Where to watch the game on Koh Tao — Choppers, Fishbowl Beach Bar, Arcadia, The Smoking Dead, Serve Chilled Roof Garden and The Hacienda — plus what to expect and how to plan around big fixtures.
18 March 2025 · updated 30 May 2025 · by Bryan Roseman
Key takeaways
- Choppers Sports Bar, a Koh Tao staple since 2003, offers live music and all the latest sports.
- Fishbowl Beach Bar is a beachfront bar that shows the big live games.
- Arcadia Sports Bar has extensive sports coverage, so you won’t miss a match.
- At Koh Tao’s sports bars, expect HD screens, tasty food and a lively crowd.
- Koh Tao offers a unique blend of tropical island vibes and worldwide sports enthusiasm, making it a top destination for sports fans.
Koh Tao, a tiny island in Thailand, is famous for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just want to enjoy a cold drink while watching a game, there’s something for everyone at Koh Tao’s sports bars.
Choppers Sports Bar has been a fixture of Koh Tao’s nightlife since 2003. But don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t just a place to watch sports — it’s a place to experience them. With live music and a lively crowd, Choppers is much more than a bar with TVs: they host the Koh Tao Pub Crawl four nights a week, and the crowd’s energy adds to the thrill of the game.
Choppers is definitely the number-one spot for watching sports on Koh Tao; no other place showing sports has this much variety. They have football, American football, fight nights, rugby, racing nights — you name it. With over 20 flat screens and projectors, you won’t miss a second of the action.
Don’t forget to check out their delicious food menu, The Grubhouse, for a variety of Western and Thai favourites.
“Choppers Sports Bar offers the best of Koh Tao, combining live music, sports and tasty burgers in a lively setting.”
Picture this: you’re lounging next to the beach, a soft ocean breeze is blowing, and you’re watching your team play on the big screen. This is exactly what you’ll get at Fishbowl Beach Bar. The bar is right on the beach, and while it’s not exclusively a sports bar, you can catch lots of the big games on their screens. Sit back, watch the sunset, sip a cold cocktail and never miss a moment of the big game.
Fishbowl is not just a bar, it’s an entire experience. With its beachfront location and lively nightlife, it’s a top choice for anyone visiting Koh Tao. Whether you’re a sports lover or just want to soak up the island vibe, Fishbowl Beach Bar is a must.
Arcadia Sports Bar is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Renowned for its comprehensive sports broadcasts, this bar guarantees you won’t miss a match, regardless of where in the world it’s happening. With numerous screens, a pool table and a vibrant environment, Arcadia is the ideal spot to root for your team alongside other supporters.
There’s also a great selection of drinks and snacks, so you can easily spend an entire evening here. Don’t miss their Vietnamese sandwiches. Whether you’re a local or a traveller, Arcadia Sports Bar is a welcoming place that promises an unforgettable sports viewing experience.
The Smoking Dead is a great spot to hang out, especially at sunset. Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 pm and includes mojitos, frozen daiquiris and local draught beers. They also have an extensive menu of Thai, Burmese and Western food, from delicious burgers to hot curries — there’s something for everyone.
They also have a pool table and religiously show live MotoGP on their big screen (the owner loves his bikes), so for any petrol-heads out there, this is the place to go. Any race, any location — you will always find MotoGP here.
What makes The Smoking Dead stand out is its selection of craft beers and imported drinks you won’t find anywhere else on the island, such as BrewDog and Vedett.
Serve Chilled Roof Garden is a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape with stunning elevated views. This rooftop bar has a relaxed, tranquil vibe, complete with comfy seating and soft ambient lighting. They serve a range of signature cocktails crafted with fresh local fruits and flavours, alongside the regular drinks.
If you’re a fan of Premier League football, they show live games every weekend, so you won’t miss your beloved team’s performance.
The Hacienda Koh Tao in Mae Haad offers a pleasant alternative to the beach scene, set in a beautiful garden. It’s a favourite spot for the local expat community, especially at weekends, for its legendary roast dinners. You can watch live sports on multiple TV screens while enjoying your meal. The restaurant is part of a multi-activity complex, so you can eat, drink, watch live sports, see a movie at their cinema, play tenpin bowling, pool or mini golf.
When you visit Koh Tao’s sports bars, you can always expect to find a few things: high-definition screens, delicious food and a lively crowd. These bars are designed to make your sports viewing experience as enjoyable as possible, ensuring you have everything you need for a great time. If you enjoy a coastal vibe, you might also want to explore some of the best beach bars in Koh Tao to complement your visit.
“Join us to root for your team, have a delicious meal and enjoy a refreshing drink with your friends!”
What really sets these bars apart is the atmosphere. Whether you’re watching a local Thai sport or an international game, the enthusiasm of the crowd is infectious. This lively atmosphere is what makes the sports bars in Koh Tao so special, offering a unique combination of tropical relaxation and sporting thrills.
While Koh Tao is known for its diving and beaches, it’s also a hotspot for sports fans. The island lets you merge your love of travel and sport. You can spend your day exploring the colourful underwater world and then catch a live game at night. Koh Tao makes sure you’re always part of the action.
Visiting Koh Tao is the perfect way to combine relaxation and sports. The island’s sports bars are conveniently situated near the top tourist attractions, so you can sightsee during the day and kick back with a game at night. This combination of travel and sport lets you get the most out of your island time.
Additionally, sports bars in Koh Tao frequently organise events for international guests, featuring a broad selection of sports from across the globe. That means you can watch anything from American football to rugby and fight nights, all set against the backdrop of the island’s breathtaking landscape.
“Sports bars in Koh Tao are more than just places; they’re communities where supporters from all corners of the globe gather to share their passion for sports.”
Take Choppers Sports Bar, for instance, where it’s a regular occurrence to see customers cheering in unison, swapping tales and building friendships that continue long after the game has ended. This sense of community is what makes the sports bars on Koh Tao a unique experience for any sports fan.
Going to the sports bars in Koh Tao is a treat on its own, but with a little preparation you can take your experience to the next level. If you want to explore more of the island’s nightlife, check out some of the best beach bars in Koh Tao.
If you’re a sports fan, it’s key to schedule your trip to coincide with major sporting events. Big games like the FIFA World Cup or the Super Bowl bring in lots of people and make the atmosphere in the bars electric. Check when these events are happening and plan your travel dates so you don’t miss out.
Even though the sports bars are a big attraction, there’s a lot more to do on Koh Tao. You can snorkel, dive, hike or explore hidden beaches. The island is full of exciting things to do, so plan enough time to see them all and make the most of a fantastic trip.
Furthermore, numerous sports bars also feature live music and themed evenings, offering more entertainment choices while you’re there. Make the most of these events to discover the island’s lively nightlife and get a taste of its distinctive culture.
Some bars are perfect for families, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. You can watch the game while the kids are entertained too.
No matter your sports preference, Koh Tao’s sports bars have something for everyone. From football and rugby to cricket and even American sports like basketball and baseball, these bars offer a wide variety. With a range of sports channels to choose from, you’re guaranteed a front-row seat to all the action, whatever sport you’re into.
To sum it up, the sports bars in Koh Tao present a unique fusion of island allure and sporting thrills, making them a must-see for any sports lover. Whether you’re travelling alone, with family or in a group, these bars offer a memorable experience that brings together the best of both worlds.
Koh Tao is a paradise for beach lovers and those who enjoy vibrant nightlife. The island is famous for its stunning beaches and lively bars. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to explore the best beach bars in Koh Tao for an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer a relaxed beach vibe or a lively party atmosphere, Koh Tao has something for everyone.
Here are some common questions about sports bars in Koh Tao to help you plan your visit.
In Koh Tao, sports bars typically open in the early afternoon and close late at night, so you can watch both day and night games. Opening hours can change, though, especially during big sports events, so we recommend contacting the bar directly for the most accurate information. Choppers regularly changes its opening hours for big events such as the Super Bowl. Some bars also extend their hours during peak tourist seasons or major sporting events to accommodate the influx of visitors, so you can always find somewhere to watch your favourite sport, whatever the time.
Absolutely! Many sports bars in Koh Tao broadcast local Thai sports, including Muay Thai boxing and Thai football matches. This gives guests the chance to immerse themselves in the local sports scene, making their visit even more memorable. After enjoying the local sports, you might also want to explore the top restaurants in Koh Tao for a complete experience.
For big sports events like the World Cup or the Olympics, sports bars in Koh Tao can get pretty packed. The buzzing environment is part of the fun, but if you'd rather have a quieter time, think about getting there early to grab a good seat or going when a less popular event is on.
Most sports bars in Koh Tao are suitable for families and welcome guests of all ages. They usually have a laid-back atmosphere where families can watch the game together, and some bars even have play areas for kids. If you're worried about age restrictions at certain hours, it's best to call the bar ahead of time — some places have specific rules about children being in the bar late at night.
Definitely! Most of Koh Tao's sports bars are happy to take bookings for large groups, especially when there's a big game on. It's a good idea to get in touch beforehand to make sure you've got a space and to discuss anything else you might need. With a bit of forethought, you can make sure your crew has a blast watching the game in a cosy, welcoming environment.
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