2 Best Restaurants in Bang Thao Beach, Phuket and the Andaman Coast

Although now just one among many superb venues, Catch remains the standard-bearer for beach clubs on the island. In its former location on Surin Beach, this gleaming white, St. Tropez–style lounge drew Phuket's rich—and occasionally famous—with its DJ beats, imported Champagne and fine-dining tapas. The government-led beach cleanup a few years back saw them lose their prime location, but they simply upped sticks and moved to Bang Thao Beach a few miles up the coast. Today the formula continues to pack them in—it's not to everyone's taste, but there's no denying Catch's allure of sun, sand, and style.

The friendly ladies at this popular street-side shanty serve made-to-order noodles and stir-fries with seafood. Every meal comes with a complimentary bowl of aromatic cardamom soup, which is delicious and known to aid digestion. During the day there are beach deliveries available, if you find you don't want to move from your particular spot in the sun.