|
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. |
