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Phuket Nightlife Guide, Thailand

What to Do at Night in Phuket...

Patong Beach Kata & Karon Kamala Beach Phuket Town

Patong Beach

It's loud, it's raunchy and it's utterly unforgettable. The nightlife scene of Patong Beach is a bewildering mix of restaurants-lounges, beer bars, a-go-gos, pubs, discos, live music bars, transvestite cabarets and more. Most of the action is on Bangla Rd.

The throngs of beautiful young women cruising the bars remains Patong's most obvious attraction, but a closer look reveals a host of nightspots offering other enticements such as a lively dance floor, a glittering stage show, fantastic food and cocktails, or simply a relaxed and refined atmosphere.

There really is something for everyone here. Just remember to keep an open mind - and a close grip on your wallet - and you'll be sure to have a memorable night out.

Kata Beach and Karon Beach

Just 10 minutes south of Patong is the less hectic Karon Beach, where seafood and sundowner cocktails are the main attractions. Beer bars are limited to a small area and there are no discos or other large music and dance venues.

Kata Beach, just south of Karon, also has some excellent restaurants offering both Asian and International food, with one of the best wine cellars on the island at The Boathouse Wine and Grill. Some hotels offer dinner with classical Thai performances - notably Marina Cottage and the Old Siam at the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort on Karon beach. If you just want to enjoy a drink and good music, check out some of the chill-out spots along Taina Rd.

Kata and Karon are both mainly places to eat, drink and relax, with many nice spots to enjoy an evening out with the whole family.

Kamala Beach

The giant Phuket FantaSea is the main evening attraction at Kamala Beach, where Thai legends mix with pyrotechnics, acrobatics and elephants for an amazing spectacle and theatrical experience. An extravaganza!

Other nightlife options in Kamala are low-key and relaxed - those seeking bright lights & adventure should go to Patong, just 10 minutes away.

Rawai Beach, Nai Harn & Chalong

Nightlife in Rawai, Chalong and Nai Harn at the island's southern end has a more laid-back feel. Mostly frequented by long term residents, venues in these areas provide a good chance to meet some of the "locals" and get the insider's view of the island.

Most are drawn to the area for the inexpensive and delicious food served at the seafront restaurants, but an interesting range of pubs and bars have popped up in recent years as well. Live music, jam sessions, fine wines, international cuisine and imported beer are just a few of the offerings.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town provides a more local scene with music pubs like Timber Rock and Jammin' offering a fun atmosphere with live rock 'n' roll and Thai food.

An interesting alternative are the Thai-style "coffeeshops" - nightclubs where ladies in fancy dresses take turns singing Thai songs while customers eat, drink and, occasionally, entice singers to join them at their tables.

Bang Tao Bay
A number of upmarket and luxury hotels are located around Bang Tao, creating a more distinct and low-key nightlife. Laguna Phuket - a complex of five resorts linked by a shuttle service - is fully self contained with restaurants, bars, entertainment and leisure activities both day and night.

An inviting mix of pubs, classy restaurants and lounges is found just outside the Laguna complex.