Patong Nightlife, Bars and Discos Information

Bars and Discos

Gaudy, rowdy, naughty, noisy, tacky, disgusting, or delightful -- take your pick to describe the night life at Patong. As the sun goes down the lights come on, the girls and katoeys (transexuals) come out, and the show begins on soi Bangla and the surrounding areas. ‘Beer bars’ Thai style usually have a score of young hostesses (generally female) who serve drinks and chit chat with the customers (usually male). The competition is fierce and the management of each establishment depends on the charms and the finely honed talents of persuasion of the girls to help potential customers decide where they want to enjoy a drink or two.

It is in Patong where by far the largest number of A-Go-Go bars can be found. Similar bars exist around the world but the visitor will find something quite unique about the ones in Patong. Perhaps it's the girls, perhaps it's the warm welcome, whatever it is it's an experience we suggest you don't miss. Here you will find very pretty girls indeed displaying their charms and talents for your entertainment. The girls usually dance on a raised stage around gleaming dancing poles, and will dance for your entertainment to a varied musical selection ranging from the latest hits to old favourites. During the evening don't be surprised if the dancers give way every so often to a few girls who perform a more daring and intimate show for the guests. You will see that the girls may well be wearing numbers - it makes it easier for you to point out to the bar staff which one you like the look of. As with the beer bars, the girls may well be willing to spend some personal time with you if you wish and agree those delicate financial matters. Again, you will have to pay a bar fine if you and your new friend leave to seek entertainment elsewhere.

Some of the more popular places on Soi Bangla are Ned Kelley’s Bar where Big Joe and Little John can regale you with stories about Phuket, and on down the street, The Kangaroo Bar and the Alice Bar draw steady crowds. You can drop by the Oasis Club on Soi Patong Resort for a game of pool and a cold beer. Thai-style Go-Go clubs like the Play School and Pink Panther on Soi Sea Dragon, and the Rock Hard and Tai Pan Discos on Soi Bangla, all have dancers to entertain the customers.

More traditional discos -- like the Banana Disco on the Beach Road and the Safari Pub on the top of the hill on the road to Karon Beach -- get going at about midnight. The Shark Club on the corner of soi Bangla and Rat-U-Thit Rd offers a high-tech environment for those looking for a place to dance or just watch the laser light show. Admission is about 100 Baht and includes one drink. Most bars and entertainment venues close at 2AM, when the action moves to Soi Sunset where the bars stay open to the wee hours of the morning.

As the hotels and resorts strive to bring in a more varied types of entertainment that couples and families enjoy, Patong Beach is slowly shedding its ‘sailor on shore leave’ image. Jazz music is beginning to draw crowds to the lounge in the new Novotel Phuket Resort and the piano bar at the Baan Rim Pa Restaurant is always a popular stop. Check with your hotel about scheduled entertainment on the island as it is one of the fastest developing trends currently happening.

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Things to do

Hide Away Spa : Offers ancient art of Thai massage in a relaxing pleasant jungle setting in the foothills of Patong. The special medicinal ingredients and herbs in use for centuries in Buddhist monasteries have been carefully researched and reproduced for your relaxation and enjoyment. A soothing soak and massage is just what the doctor ordered for the weary traveler. Start with refreshing herbal spa, then let a specially trained massage technician remove the knots, knead away the stress and strain, and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated and ready for more travel adventures. Well worth the modest fee. Located 47/4 Nanai Road, Patong Tel: 340 291

Thai Kick Boxing Gym

A local boxing gym in Patong that offers training in the ancient art of Thai boxing. Stop by to watch local lads train in this specialized form of martial arts. You need to come in person to make arrangements for training and it may take more than one trip as the management is rather informal. Located on Na Nai Road in Patong just down the road from the Hide Away Spa.