Koh Samui Nightlife: Best Bars, Beach Clubs & Live Music

Koh Samui’s nightlife centers on three areas: Chaweng Beach Road (the main strip), Lamai’s bar scene, and Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. Chaweng has the biggest concentration of clubs, bars, and late-night venues, while Lamai is more laid-back with reggae bars and live music. Bophut’s Friday Night Market is the island’s best evening out for families and couples who prefer food and shopping over clubbing.

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach Road is the epicenter of Koh Samui’s nightlife. The action concentrates around Soi Green Mango and the surrounding streets, where bars, clubs, and restaurants are packed side by side.

Green Mango Club

The island’s most famous nightclub and the venue that gives Soi Green Mango its name. A massive open-air club with a huge dance floor, international DJs, and a sound system that dominates the street. Plays a mix of EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Gets busy after 11 PM. No cover charge most nights. Drinks from 200 THB.

Ark Bar Beach Resort

Part hotel, part beach club. Ark Bar’s beachfront setup hosts daily pool parties starting in the afternoon and transitioning to a club atmosphere after dark. Fire dancers, resident DJs, themed party nights. One of the few places where you can dance on the beach with your feet in the sand. Located mid-Chaweng Beach. Drinks from 150 THB.

Coco Tam’s

A beachfront lounge bar with floor cushions directly on the sand, fire shows every evening around 9:30 PM, and a relaxed vibe that suits couples and groups who want a social evening without a nightclub. Located on Bophut Beach (not Chaweng). Thai and international food. Cocktails from 250 THB.

Bar Solo

A popular live music venue on Chaweng Beach Road featuring nightly bands playing rock, reggae, and pop covers. Good sound quality and a lively atmosphere. A solid option if you prefer live music over DJ sets. Drinks from 120 THB.

Cha Cha Moon Beach Club

A beach club at the northern end of Chaweng Beach with a pool, day beds, and DJ sets from afternoon into the evening. More upscale than the Soi Green Mango clubs. Good for a sunset session before heading to the main strip. Cocktails from 280 THB.

Lamai Beach

Lamai’s nightlife is more relaxed than Chaweng. The bars are smaller, the music is more varied (lots of reggae and classic rock), and the crowd is generally older. The main strip is along Lamai Beach Road.

Shamrock Irish Pub

A long-running Irish pub that’s become a Lamai institution. Pool tables, live sports on big screens, pub quiz nights, and a friendly expat crowd. Good for a casual evening. Draught beer from 130 THB.

Beach Republic

A premium beach club on the southern end of Lamai Beach. Infinity pool, sun loungers, cocktail bar, and DJ sets on weekends. Sunday brunch parties are popular. More of a daytime-to-sunset venue than a late-night spot. Cocktails from 300 THB.

Bophut & Fisherman’s Village

Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is the most atmospheric area on Koh Samui after dark. The narrow streets lined with old Chinese shophouses, boutique restaurants, and cocktail bars create a different feel from the Chaweng strip.

Friday Night Market (Walking Street)

Every Friday evening, Fisherman’s Village closes to traffic and becomes a walking street market with food stalls, live music stages, craft vendors, and street performers. Runs from about 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The best evening activity on the island for families, couples, and anyone who prefers a market atmosphere over nightclubs.

Billabong Surf Club

A beachfront bar in Bophut with live music most nights, a pool table, and a mix of Thai and Western food. Casual atmosphere, popular with expats and long-stay visitors. Drinks from 120 THB.

Tips for a Night Out on Koh Samui

1. Pre-drink at your hotel or 7-Eleven — Club drinks are 2-3x the price of convenience store beers. Most people start the evening with cheaper drinks before heading out.
2. Use Grab for transport — Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) stop running by 10 PM. Grab is available on Koh Samui but with fewer drivers than Bangkok — book 15-20 minutes ahead.
3. Carry cash — Most bars don’t accept credit cards. ATMs charge 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards.
4. Watch drink prices — Some bars on the Chaweng strip charge inflated tourist prices. Check the menu before ordering, especially at smaller bars.
5. Full Moon nearby — Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui. Boats depart from Bangrak Pier (Big Buddha). Return boats run until morning. Tickets from 300 THB one-way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do bars close on Koh Samui?

The official closing time is 2:00 AM for bars and clubs. Some venues in the Soi Green Mango area stay open later, particularly on busy nights. Beach bars and restaurants typically wind down by midnight. Enforcement varies — during crackdown periods, closing times are stricter.

Is Koh Samui good for nightlife?

Koh Samui has a solid nightlife scene — especially along Chaweng Beach Road — but it’s not on the scale of Bangkok or even Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. If you want a mix of beach clubs, live music bars, and a handful of proper nightclubs, Koh Samui delivers. If you want a massive rave, take the boat to Koh Phangan.

What should I wear for a night out on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui nightlife is casual. Shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt are fine for most bars and clubs. There are no strict dress codes. Beach clubs like Ark Bar expect swimwear during the day, transitioning to casual evening wear.

How do I get to Koh Phangan Full Moon Party from Koh Samui?

Speedboats depart from Bangrak Pier (near Big Buddha) and take about 30 minutes. Tickets cost 300-500 THB one way. Boats start running in the evening and return boats operate through the night until early morning. You can also stay overnight on Koh Phangan and take the morning ferry back. Book transport through your hotel or at the pier.