During November to April (NE monsoon) the water is very flat and calm.
Patong Beach:
May to October (SW monsoon) there can be some larger waves on some days however Patong beach is safe to swim on most days, pay attention to the red flags when they're out.
The northern part of Patong Beach, where the Novotel Phuket Resort is located, hides a beautiful small sandy creek where water is very shallow and clear during high season. Several beach chairs are available.
The southern part, near the bridge leading to Amari Coral Beach Resort is the mouth of a river where several fishing boats anchor. The other side of the bridge leads to a small fisherman village.
Facilities on the beach
Everything you could possible need is available on Patong Beach, except someone to rub suncream on your back.
Sunbeds are aplenty on Patong Beach, a set (2 sunbeds, a table and an umbrella) costs THB 200 for one day (2008).
There are 3 sets of public toilets spaced out along the beach that are reasonably clean, you usually have to pay 5 baht (US$0.15) to use them.
Beach Eats
The sunbed vendors also sell a wide variety of food, drinks, snacks and of course ice cream. Even better is that you don't have don't have to leave your sunbed, you're every need will be taken care of.
The whole length of the Beach Road is full of restaurants and cafes (there's even a McDonalds) so lunch won't be a problem, nor any other meal for that matter.
Watersports in Patong Beach
Patong beach is jet-ski and parasailing heaven, operators can be found every few hundred meters.Exercise caution and wear a lifejacket when participating in motorised watersports - most jet-skis have "no insurance" stickers on them, very re-assuring! Also popular is banana boat, waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Hobie cats are available, as are kayaks and windsurfers.
The best place to surf at Patong Beach is at the north end, where the waves can be quite good, fast and open to the wind.
Beach Activities
Some good snorkeling can be found by the rocks at the north end of the beach, equipment can be rented on the beach easily.There are a couple of volleyball nets for those who enjoy beach volleyball, everyone's welcome to play - it's a great way to meet people. Games usually start around 4.30pm as it starts to get cooler.
What better location could there be for Thai massage other than the beach, readily available and excellent value for money, the masseuses are set up in the shaded areas. Other types of massage and reflexology are also available.
Beach Vendors
Throughout the day beach vendors walk the beach selling all manner of things, silks, clothing, henna tattoos, costume jewellery, fruit, ice creams, nuts, ornaments and games to name a few. Sometimes you'll see the oddest of items that will have you laughing out loud.
A polite 'no thank you' is all that's required to ensure they pass you by however the ice cream sellers are usually most welcome. Should you wish to look at something on offer you're not obliged to make a purchase. When actually buying something you'll need good bartering skills to get a good price, bartering should always be conducted in a warm friendly manner with a smile on your face.
Article Source: http://www.phuket.com/island/patong-beach.htm
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