Beyond imported spirits, Phuket has a small but genuine local rum-distilling scene worth knowing about.
Local rum production
A handful of craft distilleries on the island produce rum from Thai sugarcane, some offering distillery tours and tastings — a distinct product from the mass-market Thai spirits found in every convenience store.
What to expect at a distillery visit
Tours typically cover the distilling process from sugarcane juice through fermentation and distillation, finishing with a tasting of the range — a genuinely different half-day activity from the standard beach-and-boat circuit, and one that combines naturally with the craft beer guide if you want to make a drinks-focused day of it.
Where to try it without visiting a distillery
Local rum increasingly shows up on cocktail menus at bars and restaurants across the island, particularly in Old Phuket Town and at the more craft-cocktail-focused rooftop bars covered in our nightlife guide.
Bringing a bottle home
See our customs guide for duty-free alcohol allowances before assuming a bottle will clear your home country's border without issue.