01 March 2024

Planning a stay on one or more of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and looking for the best nights out? From laid-back bars with sunset views to beach clubs featuring fire shows and festivals, plus nightclubs—here are the best places to party in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

Where to Party in Koh Phangan?

Most bars, clubs and beach clubs are concentrated around Haad Rin and Ban Tai in the south of Koh Phangan. It's on Haad Rin beach that Thailand's most famous night out takes place: the Full Moon Party. Its success has sparked a multitude of parties and festivals across the entire island.

The Legendary Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach

The Full Moon Party is THE most famous night out in Thailand. Launched in the mid-1980s, it takes place monthly on the night of the full moon on Haad Rin beach. Thousands of tourists from around the world come to party with their feet in the sand. Countless bars lined side by side feature DJ sets spinning House music.

On the occasion, tattoo and makeup stands offer revelers fluorescent colours, and numerous activities like fire shows take place along the length of the beach. It's the ideal spot if you love dancing until dawn, but worth avoiding if you dislike crowds or aren't keen on commercial music.

Find all upcoming Full Moon Party dates.

Other Parties and Festivals in Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Party's success has led to many other nights organized across the island. Here are the main ones:

The Half Moon Festival

The Half Moon Festival takes place twice a month, during the waxing and waning moon. Organized in the jungle of Ban Tai, this festival hosts international DJs offering a relatively varied music scene: a techno, psytrance and progressive techno stage, a house stage, and a hip hop and R&B stage. Due to costs significantly higher than the Full Moon Party, the festival tends to attract fewer backpackers. The décor is far more impressive and live artistic performances take place.

Find upcoming Half Moon Festival dates.

Jungle Experience

As its name suggests, Jungle Experience is a night organized in the jungle near Ban Tai. It takes place the day before each Full Moon Party and features a music scene focused mainly on house, progressive house and techno. Again, the décor is stunning.

Find upcoming Jungle Experience dates.

Waterfall Party

Once again, this night unfolds in the jungle of Ban Tai, in an enchanting setting surrounded by waterfalls. It takes place twice a month: 2 days before and 2 days after the Full Moon Party. DJs mainly spin minimal, tech house, deep house, techno and progressive.

Find upcoming Waterfall Party dates.

Lost Paradise

This is one of the newest nights created on Koh Phangan. Unlike the previous ones, it takes place on the secluded Haad Yao beach on the east side of the island (not to be confused with the beach of the same name on the island's west side). Access is only by boat, trek or 4x4. This is the night to choose if you want to venture off the beaten path, party in a more intimate setting to underground music, far from "commercial" nights.

Find upcoming Lost Paradise dates.

Good to Know

Party and festival dates can sometimes be shifted one or two days during "Buddha Days" when alcohol is prohibited.

Where to Party in Koh Samui?

While Koh Phangan is known worldwide for its legendary Full Moon Party, Koh Samui island is equally renowned for its lively nightlife. It's particularly on Chaweng Beach on the east coast where you'll find the most parties, bars, beach clubs and nightclubs, with DJs from around the world performing regularly.

Slightly south of Chaweng, Lamai beach also has a high concentration of bars and nightclubs. Finally, if you're looking for a place to party in a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere, we recommend heading to the north coast of the island, to Bophut.

A few addresses for partying in Koh Samui:

ARKbar Beach Club - Chaweng Beach

ARKbar Beach Club is a hotel with a beach club on Chaweng beach. International DJs play music around the pool during the day and on the beach in the evening, accompanied by fire shows and dance performances.

The Green Mango Club - Chaweng

Located on Chaweng's main street, The Green Mango Club is one of the oldest and most legendary nightclubs on Koh Samui. With a capacity of 1,300 people, the venue has two rooms and offers different music styles: pop, R&B, house, EDM...

RockBar Koh Samui – Lamai Beach

RockBar Koh Samui is a beach bar on Lamai beach. Made from bamboo and recycled materials, this charming bar offers stunning sea views and an ultra-relaxed atmosphere. Reggae concerts are often organized here. It's the spot to hit when starting your evening.

Coco Tam's - Bophut

Coco Tam's is a bar-restaurant in Bophut. With poufs and swings at the bar, the place is ideal for sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset. On weekends, the bar organizes a few fire shows.

Nikki Beach Club – Lipa Noi

Looking for a chic and trendy beach bar? Head to Lipa Noi on Koh Samui's west coast to Nikki Beach Club. Renowned for its glamorous atmosphere and delicious cocktails, this resort features one of the island's most luxurious beach clubs. Evenings with international DJs and musicians are regularly organized.

How to Get to the Full Moon Party from Koh Samui?

If you're in Koh Samui and want to experience the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, you can take the Haad Rin Queen ferry departing from the Big Buddha pier in Bophut. It's also possible to purchase a round-trip package with hotel pickup.

Where to Party in Koh Tao?

Where to Party in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao?

While the island is less festive than its neighbors, Koh Tao has several spots where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere. Most nights out are held in bars and clubs on Sairee beach on the island's west side. This is also where you'll find DJ nights.

A few addresses for partying in Koh Tao:

Fizz Beachlounge - Sairee Beach

Fizz Beachlounge is the ideal spot for a cocktail at sunset and to ease into the evening in a relaxed vibe. The bar regularly hosts DJ nights.

Maya Beach Club – Sairee Beach

Maya Beach Club is a beach bar on Sairee beach. With a stage on the beach, you can dance barefoot in the sand facing the DJ. Music styles vary: from reggae to disco via funk, electro and hip hop.

Lotus Beach Bar - Sairee Beach

Lotus Beach Bar is one of the other must-visit bars on Sairee beach. We love it for its hassle-free, relaxed vibe. The bar is also renowned for its nightly fire shows on the beach with a live DJ.

A Word of Caution

Take care of yourself and drink responsibly. Scooter accidents are very common in Thailand, so never ride if you've been drinking and opt for a taxi ride home instead!

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to explore the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. For her, traveling isn't about checking countries off a map, but weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, cultural respect, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the course of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly hear…