Phuket Island (pronounced puu gèt) (ภูเก็ต) , is Thailand‘s largest at 48km in length and 21km at its widest. It’s in Southern Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of short but substantial road bridges. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand’s biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical paradises, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay.
Phuket is blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon and Kamala have always been the most popular, but the north of the island reveals some hidden gems for travellers searching for a more romantic atmosphere.
Western Phuket (Bang Thao, Kamala, Karon, Kata, Laem Sing, Mai Khao, Nai Thon and Nai Yang, Patong, Surin)
This region is what Phuket is known for the world over. There is a wide variety of beaches, some calm, some totally ruined by millions of visitors each year. Patong is one of the party capitals of Asia.
Southeastern Phuket (Chalong Bay, Cape Panwa, Nai Han, Rawai, Ya Nui)
Slightly off-beat beaches that are worth the trip. Chalong Bay is the largest town that acts as a harbour for outgoing boats to Phi Phi island and others south islands.
Interior Phuket (Bang Rong, Ko Sire, Phuket Town, Phra Taew National Park, Thalang)
Besides Phuket Town, the interior of Phuket is pretty much unvisited by foreign visitors. This fertile hilly expanse consists of mangrove forests, fishing villages, rubber and pineapple plantations, small Muslim communities and shrimp farms. The Phra Taew National Park is a nice escape from the tourist crowds, as is the Gibbon Project.
Small islands southern-eastern Phuket and Phang Nga Bay (Ko Bon, Ko Hae, Ko Lon, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Racha, Ko Maphrao, Ko Naka, Ko Yao, Ko Panyi, Ko Tapu (James Bond Island))
Famous for its beautiful beaches, clear water, coral forests, pearl farm, limestone cliffs, caves, mangroves, fishing villages and national park.
PATONG BEACH
Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, Go Go Bars and of course night clubs. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town. Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of ‘mai pen rai’ – which translates roughly to ‘It doesn’t matter’ or ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.
Patong is the largest beach resort on the island of Phuket. Patong is a party capital of Asia, with a world famous night life and a great beach. Mostly made up of hotels, world class restaurants, nightclubs and various tourist attractions, this is a hedonists’ heaven of night life, with numerous entertainment complexes and countless bars clustered together in and around Bangla Road and the beach road. The town has a very obvious female, transgender and male sex industry to cater to every taste, however to only view it as this is a mistake, it offers so much more, for families and couples too.
Massage parlours of the erotic as well the therapeutic (Nuad Thai) genre provide less alcohol/drug infested venues for punters and wellness seekers. One can even find masseuses practicing this medical art atop bamboo mats on the beach sands (100 baht and up).
Prices are higher than in Phuket Town, but there’s more budget accommodation here than at the more southerly beaches. In Dec/Jan is high season so prices are at least double for hotels.You will be lucky to get anything decent (aircon) under B1000 at this time. This may not be a good destination for the average backpacker, except in the rainy season when prices are far lower. However this is not Patong’s stated market, it is fairly and squarely aimed at holidaymakers and does it rather well.
Rooming houses (‘mansions’) a few blocks inland provide nice, clean air-con rooms and suites as cheaply as 300 baht/day (less without air-con), or 3,000-10,000 baht/month. However Patong has every type of accommodation imaginable, from home stays to 5 star palaces.
The best time for visiting Patong beach may be during the winter, from November until March. The weather is cool and comfortable. The average temperature is around 24°C to 32°C. On the other hand, the hottest time is from April to May and the average temperature is around 27°C to 36°C. The weather is hot with heavy rain.
Phuket International Airport is 35km to the north of Patong. “Limousine” taxis from the airport to Patong are a steep 800 baht (45min); meter-taxis 700+ baht (from the meter-taxi stand at the airport: ignore the touts and turn right as you exit the terminal); shared minibuses limit the damage to 180 baht (and on the way the driver stops to “get information about your destination” at a shop, where you will be sold tickets for activities.
It’s a scam. Don’t buy.) All the drivers at the airport seem to be working in collusion making negotiating a cheaper price impossible. An even cheaper (however, also more time consuming) option is to take the comfortable air conditioned airport shuttle bus to Phuket Town (85 baht, 1h), and switch there to a local bus to Patong.
Alternatively, if you know the right road, you can get off the bus after you pass the Big C shopping centre on the right (the airport bus goes to the left there, and the road to Kathu and then Patong is to the right from the same intersection), and try to catch a local bus to Patong there, which also passes that intersection. Local buses to Patong are clearly marked in English and in Thai. Recently Airport bus to Patong town has also started service with fare of 130 Bhats. Bus leave from Airport Bus Terminal every hour.
If you are preparing for your first time in Patong, it can be tough to decide where to start in this bustling beach town. This page is meant to make your decisions easier as you can see, at a glance, all of the finest things to see and do when you first step foot in Patong. This 2.5 km beach destination is famed for its vibrant shopping and nightlife as much as its soft-sanded cove, which is popular throughout the year. Nowhere else in Phuket has so many attractions or restaurants. Although exploring for yourself is part of the fun of visiting a new place, sometimes you want a few recommendations to help you get started.
The star attraction of Patong is, undoubtedly, the beach. The lovely sandy shore is easily accessed and is home to a great selection of activities and a number of sun loungers and beach umbrellas. It’s a busy and popular place, but there are smaller, quieter beaches to either side of it where you can find a bit more peace. There are loads of other attractions to enjoy in the area, making Patong a fun and exciting place to stay.
There’s a great variety of shopping in Patong, from bustling fresh markets and interesting night markets to Phuket’s largest shopping mall – Jungceylon. You can find a range of prices for souvenirs, fashion, electronics and much more, mostly right in the middle of town. Being a popular tourist destination, the prices in Patong are a little higher than you might find in Phuket Town or other areas, but with some skillful haggling some bargains can be found.
Patong is one of the top destinations in all of Thailand for nightlife, with only Pattaya and Bangkok having more to offer. Bangla Road is the beating heart of that nightlife, with quite a wide range of choices available along the 600-metre soi and its off-shoots. This includes first-class nightclubs, live music, go-gos and beer bars. Simon Cabaret – the best of the big shows on Phuket – is also found on the outskirts of Patong.
As with everything else in Patong, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to dining. The main concentration is in Jungceylon, though there is also a lot of choice along Beach Road, ranging from fast food to budget beachfront dining and food courts. Among the finest choices are found on the road heading out of Patong towards Kamala, where you will find amazing (and surprisingly affordable) dishes in beautiful restaurants on the rocks overlooking the sea.
NIGHTLIFE
The Patong nightlife scene is the cherry on the cake for people looking for a good time in a tropical beachside environment. Originally, Patong was a small fishing village nestled in a splendid bay in the central area of Phuket Island’s west coast but the tourism development that Phuket has been through in the past 30 years has brought Patong to centre stage and transformed it into a bustling town filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife entertainment venues. Of course, the genuine and natural beauty of the bay is still one of the main appealing points of Patong, but its nightlife scene is also the reason why many come to Patong.
BANGLA ROAD
Bangla Road really comes to life once the sun sets. The road is closed to vehicle traffic and becomes a 400 metre festival of neon lights, loud music and cheap beer. Jammed most nights of the year, it is quite a friendly and lively place to walk around as bars and clubs compete with each other for customers. If you’re looking for a fun night out in Phuket, Bangla Road should be your first (and, often, only) stop.
Almost all of the bars are outdoors or open-fronted, so the music from each one blends into a mess of mixed beats. Beer bars occupy most of the street’s length, with several go-go bars and a few pubs, restaurants, discos and shops rounding out the attractions, both on Soi Bangla and down its side streets. Street performances are also common most nights, which can make dodging around the tailor shop salesmen, leaflet distributors, street vendors and ping pong show touts more difficult, but it is all part of the fun.
The main road itself can be roughly divided into three sections, each with its own particular atmosphere:
The end of Soi Bangla which is furthest from the beach and closest to Rat-U-Thit Road and Jungceylon Shopping Centre is home to most of the biggest and best nightclubs in Phuket, including the Seduction Complex, Tiger Disco and Illuzion. At the entrance to the street, you’ll find great live music at Red Hot and dozens of tightly-packed beer bars in the old and new Tiger bar complexes, which are right across the road from each other, and usually have street performers doing their thing nearby.
Head further west, towards the large LED screen at roughly the half-way point down Bangla Road, and you will find the mid-range part of the street. There are many more touts here and they are often more direct, sometimes blocking your path to accost you and try to convince you to enter their establishment or buy their wares. You will find most of the go-go bars along Bangla Road here (and many more in Soi Seadragon, which splits off the northern side of the road, opposite Soi Patong Resort). You will also find Bangla Mall home to a spa and a laser tag game as well as probably the best live music bars in the street, including the extremely popular Monsoon and New York Live Music.
The beach end of Bangla Road – starting from Soi Freedom – is the most easy-going part. The southern side of the road is lined almost exclusively with beer bars, including Moon Bar, Sunset Bar, Kangaroo Bar and Shipwreck Bar. Most have their own unique atmosphere and style, but they are mostly very friendly. Across the road are some of Bangla Road’s most notable establishments, including the huge Aussie Bar at the head of Soi Gonzo and Hollywood Disco at the top of Soi Hollywood. You will also find ladyboy cabaret dancers posing for photos around here, directing people towards the nearby Moulin Rose cabaret show. The beach end of the street is taken entirely by shops, selling suits, souvenirs and fast food. It is also common to find street performances here.
Soi Seadragon
Soi Seadragon is go-go central – virtually every entrance along both sides of its 100-metre length is such a place, with a line of beer bars right down the middle of the covered street. There is a back entrance, which leads to the KEE Resort and convenient underground parking (for a small fee), but it means running a gauntlet of determined touts to reach Bangla Road. Notable venues here include the famous Suzy Wong’s right at the KEE Resort end and Exotica close to Bangla Road, with the Two Brothers, Crow’s Nest and Mickey Mouse beer bars in between.
Soi Tiger
Soi Tiger is located opposite Seduction Night Club and the outrageous edifice that is the new Tiger Disco and is home to perhaps two dozen beer bars. This is the old Tiger Disco site – from before it moved to its new signature venue – and it still carries the name and signage (though it is sometimes called “Soi Tiger 1” while the iconic disco building is “Soi Tiger 2”). One of the few bar complexes that is completely roofed, Tiger gets pretty steamy and crowded, but is the best refuge from a sudden downpour. The lines that divide one bar from another are pretty vague here and it sometimes feels like one huge party. Located right on Bangla Road, Crazy Horse is always popular, as is Sin City Bar.
Soi Freedom (formerly Soi Eric)
A very narrow, beer bar-lined soi, it has – like several of Bangla Road’s side streets – undergone a name change in recent years and may still be known by its old moniker: Soi Eric. Each of the bars follows effectively the same design: plasma TV showing a football match, neon sign with bar’s name, Connect 4 games on the bar and friendly staff to play against. Notable bars include the well-established Smiley and the eponymous Freedom Bar.
Soi Gonzo
The star attractions of Soi Gonzo are the long-running and extremely popular Aussie Bar complex at its entrance and White Room Nightclub at the end. In between, you will find a modest selection of small beer bars.
Soi Hollywood
Formerly named Soi Easy, it was renamed following the reopening of Hollywood Discotheque directly over it. Soi Hollywood contains a couple of very cheap beer bars and a lot of pool tables. Right down at the far end is the entrance to The Secret Ago-go, as well as public toilets.
ILLUZION DISCOTHEQUE
Illuzion Show & Discotheque is one of the most impressive night spots in the most popular resort town in Phuket – Patong Beach. Located in the heart of the nightlife entertainment area – Bangla Road – Illuzion is set on the second storey of a large building which also hosts Ocean Plaza Patong on its first floor. Equipped with the latest first-rate sound and lighting equipment, Illuzion is a surprising venue able to hold almost any type of event. From standard dance club rocked by house music and special guest DJ live performances to Las Vegas-style shows performed by local and international professional dancers, Illuzion can suit a wide range of partygoers’ tastes.
Opened in November 2014 (the Illuzion management group was founded in 1997 and now runs dozens of discotheques, lounges, and hotels all around the world), Illuzion Show & Discotheque is a stylish, comfortable venue. Featuring three main areas – dance-floor, VIP lounge, and a large balcony – the club is built around a central T-shaped stage back-dropped with a 100sqm LED wall screen projecting colourful videos and graphic images, adding to the futuristic design of the venue.
Most of the show’s choreographers and dancers come from Italy and Russia. These accomplished performers demonstrate gymnastic figures and moves, including spectacular theatrical aerial performances. The club can host up to 4,500 guests, and its concept is about a certain interaction between the artists on stage and their audience. People continue to dance during the shows, making the atmosphere of the venue very lively.
Illuzion features eight bar counters: one in each corner of the venue, two central ones facing the stage and two more upstairs, at the ends of the balcony overlooking the dancefloor. The drinks list features all the usual suspect, from soft drinks (120 baht) to beers (200 baht) to cocktails (280 baht) to spirits (250 baht).
Guests can also get some snacks from sister-business Bistro (located at the entrance of Illuzion), which serves a selection of high quality dishes. Summing up, Illuzion Show & Discotheque should be on the bucket-list of every reveller visiting Patong Beach for the quality of the entertainment they provide and for the high-standing style of the venue. With skilled management, efficient security service, gentle staff and proper emergency exits, Illuzion is really an agreeable and safe place to party in Patong.
SIMON CABARET SHOW
Walking into the Simon Cabaret show theatre in Patong is just like entering a movie house. There’s the same Kenny G saxophone music, the same plush seats and the same dimmed lights. It’s only when a basso profundo voice announces the show and the curtain rises on live performers glistening with sequins and shimmering with feathers that things are different. Yes, this is real live showtime and the flash and flesh are pure Vegas except for one thing – the ‘girls’ on stage are actually men. Since 1991 Simon Cabaret has been entertaining visitors with its mélange of camp, glitter and cornball and it still is one of the island’s biggest draws.
Simon is all about clever choreography and fabulous costumes, rapid set changes and superb background sets. Some of the performers have been working the boards here for years but that doesn’t take anything away from the show. The transgender and transvestite entertainers are remarkably skilled and half of the fun at Simon is to glance around at the audience’s entranced faces as they take the spectacle in.
Still, halfway through the second number – a Supremes soundalike – there’s a Janet Jackson moment as ‘Diana Ross’ jerks her head back and almost loses her wig. Whether it is intentionally done or not doesn’t seem to matter much – it’s fun anyway. It all seems so effortless but about five numbers into the show the truth suddenly dawns that Simon caters to almost everyone. There are songs in Thai, English, Japanese and Korean but those expecting a German beer song or a Swedish number will be mildly disappointed.
KARON BEACH
Karon Beach features the third-longest beach on Phuket Island. Located on the west coast, between Patong to the north and Kata to the south, Karon Beach is the one of the most popular holiday destinations in Phuket. The beach itself has excellent snorkelling (and even diving) spots at its southern end and is wide enough for beachgoers to never feel crowded.
Karon features three main areas, each with their own assets: Karon Centre is a lively small city in which visitors can find a good choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment, as well as a beautiful Buddhist temple hosting a bi-weekly market. Karon Beach Road is ideal for evening strolls and is home to several large resorts, as well as restaurants and shops (including the popular Karon Bazaar). The third main area of Karon is centred around Luang Poh Chuan Road, towards the southern end of the beach, which hosts excellent restaurants and the more raucous nightlife spot of the resort town.
If you are planning your first time in Karon Beach, it can seem like quite a limited destination. It has a fantastic (and very long) beach, lined with some first-rate hotels, but is that all there is? Well, if you take a look at our guide below, you will find that there is a lot more to see and do here. Away from the beach, Karon has an impressive array of restaurants and even a modest nightlife to enjoy while Wat Karon and its weekly market are major attractions for locals and visitors alike. Karon Beach is a good place whether you are looking for peace and quiet or a little bit of excitement. It is such a big place that it can easily accommodate both sorts of setting without one overwhelming the other.
Karon is probably the most family-friendly part of Phuket. It has a very long beach with plenty of activities, a great choice of family resorts, nice restaurants and a modest nightlife. There are also lots of little shopping arcades, selling all of your essential holiday supplies. Those looking for a relaxing break and a good suntan certainly won’t be disappointed.
The main thing to do in Karon is to hit the beach – it’s a really nice beach! One of Phuket’s longest, the sand is soft, white and squeaks when you walk on it. The sea is clear and there are no rocks or obstructions near the shore, so taking a cooling dip is easy. Other than the beach, Karon is particularly good for families, with a choice of sports and activities available and several good budget shopping areas for the grown-ups.
KARON RESTAURANTS
The dining scene is Karon contains a lot of variety. You’ll find the best options on the rocky headland at the southern end and lots of international places around the northern end. There are many seafood venues in Karon Centre, the busiest part of the otherwise quiet town. Along Beach Road, your choices go from great hotel restaurants to cheap local joints. If you have to pick a restaurant for your stay, here are two places we would recommend.
On the Rock is one of the oldest established restaurants in Phuket and is rightly regarded as an institution on the island – a place where families, lovers and friends can count on eating spanking-fresh seafood in a great setting. As the name suggests, the restaurant is at the end of a rocky promontory in the grounds of Marina Phuket Resort, which feted its 25th anniversary in 2010.
On the Rock is situated at the far, northern end of the cape jutting out between Kata and Karon beaches. There is ample parking space and security staff in the resort’s grounds. Just follow the signposts through the Marina Phuket Resort (on the Karon Beach Road) along exotic walkways and bridges and through the almost Disney-green gardens. Head northwest and listen out for the sound of the surf and you’ll find your destination.
Romantic dining personified. Who wouldn’t feel special, dining out with a fresh sea breeze rippling the table cloth and the ebb and the flow of the Andaman Sea hissing and bubbling through huge granite boulders three metres below? More than this; On the Rock commands a sweeping northerly facing view of Karon Beach and the sparsely lit hills beyond.
For this reason alone it is a great location by day or by night but especially at sunset. At night, table lamps underline the personal touch even though the restaurant is bustling (120 covers) and is one of the more popular eateries in Kata/Karon. Of course, seaward tables are in great demand and in high season you’ll have to book at least two days in advance to obtain one (see contact numbers below). Diners inside are cooled by overhead fans while prerecorded background music meanders from the extremely tasteful to the somewhat bland, nonetheless it is never overbearing in volume. The clientele is mostly European and family orientated. Dress code; casual but smart.
EAT Bar and Grill Phuket is a great option for enjoying some Western-style grill dining. You’ll find a varied menu of meaty favourites, an expansive selection of drinks, and reasonable prices. There’s also excellent service to each and every guest. The Swedish chef combines high-quality imported cuts with fresh local ingredients, putting as much effort into the presentation as the taste. The professional team members are well versed about the various imported meats, and are able to provide quality recommendations. You’ll find EAT Bar and Grill on Thanon Patak, just a short walk from Karon Beach.
Start with a classic bruschetta, inject a little taste of Scandinavia into your appetizer with the avocado and crab fish skagen, or opt for the imaginative lobster cappuccino. Popular mains include the Black Angus beef burger, served with a crisp side salad, for 199 THB, with the option to double up on your burger for 299 THB.
True meat lovers can sink their teeth into the mixed grill platter (2,700 THB), or go all out with a Wagyu deluxe grill platter, including ribeye, tenderloin, and flank steak with sausages, corn, garlic potatoes, and varied sauces (4,590 THB). Pork, chicken, pasta, and salads also feature on the menu, and you can watch as your food is prepared in the open kitchen. If you still have room left, there’s homemade ice cream or cheesecake. It’s wise to book a table at EAT Bar and Grill in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in high season.
KARON NIGHTLIFE
Most of the nightlife in Karon is centred in the bars off Patak Road near the northern traffic circle or 3 km to the south, around Luang Poh Chuan Road. The latter is appropriately known as Bangla Plaza and is basically a collection of beer bars, but it is a big part of what gives Karon its nickname of “Patong’s little sister”. With this minor exception, Karon’s nightlife is generally quite family-friendly place, particularly around Patak Road and along Beach Road, where you will find a selection of hotel bars and lounges. The following are the best and most popular nightlife venues across all of Karon Beach.
Karon Beach Square is a dining/nightlife complex hosting four modern outlets, each of them with a specific style, cuisine and ambience. Featuring air-conditioned indoor and alfresco outdoor areas, it is the perfect place to spend an agreeable time with friends or family while sampling delicacies from all around the world. Located in the grounds of the Moevenpick Resort on Karon Beach (Patak) Road, only 250m from Karon Circle, Karon Beach Square is just the right place to eat, drink, and chill out.
The four venues available here are as follows: Mint (international snacks and finger-food); Café Studio (sandwiches, bakery, pastry, and ice creams); El Gaucho (Churrasco and wine); and OrientAsia (all-Asian cuisine). The complex has a contemporary design and features large outdoor spaces, enabling guests to dine and party under the stars in a trendy yet unpretentious atmosphere.
With its breathtaking seafront views, COAST Beach Club at Centara Grand Beach Resort offers a laidback barefoot vibe, featuring a cocktail bar, bar restaurant and the opportunity to host unique private events. Sample some delicious tapas, pizzas and a varied selection of international and local cheeses accentuated by the perfect glass of wine or cocktail. Plus, enjoy menu items such as the Blue Swimmer Crab and the Three COAST Sliders. Choose to lounge in either the indoor or outdoor section of the club, offering comfortable sofas, the restaurant or simply at the bar. Live music and DJ sets also fill the club on selected evenings.
Angus O’ Tool’s Irish Bar & Restaurant is a popular pub located on Soi Islandia (aka Soi Centara) in the heart of Karon Centre. This Irish pub is one of its kind in Karon – serving international ales, bottled beer and all-day quality and value-for-money pub food, there are no over-flattering girls telling you how handsome you are, and there’s no ear-splitting music but expect plenty of sports on the huge screens and a genuine pub feel to the place along with an international feel to the place.
There is also occasional live music and when there is, it’s the place to be in the area as the place rocks. The establishment occupies the corner of a contemporary-style building which hosts four rooms for rent (the pub is also a guesthouse). The place is neat and clean without much originality but still interesting for Asian punters who have never visited Ireland.
KARON SHOPPING
The best shopping in Karon Beach can often be found in plazas and shopping precincts. The quiet, family-friendly town has no big shopping malls, but it does have dedicated shopping streets, where you will find tightly packed collections of stores. These sell mostly souvenirs for visitors, including cheap clothes and beach toys.
There are also a few good tailor’s shops and artists around, if you want something a bit special and custom-made. Karon Beach is certainly no shopper’s paradise, and those chasing designer labels and unique wares might be a little disappointed. However, for those with a family in tow and looking for the essentials (and maybe a few surprises), the shopping scene here will certainly not disappoint. In addition, many of the shopkeepers you will find while shopping in Karon Beach are Bengali or Nepali and speak fluent English, which can help in the bargaining process.
Karon Market, Wat Karon’s compound, covers approximately 12,000sqm, and twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays it becomes a lively market at which visitors can find a wide choice of products and local food, giving a colourful insight into the local island culture. Karon Market is, on a smaller scale, similar to the famous Phuket Weekend Market held in Phuket Town every Saturday and Sunday.
Karon Market, like most outdoor markets in Phuket, starts late afternoon when the heat of the day dissipates. The ranges of products on display at the market is definitely tourist oriented, from fluorescent Singha beer sleeveless T-shirts to Thai-style bags, scarves and sarongs to multi-coloured swimsuits and beachwear to flower-shaped soap carvings to Muay Thai (Thai boxing) shorts to name-brand watches and handbags to cheap jewellery – all affordable gifts and souvenirs to take back home.
Opening Hours: Tue and Fri 16:00 – 22:00
Location: Wat Karon, Patak Road, Central Karon
Karon Bazaar (Shopping Sale Karon Plaza) is a large covered market-like shopping centre set in the central area of Karon Beach Road on Phuket’s west coast, in between Woraburi Phuket Resort and Moevenpick Resort, some 350 metres south from the Karon traffic circle. The bazaar features just about everything you’ll ever need while on holiday here, and more. With concrete floors, neon lights and a corrugated-iron-roof, Karon Bazaar is a seaside and smaller version of the famous Phuket Weekend Market in Phuket Town with slightly higher prices, at least before bargaining. Only a few shops are air conditioned. Aimed at tourists and open every day from 10:00 till late, the place is a great opportunity for an evening stroll.
Opening Hours: From late morning to late at night
Location: A few hundred metres south, going towards Kata on the Beach Road, between Moevenpick Resort and Woraburi Phuket Resort
BANGTAO BEACH
Bangtao is a study in contrasts, with the luxurious resorts and villas along its six km (four mile) stretch of beach just a few minutes’ away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did – by fishing, farming and rubber tapping. Taking up a huge area in the middle of Bangtao beach, Laguna Phuket, one of Asia’s largest resort complexes. The northern tip of the beach, so far untouched by development, is still an area where visitors might find that they have the beach to themselves. Apart from going to the beach and a few bars and restaurants there’s not much that you need to leave your resort for.
Admittedly, Bang Tao Beach isn’t famous for its unique things to see and do. It has the beach and the beach clubs and not a whole lot else. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. If you’re looking for a great beach holiday, you can’t go far wrong with Bang Tao. The sand is perhaps a little grainy in places, but there’s certainly plenty of it! The sea is usually as flat as a mirror between December and April. With virtually no rocks near the shore, it’s great for a cooling dip between sunbathing sessions.
With no shopping malls and few big-brand designer labels to choose from, Bang Tao won’t satisfy the hardcore shopaholics. What it offers instead are some great little shopping arcades. These are packed with small local boutiques, offering unique items at fair prices. You’ll also find regular night markets and many small shops around the busier areas, offering great souvenirs. This makes Bang Tao probably the best place in Phuket to shop for something really special and different.
If you’re planning your first time in Bang Tao, you absolutely have to include the area’s amazing beach clubs. Some of them have been ranked among the best in the world, let alone just Phuket! It’s not hard to see why, with their beautiful settings, great cocktails and fine food. Other than these, the nightlife in Bang Tao is a little limited, especially compared to Patong’s. However, there are some stand-out bars away from the sand, including some budget-friendly options.
Food lovers planning their first time in Bang Tao are in for a treat. The area has probably the most top-quality restaurants of any part of Phuket. Many of these are connected to five-star hotels, but there are also a lot of independent places. With so much competition, each restaurant must offer the very highest standard food, service, setting and value. Alongside these great fine-dining options, there are plenty of places to find budget bites.
Bang Tao has probably the most five-star hotels of anywhere in Phuket, especially in the Laguna complex. From luxurious villas to expansive resorts, it’s the absolute lap of luxury. There is some choice at the other end of the budget scale, though these are usually further from the beach.
The Laguna properties especially have great facilities, including loads of activities, great restaurants and amazing swimming pools. The Bang Tao hotels below are the ones we personally recommend to our family and friends as those offering the best bang for your baht.
KATA BEACH
Kata Beach is a beautiful pleasant bay, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, which entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all-round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options – all close to the beach.
From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata’s waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. Kata Beach is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end, close to Karon, and Kata South – home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir stalls and mini-marts to name-brand fashion stores. The area also has an impressive range of dining options, from budget street food to some of the finest restaurants in Phuket.
It would be easy to accidentally waste your first time in Kata Beach if do not fully prepare for it. The bustling, family-friendly town on Phuket’s west coast has a lot to offer. Aside from the beautiful beach itself (and its equally beautiful but lesser-known neighbour, Kata Noi Beach), the area is home to a small number of fun attractions.
Kata Beach is especially well-suited to those who like some activity and excitement. The beach is popular with surfers, though you only get good waves in the low season. During the high season, there are great spots for snorkelling and diving, among other activities. On land, Kata has more stunning views than anywhere else in Phuket. You’ll also find facilities for flow-riding, mini golf, Muay Thai and other sports.
There’s a pretty good range of places to get some retail therapy in Kata. The choice varies from stand-alone stores to great local markets. You’ll find big-name labels alongside local designers, especially if you’re looking for swimwear and surf fashion. There are also several funky little shopping arcades along the city’s main roads. These are great for providing all of your holiday essentials at excellent prices.
The nightlife in Kata Beach specialises more in breathtaking views than in wild parties. There are a couple of bawdy bar areas, similar to Patong’s famous Bangla Road. However, the majority of the after-dark entertainment is quite family-friendly. The area around Kata Noi, with its dramatic coastline, is great for sundowners. After that, there are a few good venues right by the sand, at the southern end of Kata Beach.
ACTIVITIES
KATA NOI BEACH
Kata Noi beach is a small bay just a short drive from Kata beach, it is a small beach but the scenery is breath taking, take some time to relax, walk along the beautiful sands or maybe go for a swim. From the Kata viewpoint you can look across at the bays of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, The best time to visit the beach is between November and April as swimming can sometimes become dangerous during the monsoon season.
CHALONG RUM DISTILLERY
For any keen rum drinkers the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is sure to whet your appetite, the company produces high end white rum which is now starting to be noticed around the world. There is lots to do when you arrive at the distillery, you start by taking a tour where you will learn about the way the rum is produced before taking a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. The final part of the trip is in the cocktail workshop and bar, here you will learn how to make various cocktails that all include Chalong Bay Rum and then relax while you sample them.
PHUKET BIG BUDDHA
This huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket, sitting at the top of the Nakkerd Hills and standing at forty five meters tall it is very difficult to miss. From the top of the hill you are able to get a panoramic view of the island. When you are at the Buddha you will notice that it is very quiet apart from the sound of dharma music and some little bells. The Buddha is made from white Burmese marble and sparkles elegantly in the sun.
WAT CHALONG
Poh Than Jao Wat is one of the more important Buddhist statues in Wat Chalong. It is located in the westerly old hall of the temple, with two statues of an elderly gentleman called Ta Khee-lek (grandpa Khee-lek), a famous local who won many lotteries after consulting the Poh Than Jao Wat statue. Another statue in this hall is called Nonsi. One of the temple’s halls features a gilt-covered statue of Luang Poh Cham and this busy hall also contains statues of Luang Poh Chuang and Luang Poh Gleum, all ex-abbots of the temple.
The Grand Pagoda dominating the temple contains a splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone and is officially named Phramahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat. The pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the Buddha’s life story and also features various Buddha images. Take your time in the pagoda; it is a breezy, cool location and one which is very popular with visitors to the temple.
There is also an air-conditioned ‘exhibition home’ of Luang Poh Cham which features lifelike human-sized wax models of Luang Poh Cham, Luang Poh Chuang, Luang Poh Gleum, and Luang Pu Thuad along with antique Thai furniture, and Benjarong (Thai porcelain designed in five colours), while the famous ‘magic’ walking-stick of Luang Poh Cham is kept at the current Abbot’s dwelling.
PHANG NGA BAY
A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay are the sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds at James Bond and Koh Panyee, is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket.
A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.
James Bond Island: This famous landmark, called Koh Ta-pu (‘Nail Island’), first found its way onto the international map through its starring role in the James Bond movie ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’. And this is where most tours seem to take all of the tourists – all at the same time. The entire area surrounding this island with its signature rocky pinnacle is indeed spectacular, but most of the tours bus visitors up the main highway for an hour on the same well-worn itinerary. An integral part of that tour is lunch at Koh Panyee, a nearby Muslim fishing village.
Koh Panyee: This is a remarkable village, the whole of it built out over water on stilts and with a giant rock monolith guarding its rear. At lunchtime, many tourists on the James Bond Island tours are brought in to eat and shop for handicrafts. Koh Panyee is a small island. Most of it is huge, almost vertical, limestone cliffs. The hundreds of huts, shacks, restaurants and houses where the villagers live are built on stilts over the surrounding shallow sea.
No one seems quite sure how many wooden and concrete piles hold up this extraordinary community, but it is certainly a fascinating and unique feat of informal engineering. At first, fishing was the sole industry for this Muslim community but nowadays it is No 2. These days, half the locals service the tourism industry and 40% are still fisherman. The village has its own school, a mosque, a health center, lots of small souvenir shops and a handful of large restaurants, all facing the sea, where tourists can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.
