Phuket Family Travel: Where to Eat & What to Do

[Updated March 2023] Vacation makers travelling about with their little ones and children will want to avoid the dodgy night spots and crowded streets lined with girlie bars. Steer clear of those bustling areas, and veer towards these family-friendly spots in Phuket:

Kata

If you are looking for a family-friendly spot, Kata is a good bet. Considerably less hectic compared to Patong, it also offers a good selection of dining options. Families keen on avoiding noisy nightspots and girlie bars should stay away from the beachfront, where Club Med is located, as well as Kata Road.

Phuket family travel: restaurants in Kamala
Image from Pixabay

Travelers hungry for a bite will not go wrong with having a meal at Bluefin Tavern, for a variety of Western, European, and local Thai dishes await.

Another spot perfect for a hearty meal would be Chekhoff. Apart from dishing out excellent Western cuisines, this restaurant boasts cosy ambience – the kind that immediately sets you at ease and is the perfect setting for a nice conversation.

Families in the mood for winding down the night on a relaxing note may remain at Chekhoff for drinks and beers or a delectable dessert, while those with energetic young ones in tow may make a visit to Dino Park Mini Golf.

Kamala

Phuket family travel: Bella Vista restaurants
Image credit: Bella Vista

Round off your day by taking a leisurely stroll along Kamala Beach. Go local by dining at one of the casual restaurants lining the beach front. Once you have been satiated with a delectable meal, start making plans for the rest of your night.

If beachfront setting, a friendly atmosphere and charming ambience is what you seek, make your way to Bella Vista. Another family-friendly option is Baan Mai Restaurant And Take Away, where you can expect to dine on a spread of authentic Thai cuisines. Vacation makers who have not visited Phuket FantaSea should definitely venture over to catch the dazzling performance available daily.

Phuket Town

Quaint Phuket Town is home to a good selection of restaurants and entertainment options. After a sumptuous feast, venture to CS Bowl Centre Entertainment for a night of family fun. Film buffs will want to catch up on the latest films at SFX Coliseum or the Coliseum Paradise Multiplex. Thai and international movies are available at these two cinemas, but movie-goers will find a greater selection of movies offering English soundtracks at SFX Coliseum. Holidaymakers keen on gaining and insight into the lifestyles of the locals may explore the lively scene and shops at Phuket Town Night Market.

Karon

Fill up your rumbling tummy with a mouthwatering dinner at Eat Bar and Grill, taking your pick from an extensive menu of Western dishes. The hearty portions of the meals served at the restaurant are sure to leave you well satisfied.

After dinner, walk off the calories by taking an exploratory stroll through Karon Temple Market. You will find rows of stores hawking a wide array of goods, ranging from t-shirts and swimsuits, to handmade souvenirs and street food. Shopaholics who have not had their fill of shopping may proceed on to discover the maze of stores in Karon Bazaar.

Surin

Phuket for Family: things to do with kids at night
Image credit: allochka22ru via Flickr

Surin Beach is a great destination for families to visit at night. While it’s not known for its nightlife like other areas in Phuket, there are still plenty of things to do and see in the evenings.

One popular activity is to simply take a walk along the beach promenade. The area is beautifully lit up at night, and there are plenty of vendors selling souvenirs and snacks along the way. It’s a great opportunity to take in the sea breeze and relax under the stars.

For families with younger children, there are several kid-friendly activities to enjoy at night. The Phuket Fantasea Show, located just a short drive away from Surin Beach, offers a spectacle of Thai culture and folklore through music, dance, and acrobatics. There’s also a carnival with games and rides, as well as a buffet dinner with various international and Thai dishes.

Another fun activity is to visit the Surin Plaza, a shopping center located just a short walk from the beach. There are several shops and restaurants to explore, and the area is beautifully decorated at night with colorful lights and decorations.

Bang Tao

Bang Tao Beach is a great destination for families to visit at night. While it may not have as many nightlife options as other areas in Phuket, there are still plenty of things to do and see in the evenings.

One popular activity is to visit the Laguna Phuket Complex, which is located just a short drive away from Bang Tao Beach. The complex features a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities that cater to families. There’s also a weekly open-air market on Saturdays, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Another great activity for families is to take a sunset walk along the beach. The area is less crowded at night, making it the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of the sunset. There are also several vendors selling snacks and souvenirs along the beach.

Patong

parachuting in Patong, Phuket
Image credit: Mussi Katz via Flickr

Patong Beach is a popular destination for nightlife in Phuket, but it may not be the best option for families with young children at night. The area can be quite crowded and noisy, with many bars and nightclubs catering to adult audiences.

However, if you do decide to visit Patong Beach at night with your family, there are still some family-friendly activities you can enjoy. One option is to take a stroll along the beach, which is beautifully lit up at night. You can also enjoy some street food and local snacks from the vendors along the beach.

If your family enjoys shopping, there are many night markets and shopping centers in the area that stay open late. The Jungceylon Shopping Center is a popular option, offering a range of shops and restaurants for families to explore. There’s also a cinema, bowling alley, and arcade for some indoor fun.

For families with older children, there’s also the option of visiting the Phuket Simon Cabaret, which features a range of performances and shows that are appropriate for all ages.

Nai Harn

Phuket family travel - paddleboarding
Image via Pixabay

Nai Harn Beach is a beautiful and relatively quiet beach on the southern coast of Phuket. While it may not have the same level of nightlife as some other areas of Phuket, there are still some family-friendly activities you can enjoy in the area at night.

One option is to take a walk along the beach and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The beach is beautifully lit up at night, providing a romantic and relaxing ambiance for families. You can also enjoy some local street food from the vendors along the beach.

If your family enjoys outdoor activities, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the waters around the beach. There are also some hiking trails in the nearby hills that offer stunning views of the sunset and the surrounding coastline.

For families with young children, there’s a nearby park called the Nai Harn Lake Park that offers a playground and some picnic areas. You can also visit the Nai Harn Temple, which is a beautiful Buddhist temple that is lit up at night and provides a peaceful and spiritual environment.

Rawai

Rawai Beach is a peaceful and laid-back area in the southern part of Phuket that offers some family-friendly activities to enjoy at night. Here are some things to do:

Visit the Rawai Night Market – This market takes place every Thursday and Friday and offers a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and local products. It’s a great place to sample some traditional Thai dishes and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Take a stroll along the Rawai Beach Promenade – This scenic walkway offers beautiful views of the ocean and nearby islands, and is a great place to take a leisurely walk with your family. You can also watch the local fishermen returning with their catch of the day.

Enjoy a seafood dinner – Rawai is known for its seafood restaurants, and many of them offer fresh seafood caught daily by the local fishermen. You can choose from a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and crab.

Watch the sunset – Rawai Beach offers a beautiful setting to watch the sunset. You can take a seat on the beach or at one of the nearby bars or restaurants, and enjoy the colorful sky as the sun goes down.

Take a look at our selection of luxury villas in Phuket.