Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Forget the beach bars in Patong and their exorbitant prices. This pub on Yaowarad Road in Phuket's Old Town is a place where no one hovers at the door or lures you in with happy hour offers. The clientele consists of locals and visitors staying in town, not on the beach. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere casually cozy, almost shabby-chic. Whether you're alone at the bar or with a group of four, you'll feel equally comfortable here.

The 10 a.m. opening time is a huge plus. The Old Town is perfect for a stroll, and after a few hours in the heat and among the Sino-Portuguese shops, you'll crave a cozy spot for a cool drink that isn't a café. Returning after dark, the Old Town transforms into a popular evening meeting place, without significantly altering its character. My tip: Plan the Old Town as a stop on your nighttime excursion in Phuket Town, rather than as the sole focus of your itinerary. The historic streets and street food around Thalang Road are just a five-minute walk away.