Getting Around Patong:
The beach and surrounding area are big enough that you might not want to walk from place to place. Rent a scooter or take one of the many mini-buses that ply the streets to get from your hotel to the beach or shopping.
Getting to Patong:
Patong Beach is on the west coast of Phuket and if you're coming from the airport you can either take a taxi for about 350 baht or get on the island's equivalent of a share-the-ride van for about 150 baht. There are no public buses directly from the airport to the beach, but if you don't mind switching, take the public bus from the airport to the bus terminal in Phuket Town, then switch to a bus heading for Patong.
Where to Stay:
What to Expect:
Patong Beach is a built up, busy beach area but because there is no development right on the beach (and a road separating the town from the beach) it still offers sweeping views of the ocean and relative tranquility. If you just want to relax on the beach, rent a beach chair from one of the vendors who've set up shop on the beach. They also sell beer, water and juice. People of all ages visit Patong Beach but it is particularly popular with visitors in their early 20s.
