Phuket for Newbies

Phuket is synonymous with its famous beaches and vibrant nightlife. These factors have a magnetic influence and draw visitors in droves from across the globe. The beaches in Phuket are some of the best in Southeast Asia, and tourists just can’t seem to get enough of them.

Once you’re done with spending time at the beach during daylight hours, it’s time to let your hair down and party Phuket-style. While the nightlife in most of Phuket is terrific, if you want the ultimate local Phuket nightlife experience, Patong is the place to be headed to. Located on the West section of Phuket, it’s the nightlife hub with several hotspots to hang out.  

Some of the key areas include:

Bangla Road

This is the focal point of Patong’s nightlife scene – in fact, probably all of Phuket! Visit during the afternoon, and it would come across as another of those tacky spots with street food vendors and souvenir stalls. It’s when dusk falls that the place comes alive with music and lights. The area then bustles with promoters, girls, bartenders, and ubiquitous ladyboys jockeying for positions in the area. The nightlife at Bangla Road is quite unlike any other in Thailand. The moment visitors arrive in the area, they feel the energy and electric atmosphere that permeates the place. Nightclubs and bars are galore, with each vying for tourists to spend top dollars.

Street entertainment

There’s plenty of entertainment along the main street featuring fire-eaters, limbo walkers, samba dancers, magicians, and jugglers. Some of them take place near the beach where Bangla Road ends. These street performers add to the charm of the place and give character to the location.

Booze is cheap

If you’re looking for a budget vacation, Thailand is the place! While the country is suited to all kinds of travelers, backpackers will revel in the country. The low prices of beers and cocktails are unbelievable.    

Best nightspots

Whatever your taste in nightlife is, you’ll surely find it in Patong! From nightclubs to Ping Pong shows, Go-Go Dancers to expat oriented bars, all are seen in town.  

Go-Go Bars

These are bars or clubs where Go-Go dancers perform around platforms with customers, on a podium, or around the bar area. These also serve as pick-up joints for women with visitors having to pay a bar fine to take the women out. One of the most popular in Patong is Suzy Wong’s A Go-Go, which despite being off the beaten path, attracts a large number of visitors.  

Expat bars

Phuket isn’t only popular with overseas tourists and visitors, but a good number of them also relocate to the area and become a part of the growing expat community in Thailand. While some stay in the area for a few months, others take up long-term residence and even establish businesses and entrepreneurial ventures in town. Plenty of such bars are catering specifically to the expat community in Phuket.