A small, quieter beach tucked into a cove just south of Patong's southern headland, reached by a short coastal road through low hills. Tri Trang is what Patong used to be: a strip of pale sand backed by trees, a few seafood shacks, no Jet Skis, and dramatically clearer water than the main beach.
The southern half of the beach belongs to the gated Tri Trang Beach Resort, but the public end is freely accessible. Snorkelling around the rocks at either end is decent in calm weather. It's a 10-baht songthaew ride or a steep but short walk from south Patong — perfect for a half-day escape when the main beach feels too much.