Philipp Meier

Thai rock heavyweights are pulling crowds over to Koh Sirey, while house legend David Morales jets in from the US, set to take over Illuzion with his signature electronic pulse. Over at Patong Bay Hill, foam cannons fire at the White Lagoon Pool Club, where all-white fits and ’90s energy set the tone. At Cassia, the Open Kitchen keeps things easy with a Saturday Open Movies Night for kids and adults alike. Meanwhile, seafood lovers should make a beeline for Courtyard by Marriott, where unlimited chilled snow crab legs, grilled meats and a generous spread await. Whatever you’re in the mood for, here’s the best of what to do in Phuket this weekend.

Screams and gasps, shared laughter and the warm, buttery smell of popcorn are all great reasons why cinema just rocks. Now picture all that under the stars and you’ve pictured Cassia as their beachfront has turned into an open-air cinema. With the backing of their brilliant farm-to-table restaurant, Open Kitchen, the beachfront courtyard swaps loungers for bean bags every month. Kids movies usually kick off the show, with Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken showing at 6.30pm this Saturday, followed by Daniel Craig’s 007 latest, No Time to Die, as dinners turn into cocktails. Pets are also welcome, if that’s enough to persuade you.  Mar 28, and every month Tue and Sat. Free. Open Kitchen, Cassia. 6.30-9.30pm

Heads up, house heads – Illuzion Phuket welcomes none other than David Morales, the godfather of New York house to the stage, and it’s a banger. Sets steeped in funk, disco, Latin grooves are on the cards as he brings his experience from Pacha to Space in Ibiza and beyond. A Grammy-winning producer, he’s also left his mark far beyond the booth, remixing and producing for icons like Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, U2 and Aretha Franklin – over 500 records and counting. So if you’re already hearing that irresistible beat pulse creeping in, consider this your sign. Plan a lie-in for Monday – doors close at 4am, but the soundtrack will stick with you all week. Mar 29. Illuzion Phuket. 9pm-4am 

Pick out your best white outfits and head for the foamy pools of Patong Bay Hill for a friday foam party that’s something of legend. This usually polished setting turns playful for the day, with its White Lagoon Pool Club hosting a foam-fuelled bash where the only rule is simple: all-white everything. Think Y2K, late-’90s or full Millennium-era looks – this is your excuse to lean into the throwback. And as the bubbles start flying, so do the beats. A steady stream of ’90s dance anthems keeps you moving, while white linen and retro fits somehow make everyone look cooler than they planned. It’s messy, nostalgic and a whole lot of fun. Mar 27. Free. Patong Bay Hill. 2-6pm

Suckers for seafood, beware. Marriott Phuket Town is pulling out all the stops this weekend as we dive straight into snow crab season. Their international, belly-pleasing seafood feast brings all the hits besides the crab, including freshly caught fish, king crab, shellfish, sushi and the local stir-fried hoy kratib – all served fresh and prepared alongside other grilled meats and vegetable options including Wagyu beef and plenty of other gourmet highlights.   Mar 27-28 (and following weekends). B1,350 for classic, B1,890 for deluxe. Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. 6pm-10pm

Into rock? Love beaches? Then Koh Sirey’s pirate-themed, Big Island Music Festival has you covered. Billed as a massive, high-profile ‘phenomenon party’ for the island, the annual music event brings some of the hottest Thai rock artists to the island’s shores. Big Ass take the headline spot, with their more recent repertoire leaning into harder, punk- and metal-influenced styles, while Potato follows close behind with a more multi-instrumentalist set of rock-pop with an international flair. And while black and vampire-red colours dominate, the festival isn’t all thrash metal, bandanas and metalwork-spiked leather. There’s food, family zones and much more besides.  Mar 28. B1,490. Big Island Music Festival, Sunrise Beach, Koh Sirey. 4pm-midnight

If your idea of a good party starts at around midnight, then Cafe del Mar has you covered. South African DJ-producer Caiiro is playing an encore performance blending the sounds of the Afro-House and Afro-tech that feels exceptionally ‘on-theme’ for the venue. Influenced by his own cultural roots, Caiiro’s career is heavy on accolades and appreciation, including making 1001Tracklists and recent notoriety from Mixmag, describing him as ‘as one of the DJs who defined 2024.’ Given the Andaman setting and the tropical-electronic sounds of his music, there’s few better options for any Phuket fan looking for a quintessential night partying on the beach.  Mar 21. B800. Café del Mar. 10pm-late

Forget easing into the night and head straight to CLC Phuket for a disco wrapped night of non-stop hits and questionable dance moves. This glitter-heavy throwback to the golden age of the dancefloor brings out the best of the era with mirror balls, live vocals and a soundtrack stacked with ’70s icons, from Bee Gees to Donna Summer, all delivered with the groovy-dressed flair (or perhaps flares) you’d expect. And before you roll your eyes thinking this is another oldies 'themed night’ – acrobats, performers, live saxophonists and a full art-led production bring things to life from the get-go before tunes slowly move into the modern era for a late-night dance party.  Mar 20. Free. CLC Phuket. Pre-booking is recommended. 10pm-late

No flights, no passport – just a table by the sea. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket brings a slice of the Amalfi Coast to the island with a sun-soaked Sunday brunch that leans into all things citrus, seafood and slow living. Tuck into an unlimited buffet of Italian crowd-pleasers done right – from crisp fritto misto with a squeeze of lemon to silky impepata di cozze served with char-grilled ciabatta. Add on a glass or two of ice-cold, homemade limoncello and you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re on holiday. Sure, it’s not quite Positano – but it’s close enough for a Sunday. Mar 22. B1,590-2,880. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. Midday-3pm

  Thursday is the new Friday, or so the saying goes. As such, Maya Beach Club has a remedy for anyone looking to burn up the dance floor before the weekend hits. Join Nicolas Monier as he ventures in from France for a rocking club night that’s all about deep house and European club vibes. Playing critically acclaimed venues like Matignon, Paris and Verde, Dubai, there’s big expectations for this one. Get down before sunset for some good food and chill energy before the night rolls into an electronic party right there at the water.  Mar 19. B1,000. Maya Beach Club. 7-10pm

Few experiences capture Phuket’s high-energy spirit quite like a night of Muay Thai in the heart of Patong. At Bangla Boxing Stadium, fighters step into the ring all week long, delivering punchy bouts as local talents go head-to-head with international challengers. Expect flying kicks, sharp elbows and roaring crowds as eight fights unfold over five rounds each – if they last that long. Ringside and stadium tickets both include a free T-shirt, plus a small discount when booking through the official website. Doors open at 8pm, with the first fights kicking off around 9pm and running late into the night. Mar 6-8. Ringside/VIP: B1,900. Stadium: B1,500. Tickets here. Bangla Boxing Stadium. 8pm-late

Kids in tow? No problem. HOMA is where you want to go this weekend with a family-friendly pool party where grown-ups and little ones can both dive into the fun. Floating on the pool you’ll find inflatable flamingoes, unicorns and plenty of other wacky floaties bobbing around, while DJ Via spins a lively mix of Afrobeats from the poolside decks. While kids get silly, parents can sip a drink and soak up the sunshine while younger partygoers splash along to the rhythm – making this one of Phuket’s more playful ways to spend the afternoon. Mar 6. Free. HOMA Phuket Town. 5.30-8.30pm

Mark International Women’s Day with purpose at this charity lunch hosted by Phuket Has Been Good to Us – the foundation supporting disadvantaged children at Kamala School. Held at Courtyard by Marriott, get involved with this year's theme: ‘Give to Gain’ – highlighting how empowering women strengthens communities and nurtures future leaders. Guests hear from international speakers, bid in fundraising prize auctions and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment – with drinks flowing from 11.30am. Come solo or book a table for up to 10 people and help raise vital funds, with organisers aiming to hit half a million baht by mid-afternoon. And for the record, women and men are both warmly welcome.   Mar 6. B2,000 per seat. For tickets, email here. Courtyard by Marriott, Phuket Town. 11.30am-3pm