Nightlife on Koh Tao

Nightlife on Koh Tao: Your comprehensive guide to all the best Koh Tao parties and the general nightlife scene.

A few quick FAQs for those looking for the bare essentials about the Nightlife on Koh Tao scene:

1. Are there lots of bars and clubs on Koh Tao? Yes, and there’s plenty of variety to suit all preferences when it comes to music, DJs, and dancing.

2. Is Koh Tao a party island? Yes, but nightlife on Koh Tao isn’t always focused on hardcore partying. So there’s plenty to do for those looking for a more relaxed pace of life too.

3. Is there a full moon party on Koh Tao? No, but there are several alternatives – some of which many visitors tell us are better than the real thing!

And now for the longer version…

The Koh Tao nightlife scene is a big drawcard for many visitors. So, where are the best places to party? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. All of the party bars on Koh Tao have their own vibe. There are lots of entertainment options that include fire shows, live music, and DJs. Many are open daily, but others are only open on set nights or for organised party events. Here’s a full rundown of nightlife on Koh Tao to help you plan your party calendar.

The 5 Best Bars on Koh Tao to Party

If you’re just here for a few days, you’ll want to pack in as much as possible. So it helps to know what’s going on and when so you can plan your bucket-induced hangovers around your other holiday activities.

The Queen’s Cabaret

You’ve heard of that old saying ‘when in Rome’? In Italy, that might mean a trip to the Colosseum. But, in Thailand, it means taking in a cabaret show! A firm favourite on the Koh Tao party scene, nothing compares to the atmosphere at The Queen’s Cabaret. The venue is open every night from around 8 pm for ticket sales, with the show starting at 9.30 pm. Featuring a mix of fast, fun, and witty performances, no trip to the Queen’s Cabaret is ever boring. The dancers switch up the show each night. If you want to go again, you’ll see a different routine every time.

The Local

The Local has become one of the ‘must visit’ venues on the list of Koh Tao bars catering to a party crowd. Regular events include quiz night (weekly), Karaoke (2-3 times per week). There is Rock and Roll Bingo (weekly), and general party nights with DJs and live bands. Plus, the team arranges a heap of special events throughout the year on international days of celebration like Australia Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Independence Day, etc. Any excuse for a party on Koh Tao, and there’ll be something going on down at The Local!

Fishbowl

One of the original Koh Tao parties and still a reliable place for late-night fun and dancing. Fishbowl Beach Bar hosts live music most nights. When the sun goes down, the inside restaurant area becomes home to beer pong tables. There are also beanbags and Thai cushions down on the beach (at times of the year when the tide is low enough). Whilst seated there you can still enjoy the vibe while taking in the nightlife on Koh Tao in a more relaxed way!

Lotus Bar

One of Koh Tao’s original beach party venues, Lotus Bar opens for sunset and keeps the beats pumping through until the early hours. Drinks are available by the glass, by the bottle, or by the bucket, and after the sunset gazing is over, the evening fun begins! There’s a nightly fire show featuring some truly amazing skills by local artists, and guest participation is often permitted – and encouraged! A Koh Tao nightlife spectacle not to be missed!

Leo Evolution

Nightlife on Koh Tao takes on a whole different meaning at Leo Evolution. When you think of clubs on Koh Tao, most people imagine sandy beach bars or busy pub-style venues. But Leo is different. It’s the only traditional nightclub on the Koh Tao party scene. Fully air-conditioned inside, with a spacious outside courtyard and live music and DJs playing every night, this is where you come to party on Koh Tao if you’ve still got the energy for a few more drinks (or several buckets!) after all the other late-night venues have closed.

The 5 Best Bars Koh Tao Party Events

Koh Tao nightlife doesn’t stop at the regular bars, beach clubs, and pubs. As we mentioned earlier, there’s no Koh Tao full moon party. However, there are a few dedicated parties running anything from a few times a week to a few times a month that can rival our neighbours in Koh Phangan.

Koh Tao Pub Crawl

It’s impossible to fully embrace nightlife on Koh Tao without joining the pub crawl at least once! Koh Tao Pub Crawl runs four times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The meeting point is Choppers Bar in Sairee, with sign-up at 6pm. Attendance guarantees you an awesome night out, and you also get an official pub crawl t-shirt, a welcome bucket, special deals on selected drinks at every bar, and a discount card for use at participating businesses on the island.

Secret Party Koh Tao

Secret Party is an international brand with a permanent base here on the island. The team also runs parties worldwide at several satellite and ‘pop-up’ locations. The only Koh Tao nightlife event focussing solely on techno and house music, Secret Party takes place in the jungle at the old Koh Tao campsite grounds on the road to Tanote Bay. Advanced tickets are available online and can also be purchased from select bars around the island. Free taxi transfers are available at set times, departing from the Seven Eleven on the main road opposite Factory Cafe.