It's great to lounge on the beach all day with a Singha (or Fanta) in hand, but when you're looking for nighttime recreation, move away from the sand and head to the center of Lamai or Chaweng.

Girlie bars
Despite the name, these popular bars in downtown Lamai aren't risque at all. The usual set-up is a small wooden hut with a pole in the center and girls dressed in American fashions (tiny tops, tight skirts or jeans) who flirt with the patrons. The bars aren't like go-go clubs because the girls keep their clothes on, but they can be a fun diversion from the big pubs. At Nana Bar, the girls played Connect Four with us and encouraged our male friends to climb up and dance with them on the pole. Drink prices here are more than at sports bars or pubs, but the selection is fancier. I tried a B-52 (120 baht), which the girls lit on fire and ordered me to slurp through a small straw while everyone watched and giggled.

Mekong whiskey
This popular whiskey, which is half as potent as its Western cousin, is abundant on the islands. Some clubs have deals for free whiskey to entice customers through their doors. Our friends found one in downtown Lamai that promised a free bottle of whiskey to any group of four or more. However, the bar planned to make money by forcing them to buy overpriced soda and energy drinks to mix the cheap alcohol.

One of the biggest draws in downtown Lamai is the Bauhaus Pub, Bistro and Disco. This establishment draws young crowds with a Saturday Gin and Vodka party (with half-price cocktails) and other specials. On Fridays you can see soaking wet patrons pour through the doors after the weekly foam party. Open daily 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Hat Chaweng is Samui's nightlife center with dozens of pubs and go-go bars. Check out the Green Mango. This complex of six bars draws tourists from beaches near and far. Come to drink, dance and have fun. Beers are 80-100 baht, cocktails are 120-150 baht, and you can even get champagne for 800-2000 baht. Open 8 p.m.-4 a.m.

Questions?
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