Bar-hopping in Phuket

Catch Beach Club takes a typical holiday to another level with a fun, beach club vibe. Situated on Bang Thao Beach, Catch ranks above other bars in the same league, featuring nightly appearances by top deejays. However, we recommend hitting Catch Beach Club in the afternoon. Casually lounge on the sandy shore while watching surfers attempt to conquer oncoming waves, and sipping refreshing, beachperfect tipples. Opt for the Sly Thai, which mixes Tanqueray gin with limoncello and fresh pineapple juice.

Benefitting from what could be the best location in Patong, with a view overlooking the rocky shore and the ocean, expat-friendly bar Joe’s Downstairs is a prime spot for sunset appreciation with a refreshing cocktail in hand. The bar sets itself apart from the tourist traps in the area, which are notorious for skimping on booze, by injecting premium spirits like Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve to photogenic cocktails like Honey Comb (apple juice, lime, honey comb garnishing).

Tu Kap Khao is one of Phuket’s most popular dining destinations for the province’s indigenous cuisine. But what many may not know is that the restaurant hides a small cocktail bar in the back. The intimate space serves molecular takes on cocktails, as well as classic drinks with head bartender Nattapat Kanabkaew’s personal twist. We particular love his approach to Moscow Mule.

The Dibuka can easily pass for a gastropub in Thonglor. Thoroughly dressed inphotogenic, industrial-style décor, and decorated with trendy firefly light bulbs, thebar draws Phuket locals and visitors alike for its delicious fusion fare and boisterouslive musical performances. It’s also a destination for cocktail connoisseurs. Try headbartender Thodsaphon Apiwattanasavee’s impressive spirits-forward items such asThe Old-Fashioned-inspired Mine Caption (Bulleit Rye Whishey, dryvermouthpale alesyruo and Angostura bitter).

Known for being the most serious cocktail bar in Phuket, Dibuk House can give Bangkok’s best bars a run for their money. Owner and head bartender Phongsathorn “Wynn” Chaokitiwut, the second runner-up at Diageo World Class Thailand 2018, has come up with a drinks list that explores a variety of flavor profiles and creative appropriations of classic cocktails. Start off with Last Living to Survive (Beefeater’s gin, crème de cacao white and Thai tea), the refreshing cocktail that put Wynn in the spotlight at World Class.