There's rarely a dull moment in Phuket unless you want there to be. It's easy to see why with seemingly endless activities and entertainment options available at any given time. And while the booming metropolis of Bangkok might offer the most options for dazzling dinner shows, one might be surprised at what Phuket can bring to the table.

The Junkyard Theater

The Junkyard Theater offers an experience that is truly unique to Phuket. It is located at the Underwood Art Factory on the bypass road. The theater is a spinoff of the long-established art factory that designs, constructs, and installs super cool and creative installations mainly for the resort and hospitality industry. A few years ago, the team found another outlet for their more thespian-oriented creative pursuits. 

While dinner and a theater show might sound that original, the fact the team here creates the sets mostly from recycled/reused stuff combined with the novel and comedic production content makes it a must-see. The subject matter is a tongue-in-cheek perspective of the cultural aspects of Phuket and its wild variety of characters who make up the island’s cultural tapestry. They also offer an optional three-course meal of Thai-fusion cuisine which is more than worth it. 

Su Va Na

This might be one of the more unassuming places for a dinner show – at an aquarium. No, this isn’t a little glass tank in the corner, it’s the huge Aquaria Phuket located at Central Floresta shopping mall. They offer a very novel 2-hour experience with a 13-course culinary exploration amidst the blue glow of the huge aquarium glass. Several tables are even arranged within the underwater glass tunnel while a wide range of marine species glide overhead including sharks, rays, and schools of colorful reef fish. 

While the ambiance and the marine creatures easily create an unforgettable mood and experience, there is also a mermaid/merman show where they perform a type of underwater interpretive dance. 

Spotlight Phuket (formerly Monkey Diva)

Although Spotlight Phuket would likely be put in the same category as other Phuket cabaret’s like Simon Cabaret, it’s what you might call “same same, but different”. First of all, it’s a proper dinner show with fabulous fare whereas Simon Cabaret doesn’t serve food. And speaking of fabulous…

This French-style cabaret starts off with welcome drinks, progresses on to a four-course meal of refined French fusion cuisine, slides right into free-flow wines and other adult beverages, and then the wild extravagant show begins. This isn’t your grandma’s cabaret, these are mostly (all?) katoeys or more commonly referred to as ladyboys in Thailand. Expect excessive sparkles, over-the-top glamor, adult themes, wild and engaging dancing and behavior, and don’t be surprised if you become a willing participant in the shenanigans. 

Flame

Flame is a giant nightclub located at the seahorse circle in Phuket Town. Stepping inside, one might be surprised that it’s not in Patong. Flame serves up dinner shows sporting everything from hip-hop performances and breakdancing, to DJs and live bands, and spectacular cabaret performances. Choose from a la carte options or a set menu of Thai or Western food, both of which prompt great reviews from guests. It’s a great spot for big groups or events.