Lonely Beach nightlife brims with bars, parties and general decadence. If you want to dance or drink, then this is the place on Koh Chang to hit.
From its humble beginnings as a backpacker centre for cheap accommodation, it has developed into the centre of all things wild and wonderful once the sun goes down.
Not much of an excuse is needed for a party, an anniversary of when you opened seems a good start, but half moon, full moon, Christmas Eve, Valentines Day, New Year’s Eve, Thai New Year will see some pretty big bashes, where even the most churlish might find their feet tapping – the music (and DJs) have improved immeasurably over the last decade, with the days of seemingly just one tape doing the rounds, thankfully long gone.
Useful provisos for Lonely Beach nightlife are the buckets are strong, swimming when drunk is a worse mix than vodka and Red Bull and some things are still illegal even if you are only wearing flip flops. Have fun!
In the Village | LB Complex and on the Beach | Bands and Festivals | Recommended
In the Village
The main focus of Lonely Beach nightlife is up in the village at Soi 1, where the two bars and party venues, Himmel and Ting Tong, face each other about half day down. Assume happy hours, maybe an early evening fireshow, a loud constant beat and a very late night – Ting Tong usually goes all the way through till sunrise, as messy as you like. Further down, there is one other smaller choice, X Bar.
Just before those 3 venues, Moonshine paints a different picture alltogether – small outdoor terrace, glass fronted, stylish bar, live music and cocktails.
Over on the parallel street, Soi 2, you’ll find a bevvy of bars at the top end. The ramschackle Nhing’s Bar is a more of a traditional spot, with good music, pool table and fun vibes, whilst its next door neighbours Crazy Monkey and Mod provide very solid alternatives.
Still on the same soi, the guesthouse, Carpe Diem, shows lots of sports (Aussie in particular) in its bar and at the bottom, Roxy Bar at Warapura is a lovely ocean side spot to watch the sunset – low level tables, very relaxed.
Back on the main street and at the southern end, Bar Mow is an under-the-radar place with a loyal following and pool table. Meanwhile, Oasis, the traveller resort at the very top of the Soi 3, throws frequent afternoon pool parties during the season.
Look out too for Gu’s Bay Bar near the bridge, run by a Lonely Beach nightlife veteran, San.
LB Complex and On The Beach
Not the on the actual beach but in the LB Complex, the area between it and the village, you now have a good choice of bars.
The ever expanding Beautiful Bar is down on the seafront by the boat path and you can’t miss its near neighbour, Hansa, a lounge/cocktail bar housed in a specially built boat.
At the far end, Tchin Tchin sits by the water, its guesthouse behind. Rude Boy, next door, a reggae bar constructed out of recycled wood, offers a different laid back vibe.
Lonely Beach is not really a beer bar (with girls for ‘company’) kind of place but you can find a couple, Siam and Sunset along To The Beach Road which leads down to the above bars from the main road.
Finally, back up on the street just before the turning in to the complex, Dirt Bar is an old school Thai blues bar, live music most nights of the week.
On The Beach
On the actual beach, the northern end is home to some classic old school hang-outs at Lonely Beach Bar, Mimo Beach and Life’s a Beach. Great for a day chilling and for sunsets, look out too for happy hours of two drinks and a spliff.
Finally, in the centre of the beach, the resort and restaurant, Nature, has a full bar which gets going at sunset and carries on into the evening. Further to that, at various times of year, it will throw a decent enough party, with its New Year’s Eve bash in particular, now a Lonely Beach institution.
Bands and Festivals
Bands do come down from Bangkok, just keep your ear to the ground for all live music and guest DJ’s pop in and out throughout the season.
Recommended Bars and Party Venues – Lonely Beach Nightlife
North to South
Lonely Beach Bar
On the Beach
Classic beach bar playing cool sunset tunes to LB’s hip local crowd and tourists. Cocktails and cold beers, seating on the sand. Revolving roster of DJs, odd party and birthday celebrations. Great for sunsets, nice vibe. 12.00 to 20.30.
Nature Beach
On the Beach
Bang in the middle of Lonely Beach, resort, restaurant and bar by the sea, which throws large parties throughout the season. Normally the biggest draw on NYE with its huge stacks of speakers and dancing on the sand. Good sundowner spot too.
Ting Tong Bar
Soi 1, in the Village
On the opposite side to Himmel a little further down the soi, bar and party spot with resident and guest djs. Live music too from time to time from Bangkok bands. Goes very late as standard, a club like atmosphere…(’nuff said).
Nhings (Stone Free)
Soi 2, in the Village
Down the second soi, ramshackle venue with lots of wooden tables, pool table, good tunes. Nice old school atmosphere.
UPDATED April 26
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