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

Malika is the open-air sky bar of the Kalima Resort, located high on the hillside of Phrabaramee Road in northern Patong, with direct views across the bay. It consists of a circular bar with a wine cellar and live music, and offers Thai and international cuisine in addition to drinks – a surprisingly convenient offering in a city where most rooftop terraces tend to focus on one or the other.

The menu, which the resort links to on its website, lists cocktails at 320 baht, beers between 150 and 190 baht, and wine at 260 baht per glass, plus a 10% service charge and 7% VAT. This is expensive for Patong, but typical for a resort's rooftop terrace. After all, the view is what you're paying for.

Timing is crucial. The resort opens at 5:30 pm and closes at midnight, so be sure to arrive promptly. Sunset in Phuket occurs between 6:05 pm and 6:50 pm, depending on the month. This allows you to experience the bay in daylight, the sunset, and the lights of Patong all at once. During peak season (November to April), book through the Kalima Resort website, as sunset tables fill up quickly. Casual attire is always a good choice.

Breakfast for the resort is served on the same terrace, the Malika Terrace, from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.