Banana Walk announced for Patong beachfront

Owners of the Patong Hotel and Banana Disco have announced their ‘Eat,’ ‘Shop’ and ‘Party’ plans for the new lifestyle shopping mall they are developing for a May 2012 opening on famous Patong Beach – Southeast Asia’s most popular and fastest growing tourist beach.

Aptly named Banana Walk, the 3-level beachfront shopping complex will feature a modern, tropical design concept which, according to Smith Obayawat, the project’s architect, will help to change to the face of street-shopping on Patong Beach.  Banana Walk’s architectural design has a natural and elegant approach but still has a beach feel with construction elements that include stone, wood, glass and bamboo. Construction crews broke ground in October on the 4,500 m² land plot. Special design elements also create a less air-conditioned environment by using natural ventilation in common lounge areas. The exterior design uses extensive sun and rain shielding with natural materials to protect the glass and exposed areas from the elements. More information at www.bananawalkphuket.com