PHUKET NIGHT LIFE

Bangla Rd is the center of the nighttime action with its long stretch of beer bars and pubs and side lanes leading down to more naughty spots. The notorious Soi Katoey, just off Bangla, is a lively place where punters can watch super-sexy 'ladies' dancing on stages at the soi's entrance and further inside. The other sois are amusing places to wander, with countless beer bars, a-go-gos and pubs to explore.

Fans of rugby, football and other pro sports worried about missing the big games will be relieved to hear that Patong has numerous sports pubs with satellite TV links to all the favourite European and international matches.

The myriad shopping outlets and open-air markets, bowling alleys, bookshops and cafes offer an alternative for those looking for quieter nighttime options.

Kata Beach and Karon Beach Nightlife is nowhere near as hectic as Patong. It's more a place to relax with a cocktail or beer in an open-air bar or restaurant, dine on seafood, do some shopping, watch the sunset and enjoy a laid-back, balmy evening.

Most evening venues are geared towards families and couples rather than people planning to paint the town red.

Phuket Nightlife. If you're hoping to enjoy an evening out with local nightclubbers, rather than tourists, Phuket City is the place to come. Though Phuket City lacks a distinct nightlife centre like Bangla Rd in Patong, there are plenty of lively spots scattered around town.

Karaoke bars are everywhere - they cater almost exclusively to a Thai crowd, but most are welcoming to visitors as well. Most bars feature very dim lighting, a karaoke machine and young hostesses who sing Thai love songs and encourage customers to join in. The majority of karaokes have signage in Thai only, but darkened windows and fairy lights seem to be the predominant features of most.

Beyond the bars are the bustling night markets, one near Robinsons and another on Ranong Rd, serving up fresh Thai food and cold drinks late into the night. For the kids, there are 3 bowling alleys ( Pearl on Phang Nga Rd, Ocean Bowl at Ocean department store and CS Bowl at Big C supercentre) that stay open late into the night.