Though Bali is usually top of mind when it comes to beach clubs, Thailand is hot on its heels with a wealth of sleek oceanfront bars.
Picturesque beaches are a staple of every Thailand escape – waves crashing on golden sands, cabanas surrounded by palm trees and delicious aromas wafting from the surrounding restaurants. However, it’s after the sun goes down that the atmosphere really lights up. The air turns electric with the clink of glasses, catchy beats flow through speakers, and the laidback beaches become a feast for the senses. These are Thailand’s best beach clubs, where the cocktails and good times flow.
Discover Thailand
Salt Society, Koh Samui: for an elegant touch
Sophistication comes in waves at the unique Salt Society, a newly opened beach bar in Centara Reserve Samui resort. Situated on Koh Samui’s stunning Chaweng Beach, the open-air restaurant and bar enjoy expansive ocean vistas with direct access to the pristine sands. Lounge on comfortable day beds and sunbathe to your heart’s content, with chilled tunes playing in the background.
The unique architecture is what makes this one of the best beach clubs Thailand has to offer, with four sleek dining 'cubes', walls opening to incredible views and a central feature bar. Sample fresh seafood at the Ice Cube or grab a wood-fired pizza at the Hot Cube, before choosing an innovative dessert concoction at the Cold Cube and heading to the beachfront Chilled Cube dining room, where a playful cocktail from the Stone Bar awaits.
YONA Beach Club Phuket: the world’s first floating beach club
Floating away takes on another meaning at YONA Beach Club. Built on a pontoon in the middle of the Andaman Ocean, this cleverly designed, multi-level haven features four bars and a restaurant, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the 22-metre-long infinity pool, surrounded by stylish daybeds and cabanas. A raw bar and Mediterranean, Thai and Japanese mezze is on the menu, as is a 46-piece, flower-studded 'sushi boat'. Cocktails are deliciously indulgent with a tropical twist on the classics (think mango pina colada and champagne sangria). If that's not enough to make you want to decamp for the day, there's the added perk of 360-degree coastline and sea views.
Café del Mar, Kamala Beach Phuket: taste of the Mediterranean
Positioned on a spectacular stretch of Kamala Beach, Café del Mar brings legendary Ibiza flair to Thailand’s idyllic shores. Underneath a giant thatch-roof bar are a stylish crowd sipping on wines from golden chalices or signature cocktails made using premium elixirs. With a rotating roster of jazz, tropical house and underground tech by big name and up-and-coming DJs, the soundtrack makes for the perfect day party. The menu showcases the freshest seafood and ceviche, tapas and salads that fuse Italian, Japanese and Thai cuisine, served to the comfort of your very own cabana.
Pine Beach Bar, Kamala Beach Phuket: laidback days & lively nights
This beachfront, barefoot luxury hangout can be found on the powdery white sands of Kamala Beach as part of the InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel. Flop onto one of the sunbeds or nab a spot right in front of the waves for cocktails, tapas and music up until sundown. Pizzas and fresh seafood complement a laidback drinks menu of refreshing craft cider and beer. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the cocktail list delivers: order a Pine Stiggins (rum-infused pineapple, coconut rum, banana liqueur and almond) or The Last Samurai, made with Japanese gin and yuzu tonic. When the weekend rolls around, the party ramps up to exciting heights with a fire show, DJ and saxophone player helping you groove well into the night.
M Beach Club (Mai Khao Beach, Phuket): for spellbinding shows
Delivering a grown-up, decadent version of Phuket's party scene is M Beach Club at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, where a luxe day by the poolside is accompanied by a soundtrack of local and international music. Beneath the swaying palms of Mai Khao Beach, the best seat in the house is on the main deck, for full frontal views of the waves lapping on the shoreline. Make sure not to miss the mesmerising fire show every Wednesday and Saturday, or a performance at the one-of-a-kind beach theatre, bringing together musical artists, comedy and cabaret-style performances. Tuck into a signature seafood stack, paper rolls or bao buns, topped off with a creative cocktail like the Rod Thai (vodka apple, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, fresh lychee and kaffir lime leaves).
The Nest Beach Club, Kata Noi Beach Phuket: for front-row sunsets
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to cosy up to your favourite person and unwind in peace, look no further than The Nest Beach Club Phuket. Spilling from The Shore at Katathani Phuket on Kata Noi Beach, the loungers and cabanas are an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sky turn into dazzling sunset hues. As the sun-drenched days fade into balmy nights, enjoy a romantic tipple by candlelight – perhaps a tiki-style Jungle Bird (dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup) or a zesty Bird’s Nest (gin, apple juice, cucumber syrup, lime juice and egg white).
Kram Beach Club, Khao Lak: for pure relaxation
Global flavours mingle at the Pullman Khao Lak Resort's trendy Kram Beach Club, perched on the shores of Bang Muang Beach. As you relax in a poolside cabana overlooking the Andaman Sea, take a moment to savour delicious seafood, plucked fresh from the crystal-clear waters. When dusk falls, a sunset cocktail pairs perfectly with the spectacular light show as the azure waters transition to a fiery shade of orange. Head to the dance floor, or taste-test new Mediterranean-inspired dishes – the night is yours to enjoy.
KUDO Beach Club, Phuket: for the partygoers
Phuket is synonymous with scenic beaches and vibrant nightlife that goes late – and this is one of the beach clubs that perfectly combines the two. During the day, KUDO Beach Club creates a relaxed atmosphere with astonishing Patong Bay views, and outstanding Italian cuisine paying homage to traditional dishes. But it’s at night that KUDO truly shines. One by one, pink and purple lights begin to glow, as music dances on the air and the night fills with splashes and laughter.
The Beach Club Bar, Pattaya: for front-row sunsets
If you're wondering where to find superlative ocean views while the sky turns dazzling shades of burnt orange and lilac, look no further. Positioned on the quiet Wong Amat Beach in northern Pattaya, Beach Club Bar is the ideal place to unwind in peace with a cocktail in hand. Be the first ones to catch golden hour on your comfortable day bed, accompanied by a juicy American-style burger and milkshake. After sunset, the tranquil bar transforms into a party destination, with groovy tracks and plenty of cocktails to satiate your holiday cravings.
XANA Beach Club, Bangtao Beach Phuket: for wining & dining
A chilled-out atmosphere, live entertainment and a decadent spread of tapas – just the right thing to accompany you at the eclectic XANA Beach Club. Graze on an array of deluxe international or authentic Thai snacks, designed to restore your strength after a vigorous swim in the beachside pool. Sip on a handcrafted drink – we recommend any of the signature cocktails – and kick back on a comfortable pool lounger while you wait for sunset to come around. There’s no need to worry about running out of options, as XANA’s lengthy wine and cocktail selection can easily fill an afternoon.
COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Phuket: for laidback lunches
Situated on one of Phuket’s best beaches, the COAST Beach Club & Bistro Phuket at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is the place to while away a long sunny day. With a chilled, friendly ambience, this beach club puts you completely at ease as the barbeque sizzles and the aroma of grilled meat and local seafood fills the air, along with the laughter of friends and family. An extensive cocktail and wine menu, not to mention the extravagant dishes that look as good as they taste, keep the good times rolling. As night falls, sway to the ambient tunes playing in the background, with the percussion of the skillful bartenders shaking up a storm of island-inspired cocktails.
Discover Phuket
SEEN Beach Club Samui, Koh Samui: for a retro ’50’s delight
Inspired by tropical ’50s vibes, SEEN Beach Club Samui is unlike any of the other Koh Samui beach clubs – think multicoloured neon hues, rock-n-roll influences, and of course, three beach bars serving up fruity refreshments. Fabulous, brightly-coloured furniture and contrasting patterns are a welcome relief from the ubiquitous beige of coastal chic. Among the retro lights and nostalgic decorations, SEEN Beach Club will convince you that the ’50s need to happen again, ASAP. The design might take you back in time, but the varied cocktail list and cosmopolitan Mediterranean, Asian and American dishes are decidedly modern.
Tutu Beach, Pattaya: for Hawaiian vibes
Pastel tones, baby-pink umbrellas, and cloud-like beanbags come together to form Tutu Beach, in the quintessential Pattaya Beach Club. This iconic setting is peppered all over social media, and for good reason. Recline on one of the plush beanbags and revel in beachfront views, or venture inside for some handcrafted cocktails in stylish shell- and coconut-shaped glasses you can take home as a souvenir. Take a breather before sunset falls – you're going to need it once the live band starts playing and the bar gets into full party mode.
With an abundance of warm hospitality, and colourful flower garlands hanging everywhere, you’re going to feel like you’ve been transported to Hawaii – two destinations for the price of one.
Feature image: YONA Beach Club Phuket.
Looking for Thai food inspiration? Have a look at Sweet, Sour & Spicy: The 7 Best Thai Food Experiences.
