Charm is not perhaps the first word that springs to mind when describing Patong, but the miles of perfect turquoise seas and powdery sand right next to all the razzmatazz manages to absorb hundreds of sun-worshippers, strollers, joggers, volleyballers etc without getting crowded. When the sun tan lotion is no longer needed, Patong’s nightlife offers the most varied dining on the island, shops galore and the occasional bar – well to be honest, quite a lot of bars. No holiday would be complete without a visit to the pulsating glitz of Soi Bangla – where it all happens.