Chalong Nightlife
Once the haunt of yachties dropping anchor for a season or two,
Chalong used to have just a couple of bars where sailors met for
a bevy or three. The old bars are still there, but Chalong has undergone
a facelift in recent times.
The smart pier, long enough to warrant
a shuttle bus service, has also encouraged a cluster of new restaurants
and cafes to open along the entrance road.
Where to Go 
Chalong is a great place to simply hang out and have a sundowner.
At dusk when the boats return from the day's seafaring you, take
time out with a drink and follow the ascent of a rising moon. Located
on the east coast, Chalong is a perfect place to view a magnificent
rising moon at certain times of the year. Even at other times, it's
a lovely place to relax and follow the ebb and flow of the tide.
Along the waterfront are plenty of local eateries and laid-back
bars that sparkle in the evening with salty tales fuelled by the
local brew. Latitude 8, still fondly known as Jimmy's
Lighthouse after the former owner, is an old established yachties'
hangout with great views over the harbour. Serving both local and
international food, Jimmy's is a kind of nautical saloon with zodiac
tender boats tied up in front, ready for a quick getaway to far-off
shores.
Also on the shoreline is the old favourite Tamarind Bar,
serving excellent international food as well as superb local fare.
(You'll recognise it by the fairy lights.) which on a good evening
can generate an impromptu party. Close to the pier, lies one of
Phuket's best loved seafood restaurants - Kang Eng 1. Unpretentious
with wooden tables, it's a large restaurant with authentic Thai
and Chinese food. The restaurant sprawls along the seafront giving
great views of the harbour and offshore islands. Don't be put off
by the coaches parked outside, most of the large groups are cheerfully
tucked away in a secluded part of the restaurant and leave quickly.
At night along the small road that leads to the pier lights up
with local bars, cafes and restaurants. Recent additions to the
local Thai, are a couple of restaurants serving Indian and German
cuisine. Half way to the pier, look out for a very low key cafe
which probably serves the best Fish and Chips on the entire
island.
Chalong is really a place to meet friends, eat and drink. Local
bars here are the ubiquitous combinations of bar stools, dart board
or pool table, fairy lights and bar hostesses, mostly frequented
by local expats. For slightly more sophisticated bars, head for
Rawai.
Rawai Nightlife
A number of bars and restaurants have popped up over the last few
years along the road from Chalong circle to Rawai. One of the most
popular and enduring is La Cabane - an outdoor French Provençal
restaurant with a loyal following due to its excellent food and
generous portions. Loma restaurant, another local favourite
nearby has a German fan club Both are located close to the circle.
Closer to the Rawai seafront, The Islander, a sort of outdoor
pub with darts, music, TV and a garden. attracts Brits and Australians.The
Islander really
The shoreline at Rawai down at the southern tip of the island
has always been a favourite local place to catch the sunset and
what better place than Nikita's Bar. No its' not owned by
a Russian, Niki just liked the name. When the mood takes, it's a
great place for a spontaneous party with many a local birthday celebration
taking place here. Located right on the seashore, it's a lovely
place to start the eveing with a view over the offshore islands.
Live music is not in huge supply in Rawai, but you can catch a local
band or two at Freedom Bar, almost opposite Nikita's.
Wining and Dining
Excellent and consistently authentic local Thai food can be found
at Ban Had Rawai in the corner of Rawai Beach. This pleasant
outdoor restaurant also has a children's playground. Rawai has lots
of small local restaurants where there's absolutely no need to dress
up, serving mostly Thai food. A few "farang" (foreign)
restaurants like M & M's Pizzaria, serve authentic Italian,
while Cafe Normandie - more a bar than a restaurant, serves
light snacks and drinks until the small hours.
Price Check
- Beer - Local beer 40-60 Baht;
- Imported beer 60-90
Baht. Can be higher in some local International restaurants.
- Fish and Chips - From 115 Baht
- Thai food - From 35 Baht
Night Hours
The official closing time for pubs/bars is 1 am. Many bars shut
down as early as 10:00am in the low season (June-October)
Where to stay in Chalong
See our list of Hotels
and Offers
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