Lucie Grace, author of The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Phuket, shares her top picks for this beachy Thai paradise, from the best places to eat and party to the top places for remote work.

The Best Restaurants in Phuket for Digital Nomads

Nitan, Thalang: This Michelin-listed spot is a treat for the senses, with chefs taking you on a culinary adventure through the different regional flavors of Thailand. Booking ahead is recommended. 

Soul Phuket, Karon Beach & Kata Beach: Based at the north end of Karon Beach, Soul Phuket is a vegan spot that dazzles all diners, known for its organic fare and attention to detail.

Highway Curry, Nai Harn: The best Indian restaurant in Phuket by a mile, Highway Curry was open in Karon for many years before relocating to Nai Harn, where the Punjabi chefs serve flawless, authentic Indian flavors. 

La Cantina, Nai Harn: A steakhouse first and foremost, La Cantina is a great restaurant for all occasions, with a great menu of Italian favorites and highly attentive staff. 

Little Persian, Nai Harn: Serving incredible falafel, unmissable hummus, and the best kebabs on the island, Little Persian gets Middle Eastern food right, led by friendly Iranian owner Hojjat.

One Chun, Phuket Old Town: Michelin-listed One Chun artfully gives vintage Thai dishes a modern twist, set in their retro decor spot in the old town. Ask for signature dishes: fresh crab meat with yellow curry, or coconut milk served with rice vermicelli.

Raya, Phuket Old Town: About as authentic Southern Thai as it gets, Raya is on the Michelin list for a reason. Based in a charming old house on the main road, come for the sumptuous spicy flavors and stay for the old-school hospitality.

The Vegan Table, Phuket Old Town: Spanning healthy options and guilty pleasures (did someone say Vegan Mac Cheese Wrap?), The Vegan Table has a menu that will have you returning week after week, in a valiant attempt to try it all.

Rustic and Blue, Rawai: With a gorgeous sea view setting and a sprawling menu that lovingly marches through breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Rustic and Blue is Rawai’s top dinner spot for European cuisine. Try the pumpkin gnocchi.

PRU, Choeng Talay: PRU is well worth the pilgrimage to the north of the island for its incredible gastronomy, decor, and service. Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Starred for its eco-friendly approach, diners can choose a five- or seven-course journey through flavors from their garden.

The Bars in Phuket for Digital Nomads

A Blanket & A Pillow, Karon Beach and Kata Beach: This laid-back beach bar turns into the island's finest EDM venue on Saturday nights, booking local and international DJs to play on their beachside decks.

Shot Lounge Bar Phuket, Nai Harn: Home to four professional-sized pool tables, this large sports bar maintains a community vibe, offering cheap cocktails and solid bar food.

Good Vibes P-Town, Phuket Old Town: One of our favorite weekend venues, Good Vibes really does provide them, booking upbeat live music acts for their open-air courtyard every weekend.

The Library Phuket, Phuket Old Town: A classy affair in the downtown old town, The Library is a cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. Open the doors to the back room and you just mind find a sax player doing their thing. 

Rockin’ Angels Cafe, Phuket Old Town: This fun retro haunt looks much like an 80s biker bar, laden with neon lights and whisky at the bar. 

Dibuk House, Phuket Old Town: Recently reopened in the heart of the old town, Dibuk House is a classy affair, with highly skilled mixologists serving your favorites until the small hours.

PAPAZULA, Phuket Old Town: Restaurant by day and lively bar by night, this old town institution is a fun spot for a dance, with live performers in-house on the weekends.

The Barrel Phuket Town, Phuket Old Town: This elegant wine bar serves over 250 labels imported from across the world, in their enjoyably vintage-decorated walls.

Anfield Cafe, Phuket Old Town: Soccer fans rejoice, Anfield Cafe has got all your viewing needs covered. Enjoy the match while the beers flow.

New York - Live Music Bar, Patong Beach: If you find you’ve ended up on the Bangla Road, against everyone’s advice including your own, New York Live Music Bar offers some respite from the seediness outside, with great live bands and a party atmosphere.

The Best Digital Nomad Cafes in Phuket

BOOST Cafe & Restaurant, Nai Harn: An elegant spot with bright, airy interiors, BOOST prides itself on its fantastic healthy menu of international favorites with a Thai twist. Nomads are welcome to work here; head inside for the aircon.

Cannelle Bakery & Co., Nai Harn: This spacious, sleek designed cafe serves the best baked goods in the area alongside excellent coffee, so coupled with the air-conditioning and comfortable tables, it’s a top choice for working.

Craftist Phuket, Phuket Old Town: Space is limited inside this minimalist coffee roaster so arrive early to get a coveted spot and be sure to keep the caffeine orders flowing.

Macaw Café & Restaurant, Rawai: With sea views, air conditioning, large tables, and an excellent menu, Macaw Cafe is a great place to spend your work day.

Home Grain Cafe, Rawai: This lovely bakery has a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu and is happy to host remote workers before closing time at 4 p.m.

The Best Coworking Spaces in Phuket for Digital Nomads

Grind Time Co-Workspace & Cafe, Chalong: One of the island’s largest coworking spaces, Grind Time is spread over three floors, with each level having a different vibe and working atmosphere.

Let’s Work Coworking, Rawai: Our personal favorite for its proactive social event programming from the management, Let’s Work offers sea views, excellent coffee, and a solid range of membership options. 

Breakers Coworking Space, Rawai: Breakers has the most competitive prices on the island, lovely management, and a great in-house cafe.

The Project: Coworking Space & Virtual Offices, Nai Harn: Well-designed, comfy interiors and 24-hour access pull nomads to Nai Harn’s newest haunt for remote workers—and if you get lucky you might meet the resident dog. 

BAYACO Coworking Space, Phuket Old Town: A short drive west of the old town, just opposite Central Mall, BAYACO is the best place on the island for large group workspaces and training, with flexible multi-purpose rooms. The coworking spaces are basement based but well-equipped nonetheless.