjoy the range of blissful treatments within a tropical forest.

Relax in one of the private open-air pavilions while an experienced masseuse kneads away all stresses and strains as you soak up the views of the Andaman Sea. All pavilions feature a shower and a sundeck – great for luxuriating in bliss after your treatment. If you’re visiting with your significant other or best friend, enjoy the experience together with the double pavilions. To spoil yourself even more, opt for the Deluxe Sala, featuring a Jacuzzi and a steam room.

Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, or Wat Patong for short, is a peaceful and holy place right in the middle of Patong’s busy development and infamous nightlife. This Theravada temple is a centre of local Thai Buddhism. It has many beautiful structures, including the main ubosot (chapel), pagoda, monastery hall, and statues of Lord Buddha.

Every morning, the temple's resident monks visit the nearby community to collect food from the villagers who line their route. It's a sight that takes Patong right back to its original roots when the place was just a fisherman’s village years ago. You can find the temple at the junction of Phrabarami and Phisit Karani Road (at the bottom of Patong Hill by the Phuket-Patong Road).

Kidzoona Phuket is a terrific place to take younger kids for some fun and laughter in Patong. An indoor play area within the Jungceylon shopping mall, it’s an all-weather activity. The air-conditioning keeps the kids cool at the height of the hot season, while the fact that it’s indoors makes it ideal for rainy days, too.

Although suitable for children aged 12 and under, it’s perhaps more suited for younger children up to around the age of 8. With plenty of equipment, games, and activities, plus a separate area for toddlers, this is a great place for children to enjoy themselves while the parents enjoy some retail therapy in the large shopping centre. Do note, however, that at least 1 adult must remain with the children.

Laser Battle Thailand is located in the centre of Bangla Game Space in Patong and is said to be the biggest laser shooting game area in all of Thailand. Don one of over 100 battle suits and enter an expansive battlefield to try to shoot your opponent’s badge with a laser.

One of the best things about Laser Battle Thailand is that you can come here as part of a team or simply join with other players who are already enjoying a game. Admission is from around 400 baht per player.

Let’s Relax Spa Phuket was established in 1998 and has several other branches around Thailand. It's now one of the island’s top day spas. With a solid reputation and a variety of luxurious treatments and techniques, visitors who are looking for some quality ‘me time’ and some blissful pampering have plenty of options at Let’s Relax Spa.

There are several locations in Phuket, each close to the lively Patong Beach. Whichever one you choose, you’ll find a similar menu, reasonable prices, and a relaxing vibe. The spa recommends advance bookings and payment, especially during the peak season. Alternatively, you can take your chance and see if there are any spots available on a walk-in basis.

So Thai Spa Phuket provides competitively priced spa treatments in a tranquil and soothing setting in the heart of energetic Patong. Treatments all focus on overall wellbeing for both the body and spirit. Therapists are professional and skilled, and the spacious rooms are decorated to a high standard, with traditional Thai elements, striking red paintwork and golden touches. Enjoy some blissful pampering with a friend or your partner in one of the double rooms, or indulge in some quality ‘me time’ in a private room for one.

There are 2 shooting ranges in Patong that give you the opportunity to get to grips with a range of firearms. Pistols and rifles come in various calibres and all ammunition used consists of special range bullets. The cost varies according to the gun models and quantity of bullets spent.

Kathu Shooting Range near Loch Palm Golf Club has been operating for many years while Patong Shooting Range on the Phuket-Patong Road started later, in 2007.

If you need an adrenaline fix in Phuket, look no further than bungy jumping... over a lagoon. For those adventurous types who live for challenges, you can jump and bounce 50 metres over the green-blue water of the Jungle Lagoon at the Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu.

Set over a picturesque pond that was formerly an old tin mining site but now a safe location for experiencing big-time thrills, look for Jungle Bungy Jump on the main road leading out of Patong to Phuket Town, near the major intersection at Kathu.