Krabi does not compare to its westerly neigbor, Phuket, in the entertainment market. There are no all night beer bars, ago-go bars or raging discos. There is more of an open air pub/restaurant feel to the nightlife. When the sun goes down you are usually too exhausted to participate in anything except maybe a few beers, some relaxing conversation between friends and planning the next days activites. Ao Nang Beach, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are all laid back and easy going with things usually winding up well before midnight.

Ao Nang is also home to many bars where the small hour will be accompanied to the sound of music, both live and recorded. Here the long relaxing beach days can be extended over a quiet drink or if that is what you need, finished with an exhausting whirl of energy in the dancing bars and parties.

Out at Railay Beach the days are meant to be spent lazing on the beach and with the comfort of the resorts and the beauty of the scenery the mind shouldn't need to wander into the world of shopping too much. It is possible to buy essential beach items here at the many mini-marts that serve the resorts, along with some food and toiletries. It is even possible to have a suit made at Sunrise Bungalows and buy rock climbing equipment at King Climbers and Hot Rock climbing schools. But it is food that you don't need to cook yourself that Railay does so well.

For a special occasion a visit to Coco's restaurant on East Railay is a must, the food and atmosphere of this forest restaurant are beyond compare. Equally delicious Thai and Western dishes can be had at equally good prices in the restaurant at Railay Village on West Railay Beach. This restaurant is also famous for its stupidly delicious ice-cream.

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.

Recommended Bars

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.

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.