Places to visit in Patong
If Patong were a person, he’d wear glittery shorts, drink cocktails instead of coffee in the morning, and know every DJ on the island by name.
Patong is the kind of place where the adventure starts the moment you drop your suitcase off at the hotel. One minute you’re eating mango sticky rice on the beach, the next you’re dancing on a bar counter to a Despacito remix, and by the end of the night, you’re buying a T-shirt that says “I ♥️ Patong.” And that’s just an ordinary — maybe even boring — day in Patong!
Let’s address the big question right away: the beach in Patong is not what you’d call a must-visit. It’s far from perfect — not very clean and definitely not secluded. But the good news? There are plenty of other exciting places here that we do recommend checking out.
Bangla Road is Phuket’s ultimate nightlife hotspot
Bangla Road is a pedestrian street just about 400 meters long — but oh, what a wild ride it is after dark! This is the epicenter of Phuket’s nightlife: a chaotic mix of neon signs, DJ beats, pole-dancing bars, and people having so much fun they forget their own names. Alcohol flows freely, cocktails come in buckets (literally), and making new friends is as easy as saying, “Where are you from, bro?”
After sunset, the street gets especially crowded and loud. You’ll find everything from sketchy offers (like the infamous ping pong shows) to parties of all shapes and sizes — but one thing’s for sure: they’re always insanely fun. The peak hours hit between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though the party often rages until sunrise.
If you’re on Bangla Road, hitting the clubs is a must — otherwise, what are you even doing here? The top spots are:
Illuzion
(Patong)
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A massive club with three halls, it can host up to 5,000 guests and offers over 300 VIP tables for a truly comfortable night out. This venue has become a global hotspot thanks to its unique acoustics, cutting-edge lighting and tech setup, and jaw-dropping shows featuring aerial performers. Top DJs and international pop stars regularly take the stage here — it’s an absolute must-visit for electronic music lovers.
Armania
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The island’s first premium nightclub, designed in the style of the Renaissance era. Every detail of the interior, the dazzling light shows, and the breathtaking aerial performances come together to create an atmosphere where the night turns into a true spectacle — and emotions reach an entirely new level.
Of course, Bangla Road is packed with bars. There’s no point listing them all — just walk in anywhere and find your vibe. For a full list, check out the Bars page.
Restaurants are just as plentiful. International cuisines are especially popular here — think Indian, Italian, and everything in between. Head over to the Cafes & Restaurants section, choose By District, and you’ll unlock Patong’s full foodie map: from halal spots and Chinese hot pot to rooftop venues with signature cocktails and cozy restaurants serving Russian cuisine.
Malin Plaza Market – tasty, cheap, and fun
Malin Plaza night market is your go-to spot when hunger strikes in the evening. They grill everything here — squid, pad thai, pancakes, ice cream, and sometimes things you won’t even recognize. Check out our articles “Edible Sea Creatures” and “Top 7 Weird Dishes” to be mentally prepared for the local delicacies.
Most of Malin Plaza is covered by a tall metal roof, so you can easily visit even if it’s raining. And here’s a bonus: the market isn’t just a night affair — it’s open during the day too, which is a big plus.
Pro tip: Grab the coconut shell ice cream — it’s tasty, refreshing, and totally Instagram-worthy.
When your soul craves air-conditioning and a little shopping
If it’s pouring rain or the sun’s so intense you feel like you’re about to melt — Jungceylon is your go-to escape. This shopping mall in Patong is the perfect place to cool off, grab some brand-name goods, and enjoy a bite at the food court.
The mall itself is quite unique — it’s made up of several separate buildings with their own entrances, all connected by a central area and an open-air dining zone. There are often fun events for both kids and adults. Oh, and don’t miss the 20-meter-long ship with snow-white sails in the courtyard — a replica of a traditional Chinese pleasure boat.
Massage and SPA – time to relax
In Patong, you’ll definitely hear “massage, massage?” about a hundred times a day. There are tons of massage salons around — some really great, and some not so much.
We recommend choosing places with good reviews (check out the Massage Parlors in Patong section), clean facilities, and therapists in uniform. Also, look out for certificates on the walls and mentions that the therapists trained at Wat Pho or other well-known massage schools. And remember: free cheese only happens in mousetraps — if the price is too low, it usually means average quality service. We suggest trying Sansabai Massage, Siladon Spa, SabaiJai D Massage, and other reputable salons in Patong.
A quick note for men: if you want a therapeutic or relaxing massage — not “exotic” services — avoid places that push “extra services” aggressively. Signs to watch for: tinted windows, overly intimate atmosphere, and women aggressively inviting you inside at the entrance.
Muay Thai – a river of energy
Muay Thai is traditional Thai boxing, also known as “the art of eight limbs” because it uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins. It’s not just a fight — it’s a sport, a show, and an important part of Thai culture. And right here in Patong, there’s a great place where you can watch spectacular Muay Thai fights.
Patong Boxing Stadium
Geo on Google Maps
Website
Buy tickets: Telegram, WhatsApp
The most famous stadium in Phuket, hosting serious fights with participants from Thailand and other countries. You can really feel the true energy of the ring here — the crowd, the music, the gong strikes. Tickets for the shows start at 1,300 ฿, depending on the seat: the closer to the ring, the more expensive.
In cabaret — not just girls!
Another unique feature of Thailand is cabaret shows with transgender performers. Set aside your prejudices: it’s truly a vibrant and genuinely beautiful show — dazzling costumes, glitter, dancing, and transformations — all at the highest level. The performers look so stunning and move so gracefully that it’s hard to believe they were born male. A true legend of Phuket, and Southeast Asia as a whole, is Simon Cabaret.
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The theater has a seating capacity of 600 and is equipped with modern sound and lighting systems. Stunning decorations and the option to order drinks make the evening even more enjoyable.
After the show, guests have a unique opportunity to meet the performers up close, take photos, and admire their luxurious costumes.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
We do not support places where animals are kept in captivity and forced to perform circus tricks. And we don’t recommend those to you either! But an ethical elephant sanctuary, like Tonsai Elephant Care Camp Phuket in Patong, is exactly what you need.
There are only 4 elephants living here. You can feed them and watch their daily routine, like taking mud baths. Your phone’s gallery will be filled with super cute photos, and your mood from spending time with these big, gentle animals will skyrocket!
Tip: come in the morning, when the residents of Patong are still resting after a wild night. That way, you’ll have the chance to have a real date with the elephants.
If you’re also an animal lover, we recommend visiting another ethical sanctuary — Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve — Sanctuary in Phuket. Plus, you can get discounted tickets for this place through us via WhatsApp or Telegram.
“Nothing sacred” — that’s not Patong
“Nothing sacred” — that’s not Patong
That’s right — even in Patong, the locals found a place for prayer. They built a large and beautiful temple — Wat Doi Thepnimit.
A quiet, secluded spot — just what you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the area. There’s a viewpoint offering a stunning view of Patong. You can also stay at the temple for practice and even live in ascetic conditions alongside others seeking solitude, meditation, and prayer. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
A Bit of Adventure
Erawan Patong Seaview Zipline
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Erawan Patong Zipline is located in the jungle on the mountainside, offering panoramic views of Patong. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can embark on an exciting zipline adventure through the tropical forest and enjoy stunning views of the white sandy beach and turquoise sea.
The park covers an area of about 176,000 m² and includes treehouses, “bird nests,” suspension bridges, rope descents, and much more.
The park’s main pride is the longest zipline in Phuket, stretching over 700 meters. A thrilling flight with breathtaking views of Patong Bay is guaranteed!
Erawan Patong Zipline is created in harmony with nature: all facilities are eco-friendly, and after the activities, guests can plant a seed in the jungle — a symbolic contribution to environmental conservation.
Safety comes first here: PETZEL equipment is used, meeting European and American standards. Children aged 4 and older (accompanied by adults) are allowed on the ziplines, with a maximum participant weight of 120 kg.
And… the Beach After All
Surprise! At first, we said that the beach in Patong isn’t really worth it. But we were a bit dishonest: even in this area, there is a beach we can recommend. It’s called Tri Trang.
Small and cozy (only about 700 meters long), it’s located just south of Patong. Here you’ll find beautiful views, calm waters, and palm trees that provide shade to escape the scorching sun.
Nearby, there’s a hotel that has taken care of the necessary infrastructure: sun loungers and showers. You can also have lunch at the hotel’s restaurant.
The only downside: the coastline here experiences pronounced tides, so swimming comfortably is only possible during high tide. However, there are no waves even in the low season — the cape protects the shore, preventing big waves from forming.
Patong is like a Thai smoothie: bright, sweet, a little spicy, a bit mysterious, but delicious. And you can mix it all up — parties, shows, and even beach relaxation, as you can see. Enjoy Phuket, and Phuket Insider will help you find the best spots for your vibrant and diverse vacation! Check out the sections Places to Visit, Nightlife, and Massage & SPA to discover even more places in the Patong area and other parts of Phuket.
