Hotels & accommodation (5/10):If youre on a chartertrip there seems to be hundreds of hotels for you, with nice big gardens and swimmingpool. If youre a backpacker looking for a budget guesthouse, its really hard to find. The $3-5 guesthouses that you can find all over Thailand, seems to have been replaced by big tourist hotels in Patong.
Places to eat (6/10):Youll find lots of good thai food in patong. But its more expensive than other destinations in Thailand. As for western food, you'll find it in Patong, but Koh Samui makes much better western cuisine. Don't know why its like that, but its true.
Beach (6/10):The water is said to be very polluted. The beach in Patong is pretty nice, but you'll find much better beaches in other thailand destinations.
Shopping (6/10):You'll find the useual pirate clothes, cd's, dvd's, pc-programs/games, in the night market. Pretty good. A lot of tailors. A tailor made suite, is something every one visiting Thailand should bring home. There is also a couple of shopping centres in town. People might try to scam you, remember to bargain!
Local culture & people (4/10):Thai's are usually friendly and smiling. "Good price only for you", "cheap suit, special for you"------>alot of that stuff is annoying. And all the prostitutes pulling your arm, flirting aggressively is not very pleasant. So although Thai's are very friendly people, you might get the wrong impression when in Patong. Local culture: little, its all about tourism, hotels and gogo bars.
Activites & Attractions (5/10):Activities: I'd recommend seeing a Thai Boxing match. For the children theres a zoo and a aqua park close to Patong, and ofcourse theres a lot of beach activites. Take a day trip to Phi phi islands, beautiful. Attractions: There really isnt that many must-see attractions in or around Patong.
Nightlife (1/10):Fat, bald, 60 year old, single german men, really seems to enjoy the nightlife. Me, i hated it. Its all about prostitution and go-go bars. Patong is really sleezy.
Review by David, Israel