The 10 Best Bars in Koh Lanta, Thailand

Located in the southern part of Koh Lanta Yai, Why Not Bar is a chilled-out and laid-back beach bar. Located next to the beachfront, seating is on comfy floor cushions on colourful rugs. The members of staff are outgoing and friendly and you may find that you’ve spent several hours here chatting and drinking without realising how much time has passed. Rock music plays in the daytime and there’s often a guitar playing in the evening. As the night rolls on, it’s common to see impressive and dazzling fire shows on the sands.

A cool beach bar in Klong Khong, Freedom Bar is popular for its delicious cocktails, amazing fire shows, and laid-back vibe. There are sometimes party nights (usually on Saturdays) with loud music and lots of revelry. At other times, you can sink into a comfortable seat or laze in a hammock to listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean and admire the views. The bar is a great vantage point from which to watch the sunset, too.

Situated next to Phra Ae Beach (also known as Long Beach), Funky Monkey is one of the biggest bars in Koh Lanta. Eclectic and eye-catching designs make it a bit different to other beach bars and you can enjoy karaoke, live music, and a fun vibe. The bar serves an array of cocktails, beers, and spirits, and if you’re feeling hungry there’s a good selection of Western favourites to sink your teeth into. Visit at happy hour for cheaper drinks.

Majestic Bar is one of Koh Lanta’s beach bars in Klong Nin, an area known for great restaurants and bars, and fabulous views of the sunset. You can sit inside the open-fronted bar or take a seat right on the sands. Service is good and the bar sells a selection of drinks and food. Many visitors rank it among their favourite bars in Thailand, not just a top spot on Koh Lanta. Plenty of bare wood give it a rustic appeal, and there are lanterns, fairy lights, and flags for bold splashes of colour.

If you love to spend your evenings with reggae tunes and a mellow vibe, head to Koh Lanta’s Rasty Baby Bar. As you may expect, large Rastafarian flags of red, green, and gold hang from beams, and the walls are adorned with images of Bob Marley. The bar serves a selection of food, like falafel and tofu, to enjoy with your drinks. Grab an ice bucket to keep your beers nice and cold. The beachside location provides great views. You’ll sometimes find live music in the evenings. There’s an attached shop that sells handmade and unique clothing too.

Koh Lanta’s Mong Bar offers a change from the island’s many beach bars; it’s located away from the main road and has a more jungle-like vibe. Although surrounded by trees, it’s well sign-posted and easy to find. The bar serves a variety of drinks and meals, and past guests report having been able to buy “special” items that are perhaps best avoided in Thailand! The music is varied and the vibe is chilled.

For fantastic house and electronic music, Pangea Beach Bar is difficult to beat. Close to the sands of Phra Ae Beach, it’s a lively spot come evening time, with loud music, great cocktails, and friendly staff members. During the daytime, the fruit shakes are a perfect thirst-quencher amid the sunshine. You can also order a selection of Thai food. There’s a large covered seating area as well as small, intimate and private fenced-in tables and benches with parasols right on the beach.

In the southern part of the island, in Kantiang village, The Bad Penny is a cosy and comfortable bar. The inside is arty and quirky, with decorated chalkboards for a personal touch. It’s a top place for watching a range of sports on the TVs while chatting with friends and sipping a drink. The small bar attracts a friendly crowd of locals and expats and the staff are welcoming too. It’s easy to get chatting with others and trade travelling tales.

A cool place both by day and by night, you’ll find the relaxed Big Bang Bar at Klong Nin Beach. There’s a happy hour (for three hours!) every evening, helping you to keep costs down, and you can also enjoy a sumptuous seafood BBQ, witness stunning sunsets, and watch exciting fire shows. The friendly team mix cocktails with gusto, and there’s a good choice of other drinks too. The air is casual and relaxed and the setting can be really romantic if you’re with your significant other.