Koh Phangan Nightlife (The Best Parties & Bars)

Koh Phangan is most commonly known for its famous Full Moon Parties. The first full moon party was arranged by a small group of hippies back in 1985. However, now, the island attracts more than 10,000 visitors each month. The huge growth in tourism has resulted in the development of a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

If you’re coming to Koh Phangan solely for the nightlife, then make sure to stay at Haad Rin. Haad Rin hosts the largest selection of bars and nightclubs on the island.

There is more than just the full moon parties at Haad Rin. The area is what you would describe as ‘energetic’ and the go-to-place for cheap booze, lively atmosphere, and late-night partying.

We will be discussing all you need to know about the nightlife in Koh Phangan, and everything you can do during the nights in Koh Phangan.

Best Parties in Koh Phangan (Besides Full Moon Party)

Besides the full moon party, Koh Phangan has a bunch of other large festivals that take place throughout the island. If you are a party enthusiast, then here are some other parties to consider checking out on your nightly adventures.

Waterfall Party

The Waterfall Party takes place each month, every two days before and after a full moon party. Located in the deep jungle of Ban Tai, the waterfall party is a night you certainly won’t forget. Surrounded by waterfalls, incredible rock formations, and thick jungle, this outdoor dance club provides an entirely unique party experience.

The music ranges from Techno House to Electro and hosts some of the best international and local DJ’s the planet has to offer. Although there aren’t nearly as many partygoers as the full moon party, some people consider the waterfall party to be an overall better nightlife experience.

5 Best Nightclubs In Koh Phangan

INFINITY BEACH CLUB

Where: 17/3 Moo 4 Baan Tai, 84280, Koh Phangan

When: Mon – Sun, 10am – 12am.

infinity beach club Koh phangan

Located right along the beachfront, the Infinity Beach Club is among the most popular hangouts on Koh Phangan. The resort features a large outdoor pool, two restaurants, a rooftop terrace, and a fantastic bar.

You will find many welcoming tourists lounging and relaxing in and around the poolside, socialising with one another. Happy hour is between 5 pm and 6 pm, so make sure to arrive between then to take full advantage of the discounts. The club opens until late, with local DJ’s playing from sunset until 1 am.

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LOI LAY FLOATING BAR

Where: 62/1, Moo 1, Ban Tai, Koh phangan

When: Sundays, 9pm – 6am.

Loi Lay floating bar

An all-night rave on an incredible floating platform. Loi Lay (which means “floating” in English) is a gigantic, sheltered, floating platform, in the middle of the ocean blasting out huge tunes until the early hours of the morning. 

The entrance fee is 350 baht, or free if you arrive before 10pm. Usually, the bar tends to be busy and they always seem to deliver a great lineup of DJ’s that never fail to disappoint. 

MERKABA BEACH CLUB

Where: Haad Rin, Ko Pha Ngan 84280

Merkaba Beach club

Merkaba is located in the heart of Haad Rin, right alongside the beach. The club features one of the best sound systems on the island, a huge dance floor, soothing ambiance, beautiful views, and a comfortable lounge area. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to dance the night away, then don’t miss Merkaba Beach club. The drinks are affordable and the vibe is pleasant – the perfect mix for a great night out. 

PIRATES BAR

Where: 81 Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

When: Everyday 11am – 12am

pirates bar koh phangan

Pirates bar is the perfect place for drinking rum, dancing, and partying the night away. The bar serves a great selection of drinks; including cocktails for only 150 baht. The venue is located on the beach and hosts a laid back seating area with placed cushions on the floor.

Pirates bar is a beautiful place, not only for parties, but also to watch the sunsets. The setting here is truly stunning, The atmosphere is great, and the staff are really friendly and welcoming.

FULL MOON PARTIES

Where: Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan

When: Once a month

full moon parties koh phangan

Saving the best for last, the full moon parties and other moon parties. Koh Phangan is infamous all around the world for its full moon parties, first celebrated in 1985 by a bunch of hippies. Nowadays, between 10,000 – 30,000 people come here to partake in the festivities and dance all night long.

If you’re coming to enjoy the party, make sure to book your accommodation in advance as rooms tend to fill up quickly around the dates of the full moon party.

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Things to do if you don’t want to party on Koh Phangan 

If you’re looking for an alternative to the party scene, then there are still plenty of exciting things to do on Koh Phangan. We have lived on the island for the past year, and can safely say that the island has plenty more to offer than the wild parties. 

So without further ado, here are 4 things you can do on Koh Phangan besides from partying…

Thong Sala Walking Street Market

thong sala night market

Thong Sala Street Market is open every night from 4pm to 10pm. Whether you’re looking to experience the island’s culture, or simply looking for a cheap place to eat, then don’t miss Thong Sala night market.

From steaming bowls of pad thai to fried scorpions, the night market is a foodie paradise.

Watch The Sunset At Amsterdam Bar

What better way to finish the evening than enjoying a beautiful sunset? There are many places to watch the sunset, but we found one of the best places was the Amsterdam Bar. You can grab yourself a sweet cocktail to sip on, whilst enjoying the breathtaking-sunset displaying colors in the sky that don’t usually belong. They usually have a local DJ playing, and there is always a great bunch of fascinating people around.

Take a stroll along the beach 

Koh Phangan nightlife

An obvious choice, but why not take a stroll along the beach? Koh Phangan is home to some of the most stunning beaches in all of Thailand – and guess what? They can be just as enjoyable (if not more enjoyable) at night time.

Peer up at the gleaming stars, you may even see a shooting star. You will see people wandering in the shallows, looking for crabs and other sea-creatures to cook for dinner.

Dining at a new restaurant

milky bay resort

Try checking out a new restaurant that you haven’t been to yet. Luckily, there are many restaurants on the island to help satisfy your appetite.

A personal favorite of ours is Milky Bay Resort. The prices are affordable and the service is second to none. They have an excellent choice of grill food available, such as fresh fish, meat, sausages, and vegetables. We strongly recommend this place if you’re looking for a good, on the beach, dining experience.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers