From Singapore Slings to Aperol Spritzes! If you are a cocktail lover, you are certain to find bars in Phuket serving up your favourite drink…and most of the time, a side order of sunset.
Sunset spots
For truly spectacular views over the Andaman Ocean and surrounding islands, there’s no better place to enjoy a cocktail than one of the bars that sit above Kata Beach and the surrounding bays. Any time of day is guaranteed to offer up photo-worthy views but for obvious reasons we recommend heading there just before sunset where you can enjoy a pink sky as you sip your Pisco Sour.
Photo Courtesy of: After Beach Bar (Facebook)
If you like Bob Marley music playing in the background, head to the After Beach Bar and Restaurant with its rustic tables and chairs, thatched-roof, Jamaican flags and reggae beats. The house speciality is their Long Island Ice Tea but beware – it packs a mighty punch!
Photo Courtesy of: Baan Chom View Restaurant (Facebook)
Baan Chom View is a little more upmarket thanks to tiled floors and sturdier tables and chairs. It’s also larger, hosting 150 diners at any given time. Views here are equally breathtaking and their Pina Coladas are served in chilled coconuts with tropical flowers wrapped around the straw.
Photo Courtesy of: Sabai Corner (Facebook)
Further south, you’ll find Sabai Corner bar and restaurant with amazing vistas of Pu Island as well as Karon, Kata Yai and Kata Noi beaches. You can enjoy wood-fired pizzas with Watermelon Margaritas at this bar – along with a chilled-60s soundtrack of The Beach Boys and The Byrds. Be sure to call ahead as they are sometimes booked for weddings due to their stunning location.
Beachside bliss
Photo Courtesy of: Longbar Patong (Facebook)
Longbar Patong, located towards the southern end of Patong Beach, may not have uninterrupted island views but it’s right on the beach and has an exceptional cocktail menu. This tribal-themed bar and restaurant (with waitresses that are dressed like Pocahontas) have staff who are extremely passionate about creating wow-factor drinks to impress their patrons. Their signature Seatribe Series takes inspiration from island life and combines Thai fruits, traditional herbs and locally produced spirits. They also dish-up mouth-watering Thai food and have live music each night.
Photo Courtesy of: Kudo Beach Club (Facebook)
A little more upmarket and a lot more crowded is Kudo Beach Club which offers you the chance to sip Mai Tais in a swimming pool right on the beach or lay back on a comfy lounge as you watch the sun going down. At night time, there are fire shows, circus performers and – of course – the chance to dance until dawn thanks to local DJs mixing beats. Mojitos here are a must! Another beach club worth checking out if you like to party is Catch.
The lap of luxury
Photo Courtesy of: HQ Beach Lounge & Restaurant (Facebook)
Combining the beauty of the seaside with stylish, chic simplicity and sophisticated soul music, HQ Beach Lounge is one of Phuket’s most luxurious places to enjoy a drink. Uninterrupted ocean views, sleek deck chairs with towels provided and an impressive cocktail menu – HQ will set you back a few dollars but it will be worth if you enjoy the finer things in life. Signature drinks: lychee-flavoured Lin Chi Fizz and strawberry-inspired Madness.
Drinks that are the star attraction
Photo Courtesy of: Z1MPLEX (Facebook)
When it comes to Z1MPLEX Mixology Laboratory it will be your drink, not the scenery outside, that will provide you with the breathtaking view. This unique bar makes a range of ‘scientific’ cocktails and shooters that look more like lava lamps – bubbling with luminous blobs of colours and mesmerising swirling patterns – than beverages. By experimenting with the density of liquids, Z1MPLEX Mixologists create perfect works of art in cocktail glasses each night at this magical bar…you truly have to see it to believe it. Make sure your camera is ready to snap the scenery before you take a sip! The drinks menu is constantly evolving but we recommend their Pearlanakan signature cocktail or their Doomsday shooters.
Cooking up cocktails
Photo Courtesy of: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar (Facebook)
For something completely different – head to the Chalong Bay Rum distillery and learn how to make your own cocktails by taking part in a workshop. Staff will teach you how to make three different rum-based cocktails. You can then chill out in their bamboo-thatched hut surrounded by sugar cane plantations and sample delicious cuisine coupled with crafted cocktails. Be sure to try their signature beverage – Spicyrinha – made with local rum, fresh ginger and fiery chillies.
Want to learn more about what you can do in Phuket? Check out some of our other blogs below:
Learn the Flying Trapeze in Mai Khao, Phuket
Enjoy Phuket’s Dazzling Night Markets
The Insider’s Guide to Phuket: How to Shop Like A Local On Thailand’s Largest Island