Sawasdee Bar
A converted van bar in Chaweng serving 99 Baht cocktails with live music and a buzzing open-air vibe.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 17:00–00:00
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Koh Samui after dark
Something to book for the evening in Koh Samui.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked within the Dara Samui Beach Resort on Chaweng's main strip, this open-air bar has built a strong following for its inventive setup — a converted van serving as the centrepiece, with a DJ booth alongside pumping out a steady stream of good music. The combination of a laid-back tropical setting, friendly staff, and genuinely affordable cocktails starting at 99 Baht makes it a popular stop for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night sessions.
The atmosphere is consistently praised by visitors, who highlight the live music nights as a particular draw. Musicians perform regularly, giving the bar a lively but relaxed energy that works equally well for a quiet drink as it does for a proper night out. Cocktails are a clear highlight — well-made and priced accessibly, even by local standards.
Sawasdee Bar opens daily from 17:00 until midnight, making it well-suited for sundowners through to late evenings. Those planning to catch live music should check in advance, as performance schedules can vary. The open-air layout means it is exposed to the elements, though visitors report the atmosphere holds up well even during rain. Located on the Chaweng beachfront road, it is easily reachable on foot from most Chaweng accommodation.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Stay within reach of Sawasdee Bar
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Koh Samui after dark
Something to book for the evening in Koh Samui.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Sawasdee Bar, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minTikibox BarNightlife & Bars · 40 m · 4.8★
- 1 minMuang SamuiTemples & Culture · 50 m · 4.5★
- 1 minBABOURestaurants & Food · 50 m · 4.9★
- 1 minLAVALED SAMUI (Chaweng Walking Arcade)Activities & Tours · 70 m · 5.0★
- 1 minRed Fish Restaurant Koh SamuiRestaurants & Food · 80 m · 4.8★
- 2 minBaan Ya JaiRestaurants & Food · 140 m · 4.7★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Sawasdee Bar, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Great atmosphere and lovely staff ☺️ Cocktails are super affordable and not too shabby either! Even better if you manage to time your visit with the live music 🎶
Nice cocktails and live music. The service is very friendly. Both before and after dinner a nice location to relax with a cocktail or beer.
Cheap and delicious cocktails, great atmosphere even in the rain 🔥🔥🔥
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 65 reviews on Google.
Dara Samui Beach Resort Chaweng 162/2 2 ถนน หาดเฉวง Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore nightlife & bars nearby
All within 5 min walk of Sawasdee Bar.
Tikibox Bar
A tiki-themed cocktail bar in Bo Put with happy hour deals, great vibes, and food worth sticking around for.
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Cabanas Beach Club
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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars
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.
Arrange Your Ride Home
Use Grab (ride-hailing app) to get home safely — taxis outside nightlife areas late at night often refuse meters. Set up the app before going out, and keep your phone charged.
Sawasdee Bar: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sawasdee Bar worth visiting?
Sawasdee Bar holds a 4.8★ rating from 65 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Sawasdee Bar?
Sawasdee Bar is typically open 17:00-00:00 — 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.
When is the best time to visit Sawasdee Bar?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Sawasdee Bar located?
Sawasdee Bar is at Dara Samui Beach Resort Chaweng 162/2 2 ถนน หาดเฉวง Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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