Patong is Phuket’s busiest resort and its two-kilometre beach is no different. This once deserted strip of sand now buzzes to the sound of a throng of beach goers, vendors, hawkers, jets-skis and much, much more on a daily basis.

A drive or a walk down the beach road in Patong and you are confronted by hundreds of rows of sun beds and umbrellas, all fighting for space and customers on Patong Beach’s golden sand.

As well as being reasonably long, Patong Beach is also fairly wide, meaning that it can accommodate a large number of people. As a result of this, the beach at Phuket’s most famous tourist destination makes the perfect place to lie back and simply watch the world go by.

Because of the frenetic amount of activity on the beach, visitors will find it hard to get bored even if they are just chilling out, but should the unlikely happen, there are plenty of activities available, ranging from hobie cat sailing to jet-ski rental, and from kayaking to banana boat rides.

Out of the water, beach volleyball is another popular way to pass the time on Patong Beach and games tend to get underway towards the end of the afternoon when things are a little cooler down on the beach.

If the thought of running around and getting sandy and sweaty brings you out in a cold sweat, a Thai massage could be just the beach activity you are looking for.

As with virtually everything else, Patong Beach won’t disappoint and there are plenty of options to choose from. Indeed, you’re only difficulty will come in trying to select which one will be right for you.

Patong is home to some of the best shopping on the Pearl of the Andaman and on Patong Beach, the chance to pick up a bargain gets dropped in your lap courtesy of the plethora of hawkers who roam the beach, selling everything from sarongs and bandanas, to jewelry and henna tattoos.

Should all the water sports, volleyball, massages and lying around leave you feeling puckish, never fear as Patong Beach is serviced by an army of vendors who patrol up and down the beach with snacks, drinks, fruit, ice cream and more, meaning it isn’t necessary to get up from your sun bed.

Should you fancy sitting down to eat at a restaurant, the beach road is packed with eating establishments, including traditional Irish pubs, fast food joints and much, much more.

Like all places on Phuket’s west coast, Patong Beach is a good place to watch the sun setting after a hard days holidaying.

In 2009, Seduction Discotheque on Patong’s infamous Soi Bangla launched Seduction Beach Club and threw a wild party with legendary US house DJ David Morales thrilling more than 2,000 people as the sun set. After such a successful event, locals, expats and tourists alike can expect further big events in 2010 and beyond.