There are a few new venues that have jazzed up the island scene quite considerably. Perhaps the most notable, from a design point of view at least, is the White Box in Kalim. Decked out in all-white, the White Box is a restaurant by day, and a bubbling nightspot after dark. On Fridays and Saturdays, guest DJs spin everything from hip-hop to house. Special events at the White Box always attract a crowd of the island’s dedicated socialites. For more information visit www.whiteboxphuket.com

Another new kid on the block (the Patong Beach road to be strictly accurate) is Club Lime, which has been doing its thing for a little more than a year. Essentially the first club in Phuket to offer a music policy based on serious club tunes, Club Lime serves up house, breaks, techno, electro and all genres in between. It quickly achieved popularity on the Phuket club scene and the venue has seen the likes of Jo Mills, Inland Nights and Barry Ashworth grace its decks. These days, the cream of Bangkok’s DJs make regular trips to play down here in Phuket. For more details go to www.clublime.info

Practically next door to Club Lime is the Rock City, with its enormous gorilla scaring children who walk past it. Rock City recently added a second venue to its lineup; this time located on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road opposite the end of Soi Bangla, on the same road as Jungceylon. As with the original Rock City, expect to hear pretty good covers of the likes of Evanescence, Green Day, Bon Jovi and more. Rock City is most popular with tourists and Thai girls, who love nothing better than to dance enthusiastically between the tables. Check www.rockcity.cc for more.

After something with a little bit more local character? 9 Richter is one of the newest venues in Phuket Town. After opening its doors, 9 Richter has had such special guests as Modern Dog and Flure – bastions of the Thai indie scene. On regular nights, 9 Richter has a house-band playing a standard ensemble of local favourites with occasional Western covers thrown in for good measure. Come the end of the evening, the DJ takes his cue to pump out some manic techno-beats before the 1 am closing time. The club is located on Rassada Road.

While we’re on the subject of live music, Karma Lounge is one venue that has had a chequered history. However, there is no need to dwell in the past, because Karma Lounge has really cleaned up its act and now serves as one of the top spots in Phuket for serious live music. On any given night you might find Aussie guitarist Colin Hill, soul diva Bonnie Anderson or revered vocalist Harry K, all belting it out just for the hell of it with a talented supporting cast. Karma Lounge has really set itself up as a great nightspot for enjoying live music. There aren’t all that many places in Karon like this, where you can hear decent music with a lively crowd. You will find it on Patak Road.

If none of the above appeals, perhaps something a little more chilled would suit your taste. BYD Lofts, located in the Club Andaman Resort in Patong, is a luxurious venue.

The place is really a restaurant, but it doubles as a laid-back hangout where you can relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the company of friends. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is usually some form of entertainment, either from a DJ or a singer. Visit www.bydlofts.com for more details.

That should be enough to keep even the most discerning night owl satisfied. Phuket is a hive of activity, but you just have to know where to look to find the good stuff.