Patong Club Scene

Do you have problems finding the right area in Patong to get your party started? I am only speaking about the club scene in Patong...nothing else...kinda. I have broken down the club scene for you becuase believe it or not---Thailnad can get a bit confusing.

Patong’s image has been a little seedy as its major claim to fame was being Phuket’s infamous ‘naughty area’. However, in recent years, Patong has shown a marked transformation and not only evolved into an ultra-hip night spot, it has also become a family-friendly area…ok, that was strenching the truth a bit.

During the day, Patong is backed with frenzied shoppers and fat farangs overstuffed in tiny black speedos, cooking themselves with SP15. As their sun blisters increase and night approaches, Patong lights up like the Vegas strip and Thais and expats loosen their belts (I mean ties) and head for their favourite watering holes. Later you'll see them soaking up the disco beats in Club Banana or bar-hopping along Bangla Road.

Most of the more popular night spots are concentrated along the neon-lit Soi Bangla, the most famous spot in Patong. Along Bangla, there are a number of side sois (streets) that are overflowing with bars, pool halls and small hut-style drinking spots. But the main action takes place on Soi Bangla.

One of the busiest clubs on Bangla Road is Tiger Disco. As you enter Tiger, you will be slightly taken aback by the crouching tigers that stand guard at the clubs entrance. The club has two levels of fun; the downstairs area has a rustic cave design and has a slew of smaller bars filling every nook and cranny. The upper section houses a disco, which is also packed full of enthusiastic clubbers.

Undeniably, one of the most colourful areas along Bangla is Soi Crocodile, also known as Soi Katoey. Along Soi Crocodile, katoeys (lady-boys) come out in full force to entice enthusiastic party revellers to their fun-filled bars.

The Beach Road is yet another area that offers quiet a few clubs that are very popular with both locals as well as the expat community. The Beach road runs along the entire length of Patong’s sandy beach. The road is chock-full of beach enthusiasts during the day--and like Soi Bangla, the Beach Road in teeming with clubbers as the sun goes down.

One of the oldest and most celebrated clubs in this ares is Banana Disco. Banana caters to an over 21 crowd who is primarily interested in dancing and not necessarily in picking up the 'best deal of the night', although that happens too. The club does have a 200 Baht cover charge which weeds out some of the 'working' young men and women.

Headbangers will want to head to Rock City. This club offers live music with semi-talented musicians covering great rock bands like Metallica and the Stones. Rock city also has a DJ and a totally cool dance floor. However, you probably will hear the band do the ever so famous...Hotel California. Who in the hell told Thai people that the Eagles were cool? What the...

Royal Paradise Complex: Gay Patong
Ok, you didn't think that I was going to leave the kids out...did you? What is a party without the gay crowd? It's a beige and flannel mess! Patong is keenly aware that the 'pink dollar' is just as spendable as the other dollars and has thus created a truly vibrant gay scene and offers a huge selection of gay clubs, go-go bars and cabaret shows. While Soi Crocodile and Soi Vegas have quite a few gay and gay-friendly clubs, the highest concentration of venues is in the Paradise complex.

My Way Cabaret is one of the hottest of the hot spots in Paradise as it is famous for its wonderful cabaret shows. My Way also has a male go-go bar that attracts both men and women who just want to have a peek or maybe a little more with one of the half naked young men on parade. Although most of the boys will more than likely go home with a male or a female, don't get attached...it is a business and they go home with clients. It is said that half of the go-go boys are straight--believe it or not.

As the sun rises, you can look out over the city that people call ‘The Pearl of the Andaman’ and decide where the next night festivities will take you...kinda like Dracular huh? Have fun and be safe!