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Nightlife & Bars
Koh Tao

The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke

4.0(172 reviews)$$$$

Situated in the heart of Sairee on Koh Tao's most popular stretch, The Local brings together live music, karaoke, and regular events under one roof, making it a natural gathering spot for both divers winding down after a day on the water and travellers looking for a social night out. The venue leans into its name, fostering a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere that feels a step removed from the more heavily touristed beach bars nearby. Guests can expect a mid-range bar setting with a varied programme that keeps things interesting across the week. Live music and karaoke nights give the venue a participatory energy, and the mix of events means the crowd and vibe can shift depending on the night. It opens daily at 18:00 and runs through to 02:00, giving visitors plenty of time to settle in at their own pace rather than rushing through an early-closing venue. For those planning a visit, weekends tend to draw a livelier crowd, so arriving earlier in the evening on a Friday or Saturday is a good way to secure a comfortable spot before things pick up. The venue is straightforward to find along Sairee Road, and as no booking information is available, walk-ins appear to be the standard approach. Comfortable, casual dress suits the setting well.

Experience hints

Mid-range

Pair your visit. After The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.

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The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke: Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke worth visiting?

The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke holds a 4.0★ rating from 172 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Koh Tao.

What are the opening hours of The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke?

The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke is typically open 18:00-02:00 — 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 The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke?

The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Koh Tao.

When is the best time to visit The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke?

The best months to visit Koh Tao are March – September (calmest water, best visibility), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & July – August — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: November (monsoon swell peaks).

Where is The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke located?

The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke is at 17, Sairee, 35 Moo 1 Sairee Rd, Tambon Ko Tao, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand, in Koh Tao. Getting around Koh Tao: Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep).

Location Info

17, Sairee, 35 Moo 1 Sairee Rd, Tambon Ko Tao, Koh Tao, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84360, Thailand+66 64 056 7202
Opening Hours
Monday18:00-02:00
Tuesday18:00-02:00
Wednesday18:00-02:00
Thursday18:00-02:00
Friday18:00-02:00
Saturday18:00-02:00
Sunday18:00-02:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

March – September (calmest water, best visibility)

Avoid: November (monsoon swell peaks)

Rainy season

October – December

Avg. temperature

25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: December – January & July – August

Getting there

Lomprayah catamarans connect from Chumphon in about 1.5–2 hours (฿600–700) — the standard route from Bangkok is an overnight bus or train to Chumphon plus the morning boat. Ferries also arrive from Koh Phangan (~1 hr) and Koh Samui (~1.5–2 hrs). No airport.

Getting around

  • Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad
  • Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep)
  • Longtail and dive-boat taxis to the far bays

Where to stay near The Local | Bar, Live Music, Events, Karaoke

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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

Queen's Cabaret

Queen's Cabaret

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A lively cabaret show venue on Koh Tao running nightly performances for a fun, inclusive night out.

Soul Bar Koh Tao

Soul Bar Koh Tao

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A lively evening bar on Koh Tao open every night until 2am, drawing a relaxed island crowd.

Chopper's Sports Bar | Live Music Sports Burgers Koh Tao

Chopper's Sports Bar | Live Music Sports Burgers Koh Tao

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Lively sports bar on Koh Tao serving burgers and beers with live music every night of the week.

Arcadia Koh Tao
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Arcadia Koh Tao

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A beachside bar on Sairee Beach serving up laid-back vibes and cold drinks from late morning into the night.

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