Thailand party islands
A little fun never hurt anyone – but the more fun, the merrier. This one is for all the hardcore party animals out there who dream of getting away from the same old clubbing scene in Bangkok.
Here’s a list of 7 party islands in Thailand with breathtaking views and wild festivities to have the most stress-free getaway.
Note: November to April is the best time to visit the beaches on the Andaman Sea (West), while April to November is good for those along the Gulf of Thailand (East).
Contents
- 1 Thailand party islands
- 1.1 1. Koh Phangan – home of the OG Full Moon Party
- 1.2 2. Koh Samet – Thailand’s unofficial gay party island
- 1.3 3. Koh Phi Phi – island hopping with pristine blue waters
- 1.4 4. Koh Lipe – isolated island to party in style
- 1.5 5. Koh Lanta – sightseeing opportunities in the old town
- 1.6 6. Koh Samui – chill beachside vibes
- 1.7 7. Koh Lan – perfect for private parties
- 1.8 Let loose at Thailand’s scenic party islands
1. Koh Phangan – home of the OG Full Moon Party
Image credit: @ninew_9999
We have to start the list with the one and only legendary Full Moon Party island, Koh Phangan, which is located in the Surat Thani province. The party has grown from a small hipster get-together in the 80s to an international phenomenon.
Temporary neon tattoo parlours to go all out
Image credit: Home Is Where Your Bag Is
As its name suggests, the party is held on the night of the full moon each month. Party goers from all corners of the world come together to celebrate until dawn on Had Rin beach. The entire crowd is highly energetic, with drinking and dancing happening everywhere on the beach. The music here is mostly EDM, like techno and trance.
Note: There is a ฿100 (~USD3.27) entrance fee for the party. Look up the Full Moon schedule so you won’t miss the dates!
Waterfall Party
Image credit: superblindados
But don’t worry if you can’t make it in time for the full moon – Koh Phangan hosts several other festivals annually, on different spots across the island. This includes the Half Moon Festival, Jungle Experience, and Waterfall Party.
Don’t be afraid of breaking the bank here either. Food and accommodation is relatively affordable, especially if you book a hostel and eat at cheap street-side stalls.
Koh Phangan
Location: Surat Thani province (Gulf of Thailand)
How to get there: Fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani and take a ~3-hour ferry ride. Or, fly to Koh Samui and take a 30-minute boat ride to Koh Phangan.
2. Koh Samet – Thailand’s unofficial gay party island
Image credit: Nemo Guides
It’s almost impossible not to have a “gay island” in Thailand. Koh Samet might not be officially known as such, but it has been the destination for many gay travellers for a long time, who enjoy visiting Ao Phai beach. It’s also known for hosting many weekend parties for visitors to let loose.
Also, the island is convenient to get to – it’s just 2.5 hours by car from Bangkok to its pier, where you can take a 1-hour boat ride to the island.
There are 2 famous bars that people often pay a visit when here: Naga Bar and Silversand Bar. Both are beachfront bars – Naga offers more Full Moon Party-esque vibes with neon decorations, while Silversand has a more chill feel to it.
Naga Bar
Image credit: @iiinampueng
The famous fire show that happens at Koh Samet – don’t miss it out when here
Image credit: @angeldelolmo
Koh Samet is not crowded over the weekdays, so it’s great for a family get together or for couples to spend some quality time together. There are activities to do around the island such as snorkelling at beaches like Ao Pakarang, where you’ll find gorgeous white sand and clear waters to explore.
Ao Pakarang
Image credit: @luaraks
Koh Samet
Location: Rayong province (Gulf of Thailand)
How to get there: Take a van from Eastern Bus Terminal near Ekkamai BTS station to Ban Phe, Rayong province and take a 1-hour boat ride to Koh Samet.
3. Koh Phi Phi – island hopping with pristine blue waters
Image credit: @geyolodyi
Koh Phi Phi is one place most island-enthusiasts must have heard of. Situated along the Andaman Sea, this picture-perfect island is known for its blue-green waters and soft white sand – aka, pure bliss.
Besides the beautiful scenery, Koh Phi Phi also offers an exciting nightlife scene that will enhance your night outs when here.
Start your night at Reggae Bar, a sports bar which has nothing to actually do with the genre. But don’t be fooled – this isn’t any old boring sports bar with pool tables and television screens. This place has a big boxing ring right in the middle which often hosts Muay Thai matches.
Pick your fight at Reggae Bar
Images adapted from: @mtbonez, @sarangkaan
The real fun in this is that you can volunteer yourself to take part in matches against other bar-goers. The winner gets a free bucket of drinks, so fair game I guess!
Image credit: @sidbeck
If sports ain’t your strong suit, get amazed at Slinky Bar where they have a daredevil-esque fire show. The stunts here are more thrilling and exciting than other typical fire shows.
Koh Phi Phi
Location: Krabi province (Andaman Sea)
How to get there: Fly from Bangkok to Krabi airport and take a 90-minute boat trip to the islands
4. Koh Lipe – isolated island to party in style
The shores of Koh Lipe are to die for
Drinking on the beach doesn’t have to be in a rustic shack or wooden hut – we’re thinking modern beach clubs where you can party in style.
Image credit: @artbeachclub.lipe
With that said, Koh Lipe’s Art Beach Club is the place to be when here. It’s got a huge area with comfy bean bags and a party pool. Dance the night away in the water for a more unique clubbing experience – there’s a DJ booth spinning hot tracks while you’re at it too.
Image credit: @doubletroublejuly
For the after party chill days, head over to Sea La View Beach Bar, that’s got an artsy boho vibe to it.
Find out more things to do in Koh Lipe in our article here!
Koh Lipe
Location: Satun province (Andaman sea)
How to get there: Catch a flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai, then travel by van from Hat Yai to Pak Bara pier in Satun. From the pier, take a boat to Koh Lipe which will take around 1.5 hours.
5. Koh Lanta – sightseeing opportunities in the old town
Koh Lanta is an island on along the Andaman Coast that offers picturesque views and peaceful vibes for anyone who visits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t turn it up either. What we like about Koh Lanta is that it isn’t as crazy or wild like some of the more popular party islands out there.
Image credit: The Ozone Bar – Koh Lanta
Once night falls, visit their many local bars like The Ozone, which has tall hut-style roofs and a big circular dance floor with lights and lasers for you to go dance the night away.
Image credit: The Ozone Bar – Koh Lanta
This bar also hosts beach parties, aptly known as The Ozone Party, every Thursday night from 10pm. Expect live DJs and pumping house music when here! For more information, keep up with them on Facebook here.
Image credit: all4desktop
Come day time, cure your post party blues by exploring the island to soak in the sun. Of course, you can go diving and snorkelling, but if you really want to experience Koh Lanta in a more authentic way, take a long tail boat tour for a sightseeing trip on the sea to visit its surrounding islands. For more information, click here.
Koh Lanta
Location: Krabi province (Andaman Sea)
How to get there: Fly to Krabi airport and catch a ferry to the island which will take around 30-40 minutes
6. Koh Samui – chill beachside vibes
Situated right by Koh Phangan is Koh Samui, also known to locals as the city island. It’s got a wide variety of bars and pubs, so expect to be spoilt for choice when here.
Image credit: @natty_gallery
One bar that stands out is CoCo Tam’s Beach Bar, where you can enjoy your drinks while chilling on cosy bean bags on the beach till 1am. And if you’re looking to fuel up before an exciting day ahead – or to cure yourself of a hangover -, head over to Fisherman’s House that’s on the island’s old Fisherman’s Village.
Image credit: @milkfloat_
Fancy some adventure? Sign up for a 7-hour safari tour on a 4-wheeler that will take you through Samui’s jungles. Now that’s an experience to remember.
Koh Samui
Location: Surat Thani province (Gulf of Thailand)
How to get there: Catch a flight straight from Bangkok to Samui airport via Bangkok Airways. For the cheaper option, you can fly to Surat Thani airport and catch a 2.30 hrs-boat ride to the island.
7. Koh Lan – perfect for private parties
Pristine waters await at Koh Lan
Image credit: Trek Earth
Koh Lan is a popular holiday destination among Thai locals and takes a short 3-hour road trip from Bangkok. While the island might not be all that famous for having a happening party scene, it’s a great place to throw a more laid-back private party with a bunch of friends.
If you’re all about that BBQ life, you can get fresh seafood from the nearby Na Baan Pier. As for beverages, we recommend stocking up while in the main city area as drinks can be quite expensive on the island.
Private cooking balcony at Baanklanglay at Baankohlarn
Image credit: @patarapol.ka
It’s really easy to get group accommodation at places such as Baan Klang Lay. They offer a 2-bedroom chalet with private spaces for cooking and partying with an awesome view of the beach for only ฿5,500 ( ~USD 179.89) per night (5 guests per complex).
Koh Lan
Location: Chon Buri province (Gulf of Thailand)
How to get there: Take a van from Eastern Bus Terminal near Ekkamai BTS station to Pattaya, then hop on a 40-minute boat ride to Koh Lan
Let loose at Thailand’s scenic party islands
From Full Moon Parties to chill islands with laid back beach bars, there are so many places to pick from to have a good time outside the city in Thailand. Happy partying!
Cover image adapted from: @ninew_9999, superblindados
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