Pubs and funky bars in Patong Beach

Outdoor bar beers, bars with girls, katoey (ladyboy) bars, gay bars, trendy bars, pavement bar/cafes - the list is endless.

New bars open up every day, old bars change owners, even a few pubs ( English and Irish type.)

Its a tough choice so here's a quick guide some of the pubs and funky little bars.

Beer Bars (the ones with girls)

When it comes to the "beer bars" the visitor may not find much at home to compare it with. There are hundreds of beer bars in Patong, many little more than a bar top with a few stools clustered around it in the open air, with perhaps a few umbrellas or a makeshift roof. In many of the Soi's (streets) it's hard to know where one bar stops and the next one begins. A good clue will be the music - each tends to have it's own, and very loud, sound system!

All bars feature some traditional games when the chat runs out. The wood block with the hammer is a favourite... how may time do you have to hit the nail to make it disappear in the wood... after 5 beers, it can take a while. Be aware that the bell hanging at the corner is not a game!!! If you ring that bell, you will have to pay a round of drinks for everyone (including staff) sitting around the bar.... (Happens often after 10 beers). But whether it's in the open down the side Soi, or in a shopfront, or even in a bar building, these bars have a unique style and appeal about them. The order of the day (or night) is entertainment. Be it the very pretty working girls who seem to congregate in their favourite bar, your fellow tourists, or even us "locals" you won't be short of someone to talk and drink with. By the way, the girls here are not directly connected with or employed by the bars, and are free to spend their time with you if they wish. If you meet someone you want to take to dinner, to a show, or perhaps just get to know much more intimately, then they will probably be more than happy to do so. However, most bars will expect you to pay a small "bar fine" if you and your new friend choose to spend some quality time together.

After all, if you both leave then the bar loses part of it's entertainment!Financial arrangements with your new girlfriend remain subject to negotiation depending on whether you just want a short relationship, or whether you want her to accompany around you during your stay in addition.

Bangla road and beyond

The heart of Patong Beach. Bright, brash and noisy with lots to see and do on both sides, mainly shops selling souvenirs, copy CDs and DVDs, restaurants, and of course bars. These are usually bigger and more sophisticated than their smaller versions in the surrounding sois. (Soi means small street). A good place to enjoy a cold beer and people watch.

From 'hole in the wall' beer bars to country and western theme bars, Bangla Road has a couple of dozen bars, all of which face the busy street - a perfect place to watch the crowds go by. Best located is U2 Bar, opposite the entrance of Soi Gonzo, where you can sit and watch the burlesque transvestite show from the secure haven of the other side of the street. Many of the bars extend into small sois or side streets, so here are just a few, you will find waiting for you on Bangla Road:

Soi Eric
Situated half way down Bangla Road, Soi Eric is a complete street completely full of bars. Fairly unique because all the bars play the same music - which makes for a much more relaxed and less frantic atmosphere. Food, and good coffee can also be ordered from the end of the Soi and delivered to whichever of the few dozen bars you choose to sit in.

Soi Sea Dragon
A wide street dedicated to to many A Go Go Bars on both sides with the basic beer bars in the centre. Pubs change owners frequently so its difficult to keep track. At the end of the soi, the small and friendly "Rasta Pub", manages to be close to the action but away from the cacophony. An old established bar offering a more laid back environment. Close by are a couple of Tattoo shops (real Tattoos) and a famous foot massage centre.

Soi Gonzo & Soi Andaman Queen
Another street packed full of small bars and often with people, drawn by the outrageous and sexy transvestites dancing on the platform at the beginning of the soi. Be aware that if you want to take photographs, you'll be asked for a 200 Baht fee... Otherwise, the bars are the same as those in other Sois, but with different names.

Tai Pan Bar/Disco
Late night venue bar with a dance floor. Good sounds, and bands with guest musicians from time to time. You will find that most Locals and tourist rate this as a number one night spot. The bar is frequented by many Freelancing girls and also local girls out for a night out. Location: Top of Soi Bangla next to VIP.

VIP Bar/Disco
Located at the top of Soi Bangla. Excellent spot for people watching from the outside seating area. The staff are some of the friendliest in town - always smiling. Spacious interior with resident DJ and neon lit dance floor. Happy Hours until Midnight so the place is always buzzing..

Margarita
Another great spot for people watching right opposite Rock Hard on the corner of Soi Bangla. Couples and singles can chill out, hassle free. Good service by friendly English-speaking bar staff, and lots of old soul, blues, and vintage British pop from the last 30 years . Location: Corner of Soi Bangla opposite Rock Hard.

The Expat
Ice cold draught Carlsberg in a glass. As the name suggests - frequented by local expats and expats working in other Asian countries who stay in the adjoining Expat hotel. It's also the meeting place for the local Hash House Harriers (HHH) the drinking club with a running problem (or is it the other way round?) where anyone with the energy can go for a run in selected areas of the island every Saturday afternoon. Location: Soi Sunset.

Loui's Bar
British bar which screens live premier football on their TV and a Playstation which you can use when you're bored with the usual Thai bar games. Location: Soi Crocodile off Soi Bangla.

St Malo
Pool bar with four good tables and a large TV for sports events. Regular pool tournaments open to all with cash prizes. Location: Soi San Sabai.

Vegas Thai Boxing Stadium
Located at the top of Soi Bangla, its a large venue with a Thai boxing ring in the centre. A good place to check out what Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is about, but fights are mainly for the show and not very violent, so it's a good entertainment. Show starts around 9pm in a wide open and bright space surrounded by many bar counters, entrance is free, just order a drink (even a soft drink) Staff very friendly.

Gay Patong

Ladyboy (Katoey) Bars
A big attraction in the centre of Soi Bangla. Flamboyant and sexily dressed, the katoeys strut their stuff and outrageously entertain - part of the appeal to entice you into their bars or A go-go club. Many ladyboys are men who have undertaken surgery to become women, or are simply transvestites on the same mission. They look gorgeous and provide fun and entertainment aimed at largely at passing tourists.

In (Soi Crocodile) off Soi Bangla there are bars and the odd club or cabaret complemented by Ladyboys. The charge about Bt.200 if you want a photo. Many of the ladyboys are from the famous Simon Cabaret a professional show and are not to be confused as good time girls. If you are intrigued by ladyboys you will find the same arrangements as the bar girls applies. Be warned. Treat them with respect as it's their way of life. If you upset them, your evening could turn very sour.

Gay Bars

Patong has an area, away from Soi Bangla which caters to gays. Centered on the Paradise Complex near the Royal Paradise Hotel on Ratuthit Rd, are a number of gay hotels, plus bars, cafes, small disco/bars and go-go establishments. As with the straight visitor, the rules are the same. Bar fines are levied should you leave with your new friend, and any arrangements you make for further entertainment is subject to negotiation. Many of these bars offer now a transvestite show with lots of fluff, feathers and choreography. Always entertaining, usually free, you'll have a good time for the price of a drink. Couples are welcome in any of these bars.

Here's a selection of the popular and more eccentric bars around the Paradise Complex.

The Flying Handbag

Claims to be the funniest Gay Pub on Phuket. A mix of British humour with its roots in Faulty towers, Monty Python, and Ab Fab. Dress code!! Bring your handbag!

Boat Bar

One of the best known and most popular bars in the area - after many years still continues to be the place to be seen. Inside is a disco/dance area that is usually crowded in the small hours - particularly weekends. A great place for a drink and to watch the action in the soi. Located Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong Beach

My Way

Old established Go go bar with nightly shows.
Located Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong Beach.

Boom Boom

New large double-fronted open bar with inside and terrace seating. Popular drinking spot, friendly relaxed service. Soi 5 Paradise Complex

James Dean Bar

One of the original bar beers. Friendly and popular. Staff are l very friendly and service is always good on the terraces or in the air-con bar inside. A popular bar for watching the action. Soi 5 Paradise Complex, Patong Beach

Pubs

Scruffy Murphy's

Irish theme pub with good atmosphere. Draught Guinness and real pints. Drinks prices not the cheapest but the great music from the resident Irish band (with fiddler) comes free. Location: Bottom end of Soi Bangla.

Odd little bars

Mobile bars

The latest trend to hit Phuket. Take an old minibus, cut out the side, deck it out, add drinks, a counter and some stools and presto - your mobile bar is on the road. Location? Keeps moving but keep an eye out.

The Rasta Bar

Located at the end of Soi Sea Dragon at the quiet end of the street. Reggae music, laid back and funky.

Nicky's Handlebar

A biker's bar popular with locals, expats and visiting biker's. Good atmosphere, good music and large seating area. Location: Soi Song Roi Pee (back road) towards PS. 2 Hotel.