Dont let Mark scare you off. I agree that Karon and Kata can be a far more pleasant enviroment, but there is a lot of fun to be had in Patong. If you head for the Aussie Bar in Bangla road, you are bound to find a few tables full of "aussie chicks" out for some fun. The small bars in the night market opposite the Patong Merlin (not on the beach rd, but across from the main lobby) is also a fun place to sink a few and chat to some other travellers. Even the main girlie bars are full of other tourists (some female) that are just there for some people watching rather than some short-time action. If you stick to the non-transvestite bars,you wont get hassled unless you start showing some interest.

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