Phuket : Patong Beach

3rd – 4th August 2011. Written by Xin Li.
Phuket, Thailand
Patong Beach is perhaps one of the most well-known (and crowded) beaches in Phuket. Even during low season in August, the beach was fairly crowded with tourists and peddlers.

I can imagine the beauty of the beach now obscured behind the frenzy of beach activities going on at beach from banana boat rides to parasailing. The fine white sand and the waters were alluring no doubt.

If you do not wish to take part in those energy-taxing activities, you could always opt for sandcastle building or a seashell hunt!

Being a hot tourist spot, you should be prepared to be pestered by a horde of people trying to sell you a spot at their beach chairs where you would be able to suntan in “comfort”.

During our short trip to Phuket, I managed to meet up with an American acquaintance that I met in Penang in an earlier trip. He happened to be residing in Phuket too and we met up.

I got the chance to meet another friend of his named Bobby, who has been residing in Phuket for more than 4 years. Both of them are teaching English to the people of Phuket as part of an effort to help the less privileged people.

From Bobby, I found out that Phuket was not what it is today before the tsunami happened. It appeared that the tsunami brought much media coverage to the island that over the last few years after the tsunami in 2004. As a result, the island experienced a massive development of hotels and resorts following its tragic leap into an unforeseen fame as a disaster stricken resort island after the tsunami .Is it a blessing or curse? I think it is up to you to decide.