An outstandingly beautiful beach, where waves crash against huge granite rocks and the compact beach is popular with expats. The only damper on the whole scene is an unexplainable and inescapable parking fee up on the main road, the first at any beach on Phuket.
To the north of Patong are Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong.