Nightlife

Any given evening along the Chaweng strip is certain to be disrupted at least a few times by roaming pickup trucks with crackling PA systems blaring out advertisement in Thai and English for local Thai boxing bouts. Grab one of their flyers for times and locations, which vary.

The same infernal trucks advertise the "Freedom Beach Party!" which takes place on the beaches north of Chaweng on full moon days mostly. Party music, flashing lights and drinks dispensed from great big coolers all add up to your average fraternity party, but it can be fun. When not doing the old "over-bite boogie," kick back on big straw mats, gaze at the stars and get metaphysical.

Many of the hotels and resorts have culture shows featuring Thai dance that are worth seeing and it wouldn't be a Thai beach without Koh Samuis drag queen review. Christy's Cabaret (tel. 01676-2181 cellular) on the north end of Chaweng puts on a hilarious show that's free of charge. Come well before the show starts at 11pm to get a better seat, and be prepared to make up for that free admission with cocktail prices.

For bars and discos, Chaweng is the place to be. A mainstream kind of fun seems to always be happening at The Reggae Pub (indicated on just about every island map -- back from the main road around the central beach area). A huge thatch mansion, the stage thumps with some funky international acts, the dance floor jumps (even during low season they do a booming business) and the upstairs pool tables are good for sporting around. Just outside is a collection of open-air bars, also found along Chaweng's beach road.

The Green Mango has its own street just off the beachfront road in the northern end of Chaweng and boom-boom-booms late every night as the towns number one dance location. Don't think of going before 10-11pm.

Irish-owned and managed Tropical Murphy's (across from McDonald's in the south of Chaweng; tel. 07741-3614) is indeed a slice of Ireland along the Chaweng strip. It's always full and open late and the best place to have a friendly pint and be assured not to have to scream over the thumping base of house music. They have good Irish bands visit from time to time.

Zico's, a unique Brazilian restaurant, has a slick, big-city kind of bar that will be a comfort to any Hollywood-style "players" who miss the playground. Zico's modern facade looks over the busy main drag in the south of Chaweng near the Central Resort compound (tel. 07723-1560).

Over at Lamai Beach, there are some open-air bars geared to budget backpackers, but many are the sleazier bar-beer variety. Bauhaus, located in the center of town on the beach road, is at its best a stompin' club and at its worst hosts only a few tables of the lads there to watch English football. It's usually going strong in high season.

On Bophut Beach, be sure to stop by friendly and laid back Frog and Gecko Bar (in Fisherman's Village; tel. 07742-5248), especially for their popular pub quiz on Wednesday evenings.

Sunday afternoons, be sure to truck on over to The Secret Garden Pub on Big Buddha Beach (tel. 07724-5253) for live music and a barbecue on the beach. Many a famous performer (Gerry played here, man!) has jumped up on stage and there have been times where the pub has hosted thousands. It is not exactly "secret," but highly recommended.