Why Not Bar
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. Opening hours are not listed online, so 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
Pair your visit. After Why Not Bar, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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!
Fantastic bar and restaurant! The dj was brilliant and the live music awesome. From Tracy chapman to bob Marley to grateful dead. Guy was a genius on the guitar. And fun to sing along. 8:30pm fire show that was slightly concerning as it was kids and lots of fire but all okay! They knew what they were doing. 😬😳 Great curry. Went back 3 nights in a row! Even had a fantastic Halloween party!! Great value.
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
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
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
Where to stay near Why Not 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.
Also Popular in Krabi
Ko Lanta
A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.
Ko Phi Phi Don
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Emerald Pool
A mineral-rich natural swimming pool deep in Krabi's rainforest, famous for its striking emerald-green water.
Wat Tham Suea
A jungle-clad Buddhist temple complex in Krabi, famous for its 1,200+ steep steps and sweeping hilltop views.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
Nana Plaza
Bangkok's most famous adult entertainment complex — a neon-lit, multi-storey plaza packed with bars and clubs on Sukhumvit Road.
Khao San Road
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
Stylish beach club on Kamala's shoreline, pairing sunset views with DJ nights and quality food.
Illuzion Phuket
A large-scale nightclub on Bangla Road bringing high-production DJ nights to the heart of Patong.
Location Info
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
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
Where to stay near Why Not Bar
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.