Restaurants, bars and entertainment on Koh Chang
Paddy's Palms is a traditional Irish pub
Once the sun sets over Koh Chang, the entertainment options for the day are not over. In the evenings there are abundant nightlife establishments that suit all tastes and pockets. Restaurants on the island serve up a full range of delicious Thai specialities as well as international dishes from numerous countries around the world.
Pubs and cafés on the island can be anything from a venue for a gourmet coffee and a quiet chat to White Sand Beach’s beer bars, Irish pub, discos, and venues with live bands playing Thai favourites and covers of Western pop and rock music.
Diners can enjoy Thai dishes including the ubiquitous tom yam goong (piquant prawn soup), fresh lobster, barbecued squid and fish plus somtam (spicy papaya salad). For those missing their home country’s cooking, pizzas, pastas, hamburgers, steaks and Western-style breakfasts are available in the larger resorts.
The four main beach resorts on Koh Chang are on its west coast and the location of most of the evening entertainment options. The quartet are White Sand, Klong Prao, and the linked Kai Bae and Lonely (Had Tha Nam).
Wai Chek, Salakphet and Long Beach on the east and south coasts have quieter resorts where relaxation over a meal or a peaceful drink is the principal draw.
White Sand Beach entertainment
This is the liveliest of Koh Chang’s resorts where bars on the beach such as Sabay Bar and Oodie’s Place offer live music. At Sabay the band plays nightly from 21:00 until 02:00. The bar serves seafood and a tantalising array of cocktails. There are fire shows every evening.
Live guitar solo at Oodie's Place
Kai Moon Somtam Restaurant is beside the main road and serves traditional northeastern Isaan staples such as barbecue chicken and somtam. The area known as Little Pattaya on the road to Klong Prao offers characteristic Thai beer bars with pool tables, girls and the chance of playing Connect Four.
Paddy’s Palms is a traditional Irish pub with Guinness, Kilkenny, cider, Sunday roasts, pies and ploughmans on its diverse menu. There are large screen TVs showing live sports, free wireless internet and a pool table. Open until late.
More on White Sands restaurants and bars.
Klong Prao Beach entertainment
This is a toned down version of White Sand, but still has an excellent selection of wining and dining establishments. A grouping of the ubiquitous Thai beer bars can be found at VJ Plaza near the top end of the beach.
The Taj (Tel: 03 9551450) is close to VJ and is a venue where classic Indian cuisine is served in an ambient setting. Curries vary from mild kormas through to fiery southern dishes.
Kati Culinary offers authentic Thai tom yam kung and pad thai (fried noodles) from its eclectic menu. Open 11:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Saturday and every evening from 18:00 to 22:00.
River Island Café (Tel: 086 9489811) is a chic and chilled out place on the Klong Plu Waterfall road with full bar and Thai and Western food.
More on Klong Prao restaurants and bars.
Kai Bae Beach entertainment
Kai Bae Marina serves succulent imported steaks
There is a fine choice of eateries and bars suitable for those looking for a quiet end to their day as well as revellers wishing to party until the small hours. Casamarina is a cosy bar with low prices, a varied selection of cocktails, a pool table and an upstairs veranda which catches gentle sea breezes.
Kai Bae Marina (Tel: 08 68359928) is the place to go for a succulent steak, German cooking, Weissbier and the latest blockbuster films. Papa’s Deli serves various breads with fillings including Salami and cheeses such as Swiss gruyere, cheddar and feta.
More on Kai Bae restaurants and bars.
Lonely Beach entertainment
This beach is the budget nightlife and dining choice with bars and beach cafés offering cut-price drinks and meals. There are also establishments with DJs spinning the latest tunes and one or two with live bands.
Lemon Bar is a lively location with regular DJs and Thai and international cuisines. BB Divers Pool & Lounge, as well as being a hangout for watersports fans, this establishment is also a combined bar-restaurant that serves tasty pizzas and Thai dishes.
More on Lonely Beach restaurants and bars.
