Yes, people head to Thailand for a cultural experience and to see the spectacular scenery and one-of-a-kind attractions. But people also visit for a great party.
In fact, travellers flock to Thailand’s party towns to sip from one of the bucket cocktails, wave around a glow stick and dance on the beach until the sun rises. The country makes even the worst of hangovers a bit better.
So, here’s a roundup of the best Thailand has to offer. Try them all if you’re up for it.
Phuket
Centred around Patong Beach, Phuket has all the bars, pubs and clubs you’d want – whether you’re after a cheap beer or a more refined cocktail in an amazing setting.
There’s enough nightlife to keep you entertained for your whole visit – whether that’s days, weeks or even months. Some of the more popular bars are the Aussie Bar, Molly Malone’s (an Irish bar) and Saxophone Pub and Restaurant. For clubs, try out the Banana Disco or Seduction Club.
You don’t even have to go into a bar to soak up the atmosphere. You can grab a beer from one of the many street sellers and join the other travellers on the beach.
Haad Rin
Home to Thailand’s famous full moon party, Haad Rin is actually in a perpetual state of party no matter what the moon phase is.
You can join the chaos by taking an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to the town of Surat Thani. It’s then a four-hour ferry to the island of Koh Phangan, home of Haad Rin. Most people on the ferry will be heading to the party town, so you can probably share a ride to the southern tip of the island.
According to the Secret Traveller, people generally go nuts at a full moon party, so pay heed to these top tips for surviving: avoid the sea, plan travel back to accommodation ahead of time and don’t take more money than you’re willing to spend.
Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi islands boast loads of beautiful beaches – one of them being Maya Beach, where they filmed The Beach, starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. What’s not to love about being able to visit there? Well, Koh Phi Phi can be one of the most expensive places in Thailand. So make sure you scope out the best deals for drinks.
However, after you’ve scorched your skin and liver you may want to pay for slightly nicer accommodation to relax in.
You could also try out the famous Captain Bob’s sailing booze cruise, seeing some of the best sites – Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Loh Samah, Wang Long Cove, and Pi-Leh Bay – whilst drinking unlimited beer. The reviews speak for themselves, so check them out if you’re interested.
Koh Samui
Playing host to a great choice of nightlife options, Koh Samui’s Chaweng is still the best place to be on the island. Koh Samui is getting increasingly expensive, though, as a crop of luxury resorts spring up. For example, Woo Bar and its infinity pool provide a great backdrop for a fancy cocktail – you’ll obviously be paying more than you did for a bucket off a street vendor, though.
Music only really goes on here until 11 too. So if you’re after the type of party Thailand is more renowned for, stick closer to Chaweng’s Green Mango Road. A great club to try is Solo, where you can see DJs from around the world.
Koh Chang
Is the thought of all this partying tiring you out? Koh Chang could be for you. It’s a bit of a “lower-key party destination,” says the Gap Year Escape. Think more along the lines of chilling on the beach with a few mates and drinks, rather than crowds and gallons of alcohol.
Do you have great memories from one of Thailand’s many party towns? Let us know.
