Carlito's bar

A well-established bar on the Ao Nang strip, Carlito's draws a sociable mix of travellers with its regular live entertainment. Fire performers and live musicians are recurring features that give the venue a more theatrical feel than many of its neighbours, and evenings can shift into karaoke-style sessions depending on the crowd and performer. Snacks such as fries and nuggets are available, making it a reasonable spot to settle in for several hours rather than a brief stop. Cocktails are priced at around 250 baht, which sits on the higher end for the area, and some visitors have noted that the drinks themselves are fairly basic in presentation. That said, the atmosphere and entertainment are the main draw here, and the venue tends to fill up as the night progresses, giving it an energetic, social edge that suits travellers looking for a lively evening out after a day exploring the coast. Good to know: Arriving early is worthwhile if you want a table with a decent view of the fire show, as seating becomes harder to find once the entertainment gets underway. It is also worth keeping close track of cash payments at the bar and confirming your change before walking away from the counter, as a number of visitors have reported discrepancies. Checking with your accommodation before heading out is a sensible precaution, particularly during off-peak periods.