Sports and Recreation in Patong Beach

Snorkeling

Rent a speedboat with friends (not as expensive as it sounds) and go snorkelling around the small coves and beaches around the Patong Bay area, or go further up the coast to the small offshore reefs.

Rates vary with the season, the time of day, the number of people and your destination. For best results clearly state your destination and bargain with a smile.

Parasailing

Stroll along the beach and you'll see parasailing - a thrilling 5 minute parachute ride pulled by a powerful speedboat, over Patong Bay.

There are two or three operators on the beach and some will accompany you on your flight if you don't feel comfortable on your own.

Not recommended on windy days for safety reasons.

Jet Skis

Can be rented almost anywhere on the beach. As with any vehicle hire, make sure you agree on the price, the time and check the state of the vehicle, before you use the machine.

Most operators provide you with a life vest and its always a good idea to wear one. On Patong Beach swimmers are cordoned off. Outside of these areas jetski pilots are free to enjoy life on the fast wave.

Sailing and Windsurfing

Small Catamarans and windsurfers are available for rent. Generally, winds are weak although between December to February you can catch a good breeze and pick up some speed.

Note that the windsurf Boards (and sails) are not always the newest models... good for beginners though.

Scuba Diving

Learn to dive. Patong has almost as many dive shops as restaurants with PADI courses in all languages.

If you're already a diver, you wont' be diving off Patong beach, but you can arrange day diving or longer liveaboard trips to some of the better and more remote dive sites.

Swimming

Patong is considered one of the safest beaches for swimming in Phuket. During the high season (November to March) the sea is calm and flat. During August, September and October, seasonal changes create a small surf which is strong enough for boogie boarding and body surfing. During this monsoon time, swimmers should be aware of slight currents, although the beach is well patrolled. Swimming areas are cordoned off from watersports activities, so everyone can enjoy the beach.

Bungy Jumping

Should get you going. Located just outside Patong on the road to Phuket town. Set beside a lake, there's a good place to sit and drink if you resist the urge to jump. Follow the signs to Phuket town and look for the Jungle Bungy Jump sign. For the the highest Bungy jump in southern Thailand - 60 metres (equal to a 21 floors) head for Nutty Park. Located on Sai Namyen Road at the back of Patong.

Bowling

Next to Nutty Park is "Rock & Bowl" a tenpin bowling alley With 16 world standard lanes. Good package deals which include food and drink. Check on arrival. Located on Sai Namyen Road at the back of Patong.

Go Kart Racing

Wannabee Michael Schumachers can try this figure of eight circuit which covers a distance of around 600 metres.

There are 16 Go-Kart ranging from 100cc to 230cc Double seaters and smaller Go-Karts available for children. Cost 800 baht for 30 minutes. Located about 2 km from Patong Beach on the main highway to Phuket Town.

Golf

Just outside Patong, only 20 minutes away, are two excellent courses...Perfect for an early morning round.....

The Loch Palm Golf Club
Spreads over a lush, rolling 400 rai (160 acres) hilly plateau. This 18-hole, par 72 course has been masterfully designed to blend beautifully with the natural terrain. Nestled below a panoramic range of peaks, the layout surrounds the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket, Crystal Lake. With more than 1,400 towering palms lining the fairways, you'll find yourself playing in the midst of serene surroundings that harbour many challenging hazards amid its lush greens. Click Here to read more about Loch Palm Golf Club.

Phuket Country Club
Established in 1989, is the first and one of the finest golf courses built in Phuket, and lies on a reclaimed tin mine site. The stunning beauty and elegance of the course, together with the typical Thai charm and hospitality will make your golfing joyful and memorable. A 9 hole course is also available here. Click Here to read more about Phuket Country Club. Follow the road out of Patong heading towards Phuket Town. The course are clearly signposted. There's also a driving range.

Mini-golf

Nutty Park on Sai-Namyen Road, at the back of Patong has a 9 hole tropical mini golf course with the last hole out in the swamp! Part of a complex which includes "Rock'n Bowl" and the World Bungy Jump. Open Daily 10.00 a.m. – 09.00 p.m. Outside Patong in Kata Beach is the Dino Park. Mini golf meets Jurassic Park in this themed mini-golf course with dinosaurs, waterfalls and an erupting volcano.

Water-skiing & Wakeboarding

Cable Skiing is a relatively new sport, which seems more difficult to get the hang of than traditional water-skiing from behind a boat. However, lessons are available and even relative beginners can start to perform spectacular aquatic maneuvers. You can also try Wakeboarding, requiring a slightly different technique. Both are available at Katu (not to be confused with Kata) Cable-ski park which offers great value and instruction at reasonable rates. Small restaurant where you can watch the action.. Take the road out of town to Phuket and turn left at the big intersection. Follow the signs to Katu Waterfall. Phuket. Open 9 am to 9 pm. Tel. 076 202 525. Another option is to ski from behind a boat which is actually easier - check out the Wake Up Villa, 10/2 Chaofa Rd., (Kwang) T.Wichit, Phuket.

Muay Thai

One of the most popular spectator sports in Thailand, and now gaining world recognition, is the martial art of Muay Thai. Exciting enough on TV - the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks and artful feints are even more exciting when seen live. Witness the passion and drama of one of Thailand's historic sports amidst crowds of onlookers whose cheers blend with the strains of Javanese clarinets, drums and cymbals that accompany the fight from beginning to end.

You can see Thai Boxing matches at the custom built stadium on Soi Bangla, no cover charge for the boxing but it's expected you will buy drinks if you want to watch the action. After each fight, the boxers walk around and shake hands with the spectators and collect tips. You can also have your picture taken with them for a small fee. Open every evening.

Paintball

Rambo still rules! Jungle style paintball at the Top Gun Paintball in Chalong. You can play in selected areas or use the whole site. Depending on how many people you have. There are different scenarios to play so you can keep coming back to the same place and have a new experience every time. Lockers and shower available after that heavy attack from your friends.

Phuket Shooting Range

Two shooting ranges specially designed for those experienced in using hand guns and rifles. Available are hand guns and rifles of varying calibre. All ammunitions used are special range bullets. The cost varies according to the gun models and quantity of bullets spent. Located on 82/2 Patak Road, 800 metres from the Chalong traffic circle. Open 09.30 to 6.00 pm. Price include target, use of gun, insurance and ammo.

Fitness Training

Recover from the evening's excess with a good workout followed by a sauna or Jacuzzi. Many major hotels have a fully equipped gym with scheduled aerobics and fitness classes. Professionally trained fitness instructors guide you through the fitness equipment. Non-hotel guests are usually permitted to use gym facilities and have fixed daily fees for casual visitors. If you're planning to use the facilities regularly, discuss the possibility of a short term membership of 1 or 2 weeks.