Thoughts on Phuket nightlifePhuket nightlife takes on many different forms. Phuket is one of Thailand’s top destinations and as such there is a diverse range of nightspots on the island. Although Phuket nightlife is not quite on the same level as in Bangkok, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find somewhere to have fun.
Phuket nightlife is at its most lively in Patong. You’ll either love Patong or you’ll hate it. The bars are loud, the clubs are obnoxious and the streets are crowded. That being said, Patong is cheap and the bars and clubs stay open later than in other parts of Phuket.
Patong is famous for its nightlife. The center of the action is found on Soi Bangla, which is a hive of go-go bars, discos and stage shows. This is Phuket nightlife at its most seedy, but it can be a lot of fun if you go in the right frame of mind.
Generally speaking, the bars and clubs in Patong churn out hip hop and dance music hits. It can all be a bit predictable, so don’t go expecting anything special.
Patong is also known for its girls. Yes, it’s true, there are countless bar girls and sex shows in Patong, but the people of Patong make no effort to conceal these facts. Patong is what it is and it’s best not to take the whole place too seriously.
Perhaps the most fun that can be had in Phuket is at some of the local clubs. Phuket nightlife is at its most authentic in the small Thai clubs, where you can check out some of the local bands. Phuket Town is probably the best place to sample some Thai-style clubbing.
Also in Phuket Town there are lots of pubs and beer bars and much less of the seedy side of Phuket nightlife.
There are plenty of other areas where you can go and party, but usually they aren’t as busy and entertaining as in Patong or Phuket Town. There are a few exceptions scattered around the island in places such as Surin, Kata-Karon and Nai Harn.
The only area that Phuket really lacks anything in terms of nightlife is serious clubbing. There are a few Phuket clubs where you can hear cutting-edge music, but these are few and far between. However, it is possible to catch electro, techno, breaks, house and more in some Phuket clubs and bars.
Phuket could be a major clubbing destination in Southeast Asia, but the island has a long way to go before it can start competing with the likes of Singapore and KL.
For now, Phuket nightlife has enough depth to keep people entertained, but you feel as if there is more to come. The shining beacon of Phuket nightlife is that there is a great live-music scene around the island. There are lots of bands who can rattle out everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues. If you can get into it, there is a top indie scene in Phuket. Pick up some CDs in a local store to get a feel for the music.
For more info about Phuket nightlife visit the author’s website at Phuket Vogue.
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Many people travel to Phuket for the nightlife, and while the little island is still a way behind Bangkok in terms of truly progressive variety, it is safe to say that Phuket nightlife has improved considerably in the past few years.
With high-profile DJs like Louie Vega, Jo Mills and even Judge Jules playing at the islands newer clubs, it is clear that the attitude to clubbing as Westerners understand it is opening up, and the Phuket nightlife is offering more options to the vacationer.
Having said that the new styles of music are not yet too popular with many of the locals, who still prefer the Thai-style clubs with their mixture of alcohol and local cover bands. This was evident at the gigs played by the aforementioned super-artists who turned up to disappointingly half-full clubs. The Phuket nightlife has some way to go before it becomes an international clubbing destination.
But the seeds are here for a great vacation and the Phuket nightlife will improve with time and the money which these preliminary changes will help to bring in.
Phuket is a place on the up and is worth visiting for the beaches, the food and, now, the nightlife.
