From tip-to-tip, north to south, it's over an hour drive on Phuket, but hired tuk-tuks, hotel transport or even self-drive vehicles mean that for dining and nightlife, you can choose from any on the island. The beache areas in the west are choc-a-bloc with small, storefront eateries and Patong features everything from the obligatory McDonald's and Starbucks to designer sushi chains.
Phuket Town -- A long ride from the west coast beach areas, a night out in Phuket Town is worth it for some fine meals and a taste of local culture.
Kata & Karon -- The busy road between Kata and Karon (as well as the many side streets) are choc-a-bloc with small cafes and restaurants serving affordable Thai and Western food. Stop by Euro Deli (58/60 Karon Rd.; tel. 07628-6265) for a good sandwich (open 8am-1am).
Patong -- Some of the best seafood dining in busy Patong doesn't come from any upscale restaurant, but at the small Seafood Night Market in the north end of Patong along busy, central Rat-u-thit Road. It's really just a collection of outdoor restaurants sharing a large open-air dining area. Visitors who approach or show any interest will be attacked with menus and implored to choose from among the restaurants. Can be a bit off-putting, but just pick a menu or a kind face (the others will disperse) and order from a wide selection of fresh seafood as you like it (all the seafood is displayed on iced countertops, so have a look). Good food at a fraction of restaurant price.
Down Soi Kepsup, deep among the small lanes in the southern end of town, you might come across Song Pee Nong Restaurant (tel. 01892-6381) a little open-air joint on a busy corner serving good Western-style Thai (read: not spicy) for cheap. The place is always packed with budget travelers and you sit family style so a good spot to strike up a conversation.
One little backpacker breakfast place I like is Sabai-Sabai (100/3 Thaweewong Rd.; tel. 07634-0222); the name means "relaxed" and they are indeed so, just a laid-back storefront in a small soi off of busy Patong beach road.
Bang Thao Bay (The Lagune Resort Complex) -- The many hotel restaurants of the 5-star properties in the Laguna Complex could fill a small guidebook of its own. You can't go too wrong in any of the hotels really and here, more than anywhere, it's a question of getting what you pay for; from super-luxurious fine-dining to laid-back hotel grills or snack corners, they cover it all. One restaurant just outside the complex is worth mentioning (it's where all the hotel managers eat when they get out of work).
Chalong Bay -- One good bet for fresh seafood is in the far south of the island in Chalong Bay at Kan Eang Seafood (9/3 Chaofa Rd., Chalong Bay; tel. 07638-1323). Whole fish and specials like Phuket Lobster just jump out of the nets and onto your plate. If you've rented wheels, a ride down this way makes for a fun day.
