When you are wandering along the powdery sands of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui and looking for a place to unwind, sip a cocktail and enjoy the scenery, Monkey Bay Beach Bar is one of those hidden gems that captures the best of island life. With its barefoot-friendly setup, ocean views, relaxed atmosphere and friendly local vibe, Monkey Bay offers a beach bar experience that’s both authentic and enjoyable – perfect for travelers who want something more understated than a club lounge but livelier than a quiet cafe.
I found Monkey Bay Beach Bar by accident, as I was walking along the road back to Buri Rasa Village where I stayed for my 10 days on Koh Samui. About 150 meters from Buri Rasa, the bar is set way back off the road, right on the beach. I stopped off for a cheeky midday cocktail and was surprised to learn that their happy hours are between 5PM and 8PM so I vowed to return later that afternoon. Of the 10 days that I was on Koh Samui, I visited Monkey Bay Beach Bar five times and enjoyed way too many strawberry daiquiris during my vacation. What I particularly liked was the Happy Hour prices. For just 99 baht for a cocktail, you will certainly be tempted to enjoy more than just one cocktail as you wind down your day on Koh Samui.
Located right on Chaweng Beach, Monkey Bay Beach Bar makes the most of its prime position overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. You can literally step off the sand and into a comfy shaded seat, making it an ideal stop for beachgoers who want to take a break and soak up the view without leaving the water’s edge. With gentle waves lapping nearby and the palm trees swaying overhead, this bar captures that carefree tropical feeling for which Koh Samui is famous.
Watching the sun set over Koh Samui, you could not wish for a better location, sipping away on a cocktail as you wind down your day in preparation for your dinner somewhere on Koh Samui.
The Monkey Bay drinks menu has much of what you would expect from a beach bar in paradise: refreshing cocktails, ice-cold beers, fresh fruit shakes and classic tropical mixes. Favorites like mojitos, piña coladas and local rum punches are served with generous amounts of alcohol and beachside flair, making them the perfect partner to ocean breezes and sandy toes. I enjoyed way too many daiquiris during my vacation to Koh Samui, with strawberry being the flavor of choice after trying many of the other ones.
The staff are friendly and laid-back, serving drinks with a smile. They are happy to recommend favorites based on your mood, whether you are craving something light and fruity or something stronger to match the sunset hues. Becoming a ‘regular’ after 10 days on Koh Samui, I was welcomed back each evening with the suggestion that I should start my evening with yet another strawberry daiquiri.
While Monkey Bay is not a full-service restaurant, you will find light bites and snacks that perfectly complement the drinks. I did not order food from the restaurant, preferring to enjoy the evening cocktails before heading further down the road to a local restaurant.
One of Monkey Bay’s strongest appeals is simply its vibe. The décor is informal and comfortable, some would even say rustic. The tables are low and there is plenty of shaded seating. I really enjoyed their selection of chilled music, adding many favorites to my Spotify playlists while downing yet another daiquiri. The music at Monkey Bay leans toward chill, beach-friendly playlists that complement the seaside setting. Often the soundtrack feels like part of the experience, blending with the sound of the waves just beyond the beach.
So when you are exploring Chaweng Beach and want somewhere to relax, recharge and enjoy the simple pleasures of sand, sea and good company, Monkey Bay Beach Bar deserves a stop, perhaps even five stops on your 10-day vacation. It’s not about flashy luxury or nightlife extravagance — it’s about embracing the easy island pace, enjoying the beautiful Koh Samui sunsets and enjoying evening cocktails as the island slows down around you.
I trust that you will enjoy your visit/s to Monkey Bay Beach Bar when you visit the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Find Monkey Bay Beach Bar on Google Maps.
When I visited Koh Samui, I stayed at the quite lovely Buri Rasa Resort Koh Samui. Consider booking your accommodation at Buri Rasa, otherwise consider other accommodation options along Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui by clicking in the box below.
Consider reading other posts on Thailand by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in October 2025)