Shopping in Patong

The shopping is why many people choose to visit Patong. There are so many cheap things to buy and it bartering can be a lot of fun. However, bartering can take some time getting used to.

When it comes to bartering, you should generally halve the inital asking price and negotiate your way up from there. It's so important to do this with a smile. Thai's enjoy bartering and look favourable upon those who have fin doing it. At the end of the day though, just remember that you are only bartering over a very small amount of money.

Whatever you are wanting to buy in Patong, chances are it will be there. Everything is sold from jewellery to perfume, to clothes to bags.

Patong

Patong is an amazing destination that has so much to offer. I have been there twice now, and am counting down the days until I go again.

What I love about Patong so much is that is has so much for offer. There is the spectacular beaches and crystal blue waters, the rich cultural experience and the amazing shopping. There really is something for everyone.

Of course, Patong is not everyone's cup of tea. It is a busy place and impossible to walk 100m without being hassled by a Thai vendor to buy something. However, as soon as you are in your resort it is just so peaceful.

Merlin Beach Resort Phuket

The Merlin Beach Resort in Phuket is probably one of the better, more expensive resorts in Phuket, for good reason though. It is located just out of Patong (about a 5 minute ride in a Tuk Tuk) and sits on its own private beach. Although, this beach is not always great for swimming due to the reef.

The resort is quite big and has 3 pools. It is surrounded by lush tropical scenery.

There are a range of rooms to choose from, but the best is the 'pool access room'. Unlike other resorts, the pool access rooms offer privacy and direct access, from you room, into the pool.

I highly recommend the Merlin Beach Resort to anyone looking for a place to stay just a little outside of Patong.

Pathumwan Princess Bangkok

If you are travelling to Bangkok there is only one place to stay, the Pathumwan Princess. This hotel is connected to MBK, the biggest shopping complex in Bangkok. MBK is amazing. There are about 6 levels and shops and bargains galore. There are several shops that only sell fixed price items, which many find as a nice break from bartering and there is also markets within the shopping centre where you can perfect your bartering skills.

There are doors from the hotel into MBK which really does make it extremely convenient. The rooms in the hotel are extremely spacious, but the best part is the views. The hotel sits on top of MBK so even the rooms on level 2 have spectacular views. When I visited in 2008 I stayed in the superior (cheapest) room but was still on level 16.

The pool at the hotel is a lap swimming pool but still absolutely fine for a relaxing swim after a day of shopping in the heat.
The buffet breakfast in the hotel is amazing. They serve everything from pancakes, to noodles to eggs.

This hotel is definitely the best in Bangkok.