Here’s a quick list of things you must do when you’re next in Phuket…
Simon Cabaret
International ladyboy show that’s noisy, brassy and slightly tacky BUT very, very good and entertaining. You can book at your hotel concierge and they’ll send a van to pick up guests. 2 shows each night in Patong and one of the longest running shows on the island. The boasts ‘the best looking women in south east Asia’, and they might be right. Expect some questions from the youngsters. You may be ‘invited’ to get a photo taken after the show but a ‘top’ (around 100-200 baht) will be required.
Siam Niramit
Half way along the By-Pass Road in Samkong. Pre-show walk-around, international buffet and then a feature show in a huge theatre. And it’s on every night of the week. A great ‘Thailand 1.01’ experience which is suitable and entertaining for the whole family. You can do the pre-show and main show without the international buffet (but the buffet is a FEAST to behold!). The passive pre-show involves a Mauy Thai demonstration, march of elephants, a traditional Thai village, cosplay, crafts and games. Again, they will pick you up from the hotel.
Nai Harn Beach
Commonly voted as Phuket’s best beach. Down the south of the island. About 20 minutes from Patong by taxi. Plenty of little eateries just back from the beach or in the main town of Nai Harn. The beach is a present shape with rising cliffs at either end of the beach, including the iconic The Nai Harn hotel at the northern end. There is a Buddhist temple just behind the beach which has prevented possible developments or high-rise.
Rawai foreshore in the evening
Seafood restaurants and bars lining the beach road. They’ve become more sophisticated, expensive and numerous over recent years but it’s still a great vibe any evening of the week. Followed by a drink at the Sunshine Bar – a VERY Thai experience and loved by all – you’ll see what we mean.
Tunk-Ka cafe and viewpoint on Khao Rang
Overlooking Phuket Town. Great view and excellent local food any night of the week. There are a few restaurants at the top of Khao Rang as well as a viewpoint which has great shots across Phuket Town, looking south down the island towards Chalong. The may be monkeys hanging around the parking areas at the top of the hill – don’t feed them or approach them!
Chillva Market in Samkong
Open most evenings. Local Thai-style market and chill/drink areas. There’s parking in the rear… always busy and very ‘local’. Not really a place for bargains but a really great place to people-watch and to browse. Located about 800 metres east of the Samkong intersection.
