Koh Lanta: a west coast made for sunset drinks
Koh Lanta's long west coast faces straight into the sunset, which makes it one of the best islands in Thailand for an evening drink on the sand. From driftwood shacks with fire shows to stylish resort bars and bars built on stilts over the water, there's a sunset spot for every mood.
Here are 16 of the best sunset beach bars on Koh Lanta, grouped by beach, each with a long review, a review link and a map link.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 606 reviews (Tripadvisor) | 4.3 out of 5 from 1,444 reviews (Google)
Why Not Bar is the most famous sunset bar on Koh Lanta and a must-visit in Kantiang Bay. It's a relaxed beachside spot with floor cushions on the sand and inexpensive drinks. Every night there's a fire show followed by live music. One reviewer said "you can even sing with the musicians if you'de like."
Beaches For Kings calls it "a must for the fire shows as the sun sets over the bay." Some locals even claim it's the best bar on the island. Arrive before sunset to grab a cushion close to the water. Kantiang Bay is in the quieter south, so plan a taxi home if you're not staying nearby.
Rating: Not listed
Aqua Bar is built on stilts over the beach at Kantiang Bay, giving you "gorgeous bay sunset views," according to Beaches For Kings. The staff are known for being friendly. The cocktails are strong too.
It has a social atmosphere. Parties sometimes run late into the night. It's a great alternative to Why Not Bar if you want to watch the sunset from slightly above the sand. Pair it with dinner in Kantiang for a full evening in the south.
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 906 reviews (Google)
Same Same But Different is a beachfront restaurant and bar set right on the sand at Kantiang Bay. It's decorated with driftwood and has open sea views. One guest wrote, "We had drinks and enjoyed an amazing sunset."
It's a good choice if you want a proper meal with your sunset rather than just drinks. The setting is relaxed and rustic, with tables close to the water. It's one of the most-reviewed spots on this list.
Rating: Not listed
Rak Talay Beach Bar sits at Pimalai Resort on Ba Kantiang beach. It's the most upscale option on this list, with a serene, polished feel and beachfront views. Happy hour starts at 5:30pm, perfect timing for sunset.
It suits couples and anyone who wants a quieter, more refined evening. Expect resort prices, but also comfortable seating and good service.
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 355 reviews (Google)
Pangea is a chilled beach bar on Long Beach known for its sunset views and music. It's one of the few places on the island where DJs still spin vinyl, playing deep house and tech house. One guest called it "One of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen."
Deep Sundays run from 5pm to about 1am. Tuesday parties start at 9pm. Arrive early for sunset to get a good spot. Look out for happy hour deals too.
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 from 257 reviews (Google) | 4.7 out of 5 from 9 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Ozone is one of the island's longest-running beach bars, described by Amazing Lanta as "Lanta's first super club on the beach." For sunset lovers, the Sunset Sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm are the time to go, with dancing on the sand as the sun goes down.
Thursday nights turn into a late party from 10pm to about 4am. One reviewer called it a "Great place to watch sunset!" Another praised the cocktails as "superb and well priced."
Rating: Not listed
Funky Fish is a long-standing favourite on Long Beach for chilled sunset drinks with your toes in the sand. Beaches For Kings describes it as having reggae music and cocktails right on the beach.
It's laid-back and unpretentious, ideal for a slow evening. Grab a seat early, order a cocktail and watch the sky change colour.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 14 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Korner Bar sits at the southern end of Long Beach near Relax Bay, next to a beach massage area. One reviewer simply called it a "Fantastic chilled beach bar." It's sunset-friendly. Thailand Nomads recommends the piΓ±a colada.
On Saturdays, it hosts the Insomnia Party from 9pm with progressive house and techno. Come for sunset drinks, then stay for the party if you're in the mood.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 573 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Majestic Bar is one of the top-rated bars on Koh Lanta on Tripadvisor. It's lantern-lit with rustic wooden dΓ©cor and reasonably priced cocktails. One reviewer wrote, "Great location, great cocktails, great music, great staff." Another said it's a "Nice place to see the sunset and drink something!"
Wanderlog lists a Majestic Bar at Klong Nin as temporarily closed, so confirm it's open before heading out.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 399 reviews (Google)
The Indian Bar is a laid-back beach bar on Klong Dao with affordable drinks. It has live music and a fire show every night. One guest called it a "Beautiful spot to watch the sunset."
It's a great choice for families staying at Klong Dao, since the beach here is calm and shallow. Settle in for sunset, then stay for the fire show after dark.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 390 reviews (Google)
Koala Bar is a beach bar and restaurant on Klong Dao with Thai and Western dishes. Amazing Lanta says it's known for the "coldest beers on draught and also amazing cocktails."
On Thursdays and Saturdays, there's live music at sunset from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. One guest wrote, "You can't go wrong dining on the beach during sunset." It's a good all-rounder for dinner and drinks.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 18 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Mook Anda is a long-running beach bar on Klong Dao. One returning guest was happy to find it still going strong and very popular. They called it "the best beach bar on Klong Dao."
It has a friendly, local feel and a front-row view of the sunset. It's a good pick if you want a simple, relaxed beach bar without a party scene.
Rating: Not listed
Barracuda Beach Bar sits at Twin Lotus Resort on Klong Dao, right next to the resort pool. It has a laid-back feel with outdoor seating by the sand.
The menu includes beers, cocktails and smoothies, which makes it a good choice for non-drinkers too. There's regular live music. It's a calm, comfortable spot for a sunset drink at a quieter resort.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 172 reviews
New Harry's sits right on Klong Nin Beach and, as Visit Thailand Today puts it, "lives up to its name by offering front-row seats to the island's famous evening sunsets." It's open daily from 8am to 10pm, so it works for breakfast, lunch or an early evening drink.
The crowd is relaxed. Klong Nin is also quieter than the northern beaches. It's a great choice for a sunset dinner with your feet in the sand.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 546 reviews (Google)
Jai-Dee Home is a beachfront restaurant and bar on Klong Nin with tables set in the sand. It serves both Thai and European dishes. One guest wrote, "We sat at the beach, watching the sunset with sand under our feet."
It's ideal if you want good food alongside your sunset view. The atmosphere is calm and friendly.
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 from 188 reviews (Google) | 4.0 out of 5 from 159 reviews (Tripadvisor)
Freedom Bar is a beach bar on Klong Khong with cocktails, sea views and fire shows. It's popular for sunset, with hammocks on the beach and inexpensive beer. One guest wrote, "It looks amazing at night too with all of the neon." Another enjoyed it so much they "had to go three times."
Klong Khong is known for its lively bars, so expect a social crowd as the night goes on.
| Bar | Beach | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Not Bar | Kantiang Bay | Fire shows and live music | 4.3/5 |
| Aqua Bar | Kantiang Bay | Views from stilts | Not listed |
| Same Same But Different | Kantiang Bay | Sunset dinner | 4.4/5 |
| Rak Talay Beach Bar | Ba Kantiang | Upscale and quiet | Not listed |
| Pangea | Long Beach | Vinyl DJs and sunset | 4.4/5 |
| Ozone | Long Beach | Sunset Sessions | 4.2/5 |
| Funky Fish | Long Beach | Reggae and chilled drinks | Not listed |
| Korner Bar | Long Beach | Sunset then party | 4.5/5 |
| Majestic Bar | Klong Dao | Lantern-lit cocktails | 4.8/5 |
| The Indian Bar | Klong Dao | Nightly fire show | 4.7/5 |
| Koala Bar | Klong Dao | Live music at sunset | 4.5/5 |
| Mook Anda Bar | Klong Dao | Classic local beach bar | 4.3/5 |
| Barracuda Beach Bar | Klong Dao | Smoothies and calm | Not listed |
| New Harry's | Klong Nin | Front-row sunsets | 4.3/5 |
| Jai-Dee Home | Klong Nin | Food with a view | 4.6/5 |
| Freedom Bar | Klong Khong | Neon and fire shows | 4.2/5 |
Sourced from Tripadvisor's Ko Lanta Clubs and Bars and Why Not Bar pages, Wanderlog Best Bars in Ko Lanta, Amazing Lanta Koh Lanta Nightlife, Thailand Nomads Koh Lanta Nightlife Guide, Beaches For Kings Koh Lanta Beach Clubs and Visit Thailand Today New Harry's Sunset Beach Bar.