Reggae Pub
Reggae Pub is one of Koh Samui's older entertainment institutions, occupying a large wooden structure near the Chaweng lake area that's been operating for decades. The building spreads across two levels with an outdoor terrace and a main hall where the live bands perform. The construction is open to the air with elevated wooden decks, ceiling fans, and a generally tropical aesthetic. Multiple bars are positioned throughout the space, and the capacity is substantial for a live music venue on the island. The programming is the main draw: live bands play most evenings, rotating between reggae, rock, and covers of international hits. The crowd is broad and inclusive, drawing tourists who want live music rather than a DJ club and Thais who come for the atmosphere rather than the nightlife circuit.
Where to stay near Reggae Pub
Hotels close to Chaweng, Koh Samui.
What to Expect
An open-air multi-level venue with live music, a relaxed social atmosphere, and a crowd that spans multiple demographics. Loud near the stage, conversational on the terraces.
Relaxed and social with a live music focus. One of the more inclusive venues in Chaweng in terms of crowd demographics.
Live reggae, rock, and international covers. DJs fill between sets. Occasional themed nights.
Casual. No requirements.
Visitors who want live music rather than a DJ club. Good for groups that include people who aren't interested in the beer bar circuit.
Cash preferred. Cards may be accepted at the main bar.
Price Range
No cover charge most nights. Beer 90-130 THB per bottle. Cocktails 180-250 THB. Buckets 350-450 THB.
Beer ~$2.50-$3.60. Cocktails ~$5.00-$6.95. Buckets ~$9.75-$12.50.
Hours
19:00-02:00 daily; live bands typically from 21:00
Insider Tip
Arrive around 9 PM to get a position near the stage before the venue fills. The upper deck has better sight lines for the band and slightly fewer people. The outdoor terrace is good if you want the music at lower volume while still in the space.
Full Review
Reggae Pub's longevity in Chaweng's volatile bar scene says something about its formula. The wooden structure feels like it belongs on the island rather than being imported from a franchise manual. The open sides let the sea air through and keep the temperature manageable. Multiple levels give the venue a social layering that compact clubs don't have: the main floor for the band, the upper deck for watching from above, the outdoor terrace for people who want the vibe at lower intensity.
The live bands are the reason to come. The quality varies by night and act, but there's almost always something happening from 9 PM. Reggae covers are the specialty, which suits the tropical setting. Rock covers run on different nights. It's not going to be a revelation for anyone who's seen live music at serious venues, but it's genuine performance rather than a backing track.
The crowd at Reggae Pub is more mixed than almost anywhere else in Chaweng. Families and couples sit on the terrace. Groups of Thai twentysomethings take the middle tables. Older tourists and expats occupy the bar stools. Solo travelers find it easy to have a conversation because the environment isn't designed to discourage it. This is one of the few places in Chaweng where meeting people organically is straightforward.
Prices are fair. No cover charge on most nights and beer at a sensible price point. The bar service is efficient even when the venue is full.
The Neighborhood
Near the Chaweng lake, slightly removed from the main beach road commercial strip. Walking distance from central Chaweng accommodation and restaurants.
Getting There
A 10-15 minute walk from central Chaweng Beach Road. Grab drops at the venue directly. Signage is visible from the road.
Other Venues in Chaweng
Green Mango Club
The island's biggest and best-known club, anchoring Soi Green Mango since the early 1990s. Large indoor dance floor, multiple bars, and a consistently heavy mix of commercial EDM and hip-hop. Cover applies on peak nights.
Ark Bar
Beachfront bar and day club on Chaweng Beach with regular DJ sessions from late afternoon into the evening. Sunsets bring a large crowd; the atmosphere stays social and relatively mixed through the night.
Tropical Murphy's
Irish-style bar on the main Chaweng strip with sports screens, pool tables, and Guinness on tap. Popular with expats and sports fans, and one of the more straightforward drinking spots away from the go-go circuit.
Chaweng Eden
Beer bar complex off the main Chaweng road with a cluster of small open-air bars under a shared roof. Standard format with bar girls, pool tables, and cold Chang. Prices are modest and the atmosphere is less pressured than go-go venues.
Club Khaosan Samui
High-energy club near Soi Green Mango pulling a mix of tourists and Thai party-goers. DJs play commercial Thai pop, EDM, and international hip-hop. Drinks promotions run earlier in the evening.
The Deck Lounge
Elevated terrace bar off Chaweng's main strip with low lighting and cocktail-focused service. Draws couples and small groups looking for a quieter alternative to the loud clubs nearby.