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 Thailand's mainland province, which offers a warm atmosphere where nightlife adventures are never in short supply. Under the moonlight there are many things to do in Phuket, as close to the beaches there are different types of bars and nightclubs, which enliven the city with themed parties and other fun events.
If you plan to visit Phuket in 7 days or more, you will have plenty of time to discover its nightlife perspective. You'll find everything from sunrise adventures to more sedate and elegant plans. In general, nights on the island offer a vibrant energy accompanied by diverse music styles.
1. Don't miss out on a bar crawl in 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 hawkers selling exotic items.
For this activity you can always sign up for an organised tour or 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 in this sport is that in traditional boxing only fists are allowed for defence, whereas Thai boxing is known as the art of eight limbs, as feet, knees and elbows are allowed.
The best place to do this activity at night is the Bangla Boxing Stadium. In fact, it is the official venue for the most important fights, as international boxing stars often come here.
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. For 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 night diving is Kata Beach. It offers a colourful reef, where you can admire the rich marine life.
Only professionals are allowed to do night diving, as it is more difficult to master the seabed at night. You will feel the adrenaline rush as you dive with professionals.
It can be done all year round, but I recommend you avoid the rainy season from June to October. During 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's an ideal month to dive in and explore.
4. Tour the night markets of Phuket
Nightlife on the island is varied and vibrant, in fact it's a city that never sleeps. You can have fun strolling through the charming streets and take advantage of the night markets, such as the Chilva Night Market. The aisles are lined with souvenir shops, Thai street food, local costumes and more.
The night markets offer an authentic Thai experience, where you can wander around enveloped in the sounds and smells. They are often bustling and crowded, but it's totally worth it.
Make the most of your visit to buy what you need, but remember to haggle. There is a culture of bargaining in Thailand, and you can identify such stalls as they don't have fixed prices. Without a doubt, this type of visit is part of some of the best tours in Phuket.
It is a kind of cultural game, where the winner is the most convincing bidder. Goods are offered at a premium, and 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 venue located on the historic Thaland Road. Please note that it is only open on Sundays from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Tourists and locals alike 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 items.
This market offers affordable prices, you will also find accessories, Thai cosmetics, fragrances, handbags, shoes and more.
Chilva Night Market
This market has a lively atmosphere with a variety of street stalls. It is ideal for shopping for seasonal produce 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 operates every day and is a quieter, less crowded option. It is located in the Muenang district, so you can take the opportunity to browse the colonial houses in the area.
5. Visit Phuket's beaches and discover its nightlife
Phuket's beaches have an unrivalled nightlife scene, even on weekdays there are fun activities. Note that they are connected to interesting picturesque villages, where bonfires, night tours and open-air shows are organised.
Phuket's weather is pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit the beaches is in summer. You can take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in November, as this is also the 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 surrounding area you will find restaurants as well as nightclubs that work late into the night. Nearby is Bang Lang, better known as the street of sin. Here you will find cabarets, adult shows, ladyboys, ping pong parlours and street food stalls.
Kata Beach
One of the best beaches in Phuket, this is also a nightlife area par excellence. If you want to stay in an area that's fun but not too rowdy, there are resorts here that are ideal for your holiday.
It's a great option if you want to organise things to do in Phuket with children. Unlike other local beaches, the adult shows are more limited. Their offerings will allow you to experience Thai nights in a family-friendly 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 snorkelling.
A few metres away is the Karon viewpoint, from where you can see Kata, Kata Noi and Karon beaches. You certainly can't miss the opportunity to see the small villages in the surrounding area.
6. Take advantage of the nightly cultural shows
If you want to have fun at night on the island of Phuket, I suggest attending cultural shows. It is the best way to learn about Thai culture while enjoying an evening full of surprises and fun.
Such 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 need to do is sit back and enjoy the show.
Phuket FantaSea
This is a theme park, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Phuket with kids. Many tourists know it for its popular rides 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 give you an insight into Thai culture through music and spectacular dances. You can also take the opportunity to dine at the on-site restaurant.
Simon Cabaret
Simon Cabaret is an extravagant show, with colourful costumes and outlandish headdresses. A cabaret show is a kind of play, but more exaggerated. It can be comedy, dance or musical, and contains music, dance and theatrical art. It is sure to be an evening full of unforgettable entertainment.
7. Visit Carnival Magic Theme Park
More than just a theme park, Carnival Magic is a once in a lifetime experience.
It offers rides that are ideal if you're looking for things to do in Phuket with kids. It also has light shows and shows that celebrate Carnival all year round, which revolve around the best music, dances and traditions.
If you're planning your trip and looking for things to do in Phuket in November, your visit may 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 legendary float parades.
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 epicentre of the island's nightlife, from dusk onwards it is lit up with twinkling lights. You can enjoy the best views as you stroll along its wide corridors or sip a beer.
Illuzion Nightclub
Phuket's Illuzion club offers a party atmosphere, where you can share in the Thai nightlife fever. Located very close to Patong Beach, it offers good lighting, a dance floor with special effects and much more.
It's very busy, so you need 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 kind of time, you definitely have to visit the 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 can watch dancers perform, local and international artists entertain, as well as nightly entertainment with a twist.
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 experience the best parties or have a drink.
You should know that this is a club that is highly frequented by Australian tourists, so the visit will also serve as a cultural exchange activity.
9. Dance under Phuket's full moon
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 centre of the island. It is an event that features music, dancing and traditional food. Note that it takes place only once a month throughout the year.
It's a Thai tradition that began in the 1980s, when a group of backpackers organised a themed party to honour the full moon. It is organised in different parts of Thailand, with the most popular celebration taking place on 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 watch. Get your camera ready, because it's a sight to behold.
These cruises often include traditional food dishes, prepared by a professional chef. If you want to explore the relaxed side of Phuket, a dinner on the sea may be a good alternative.
Take time to appreciate the local sights, or simply relax while enjoying the food and drink. This tour is the perfect option for a romantic getaway. It also works very well in case you are looking for group activities.
Tips for visiting Phuket by night
- Avoid touring the island on your own, there are red light areas in Phuket at night. It is advisable to go on night walks with a guide or in a group.
- Learn to bargain, especially if you want to shop in Phuket. Many goods and services are overpriced, 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 alleyways where you can find bars, restaurants and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is second to none.
Transportation in Phuket at night
- TukTuk: an excellent means of transport, ideal for avoiding traffic during rush hour. They are different from those in Bangkok, as they are mini-trucks with neon lights and sounds that rumble through the island's streets. Small trips cost from €6 and up.
- Local bus: Most stations are concentrated near the beaches, where the nightlife is at its best. It's the cheapest option, and there are several companies that operate private buses.
- Motorbikes or scooters will help you avoid road congestion and are cheaper than TukTuk. Daily rental costs around €5.
- Taxi: Catching a taxi in Phuket is easy, as you can hail them by waving to them. Bargaining is used in Thailand, so to avoid a stressful situation, ask the taxi driver to activate the meter at the start of the journey. The price per journey will depend on the distance, but you can find options from €15.
- Minibus: There are shared options that make it easy to get between Phuket and the airport. Some even take you to see the city at night.