Nightlife in Koh Samui

The area where you sleep determines almost entirely the kind of evening you will have, so it is the first decision worth making.

Chaweng, the lively centre

Chaweng is the longest and most visited beach on the island, and behind it is a main street with bars, clubs and restaurants. This is the area where most of the nightlife happens.

It suits anyone who wants to walk out of the hotel and come back late, and suits less anyone looking for quiet.

Lamai, more moderate

Lamai is the second largest beach, and it is a scaled-down version of Chaweng: there is nightlife, but less of it and at a more relaxed pace.

Many people choose it precisely because of that balance: not cut off, and not in the middle of the noise.

The fishing village in Bophut

Bophut is the other side of the island: one street along the sea with old wooden houses, restaurants and small bars, with no clubs.

On set days of the week an evening market opens along the street there. This is the evening that suits couples and families, and it is entirely different from Chaweng.

Parties on the neighbouring island

Koh Pha Ngan, opposite it, is where people go for the big parties: the Full Moon, the Half Moon and others. It is a short ferry ride from Koh Samui.

Many travellers sleep in Koh Samui and travel to the neighbouring island for one specific night. That can be arranged in advance, including the ferry and the transfer.

What is worth knowing in advance

The distance between Chaweng and Bophut is a short drive, but in the evening it costs money each way. It is worth deciding in advance what kind of evening interests you.

The party dates in Koh Pha Ngan are set by the lunar calendar and change from month to month. If that is part of the plan, it is worth checking the date before booking flights.

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