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The 10 Best Hotels with Swim-up Bar in Thailand Where Cocktails and Poolside Bliss Collide!
It happened on a lazy afternoon in Phuket, when the sun was high, my feet wet and tired, and all I wanted was a drink—without leaving the pool. Moments later, I was floating up to a swim bar, ordering a piña colada without ever needing a towel.
That one experience changed everything I thought I knew about holiday indulgence. Since then, I’ve made it a mission to uncover the best hotels across Thailand where the bar meets the water and every dip turns into a celebration.
So for travellers who dream of sipping while soaking, I’ve rounded up a curated list to guide you. Below are the best swim-up bar hotels in Thailand where cocktails and poolside paradise collide!
Crest Resort
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Address: 95 Muen-Ngern Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Contact details: +6676310088
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Located on a quiet hilltop overlooking the Andaman Sea, Crest Resort gives you that elevated tropical escape—literally! You’ll wake up to rainforest views, sip your coffee from a sea-facing balcony, and then head straight for the swim-up bar where the drinks hit differently under the sun.
The pool area is sleek and calm, with music humming in the background and just enough space to claim your deck chair without feeling crowded. Let’s get back to the swim-up bar—it’s one of those indulgent perks that makes you feel like you’re really on a holiday.
It’s especially great in the late afternoon, with the golden-hour sun bouncing off the water and the staff casually checking in to top off your glass.
Pro tip: Ask the staff when the swim-up bar is operating at full service—it’s not always open all day, and catching the bartender when they’re mixing fresh cocktails is totally worth the wait.
Island Escape Burasari
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Address: 94/4 Moo 6, Tambon, Ko Kaeo, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000
Contact details: +6676643643
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Island Escape Burasari feels exactly like its name—a tropical break from reality, wrapped in palm trees and the salty breeze. You’re whisked away to Coconut Island, where the vibe is slow and lush, and will satisfy your Thailand island escape.
The swim-up bar here isn’t just any amenity, it’s a whole experience! Think of it as your island lounge but with cocktails served right into your hand as you soak in the pool.
What makes this place stand out is the layout—two pools, each giving off a different mood. The other one is laid-back and relaxed, while the other one is more social, perfect for mingling at the beach bar with a chilled mojito and a casual chat.
Pro tip: Ask for the coconut rum cocktail at the swim-up bar, especially around sunset. It’s not listed on the menu, but it’s a local-style favourite that tastes like the island in a glass.
Phuket Kata Resotel
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Address: 30, 9 Kata Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Contact details: +6676330721
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Phuket Kata Resotel is that perfect sweet spot between comfort and affordability, with a location that puts you just a couple of minutes from the sand. But what really sets this place apart is its easy-going pool scene—especially the swim-up bar.
The swim-up bar has that relaxed island vibe, and the poolside cafe nearby means you can snack and sip without moving too far from the lounger. Some rooms even open straight onto the pool, so it’s quite literally a step from bed to water.
To tell you more about their swim-up bar, you can always float your way to a chilled cocktail without ever needing to towel off. If you’re looking to keep it casual but still feel a touch of luxury, Phuket Kata Resotel is worth checking into.
Pro tip: If you’re booking a pool-access room, aim for the ones at the corners—they’re a little more private and feel like your mini villa tucked right next to the water.
Chalong Chalet Resort & Longstay
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Address: Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Contact details: +6676281406
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
Website
If you’re chasing peace, privacy, and a poolside cocktail with a view, Chalong Chalet Resort might just be your kind of vibe. Tucked away from Phuket’s hectic hotspots, this resort blends old-school Thai charm with modern comforts.
The swim-up bar here is perched at the edge of a hilltop pool, so you’ll be sipping your drink while taking in the panoramic view of Chalong Bay. The resort offers spacious Thai-style chalets, and many rooms even come with jacuzzis right on the balcony!
You’ll love how laid-back everything feels, from the friendly staff who remember your favourite drink to the quiet atmosphere of this spot. Plus, the on-site restaurant delivers surprisingly flavourful dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Pro tip: The rooftop pool is usually quieter than the main one, so head there in the late afternoon—It’s the perfect golden-hour spot with fewer people and a breeze that hits just right!
Baan Yuree Resort
Media credit: Baan Yuree Resort Patong Phuket
Address: Baan Yuree Resort and Spa, 12/1 Petchakut Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket
Contact details: +6676364703
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
Website
At Baan Yuree Resort, you get to enjoy a swim-up bar experience that feels laid-back and refreshing—without breaking the bank. The resort’s pool bar is the spot where you can enjoy fruity cocktails while enjoying the panoramic view of the town below.
The drinks hit the spot after a long day of exploring, and the vibe here is friendly without being over-the-top. The pool itself is a standout—spacious, clean, and lined with sun loungers for when you need a quick break from the water.
The bar is tucked right into the side of the pool, so you can swim up, grab a cold beer or mango smoothie, and slide straight back into your lounger. While the climb back to the resort can feel like a workout, that post-dip drink makes it all worth it!
Pro tip: Try heading to the pool bar just before sunset—the golden glow over the Andaman Sea paired with your drink of choice makes for a surprisingly serene happy hour without the crowds.
Cape Dara Resort
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Address: 256 Na Kluea 20 Alley, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Contact details: +6638933888
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cape Dara Resort brings serious poolside energy with its sleek swim-up bar nestled right beside a stunning infinity pool. You’re not just sipping cocktails here—you’re doing it while gazing out over uninterrupted ocean views, with chill tunes in the background.
The bar team knows how to mix a mean mojito, and the fresh juices and smoothies are perfect for cooling off between clips. What makes the pool bar at Cape Dara a standout is how it blends laid-back lounging with just the right splash of glamour.
You’ll find plenty of shades under oversized umbrellas, or you can stay in the water and float your way to another round. When the sun starts to dip, the vibe gets even better—the sunset here really knows how to show off, especially with a cocktail in hand.
Pro tip: The swim-up bar staff often rotate seasonal specials—ask what’s not on the menu yet. You might score a custom off-the-cuff cocktail that hits better than anything you’ve tried before.
Kacha Resort Koh Chang
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Address: 88 1, Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170
Contact details: +66870011558
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
Website
Kacha Resort Koh Chang hits that sweet spot between laid-back island charm and full-on resort comfort, and their swim-up pool bar is one of the highlights you won’t want to miss!
Tucked right beside one of their two outdoor pools, the bar keeps things with cold cocktails, fresh tropical juices, and the kind of easy-going vibe that makes you want to stay in the water all afternoon.
Whether you’re ordering a fruit smoothie post-swim or a piña colada while watching the sunset, you’re covered. The beachfront location is a big win, but it’s the combo of the pool bar and sunset views that really seals the deal!
Pro tip: Stick around the pool bar just before sunset—there’s usually a quiet lull and the light hits the water perfectly. It’s also when the staff are most open to mixing off-menu drinks, so ask for their personal favourite!
Mövenpick Myth Hotel
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Address: 27/9 200 Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Rd, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Contact details: +6676372899
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
The Azure Pool Bar at Mövenpick Myth Hotel Patong Phuket is not your average swim-up bar—this one comes with elegance, atmosphere, and an impressively curated menu.
Whether you’re floating beneath the soft trickle of nearby waterfalls or perched on one of the submerged seats with your feet in the water, the setting makes it hard not to unwind.
You’ll love the cocktail list—try the refreshing passion mojito or their creamy signature dirty banana if you’re in a holiday mood. Not drinking? The mango colada and three fruit salsa mocktails hit the spot, especially under the tropical sun.
Pro tip: Check out their French 75 cocktail made with gin and prosecco—it’s quietly tucked under “Signature Cocktail” on the menu, and it’s one of the most refreshing choices you can sip while soaking in the pool’s dreamy ambiance.
Ananta Burin Resort
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Address: 166 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180
Contact details: +6675661551
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Ananta Burin Resort is where you go when you’re craving sunshine, serenity, and a perfectly chilled drink without ever leaving the water. The swim-up bar’s location also catches the breeze just right, making even the hottest afternoons feel bearable.
What makes this spot worth talking about is the easy mix of refreshing drinks and tasty snacks. Whether you’re in the mood for a tangy mojito, a cold beer, or a refreshing fruit juice, they’ve got you covered!
Pro tip: Try their fruit punch in the late afternoon—it hits differently when the sun’s just starting to dip, and it pairs surprisingly well with their crispy bar snacks for that perfect sunset float moment.
Karon Sea Sands Resort
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Address: 208/2 Karon Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Contact details: +6676286464
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 11 AM
Karon Sea Sands Resort hits that sweet spot between tropical escape and warm community vibes—and the swim-up bar is where all the magic happens. Located just steps from your room, this pool bar is the kind of spot you’ll drift to without even thinking.
You’ve got cocktails in hand, your legs floating in the water and the soft murmur of the Andaman Sea just across the road. It’s chill without trying too hard, and that’s what makes it so inviting.
The bartenders here aren’t just pouring drinks—they’re setting the tone for your perfect day under the Thai sun. Whether you’re into a classic mojito or one of their bold house specials, you’ll get your order served with a smile and often, a fun chat too!
Pro tip: Try the pool bar in the late afternoon—happy hour usually kicks in, and that’s when the staff start offering little surprises like complimentary snacks for fun poolside games. It’s the perfect pre-dinner ritual.
