Phuket is the place which literally never sleeps. The abundance of nightlife and entertainment will ensure that any travellers will never get bored! While restaurants and shopping malls close at the usual hours, this is when the numerous bars, cabaret shows, and nightclubs take their turn and really start coming to life. For those who are coming for the first time to Phuket it can be almost overwhelming. Nightlife in Phuket is intense, with a wide variety of interesting places to visit. Here is the list of the best nightlife entertainment and things to do when the sun goes down in Phuket.
1. Bangla Road
Bangla Road (or Soi Bangla in Thai), is the place to be and where the fun begins. After dusk, the street closes off and turns into a pedestrian-only area. Numerous go-go bars, restaurant-cum-bars, and “adults only” shows are flashing their wares and fiercely looking to drum up business from all passers-by.
Thai girls in dresses leaving little to the imagination are dancing on bar counters and performing pole-dancing to entice in new customers to buy drinks – the cacophony of sounds and music coming from all the different bars is unbelievable! Nevertheless, right here is the epicentre of the nightlife with tourists gathering to have fun and drink, listen to music, dance, or to play a game of “chance” with a local which cannot be won by the away team. Welcome to Phuket!
2. Beach Clubs
Surprisingly enough, beach clubs in Phuket are relatively few in number for entertainment, and the government has shut down any unofficial beach bars in recent times. The best beach clubs on the island – with Surin and Bang Tao beaches having more and the leading venue Dream Beach – that share similar features.
First of all, the proximity to the ocean is the must. Secondly, minimalistic and modern decor that combines the natural elements of just enjoying the sun and sand on comfortable relatively understated lounges and sunbeds. Thirdly, eminent resident DJ, or special guest DJ. Finally, and this is a must, excellent cocktails and a vast selection of signature drinks with inflated prices. Entertainment doesn’t come free!
3. Sunset Bars
Where is the best place to watch the sunset? The west part of the island, on the hilltop in one of the famous sunset bars, of course. These well-known bars – located between Kata and Kata Noi beaches – are led by After Beach, Small Viewpoint, and Baan Chom. The stunning view multiplied by an unforgettable sunset with a delicious cocktail is one of the best ways to end a day in Phuket.
4. Simon Cabaret
In the best tradition of Las Vegas cabaret and Paris, Phuket has created its own – Simon Cabaret. The only significant difference is that the feminine girls on the stage are not girls at birth! They are all stunningly beautiful transgender women. The awesome choreography, amazing costumes, and shimmering make-up have turned a once small shop-house novelty show into one of the top-selling (and unique) entertainment offerings in all of Thailand.
5. Phuket FantaSea
An exciting immersion into the world of magic, myth and imagination is what FantaSea offers to its visitors. The family-oriented entertainment complex, besides the unforgettable 18 elephants live show, also invites all attendees a visit in the surrounding theme park and dinner at the largest buffet in Asia.
6. Muay Thai
The famous Thai boxing fights can be observed almost any weekday in one of two famous arenas. One of them is located on Sai Namyen street and arranges fights every Monday and Thursday. Another one, Bangla Boxing Stadium, has shows on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. In any case, while walking the main streets of Patong, you may hear a dozen times the heralds announcing the next fight. Brutal, skilful, and completely authentic, this is a must-see.
7. Dino Park
Dino Park is a successful entertainment complex built on the concept of life-sized dinosaurs adorning every corner of the park! There is a mini-golf course, restaurant, and a bar. Cement statues of various dinosaurs along with the impressive erupting volcano attract children and adults there. Due to the convenient location, just between Karon and Kata beaches, it is impossible to just pass by this place. Bring the kids!
You cannot fault Phuket for any lack of nightlife. As the sun goes down, the new life starts with the numerous bars, clubs, cabarets and various shows, which are all calling you and promising an exciting and unforgettable holiday pastime.
Image Credits:
Beach Clubs – Where Thailand
Dino Park – Thailand Holiday Homes
