Stay Long in Patong, What You Get When in Phuket
- Tahsan Scott
- Sep 12, 2023
- 5 min read
“I believe I have a sunny disposition, and am not naturally a grouch. It takes a lot of optimism, after all, to be a traveler.” - Paul Theroux
I’d like to think that I am an optimist. At least I strive to be.
In that eternal quest for silver linings, looking back at the arduous year that was 2020, I must say that one positive thing that came from the COVID-19 pandemic was my first month-long stay abroad.
After months of quarantines and lockdowns and general unrest, my mom and I decided to travel to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, and spend a month swimming, eating tacos, and drinking margaritas. It was an amazing experience and changed the way I think about travel.
Fast forward to August 2023, and following a very challenging year, (my dad passing away, family challenges, and the steep learning curve of dealing with trusts, lawyers, county recorder’s offices and the like) I find myself staying in beautiful Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand for one month.
I decided to take refuge at the Marina Phuket Hotel, mostly for the amazing rooftop pool, but also the reasonable nightly rate and stellar staff. Located a short 12 minute walk away from both the beach and the popular bacchanal of Bangla Road, the Marina Phuket is a great location that is close, but not too close to all of the action Patong has to offer.
What does one do for an entire month in Patong Beach? Honestly, a lot!
Smile, say “Sawasdee krub” and “Khob khun khrub” a lot
The two most important and most used phrases that will be used. Sawasdee kha/khrub (female/male version) the standard greeting to any and everyone, and Khob khun khrub which is thank you. Keep saying both with a smile and a slight bow with your hands placed together like the prayer emoji, and you will be off to a running start anywhere in Thailand. Even Ronald McDonald bows in Thailand.
Meet a cool native or local companion
Making a few Thai friends is key. My new dear friend Tip, although she’s originally from the northern part of Thailand and was staying in Patong for work, was a great asset and friend. My time in Patong wouldn’t have been the same without her.
Go to the beach and drink a cold fresh young coconut
There are tons of beach chairs to rent for the day, with each proprietor offering a small selection of beverages and snacks. Very few things are better than an ice cold coconut. Be sure to ask for a spoon after you drink the coconut water so that you can scoop out some of the tender and delicious flesh.
Explore night markets, local restaurants, and food halls
Although many of the restaurants will have the same classic thai and western dishes on the menu, try a little bit of everything. There is something delicious for every budget and palate. The Banzaan Night Market happens every evening and is a great place to explore local street food. Also the food hall on the bottom floor of the Central Patong Mall is excellent. Mood Cafe is a great place for breakfast and coffee.
See throngs of weed dispensaries
There may be just as many weed stores as there are massage parlors since Mary Jane was decriminalized in Thailand not too long ago. The clever names, logos, and decorations are entertaining.
Learn how to deal with the temperamental rainy season
Luckily my hotel had umbrellas to rent, although I didn’t always grab one when I needed it. You’ll also find that 7-11 and some local vendors on the street will sell cheap plastic ponchos that are great for when you get caught in a storm.
Visit Paradise Beach
It’s a beautiful little cove with a beach club. You pay 200 baht (about $6) to access the beach club and have a lounge chair. Pretty good food, decent drinks, good service and one of the most beautiful and calm beaches in the area. A must visit. Also, they filmed part of Meg 2 here, but luckily I didn’t see any giant sharks while I was there.
Eat delicious tropical fruit and drink copious amounts of fruit shakes
They are pretty much everywhere, try different flavors, mix flavors. I get mine sans sugar.
Get a few massages
You’ll hear “Hello, Massage?” so much that you’ll start to think maybe your name is Massage. Definitely get a traditional Thai massage, or an oil or coconut oil massage. Prices range from $5-15, with most being around $8-11. If you have a good massage, tip a dollar or two to show your appreciation.
Complete side quests to Koh Phi Phi and Phuket Town
Koh Phi Phi is one of my favorite places in the world. It is a picturesque paradise island with no cars, lengthy crescent shaped beaches on either side, and an incredible viewpoint hike. Take the ferry or speedboat from the Rassada Pier in Phuket Town and stay on the island for a few nights. Don’t miss the nightly fire shows at some of the beach side bars on the island.
Phuket Town has a really nice mall, Central Phuket, as well as some great restaurants worth exploring. It's a different vibe from Patong and makes for a good change of pace for the day.
Get a haircut at a barbershop that could easily be in Inglewood or Harlem
Fresh Cuts. Dope barbershop that made me feel at home. Great cut. Love the NBA and Hip-hop paraphernalia.
Visit Tiger Kingdom
I don’t generally like cats that much. That being said, I’ve never touched a tiger before, and it seemed like a cool opportunity. It was. The tigers are peaceful, treated well, and beautiful. I obviously chose the second to smallest tigers they had just in case something went wrong, I would have had a fighting chance.
Ride on the back of a motorbike
Last time I came to Asia, I did drive a motorbike. I didn’t really love it, so now I stick to taking Grab cars, or every now and then riding on the back of a motorbike as someone else drives. It can be a real rush and great way to get around.
Maybe visit the famous Ping Pong Show if you are so inclined
I happened to meet some really cool Vietnamese ladies from Montreal who expressed interest in attending one of the famous Ping Pong shows. I’d never been before, so I opted to accompany them. It was something. No further comment.
Became locally famous in a short amount of time
Socializing with locals is always one of the best things to do when traveling. Socialize enough and you’ll start to be known around town. Nothing wrong with being a man about town right?
Be more optimistic
You’re in a beautiful tropical beach town. Take it slow, enjoy yourself. Listen to the coffee cup, it knows all.
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