Hi,Patong is a nice beach but very crowded with tourists, up the street there are more bars than you have ever seen in your life. Good for a night out or 2 but becomes very boring.There are lots of other good beaches , it is easy to get around on the buses etc.I never book, just turn up and it always seems to work out. I found a nice place on the beach front, left hand end as you look at the beach. Good service,clean,big room,sat TV, fridge etc. So leave your gear in some place and go looking. Lots of cheaper places away(not far away) from the tourist areas. Don't eat at restaurants on sea front, alot very expensive, there are lots of local places a street or 2 away that are cheap and good. I think it was 30-40 mins by private taxi, get someone to share it with you,have fun