Nightlife in Koh Tao is exciting, eventful and ecstatic. There are endless options if you want a big night out with bar-hopping, elaborate dinners and parties. The island is equally enchanting if you want to enjoy a quiet nice dinner followed by a few drinks. There are plenty of bars and restaurants here in Koh Tao that come with endless array of food and beverages.
The picturesque island Koh Tao, which means Turtle Island in the local dialect, turns into a colourful entertainment hub at night. Sairee, one of the famous beaches here, is popular for it reflects the sparkling Koh Tao Nightlife. Lots of ingredients for a spectacular night out are present here. One can enjoy a perfect sunset view, followed by fire dancing shows.
Tourists from across the globe flock at Sairee for its amazing bars, pubs and discs that feature some brilliant international DJs, artists, dancers and bands to keep the night young. All the places here offer excellent range of cocktails, imported wines and beers among other drinks. Sangsom Bucket, made of whiskey and some tonic water, the signature drink of Koh Tao is a must-try here.
Nightlife in Koh Tao has all the ingredients for everybody. Be it couples, friends or solo tourists, everyone can indulge some kind of fun activity or the other.
Be sporty at night: Nightlife in Koh Tao is full of options and exuberance. One such perfect night out is indulging in the mood of a vibrating sport or game atmosphere at Reef Sports Bar and Restaurant. Here you can enjoy live matches on its large screens while enjoying sumptuous food, some activities at the pool table and great music. Located in Mae Haad, this place remains open from 8 in the morning till midnight every day. An evening with food and drinks at Reef will cost around Rs 1,000 per head tentatively.
Pool parties: Exciting pool parties is another attraction of Koh Tao nightlife. Several bars and beach clubs are here that host amazing pool parties where you can get refreshing music, brilliant cocktails, Jacuzzi, fun games among other fun elements. AC Bar Beach Club is one such place in Koh Phangan district where you can be a part of a memorable pool party. The bar remains open from noon to midnight.
Live dance shows: One of the most exciting experiences of Koh Tao nightlife is to watch the live queen’s cabaret dance show. This is an extremely popular night activity here and tourists from across the world flock at Queen’s Cabaret for a vibrant dance show. Super talented ladyboys participate in these shows that feature a lot of music, dance and drama. The show generally starts at 9pm. Entry for the show is free but guests are expected to buy one or two expensive drinks which is totally worth it. The live dance show continues till midnight. A visit to Queen’s Cabaret will cost around THB 600 per person.
Laze around with drinks: Koh Tao offers some of the best places to cuddle up with your lover and relax with a few drinks and thus spend a nice relaxed night. Serenity Bar is one such place located atop a hill, the place offers a beautiful view of the surroundings if you visit at sundown. You can dance the night away to the DJ’s tunes at Serenity Bar. Their courteous staff will make you feel like the royals. You can get matching traditional bamboo tattoos at Serenity Bar which opens around 4pm every day and closes at midnight.
Anytime between July and September is the best time to visit Koh Tao as this time the weather generally remains warm and you get great visibility for diving. From December to February, the weather becomes a bit cooler, some changes are also seen in terms of visibility in the ocean, but it is the busiest time of the year for bars, pubs and restaurants.
The Beer Mason: Located in Sairee village, this is one of the best places in Koh Tao to drink like a fish. The place has a selection of over 100 craft beers and four rotating taps. It remains open every day from 5 in the evening till midnight. The staff here are very friendly and have good knowledge about beer.
Coco Bar: This place is famous for its exciting party vibes. Here you get good music, great staff, excellent array of cocktails and a chilled out atmosphere to make your nightlife in Koh Tao a memorable one.
Maya Beach Club: Located in south Sairee beach, Maya Beach Club is famous for hosting the famous Beach Electronic Music Festival in every January. You can enjoy great live music here from 6 pm every day. The Tuesday special ladies night is also popular here.
Good Vibe Bar: This bar is very popular among international tourists for its amazing live music and jam sessions. Several renowned artists have performed here and perked up the Koh Tao nightlife. Located in Maehaad the place is unique as it offers you the opportunity to cook your own food here. You can make your own barbecue here. Also, they serve amazing mojitos.
1. Chez Albert: This is one of the finest restaurants in Koh Tao that serves French and European cuisines with different grilled food and of course the finest imported wines. You can enjoy the juiciest steaks here which are situated on Sairee beach. It opens around 4 pm and functions till 11 pm. Chez Albert is a bit expensive place that charges around 1300TBH for two.
2. FIZZ beach lounge: Another Sairee beach venue, this restaurant is located just behind the Silversands Resort is FIZZ beach lounge where you get lovely food at a reasonable rate. You get an amazing view of the beach here with great music and a good crowd. The place has a nice array of drinks too some of which are the signature beverages of Koh Tao. The atmosphere here is great and vibe is chilled out at FIZZ beach lounge where you can spend at least three to four hours. It opens at noon and closes at midnight. It will cost around Rs 800 onwards for two at FIZZ beach lounge.
3. Yin Yang: Situated in Chalok Baan Khao, Yin Yang specialises in offering the authentic Thai and Asia cuisine food where the menu includes a variety of options with all gluten-free dishes. Several vegetarian options are there too for the large number of vegan foodies. Excellent desserts are available here as they have dedicated dessert chefs. It will cost around 500TBH onwards for two depending on what you order here. The place remains open for lunch, dinner and after-hours.
4. Babaloo Restaurant: Located in Koh Phangan, this restaurant works between 9am and 10pm every day. Again a great place to eat for vegans. Super cool and chilled out atmosphere here. The chefs here cater to you with their authentic Thai dishes that are rich with flavours and colours. Around 300TBH for two for a meal is enough at Babaloo Restaurant.
5. Barracuda Restaurant & Bar: Located at the centre point of Sairee beach, this place is a paradise for seafood lovers. Fresh, tasty and well presented food, a laid back atmosphere, good kids’ menu and excellent tapas are some of the features of this restaurant. For a meal for two, it will cost around Rs 400 onwards to Rs 1400. This place functions from 5pm to 11pm every day.
6. Tukta Thai Food: This place is located at M.3 Koh Tao. It caters to customers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not a fancy place to take selfies but food is also amazing here. Exclusive Thai dishes with lots of options to choose from for vegans. The place has great value for money since you get a great meal at just Rs 500 for two persons.
Generally, Koh Tao is a safe place for tourists as well as natives. The transportation facilities are available till late at night. Almost all hotels and bars have courteous staff. However, a lot of responsibility lies upon the tourists as well. Alcohol triggers a lot of problems, so one must keep things under control. Women are safe here.
Koh Tao has everything you ask for. However, the prices of any article here is a bit higher as they are transported to the island from the mainland which involves storage costs as well.
Clothes and accessories: Koh Tao has endless shops of clothes and accessories. They are all located on the famous beaches like Sairee, Chalok Baan Kao and Mae Haad. Almost all the shops offer you good swimsuit options, while there are stores that provide branded and quality clothes. Some stuff by local designers could be tried here as well. Right from sarongs, shorts, tees, flip flops, bags, hats and beach games among other things are available for tourists.
Diving devices shop: Around three to four big stores are there in Mae Haad where you get excellent diving and snorkelling equipment. Here all merchandises are branded and acquired from authorised dealers. Therefore, your purchase is safe and guaranteed.
Supermarkets: The supermarkets in Koh Tao have various food articles like imported pasta, chips, spices, energy bars. Also, you get alcohol and tobacco here. Good skincare products such as tanning oil, coconut oil, after-sun lotion, sunscreen creams and insect repellents can be purchased from the supermarkets.
Fresh food: Koh Tao is a great place to buy fresh tropical fruits and vegetables that are available at roadside shacks. Imported meat, organic fruits and vegetables are also available at large stores.
It is indeed. With crazy places to party, binge-drink, dance and indulge in entertainment, Koh Tao offers everything to tourists who are looking forward to spending a great time with their family and friends. However, it is also a perfect place for couples who would like to spend some time on their own with quiet and lazy surroundings.
Koh Tao has endless options when it comes to bars. The finest array of imported wines and local energy potions have been keeping the tourists enchanted for years. Let’s talk about some of the best places to binge on here.
BND Beach Club: Located in Koh Phangan, this is a new place with a superb open terrace which is extremely breezy. The club is located on the main road. The place conducts regular events like Rock N Roll Sundays and Wine Down Wednesdays. It remains open every day from 4 pm to 2 am. You can get a drink for as low as 60 THB here.
Moov Bar: If you are looking for a place that offers great drinks and also some quality Latin music to tap your salsa boots in Koh Tao, then Moov Bar is the place to be. Located on Sairee beach, Moov Bar remains open from 9 am to 2 am every day. Great mix of live music rotating house DJs and satisfying bar menu make your nightlife in Koh Tao a fulfilling experience.
Banana Rock Bar: There are different kinds of tourists. If you happen to be one of those who don’t like the thumping music of bars, then hit this quiet and standalone bar off Sai Nuan beach. Made of bamboo and thatched wood, this place can be your personal paradise that offers an excellent view of the ocean. Don’t forget to taste the great beers. The place remains open till midnight. Around 200 THB is enough for two here.
Natural High: Located atop Chalok village, this place is all about relishing your favourite drinks and enjoying a spectacular view of the surroundings. Open-air tree houses, some exciting gaming options and great finger food and drinks are some of the best attractions of Natural High. The place remains open from 11 am till midnight. Shell out around 150 THB for a couple.
Fishbowl Beach Bar: This is one of the oldest bars of Koh Tao. It offers an exciting beachside location, great live music and all-night drink facility. Fire shows and nightly beer tournament are the best things to watch out for here. The place remains open from noon to 1.30 am. A night at the joint will cost around 300THB for two.
Taxi: Koh Tao is pretty resourceful when it comes to night transportation. You get cab services till late at night. They charge per person. You can also reserve a taxi if you are a couple.
Motorcycles and bikes on rent: Motorbikes are available here for 150 THB per day. Cycles are even cheaper. You can hire them for hourly basis as well.
Bus: Night buses are available to ferry to and from Koh Tao to different places.