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Phuket is a diverse island full of things to do and see. There of course, are also a lot of great things to do in Phuket at night. While it’s true some people only experience the nightlife of Patong, it would be a shame to limit yourself by not exploring the rest of the island.
Here are some recommendation of things to do at night in Phuket. These include options for dining, shopping and discovering local culture.
Note regarding COVID-19: While we do try to keep our content up to date, please be aware that due to the impact of COVID-19, restrictions may impact our recommendations, and businesses may temporarily or permanently close. Please double check.
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Eat Like a Local
Phuket has a unique culinary history and there are many great local street carts and restaurants to choose from. For those looking to sample fresh seafood, head to Rawai. The beachfront is dotted with small restaurants specializing in spicy seafood dishes at an affordable price. Kalim, located between Patong and Kamala beaches, has vendors who set up every night prior to sunset. Here you can buy freshly prepared curries, delicious fried chicken and grilled seafood to enjoy on a picnic mat as you watch the sun set.
In Phuket Town, it is easy to find street vendors and small restaurants to dine in. For authentic Phuketian and Hokkien recipes, head to the ever popular Kopitiam by Wilai on Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town. Their stewed pork dish known as Moo Hong is highly recommended. If you would like to sample Thai food recognized by the Michelin Guide, you’ll need to stand in the queue at Go Benz. Located on the outskirts of Phuket Town, the restaurant is famous for its pork and rice dishes. Trust us, the wait is worth it!
Visit a Night Market
Phuket is popular for night markets, and there is one on almost every night of the week. The night markets are good fun and give tourists to the island a chance to discover great food and shopping as well as hone bartering skills.
A unique night market geared towards locals with a really fun atmosphere is the Phuket Indy Market. Located in town, the market is full of cheap street food, has live performances and sells an array of vintage clothing and arts & crafts. On Tuesdays and Fridays, the Karon Temple Market, located near Karon Beach, showcases awesome local food choices and features typical souvenirs as well as arts & crafts. The Phuket Weekend Market is the mother of all markets on the island. Held every Friday and Saturday night, the market is a good place to shop for secondhand goods, souvenirs, cheap clothing and other bric-a-brac. There is a sizable food court here featuring a range of Thai specialities and desserts to sample as well.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Phuket is a Muay Thai playground, and there are plenty of places to watch a live Muay Thai match. Patong Boxing Stadium is Phuket’s biggest Muay Thai stadium and hosts fights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights between Thais and foreigners. Bangla Boxing Stadium, also located in Patong, hosts fights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Rawai Boxing Stadium, located in southern Phuket, hosts fights on Mondays and Fridays. Average ticket price to watch a Muay Thai match without VIP perks or seating is approximately 1,200THB.
Take In a Show
Phuket has a variety of culture related shows to choose from. Fun for the whole family, the shows tend to be extravagant productions of costumes, lights and glitz. For cabaret shows, the iconic Simon Cabaret is a must visit. Dubbed as Thailand’s most famous ladyboy show, it is a glamorous evening of entertainment.
Siam Niramit Phuket is an elaborate stage show that covers Thailand’s history and culture. The show features more than 100 actors and over 500 costume changes! Phuket FantaSea is the ultimate nightlife cultural theme park located in the Kamala Beach neighborhood. It offers elaborate shows with elephants, a buffet, animal exhibits and lots of boutiques for shopping.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, these three shows are temporarily closed. However, when the world opens up and it is possible to travel safely to Thailand again, you will definitely want to check these culture related shows out!
Go Shopping
Many people who come to Phuket eventually find their way away from the beaches and to the shopping malls. The shopping malls in Phuket are open nightly until 10pm, and have a variety of restaurants to dine in as well as cinemas.
In Phuket Town, head to Central Festival and Central Floresta for affordable brand name clothing, sports shops, and designer handbags. In Patong, visit Central Patong for upscale boutique shopping and a selection of popular Thai pastry shops and cafes.
Discover Fine Dining
Phuket has some wonderful gourmet restaurants for those looking to enjoy an evening of fine dining. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisine including Thai, Asian fusion, Italian and international favorites with a twist.
SUAY Restaurant Cherngtalay is the top-rated restaurant in Phuket. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Chef Noi and his team prepare delightful Asian fusion cuisine from high quality ingredients. Lovers of Italian food will want to head to Kalim and dine on the exquisite dishes at the modern Acqua Restaurant. In Phuket Town, a night of fine dining with a focus on Royal Thai Cuisine can be found at Blue Elephant Phuket. Pre-booking is advised at all of these restaurants.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Phuket has a very active nightlife scene. Whether you are looking for a cozy pub or an energetic nightclub, the island caters to all types. True partygoers will want to head to Bangla Road in Patong, the epicenter of the nightlife scene in Phuket. Here you’ll find a variety of bars & pubs, adult entertainment and nightclubs.
If you are heading into Phuket Town, check out our list of 5 must visit cocktail bars in Phuket Old Town. Phuket Town has many live music venues and small clubs to checkout, most notably BeBop Live Music Bar & Restaurant and Rockin’ Angels Blues Cafe.
Phuket’s beach clubs host a wide range of activities & events daily, and most nights there are international DJs spinning on the decks and drink specials to take advantage of.
More Articles About Things To Do in Phuket
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Categories: Things To Do
