Koh Tao nightlife and bars guide
The Whitening is a classy venue in Mae Haad
Although most people come to Koh Tao for scuba-diving and other watersports in the pristine seas around its coast, it still has abundant nightlife venues that offer something for all age groups and predilections. Clubs with professional DJs spinning the discs, relaxing bars serving delicious cocktails and pubs with pool tables are among the offerings.
Those who do not want to spend all night sitting or dancing in pubs and clubs will find there are places to take in a few bouts of the local Muay Thai boxing, see fire jugglers perform, go bowling or dine on local and international delicacies.
Koh Tao nightlife in Mae Haad
The port town of Mae Haad is the busiest place on Koh Tao and has a corresponding number of bars to match.
Sea Monkeys is one of Mae Haad’s finest bars where the latest tunes are played. It offers a pool table, cocktails, healthy juices and snacks including the island’s best burgers. Open 15.00 to 02.00.
The Whitening is a trendy al fresco club where house music provides a relaxing atmosphere to drink and dine. Great range of cocktails and international DJs on Friday.
Casper Sports Bar on Mae Haad Square is an ambient venue where patrons can watch live sports or enter pool and backgammon competitions. Opens 17:00 until late with happy hours from 17:00-20:00.
The Tattoo Bar is a beergarden adjacent to the beach serving sausages, burgers and meat pies. It also has a pool table and is in an ideal spot for wonderful sunset views. Opens mid-morning until very late.
Dirty Nelly’s Irish Pub is a lively location with live music and televisions showing live sports. The pub opens from 09.00 till the small hours and offers a diverse menu and draught beers including Guinness and Strongbow.
Koh Tao nightlife in Haad Sairee
Sairee Beach offers Koh Tao second highest concentration of pubs, clubs and dining establishments serving both Thai and international gastronomy.
Try an alternative use for snorkels at Lotus Bar!
The Lotus Bar at Sairee is arguably the most popular nightlife venue on the island. It opens sometime after lunch and often stays open until well after sunrise. Great music, a 16:00-19:00 happy hour and a sundeck that is transformed into a dancefloor during the evening are among the Lotus’s attractions.
AC Party Pub is one of the more vibrant spots here with a massive dancefloor beside the beach with a giant screen television, barbecues and long happy hours. AC’s is at the bottom end of Sairee and opens from late afternoon until 03:00.
Maya Bar is also at the south end of Sairee and is a relaxed outdoor setting which offers a good choice of music. Opens from 17:00 until late.
Queen's Cabaret is in the village at Sairee and is the locals spot for taking in a quintessential Thai ladyboy show. More on Haad Sairee restaurants and bars.
Koh Tao nightlife elsewhere
Although there are bars and pubs dotted around on Koh Tao, Chalok Baan Kao is the final one with any grouping of establishments, and even these are spread out around the environs of the beach.
The Babaloo Bar is in the Saan Jao Beach area here and is fairly secluded and offers dancing right on the beach. The place to take in a fire-juggling show and soak up a heady atmosphere. Open from 16:00 to the early hours.
Happy Daze Treehouse is not actually up a tree, but on a hill above Chalok Baan Kao. The multi-tiered structure features an indoor waterfall and offers panoramic views around the bay.
Those who wish to combine a bit of exercise with their evening’s entertainment will find the Koh Tao Bowling and Minigolf complex on the Chalok to Ao Leuk road fits the bill. There are also a Greek restaurant and petanque rinks here. More on Chalok Baan Kao restaurants and bars.
