Phuket

Phuket's craft beer scene is smaller than Bangkok's but has developed a genuinely appealing character centred on the island's most interesting neighbourhood: Phuket Old Town. The Sino-Portuguese heritage shophouse streets of Thalang Road, Phang Nga Road and Dibuk Road have become a magnet for independent food and drink venues over the past decade, and craft beer bars have found a natural home here alongside specialty coffee shops, natural wine bars and boutique restaurants. The quality of what's being poured — primarily imported craft from Belgium, Germany, the US and Japan — is consistently high, reflecting the discerning tastes of the expat community and longer-stay visitors who make up much of the clientele.

Beyond Old Town, Boat Avenue in Cherng Talay (near the Laguna resort area on the north shore) has a cluster of quality food and drink spots that include a couple of craft-focused venues popular with the area's villa-owning expat crowd. Patong has craft options amid its broader bar scene, and the beachside areas of Kamala and Bang Tao are worth checking for newer openings. Phuket's craft beer scene rewards a little exploration beyond the obvious tourist strips. Use this directory to find the best craft beer bars on the island.