Sawasdee Bar
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.
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.
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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.
Location Info
Dara Samui Beach Resort Chaweng 162/2 2 ถนน หาดเฉวง Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Sawasdee Bar
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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
Tikibox Bar
A tiki-themed cocktail bar in Bo Put with happy hour deals, great vibes, and food worth sticking around for.
Rich Club
Lively bar in Bo Put with a DJ, live drummer, shisha, and pool tables for a fun night out.
Cabanas Beach Club
A stylish beachfront pool club in Bo Put with a resident DJ, quality food, and a reliably relaxed vibe.
The Temple Bar Irish Pub Koh Samui
A friendly Irish pub on Chaweng Beach Road serving drinks and good vibes from morning till late.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
Pattaya Walking Street
Loud, neon, adults-only after dark, and the seafood is easier before the 9pm crush.
Nana Plaza
Adults-only, neon-soaked and unapologetic, and best understood after 9pm rather than described.
Khao San Road
Loud, tacky, unfiltered and worth one night of your trip, ideally between 7 and 10pm.
Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club
Come for sundowners at 4pm, stay for the DJs, and don't expect a quiet lunch.
Where to stay near Sawasdee Bar
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas