Koh Samui is known for having one of the best nightlife scenes in Thailand. There’s a good mix of lively, flashy clubs and bars for the younger crowd concentrated at Chaweng Beach, with more high-end spots for discerning travelers elsewhere on the island.
To help you find the places that best fit your style, I introduce some of Koh Samui’s best bars and nightclubs here, all of which have their own unique style and vibes.
Koh Samui’s Bars
Although Chaweng Beach is the nightlife central of Koh Samui, the other beaches have their fair share of great bars as well. Here are some of the best bars around the island.
The Beer Masons
If you’ve had your fill of the usual Thai beers like Singha and Chang, try The Beer Masons for a change. Located on Chaweng Beach, it offers a good rotation of 10 quality craft beers on tap at a time.
Any non-beer drinkers in your group are also welcome, as the bar has some French wines available as well 🙂
Coco Tam’s
Coco Tam’s is a popular open-air beach bar, located in the Fishermen’s Village on Maenam Beach. It has a laidback vibe, with swings at the bar area and comfy bean bags on the beach, making it a great place to catch the sunset with a cocktail.
Do try to get there by 9pm so you can get a good spot to catch the fire show at the bar, which starts around 9:30pm every night.
Cocktail King
If you’re on a hunt for great cocktails on Koh Samui, head to Cocktail King on Choeng Mon Beach. Run by a friendly couple, Meena and Rakk, you’ll find standard fare there like mojitos and pina coladas, to slightly more exotic cocktails like “Round the World” or “Singapore Sling”.
Head to the bar during their daily happy hour from 6-11pm, and get cocktails for just 100 baht each!
Samui Rock Bar
Samui Rock Bar is a unique bar located just a short walk away from the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks. Built like a treehouse spread over the rocks, there are multiple wooden platforms with bean bags and cushions where you can relax while looking out to the sea.
The bar is also a great place to catch reggae music, and get a “special” mushroom shake 🙂
Premier Sports Bar
If you need to keep up with football match scores even on holiday, Premier Sports Bar is the place to go. Located opposite the Mermaid Hotel on Bangrak Beach, the bar has 7 screens showing Premier League games on weekends, as well as other major sporting events.
Premier Sports Bar also has a lively quiz and games night every Thursday, and a pool table where you can have a few games with friends. Otherwise, go on Sundays to sample their Sunday Roast menu!
Lava Lounge
Lava Lounge is worth considering if you’re looking for a quieter place with a relaxed atmosphere. Located on a side street on Lamai Beach, it’s an escape from the bustling restaurants and bars on the main road.
The cozy bar plays mellow music so you can have a chat, and also has good cocktails for only 99 baht during their happy hour from 4-9pm.
The Viper Room
The Viper Room is an offbeat pub in an alley down Lamai Beach. Run by the friendly owner Rob, it’s a good choice for people who like rock and metal music. Music aside, the walls and ceiling are all covered in rock music memorabilia like posters and t-shirts.
Even if you’re not a big fan of rock, Rob will let you choose whatever you want to play – just type in your favourite song on the laptop connected to the speakers!
Paris Follies Cabaret
For a night of unusual but fun entertainment, check out a ladyboy cabaret at Paris Follies Cabaret, located along the lively Chaweng Beach. Admission is 390 baht with a free drink, and the earlier shows in the night are suitable even for families.
If you’re seated in the front rows, be prepared to be pulled on stage for an “audience participation” segment! 😉
Koh Samui’s Clubs
Koh Samui has quite a number of happening nightclubs, most of which are concentrated around the Soi Green Mango strip of bars and clubs at Chaweng Beach.
They play anything from hip hop and R&B to house music, and many close at around 2am, though there are a few places that will let you party until dawn the next day. Here are some of the most popular clubs.
Cubos
Cubos is a relatively newer nightclub on the lively Soi Green Mango street. There, you’ll find a blend of new and classic tunes ranging from deep house, to R&B, and indie and techno.
Cubos opens later, from 10pm – 5am, so it’s the perfect place to be if it’s closing time at another club and you’re not done for the night!
Bar Solo
Bar Solo is one of Koh Samui’s most popular nightlife spots, located at Chaweng Beach. The resident DJ plays house and drum and bass tunes and is joined by a live percussionist every night, who kicks up the beat even further.
The bar has cocktails for half off from 2-8pm, and also offers shisha pipes, so it’s a good place to kick start your night.
Hush Bar
Hush Bar is another nightlife hotspot on Chaweng Beach that has been running since 2007. There, you can dance to hip hop and R&B tunes all night, and enjoy good deals on alcohol buckets from 9pm till midnight.
The bar has two floors – the ground floor with its standing room tables, and a VIP lounge with bottle service upstairs. You can consider booking a table on the top floor if you’re heading there to celebrate a special occasion.
Sound Club
Sound Club is one of Koh Samui’s most happening bars, with a modern design and neon lights all around. Head there earlier in the evening to catch live bands, and R&B and hip-hop tunes late into the night.
The club also has two dance floors separated by a large pool, so bring your swimsuit along if you fancy a post-dance dip 🙂
Conclusion
Chaweng Beach is the place to be if you want to experience the craziest nightlife there is on Koh Samui. However, if you prefer somewhere more relaxed or with a bit more character, there are unique bars to be found all over the island.
Hope this helps you plan the perfect night out in Koh Samui!
P.S. If you’re also looking for things to do during the daytime, see Koh Samui’s Top 12 Attractions. Or if you’re looking for good places to eat before heading out, have a look at The Island’s 9 Best Restaurants.