Amsterdam Bar

Amsterdam Bar is a multi-level hillside terrace above the west coast, with cushions around a pool, between Thong Sala and Srithanu. Visit Thailand Today calls it the hillside sunset institution and the island's ritual pre-party gathering, lists it as open daily from 12:00 to 01:00 and gives a 4.0 rating from 3,361 reviews. Locals call it Amstardam on its signage. The soundtrack is chill-out, a DJ sets the pace, and the page says the mood mellows after dark instead of escalating.

On Full Moon days it is the relaxed first stop before the party moves to Haad Rin on the other side of the island, and the same site's Full Moon guide calls it the traditional sunset warm-up. The Broke Backpacker suggests arriving around 16:30, while Visit Thailand Today suggests 17:00 in high season for a good spot, and says the terraces are very full on party days. Fruit shakes and Thai dishes are the recommended orders, cash is the safest way to pay, and the climb from the coast road is steep, so scooter or songthaew is the usual way up. No entry fee or drink prices are published. Not for you if you want a dance floor: it is a place for sunset and a first drink.