Koh Samui – the island of safe haven – has become a major entertainment metropolis in the past couple of decades, right behind Phuket and Pattaya. Koh Samui nightlife is among the best in Asia, if not the world. The island brings a lively young crowd of revellers for partying on the white sandy beaches and pubs till day break.
Nightlife in Koh Samui is beautiful, wild, and diverse. You can find, alongside cheap beer bars, gourmet restaurants that serve the best of Thai cuisine. Thai boxing arenas won’t be far away from classic Thai dance stages. And in addition to numerous discos and clubs, there are Transgender Cabaret Shows that have been a highlight of the nightlife in Thailand. This ultimate Koh Samui Nightlife Guide lists the best places to visit and the things to do in Koh Samui after the sun sets. The list is split into 3 major hubs – Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach and Bophut Beach. Go through the list and take your picks for your next trip to Thailand!
Full Moon Parties At Koh Phangan
Yes, this one’s a bonus; over and above the list of 10 most happening Koh Samui island nightlife. So, years back, a group of tourists pointed out that the most beautiful moon they have ever seen was the one they saw in Koh Phangan. And thus a party was arranged along the crescent-shaped Haad Rin beach to celebrate the full moon night. Ever since then, tens of thousands of people come to party at the white sand Haad Rin beach on the full moon day of every month. The music here is hip and happening. There is something for everyone – techno, trance, drum & brass, commercial, and reggae.
When: Dusk to twilight; full moon day of every month
Where: Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
How to reach: The Haad Rin Queen leaves from the Big Buddha pier in Bophut region of Koh Samui and directly takes you to Haad Rin in about 45 minutes.
Must Read: 24 Spectacular Things To Do In Koh Samui For A Fulfilling Holiday
Chaweng Beach Nightlife & Its Attractions
Chaweng beach is for Koh Samui what Baga beach is for Goa or what Patong beach is for Phuket. The longest beach of Koh Samui, Chaweng is lively both during the day and night. One of the best beaches of Koh Samui, this place hosts the most popular beach parties at Koh Samui from dusk to dawn. Here are the ones you simply can’t miss!
1. Black Moon & Escape Parties
Much like the famous monthly Full Moon parties of Koh Phangan, there are rave-like parties in Koh Samui. These parties are held on the new moon and two half moon days. Of these, the Black Moon party is the highlight of the Koh Samui nightlife. Prominent DJs – Brandon Block, Judge Jules, and Timo Maas – have played at these parties in the past.
When: Dusk to twilight; half moon days and new moon day of every month
Where: Location changes every month
Suggested Read: Full Moon Party In Thailand Is Beach Madness At Its Loudest
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2. Paris Follies: Cabaret Performances By Ladyboys
Paris Follies Cabaret is another example of the highly exciting and entertaining nightlife at Koh Samui. The first performance is suitable for families. However, the other two performances feature some erotic performances by a group of glittering ladyboy dancers in colorful costumes.
When: Daily; 8 pm, 9:30 pm, and 11 pm
Entry: Entry is free of cost. However, the drinks are pricier than usual.
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3. Zico’s: Incredible Samba Performances
Koh Samui nightlife is much more than just rave parties and discos. The Brazilian-themed Zico’s is a perfect blend of gourmet offerings, cocktails from the bar, and samba performances by pretty girls in hot outfits. Gourmet specialities include freshly prepared meat and fish delicacies, served off sword-like serving knives. The dance performances by gorgeous Brazilian dancers – Michelle Nery and Rose Moura – are the highlights of this diner.
Opening hours: Restaurant: 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Bar: 5 pm – 1 am | Dance Performances: Tuesday – Sunday; 8 pm, 9 pm, & 10 pm
4. Ark Bar: Fire Dances & Beachfront Dining
Ark Bar is another institution that adds to the glamour of nightlife in Koh Samui. The lively beach-front venue, adorned with wooden furnishings and sun beds, offers fire dancers, beach dining & dance parties, and a friendly vibe. The delicious food, the amazing drinks, and the foot-tapping music continues to attract tourists to Ark Bar even years after it opened.
Opening hours: 7 am – 2 am
Don’t miss: Ark Bar beach club party on Wednesdays and Fridays
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5. Petch Buncha Boxing Stadium: Thai Boxing
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai – the national sport of Thailand – adds to the diverse nature of the Koh Samui nightlife. And the Petch Buncha Boxing Stadium, located at the entrance of Soi Reggae, is the heart of Thai boxing in Koh Samui. The stadium can host upto 1,500 spectators.
When: 9 pm – 12 am; Every Monday, Wednesday, & Saturday
Where: At the entrance of Soi Reggae
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5. Soi Reggae: The Best Of Chaweng Nightlife
A kilometer long lane that almost splits the middle of Chaweng Lake into two, Soi Reggae is still not fully developed. The first half of the lane has amazing entertainment options that make it one the best places to experience the Chaweng nightlife.
Key attractions: Petch Buncha Boxing Stadium at entrance, Samui Bungy Jump, Coco Bar, Position 69, Samui Pub, and double storey Reggae Pub
Opening hours: Most of the attractions are open from 9 pm to 2 am.
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6. Soi Green Mango: Explore The Amazing Pubs & Discotheques
Experience the best of the nightlife in Koh Samui at Soi Green Mango. Key attractions here are erotic Russian pole dance performances at Galaxy, cozy & compact beer bars, Green Mango Club & Mint dance joints, and the loud & brash environment.
Opening hours: 6 pm onwards
Tip: Things get heated up only after 9 pm
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Lamai Beach Nightlife & Its Attractions
There are ample opportunities to explore the highly entertaining Lamai beach nightlife. Yes, it is not as busy as the Chaweng beach nightlife. But the trendy clubs and naughty-and-nice bars in Koh Samui provides an impressive experience of the Lamai nightlife. And the beach is also lined with some of the finest beach resorts in Koh Samui.
7. Swing Bar: Be A Part Of Fire Dances!
The beachside venue is equipped with rope-suspended swing chairs, low tables, cushions, pool tables, and concrete-and-wood bar. The fire dances, the Friday night parties, the bamboo-table beach dining, and an assortment of best dishes and drinks make Swing Bar an excellent choice for the Koh Samui nightlife experience tourists talk about.
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 1 am
8. Fusion Club: The Best Club On Lamai Beach
Another attraction of Koh Samui’s happening nightlife is the dark and atmospheric club – Fusion. The excellent resident DJs play a multitude of foot-tapping music – from acid to funk – that attracts a large crowd of European tourists and charming Thai ladies. The pulsating beats make Fusion ‘the place’ for an ultimate dance experience.
Opening hours: 6 pm – 1 am
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Bophut Nightlife & Its Attractions
Cool bars, gourmet restaurants, and laid-back atmosphere define the Bophut nightlife scene. Away from the hustle-bustle of the noisy Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Bophut offers tranquility and a decent atmosphere – something that tourists can look forward to on a family vacation. The absence of discotheques and girlie bars is made up by the delicious dishes and the wide range of drinks.
In addition to the international alcoholic beverages, the local Thai alcohol also includes:
- Beer Chang: Also known as Elephant Beer, the cheap beer has 6.4% alcoholic volume.
- Singha: It is the original beer in Thailand and has an alcoholic volume of 5%.
- Sang Som: This is the Thai answer to the international rum. It is cheap and is popular among the locals and the tourists.
- Mekhong Thai Whiskey: Made from rice, the Thai whiskey is another cheap alcoholic beverage that is very popular.
- Regency: It is a local Thai brandy that is popular among the Thai middle class.
- Spy Wine Cooler: If you are looking to buy a young Thai woman a drink, this is what you should buy her. The local women simply love this drink.
But moving on, let us get back to what makes Bophut a vital part of the nightlife in Koh Samui.
9. The Emerald Irish Pub: One Of The Best Pubs In Koh Samui
Terrace views, Irish décor, live sports on huge TV screens, and the friendly atmosphere of the Emerald Irish Pub makes it one of the best pubs in Koh Samui. You can enjoy draft Guinness and Kilkenny as well as local beers at the pub.
Opening hours: 11 am – 2 am
Where: Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
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10. Karma Sutra: A French-Owned Restobar
The French-owned Karma Sutra is one of the best diners in Bophut. Indonesian wooden furniture, muted lights, soft music, and rustic newspaper-like menu of food & drinks add to the charm of this resto bar.
Opening hours: 7 am – 1 am
Where: Entrance of Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
Further Read: Koh Samui vs Krabi: How To Choose One Over The Other?
Koh Samui, indeed, happens to offer some of the finest experiences of the best nightlife in Thailand. Book your personalised Thailand holiday package with TravelTriangle and be a part of this fantastic nightlife in Koh Samui.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Samui Nightlife
Which are the best places to experience the Koh Samui nightlife?
The best nightlife can be experienced in Chaweng which is a haven for the party lovers and offers plenty of places to drink, eat and also enjoy cabaret and Brazilian dance performances.
Is Koh Samui safe for partying at night?
Koh Samui is quite safe for people looking to explore the Thai nightlife. But, like every other place as a tourist one should be careful about their valuables and ensure that they don’t involve themselves into drugs.
Which one is better for nightlife, Koh Samui or Pattaya?
Pattaya is popular for experiencing an exciting nightlife, whereas Koh Samui is usually considered for the beautiful beaches.
Where should I stay in Koh Samui for nightlife?
8 Options for Koh Samui’s Best Nightlife
1. Bophut Beach nightlife.
2. Fishermen’s Village nightlife.
3. Chaweng nightlife.
4. Muay Thai kickboxing match
5. Ladyboy show.
6. Choeng Mon Beach nightlife.
7. Maenam nightlife.
8. Koh Samui pub quizzes.
Is Koh Samui a party island?
Koh Samui is an island where you go to party in style. With plenty of beach clubs, discos, lounge bars and beer bars, there is a lot to do once the sun has set.
Which side of Koh Samui is best?
The best areas to stay in Koh Samui are: Chaweng Beach, Chaoeng Mon, Lamai, Bophut.
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Kushal is a communication strategist, with 5+ years of experience in creating communication for diverse industries. His passion for helping the readers comes from his prior experience of running a travel agency with his dad. And he does that by addressing the actual travelers’ pain points in his blogs. And his work at TravelTriangle has also earned him multiple invites to speak about travel blogging at conferences & seminars. When he is not creating marketing strategies or content, he can be found reading about Harry Potter, DC, Marvel, or other anime. Find him on other social media channels here:
