AmyHuang
Patong, Phuket
I couldn't think of anything funny/tacky/nice as a title for Patong. It is, Patong. It is one of the places (like Bali, which I found much tamer than Patong even in the heart of Kuta!) that has so many stories attached to it and that I had to see it to believe it, and I found that place exactly as what everyone says about it. It is tacky, modernised, full of sex and alcohol, rude and extremely in your face. It is not a nice place at all.
With foresight of what it might be like, we chose to stay in north Patong to get away from where it all happens. It was a quiet beachside popular with locals and we could have the beach to ourselves most part of the day. As you approach close to central Patong you notice the increase in road-side 'girls', drivers and tour sellers trying to grab you. Then, you hit central Patong, where bars are lined with poles ready for a night of skimpy outfits and lots and lots of old men from every part of the world with tiny little Thai ladies.
I guess money can buy you anything.
Thai people here, in comparison to other parts, are also not friendly. Having to deal with loud and rowdy tourists all day I guess you wouldn't be too. They are less patient, smiled less, pushier and mostly in it for the money. Don't blame them though, blame us for bringing this type of crazy culture into a land where people are generally calm, tolerant and friendly.
In a way, I can see why people come here. You get to do things you wouldn't do at home, and at a cheaper price too. If you love flaunting your stuff and getting a lot of attention, Patong is for you. If you love getting drunk, Patong is for you.
If you are travelling to enjoy the local culture and wanting to actually learn something on your trips, then perhaps, just come here for a day to check out the madness then go stay elsewhere.
Although, please don't associate Patong with the rest of Phuket. The rest of Phuket is actually quite nice!
Jungceylon - a modern shopping centre in Patong. It wasn't all that bad, and it's a good place to hide in to get away from all the 'crap'
With foresight of what it might be like, we chose to stay in north Patong to get away from where it all happens. It was a quiet beachside popular with locals and we could have the beach to ourselves most part of the day. As you approach close to central Patong you notice the increase in road-side 'girls', drivers and tour sellers trying to grab you. Then, you hit central Patong, where bars are lined with poles ready for a night of skimpy outfits and lots and lots of old men from every part of the world with tiny little Thai ladies.
Madness
and more madness!
I guess money can buy you anything.
Thai people here, in comparison to other parts, are also not friendly. Having to deal with loud and rowdy tourists all day I guess you wouldn't be too. They are less patient, smiled less, pushier and mostly in it for the money. Don't blame them though, blame us for bringing this type of crazy culture into a land where people are generally calm, tolerant and friendly.
In a way, I can see why people come here. You get to do things you wouldn't do at home, and at a cheaper price too. If you love flaunting your stuff and getting a lot of attention, Patong is for you. If you love getting drunk, Patong is for you.
If you are travelling to enjoy the local culture and wanting to actually learn something on your trips, then perhaps, just come here for a day to check out the madness then go stay elsewhere.
Although, please don't associate Patong with the rest of Phuket. The rest of Phuket is actually quite nice!
An empty beach early in the morning in north Patong
Travelling monk
Pretty little back streets outside the Patong area - I did say Phuket can actually be nice!
