11 Best Koh Samui Nightlife

Soi Green Mango in Chaweng is Koh Samui's 'party central'. Here, a classic night out wouldn't be complete without partying in the iconic Green Mango Club, with stops at the surrounding venues like Hush Bar, The Palms Bar & Grill Samui and Under Bar.

Soi Green Mango is easy to find on Chaweng Beach Road, surrounded by hotels, shops and restaurants. At night, all life seems be drawn to this small street, and you'll hear it before you can see it. 

Ark Bar is a lively beachfront venue that offers food, beverages and a chilled groove. It has been a Samui party institution for quite a few years. It's a good place to mingle and party to DJ sets with like-minded travellers from all around the world.

Even though it has changed hands several times, the bar/restaurant still uses the same methods to draw people in, with fire dancers, fire shows, dining and dancing on the beach. Ark Bar has a relaxed atmosphere that remains welcoming and family-friendly, even into the late hours.

Coco Tams is a fun and popular beach bar in Bophut, just outside The Wharf Samui. The venue boasts an open-air layout, featuring a couple of charming palm-thatch buildings within a well-maintained area. A quaint garden separates it from Bophut Beach Road, enhancing its inviting atmosphere.

Coco Tams's look and feel are that of an easy-going rustic beach bar, with beanbags on the beach, swing seats at the bar, cabanas, shisha and even a large projector screen. Come here around 7 pm to enjoy fire shows on the beach.

The central Lamai beer bars occupy a 2,000-square-metre plaza in the town centre. Each bar plays its own music at various volumes, so it can get quite loud at times.

These bars are happening places in high season and the plaza is a great people-watching place. The competition is tough between these venues and gets even more so on Saturday nights, with Thai boxing contests in a small ring, set in the middle of the plaza. It’s all free, you just buy a drink or 2 at one of the surrounding bars.

Nikki Beach Koh Samui humbly describes itself as the 'sexiest place on Earth'. Located in Lipa Noi, on the western coast of Samui, this trendy beach club offers expansive buffets, live performances, beach barbecues and movie screenings.

Thanks to its festive atmosphere, top-notch catering and deliciously potent cocktails, Nikki Beach Koh Samui is a fashionable venue that has all you need for a memorable day (and night) on a cool tropical beachfront.

SEEN Beach Club Samui is a swanky, retro-themed venue on Chaweng Beach, just south of Koh Samui Airport. There are plenty of colourful cushioned seats spread across checkered floors, as well as a Cali-style metallic trailer next to a swim-up cocktail bar. It's enough to make you think you’re back in the roaring ‘50s in Koh Samui.

The beach club’s piece de resistance is its infinity pool, which rolls right out to meet Chaweng Beach. You can enjoy an extensive food menu of chilled oysters, sushi and pizza, along with your choice of cocktails, champagnes, top-shelf spirits and wines. Pool parties often take place at SEEN Beach Club Samui, which gets packed with well-dressed locals and travellers until late.

Woobar, part of the stylish W Koh Samui resort, is perched on a picturesque cape that separates Bophut from Maenam. This modern, upscale bar boasts a stunning contemporary design, complemented by panoramic sea views and a spacious outdoor deck with a luxurious bathing pool. The sleek and stylish ambiance, combined with the breathtaking scenery, creates an unforgettable experience.

While Woobar doesn’t directly face the sunset, it remains a delightful spot for sundowners on Koh Samui, offering a serene and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying the evening.

Paris Follies Cabaret, located in the heart of Chaweng, is a must-visit entertainment venue offering a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Hosting 3 dazzling performances nightly, the show features around 20 talented performers adorned in colourful and extravagant costumes. The cabaret showcases songs dedicated to almost every nation, enhanced by an excellent lighting and sound system.

The glittering dancers exude joy and passion as they display their remarkable talents on stage. Modern and energetic, Paris Follies Cabaret is an essential stop for anyone visiting Chaweng, promising an evening of spectacular entertainment and cultural flair.

On Street Bar is one of the most original venues in Chaweng’s tremendous nightlife scene. This tiny venue, located right next to the entrance of KC Beach Club Hotel, is made of corrugated iron and recycled wood painted in bright colours.

This ramshackle design helps to draw in the crowds. Without the catchy display, the 1-metre-wide façade would be totally upstaged by its neighbour, a shop selling vivid paper chandeliers. Come here for the great atmosphere and cocktails prepared with real fruit.

Though it’s the smallest of the Muay Thai venues in Chaweng, Samui International Muay Thai Stadium offers an exhilarating and unique experience for fight enthusiasts. The stadium is known for its lively atmosphere, complete with energetic live commentary that keeps the audience engaged.

The stadium features an international array of fighters, showcasing their skills in bouts that are interspersed with traditional Thai music, adding a cultural touch to the excitement. Fights typically take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, with additional matches on Sundays during the high season. 

You'll find various cinemas in Koh Samui, with the major ones being the triple-screen cinema at the Tesco Lotus complex and the Major Cineplex Central Samui. Showing both Western and Thai movies, the cinemas are a big hit with locals. Reasonably priced and with comfortable and spacious seating, the cinemas provide an experience comparable to those in the West.

One unique aspect is the tradition of standing for the Thai national anthem, which plays before each feature. Additionally, as is common in many Asian cinemas, the air conditioning is set to a very cool temperature, so be sure to bring a sweater.