Most of Koh Chang's nightlife happens on Lonely Beach, the island's party beach. Here is what to expect, when it is busiest and how to enjoy it without losing your sleep.
Most of Koh Chang's nightlife is on Lonely Beach, the island's party beach. Expect bars, reggae and live music, beach bars with cushions on the sand and late-night food, all close together. The mood is friendly and easy-going, and it is busiest in the high season from November to March.
We write this from our deck just south of the main beach, so this note is about Lonely Beach and its surroundings. We would rather tell you what we know than guess about the rest of the island.
What the evenings are like
When the sun goes down, Lonely Beach turns up the music. The name always gets a laugh, because after dark it is anything but lonely. Backpackers, families and long-stayers all end up here, and the evening usually follows the same loose pattern: sunset, dinner, then a drink somewhere with music.
You will find:
- Reggae and live music bars along the strip.
- Beach bars with cushions on the sand, where you can sit with your feet in the sand and a cold drink.
- Late-night food within walking distance, so a second dinner is never a problem.
On busy nights the music goes on until late. Nobody minds if you dance, and nobody minds if you just watch from a cushion.
When it is busiest
The high season, from November to March, is when Lonely Beach is liveliest. December and January are the busiest months on the island, so if you want the full party atmosphere, that is when to come.
In the green season, roughly June to September, the island is the quietest it gets. October is quiet too, with the rain gradually easing. Today is the end of October, and from here the island starts to fill up again as November arrives, so evenings are likely to get livelier week by week.
If you prefer a calm bar and a table to yourself, the quiet months suit you. If you want a crowd, plan for the dry season and book early, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Before the music starts
The west coast faces the open sea, so the evening starts with the sunset. On Lonely Beach the sun sets at around 18:00 at this time of year, and it is worth being in your seat twenty minutes early. Every bar on the water faces it, so you will not have to try hard.
Then eat. The main road is lined with Thai kitchens, street food, cafes and international restaurants. Classics worth ordering anywhere are green curry, pad thai, a fresh fruit shake and mango sticky rice. Our food guide has more on what to order.
At Paradise Cottage, the restaurant serves Thai and international dishes, and cocktails appear on the deck as the sun drops. Plenty of guests have one here, then stroll up the road.
Getting home safely
A few honest points, because a good night out should end with a good night's sleep.
- Walk if you can. The bars are close enough to walk, and the walk home along the road is short.
- Shared songthaew taxis run along the main road. Flag one down and agree the price before you get in.
- Think twice about a motorbike. The hills between Lonely Beach and Kai Bae are steep with tight bends. Ride only if you are experienced, always wear a helmet and make sure your licence and insurance cover you. Our motorbike guide explains whether you need one at all.
- Never swim after a few drinks. From around June to October the waves pick up and currents can be strong, and the sea is not a place to test yourself in the dark.
- Carry some cash for songthaews and street food.
- Use repellent at dusk, especially in the green season, and cover up when you leave the beach.
The resort team can also arrange taxis if you would rather not negotiate on the road.
Where to stay for the noise level you want
This is the question that matters most if you are choosing a base. Paradise Cottage sits on the water just south of the main beach, within walking distance of the nightlife but not right next door. You can walk to the bars and walk home, and the sound you fall asleep to is the sea.
There is a trade-off, and we would rather you heard it from us. The shoreline directly in front of the resort is rocky, which makes it quiet and perfect for sunsets, not for paddling. The sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk. We have a pool on the deck above the sea for swimming.
If you want to be in the middle of everything, you will find that elsewhere along the strip. If you want a night out and a calm bed, this stretch of coast suits that well. More about the area is in Lonely Beach, honestly.
Tell us when you message the team on WhatsApp. We can talk through which bungalow suits you and what the evenings are like at the time of year you are coming.
If you want a quieter evening
Lonely Beach does not have to mean a late night. Bailan Bay, just south of Lonely Beach, is the calm neighbour: a rocky bay with a slower, wellness-minded feel, cafes and yoga. It is a short ride away and a good counterpoint to a night out.
On the deck, you can book a massage, lie in a hammock and watch the longtail boats go dark against the afterglow. BB Gym in Lonely Beach runs yoga at 10:00 and 18:30 each day, which is a gentle way to start or end a day after a lively night. And if you want ideas for slowing down on purpose, try our slow living guide.
Most guests do a bit of both: one night with live music, the next with dinner and an early night. The island lets you choose.
Quick answers
Where is the nightlife on Koh Chang?
Lonely Beach is the island's party beach, with reggae and live music bars, beach bars with cushions on the sand and late-night food within walking distance of each other.
When is Koh Chang nightlife busiest?
The high season from November to March is the busiest, with December and January the peak. June to October is much quieter.
Is Lonely Beach too loud to sleep?
It can be lively after dark, but you can stay a little away from the centre. Paradise Cottage is within walking distance of the bars without being right next door, so the sea is what you hear at night.
How do I get home after a night out on Lonely Beach?
Many people walk, as the bars are close together. Shared songthaew taxis run along the main road, so agree the price before you get in. The resort can also arrange a taxi, and we advise against riding a motorbike after drinking, as the hills are steep with tight bends.
