I have been reading here, the listed blog sites (including Tezza's very useful site), The Lonely Planet book, etc Everyone mentions this is the busy season, which I understand, but I am not sure what kind of crowds this means. Is this crowded compared to a an island paradise? Or does this mean you will be fighting for a spot on the sand?
I was in Patnem/Palolem late last January. Is it like that? Is that considered crowded? (I would not call it crowded).
Just trying to get a gauge. Thanks.
You won't be fighting for a spot on the sand. One of the great things about PP is the beaches are loooong. I've been there at peak when Loh Dalum is crowded central and eastern end - hardly anyone down the western end. Ditto on opposite Ton Sai beach - except down the western end here is gorgeous with genuinely deep clean water low tide.
Long Beach is popular but guess what - looooong - enough to be uncrowded in sections. And if you walk 5 minutes over the western headland to Viking's little bay, few people. Walk 10 minutes to the over the eastern headland to Loh Modee and here is a lovely looong beach few people seem to know about. Or take a right off this path past the highest of The Beach Resort's bungalows and 5 minutes gets you to a similar little bay to Vikings, the lightly used beach at Au Poh.
But sure, the place will be crowded. It will be difficult to get a room unbooked. Bars and restaurants will be packed. The little alleys in town will have crowds of people moving thru. Hey, holiday time!