The most popular beach on Phuket based on sheer number of tourists has to be Patong Beach. Located right in the heart of everything this beach has it all. White sand beaches and sapphire blue waters are it’s hallmark. Being located in Patong there are plenty of restaurants and bars available to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger during the day.
There are plenty of beach chairs that you can rent for the day. They cost a small amount, about 100 baht give or take for the days rental. They come with an umbrella and service that I’ve not experienced outside of a resort.
There are beach attendants that will come by and move the umbrellas to cover you in shade or expose you to the sun, whatever you desire. They will also take your order for food and drinks and deliver them to you right at your beach chair. You can square up your bill when you leave or pay as you go. No tipping is required for such service, which comes as a shock to people from the U.S. where tipping always seems mandatory.
The easy access and popularity of the beach is also it’s major draw back. There are plenty of touts roaming the beach trying to sell you junk all too frequently. The beach is very crowded during peak season and beach chairs become a premium. When it is that crowded you don’t get the feeling of being on a tropical beach as all you can see is chairs and umbrellas. But during low season it is magnificent.
For convenience and people watching this is the beach to go to. However there are a lot of other options to choose from if you don’t mind a little drive or renting a car or scooter.