What Is a Phuket Cabaret Show?
Phuket cabaret show is a nightly, ticketed stage production. Transgender and cross-dressing Thai performers, known locally as katoey, lip-sync and dance through a rotating set of costume-change numbers. The style blends Thai, Broadway and Vegas-style staging. As of July 2026, Simon Cabaret Phuket is the island's one confirmed, currently operating traditional cabaret, staging three performances a night.
Every Phuket cabaret production follows a format that traces back decades. According to the Thailand Foundation, the country's first cabaret opened at Tulip Bar in Bangkok in 1974. It reportedly drew inspiration from Filipino drag performers. That debut followed Thailand's 1956 decriminalization of homosexuality. The format itself, feathered costumes, Thai motifs reworked into gowns, lip-synced pop and show tunes, spread from Bangkok to Pattaya's Tiffany's Show before Phuket built its own venues.
In our experience, first-time visitors often expect a simple choice between two traditional shows, Simon Cabaret and Aphrodite Cabaret Show. Multiple independent sources now indicate Aphrodite closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened, though some ticket resellers still list old showtimes. We explain what that means for booking in the next section. If you're weighing a Phuket cabaret night against Kamala's elephant-and-pyrotechnics production instead, our Phuket FantaSea show guide breaks down that alternative evening option.
Thailand's official tourism board treats these productions as a genuine cultural export, not just a novelty for tourists. Its own Phuket night shows guide describes Simon Cabaret as one of the city's most famous cabaret attractions.
"The LGBTQ+ travel market holds tremendous potential, with Thailand consistently ranking among the world's top destinations for this community." — Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, via TAT Newsroom
That TAT Newsroom release, published in February 2025, put numbers behind the quote. The global LGBTQ+ travel market was projected to generate roughly US$1.5 billion in spending by 2025. Thailand ranked fifth worldwide for LGBTQ+ tourism impact. Phuket's cabaret shows, alongside Bangkok and Pattaya's longer-running productions, are part of what keeps that ranking high. It's also part of why local officials treat these shows as cultural exports, not niche attractions.
A typical Phuket cabaret performance runs 60-75 minutes across roughly a dozen numbers. Expect Thai classical dance, Western pop medleys, and a handful of comedy sketches. Performers then gather in the lobby for photos. Seating is unassigned within your ticket tier, so arriving 20-30 minutes before showtime matters more than the seat number printed on your ticket.
Costumes are a large part of what audiences pay for. Elaborate feather headpieces, sequined gowns, and quick backstage changes between numbers are standard across Thailand's cabaret circuit, a tradition the Thailand Foundation traces directly back to that 1974 Bangkok debut. Phuket's two confirmed venues, Simon Cabaret and the Saturday-only Junkyard Theatre, stage completely different formats, so pairing the two on one trip rarely feels repetitive.
Simon, Aphrodite and More
Phuket cabaret fans usually ask about three names. Simon Cabaret Phuket, in Patong, is the island's confirmed, long-running traditional show. Aphrodite Cabaret Show, in Kathu, has an uncertain operating status as of July 2026. Junkyard Theatre, in Rasada, is a Saturday-only comedy dinner-cabaret hybrid. Only Simon Cabaret and Junkyard Theatre could be confirmed as currently operating.
| Venue | Location | Nightly Showtimes | Ticket Price (THB) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Cabaret Phuket | 8 Sirirat Rd, Patong | 6:00pm, 7:30pm, 9:00pm | 800-1,200 (Birthday packages from 2,999) | Traditional Thai cabaret, 600-seat theatre, since 1991. Confirmed operating. |
| Aphrodite Cabaret Show (reviews) | 99/100 Moo 1, Chalermprakiat Rd, Kathu (formerly, now closed) | Unconfirmed; evidence points to closed since COVID-19 | Do not prepay through resellers | Traditional Thai cabaret format; operating status unverified |
| Junkyard Theatre | 49/6 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rd, Rasada | Saturdays only, arrival 7:00pm, show 7:30-10:00pm | From ~1,480 (VIP tiers with dinner and drinks) | Comedy dinner-cabaret parody, adults-only. Confirmed operating. |
Simon Cabaret is the safest pick for a first Phuket cabaret show. It's the confirmed, long-running option with the most consistent reviews. Aphrodite Cabaret Show is a different story. A dedicated Phuket cabaret comparison site states the venue closed during COVID-19 and never reopened. A separate Phuket day-trip site shows its own booking widget marked "temporarily unavailable." Its official domain does not resolve.
Several ticket resellers still list Aphrodite showtimes and prices from before the pandemic. That's common for venues that have closed. Directory listings often outlive a closure by months or years. We would call the venue's own published phone numbers directly before paying a reseller for an Aphrodite Cabaret Show ticket.
Junkyard Theatre isn't really a cabaret in the traditional katoey sense. It's a tongue-in-cheek, adults-only comedy dinner show, confirmed currently operating on Saturdays. We'd pair it with Simon Cabaret for a two-show trip rather than treat it as a substitute for a traditional cabaret night.
Price differences among confirmed venues broadly track theatre scale and production overhead. Simon Cabaret's 600-seat house commands a premium for its established brand and steady booking demand, and it's currently the only traditional cabaret ticket we'd recommend buying in advance.
Booking a day or two ahead is sensible during the November-to-April high season, when tour groups can fill an entire Simon Cabaret showtime. Independent travelers rarely need more than same-day notice in the quieter May-to-October months.
Simon Cabaret sits within a 20-30 minute drive of central Patong Beach, including from Bangla Road. One address mix-up trips up a lot of first-time visitors. Sirirat Road, not Bangla Road, is where you'll actually find the theatre, a five-minute taxi ride south. It's a detail enough visitors get wrong that it's worth double-checking before you book transport.
Find Tonight's Patong Events on EVE
Booking Phuket cabaret tickets is just the start of a night out in Patong. EVE tracks live showtimes, happy hours, and hundreds of other Patong evening shows and events happening tonight in one place, so you're not juggling five different booking sites.
Simon Cabaret Phuket
Simon Cabaret Phuket is the island's original and largest traditional cabaret show. It stages three nightly performances, at 6:00pm, 7:30pm and 9:00pm, inside a 600-seat theatre. Open since 1991, it's Phuket's longest-running cabaret production. Per the Phuket Governor's own December 2024 remarks, it welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually.
The venue sits at 8 Sirirat Road in Patong, a five-minute taxi ride south of Bangla Road. It's not directly on it. When we visited on a weeknight in the low season, the theatre was still close to full. That's a sign of how consistently Simon Cabaret sells across the year, not only during peak months.
Tickets run 800-1,200 THB depending on seat row. Birthday celebration packages start from 2,999 THB and include reserved seating and an on-stage moment.
Phuket's own governor has publicly credited the show as more than a tourist draw. Speaking at Simon Cabaret's December 2024 high-season opening, Governor Sophon Suwanarat highlighted both its economic footprint and its cultural role:
"Simon Cabaret is not only a prominent tourist attraction welcoming more than 600,000 visitors annually but also a beacon for promoting equality and diversity." — Sophon Suwanarat, Governor of Phuket, via The Phuket News
Per that same December 2024 report, Simon Cabaret generates more than 200 million THB annually. It supports over 200 local jobs each year. The Governor cited these figures as evidence of the show's standing as a cultural and tourism mainstay in Phuket for over 30 years.
The performance itself runs a set list of roughly a dozen numbers. Expect Thai classical routines, Western pop medleys, and costume-driven comedy bits, closing with a full-cast finale. A photo area operates in the lobby after the show; tipping performers for photos is customary but optional. We'd recommend booking directly through the official Simon Cabaret Phuket site rather than a resale marketplace, since seat-row pricing is clearest straight from the source.
Parking is available on-site, though most visitors arrive by taxi given Patong's early-evening traffic. The theatre's air-conditioned interior and covered entrance also make it a reliable rainy-season option, unlike some of the island's open-air night markets.
Insider Tips from Locals
Plan the Rest of Your Night in Patong
Pairing a Phuket ladyboy show with dinner, drinks, or a Junkyard Theatre Phuket comedy night after? EVE shows you every bar, happy hour, and late-night event near Patong in real time, plus current details on Phuket cabaret show cost across venues.
Practical Info & Costs
A confirmed Phuket cabaret show ticket costs 800-1,200 THB at Simon Cabaret Phuket, or from about 1,480 THB for Junkyard Theatre's Saturday-only dinner format. Aphrodite Cabaret Show's pricing is not listed here, since its operating status is currently unconfirmed. Confirming showtime and seat tier before you travel avoids a sold-out night in high season.
| Detail | Simon Cabaret Phuket | Aphrodite Cabaret Show | Junkyard Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | 8 Sirirat Rd, Patong | 99/100 Moo 1, Chalermprakiat Rd, Kathu (formerly, now closed) | 49/6 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rd, Rasada |
| Nightly shows | 6:00pm / 7:30pm / 9:00pm | Unconfirmed | Saturdays only, 7:30pm |
| Ticket price | 800-1,200 THB | Do not prepay through resellers | From ~1,480 THB |
| Theatre size | ~600 seats | ~950-1,000 seats (as previously built) | Smaller dinner-theatre format |
| Status | Confirmed operating | Evidence suggests closed since COVID-19 | Confirmed operating |
Prices above reflect published rates as of July 2026. Aphrodite Cabaret Show's own booking domain does not resolve, and independent sources describe it as closed since the pandemic. Call the venue's own published numbers before paying any reseller for a ticket.
How Much Do Phuket Cabaret Show Tickets Cost?
As of July 2026, Simon Cabaret Phuket tickets run 800-1,200 THB depending on seat row, with birthday packages from 2,999 THB. Junkyard Theatre's Saturday dinner-cabaret starts near 1,480 THB, with VIP tiers adding a welcome drink, three-course meal, and front-row seating. We would not pay a reseller for an Aphrodite Cabaret Show ticket without a direct phone confirmation first.
Where Are Phuket's Cabaret Shows Located?
Simon Cabaret Phuket sits at 8 Sirirat Road in Patong. Its theatre is a five-minute taxi ride south of Bangla Road, not on it. Junkyard Theatre is in Rasada, on Chalermprakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Road. Aphrodite Cabaret Show's formerly listed address is nearby in Kathu, on the same numbered road, though its current operating status is unconfirmed. Both confirmed venues are reachable from Patong, Karon, or Kata within 20-30 minutes.
How Do I Reserve My Seat in Advance?
- Pick your night and venue based on the comparison table above, remembering Junkyard Theatre only runs Saturdays.
- Choose a showtime at Simon Cabaret: 6:00pm suits an early dinner after; 9:00pm suits a dinner reservation beforehand.
- Book directly through the venue's own site where possible; Simon Cabaret Phuket's official booking page lists current seat-row pricing.
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early for unassigned seating, especially in the November-to-April high season.
- Confirm the address with your driver, naming the street directly, Sirirat Road for Simon Cabaret, rather than just "the cabaret show."
For a wider look at how a cabaret show fits into a full Phuket evening, see our Phuket nightlife guide and our roundup of things to do in Phuket beyond the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions we hear most often about Phuket cabaret shows: how much they cost, where Simon Cabaret Phuket is actually located, whether Aphrodite Cabaret Show is still open, and how a traditional cabaret compares to Junkyard Theatre. Every answer reflects verified July 2026 pricing and schedule details.
What is a Phuket cabaret show?
A Phuket cabaret show is a nightly, ticketed stage production. Transgender and cross-dressing Thai performers lip-sync and dance through costume-change numbers blending Thai and Western pop styles. Simon Cabaret Phuket is the island's confirmed, currently operating traditional production.
How much do Phuket cabaret show tickets cost?
As of July 2026, Simon Cabaret Phuket tickets cost 800-1,200 THB, with birthday packages from 2,999 THB. Junkyard Theatre's Saturday-only dinner-cabaret starts near 1,480 THB. We would not prepay a reseller for an Aphrodite Cabaret Show ticket given its uncertain operating status.
Where is Simon Cabaret Phuket located?
Simon Cabaret Phuket is at 8 Sirirat Road in Patong. It's about a five-minute taxi ride south of Bangla Road, not on it, one of the most common mix-ups visitors make when booking transport.
Is Aphrodite Cabaret Show still open?
Its current operating status is unconfirmed. A dedicated Phuket cabaret comparison site states it closed during COVID-19 and never reopened, and a separate booking page shows its own ticket widget marked temporarily unavailable. Several resellers still list old showtimes, which is common for venues that have closed; call the venue directly before booking.
What time do the shows start in Phuket?
Simon Cabaret Phuket runs three nightly shows at 6:00pm, 7:30pm, and 9:00pm. Junkyard Theatre runs Saturdays only, with a 7:00pm arrival and a 7:30pm-10:00pm show. Aphrodite Cabaret Show's schedule is unconfirmed given its uncertain operating status.
Is Junkyard Theatre a traditional cabaret show?
No. Junkyard Theatre is a Saturday-only, adults-only comedy dinner-cabaret hybrid with a tongue-in-cheek parody format. It's distinct from the traditional Thai katoey cabaret style of Simon Cabaret Phuket.
Can families with kids attend a Phuket cabaret show?
Simon Cabaret Phuket is marketed as family-friendly variety entertainment and commonly appears on family itineraries, though content includes adult humor in places. Junkyard Theatre is explicitly adults-only and not suitable for children.
How do I book Phuket cabaret show tickets?
Book directly through the venue's own site where possible; Simon Cabaret Phuket's official booking page lists current seat-row pricing. Arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime for unassigned seating, especially during the November-to-April high season.
Should I book Simon Cabaret or Aphrodite Cabaret Show?
Book Simon Cabaret. It's the confirmed, long-running production in Patong with roughly 600 seats and consistent recent reviews. Aphrodite Cabaret Show's operating status is currently unconfirmed, with independent sources suggesting it closed during COVID-19 and never reopened.