Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Phuket & Khao Lak.
Restaurants
Lim’s
Cool interiors and fantastic fusion-modern Thai cuisine have made this one of the most popular restaurants for discerning foodies on the island.
28 Phrabaramee Soi 7 Kalim Beach, Patong, Phuket 83150
(+66 (0)76 344 834)
Ka Jok See
Arguably Phuket locals’ favourite restaurant, Ka Jok See makes for a convivial meal with its lively atmosphere, top Thai tastes and occasional campy cabaret.
26 Takupa Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
(+66 (0)76 217 903)
Weaves Restaurant
Raise the romance quotient up several notches at this chichi spot where you can opt to dine poolside or in the air-conditioned comfort of a private room.
121 Srisonthorn Road, Surin Beach, Phuket 83110
(+66 (0)76 271 050)
Oriental Spoon
The massive Sunday brunch spread is hands-down the best brunch on the island, so book ahead; many local expatriates are devout regulars.
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
(+66 (0)76 316 577)
Silk
Located in Surin Plaza, this tremendously trendy spot serves Modern Thai cuisine in modern Thai interiors.
5/50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110
(+66 (0)76 271 702)
The Restaurant
Splurge at this delightful eatery in top-end villa resort Amanpuri. The fine Italian dinner you’ll have at this stunning al fresco restaurant is holiday money well spent. Make sure to get a table with a full-on sea view.
Pansea Beach, Phuket 83000
(+66 (0)76 324333)
Siam Deli
If you have some time to spare before jetting off, stop by WiFi-enabled Siam Deli for fluffy breads, drool-worthy deli meats and a scoop of their creamy ice-cream. Or, if you hate airline food, pack a pastry to eat on the plane.
231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thalang 83110
(+66 (0)76 338000)
Cafés
China Inn Café
This former Chinese bank turned café makes for a quirky lunch stop. Nibble on traditional Chinese savouries while downing a refreshing rambutan shake.
20 Thalang Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
(+66 (0)76 356 239)
Albatross Café
Perched on a waterfront terrace, this charming little outlet serves up Thai cuisine and Italian Illy coffee.
Canal Village No.49, Laguna Phuket, Thalang, Phuket 83000
(+66 (0)76 270 958)
Bars and clubs
Catch Beach Club
Located at Twinpalms hotel, this is where the seriously sexy crowd hang out. Live international bands and DJ acts take to the stage for groovesome tunes.
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
(+66 (0)76 316567)
Simon Cabaret
The drag brigade provides outlandish entertainment, and this mother of all cabaret shows has camp ’n’ colourful extravaganzas that require advance booking.
8 Sirirach Road, Patong Beach, Phuket Thailand 83150
(+66 (0)76 342011)
Ratri Jazztaurant
Cool jazzy sounds and a fantastic view will keep you at until the wee smalls; the cocktails are just as fabulous.
Kata Hill, Phuket
(+66 (0)76 333 538)
Joe's Downstairs
A sunset cocktails stop where the crowd and decor are so trendy, it smarts.
223/3 Prabaramee Roadd, Kalim Beach, Phuket
(+66 (0)76 344254)