| It's loud, it's raunchy and it's utterly unforgettable. Legendary Patong
Beach is the island's number one nightlife zone. On offer is a bewildering
mix of restaurant-lounges, beer bars, Go-Go
bars, pubs, discos, live
music clubs, transvestite cabarets and a lot more.
Find out where to go (hotspots) and what you're
likely to see... or click here for our 'First
time guide to Patong nightlife'!
(Read
More...)
Less hectic than Patong, Karon is a family friendly and couples place
where sundowners, seafood dinners and classical Thai dinner/dances are the main
attractions. Low key and casual, beer bars are limited to a small area and there
are no discos but if you need more action, Patong is just north - 10 minutes drive
over the hill.
Kata Beach, further south, has a village
type ambiance with good restaurants and a small bar beer area. Overlooking the
beach The
Boathouse Wine and Grill offers a superb wine cellar and great food. Enjoy
classical Thai performances and dinner at Marina
Cottage. A good compromise between Karon and Patong Beach.
Phuket
FantaSea forms the main evening attraction at Kamala
Beach, where Thai legends mix with pyrotechnics, acrobatics and elephants
for an amazing spectacle and theatrical experience.
Kamala's other options
- small bars and local restaurants are low-key and relaxed. Not surprising as Patong's bright lights are just 10 minutes away.
Nightlife in Rawai, Chalong and Nai Harn at the
island's southern end has a more laid-back feel. Visitors are drawn to the inexpensive
local food served at the seafront restaurants, although a few bars have popped
up in recent years as well. Live music and international cuisine are just a few
of the offerings.
Phuket Town provides a more local scene with music pubs like Timber
Rock and Jammin' offering good live rock 'n' roll and Thai food. An
interesting alternative are the Thai-style "coffee shops" - 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.
A number of upmarket and luxury hotels are located in Bang
Tao, creating a more distinct and low-key nightlife based around fine dining
and cocktails. Laguna Phuket is fully self contained with restaurants,
bars, entertainment and leisure activities. An inviting mix of pubs, classy restaurants
and lounges is found just outside the Laguna complex. | 
