Joanna James
Phuket is Thailand's most famous island, and apart from its incredible beaches, there are plenty of sights and sounds here to keep you riveted – from cultural shows and cabarets to trendy jazz and nightclubs. Here is a quick list to keep your nights in Phuket brimming with excitement.
This massive entertainment centre is on Bypass Road towards the northwest of Phuket Town. The centre has a theatre where hundreds of performers recreate a 3-part cultural show each day at 8:30 pm. The show features Thai history, mythology, and traditions. It is a vibrant and animated display using the latest special effects.
This ladyboy cabaret show takes place in a 900-seated venue comparable to Patong's Simon Cabaret, but on a bigger scale. It features grand sets, hi-tech lights and sound systems with dancers and mimicking singers. The brilliantly coloured costumes are eye-catching, with a 60-minute performance expertly choreographed for a night of unforgettable entertainment.
It is the first rooftop bar in Phuket, adding some artistic hints to the city. Found on Quip Bed & Breakfast's 5th floor, this alfresco area recreates the hotel's hip and flamboyant tone while treating you to an excellent location to appreciate the warm breezy evenings.
Found near Samkong, this is the smaller version of Patong's Simon Cabaret. The show is staged in a contemporary 600-seated theatre with the latest lights, sound systems, and top stage designs. Simon Star is fun, vibrant, full of bright lights and colours and suitable for family viewing.
Located less than an hour's drive from Layan Residences by Anantara, Ka Jok See is a rather inconspicuous restaurant from the exterior; however, it gets filled with customers every night. Found on Takua Pa Road, the restaurant is placed in a Chinese-colonial shop house filled with beautiful and bright vintage decor. This is unlike any other restaurant in Phuket and the vibe of it soon evolves into a hysterical party on most nights with limbo contests, dancing on tables, and conga lines.
This long-running spot in Phuket began in 1990 and is on Yaowarat Road, on a two levelled building in the northern extremity of the Old Town. The location features music each night, where talented and somewhat famous Thai and foreign acts perform live musical concerts daily. In Phuket, real estate can be affordable, so don't forget to check out places in and around downtown if you want to start up your own space!
A trendy nightclub near Nimit Circle, this contemporary and posh club draws in affluent youngsters of Phuket. With its smart casual dress code, it's the place to be seen! Mind you, shorts and sandals are not allowed! Live music is provided by Thai bands, with DJ music spinning hits throughout the night.
This chill bar in Yaowarat Road specialises in live music, particularly, the Blues.
Each night, skilful bands entertain the crowds with classical blues hits. Budding musicians in the venue are welcome to perform with the band. There are extra basses and guitars strung on the walls for this very purpose!
The HQ of jazz in downtown Phuket, Music Matter, is a long-running establishment and the brainchild of a gifted musician named Jeffrey Sevilla. He opened the bar in 2000 to provide Phuket with its foremost venue catering exclusively for jazz music. In partnership with UNESCO, they also organise the annual International Jazz Day since 2012 in Phuket!
Visitors to this bar get to mix and match their drinks via an iPad, which will be crafted right before you! Their concept is to honour the skill of mixology, combining various beverages to bring about some unique blends! Design your own crazy shots in this innovative bar found in the heart of Phuket.
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