Surat Thani is Thailand's largest southern province, renowned as the gateway to world-famous Gulf islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The province combines pristine island beaches, the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, making it one of Thailand's most diverse destinations.
Surat Thani province offers one of Thailand's most diverse nightlife experiences, from the world-famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan to the buzzing beach clubs of Chaweng on Koh Samui, and the relaxed fire show bars of Koh Tao. The provincial capital has a quieter but authentic local bar scene along the Tapee River.
Extremely varied — from one of the world's biggest beach parties (Full Moon Party) to sophisticated rooftop cocktail bars, fire shows on the beach, and relaxed island bars. Every type of nightlife traveler will find their scene.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Chaweng, Koh Samui
The main strip along Chaweng Beach Road is lined with bars, clubs, cabaret shows, and night markets. Green Mango Club and ARQ (formerly SNSP) are Chaweng's most famous nightclubs.
Best for: Party travelers, beach club lovers, and those who want a busy, lively night out
Haad Rin, Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party)
Haad Rin Nok Beach transforms monthly into the world's most famous beach party, with multiple stages, UV paint, fire shows, and thousands of revelers from around the world.
Best for: Backpackers and party travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime event
Lamai, Koh Samui
Lamai's nightlife is more relaxed than Chaweng with a mix of beach bars, sports bars, and live music venues. Good option for those who want atmosphere without the intensity.
Best for: Independent travelers and those who prefer a calmer night out
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
Koh Tao's main beach strip has an easy-going bar scene with fire shows, live reggae music, and dive crew socializing. Maya Beach Club and Lotus Bar are popular venues.
Best for: Divers, backpackers, and those who want a chilled beachside night
Bophut / Fisherman's Village, Koh Samui
Bophut has a more refined evening scene with boutique cocktail bars, wine bars, and excellent restaurants. The Anchor Bar and Chaweng's rooftop bars attract a more mature crowd.
Best for: Couples, older travelers, and those seeking quality cocktails over clubs
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Green Mango Club
The original party institution of Koh Samui's Chaweng strip, Green Mango draws a young international crowd with its large dancefloor, resident and visiting DJs, and all-night energy.
Known for: Indoor club with massive sound system — Chaweng's most famous nightclub
ARQ Beach Club (formerly SNSP)
Koh Samui's most stylish beach club in Chaweng offers pool parties, international DJs, and an upscale crowd. Daytime poolside vibes transition to evening club nights.
Known for: Daytime and evening beach club on Chaweng with pool parties
Cactus Bar (Haad Rin, Koh Phangan)
One of the most famous bars on Koh Phangan, Cactus is the starting point for most Full Moon Party evenings, with cheap buckets, fire shows, and a legendary atmosphere.
Known for: Iconic Full Moon Party starter bar directly on Haad Rin beach
Woobar at W Koh Samui
W Koh Samui's WOOBAR is the most stylish cocktail venue on the island's north coast, with creative cocktails, ambient music, and a chic crowd.
Known for: Sophisticated hotel cocktail bar overlooking the sea
Lotus Bar (Koh Tao)
A legendary Koh Tao institution, Lotus Bar draws divers and backpackers with nightly fire shows, cheap buckets, and an incredibly social atmosphere.
Known for: Fire shows and nightly entertainment on Sairee Beach
The Anchor Bar (Bophut, Koh Samui)
A charming cocktail bar in Bophut's Fisherman's Village, The Anchor attracts a local expat and discerning traveler crowd with excellent drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
Known for: Stylish small bar in Fisherman's Village
Salsa Bar (Lamai, Koh Samui)
A vibrant bar in Lamai known for live music, salsa dancing nights, and a lively international crowd. Great for those wanting to dance without the intensity of Chaweng clubs.
Known for: Latin music and dancing in Lamai
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Green Mango
Koh Samui's most famous club, pumping commercial house and EDM to a young international crowd on the Chaweng strip
Cover: 200-400 THB (higher on special nights)
Hours: 10PM-2AM (later on special nights)
Club Sanook (Chaweng)
Lively nightclub popular with both Thai and foreign party-goers, with cheap drinks and a high-energy atmosphere
Cover: 100-200 THB
Hours: 9PM-2AM
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party (Haad Rin)
The world-famous monthly beach party on Haad Rin Nok Beach — multiple stages, UV body paint, fire shows, and up to 20,000 revelers
Cover: 100-150 THB wristband
Hours: 9PM-dawn
Maya Beach Club (Koh Tao)
Koh Tao's most upscale nightlife option, with a pool, international DJs on weekends, and a more sophisticated crowd than the typical backpacker bars
Cover: Free most nights
Hours: 7PM-2AM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
Live reggae and acoustic music at many bars on Koh Tao (Sairee Beach). Jazz nights at select Koh Samui resort restaurants on weekends.
Late dining
Several Chaweng and Lamai restaurants serve until midnight. Ton Po Alley in Surat Thani City serves until 11PM.
Shisha
Shisha available at several bars on Koh Samui's Chaweng strip and in Surat Thani City's Middle Eastern restaurants
Rooftop
Rooftop bars at Three Sixty Bar (Koh Tao), Jungle Club (Koh Samui), and resort hotel bars on Koh Samui north coast
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Check Full Moon Party dates before booking — they move with the lunar calendar and affect all Koh Phangan accommodation prices
On Full Moon Party nights, store all valuables in hotel safe — do not bring phones or cameras to the beach party
Buckets (shared cocktail buckets) are popular but strong — pace yourself especially in the heat
Alcohol cannot be purchased on Buddhist holy days (Wan Phra) — plan accordingly
Night songthaews on Koh Samui are available to midnight; arrange with your hotel for late-night returns
Fire show bars on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are free to watch — no obligation to buy anything