Phuket bars
Phuket is a leisure island and derives most of its prosperity and reputation from providing hospitality, so it’s not surprising that Phuket is covered in bars set among the many restaurants and resorts that cater to visitors and locals alike. You’ll never be very far from a bar when in Phuket; prices on drinks are very reasonable but vary wildly depending how up-market and touristy the area is or whether the bar is in a hotel.
Each of the beach resort areas on Phuket will have an area where bars are clustered, along with many sea front venues, and hotel bars where you can enjoy a poolside martini or sundowner cocktail. Phuket bars range from classy themed venues that serve food, to rustic beach side shacks, impromptu roadside drinking tables – Thai style and the go go bars which offer instant company. Many of the bars have pool tables, good music, happy hours and TVs showing sport or music.
Thai people like to enjoy a few drinks and are often seen out in the evenings or at the end of a day’s work having a few beers or sharing a bottle of whiskey. There are few religious prohibitions on alcohol here; bars in Phuket tourist spots are well stocked with a range of choices and cocktails, but some of the Thai places might only sell beer and whole bottles of whiskey. You’ll almost certainly find friendly company from locals and foreigners alike in Phuket bars but be aware that the normally passive Thai men can quickly ‘lose it’ when insulted by a foreigner and drunkenness has removed their usual restraint.
According to Thai law, Phuket bars and pubs must close at 01:00 and nightclubs shut at 02:00 but, as with many laws in Thailand, there is a big difference between what is written and what is enforced. Tourist areas like Patong are designated as ‘entertainment districts’ and are exempt from many of the laws applying to other areas of the island. There are also a number of after hours spots that manage to stay under the radar, but these are periodically raided by the police.
The bars in Patong and Kata are all within easy walking distance of each other and the major hotels. Other areas of the island, however, are more spread out and transportation can difficult. Taxi drivers usually hang around the larger places and smaller establishments will usually have a regular taxi service and can arrange transport. Bear in mind that a taxi called from a bar will usually charge 10-20 per cent more for the ride than one hailed on the street. Do not, under any circumstances, drink and drive. Phuket’s roads are notoriously dangerous and locals can be irresponsible about drunk driving.
Bars and nightclubs in Phuket tend to spring up and disappear with some frequency; we’ve listed a few of the most established places.
Phuket bars in Patong
The bars of Patong are found located on the infamous Soi Bang La where you will find many more tucked along perpendicular streets branching off the main strip.
The more famous sois of bars along Soi Bang La include: Soi Lion, Soi Eric, Soi Katoy, Soi Tiger
Often these are little more than a counter, bar stools and lots of girls trying to lure you with ‘Hello you’re welcome!’. A few of the favourites are Sharky Bar, Viking Bar, London Bar, Sambuca Bar and Moulin Rouge. In addition to these, there are plenty of others, and we’ve listed a few of the more popular ones below:
Dragon: located above Soi Easy is arguably the best Go Go Bar on Phuket - Dragon offers a long stage, with no less than 15 sexy women gyrating to the beats of hip-hop music at one time. From 11pm, there is a regular hourly performance by the girls.
Rock Hard: at the end of Soi Bang La, there is the infamous Rock Hard Bar (which used to sport the exact same branding as Hard Rock some years ago) the L-shaped stage features mirrors
The Shipwreck Inn: located on Bangla road; this is a great place to get away from the crowds and is ideally placed for people watching.
Aussie Bar: as the name suggests, this bar caters to a largely Australian crowd and is a great place to catch sporting events, especially rugby and Aussie Rules Football. Bangla Road.
Molly Malone’s: a traditional Irish Pub with Guinness on tap and live music on the weekends. Bangla Road.
Dingos: another Aussie run and themed bar, more down-to-earth than the slew of girlie bars, with plenty of friendly hostesses and Aussie proprietor. Look out for the D-Club upstairs.
Can you bring girls back to your hotel?
Some hotels don't mind you bringing bar girls back to your room as long as you are discreet, while other forbid it or will try to charge you extra. To save you the embarrassment we've enquired with all of them and listed those that are suitable for bachelors, see the list, rates and booking here (opens in a new window)
Phuket bars in Kata and Karon
Most of the bars in the Kata area are concentrated around Taina Rd. in Kata centre, while Karon’s bars are clustered near Karon circle. The music here can border on deafening as the bars compete for customers by turning the volume up.
After Beach Bar: this bar is located near the viewpoint on Kata Hill and is a great place to catch a sunset. It resembles a tree house in many respects, including the rickety floor.
Easyriders: the biker-themed décor and good drinks menu make this a popular hangout for locals and visitors. Taina Rd., Kata bay.
Bluefin Tavern: a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best Mexican food on the island draw plenty of visitors, especially at the weekend. Taina Rd., Kata bay.
Nakonnai Gallery: hand built from glass and wrought iron by the proprietor, who is an artist whose other works are on display in a back room. Karon Plaza, Karon.
Bars in Kamala
Long Ma Doo: located on the Kamala beach road - this is the ‘new kid on the block’ with eclectic décor, ice cold beer, and good company is the latest hang out for residents.
Mountain View: If you are traveling from Surin to Patong, Mountain View is tucked at the bottom right corner of the big hill which marks the end of Kamala. Pool table, good music and attentive waitresses makes Ming one of the most popular bars in the area.
Kamala Beer Garden: this charming thatched roof bar sits opposite the 7-11 in Kamala near the Ohlala crepe café. It is a cozy little place frequented by residents of the area.
Bars in Bangtao
Pepper’s: as you enter the road leading to Laguna, Pepper’s is on your right. This air-conditioned bar offers a comfortable air-conditioned environment to play some pool and seek refuge from the humidity during the hot months of April.
Chaba: apart from offering lake views and very good Thai food - Chabar also serves up some pretty amazing cocktails.
Bars in Phuket City
E-Sarn Terrace: large and airy - this bar / restaurant serves Isaan (Northeast Thailand) food in an open dining area and has a massive projection TV showing all the major sporting events. Yaowarat Rd, near Wachira Hospital.
Michael’s Bar: a great after-work spot, Happy Hours: 12pm-7pm All Beers at 60 Baht. (4 PM to 7 PM in Low Season), Address: 12 Takua-Pa Rd., A. Muang, Phuket 83000, Tel: +66 76 256 562, Michael's mobile: +66 081 272 2392, Arnaud's mobile: +66 081 891 4539.
Suea Saming: only open on the weekends, this bar has great décor and serves three bottles of Heineken for 100 baht. Address: 83-85 Yaowaraj Rd., T. Taladyai, A. Muang, Phuket 83000.
Idea Bar: warm staff and ice cold beer; open 17.00-01.00. Yaowarat Rd.
Lemongrass: little more than a tiny hut, this is a great place to watch sports and is open quite till late. Dibuk Road.
O’Malley’s: drink all you can (draft beers and local spirits) from 20.00 to 01.00 for just 700 baht at this popular Irish pub. Address: 2/20-21 Montri Rd., T. Taladyai, A. Muang, Phuket 83000, Tel: +66 76 220 170, omalleysphuket@hotmail.com .
Watermark Bar & Restaurant: a smart, contemporary brasserie on the waterfront in Phuket Town, popular with locals and expats. Tel: +66 76 239730.
Phuket bars in Chalong
Chalong’s nightlife is fairly quiet, but there are a few places on the road to the pier from Chalong circle.
A.P. Bar: this place has become more popular with locals lately and the food is quite good and the staff is friendly. Kan Eng 5, towards Ao Chalong.
The Green Man: this is a traditional Irish Pub with Guinness and Old Speckled Hen on draught. The food is excellent, but pricey and other attractions include a Thursday night pub quiz. 82/15 Moo 4, Patak Rd, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand, Tel: +66 76 281 445, Fax: +66 76 281 453, info@the-green-man.net .
Phuket bars in Rawai and Nai Harn
Rawai beach has a cluster of bars running along the road south from Chalong circle all the way to beach. Most of them are smaller, lower class versions of the tiny Patong arcade bars. A laid back evening chatting with yachties, teachers and travellers is the norm in this area, but those looking for a bit of company won’t be disappointed.
Islander Beer Garden: good food, a relaxed atmosphere and a classic rock soundtrack which provides a welcome relief from the usual pop tunes. Kan Eng 1, Rawai. Address: Viset Rd., (Next to Evason Resort), T. Rawai, A. Muang, Phuket 83130, islanderbar3@hotmail.com
Bavarian Beer Garden: a wide open space with a good pool table, conducive for a cold beer and a nice chat; for a little more action move to the attached Lips Bar. Kan Eng 1.
Nikita’s: a favourite yachtie hangout, situated right on Rawai beach, with restaurant and nice atmosphere on the right days. Address: T. Rawai, A, Muang, Phuket 83130, Tel: +66 76 288 703.
Nai Harn Reggae Bar: situated on the shores of Nai Harn Lake, this is your standard reggae bar complete with a staff of bleary-eyed Rastafarians. Tel: + 66 (0) 81 2720561
Yoonique Stone Music Café: an out of the way bar, popular with locals for its very friendly atmosphere and regular theme nights. Located behind the Nai Harn Reggae Bar. Address: 14/61-62 Sai Yuan Rd., Rawai, Muang, Phuket, Phuket 83130.
Updated and correct: November 2008
Read out Nightlife Expose forum, for advice from locals and those who troll Phuket's bars.
