Thailand’s beach clubs don’t just borrow the Bali playbook – they build on it. There’s a beach club built entirely on a floating pontoon in the Andaman Sea, one made of four sleek dining “cubes” on Chaweng Beach, and another with a fire show every Saturday night. By day, it’s cabanas, cocktails and the kind of seafood that was swimming that morning. By night, DJs take over, and the cocktail menus get more inventive – think mango piña coladas and tiki-style rum drinks served in coconut shells.
These are the best beach clubs in Thailand, from Phuket’s coastline to Koh Samui’s shores.
Salt Society, Koh Samui: unique architectural dining ‘cubes’
Sophistication comes in spades at the unique Salt Society. Situated on Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach, the open-air restaurant and bar enjoy expansive ocean vistas with direct access to the sands. Lounge on comfortable day beds and sunbathe to your heart’s content, with chilled tunes playing in the background.
The architecture is what makes this one of the best beach clubs in Thailand, with four sleek dining ‘cubes’, walls opening to incredible views and a central feature bar. Sample fresh seafood at the Ice Cube or grab a wood-fired pizza at the Hot Cube, before choosing an innovative dessert concoction at the Cold Cube and heading to the beachfront Chilled Cube dining room, where a playful cocktail from the Stone Bar awaits.
YONA Beach Club, Phuket: the world’s first floating beach club
Floating away takes on another meaning at YONA Beach Club. Built on a pontoon in the middle of the Andaman Ocean, this cleverly designed, multi-level venue features four bars and a restaurant, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the 22-metre-long infinity pool, surrounded by stylish daybeds and cabanas.
Mediterranean, Thai and Japanese sharing plates are on the menu, alongside sushi and wood-fired pizza. Cocktails are deliciously indulgent with a tropical twist on the classics (think mango piña colada and champagne sangria). If that’s not enough to make you want to decamp for the day, there’s the added perk of 360-degree coastline and sea views.
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Café del Mar, Phuket: a taste of Ibiza in Thailand
Positioned on Kamala Beach, Café del Mar brings its Ibiza roots to Thailand’s shores. Underneath a giant thatch-roof bar is a stylish crowd sipping wine or signature cocktails. With a rotating roster of chillout, deep house and tropical beats by resident and touring DJs, the soundtrack builds from laid-back afternoons into a full sunset party. The menu features wood-fired pizza, imported meats and oysters alongside Thai classics, served to the comfort of your very own cabana.
Pine Beach Bar, Phuket: weekend fire shows
This beachfront, barefoot luxury hangout can be found on the powdery white sands of Kamala Beach as part of the InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel. Pizzas and fresh seafood complement a laidback drinks menu of refreshing craft cider and beer. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the cocktail list delivers: order a Pine Stiggins (rum-infused pineapple, coconut rum, banana liqueur and almond) or The Last Samurai, made with Japanese gin and yuzu tonic. When the weekend rolls around, the party turns serious with a fire show, DJ and saxophone player.
M Beach Club, Phuket: live music and swaying palms
Delivering a grown-up, decadent version of Phuket’s party scene is M Beach Club at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, where a laid-back day on the sand is accompanied by a soundtrack from the resort’s live band. Beneath the swaying palms of Mai Khao Beach, the best seat in the house is on the main deck, for full-frontal views of the waves lapping on the shoreline. Make sure not to miss the fire show every Saturday.
The Nest Beach Club, Phuket: front-row for sunsets
If you’re looking for a spot to cosy up to your favourite person and unwind in peace, look no further than The Nest Beach Club Phuket. Spilling from The Shore at Katathani Phuket on Kata Noi Beach, the loungers and cabanas are an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sky turn into dazzling sunset hues. As the sun-drenched days fade into balmy nights, sip a tipple by candlelight – perhaps a tiki-style Jungle Bird (dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup) or a zesty Bird’s Nest (gin, apple juice, cucumber syrup, lime juice and egg white).
Kram Beach Club, Khao Lak: global flavours await
Global flavours set the scene at Pullman Khao Lak Resort’s Kram Beach Club on the shores of Bang Muang Beach. As you relax in a poolside cabana overlooking the Andaman Sea, the only upgrade is adding international fusion bites from the menu. When dusk falls, a sunset cocktail pairs well with the sky’s own show, as the azure waters transition to a fiery shade of orange and announce the opening of the dance floor.
KUDO Beach Club, Phuket: party vibes and good times
Phuket is synonymous with scenic beaches and vibrant nightlife that goes late – and this is one of the beach clubs that combines the two well. During the day, KUDO Beach Club creates a relaxed atmosphere with sweeping Patong Beach views, Italian cuisine, and Thai and international dishes. Stay on to witness the pool turn into a club with music that runs late into the evening.
The Beach Club Bar, Pattaya: from golden hour to house nights
Positioned on Wong Amat Beach in northern Pattaya, The Beach Club Bar at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G is the ideal place to unwind in peace with a cocktail in hand. Be the first ones to catch golden hour on your comfortable day bed, cocktail in hand. After sunset, the tranquil bar transforms into a party destination with house tunes.
XANA Beach Club, Phuket: a cocktail list worth working through
A chilled-out atmosphere, live entertainment and a decadent spread of tapas accompany you at Angsana Laguna Phuket’s eclectic XANA Beach Club. Sip a handcrafted drink – we recommend any of the signature cocktails – and kick back on a comfortable pool lounger while you wait for sunset to come around. There’s no need to worry about running out of options; XANA’s lengthy wine and cocktail selection can easily fill an afternoon.
COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Phuket: sizzling barbecue flavours
COAST Beach Club & Bistro Phuket at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket offers a chilled, friendly ambience that puts you completely at ease. The barbecue sizzles with the aroma of grilled meat and local seafood, while an extensive cocktail and wine menu keeps the good times rolling. As night falls, sway to ambient tunes with the percussion of skilful bartenders shaking up a storm.
Club SEEN, Koh Samui: retro ’50s flare
Inspired by tropical ’50s vibes, Club SEEN is unlike other Koh Samui beach clubs – think neon hues, rock-n-roll influences and three beach bars serving up fruity refreshments. Brightly coloured furniture and contrasting patterns are a welcome relief from the ubiquitous beige of coastal chic. The design might take you back in time, but the varied cocktail list and cosmopolitan Mediterranean, Asian and American dishes are decidedly modern.
Tutu Beach, Pattaya: Hawaiian influences and influencers
Pastel tones, baby-pink umbrellas and cloud-like beanbags come together to form Tutu Beach, the quintessential Pattaya beach club. This setting is peppered all over social media, and for good reason. Take a breather before sunset falls – the beach comes alive with music and colour as the evening sets in. With warm hospitality and colourful flower garlands hanging everywhere, it will have you wondering if you’ve ended up in Hawaii.
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Looking for more inspiration? Get a taste for the local flavour at Spice Up Your Life: 23 of Thailand’s Best Restaurants.
Feature image: YONA Beach Club Phuket.
