SALSA | Phuket Thailand Salsa Review 2015

Phuket Thailand Salsa Review 2015

Okay, so this is a little salsa scene review of Phuket, Thailand.

If you are like me who considers salsa as a vital part of your itinerary when visiting a new place, then you need to read this review. Phuket on a low season (the monsoon months) does not seem to offer many events for salseros. However, there are one or two salsa venues which you can find in Phuket.

The Port

100/29 Soi Post Office Thaweewong Rd

Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu

Chang Wat Phuket 83150

GPS: 7.891452, 98.294605

Note: This open restaurant features the Jambo Survivor band who plays salsa for guests upon request.

The Green Man Pub

82/15 Moo 4

Patak Road

Rawai

Phuket 83130

Phone: 076 281 445

GPS: 7.824062, 98.331306

Note: This venue is approx. 30 mins. away from Patong

Other Salsa Venues

• Royal Phuket Marina
• Kee Lounge Phuket
• Le Versace
• Salsa Phuket Kata "Da Mario"

If you check on the web and on Facebook, there is only one group in Phuket that caters to salsa dancing- this is the "Phuket Cuban Salsa Lovers".

Phuket Dance (with Anna and Didier)

Website: http://phuket-dance.com/

The website is not well maintained but contains the contact details.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsa.phuket

Group Dance Classes

Tuesday & Friday - Salsa Class - Green Mann Studio, Chalong

Thursday - Zumba Class - Green Mann Studio, Chalong

Private Dance Classes

Private one on one dance lessons are available. Please contact us using the form below:

Contact Us: email to dance@phuket-dance.com for more info

The only issue with this salsa venue is that it's really far from Patong or Karon. Please see the map below:

Phuket does not have a good transportation system so one has to rely on overpriced tuktuks or get ripped by private taxis. An alternative would be to rent a car or motorbike so you can travel freely on your own.

Low Season vs High Season

Another factor to consider is the low and high seasons. I was informed that normally, salsa parties are held during high summer seasons, which can be extremely crowded. To be honest,  I have not visited Thailand during summer, but I bet that humidity and warm temperature can get you really soaked in sweat.

Costing

Below costs are approximates only and may vary:

Please note that the exchange rate is: USD to Thai Baht à 1 USD = 33 Thai Baht

Transportation
Airport transfer to Patong in a shared coach	200 Thai Baht
Patong to Airport in a shared coach	200 Thai Baht
Private taxi Airport to Patong vice versa	800 Thai Baht
Private TukTuk	400 Thai Baht onwards (per car/way)
Private Taxi (Saloon Car)	500 Thai Baht onwards (per car/way)
Motorcycle Rent	120 Thai Baht onwards (per day)
Food
Thai Food (small serving)	120 Thai Baht onwards
Seafood	400 Thai Baht onwards
Starbucks Venti	150 Thai Baht
Heineken Beer can	50 Thai Baht
Heineken Draught	120 Thai Baht
Gin Tonic	150 Thai Baht
Coke can	40 Thai Baht
7-11 Coffee	15 Thai Baht
TOURS
James Bond Island 1Day Tour shared	1,250 Thai Baht per person
Fanta-Sea Show Phi Phi Island	2,500 Thai Baht 3,200 Thai Baht
SHOPPING
Shirt	120 Thai Baht
Fisherman's Pants	200 Thai Baht
ACCCOMMODATIONS
Forest Patong Hotel	400 Thai Baht à Not Recommended
Royal Phawadee Village	2,000 Thai Baht à Good
Southern Fried Rice	600 Thai Baht à Good
Apsara Residences	625 Thai Baht à Not Recommended
Patong Bay Gardens Resort	2,000 Thai Baht à Good
Other accommodations near Bangla Walking Road
The Lantern Hotel Millenium Hotel Best Western Hotel Sleep With Me Hotel	These properties are walking distance from the beach
*When finding an accommodation, please bear in mind that the closer to the beach, the higher the price; but it is worth it because you actually save money by not paying for taxi or tuktuk
**Bangla Walking Road is the central marker of the Patong District. All clubs and bars are located near this area. The farther you get away from Bangla, the more quiet it becomes. So depending on your purpose of visit, you can consider Bangla Road as your marker.
BARS, CLUBS & MASSAGES
Bangla Walking Road	Filled with Thai and Russian strippers
Paradise Plaza	Gay and trans clubs and male massages
Massages	Everywhere
MONEY CHANGERS
Best Exchange	Has the highest exchange rate in Phuket. Located at the center of Bangla Walking Road (nearby Hollywood)
*USD to Thai Baht usually plays around 33.50 but Best Exchange can spike up until 34.50; will be worth it to change 100 USD bills in one go.