Quick Facts
Why Pub Quiz Matters for Expats in Phuket
A pub quiz is the easiest, lowest-pressure way to meet other expats regularly. You're not paying for a tour guide or a dating app. You're doing something fun—competing, laughing, bonding over obscure movie trivia—and naturally connecting with like-minded people. For newcomers arriving alone, a quiz night is an anchor. For long-term residents, it's a standing social commitment that keeps you rooted in a community.
Phuket's quiz scene is smaller than Bangkok's but entirely sufficient. There are reliable weekly quiz nights across Patong, Rawai, and Phuket Town, with occasional events in Kamala and Karon. Most are run by expats, for expats. No Thai language needed. Everyone's there for the same reason: good fun.
Regular Quiz Nights by Area
Rawai & Nai Harn (Beach Vibe, Relaxed)
Nikita's Beach Bar (Mondays)
- Day/Time: Monday nights, typically 19:00–21:00
- Vibe: Beach casual, friendly crowd, mix of long-term residents and tourists
- Entry: Usually free with drink purchase; occasional small entry fee
- Format: General knowledge (4–5 rounds)
- Prize: Drinks or small bar tabs
Sabai Corner (Wednesdays)
- Day/Time: Wednesday evenings
- Vibe: Neighbourhood locals mixed with expats
- Entry: 100 THB or food/drink purchase
The Catch Beach Club (Irregular)
- Day/Time: Sporadic trivia events (check Facebook)
- Vibe: Premium beach club atmosphere, casual trivia
- Best for: Evening social events with better food/drinks
Patong (Most Active, Crowded)
Scruffy Murphy's Irish Bar
- Day/Time: Multiple nights per week (check their schedule)
- Vibe: Classic Irish bar, tourist and expat heavy, lively
- Entry: 100–150 THB/person
- Prize: Cash prizes or large bar tabs (up to 2,000 THB)
- Why go: Largest turnout, most competitive, good energy
ILLUZION Club
- Day/Time: Occasional trivia events and game nights (irregular)
- Vibe: Upmarket nightclub setting, younger crowd
- Best for: Non-traditional quiz (picture rounds, music rounds)
Kamala & Surin (Quieter)
The Brasserie (Thursdays)
- Day/Time: Thursday nights
- Vibe: Upscale restaurant/bar, quieter than Patong
- Entry: Typically free; drinks purchase encouraged
- Best for: Smaller, more civilised crowds
Phuket Town (Local Flavour)
Dibuk Road Expat Pubs
- Day/Time: Informal quiz nights, irregular scheduling
- Vibe: Neighbourhood, relaxed, fewer tourists
- Best for: Authentic Phuket Town experience
Timber Hut
- Status: Long-running local expat institution
- Vibe: Old-school, character-filled
- Note: Check if still hosting quizzes; venues change
Kata & Karon (Occasional)
The Boathouse (Irregular)
- Status: Sporadic trivia events
- Vibe: Beach restaurant, upscale casual
- Best for: Quieter, dinner-and-quiz combination
Understanding Quiz Format & Rules
Typical Structure (4–6 Rounds)
- Round 1: General knowledge (20–30 questions, mix of difficulty)
- Round 2: Themed round (e.g., 90s movies, capitals, sports)
- Round 3: Picture round (identify images, landmarks, celebrities)
- Round 4: Music round (name the song, artist, or year)
- Round 5 (optional): Tie-breaker or lightning round
Scoring & Teams
- Team size: 2–6 people typical (2–3 is most common)
- Answers: Written on paper and submitted after each round
- Winning: Highest cumulative score across all rounds
- Tie-breaker: A single question used if there's a tie
Common Etiquette
- No phones during the quiz (people take this seriously)
- No shouting answers between rounds
- Honour system: don't Google during the quiz
- Good-natured banter is expected and welcome
Finding Your Quiz Night: Facebook & Local Resources
Key Facebook Groups to Join
- "Phuket Expats": Largest expat group; quiz announcements appear here regularly
- "Phuket Events & Activities": Dedicated to current events, including trivia nights
- "Rawai Expat Community": South Phuket focused; Nikita's and Sabai Corner updates
- "Patong Social": Patong-specific events
How to Find Current Schedules
Search Facebook for individual venue names (e.g., "Scruffy Murphy's Phuket") and check their "Events" section. Many bars post weekly trivia schedules there. Alternatively, ask in the Phuket Expats group—someone will know the current schedule and can tell you where to go.
Venues occasionally change dates or cancel due to low season (May–Oct), renovations, or staff turnover. Always confirm before committing.
Entry Fees & Prizes
Entry Fees
- Standard: 100–200 THB per person
- Some venues: Free entry; drink purchase required
- Premium venues: Sometimes no entry fee but higher drink prices
Prize Structure
- First place: 1,000–2,000 THB bar tab or cash
- Second place: 500–1,000 THB
- Third place: Free rounds of drinks or 300–500 THB
- Raffle: Some venues offer raffle tickets to all participants for additional prizes
| Venue | Area | Day/Time | Format | Entry | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita's Beach Bar | Rawai | Mon ~19:00 | General knowledge | Free/Drinks | Drinks |
| Sabai Corner | Rawai | Wed evenings | General knowledge | 100 THB | Bar tabs |
| The Brasserie | Kamala | Thu evenings | General knowledge | Free/Drinks | Drinks/Tabs |
| Scruffy Murphy's | Patong | Multiple/week | Multi-round | 100–150 THB | 500–2,000 THB |
Game Cafes & Board Game Venues
Phuket Town Board Game Cafes
A few cafes in Phuket Town offer board games alongside coffee and snacks. They're quieter, more intimate alternatives to pub quizzes. You pay a small hourly fee (100–300 THB) or order food/drinks.
Beer Bros (Chalong Area)
- Focus: Craft beer selection and board games
- Game rental: 120–180 THB per game
- Vibe: Casual, daytime and evening friendly
- Best for: Smaller groups, relaxed atmosphere
DIY Villa Game Nights
Many long-term expat friend groups organise their own quiz nights at someone's villa. You'll typically find out about these through Facebook or by asking at regular pub quiz nights. Less formal, more intimate, and often free (though BYOB is standard).
Online & Remote Quiz Resources
For Home or Villa Game Nights
- Jackbox Games: Party game collection playable via streaming. Kahoot, Quiplash, and Trivia Murder Party are popular.
- Kahoot: Free quiz platform. Create or join existing trivia quizzes. Works over Zoom.
- Zoom Trivia: Search "Zoom trivia" or use commercial providers like Sporcle for structured quizzes.
These are excellent for smaller groups (2–8 people) or times when pub quiz attendance drops in low season.
Seasonal Considerations & Low Season
High Season (Oct–Apr)
Maximum quiz variety and frequency. Every area has options. Crowds are larger. You'll meet more people but also more tourists.
Low Season (May–Oct)
Many quizzes pause or go monthly. Attendance drops. Patong remains most reliable. If you're arriving in low season, expect fewer immediate options but still some consistent venues.
Seasonal Closure Tips
- Organise villa game nights with your growing expat network
- Join online Zoom quizzes (many international teams run weekly)
- Attend board game cafes in Phuket Town
Want to Know About Other Expat Meetups?
Book a consultation to learn about clubs, sports leagues, and communities beyond pub quizzes.
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Also useful: snooker and billiards in Phuket.
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