Bangla Road (Patong) - Phuket
Patong is the undisputed nightlife capital of the island. At night Bangla Road becomes a neon-lit party paradise. Beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, cabaret shows and literally hundreds of restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable line the street and side streets. For many tourists, this is their first and only stop when it comes to night-time entertainment.
The biggest and most popular clubs are located in Jungceylon Shopping Centre, at the end of Bangla Road furthest from the beach. Live music spills out from dozens of beer bars as you walk westward, towards the large LED screen that roughly marks the mid way point. Most of the go-go bars are clustered in the middle section, with more located in Seadragon street. You could spend many nights exploring the dozens of side streets jammed with bars – all of which have their own atmosphere and style.
The Paradise Complex is the centre of Phuket’s gay scene. Just 5 minutes walk from the beach, the complex includes hotels, restaurants, shops and over 20 gay bars and clubs.
The beach end of the street is also good for late night shopping and street performances.
Watch Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, at Bangla Boxing Stadium. The centre of Muay Thai on the island, the most famous fighters compete here.
Things to do:
Diving
Phuket is a long established location for dive enthusiast and those who want to learn. There are a number of reputable diving schools and tour operators that cater to all levels and experience. Most diving takes place on the islands in Phuket province, a day trip from the main Island of Phuket. There are countless incredible places to choose from. We have listed 5 of our favourites.
Shows and cabaret
Thailand is famous for its ladyboys and the performances in Phuket are some of the best in Thailand. A great night out, the shows are glamorous and glitzy, the ladyboys fierce and the music an explosion of pop hits. Simon Cabaret and Aphrodite are the most popular family friendly venues. Soi Paradise and Soi Katoey hold some of the raunchier adult themed shows.
Surfing
The West Coast surfing season runs from around April to November and is starting to make a name for itself. Waves are maximum 3 metre which makes it a good place to learn. Surfing here isn’t limited to beginners though. A number of well-known surfers have been spotted in the area as it continues to grow in popularity. Take a look at our quick guide to surfing in Phuket.
