Kata Beach Nightlife

Informal and laid-back, Kata is the kind of place to relax with a cocktail or beer in an open-air bar or restaurant, do some shopping, watch the big game on a pub screen, or enjoy a laid-back, balmy evening.

Less hectic than Patong, more compact than Karon, Kata is an ideal compromise between the two. Most evening venues are geared towards families and couples with outdoor cafes and good value local restaurants. Kata's small roads have contained fast and furious development and helped retain the village-like atmosphere.

Since most of the beach lies within the province of Club Med, nightlife is concentrated at the ends of the beach rather than than the centre. A must for everyone staying in Kata is watching the sunset from the Reggae Bar overlooking Kata Noi, the view is spectacular - well worth the 5 min tuk-tuk journey.

Over the last year, Kata's small bar-beer areas at both ends of the beach have expanded, so you don't have to go far for more action. But for the real party scene head for Patong, just a 10-minute drive north.

South Kata Beach

Ska Bar

South Kata is not known as a nightlife destination; the major exception being the Ska Bar right at the southern end of the beach itself. The Ska Bar is nestled among granite rocks and has a great view along the beach. You can reach it by going down the little alley near Mom Tri's Boathouse, following the sign saying 'To the Beach' and turning left. Alternatively, there are steps down to the beach by Kata Beach Resort – head south. Here, expect lots of reggae, dreadlocks, Bob Marley look-alikes and a friendly atmosphere. Keep your eyes open for organised events as Ska Bar has been known to throw major parties.

Oasis On The Sea

Opposite Mom Tri's Boathouse there are a couple of watering holes, the best being Bounty Bar. Oasis Spring Tapas Bar has live music every night from 19:00 to 23:00. Around the corner on Kata Road and the sois off it you'll find many restaurants and a few bars but not a lot of nightlife past ten o'clock.

Kata Central

You'll have to head north up Kata Road to find anything lively and it all starts at the corner of Kata Road and the 'New Road'. Here, you'll see a big sign outside Charlies saying 'Elvis is Back Every Monday'. If you take a right into the New Road, opposite Charlies is Sweethearts Bar – a place featuring pretty good music, a pool table and ladies of a decidedly friendly disposition.

Zanzibar and Lucky Bar are similar and not strictly family destinations but opposite them is the orange-and-yellow Tapas and Wine Bar which is an excellent, Swedish-run place that manages to combine great wine with a good atmosphere and food until late. Further up on the left is Rick n' Roll, run by Ricky Zen, a genial host who organizes live music, from unplugged guitar to live bands. Ricky's place also features Musician networking, jams, artist workshops and the opportunity to record yourself with Digital 'Pro Tools'. Opposite Rick n' Roll is a friendly Swedish-run place.

Kata Night Bazaar

Back on Kata Road towards Kata Centre there are perhaps 20 bars jam-packed with mini-skirted girls and any single male walking past them is fair game. This strip is known locally as Kata Night Bazaar and it all starts seriously after about 20:00 and goes on until late. The girls here are very experienced and if you're male, single and don't exactly know what you're doing you can get into trouble. By all means enjoy yourself but keep your wits about you.

In the bazaar itself, Flamingo's Splash Lounge (also set up by Ricky Zen) organizes parties, has a swimming pool and live music. Neighbours, Killer Whale and The Beach Club are also a cut above the nearby out-and-out girlie bars.

At the three-way intersection along Thai Na Road up on the left Lek's Bar has been there for ever – but Lek herself has been long gone. This bar features live music and has two similar hangouts next door and a near neighbour called Café del Mar which has quite a reputation for good cocktails. On the other side of the road you'll notice a back alley and just ten metres along it stands Easyriders bar – one of the best places in Phuket to catch a good raunchy live band. Opposite Easyriders is Number One Bar, an open-to-the-street setup that's good for tuning in to Easyriders' music without breaking an eardrum.

Back on Thai Na Road an old favourite with locals, divers and lovers of Tex Mex Cuisine is Bluefin Tavern. Here, you can sit on the elevated terrace and people watch or cool off in the air-conditioned interior. A few doors up is the Anchor Bar – another old favourite, famous for its all-day breakfasts and pool facilities.

Dino Park

Around the corner, a collection of small souvenir shops and cafes line the narrow street leading to Karon Beachroad. It's also the location for one of Kata's famous attractions - Dinopark. A Minigolf with a difference, the course features a man-made exploding mini- volcano which erupts on cue every hour.

Various pyrotechnics and strange Dino-noises surround the course, which naturally involves a dinosaur or two. Open during the day, Dinopark is actually better in the evening when you see all the effects in their full glory.

Dino Bar

Part of the Dino Park minigolf, it's one of Kata's landmarks and a great spot to watch all the action on the street while enjoying a drink in the cave/jungle setting. Further along with superb sea views is the classic Thai seafood restaurant at Marina Cottage - a locally run hotels which also offers dinner and Thai classical dance set inside a traditional Thai house.

Nightlife Viewpoints

Looking out over Kata Noi on Kata Hill are two extremely popular adjacent venues, Small Viewpoint, and After Beach. These restaurant-bars are all about reggae music and have developed from quirky beginnings to successful sunset-viewing party locations. To get there, head up the steep hill in south Kata (you'll need transport) and carry on for a kilometre. Go for sunset. Ratri Jazztaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy a gourmet meal, live jazz and sensational hillside sunset views out over the Andaman Sea. Ratri is above Patak Road, and the turnoff into a very sharp incline (you have been warned) is by the Big One Supermarket.

Price Check

Beer - Local beer 60-90 Baht; Imported beer 70-100 Baht.
Cocktails - Usually around 150-200 Baht.
Admission - There are no known venues that charge entry fees in the area.
Bar fine - This is the fee to cover a bar's 'loss' when taking a lady out of the place for a 'date'. Usually 200 Baht for the evening. If planning to spending a few days or longer with the lady, you'll probably need to negotiate a fine with the bar. This does not cover the costs of spending time with the lady, which would be discussed directly with her. (Applies generally to bar beers)

Night Hours

The official closing time for pubs/bars is 1 am. Most bars shut down by around 2 am in Kata-Karon, and in the low season (June-October) as early as midnight or 1 am.

Many places have happy hours with up to 50% discounts on cocktails or beer, or two for one, usually during the sunset period of 5-7 pm.

Where to Stay in Kata Beach

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