Destination



Phuket, Thailand Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel Long stretches of sun, sand, and surf are the norm for this island off the coast of Thailand. Having been almost completely rebuilt after the tsunami, Phuket has once again become a wonderful beach destination, offering the very best in diving, snorkeling, and an assortment of other watersports. And although the calm, turquoise waters are the biggest pull, the nightlife is an activity in its own right. Whether you go for the raucous party scene on Patong Beach, or the more cool and collected lounge bars found on Kata and Kalim Beaches, you will definitely have plenty of options for how to spend your evenings. While you lounge on the stunning beaches made famous by Leo DiCaprio in "The Beach," look out at the beautiful Andaman Sea, sip your cocktail, and think about how lucky you are to be lounging in paradise. Activities Hat Karon & Hat Kata Beaches Ao Karon On the western side of this beautiful island, these two beaches are relatively undeveloped and a great way to spend a quiet day in the sun. Patong Beach Patong One of the biggest beaches on the island right on the calm Patong Bay, this is another beach worth visiting. If you stay until the sun goes down, you may also want to enjoy the young—if a bit raucous—night life. Wat Chalong Of Phuket’s 29 monastaries, Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered. Many locals come to the temple to be blessed, have their fortunes told and receive a good luck charn that they believe will keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their life. Sirinat National Park 89/1, Mu 1, Sakhu Tel. 0 7632 7152 (info) www.dnp.go.th Protecting one of the last remaining mangrove areas on the island, the Sirinat National Park consists of both land and sea. A must for nature lovers and bird watchers, enjoy the day in one of Thailand’s beautiful National parks. Phi Phi Islands A great day trip, hop on a ferry just off the coast of Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, a series of six islands made famous by the filming of The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. One of the islands, Phang Nga Bay, is a designated Marine World Heritage Site and is a great way to fulfill all your water sport desires. Dining Ka Jok See 26 Takuapa Rd, Phuket Town Tel. 07621.7903 For a chic, intimate eatery with unbelievable charm and class, head to this hidden specialty of Phuket. Offering great food, music, and dancing this sure is the place to go if looking for some fun. Ka Jok See provides Asian/seafood delights to those lucky enough to experience it! Baan Rim Pa 223 Kalim Beach Rd, Patong Tel. 07634.0789 http://www.baanrimpa.com Probably Phuket’s most famous restaurant, Baan Rim Pa is a Thai-style steakhouse. One has a choice of outdoor seating with a fantastic view of the bay, or a more romantic setting indoors. Expect a great amount of seafood on the menu but also many meat dishes as well. The owner of this hotspot also has a few other ventures on the Cliffside. Tatanka 382/19 Moo 1, Bang Thao Bay Tel. 07632.4349 For those looking for more variety in cuisine, Tatanka is the spot for you. Harold Schwartz, owner and chef, puts his footprint on every dish making it unique in style and taste. Combining elements from Mediterranean, Pan-American, and Oriental traditions, there is something for everyone on the menu. Enjoy tapas, fresh fish, pizza, gazpacho and more! Salvatore’s Restaurant 15 Rasada Rd, Phuket Town Tel. 07622.5958 http://www.salvatorestaurant.com Tired of oriental cuisine? Not to worry, Salvatore’s is the premier Italian trattoria in Phuket. Pasta, salads, grilled dishes, and pizza are all part of this decadent menu. Enjoy a serene environment with calm music while enjoying traditional Italian cuisine. Sala Bua 94 Thaweewong Rd, Patong Tel. 07634.2100 Enjoy Thai cuisine at its finest. Sala Bua is located on the beach in the heart of Patong. Priding itself on award-winning food, this restaurant boasts an atmosphere like no other. Have dinner while the sun sets and experience the unforgettable ambiance. The Boathouse Wine and Grill 114 Patak Rd, Karon Tel. 07633.0557 http://www.boathousephuket.com Located in the Boathouse Inn, this internationally renowned restaurant offers only the best. Providing a beach front terrace and a chic interior, expect an excellent dining experience upon Kata Beach. The menu serves a combination of French and Thai cuisine with Master Chef Tummanoon creating masterful dishes. This gourmet eatery also has a magnificent wine cellar with over 700 impressive labels. Shopping Soul of Asia 37,39 Ratsada Road Phuket Town www.soulofasia.com Dutch owned and operated, Soul of Asia occupies two former Chinese shophouses, showcasing the very best in art, antiques, and jewelry. Stocking not only Asian art and antiques, this gorgeous shop also has a special collection of internationally renowned artists like Warhol, Picasso, and Dali. Lemongrass House 10/2 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road Tel. 07627.1233 www.lemongrasshouse.com The spa product destination, Lemongrass House stocks an array of all-natural beauty treatments made from the freshed herbs and plants. Find anything from aromatherapy oils to facemasks, made from rosemary, thyme, or Thailand's native lemongrass. The ultimate luxury in farm-fresh treatments. TouchWood Furniture 19/90 and 90/7 Chao Fa Nok Road (West) Tel. 076.263717 http://www.etouchwood.com/ The place to go for antiques, TouchWood is a veritable museum of furniture. Pick up some quality colonial collectibles, or purchase contemporary teak pieces--either way, you're sure to find something great in this neat little shop. Purchases can be shipped anywhere. Phuket Art Gallery 74 Thalang Rd., Phuket Old Town Tel. 66.07625.8388 www.phuket-artgallery.com This art gallery in the center of town carries a plethora of fine Thai and Asain art. Carrying anything from classical landscapes to abstract social commentaries, the Phuket Art Gallery is sure to have something for any art enthusiast looking for the ultimate memento. Nightlife La Baia 48 Ruam Jai Road, Patong Beach Tel. 076.340.210 Although it's located along the infamous Patong beach, La Baia is definitely a sophisticated alternative to those other kinds of bars. Enjoy a cocktail in this sleek lounge located in the Grand Tropicana Hotel, or hit the dancefloor and groove to Asian beats and Euro techno. Baan Rim Pa 223 Kalim Beach Road Kathu, Patong Tel . 076.340.789 http://www.baanrimpa.com Baan Rim Pa serves up deliciously authentic Royal Thai cuisine in the early evenings and turns into a swanky, award-winning wine and piano bar later. Enjoy the tunes while looking out onto Patong Bay and sipping on some quality vintage from their cellar, or head below stairs to La Comanche, the attached wine and cigar bar, and sink deeply into one of their comfy leather couches. Joe's Downstairs Located adjacent to Baan Rim Pa Piano Bar and Restaurant on Kalim Beach at 223/3 Prabaramee Rd. Tel. 076.344.254 http://www.baanrimpa.com/joesphuket Owned by the same management as Baan Rim Pa, Joe's offers a stunning and elegant night spent on the outdoor terrace overlooking Kalim Bay. Its creamy interior is extremely conducive to high-class cocktails with a hint of breezy ocean air. Definitely not a place to be missed. Joe's also serves lunch and dinner--deliciously light alternatives to Thai classics. Tapas & Wine Kata Beach Tel. +66.084.838.2685 www.tapasandwinephuket.com A bit of a scene change from your usual Phuket nightlife, Tapas & Wine serves, well, exactly that. Pulling from Spanish, Scandinavian (really), and Thai influences, this bar serves a variety of light tapas to accompany its wide selection of wines. A great place to start your evening, Tapas & Wine is a believer in you get what you pay for: have a glass or two in their spacious dining room and then simply take the bottle with you to your next destination, perhaps people watching along Kata Beach. Seduction Discotheque 39/1 Bangla Road, Patong Beach www.seductiondisco.com More of a run-of-the-mill Patong Beach style club, Seduction is a little bit more luxe than the others on the strip (relatively speaking). It draws a little bit of a younger crowd, a lot of tourists, but there are two dancefloors pumping techo and dance music until late in the night. Seduction doesn't get loud until 11pm, so it could be a definite second-stop on your night of fun!

Phuket, Thailand Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel

Long stretches of sun, sand, and surf are the norm for this island off the coast of Thailand. Having been almost completely rebuilt after the tsunami, Phuket has once again become a wonderful beach destination, offering the very best in diving, snorkeling, and an assortment of other watersports. And although the calm, turquoise waters are the biggest pull, the nightlife is an activity in its own right. Whether you go for the raucous party scene on Patong Beach, or the more cool and collected lounge bars found on Kata and Kalim Beaches, you will definitely have plenty of options for how to spend your evenings. While you lounge on the stunning beaches made famous by Leo DiCaprio in "The Beach," look out at the beautiful Andaman Sea, sip your cocktail, and think about how lucky you are to be lounging in paradise.

Activities

Hat Karon & Hat Kata Beaches
Ao Karon
On the western side of this beautiful island, these two beaches are relatively undeveloped and a great way to spend a quiet day in the sun.

Patong Beach
Patong
One of the biggest beaches on the island right on the calm Patong Bay, this is another beach worth visiting. If you stay until the sun goes down, you may also want to enjoy the young—if a bit raucous—night life.

Wat Chalong
Of Phuket’s 29 monastaries, Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered. Many locals come to the temple to be blessed, have their fortunes told and receive a good luck charn that they believe will keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their life.

Sirinat National Park
89/1, Mu 1, Sakhu
Tel. 0 7632 7152 (info)
www.dnp.go.th
Protecting one of the last remaining mangrove areas on the island, the Sirinat National Park consists of both land and sea. A must for nature lovers and bird watchers, enjoy the day in one of Thailand’s beautiful National parks.

Phi Phi Islands
A great day trip, hop on a ferry just off the coast of Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, a series of six islands made famous by the filming of The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. One of the islands, Phang Nga Bay, is a designated Marine World Heritage Site and is a great way to fulfill all your water sport desires.

Dining

Ka Jok See
26 Takuapa Rd, Phuket Town
Tel. 07621.7903
For a chic, intimate eatery with unbelievable charm and class, head to this hidden specialty of Phuket. Offering great food, music, and dancing this sure is the place to go if looking for some fun. Ka Jok See provides Asian/seafood delights to those lucky enough to experience it!

Baan Rim Pa
223 Kalim Beach Rd, Patong
Tel. 07634.0789
http://www.baanrimpa.com
Probably Phuket’s most famous restaurant, Baan Rim Pa is a Thai-style steakhouse. One has a choice of outdoor seating with a fantastic view of the bay, or a more romantic setting indoors. Expect a great amount of seafood on the menu but also many meat dishes as well. The owner of this hotspot also has a few other ventures on the Cliffside.

Tatanka
382/19 Moo 1, Bang Thao Bay
Tel. 07632.4349
For those looking for more variety in cuisine, Tatanka is the spot for you. Harold Schwartz, owner and chef, puts his footprint on every dish making it unique in style and taste. Combining elements from Mediterranean, Pan-American, and Oriental traditions, there is something for everyone on the menu. Enjoy tapas, fresh fish, pizza, gazpacho and more!

Salvatore’s Restaurant
15 Rasada Rd, Phuket Town
Tel. 07622.5958
http://www.salvatorestaurant.com
Tired of oriental cuisine? Not to worry, Salvatore’s is the premier Italian trattoria in Phuket. Pasta, salads, grilled dishes, and pizza are all part of this decadent menu. Enjoy a serene environment with calm music while enjoying traditional Italian cuisine.

Sala Bua
94 Thaweewong Rd, Patong
Tel. 07634.2100
Enjoy Thai cuisine at its finest. Sala Bua is located on the beach in the heart of Patong. Priding itself on award-winning food, this restaurant boasts an atmosphere like no other. Have dinner while the sun sets and experience the unforgettable ambiance.

The Boathouse Wine and Grill
114 Patak Rd, Karon
Tel. 07633.0557
http://www.boathousephuket.com
Located in the Boathouse Inn, this internationally renowned restaurant offers only the best. Providing a beach front terrace and a chic interior, expect an excellent dining experience upon Kata Beach. The menu serves a combination of French and Thai cuisine with Master Chef Tummanoon creating masterful dishes. This gourmet eatery also has a magnificent wine cellar with over 700 impressive labels.

Shopping

Soul of Asia
37,39 Ratsada Road
Phuket Town
www.soulofasia.com
Dutch owned and operated, Soul of Asia occupies two former Chinese shophouses, showcasing the very best in art, antiques, and jewelry. Stocking not only Asian art and antiques, this gorgeous shop also has a special collection of internationally renowned artists like Warhol, Picasso, and Dali.

Lemongrass House
10/2 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road
Tel. 07627.1233
www.lemongrasshouse.com
The spa product destination, Lemongrass House stocks an array of all-natural beauty treatments made from the freshed herbs and plants. Find anything from aromatherapy oils to facemasks, made from rosemary, thyme, or Thailand's native lemongrass. The ultimate luxury in farm-fresh treatments.

TouchWood Furniture
19/90 and 90/7 Chao Fa Nok Road (West)
Tel. 076.263717
http://www.etouchwood.com/
The place to go for antiques, TouchWood is a veritable museum of furniture. Pick up some quality colonial collectibles, or purchase contemporary teak pieces--either way, you're sure to find something great in this neat little shop. Purchases can be shipped anywhere.

Phuket Art Gallery
74 Thalang Rd., Phuket Old Town
Tel. 66.07625.8388
www.phuket-artgallery.com
This art gallery in the center of town carries a plethora of fine Thai and Asain art. Carrying anything from classical landscapes to abstract social commentaries, the Phuket Art Gallery is sure to have something for any art enthusiast looking for the ultimate memento.

Nightlife

La Baia
48 Ruam Jai Road, Patong Beach
Tel. 076.340.210
Although it's located along the infamous Patong beach, La Baia is definitely a sophisticated alternative to those other kinds of bars. Enjoy a cocktail in this sleek lounge located in the Grand Tropicana Hotel, or hit the dancefloor and groove to Asian beats and Euro techno.

Baan Rim Pa
223 Kalim Beach Road
Kathu, Patong
Tel . 076.340.789
http://www.baanrimpa.com
Baan Rim Pa serves up deliciously authentic Royal Thai cuisine in the early evenings and turns into a swanky, award-winning wine and piano bar later. Enjoy the tunes while looking out onto Patong Bay and sipping on some quality vintage from their cellar, or head below stairs to La Comanche, the attached wine and cigar bar, and sink deeply into one of their comfy leather couches.

Joe's Downstairs
Located adjacent to Baan Rim Pa Piano Bar and Restaurant on Kalim Beach
at 223/3 Prabaramee Rd.
Tel. 076.344.254
http://www.baanrimpa.com/joesphuket
Owned by the same management as Baan Rim Pa, Joe's offers a stunning and elegant night spent on the outdoor terrace overlooking Kalim Bay. Its creamy interior is extremely conducive to high-class cocktails with a hint of breezy ocean air. Definitely not a place to be missed. Joe's also serves lunch and dinner--deliciously light alternatives to Thai classics.

Tapas & Wine
Kata Beach
Tel. +66.084.838.2685
www.tapasandwinephuket.com
A bit of a scene change from your usual Phuket nightlife, Tapas & Wine serves, well, exactly that. Pulling from Spanish, Scandinavian (really), and Thai influences, this bar serves a variety of light tapas to accompany its wide selection of wines. A great place to start your evening, Tapas & Wine is a believer in you get what you pay for: have a glass or two in their spacious dining room and then simply take the bottle with you to your next destination, perhaps people watching along Kata Beach.

Seduction Discotheque
39/1 Bangla Road, Patong Beach
www.seductiondisco.com
More of a run-of-the-mill Patong Beach style club, Seduction is a little bit more luxe than the others on the strip (relatively speaking). It draws a little bit of a younger crowd, a lot of tourists, but there are two dancefloors pumping techo and dance music until late in the night. Seduction doesn't get loud until 11pm, so it could be a definite second-stop on your night of fun!