There was a time not too long ago when the discotheque was the center of community entertainment, at least for the young. This time has past but "disco-mania" is alive and well in Thailand.

For those who enjoy uninhibited and freespirited dancing, loud electronic music with a heavy base, bright, flashing lights, and DJs that love to impress, discos are great places to spend some time and get some exercise and meet special people.

There are several places on Phuket Island that describe themselves as discos and while perhaps not all of them are quite the "real" thing, they try to be!!

Below is a list of discotheques on Phuket Island. Most are clustered together in a small area of Patong Beach on Beach Road (Thaweewong Road) and Bangla Road.

Many are connected to complexes which also include regular bars and restaurants. When going to a disco, remember to dress appropriately. Dress is alittle more formal than at an ordinary bar, at least in part because the air-conditioners are usually turned up to "super" to keep the dancers cool.

Also keep in mind that discos often have a cover charge, although this charge sometimes includes the price of a drink or two.

Banana Disco: the oldest disco in Patong, it is located on Beach Road, close to the entrance to Bangla Road (124 Thaweewong Road). It has a live band until 11:00 PM. The Disco is on the upper floor and features hip-hop, dance/electronic, pop and top 40 music. There is a cover charge of 400 baht which also applies to ladies. The cover charge includes two "free" drinks. Banana is particularly popular among Japanese visitors. Banana closes earlier than many other discos.

Baya Beach Discotheque: located at the corner of Rat-U-Thit Road and Bangla Road, Baya Beach is Patong’s smallest disco, but is always crowded. Hip-hop, top 40 and electronic music are played.

Club Lime: Thaweewong Road (Beach Road) Patong: opens from 6:00 PM until “"late". According to its website, "The club offers one of the best bars on the island with specially created cocktails. Our sound system will blow you away and our resident djs are always on top form to keep you dancing the night away." Music is techno or "tribal". Expect to pay 200 baht entrance, except on ladies night, which is Thursday.

D Club: it is sometimes referred to as the Crocodile Discotheque, which was destroyed by fire in 2006 before D Club opened. It is located at 11 Soi Crocodile Bangla Road and opens at 10:00 until "late". It is a multileveled venue, having two floors exclusively for dancing. There are bars and lounges and a pool area. Hip-hop, dance and electronic music are played.

Hollywood Discotheque: on Bangla Road in Patong, it has a 1200 meter dance floor which is split into two rooms, each with its own music and design. It opens from 10:00 PM and is open until "late". Ladies are often provided with a free drink until 3:00 AM so this bar is a good place to meet young ladies.

Safari Discotheque: is located on the road toward Karon just south of Patong, about a 20 minute ride from the main club area. This location fits its design, which is similar to an African jungle, complete with waterfalls and a rock wall for climbing. Safari often stays open after all other discos in Patong have closed. It has indoor and outdoor speakers so that patrons can dance outside. There is live music inside. There is no entrance fee.

Seduction Discotheque: is located on Happy Road, 39/1 Bangla Road in Patong and opens from 10:00PM until "late". According to its website: "Seduction sets new standards for nightclubs in the area with its extravegant and high-class interiors designed to the very last detail. The state of the art sound, audio and lighting systems create an atmosphere yet to be seen in the area." Seduction is said to more closely resemble European discos than other discos in Patong, and has a reputation for having a mainly Western customer-base. A particular strength of Seduction is the clean toilets!!

Tai Pan Discotheque: is located at Rat-U-ThitRoad in Patong and opens from 9:00 PM until "late". According to its web site it is "Patong's hothest and busiest nightspot since 1999. Beautiful dancing girls, the best DJ's and Live Entertainment let you enjoy the best time on your holidays. Considered to be number one in Phuket, the Tai Pan is known for its big parties, games and professional entertainment" This description is generally considered to be accurate!!

Tiger Discotheque: is located at 49 Bangla Road in Patong. It is considered to be one of the best if not the best disco in Patong Beach. Tiger Disco is always crowded. It has two floors: on the lower floor there is a variety of bars;: on the upper floor is the disco itself. Its lighting and sound systems are described as excellent and they play a mix of hip-hop and electric/techno. The club girls dress like tigers. There is an admission charge of 300 baht which includes a free beer or cocktail.

Timber Hut: located at 118/1 Yaowarat Road, in a "unique”" red brick building in Phuket town, it is the only major disco located outside Patong. It has live music every night and becomes very active after 11:00PM and on the weekends.

VIP Discotheque: a small but friendly place, it is located at the top of Soi Bangla. It is described as an excellent place for "people watching" with a spacious, shiny chrome interior. Happy hour is until midnight.

Note: in recent years, the Thai national government has sought to enforce uniform bar closing times throughout the country. Generally speaking, these times have not been enforced in Patong (although they have been enforced in Phuket town). Those enjoying the nightlife should be aware that closing times for discotheques are variable.