10 Things to Do in Phuket at Night
Phuket is a night city, where there is entertainment for all tastes. From quiet plans to parties until dawn, here are the best options to enjoy the Thai night!
Phuket is the mainland province of Thailand, which offers a warm atmosphere where nightlife adventures are never lacking. Under the moonlight there are many things to do in Phuket, since, near its beaches there are different types of bars and nightclubs, which animate the city with theme parties and other fun events.
If you plan to visit Phuket in 7 days or more, you will have enough time to discover its nocturnal perspective. You will find everything from adventures until dawn, to quieter and more elegant plans. In general, nights on the island offer a vibrant energy accompanied by diverse styles of music.
1. Don't miss a bar tour of Phuket
The best way to spend an interesting night on the streets of Phuket is to take a night tour. You can walk along the party street, also known as Bangla Road and check out popular bars in the area.
At some stops you can get free shots while enjoying the vibrant cultural exhibits. It is an area dominated by dancing, food stalls, street music and street vendors selling exotic items.
For this activity you can always sign up for an organized tour or go out and explore the streets on your own to get a taste of the island's nightlife. One of the best bars in town is Red Hot Club, where you can enjoy live music in the middle of the Kathu district.
2. Enjoy a Thai boxing show
Thai fighting shows, better known as Muay Thai, are held in different venues in Phuket, such as theme parks, bars and boxing areas. The main difference of this sport is that in traditional boxing only fists can be used as defense, while Thai boxing is known as the art of the eight limbs, since the use of feet, knees and elbows is allowed.
The best place to perform this activity at night is the Bangla Boxing Stadium. In fact, it is the official site where the most important fights take place, as international boxing stars usually come.
If you are a fan of martial arts fights, you can enjoy a Thai-style show. Note that they are held on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights. To get a panoramic view, I suggest you book in advance online.
3. Go night diving in the Andaman Sea.
Diving is a characteristic activity in Phuket, but... would you dare to do it at night? The best area for this type of diving is Kata Beach. It offers a colorful reef, where you can admire the marine richness.
Only professionals can practice night diving, because at night it is more difficult to master the seabed. You will feel the adrenaline to the maximum, while you dive with professionals.
It can be done all year round, but I recommend avoiding the rainy season from June to October. In these dates the strong currents make it more difficult to appreciate the species. Instead, you can take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in November, as it is an ideal month to dive and explore.
4. Tour Phuket's night markets
Nightlife on the island is very varied and vibrant, in fact it is a city that never sleeps. You can have fun walking through its charming streets and take advantage of the night markets, such as the Chilva night market. In its aisles you will find souvenir stores, Thai street food, local costumes and more.
The night markets offer an authentic Thai experience, where you can wander around enveloped by sounds and smells. They are usually bustling and very crowded, but it's totally worth it.
Take advantage of your visit to buy what you need, but remember to bargain. In Thailand there is a culture of bargaining, you can identify this type of stalls, as they do not have fixed prices. Undoubtedly, this kind of visits are part of some of the best tours in Phuket.
It is a kind of cultural game, where the winner is the most convincing bidder. The products are offered at a premium, many tourists are unaware of this practice and pay very high prices.
Phuket Sunday Market
The Phuket Sunday Market or Lard Yai Market is a cultural space located on the historic Thaland Road. Note that it is only open on Sundays from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Tourists and locals look forward to shopping for clothes, gifts, toys, handicrafts and sweets. As you walk through the market, you will enjoy popular performances as well as live music.
Naka Night Market
The Naka Night Market is one of the most famous and also the largest on the island. It is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. To get there you should head to Chao Fa West Road, it is a busy space where you can buy imitation objects.
This market offers affordable prices, you will also find accessories, Thai cosmetics, fragrances, handbags, shoes and more.
Chilva Night Market
In this market you will find a lively atmosphere, with a variety of street stalls. It is ideal for buying seasonal products, as well as unique handmade items.
The Chilva night market is known for music performances, cultural performances, stylish cafes, quaint bars and a variety of street food stalls.
The main difference with the Sunday market is that it works every day and is a quieter option with less crowds. It is located in the Muenang district, so you can take the opportunity to take a look at the colonial houses in the area.
5. Visit the beaches of Phuket and discover its nightlife
The beaches of Phuket have an unrivaled nightlife, even on weekdays there are fun activities. Note that they are connected to very interesting picturesque villages, where bonfires, night tours and open-air shows are organized.
Phuket's climate is pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit its beaches is summer. You can take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in November, as it is also low season.
Patong Beach
At night the streets of the island usually offer the best events, of course Patong beach is no exception, in fact it is one of the best things to do in Phuket. Located on the west coast of the city, it is a sought after tourist destination, due to its crystal clear waters and white sandy paths.
In the surroundings you will find restaurants, as well as nightclubs that work until late at night. Nearby is the Bang Lang, better known as the street of sin. In this area there are cabarets, adult shows, ladyboys, ping pong rooms and street food stalls.
Kata Beach
It is one of the best beaches in Phuket, it is also a nightlife area par excellence. If you want to stay in an entertaining area but without scandals, here there are ideal resorts for your vacation.
It is a great option if you want to organize things to do in Phuket with children. Unlike other local beaches, the shows for adults are more limited. Their proposals will allow you to get to know Thai nights in a family atmosphere.
Karon Beach
Karon beach is the longest beach in Phuket. From here you will enjoy the best views of the Andaman Sea, while relaxing under the umbrellas or snorkeling.
A few meters away is the viewpoint of Karon, from here you can see the beaches Kata, Kata Noi and Karon. Without a doubt, you can not miss the opportunity to contemplate the small villages in the surroundings.
6. Take advantage of the nightly cultural shows
If you want to have fun at night on Phuket Island, I suggest attending cultural shows. It is the best way to learn about Thai culture, while enjoying an evening full of surprises and fun.
This kind of cultural performances are a great option if you are planning to visit Phuket in three days. You will get a glimpse of the customs of the region, all you will need to do is sit back and enjoy the show.
Phuket FantaSea
It is a theme park, ideal if you are looking for activities to do in Phuket with kids. Many tourists know it for its popular attractions for all ages. However, few know that it offers some of the best night shows on the island.
At Phuket FantaSea you can experience a showcase of Thailand' s cultural heritage. It will be an unforgettable night where you will see gymnastic performances, complete with eye-catching costumes typical of the region.
It is the largest cultural complex on the island and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. These performances will introduce you to Thai culture through its music and spectacular dances. In addition, you can take the opportunity to dine at the on-site restaurant.
Simon Cabaret
Simon Cabaret is an extravagant show, with colorful costumes accompanied by outlandish headdresses. A cabaret show is a kind of play, but more exaggerated. It can be a comedy, dance or musical, and contains music, dance and theatrical art. Without a doubt, it will be an evening full of unforgettable entertainment.
7. Visit Carnival Magic Theme Park
More than a theme park, Carnival Magic is a once in a lifetime experience.
It offers mechanical rides ideal if you are looking for things to do in Phuket with kids. It also has light shows and shows that celebrate carnival all year long, which revolve around the best music, dances and traditions.
If you are planning your trip and looking for things to do in Phuket in November, perhaps your visit will coincide with the Thai carnival. Throughout the year it is possible to play carnival in the park. However, in this special month you can see special exhibitions and shows, as well as the mythical parades of floats.
8. Visit the best nightclubs on the island
On the island of Phuket you will find a variety of clubs, discos and bars that work until dawn.
Bangla Street is the epicenter of the island's nightlife, from dusk it is illuminated with flashing lights. You can enjoy the best views while walking through its wide corridors or have a beer.
Illuzion nightclub
The club Illuzion of Phuket offers a festive atmosphere, where you can share the fever of the Thai night. It is located very close to Patong beach, offers good lighting, dance floor with special effects and much more.
It is very crowded, so it is necessary to book at least 24 hours in advance. The club seats around 5,000 people and has 300 VIP tables. The minimum consumption requirement per table is at least €130.
If you are looking for or planning things to do in Phuket in December, I suggest adding this visit to your itinerary. The atmosphere is ideal for celebrating the best Christmas of your life.
Sugar Club
If you like good music and want to have a different time, you definitely have to visit Sugar Club or Sugar Club. It is located in front of Club Illuzion and offers an exclusive atmosphere with hip hop style music.
Originally opened in Bangkok in 2014, its success was such that they opened a new location in Phuket. Inside this nightclub you will be able to contemplate shows of dancers, presentations of local and international artists that enliven the atmosphere, as well as nightly entertainment proposals with a different touch.
White House Nightclub
The Casa Blanca nightclub is located at the exit of Bangla Street, it is a place with an attractive style and an elegant structure. Every night there are different events, so it is ideal to live the best parties or have a drink.
You should know that a club highly frequented by Australian tourists, so the visit will also serve as a cultural exchange activity.
9. Dancing under the full moon of Phuket
In your night tour you can not miss the Phuket Full Moon Party or Full Moon Party, is an event known for being the most famous beach party in the world.
Specifically, it is held in Paradise Beach, forty minutes from the center of the island. It is an event that offers music, dances and traditional food. Note that it takes place only once a month throughout the year.
It is a Thai tradition that began in the 1980s, when a group of backpackers organized a theme party to honor the full moon. It is organized in different parts of Thailand, in fact the most popular celebration is held in Koh Pha Ngan. Over the years, this custom was adopted in Phuket.
10. Dinner on board a cruise ship
Night cruises usually set sail before sunset, so the experience can start with a sunset sighting. Get your camera ready, because it's a sight worth portraying.
These cruises usually include traditional food dishes, prepared by a professional chef. If you want to explore the relaxed side of Phuket, a dinner on the sea can be a good alternative.
Take your time to appreciate the local sights, or just relax while enjoying the food and drink. This excursion is the perfect option for a romantic getaway. It also works very well, in case you are looking for activities to do in a group.
Tips for visiting Phuket at night
- Avoid touring the island on your own, in Phuket there are red light areas at night. It is advisable to take night walks with a guide or in a group.
- Learn to bargain, especially if you want to shop in Phuket. Many products and services are offered at an overprice, but you can ask for a discount. If you don't like this kind of practice, shop only at places that have prices on display.
- Explore the small alleys where you can find bars, restaurants and a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Transportation in Phuket at night
- TukTuk: it is an excellent means of transportation, ideal to avoid traffic during rush hours. They are different from those of Bangkok, as they are mini trucks with neon lights and sounds that rumble through the streets of the island. Small trips cost from 6 €.
- Local bus: most stations are concentrated near the beaches, where the focus of nightlife is. It is the cheapest option, and there are several companies that operate private buses.
- Motorcycle or Scooters: they will help you to avoid the congestion of the roads, in addition it is more economic than traveling in TukTuk. The rental price per day is around 5 €.
- Cab: taking a cab in Phuket is very easy, as you can stop them by waving. In Thailand bargaining is used, to avoid a stressful situation, ask the cab driver to activate the taximeter at the beginning of the trip. The price per trip will depend on the distance, you can find options from 15 €.
- Minibus: there are shared options that facilitate the transfer between Phuket and the airport. Some even take you to see the city at night.