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Smile Bar Central Point Ao Nang Beach Krabi
Nightlife & Bars
Krabi

Smile Bar Central Point Ao Nang Beach Krabi

4.4(290 reviews)$$$$

Smile Bar is one of Ao Nang's more distinctive drinking spots, widely recognised among travellers as an LGBT+ friendly venue in an area where such spaces are rare. That inclusive reputation, combined with genuinely warm and attentive staff, has built a loyal following among both first-time visitors and returning regulars. The bar sits within a larger complex along Ao Nang's main strip, offering a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere where the focus is firmly on good company and affordable drinks. Cocktails are priced at around 120 THB, making this one of the more budget-friendly options in the area without sacrificing quality or hospitality. The bar screens live football on flat-screen TVs, adding a convivial, social energy that suits solo travellers and groups alike. Visitors consistently highlight the staff as a standout feature — described as kind, genuine, and going out of their way to make guests feel at home. A practical note worth knowing: the bar requires a little effort to find, as the surrounding strip is busy with touts actively pulling people into competing venues. Walking past the promotional activity outside other bars and heading directly inside the complex to choose for yourself is the approach many regulars recommend. Prices shown on some third-party maps may be slightly outdated, so it is worth checking the current menu on arrival. There is no website listed, so walking in directly remains the easiest way to visit.

Experience hints

Budget-friendly

Pair your visit. After Smile Bar Central Point Ao Nang Beach Krabi, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

I first visted this bar in June 2023 and have revisted several times since. The staff are friendly and polite and go out their way to help you. There was plenty football to choose from on the flat screen tvs and a pool table situated at the rear of the bar. The drinks are very reasonably priced and I would even be inclined to say on the cheaper side compared to other bars in the area. As a solo traveler originally I felt safe and enjoyed the atmosphere here. Thank you team Smile Bar.

We went for drinks, not food. The cocktails are 120THB and not 100THB (The prices changed since the menu on maps). The owners and staff are all absolutely lovely, kind and genuine people. You have a free access to a pool table which is rustic but more than enough to play. We took sex on the beach and they were really good. Is located inside a complex with music and bars all around.

This place doesn’t have peddlers outside therefore they have the best prices inside the bar complex here. Skip past the pushy guys outside luring you in to their bars and have a pick inside for yourself. I found this bar to be the best indeed not only for the best lives but also full view of both street and dance floor

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.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.

Getting around

  • Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
  • Songthaews in Ao Nang
  • Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
  • Motorbike rental