5 POOL BARS WITH STUNNING VIEWS IN KOH PHANGAN | THAILAND

After days of exploring island and hiking to the top of the mountains it is good to take some time off and enjoy your vacation mode to the fullest. To augment your lazy-days-in-paradise situation, I might suggest having a day in resort pool bars with a refreshing cocktail.

Although there are not so many beach clubs in Koh Phangan (there were more before Covid, but now temporarily closed) you can still find resorts with pools and restaurants which are open for all visitors to enjoy their day.

I wrote down my 5 favourites pool bars in Koh Phangan with breathtaking views:

1. High Life Bungalows

High Life Bungalows is located at Haad Yao, west side of the island, 15 minutes from Thong Sala by motorbike.

You can enter the resort from the main road or walk to the beginning of the Haad Yao beach, where you can see stairs carved into the rock that leads to the resort.

The restaurant and pool area is built on the side of a cliff which gives you panoramic views over the bay of Haad Yao. They serve Thai and Western food, local beers and a large selection of cocktails. There is also a separate room for digital nomads with good wifi and many tables for work.

What I like the most about High Life Bungalows is the stunning view over the bay, friendly service, big swimming pool and there is plenty of space in different areas.

2. Bluerama (Adult Only Pool Bar)

It is hard to beat this hilltop restaurant with an infinity pool overlooking the sea. If you want to take that too good to be true Instagram photo, then this is the place. It looks more luxurious than other beach bars on the island, but still affordable.

Bluerama is a 5-minute drive from Thong Sala, located on top of the very steep hill with a 220° panoramic view, which gives you stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand and sunset to remember.

DJs play there regularly and cocktails are on point. The only downside of this place is limited seating, especially when sunbathing. So I prefer to go there just for cocktails and even without using the pool, Bluerama has a view unlike any other.

3. Varivana resort

Varivana rooftop infinity pool and restaurant is one of the best instagrammable spots on island. This scenery is different, surrounded by coconut orchards, facing the mountains and ocean in the distance.

Architecture of this hotel is fascinating and unlike what you are used to seeing here. Its rawness and non-uniform finish, creates an interesting character for the building. View from the rooftop feels like you landed up on some other island – a very isolated island.

Restaurant offers western and Thai cuisine, seafood, local beer, cocktails and healthy smoothies. If you do not stay at the hotel, a day pass to the pool area will cost you 250 baht (January 2022).

Varivana resort rooftop is good to have more relaxed and noiseless day, I really enjoyed reading book there, peaceful zen vibes.

4. Sea Love Bungalows

Even when the Sea Love Bungalows beach bar is not located on top of the hill with a panoramic view, it is still one of our favourite spots to spend pool day and sipping fresh coconuts.

It is located on the beautiful Bantai Beach, facing south to the Samui island.

You can cool off in their pool or go for a swim in the sea, which you can access from Sea Love Bungalows private beach. You can find a cosy lounge with groovy music, comfortable hammocks, beanbags and an open beach area with palm trees which creates this tropical paradise island atmosphere.

5. Sunset Hill

Another hilltop resort on the west coast with an infinity pool. The pool bar is located 15 minute drive from Thong Sala, on a pretty high hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, unspoiled beaches Haad Yao and Chao Phao, Angthong Marine park and Koh Samui.

Around the pool you will find a luscious sunbathing garden, which reminds me of Mediterranean design.

Pool Bar serves a wide range of delicious drinks and foods, plenty of space for sunbathing and stunning sunset view.

Sunset Hill hosts also pool parties with DJs and live music concerts – you can check their events from Facebook page.