Phuket Patong beach
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Patong Beach 2005 Over the years, Patong has undergone significant transformation from its humble origins as a quaint fishing village to emerge as Phuket premier beach destination. Situated west of Phuket, Patong boasts a picturesque curved bay, flanked by a stretch of white sandy beach. In recent times, the landscape of Patong has evolved rapidly, morphing into a bustling hub of activity teeming with hotels, bungalows, eclectic dining options ranging from German cuisine to upscale seafood establishments, lively beer bars, nightclubs, and cozy coffee houses. While once recognized as one of Phuket’s priciest beaches, the dynamic accommodation market has led to a saturation of options, consequently driving prices down. Consequently, Patong now stands as one of the more affordable beach destinations on the island. As the days pass, the atmosphere grows increasingly vibrant and energetic, reflecting the lively spirit of the locale. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, the local authorities grapple with waste management issues, exemplified by instances of high-end hotels discharging untreated sewage into the sea. Presently, Patong epitomizes Phuket’s quintessential beach getaway, drawing throngs of visitors to its shores. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, the area is home to a plethora of entertainment options including beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, and cabaret shows, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Amidst the flurry of activity, beachgoers can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, water sports, or simply revel in the joy of people-watching. For those seeking respite from the frenetic pace, the southern stretch of Patong Beach offers a more tranquil and laid-back ambiance, making it a preferred choice for relaxation seekers. 1. Reminiscence of Tsunami days
In the
1990s, during my
travels, I found myself
captivated by the beauty of Karon and Kata Beaches in
Phuket. However, amidst the
rush of exploration, I
failed to delve deeper into
the plethora of other
beaches the region had to
offer. As avid travelers,
our days were filled with
the pursuit of experiencing
as much as possible, from
sightseeing to driving,
leaving little time for
leisurely pursuits. Our
evenings were characterized
by early dinners around 7pm,
followed by an early
bedtime, preparing us for
another day of adventure.
3. Star Cruise own mobile terminal
4. Transporters & jetty
5. Ship as seen from shores
6. Deck chairs ready
7. The scene of Patong shore line
8. Amenities -Toilet
9 . Good patronage too
10. Thawewong Road lining the beach
11. Holiday makers enjoying the sun
12. The entertainment area
13 . Some signage
14. Opened in sun set time
15. By Day - deserted
16. Flourishing at night
17. Ghost town by day
18. Also this row
19. The main coastal road again
20. Motor cycle rental
21. One picture for the album or the souvenir
22. My turn
23. There was this street peddler
Patong Beach 20 11Years later, in 2011, during another journey, we witnessed a side of Patong that I had never encountered elsewhere in Thailand. This passage is a juxtaposition of the tranquil moments and the bustling scenes of everyday life in Patong 24. Apartments and condo to the northApproaching Patong beach
25. Clearer view of shore line
26. Started roaming the beach That's not exactly what most visitor to Patong come here to enjoy
27. Smile? The waves?????
28. Deck chairs! This time, little takers
29. Roaming the beach after dark
30 . Sorry? The back ground was open seas -in total dakness
33 . Another day and another morning and more shots
34 . Today, the town was crowded
35 . Sorry again too too earlyShops here opens in the evening
37 . The show time in the afternoon and evening only
50 . Oh They have hawkers centre here as well
52. We fond our makan places
53. Another time and another picture of meal time
53. A fter settling the subject of food, we enjoyed seeing the happeningsThe nights was just beginning
53. Intensity of human activities increasing
opens 53. We have seen enough, With "Sin City" etched in our mind So I started recording anything that feminine
53. Fish therapy Very decent and interesting business
53. Attractive -But don't understand why ?She was showing or showing off in public
53. Poor lonely lady waiting
53. An innocent visitor but well exposed
53. Show time in the night Not in an enclosed area but a stage in the alley and in public
53. Just a series of few pictures
53. Cannot confirm but they looked feminine
53. This is my last frame
Recalling the background of scenes from long ago proved to be a tedious task, yet it was a worthwhile endeavour to wrap up my unfinished stories about Patong Beach. This topic held a significant place on my list, as I've previously mentioned. Even after so many years apart, I still vividly remember the sentiments I experienced while roaming and collecting those pictures. Upon revisiting those scenes, I found it interesting to note that the place was not as crowded or bustling as one might have imagined. Particularly striking were the last few pictures depicting scantily dressed ladies dancing in public. It might seem outdated or even peculiar to assert, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the society portrayed in those images was somewhat misguided. The mingling and shoulder-rubbing in public, all under the guise of letting loose, felt contrived and artificial. It was a highly commercialized environment, and the authenticity of enjoyment seemed questionable. Sadly, it appeared that everyone in the crowd, save for myself, was swept up in the illusion, having travelled from distant lands to partake in the spectacle. Patong Beach - In a new era 6th November 2 02311-2-1 Bright signageDo not see any bustling scences - all types. Human crowd or vehicular
11-2-2 Scene at the beach roadThose colourful box cars? They are replacement for the iconic "Tut Tut" . Across the other side of the road? Self riding motor bikes for rental by the tons
11-2-3 Modern retail outlets
11-2-4 Th e narrow alleys noticeably given a new image
11-2-6 Of course American fast foods taking up the top spots
11-2-7 Another alleys or "soi" given anew lease of life and uses
11-2-8 Massages - no more an "all over town" feature. Sparingly they were seen but within closed doors
11-2-9 The alley physically remained the same but given a new look
11-2-10 Cam see the determination to spruce up the image of Patong
11-2-11 This is the most suggestive frontage
11-2-12 The pubs are orderly
Out of curiosity, I continued to stay updated on the developments in Patong Beach. On Christmas of 2022, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation that the Thai government has brought about in this area. The once notorious "sin city" image of Patong has undergone a complete makeover. Gone are the sleazy joints and the businesses that exploited sex as a selling point. In their place, familiar scenes reminiscent of a typical American township now prevail. While there is an abundance of changes to showcase, I've selected a few representative images at random to illustrate the shift from the old Patong to its more current stat
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