UPDATED for 2019-20 Season
If you want nightlife and parties, then there is only one place to come on Koh Chang and that is Lonely Beach. Over time, with its backpacker reputation and cheap accommodation, it has developed into the centre of all things wild and wonderful once the sun goes down.
Different venues hold parties on different nights of the week, many throwing in a free bbq to entice you through the door, there are happy hours, happy moments and happy nights, buckets galore and lots of dancing.
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. 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 has improved over the years from when the same tape seemed to do the rounds at each place.
Look out too for Koh Chang’s answer to the mega Koh Phangan parties, The Winter Sensation festival which next year, 2020, is over two days, 14th and 15th February. It will be an all nighter with different stages, DJs coming in especially to play alongside the local ones and all in all, a terrific full-on event for the party crowd.
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!
Our Top Bars and Party Venues – Lonely Beach Nightlife
North to South
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.
Siam Huts
On the Beach
Backpacker resort, bar and restaurant just along from Nature, offering up regular parties (often on Tuesdays or Fridays). Guest dj’s, house music and techno. When it goes, it goes big, late and loud.
Cancun Bar
By the Sea
Located in the ongoing development at the southern end of the beach, seafront complex combining beach bar, pool table, fire shows with at least one big party per week.
Gu Bay Bar
Roadside, in the Village
Tiny intimate bar by the bridge run by San, a Lonely Beach party veteran. Usual cocktails, cold beers, great place to start the evening off before heading down Soi 1 or the beach for some dancing later.
Himmel Bar
Soi 1, in the Village
Down the first soi in the village, ever expanding buzzing venue now occupying both sides of the street, with all the huge variety of drinks, buckets, fire shows and tricks from the bar boys. Numerous party nights throughout the season.
Ting Tong Bar
Soi 1, in the Village
On the opposite side to Himmel a little further down the soi, very popular bar and party spot with resident and guest djs. Live music too with frequent visits from Bangkok bands. Goes very late as standard (04.00am) and all night on the big occasions.
Banana Leaf Bar
Soi 1, in the Village
Small laid back open air bar, just a little further down Soi 1, beer, cocktails, live music, reggae inspired, open mic sessions. Busy. An alternative to the larger venues.
Stone Free
Soi 2, in the Village
Down the second soi, ramshackle venue with lots of wooden tables and a hippy bluesy vibe. Live music from the Sticky Blues Band, full bar, older crowd. Linked to Thale Guesthouse.
Margaritaville
Main Street
Next door to BB Lonely Beach at the far end of the village, deservedly popular small bar, with good selection of cocktails and excellent food. Friendly atmosphere, fun vibe with great music mixed nightly. Parties during the season. Open from 17.00.
While specific to the Winter Sensation Festival, this video from January 2019 gives a good flavour of the big party atmosphere on Lonely Beach.
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