Five Countries, Four Weeks Pt. 4 "Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand"

In Thailand we arrived in Phuket late at night which made things a bit nerving for us. We had no idea what to expect or what to do when we arrived. We were warned about traps and getting ripped off while here, especially in Phuket (Southern Thailand). People seemed nice but, we certainly felt like we had been instantly picked out as the wealthy foolish foreigners once we got out of the airport terminal. We found a cab who gave us a better deal than others, it was still a ridiculous amount but we were going quite the distance (Patong Beach). When originally planning the trip, Thailand was split into three parts we’d visit, Phuket/Patong Beach, Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok.

From the airport we took the cab into Southern Phuket, Patong Beach. Before booking we only knew that one of the travellers we were with wanted Phuket, beaches and relaxing atmosphere. The research emphasized Patong Beach as a nice beach area with lots to see and do. Our research neglected to forwardly disclose that it was a cesspool area filled with an array of sexual tourism. We had seen the Hangover, and we had seen other party areas before; Patong Beach was a whole other level of “never before seen” in our books. It is a place that seems to be off the radar unless you are looking for it and certainly a place that it is very easy to get lost in even though it is so small. The beach front is the only distinguishing aspect of Patong aside from the bar street. By bar street I mean the street with the infamous “Tiger Bar” and “Illuzon Cabaret” situated on it. When going in February the water was disturbingly “stingy”. At first believing we were having some sort of spiritual cleansing after spending a questionable amount of time around such an invigorating area; we discovered the water was actually heavily populated with a parasite that tries to burrow into one’s skin and lay eggs. The parasite will create an allergic reaction if a people are not used to it and although it is not harmful to someone’s health it is sincerely concerning at first thought. No need to panic, the stinging sensation slowly wears off after people spend time more there (a person’s moral fiber however takes a toll) and the parasite/eggs die once a person leave the water because of the sun’s strength. One thing I loved about Patong however, was the International Muay Thai Boxing matches we were able to catch while there.

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