Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Nightlife & Bars
Koh Lanta

Why Not Bar

4.3(1,464 reviews)$$$$

Sitting directly on the beach on Ko Lanta Yai, Why Not Bar draws a loyal crowd with its relaxed, sandy-toed atmosphere and a reliable lineup of evening entertainment. Live guitar performances, sing-alongs spanning Tracy Chapman to Bob Marley, and fire shows typically kick off around 8:30pm, giving the place a lively but unpretentious energy that suits the island's laid-back character well. The bar doubles as a dining spot, with food drawing consistent praise alongside the drinks. The banana coffee shake has become something of a signature order among regulars, and the cocktails receive strong mentions from evening visitors. Afternoons attract a mellower crowd winding down after snorkelling or beach time, while the stretch of water directly in front offers decent coral and reef fish for those who want to combine both. Creative seating and a genuine beachside setting add character without any sense of formality. Good to know: Why Not Bar is a short walk from the Pimalai Beach Resort and is attached to its own small hotel, making it a convenient stop for visitors staying in that part of the island. Wine tends to be pricey relative to other drinks, as is common across Thailand, so beer and cocktails offer better value. It is worth checking ahead during low season. Ko Lanta itself is accessed by ferry from the mainland, and travellers staying off-island should plan their return journey around the ferry schedule. Casual beachwear is entirely appropriate at any hour.

Experience hints

Budget-friendly

Pair your visit. After Why Not Bar, round out your day in Koh Lanta with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

A short walk from the Pimalai Beach Resort and attached to it's own Hotel, it was a welcome $break on the cost of eating out. Wine as per usual is expensive in Thailand (฿1,650 - £40) but the food is very inexpensive and delicious typically ฿150-250 per meal. Thai Green curry was delicious washed down with Singha beer. Having it's own hotel it cater for it's own market, which kept prices down, we half expected it to be expensive as it is very close to Pimalai Resort & Spa 5*. We had an entertaining evening with the Fire Show that is on most evenings at 8.30pm, to our surprise a lot of the performers were children from the local school... They all seemed to love performing and it added to the spectical, but coming from the UK we could help but wonder... This would never be allowed in the UK!

Cool bar. We only came for a couple of drinks in the late afternoon but a chilling spot on the beach. Banana coffee shake was delicious and my girlfriend’s ice coffee was too. Unfortunately we made the mistake of not saying she didn’t want sugar in it (most places ask) but that’s our mistake. Great service here

A perfect night out in Koh Lanta. Barefoot, sandy toes. Live music, and fire shows. What's not to love. The staff are friendly, the cocktails are fire 🔥. A must visit when in Koh Lanta

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,464 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta
Featured

Koh Lanta

4.6(1,144)
Ko Lanta District

A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.

Lanta Old Town

Lanta Old Town

4.4(6,227)
G3JV+HP3, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand

A charming strip of old wooden shophouses on Ko Lanta's quieter southern shore, with cafes, craft shops, and a scenic pier.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Mu Ko Lanta National Park

4.4(4,346)
Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Moo 5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi, 81150, ตำบล เกาะลันตาใหญ่ อำเภอเกาะลันตา กระบี่ 81150, Thailand

A quiet jungle and coastal national park at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, with monkeys, sea views, and a short trail.

Yawee Restaurant

Yawee Restaurant

4.8(2,978)$$$$
ทางหลวงจังหวัดหมายเลข 4245 Tambon Sala Dan, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand

A well-loved budget-friendly local restaurant in Sala Dan, open daily for lunch and dinner.

Why Not Bar: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Why Not Bar worth visiting?

Why Not Bar holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,464 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Koh Lanta.

What are the opening hours of Why Not Bar?

Why Not Bar is typically open 11:00-02:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is Why Not Bar?

Why Not Bar is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Koh Lanta.

When is the best time to visit Why Not Bar?

The best months to visit Koh Lanta are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & European school holidays — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close).

Where is Why Not Bar located?

Why Not Bar is at 9, Yai, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand, in Koh Lanta. Getting around Koh Lanta: Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; one main road runs the west coast); Tuk-tuks and songthaews along the beach road.

Location Info

9, Yai, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand083 644 1333www.facebook.com/WhyNotBarKohLanta
Opening Hours
Monday11:00-02:00
Tuesday11:00-02:00
Wednesday11:00-02:00
Thursday11:00-02:00
Friday11:00-02:00
Saturday11:00-02:00
Sunday11:00-02:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: December – January & European school holidays

Getting there

Minivans from Krabi town and airport reach the island in 2–2.5 hours via the Lanta Noi bridge and one short car ferry (฿300–400). High-season ferries and speedboats connect from Krabi, Phi Phi (~1 hr), Phuket, and south to Koh Lipe. No airport — Krabi's is the gateway.

Getting around

  • Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; one main road runs the west coast)
  • Tuk-tuks and songthaews along the beach road
  • Rental cars — Lanta's flat main road is Thailand's easiest island driving

Where to stay near Why Not Bar

Find hotels in Koh Lanta on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars

Carry Your Passport or a Copy

Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.

Know the Closing Times

Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.

Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously

Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.

Nearby Places

Aqua Bar

Aqua Bar

4.9(185)$$$$
Baan Kantiang 1 99 Moo 5 Ba Kan Tiang Beach Koh Lanta, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko lanta, Krabi 81150, Thailand

A laid-back beachside bar on Ba Kan Tiang Beach serving drinks from late morning into the night.

Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand

Pattaya Walking Street

Pattaya Walking Street

4.3(53,233)
Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.

Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza

4.1(16,102)$$$$
3, 1 Sukhumvit Rd, เขต คลองตัน, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Bangkok's most famous adult entertainment complex — a neon-lit, multi-storey plaza packed with bars and clubs on Sukhumvit Road.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road

4.3(11,611)
161, 163 Thanon Khao San, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Bangkok's iconic backpacker strip packs bars, street food, live music, and souvenir shops into one loud, neon-lit stretch.

Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club

Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club

4.3(8,617)$$$$
118, 19, Tambon Kamala, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand

Stylish beach club on Kamala's shoreline, pairing sunset views with DJ nights and quality food.