The bar scene in Krabi is fairly relaxed, reflecting the easy-going southern beach culture. Nicely lit, bamboo beach bars are the most common place to hang out in, with plenty of cushions, pavilions and even hammocks to ensure you won't leave again in a hurry. A few tunes, the sound of the waves and a view of the stars is all you have in the way of entertainment; although some Krabi bars will put on fireshows or live music in the peak season.
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Even in Krabi town, most of the bars are relaxed, open-air cafes, often with a giant screen showing the latest Thai pop videos, or English football games. Live music is also popular here, with Thai bands regularly performing covers of local and western hits.
For a more energetic and active nightlife, you need to make a trip to Phi Phi Island. If you're the kind of person who enjoys guzzling 'buckets' of local whisky and Red Bull and falling over on the dance floor, you will be in your element here. Phi Phi - where this sophisticated cocktail was invented - holds nightly parties in super-sized beach bars, as well as in clubs in the village. DJs; fireshows; magicians; Thai boxing; and ladyboy cabarets: nothing is spared in the quest to entertain the tourists.
Here, bars can stay open all night - there are no police on the island; elsewhere, most bars shut, in theory anyway, at 1am. In practice, most beach bars and other tourist nightspots are rarely forced to close - so if they have customers, they will continue to serve them.
There are no real go go bars in Krabi you will need to go to Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya! Go-go bars, with shows and scantily-dressed dancers do not exist; female company can be found rather in Thai karaoke bars or regular bar beers.
In Krabi Town there are karaoke bars around Soi 2 and Sois 7 and 11 of Maharat Rd. Hostesses can be invited to join your table for a drink and maybe a song.
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In Ao Nang, try Center Point, a small plaza of bar beers tucked behind the main beachfront. Each plays loud - and different - music and competes with each other to get the customers to sit down.
The atmosphere here can get quite lively and it's a good place to come whether you're male or female. The tourist clientele is usually quite mixed, with couples, singles and groups of friends - and both sexes are welcome. Another area in Ao Nang is known locally as 'The Soi', a short side road opposite Krabi Seaview Resort with a similar set-up of noisy bar beers - this also often stays open after hours. |
Bars in Ao Nang
The Last Fisherman: beautiful, classy beach bar, with tables on the sand and a good selection of cocktails. At the far end of Ao Nang Beach, past Golden Beach Resort.
Luna Bar: another beach bar, with a livelier atmosphere, offering pool tables and DJs. Only fills up after midnight, however. Nopparat Thara Beach, just after the bridge from Ao Nang.
The Irish Rover: cosy pub, serving draught Guinness and a whole range of imported beers. A good place to read the English papers, or watch the sport. Just off the main beach road, opposite the police station.
Railay Beach
Night life moves around the resorts of Railay during the week as each bungalow operation takes it in turns to have a beach party. Don't miss the special atmosphere of a party at Railay Bay or Tonsai Village where the sand of the beach is covered in people drinking and dancing until the sun comes up. One of the newest bars on East Railay also hosts one of the best parties, Viewpoint Bar, though not on the beach, is a large open bar with big balconies where everyone can easily watch the mesmerizing fire-spinners or wince at the preformers who use large pins and broken glass in an act that no-one should try at home!! The music here is also excellent and suits the moods of the seasoned revellers that wait for the sun to rise before heading home. If it is live music that's your thing Ya Ya's bar, also on East Railay, has live bands during the high season, and is a good place to meet people.
Bars in Railay Beach
Gecko Bar: reggae-style bamboo shack on the East beach; expect lots of Thai boys with dreadlocks and late night parties.
Freedom Bar: holds regular all-nighter beach parties, usually at Full Moon. On Ton Sai Beach, across from Railay West.
Bobo's: a quiet beach bar with candlelit tables in the sand. Good place to watch the sunset on Railay West Beach.
Bars in Krabi Town
Crazy Pub: a live music pub with funky house band and good DJs. Mainly Thai crowd but also some tourists. Maharat Rd, opposite Shell Station.
Pan Cha: a relaxed, outdoor coffee shop, with giant screen - there's a great atmosphere when the football is on. Also serves food. Maharat road soi 12.
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