45

^^ Yes, the so called Thai "experts" that think they know everything after a two week holiday, LOL.

Western culture has changed a lot since I was a child. We were always put down verbally, beaten physically and told that we knew nothing, so grew up with no self confidence. Now kids are treated like they're perfect, and grow up with heaps of self confidence. Unfortunately, they do know nothing!

46

Damn, I wish that I was treated like I was perfect. We were somewhere in the middle, without the beatings thankfully.

47

^^ LOL.
Not just western kids either. My Thai nephews are treated like they are the most important people in the family, given expensive electronics and motorbikes that their parents can't afford, but are lazy, inconsiderate and completely ignorant. I guess they will get a shock when they have to earn a living for themselves, given that they never lift a finger to help their aged grandmother that looks after them!

48

Back to the original question - Patong is hugely popular with regular non-pretentious holiday makers who want to have a bit of fun with everything easily at hand. Loads of restaurants, bars, shops, a huge mall, tour agencies all over the place and plenty of taxis ready to take you out on a trip. And whether or not we/you/I like it, Patong is just perfect for thousands upon thousands of tourists. Personally, I avoid Patong, only go if it's unavoidable. I've been living in Phuket since 1999. Love Phuket Town, was just there yesterday evening for some food and a stroll.

Lots of Phuket Town photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiemonk/collections/72157627850742363/ - also lots of Phuket Town related info on my blog.

FWIW, I would have done Songkran in Phuket Town too, everyone drives down to Sapan Hin, right in the south of town. I did Patong for Songkran once, riding round in a pick up truck with my kids, that was fun, but after 100 buckets of ice water, the kids retired inside the truck!

49

"There are not many places in the world where you can you find gigantic shopping malls, beaches, mountains and jungle so close to each other."

Many places on Hawaii meet all those requirements. I've said it before, but I don't find the beach on Patong that nice. The last time I was there, I was with a friend from Hawaii and we both agreed it was "ok" but nothing to travel any distance for. The beach in Patong is pretty much the same as the beach I grew up seeing everyday of my life. So I have a particular perspective. I do understand if you grew up away from the ocean how pretty it can seem. The beaches in Hawaii though.... they exceed the hype. They are truly spectacular. It's one of those places where postcards don't do it justice. There are places in Hawaii that are very touristy like Patong or you can move over a mile or two and be pretty much alone. You also have access to a full modern cosmopolitan city if you are on Honolulu. Of course, Patong has a major cost advantage. Hawaii isn't cheap.

50

So, why do you keep going back to Patong if 'it's nothing worth traveling far to see?"

51

I've been there twice. I wouldn't categorize that as "keep going back to Patong". And as I said, this last time was I thought it would have better Songkran action. I was also curious to see if it's changed any. It hasn't. And I didn't travel far since I was on Phuket anyways. I travelled what? 25KM.