Best Cafes in Phuket Town

There is a good selection of cafes in Phuket Town including:

Pirrera Cafe

Pirrera Cafe is a renovated slop house in the historical part of Phuket Town. This cafe has a reputation for selling the best coffee in the city, and the decor is charming – it is like stepping back in time. The interior is very inviting due to a clever combination of pastel colors. Pirrera Cafe serves local coffees, and they have a superb selection of cakes and desserts to choose from. Customers also get to use free Wi Fi. This cafe is located on Dibuk Road in the old town right on the corner of Yaowarat Road.

Gallery Cafe

Gallery Cafe can be found on Rassada Road, and they offer a good selection of edible items as well as coffees. They are particularly popular in the mornings because of their full English breakfast which costs only 190 THB (as of early 2013). They also have a nice selection of Thai dishes to choose from as well. There is free Wi Fi available here. This cafe has an open front and there is seating available inside or outside.

Glasnost Cafe

Glasnost Cafe is a good option for people who love jazz as the owner is a huge fan. This venue is located on Soi Romanee which runs between Dibuk Road and Thalang Road. The owner also keeps a selection of musical instruments and customers are encouraged to play. The Glasnost Cafe also doubles as a law office, so visitors may be able to get some legal advice while they are enjoying their coffee.

Best Cafes in Patong

Patong is the number one tourist destination on the island, and there are a number of good cafes to choose from here including:

Cafe Siam

Cafe Siam is a boutique cafe located in the Royal Paradise Hotel Complex on Rat-U-Thit Road. They specialize in Italian coffee, and they also have a nice breakfast menu. There is a library on the premises for customers who need some reading material.

Bean and Gone

Bean and Gone is a popular place that can be found between Beach Road and Rat-U-Thit Road – they are located underneath the Patong Language School. They offer a nice selection of hot and cold coffee drinks as well as smoothies. This venue offers a very welcoming atmosphere, and it is a good option for people who want to catch up on some reading while enjoying a coffee. It is also possible to go online from here.

Spoon Cafe

Spoon Cafe can be found on the ground floor of the Jungceylon Mall on Rat-U-Thit Road. This is a modern looking cafe, and they have comfortable sofas and chairs so that customers can feel right at home. They offer a large selection of food options as well as coffee and other beverages.

Starbucks

Starbukcs is one of the most popular cafe chains in the world, so it is only natural that they would have a branch in somewhere like Patong. They are located inside the Jungceylon Mall on the ground floor. Starbucks also have branches in on Thaveewong Rd and Bangla Road in Patong.

Best Cafes in Karon and Kata

The Karon and Kata area is the second most popular tourist destination in Phuket, so there are plenty of nice cafes here including:

Andaman Coffee

Amdaman Coffee has three branches; one on Kata Road and two on Karon Road. They offer a full menu of hot and cold coffee drinks including favorites such as Cappuccino, latte, Mocha Frappe, Expreso, and Americano. On the food menu, they have items such as toasted sandwiches and waffles. This chain of cafes offers a high level of comfort and customers can just lounge back on one of the sofas while enjoying their drink. There is Wi Fi in all parts of the cafe, and they also have a selection of free magazines.

Kata Third Street Cafe

Kata Third Street Cafe is located on Kata Road. This is a chic and modern looking place, and it is the ideal choice if people are looking for somewhere to relax after a busy day on the beach. They have a good selection of food items prepared by a world class chef. They also have free Wi Fi.

Best Cafes Elsewhere in Phuket

There are plenty of cafes elsewhere in Phuket including:

Red Cafe

Red Cafe is located 100 meters down from 7eleven in Kamala going towards the beach. They offer a good selection of coffees and other beverages, and they also sell snack items such as toasted sandwiches and fancy cakes. They have comfortable seating inside and there is also outside seating under a canopy.

Bamboo Cafe

Bamboo Cafe can be found in Rawai on Soi Yuan. They open every day from 08:00 until 21:30. As well as coffee they also sell a nice selection of Thai as well as western food.

The Coffee Baan

The Coffee Baan is right beside Chalong Pier next to the marina, and this venue offers a comfortable environment where people can enjoy a nice cup of coffee. There are regular events taking place at this cafe, and it is a good choice for music lovers. During the daytime it is a bit quieter, so it is a nice place to go to read.

Coffee World

Coffee World is a chain of cafes that has branches throughout Thailand and other parts of the world. They are famous for using only the very best Arabian coffee beans, and they also have a nice selection of snacks and desserts. Coffee World can be found in Phuket International Airport (HKT), and they also have branches in Patong.

Bars in Karon

There are plenty of great bars to choose from in Karon including:

Walkabout Sports Bar

Walkabout Sports Bar is an Australian venue that is located on Soi Karon Whale – just off Patak Road. At the moment (early 2013) they have an all day happy hour with imported draught beer at 120 THB per pint. All the important sports events are shown here on 6 flat screen televisions. They also have music here and a good selection of snacks on their menu – on Tuesdays and Saturdays they have special deals on pizza. Walkabout Sports Bar also offers a pool table, and their pub team plays in the Southern Phuket Pool League.

Angus O’Tool Irish Pub

Angus O’Tool Irish Pub is located on Patak Road in Karon – just 300 meters from the beach. They offer live sports on 6 large screens, and they regularly offer live music in the evenings. The food here is very good, and their all day breakfast is particularly popular. They also have a good selection of beers, spirits, and wines. This bar can get busy at the weekends or when there is an important sports event going on, but it is usually a fun crowd. Angus O’Tool also has plenty of special offers on alcoholic drinks and food throughout the week. There is also free WiFi available.

Karon Sunshine Bar

Karon Sunshine Bar is a laid back kind of place where people can go to enjoy a few drinks in the evening. This bar is part of a guesthouse, but it also attracts a few regulars and benefits from passing trade. They offer a good selection of beers and spirits, and they are also rumored to serve the best coffee in Karon. This is a good option for people who just want to spend the evening chatting with some friends, or just relaxing with a few drinks and a good book. They have a menu with authentic Thai as well as international cuisine.

Karon Aussie Bar

Karon Aussie Bar is also located on Patak Road – inside a complex called One Man Soi. This is a friendly place and the owners (Kenny and Lee) are always willing to offer advice to newcomers to Phuket. They have a pool table, and they show live sports in the bar on their large screen – they try to show all the Australian rugby and Aussie rules football matches. Customers can use free WiFi if they bring their laptops or mobile devices.

The Soho Bar

The Soho Bar is another relaxed venue that is perfect for the start of a night out – although some nights there can be a great crowd here, and it may be worth just staying there until closing. Things liven up here as the night progresses, but it never gets so boisterous that conversation with friends becomes difficult. The Soho Bar is located 150 meters from the Beach on Patak Road – just across from the 7evelen.

Hakan Bar

Hakan Bar is a stylish Swedish owned bar that can be found on Beach Road. This venue is very popular with Swedish people as it was made famous by a hit reality show that was popular in Sweden. The decor and furnishings are bright and modern looking, and this bar attracts people of all nationalities. It can get busy here in the evenings, but it is usually a good crowd. The food menu has some real crowd pleasers which of course includes Swedish meatballs.

Anybody’s Bar

Anybody’s Bar is just a small venue that looks like any of the other beer bars to be found in Phuket, but it is surprisingly popular. This is largely due to the fact that it tends to attract a nice crowd, and the people working here make an effort to ensure that their customers are having a good time.

There are a number of entertainment complexes in the Karon area where there are many beer bars located together. These are similar to what is available in Patong and customers will usually go here for the availability of female company as well as alcohol. The most popular of these beer bar complexes would include:

• Bangla Plazza is to be found on Luang Pho Chuan Road. As well as the beer bars, there are also a few quite places where people can just go to relax or to play a few games of pool. There are enough bars here to keep those in party mood entertained for the whole night.
• Soi One Man is the most popular entertainment complex in Karon because it is nearest to the beach. The bars here all tend to look the same, but there is a good deal of competition between them – the most popular bar on the soi changes over time.
• There are also other beer bars to be found along Patak Road.

Nighclubs in Karon

The best option for a nightclub in Karon would be:

Karma Lounge

Karma Lounge is a good option for people who wish to party hard into the early hours of the morning. They can be found on Patak Road close to Karon Circle. The busiest night of the week here is Friday when they have live entertainment. This venue tends to attract a good mix of Thais as well as foreign visitors. This venue has two floors, and they offer a good mix of music.

Restaurants in Karon

There are many restaurants to choose from in Karon including:

• Ging Restaurant is located on Karon Road, and it offers some of the best Thai food around at a reasonable price. They also have some international dishes on the menu as well.
• Two Chefs is located to the north of Karon Beach – they also have three other venues in the nearby area. They have an impressive a le carte menu, and they also provide an impressive selection of sandwiches, tex mex, and vegetarian meals.
• Karon Cafe specializes in steak and authentic Thai food. They are located inside the Karon Village Phuket Hotel Centara Resort Complex which is just off Patak Road.
• Mali Seafood Karon offers some of the best seafood in Karon. The restaurant is nicely furnished and there are some beautiful vies of a nearby Han lake.
• Harry’s Phuket specializes in steak and Swedish food – it is part of a Swedish chain of restaurants. They are located on the same street as the Phuket Orchid Resort.
• The Little Mermaid is a friendly restaurant that is located near to the beach. They are open until 2am and many customers are happy to spend the night drinking here after they have finished their meal.

Romantic Restaurants in Phuket Town

Phuket Town (it is really a city) offers a number of romantic dining experiences to choose from including:

Blue Elephant Restaurant

The Blue Elephant specializes in Royal Thai cuisine, and it offers one of the best dining experiences on the island. The restaurant is located inside of a renovated mansion, and the decor is lavish. A visit to the Blue Elephant is perfect for a special occasion. They say that you do not go here to eat – you go here to dine. They also provide a nice cocktail menu and wine list. The Blue Elephant is located on Krabi Road.

Tunk Ka Restaurant

Tunk Ka Restaurant is a nice option for a romantic dinner because it offers such beautiful views of Phuket – especially once it gets dark. The food here is authentically Thai, and it is very reasonably priced. Tunk Ka Restaurant can be found on Rang Hill which is to the north west of the city.

Salvatore’s Restaurant

Salvatore’s Restaurant is to be found on Rasada Road. This is a typical Italian style eating establishment, so it can be a nice choice for a romantic night out. They offer a full selection of Italian dishes made from fresh ingredients, and their tiramisu dessert is particularly good.

Romantic Restaurants in Patong

Patong is the most popular resort area in Phuket, and this is the place to go for the best nightlife. There are also a few more sedate and romantic venues including:

La Gritta

La Gritta is like a little oasis amidst the party atmosphere of Patong. It is worth visiting this restaurant for the lovely view of Patong beach alone, but it also serves plenty of tasty food. Seafood is the most popular thing on the menu, but they also serve steak and pizza. La Gritta can be found on Meun Ngern Road.

The Surface Restaurant and Bar

The Surface Restaurant and Bar also offers stunning views of Patong Beach. This is an open air venue, and the best time to be here is around sunset. They offer a three course meal for a very reasonable price, and they also have a good cocktail menu. The Surface Restaurant is located on the roof of La Flora Hotel.

Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante

Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante is right next to Novotel on Prabaramee Road. The food here is on the expensive side, but it is worth it if couples are looking for a truly special night out. This venue is set on a small beach beside Patong, and there are some wonderful views of the sunset from here. There are only a few tables here, so this ensures that it never feels crowded – it is advisable to book in advance.

Romantic Restaurants in Karon and Kata

Karon and Kata are to the south of Patong, and there are some nice options here for romantics including:

Mom Tri’s Kitchen

Mom Tri’s Kitchen offers all the ingredients required for a perfect romantic dinner. It is located in hills between Kata Noi and Kata Yai Beach, and the view of the Andaman Sea from this restaurant is simply stunning. The kitchen is managed by two internationally renowned chefs, and this ensures that guests get to enjoy a high class dining experience with delicious food. Mom Tri’s Kitchen also offers the most impressive wine list on Phuket with over 800 labels to choose from.

Bella Vista Oceanfront Terrace Restaurant

Bella Vista Oceanfront Terrace Restaurant is located on the beachfront in Kata, and it offers some wonderful views of the sea. The design of this venue is a modern Thai style, and the dining is in the open air. They offer a good selection of local as well as international dishes.

On the Rock

On the Rock can be found in the grounds of Marina Phuket Resort in Karon. This venue gets its name because it is literally sitting on top of a rock right over the sea. It can get busy here at times, but there is a nice atmosphere and intimate conversations are easy to maintain while admiring the waves that come right up close to the restaurant.

Other Romantic Restaurants in Phuket

Some of the best options for couples are to be found away from the main resort areas in places like:

Oriental Spoon

The Oriental Spoon is part of Twin Palms Resort, and it is located near to Surin Beach. The menu offers a good variety of Thai dishes, and they also offer international food options such as steak. They also have a sushi bar, and a buffet option.

Plum Sky Barn and Lounge

Plum Sky Bar and Lounge is part of Cape Sienna Resort at Kamala Beach. This restaurant offers splendid views of the beach, and they serve what many claim to be the most authentic Mediterranean food in Phuket. The atmosphere here is intimate, so this is a good option for a romantic night out.

Diavolo Restaurant

Diavolo Restaurant is part of Paresa Resort in Kamala. There is a good selection of Italian food available, and there are also house cocktails to choose from. This venue offers a 270 degree ocean view, and it is possible to enjoy this from practically any table. Diavolo is a popular choice for a romantic night out, so it is best to book in advance.

L’Orfeo

L’Orfeo was voted as one of the top restaurants in Thailand for 2011. It is located on Soi Sai Yuan in Rawai, and it is known for providing delicious food at a reasonable price. The owners (Stephanie and Benoit) are from France, and they offer an eclectic mix of dishes so that there is something to suit everyone. The interior design is very Mediterranean, and there are tables in more secluded parts of the room for couples who want to enjoy a more intimate experience.

360 Bar

They 360 Bar is located near to Layan Beach. It is part of The Pavilions, and this resort prides itself on being the best destination for couples on the island. It is called the 360 Bar because it is located on top of a hill, and it provides a 360 degree view of the local area. They describe their cuisine as the food of love.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Phuket Town

The best options in Phuket Town for seafood would include:

Laem Hin Restaurant

Laem Hin Restaurant is a couple of kilometers to the north of Phuket Town at Ko Kaeo. The seating for this restaurant is on a wooden jetty that is built over the water – it is basically a no frills Thai eatery, but the fact that it is in such a beautiful location makes it special. Diners get to enjoy watching the looking fishermen go out on their boats. The view here is excellent, but the real reason for why people go to Laem Hin is the food – it is delicious. The fish and other marine life is displayed in tanks and customers get to choose exactly what they want to eat. The service is very good even when they are busy. Laem Hin is a bit out of the way, but it is worth making the effort to go here for some of the best seafood dishes in Phuket.

Pak Nam Seafood

Pak Nam Seafood can be found on Rasadanusorn Road. This venue is very popular with Thai people, but it is not so well known among foreign visitors – the restaurant is already busy enough that they do not seem to need to advertise to tourists. Pak Nam Seafood is a real gem of a place, and they serve great seafood delights at a very reasonable price. It can be very busy here, so customers should expat to wait a bit of time for their food at these times. There is seating outside as well as inside with air conditioning.

Kru Suwit Floating Seafood Restaurant

Kru Suwit Floating Seafood Resteraunt is located not far from Laem Hin Restaurant (see above). Customers get to enjoy splendid views of sea and nearby Coconut Island. The good is cheap and very tasty. This is the type of place that people should visit at least once during a trip to Phuket – it will be something that they will remember.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Patong

Patong is the busiest tourist area in Phuket, and there are some good options for people looking for seafood including:

Savoey Seafood

Savoey Seafood is the busiest seafood restaurant in Patong, and its popularity is well deserved. It benefits from a prime location on the corner of Patong Beach Road and Bangla Road. It is an open sided venue with a pool at the back and Beach Road to the front. This place always seems to be busy even though there are 50 tables. It is therefore best to book a table in advance – this can be done online. They offer an excellent variety of seafood dishes, and they have a handy picture menu for people are not familiar with the Thai names. They also have a good wine selection that is reasonably priced.

Hemmingways Pub and Restaurant

Hemmingways Pub and Restaurant is located near to Jungceylon Shopping Center on Sai Kor Road. The offer a great selection of seafood dishes including; BBQ prawns, BBQ lobster, and Phuket Oysters – their steamed fish in lemon gravy (plaa nung manow) is particularly good. At the moment (early 2013) they have a promotion where parties of more than 10 people get a discount of 10 per cent. They also have a nice wine and cocktail menu to go along with the great food.

Patong Seafood

Patong Seafood Restaurant is located on Thaweewong Road (Beach Road). It gets crowded here in the evenings, but if it is too busy there are similar seafood places nearby. Patong Seafood is a popular place because the service is generally good, and they have a nice menu to choose from. It provides an authentic Thai dining experience.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Karon and Kata

There are some nice seafood places to choose from in the Karon and Kata area including:

Mali Seafood Restaurant

Mali Seafood has branches in both Karon and Kata. Their Karon branch is located near to Han Lake, and their Kata branch is to the south of Kata Road. The menu offered by Mali Seafood is diverse, and they regularly add new dishes to the list. The branch in Kata is the most popular, and this venue offers a modern decor and high quality dining experience. The word mali (มะลิ) means jasmine in Thai.

Lana Resteraunt

Lana Resteraunt can be found on Patak Road in Karon – just a few minutes walk from the beach. They offer a mixed Asian menu that includes plenty of nice seafood dishes. They serve the best BBQ Prawns in Karon, and most of the items on their menu are reasonably priced. The decor inside this venue is chic and modern, and the seating is very comfortable.

Mama Seafood Kata

Mama Seafood is located right on the beach in Kata. Their BBQ prawns and lobsters are very good value for money. The decor here is nothing special, but the fact that it is right on the beach makes this less of an issue.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Other Parts of Phuket

Some of the best seafood places on the island are located away from the main tourist areas and would include:

Kan Eang@Pier

Kan Eang@Pier is to be found in Chalong Bay. This venue received a name change in 2007 (before that it was simply called Kan Eang 1) and it has been a popular choice for seafood lovers for the last thirty years. The restaurant offers an excellent panoramic view of Chalong Pier, and it is an open air venue. Their menu includes the best local seafood dishes as well as international cuisine. They also offer a nice selection of wines and seafood.

Mor Mu Dong Restaurant

Mor Mu Dong is off the beaten track, but it is well worth visiting if people are after unique seafood dishes. It is located not far from Chalong Bay on Soi Palai off Chaofah Nai Road (the turning for this is near Phuket Zoo). This interesting venue is located in the midst of mangroves, and diners get to sit in their own open air hut that is located over the water. One of the most popular seafood dishes here is sea fish in a salt crust.

Thanoon Seafood

Thanoon Seafood is close to Sarasin Bridge (this is the bridge that people cross over when they are coming to Phuket from the mainland). This venue is a real find because it is in such an idyllic area right on one of the less touristy beaches – it is unlike anywhere else in Phuket. They offer a good selection of seafood – including things like deep fried sea cicadas. Most visitors to the island will just whizz past this area when they are coming or going by land, but it is well worth stopping for a meal here if people have time.

Things to Do on Kamala Beach and in the Water

Kamala Beach is a fairly laid back part of the world, but there are some interesting things to do on the beach (or in the water) such as:

• Kamala is the perfect place to go swimming for most of the year because the water is so calm and inviting. During the Monsoon Season, from May to October, things can get a bit rougher and at times it will be best to avoid the sea completely.
• There is a coral reef to the north of the beach so snorkeling is possible here.
• There are a number of dive shops in the local area, and it is possible to arrange diving trips or lessons. Merlin Divers is one option for this.
• It is possible to hire a boat from the beach, or some resorts, and go kayaking. It is also possible to arrange a trip in a larger boat.
• There are usually Thai masseuses on the beach, and they can provide a message for a reasonable price. People are advised to be careful if doing this because if they become too relaxed they might fall asleep in the sun and get badly burnt.

Places to Eat Near Kamala Beach

There are some good restaurants in this area including:

• Plum Sky Bar and Lounge is one of the most romantic restaurants in the whole of Phuket. They serve authentic Mediterranean food, and they are located inside Cape Sienna Resort.
• Diavolo Restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean along with delicious Italian food. This restaurant is part of the Paresa Resort.
• Silk Restaurant and Bar belongs to Andreas Resorts and Villas, and they serve the best in Thai cuisine. This venue is very stylish and customers can look forward to a high class dining experience.
• Salt and Pepper is a Scandinavian eatery, that is located right beside the beach. As well as serving Swedish dishes, they also have Thai food, pizzas, and steaks.
• H.C. Anderson Family Restaurant is to be found on Rim Had road near to Kamala Beach. Their menu includes Scandinavian, Thai, and international dishes – their most popular item is Smorebrod which is a type of open sandwich.
• Rock Fish Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in Kamala and deservedly so. This restaurant has 3 floors, and it is possible to eat indoors or outdoors. They provide an extensive menu that includes dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Fantasea is a cultural theme park that provides visitors with a great opportunity to learn more about Thailand while being entertained at the same time. This 140 acre park is packed with interesting things to see, but the highlight of it all is the Las Vegas type extravaganza that demonstrates the culture of Thailand using dance, acrobatics, magical tricks, ballet, acting, and pyrotechnics. There is also plenty of other entertainment provided to suit adults and children, and there is even a shopping street inside the complex. Visitors can round the evening off by dining in one of their beautiful restaurants where they can eat some real Thai food. Phuket Fantasea is located near to the beach in Kamala. The doors of this amusement park opens at 17:30 in the evening, and the entertainment goes on till near midnight. It costs 1,900 THB including a buffet dinner for adults and 1,700 THB for children (prices correct as of early 2013).

Bars Near Kamala Beach

There are a few bars in Kamala to choose from including:

• Aussie Pub is located inland from the beach on the main drag. They have pool tables here, and they also show live sports on Friday evenings they have an event called sausage sizzle where they give customers a free sausage (as of early 2013).
• Crazy Bar is located on the main road in Kamala. This is a lively place that is similar to the beer bars found in places like Patong.
• Kamala Sports Club can be found just off the main Kamala Road. This venue shows live sports on the TV, and they have events here every night of the week – including things like bingo, pool competitions, and BBQs.
• Elvis Rock and Roll Bar is a friendly place where the emphasis is on good music and fun times – they play a good selection of tunes and not just Elvis tracks. This bar is located near to the traffic lights on the main road.

Fitness Activities Near Kamala Beach

There are some good options for fitness activities around the area including:

• Kamala Beach is a perfect for those individuals who enjoy walking or running. The best time to do this would be in the early morning or evening.
• If people wish to learn Muay Thai there are a number of gyms within easy reach of Kamala – the closest of these being located in Patong.
• There are a number of fitness gyms to choose from locally. Kamala Gym welcomes people of all levels of fitness, and it only costs 200 THB per day or 800 THB per month (as of early 2013).
• The nearest golf course would be at Loch Palm.
• It is possible to hire a bicycle or go on a bike tour.

Shopping Near Kamala Beach

There are some fairly good shopping options for people staying in Kamala including:

• There is a market every Friday at the plot of land just across the road from Phuket Fantasea. This began as a small talad nat (typical Thai market), but it has grown over the years due to being so popular and attracting many tourists.
• Kamala Beach Plaza on Beach Road has a small supermarket and lots of souvenirs and gift shops.
• There is a Big C Supercenter on the main road, and this is the best option for cheap groceries.
• Kamala Walkway is a small market on the main road.
• There are usually plenty of vendors patrolling the beach in Kamala, and they will have a good selection of snacks and gifts. The vendors here are not as aggressive, when it comes to selling things, as the vendors on the busier beaches.
• The nearest large department store is located in Patong.

Thai Cooking Lessons Near to Kamala Beach

The nearest Thai cooking schools to Kamala would include:

• Pum Thai Cooking School on Patong Beach Road.
• Phuket Cooking Academy in Amphoe Talang.