For most people coming to Phuket for the first time, Patong is the one and only place to go for nightlife. Although this untrue, it is definitely the center of the nightlife culture on the island. Most cities on the Island of Phuket offer similar nighttime activities as Patong, but on a much smaller scale. So really, if you want a great nightlife experience, you really do need to check out Patong.
Beer Bars
Beer Bars are your typical bars like those that you would find back in your own country. They are establishments that serve up beer and mixed drinks. These bars may have a pool table or a television. The real defining factor is that they don’t have girls working there. Unlike the Girl Bars, you probably won’t find any Thai working girls (or boys), so they are great places to head to if you are not into that scene, or sick of it.
Girl Bars
Gracing every tourist city on the island, Beer Bars are the number one night time activity on the Island of Phuket for most tourists. These bars are jam packed with cute Thai women, men and kathoey’s (ladyboys). Expect to be surrounded immediately upon entering one of these bars and lavished with such attention that you may begin to think you’re a celebrity. Occupy your time drinking, flirting with the local Thai’s, playing bar games and watching the various sights. If you find someone you are interested in, you can often take them out on the town with a small fee to the bar if you so choose. Watch out if a girl tries to make a wager on one of the various bar games, these girls often spend their days practicing these various games, so most are quite good.
Go-Go Bars
Expect to find higher drink prices in the Go-Go Bars around Phuket. These steeper prices are typically offset by the fact that the girls hanging around do not work for the bar. If you want to take one of these girls out on the town, it won’t cost you a single baht to the bar. In the past, Go-Go Bars were known for their raunchy sex acts. Current Thai law prohibits any form of nudity, but the laws are often overlooked.
Sports Bars
These bars will typically be full of local tourists enjoying their favorite sporting events. You will not be surrounded by Thai women like in the Beer Bars, so they are a welcome break for some. All Sports Bars will have a big screen tv, often more then one, and they sometimes have pool and darts.
Music Venues
These music oriented venues are the best places to see some of the best cover bands and local talent on Phuket. Enjoy a beer and rock out to all night with live music and fellow music lovers.
Lounge Bars
The nightlife in Phuket isn’t all girl bars, there are many upscale bars and cocktail lounges that you can spend your evenings. Expect to pay more for drinks in these fine establishments, but you pay for what you get.
Discos and Dance Clubs
You just couldn’t have a nightlife without Discotheques, the Island of Phuket has many to choose from. Although the most popular clubs are located in Patong, there are plenty spread out throughout the island. Listen to some of the latest club techno and hip hop featuring top DJ’s from around the world.
About Lawrence Michaels
