Nomad - Thailand
DAY 4: PHUKET, THAILAND - THALANG DISTRICT & BANGTAO BEACH
We arrived in Phuket around 7 am but had to sit in a customs line for well over an hour and a half. We finally got in and bless our AirBnB’s taxi who waited an hour passed when we said we would be outside. We got to the Phuket Thai House five hours before check in but they had the room ready and allowed us early check in. We walked around to the nearest city street for some grub. We found a “pick your own dim sum” spot, but since we didn’t now the language it was a guessing game. Somehow made all great choices! We headed to a local massage parlor recommended from our host and grabbed an hour long massage at Thalang Massage. After that amazing massage all we wanted was a nap, but ended up just calling it an early night too reset for the next day.
DAY 5: PHUKET, THAILAND - THALANG DISTRICT & BANGTAO BEACH
They arranged a local scooter rental company to drop off a 150cc scooter for around 13$ US per 24 hours. It arrived at 9am with two helmets, an electric key, and a storage compartment. We drove down Bangtao beach, a beach nearest us, about a 15 minute drive. Catch Beach Club was one that caught our eyes when checking reviews. We walked into a complimentary glass of Moet Chandon and headed to the bar to grab some food, drinks, and a couple oyster shooters. The beach was about three feet from the bar with a beautiful view of the coast. We migrated to a cabana for a low cost and grabbed some sun and water time for quite a bit. The entire time they were checking on us, hospitable, and very charismatic.
A local told us about a local Cider House that had many European, American, and even Thai ciders. We stopped there on the way back and grabbed some ciders and snacks. The place was beautiful! The Cider House Bar & Bottle Shop is a newly opened, British influenced decor, and a wide variety of food and drinks. We stayed for two rounds of both food and drink before calling it quits and changing out of our wet clothes.
The amount of French influence in both Cambodia and Thailand was very much acknowledged. From great cuisine to music to hospitality. We went to Black Cat for dinner. Black cat is a French-Thai restaurant near Bangtao Beach. After a solid dinner we headed back to our place, but not before some night caps at the recommended late night spot from our new host, Biergarten. It turned out to be much more than a bar. The staff were all extremely friendly. Most of them were scantily clad in nurse-like outfits, sitting down and drinking with guests, and coming and going as wanted. This seemed like the spot for a different kind of night cap that we weren’t looking for. Unfortunately, we ordered two 36 ounce beers and shots before the realization. The live music was good at least!
DAY 6: PHUKET, THAILAND - THALANG DISTRICT
Elephants get abused for visitor’s sake all the time in foreign countries so we had to do some research to make sure that we picked one that did not. We found Phuket Eco Elephant Park, where they rescue elephants from Thai circuses and other harsh situations.
After washing, swimming with, and feeding an elephant we rustled up quite an appetite ourselves. We stopped by Pan’s Bistro for some afternoon lunch and drinks. The food was unique and extremely delectable. Asparagus Benedict, Pineapple Rice Stir Fry, and Coconut Green Curry. An Irish coffee with a side of espresso for dessert and we were quite satisfied. The weather was starting to turn for the worst, so we decided to get some things for a night in. Went to the grocery store, got some local Thai foods, brought it back home and ate it while watching Netflix.
DAY 7: PHUKET, THAILAND - RAWAI, MUEANG DISTRICT & OLD PHUKET TOWN
Our AirBNB arranged for a scooter upon arrival as well. This scooter was only $8 for 24 hours and was just an older model. We headed to Spoonful of Sugar to grab some coffee and after breakfast dessert. This place was delightful. They had shoe racks outside for people to put their shoes on, as they did not allow shoes inside. The music was mellow, the decor was modern, and the service was top notch. The coffee, tea, and passionfruit cheesecake did not disappoint.
We rode around for a bit, taking in the sights and getting some air. A ride over to the coast we decided it was time for a beer and a shot. We stopped at Nikita’s On The Beach, a large completely coastal restaurant bar. That night we planned on riding out to Phuket Old Town to try some of their known cocktail bars. Our first stop was Club No 43, a 10 seat cocktail bar with a few tables inside and out. They specialized in unique flavor pairings and craft cocktails. Club No 43 was the first mixology bar in Phuket.
Our bartender, Gal, was extremely hospitable, humble, and knowledgeable. He offered us to try his barrel aged Negroni featuring three gins, and three different Vermouths. He had us try local Thai spirits, such as Lanna (a neutral grain spirit similar to Vodka) and Chalong Bay Rum (which tasted like Rhum Agricole). He made us numerous drinks and each drink he made with such passion, attention to detail, and style.
Next up was The Library, a three story “flair & mixology” bar with a massive bookshelf. With a name like that, you better have some books! The bartender James was really personable and was definitely in a friendly mood when we arrived. He was doing flair for us and in front of us the whole time we were there, probably two hours. The bar snacks were cheap and tasty, except their seafood dishes were out and looked amazing, so we’ll be going back during seafood season to give it a try. During our duration we were given 4 shots complimentary. The place had a party setting and they were trying to get a party vibe going with it.
DAY 8: PHUKET, THAILAND - RAWAI, MUEANG DISTRICT
We had such an amazing time at Spoonful of Sugar that we decided to go there for breakfast, more drinks, and another dessert! This time around it was even better, as we got the table on the ground surrounded by pillows. The food was exceptionally tasty! Salmon Avocado Toast! Local Garden Skillet! Cream of Mushroom! Delicious!
After exploring the city and stopping off at Sala Mexicana, a small Mexican joint that offered a wide selection of Tequilas. Well, they had an impressive list, but the stock wasn’t equal. We headed next to Zen Eats, another French inspired restaurant, with an outdoor setting and cute aesthetics. We opted in for the three course paired dinner and it was one hell of a meal. Duck confit with mashed potatoes stole both of our main course options, but with different appetizers and dessert. The tuna tartar was served on chicharones, which was very interesting, but I think the local ceviche was best. The cocktails were classically inspired, but had a few one offs that were interesting.
A ride around the beachside was our next move, followed by a late night cap at Dilligaf Bar. If you’re unfamiliar with that acronym you’re not alone. It stands for “Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck?”. It was a dive bar with cheap drinks and lively regulars and locals. The Sangsom shots were cheap and they kept them coming. There was late 80’s to early 90’s music videos on the tvs and a pool table surrounded by a local billiards league game going on.
DAY 9: PHUKET, THAILAND - PATONG BEACH - BANGLA STREET
When in Thailand, right? We decided to get the Honeymoon suite, which had a 20 ft by 10 ft private pool inside the room, a large bathtub, and great room service. The food was great, cheap, and very timely. We got some food delivered before hitting Bangla Road.
Rock Steady Reggae Bar was first up for some classic style Mojitos, Reggae music, and once again, great hospitality. We ended up spending the next five hours at Tiger Nightclub. Tiger nightclub had around 20 separate bars with poles. Each bar had its own bartenders, servers, and dancers. We ended up finding one bar, Blix, with great dancers and not too badly priced drinks - like most of Bangla. We stopped into Suzy Wong’s Strip Club for a night cap and to end our time in Thailand in a pleasant manner.
Thailand was an amazing experience. An experience with so much culture, phenomenal food, top notch hospitality, and a wide variety of cocktail bars.
