Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Smile Bar is one of Ao Nang's most distinctive bars and is known among travelers as an LGBT+-friendly establishment—in an area where such places are rare. This open reputation, coupled with the warm and attentive staff, has earned the bar a loyal clientele of both first-time and regular customers. Located in a larger complex on Ao Nang's main street, the bar offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere where good company and reasonably priced drinks take center stage.

Cocktails cost around 120 THB, making this bar one of the more affordable options in the area, without compromising on quality or hospitality. Live football matches are shown on flat-screen TVs, creating a convivial and relaxed atmosphere that appeals to both solo travelers and groups. Guests consistently praise the staff, describing them as friendly, genuine, and dedicated to making guests feel at home.

The bar is somewhat hidden, as the surrounding street is teeming with touts actively trying to lure customers to competing establishments. Many regulars recommend walking past the promotional displays in front of the other bars and heading straight into the complex to choose your own table. Prices listed on some external menus may not be entirely up-to-date, so it's worth checking the current menu upon arrival. There's no website, so going there in person remains the easiest way to get there.