Koh Samui bars - pubs in samui
Samui, being a leisure island, has plenty of places to imbibe yourself, depending whether you prefer a sundowner on the beach, lots of girls for company, big screens and live music or something more refined. Chaweng and Lamai are the liveliest places for evening entertainment with a vast selection in the main street and also in designated areas full of ‘girlie bars’, such as the small ‘island’ in the lake behind Chaweng. You’ll find the other beaches much quieter, with bars confined to the resorts. North Chaweng also has a charming evening scene right on the beach.
We’ve recommended some of the best known bars below, but your best bet is to wander the busy areas and find something that catches your fancy. There are some big sports bars with an excellent selection of tap beers and bar food, as well as great music and atmosphere, other places are typical Thai ‘hole-in-the-walls’, with their own unique character. Certainly you’re not short of choices.
Updated and correct: January 2010
Chaweng beach bars
The Islander
The Islander is a Koh Samui institution, with one of the best central locations on the island for people watching with a cold beer in your hand. They also provide an extensive Thai and Western menu, international and local beverages and show live sporting events throughout the year including extensive coverage of European football leagues. Chaweng road, tel: +66 (0) 77 230 836.
Tropical Murphy’s
Murphy’s is comparable in many ways to the Islander, but with just a bit more Craic. Solid Irish fare and beers are obviously a specialty, so if you’re missing a Guinness and a bowl of stew this is the place for you. There’s great live music from the Roaring Bhoys too. Chaweng Beach Rd, tel: +66 (0) 77 413 614.
The Ark Bar
Perhaps Chaweng’s best-known beach bar, the Ark is always a good bet for a party. It makes for a stunning location throughout the day, with plenty of seating inside or out on the sand. At night the candles and cushions come out, enhancing an atmosphere that already includes starry skies and gentle waves lapping Chaweng beach. The Ark Bar isn’t alone here, and you’ll find plenty of similar bars up and down the sand. Chaweng Beachside, tel: +66 (0) 77 422 047.
The Sportsman
If for you, Saturdays and Sundays just aren’t complete without live football then head to The Sportsman on the Chaweng beach road, a bar that boasts a huge screen, plenty of space and a large election of beers and drinks. The cavernous establishment also includes snooker tables, so it can make for a great sporting location for your weekend night out.
Coyote Samui
This is the one of the latest additions to Chaweng Beach Road and it oozes pure Mexican charm. There are over 75 different margaritas to choose from off the menu and some great choices of food to keep the alcohol at bay. It is located close to Tropical Murphy’s, tel: (077) 414 611.
Bar Ice
An ice bar in the tropics! You’ve got to see it to believe this ‘cool’ unique experience in Thailand, situated on the edge of Chaweng Lake. The ice sculptured section was imported from Canada and requires a small cover charge (main a/c bar is free) but you get warm capes. Moo 2, Chaweng Lake North side, tel: +66 (0) 77 484 933
Bar Solo
A streetside bar great for starting the night off with a few cocktails and people-watching, although with the pumping sounds you may just wanna get up and dance to, located near Starbucks at the North end of the beach rd. open all day.
Sand Bar Located at the quiet Northern end of Chaweng beach this funky little old-school beach bar provides great value drinks, excellent music and a serene setting in classic beach wood Samui style.
Lamai beach bars
Beach Republic
This is the latest offering on the beach in Lamai and is for trendy in its décor and surroundings. The bar is not the cheapest but the ambiance is without a doubt one of the best in this part of Samui.
White Monkey Bar
A lively and popular place in Lamai central with lots of girls for company, decent music, pool tables. Lamai main street. Off, Lamai Main Street, bear Bauhaus, tel: +66 (0) 86 793 38 80.
Safari Pub
A good place for your fix of sports live on TVs, close to the action but a more refined choice with pool tables, and no one pestering you. Lamai Main street, south, tel: +66 (0) 89 289 10 03.
Kangaroo Bar
Noted for it’s boxing ring with girl fights on weekends, it’s among the girlie action and lots of fun it a little tasteless. Lamai main street. Samui Centre, Lamai Main street, tel: +66 (0) 77 418 740.
Dublin Castle
The complete pub for the discerning crowd with live music, pub food, pool taqbles, smart interior, pretty but repsectable waitressese, one of the best on the street. Lamai main street.
Tavern Pub
A large and comfortable upmarket place with good food, nice atmosphere, music and TV screens, no pestering bar girls, popular with regular locals. Lamai main street.
Outback Bar
Located right in the centre of the action on the beach road, the outback bar has live bands most nights and a decent selection of well-priced drinks on offer. Perfect for watching the workld go by. Open 4pm-2am. Tel: 84 440 5318
Lamai also has countless small bars full of girlies, just stroll around and take your pick.
Big Buddha Beach bars
BBC Restaurant
The BBC is based just along the road from the famous Big Buddha statue in the northeast of the island. They have a large menu and selection of drinks, plus the BBC is perfectly placed to view the sunset for which they offer a coinciding happy hour every day. Big buddha beach, tel: +66 (0) 77 425 519.
Bophut beach bars
Billabong
The Billabong is in the charming fisherman’s village of Bophut is one of the favoured nightspots for ex-pats and tourists alike. Surf enthusiasts or sports fans will love it, but it makes a great meeting place for anyone. Fishermans’ Village, tel: +66 (0) 77 430 144.
Frog and Gecko
A fun pub offering food and drinks, plus regular events such as their weekly pub quiz. They also boast the largest screen in the Bophut area, so if you want to catch the football or see one of their many movie screenings pop along for a beer. Fisherman’s Village, tel: +66 (0) 77 425 248.
The Pub
Small and unassuming, with some of the best pub grub you’ll find in the area. Run by Steve, a friendly British man who runs the place to his own preferences, with quiet music encouraging conversation. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, never fear, Steve will no doubt have a few stories to share with you. Fisherman’s Village, tel: +66 (0) 77 245 091.
Starfish & Coffee
Upstairs from the famous restaurant, this newly opened bar continues the kitchy and fun theme, and serves great drinks on an ocean-view terrace.
If you do find that you’re having trouble standing after a night out, please give careful thought to the route back home. Driving on Koh Samui’s roads can be a hair-raising experience even in the cold light of day. Enjoy yourselves, but be sensible and get a taxi home. That way at least you’ll be healthy enough for another session the day after.
Updated and correct: January 2010
Learn more from locals who have posted on our Nightlife expose forum.
Can you bring girls back to your hotel?
Some hotels don't mind you bringing bar girls back to your room as long as you are discreet, while other forbid it or will try to charge you extra. To save you the embarrassment we've enquired with all of them and listed those that are suitable for bachelors, see the list, rates and booking here (opens in a new window)
