Samui is a leisure island where most of the services cater to hospitality and enjoyment, with plenty of options for nightlife. Since almost everyone on the island is on holiday, or working within the environment, there is always some action every night in the main tourist areas. Often you can stumble back to your villa or
Zicco at Koh Samui.....Chaweng Beach, Centera Grand Beach Resort.
hotel room, otherwise there are always taxis waiting by. The best part is you can sleep off the hangover on the beach, so the atmosphere is mostly festive and ranges from refined cocktail lounges and quiet beachside dining to raucous bars and discos with live music. Then there are a number of tamer activities to while away an evening and we’ve covered these too.
While bars can be found at all of the island’s main beach areas, it is Chaweng and to a lesser extent Lamai, where the parties linger on long into the wee hours. The evening entertainment on other beaches is largely limited to a few quiet local bars, but in the height of the busy season you’ll always find good company and it won’t hurt your wallet to sit drinking all evening.
Always loud, sometimes lewd… if the hedonistic life is for you, then we can suggest a few venues to really let your hair down:
Chaweng
Regardless of where your evening started, if you’re looking for a fun night out, then it’s likely you’ll end up in Chaweng, and with good reason. The scope of Chaweng’s entertainment options can be somewhat baffling to first time visitors and it may take you a while to get your bearings.
And Go Go Bar Chaweng Beach.
The two most popular nightlife spots can be found on either Green Mango Road, which is just to the left of Burger King on the Chaweng Beach Road, or along the Reggae Pub road, which is on a small peninsular within Chaweng lake. The latter is a little harder to find if you don’t know the way, but transport such as pick-ups, motorbike taxis are plentiful.
The Reggae Pub road is of course home to the Reggae Pub, whilst the Green Mango road is a horseshoe shaped collection of bars, pubs and clubs, which has something for everyone (unless you’re a teetotal priest). Here are just a few of the local favourites:
The Green Mango, Green Mango Road
Dance at Green Mango Koh
Large and loud, the Green Mango has been around so long it’s even got a road named after it. It has one of the biggest dance areas in Chaweng and a list of drinks that anyone should be happy with. You might remember going in, but you’ll almost certainly not recall leaving.
Sweet & Soul, Green Mango Road
Almost opposite the Green Mango, Sweet & Soul is popular with locals and tourists. It’s not the largest of places, but the party revellers spilling out onto the pathway only add to the atmosphere.
The Mint Bar, Green Mango Road
Just across from Sweet & Soul is the Mint Bar, a venue that has been catching the cooler eyes since it opened almost two years ago. The bar’s continuing ability to draw some of the finest international DJs in the world, enhances the appeal of this stylish, eclectic venue.
Sound Bar, Green Mango Road
This is a popular late night bar with a swimming pool and relaxing tropical grounds among its many selling points. DJs pump out house tunes late at night, while the bar features live bands in the early evening to get you warmed up.
Reggae Bar, Reggae Bar Road
It's Reggee Pub at Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui.
A long-serving Samui institution that plays all kinds of tunes with only a minimal amount of Reggae. It’s dance music mostly that echoes around this huge complex and the spacious dance floor is always packed late at night. Don’t bother coming too early though; it’ll be practically empty until 10pm and onwards.
Other night-time activities
Samui Bungee jump: either to hurl yourself off the top, or just to have some drinks and watch everyone else scare themselves senseless. It’s open until late and has a good bar, making it a convenient place for a few early ones before the nearby Reggae Bar really kicks off.
The Muay Thai boxing stadium: is also based on the Reggae Pub road in Chaweng and the shows are well worth watching. If you’re keen to soak up some Thai culture but without straying too far from a cold beer, then this place is ideal.
Ladyboy cabaret: it might not be for everyone but all are most welcome. Ladyboys are very much part of accepted Thai culture and you’ll find the shows to be generally very well put together, incredibly camp, but on the whole in decent taste.
A good recommendation is Christy’s cabaret on the Chaweng Road not far from the Burger King.
What to drink?
Beer anyone? Local or international, you’ll find plenty of choice in all the bars and clubs you encounter. Most places will also feature a cocktail list as well as all of your favourite spirits. For the truly adventurous, try a bit of the local
Bar at Koh Samui.
Thai Whiskey served in an iced bucket with Red Bull. If this lethal concoction doesn’t get you going, then nothing will. Just don’t expect to be moving too much the next day. Beer is generally cheap in Thailand and a favourite with locals and foreigners who drink both locally brewed and imported brands. The Thais like to sit around and share a bottle of whiskey, wine is far less popular and although widely available in hotels and good restaurants it is hardly good value. Most bars do cocktails, some far cheaper than others.
