Phuket’s legendary nightlife is something that attracts travellers far and wide to the city. There’s so many ways to entertain yourselves at night no matter how old you are, who you’re travelling with and how long you’ll be there!
Sunset Bars by the Beach
Start your night right and sip on some mouth-watering cocktails while admiring the sunset in Phuket. The island has a plethora of sunset bars located by the glistening waters where you can get views that are simply to die for. Listed as one of CNN’s most beautiful rooftop bars in the world, BABA Nest is possibly the most chic venue for you to lounge about with your close friends or other half. Be sure to book your trip in advance, as it is hugely popular! Otherwise, there are plenty of other rooftop and beachside bars that can do the trick just as well - do check out other amazing bars like 360° Bar near Layan Beach, Wassa Homemade Bar and Joe’s Downstairs on Kalim Bay, which are on our definitive guide to the best sunset spots in Phuket!
Chillva Night Market
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without at least one stop to a night market. For those headed to Phuket, Chillva Night Market is where you have to go during your stay! The market’s airy and bohemian aesthetic make it an increasingly popular destination for both locals and travellers alike, and is particularly great at drawing in a younger and more trendy crowd. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, and other food stalls make up more than half of this market, so be sure to make some space for all the food you’re going to end up trying there! Chillva Night Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm. Do take note that the market is closed on Sundays.
Simon Cabaret
Simon Cabaret is widely touted as Phuket’s best cabaret show. These male performers, or ‘ladyboys’, as they are colloquially called, are decked to the nines in colourful costumes and makeup as they dance on an elaborately constructed stage set. Since its establishment in 1991, Phuket Simon Cabaret has been one of the top entertainment venues on the island, and hosts a variety of performances that are all very professionally-planned and family-friendly. After the show, you can even stay to take some photos with these beautiful performers! The performance theme changes every couple of months, so if you’re a repeat visitor to Phuket, rest assured that you’ll still be in for a treat. There are usually three shows a night starting from 6pm, but do check with the cabaret show’s official website before you book your tickets.
Soi Bangla
Any traveller headed to Phuket would have heard of Soi Bangla, or Bangla Road, which is situated just a stone’s throw away from Patong Beach. In the daytime, it is a normal street where tuk-tuks and motorcycles travel along, but by night it is converted into a walking street that’s bustling with activity. Bars, pubs and nightclubs line the street, and their neon lights brighten up the whole area, lending it a very vibrant and raucous atmosphere. Huge clubs like Illuzion Phuket are must-visits! Promoters also walk along the main street to tout what is known as ‘Ping-Pong shows’. While many tourists attest that it is worth attending to one just to see what it’s like, such shows are definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you’re looking for some drinks, dancing, and more, Soi Bangla is definitely where it’s all at - read up on the hottest joints in Soi Bangla!
Phuket Fantasea
Like its name suggests, Phuket Fantasea is a true fantasy come to life at night! Visit this unique cultural theme park that’s inspired by Thailand’s rich heritage and culture, with many shows and exhibits that highlight the myths and folklores that underpin Thai tradition. Its highlights include a Vegas-style theatrical featuring magical illusions, animals, acrobatic stunts and even pyrotechnics! There are a variety of ticket types that include luxury buffet meals, and there’s even paid transportation to the Fantasea, which you can check out right here with us. Once you’re done checking out all the grand performances, get a souvenir or two at one of the many stores in Phuket Fantasea’s shopping area!
Catch a live Muay Thai match
Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, has its origins in the 18th century, and is an increasingly popular choice of sport even among foreigners. Don’t miss out on this chance to witness an exhilarating match or two at night. There are two boxing stadiums near Patong Beach - Bangla Boxing Stadium and Patong Boxing Stadium - which schedule night matches regularly. While all their night time matches usually begin at 9pm, these stadiums have matches on different days, so you can pick your stadium depending on your itinerary for the day. Don’t be surprised if you find quite a number of foreigners competing in these matches - they’ve usually been training in one of Phuket’s Muay Thai gyms and are really passionate about the sport. Perhaps you’ll walk away with a newfound passion!
Dino Park Mini Golf
Take a trip back to the past in Dino Park Mini Golf. With an 18-hole course and to-scale replicas of majestic dinosaurs, Dino Park promises a whole lot of wholesome fun for every traveller. Some major features include waterfalls and even an atmospheric volcano that can “erupt” every half an hour! If you’re feeling hungry after your game, grab a bite at the in-house restaurant, where servers are decked out in Flintstone-like costumes that really enhance the prehistoric vibes of the whole park. With this much fun in the bag, why stop at watching Jurassic Park, when you can be a part of it right here in Phuket?
There’s no limit to the types of fun you can enjoy in Phuket at any time of day. With this comprehensive guide to the range of activities you can experience at night, we’re sure you’re poised to have a memorable time on this beautiful island!
