Review | Free Descent, Koh Lanta Bar
Free Descent Review: A Unique Koh Lanta Bar Experience
With an array of bars and lounges on offer, Koh Lanta in Thailand is renowned for its chilled beaches and fun nightlife. Nestled among them is a particularly intriguing Koh Lanta bar that goes by the name of Free Descent. For those that have visited Koh Lanta in the past, you might remember it as the Funky Monkey, but since a change in management, this place has transformed into a must-visit destination for locals and expats alike.
Free Descent is a bar like no other on Koh Lanta, it combines a cavern style aesthetic with a good amount of drink options but is it a worthy addition to your itinerary? In this in-depth review, we provide first hand detail about this warm and welcoming establishment in 2025.
Pros and Cons of Free Descent
Pros
- ✅ 2 pool tables and a dart board
- ✅ Warm and welcoming staff
- ✅ Unique cavern-style aesthetics
- ✅ Themed Parties all year round
Cons
- ❌ A litle quiet in the low season on some nights
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
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| Name | Address | Website |
| Free Descent | 641, Longbeach, Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand | Free Descent Facebook Page |
Free Descent Location
Located in the heart of Phra Ae, Free Descent is a stone’s throw away from the stunning coastline. Phra Ae has a plethora of various restaurants, bars, hair salons, and various resorts. Free Descent is at the heart of the area close to the a Seven-Eleven and the Beachcomber restaurant.
It’s an ideal place to unwind after a day spent lounging on the beach, grabbing a bite to eat and hit up Free Descent for a casual game of pool or dance on the bars dancefloor.
Atmosphere
Walking into Free Descent, one might be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled into a welcoming cavern. It has a unique atmosphere with a trio of pool tables – two nestled in the back and one proudly positioned at the front, often playing host to gripping games of ‘killer’ on busy nights.
Free Descent plays some great music, from well known pop hits to remixes and electronic collaborations, the music generally is at a good level and thanks to the acoustics of the venue, you can sit and have a discussion when needed and get into the music on the dancefloor. The music provides a great atmosphere for most demographics.
Drinks
The beverage offerings are as exciting as the environment. Cocktail enthusiasts can look forward to an array of well-mixed concoctions, all priced under $5. For those who prefer an ice-cold brew, bottles of beer are conveniently priced under $2.50.
For a personal recommendation, fans of coffee and vodka should try the bar’s “Chocolate Russian”, I have never seen this before and it is one of the smoothest drinks I have perhaps ever tasted. Their other cocktails are also a must try.
Service/Staff
The heartbeat of Free Descent is its exceptional service. The dedicated staff are genuinely friendly, going above and beyond to ensure everyone has an unforgettable night at this Koh Lanta bar. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or a first-time visitor, they’ll make you feel part of the Free Descent family.
The team of staff is relatively small but this team provides some of the best interactions you could hope for on the island. The owners of the venue Pak and Bow can often be seen mingling with guests, ensuring people are having an enjoyable time or simply on the pool table themselves (They are both quite good just to note). On busy nights other staff come into the fold to assist with drinks and service and they are just as attentive and always have a smile.
Additional Information
Free Descent offers more than just drinks and a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes you may see dice games being played such as Aces, providing an extra sprinkle of entertainment for those up for a challenge. Moreover, this bar is a melting pot where the local community comes together as Free Descent is popular among both expats and locals.
Throughout the year, Free Descent hosts a range of themed parties, from Halloween and LGBTQ celebrations to birthday bashes and various global calendar holidays. No matter when you visit, there’s always a reason to celebrate.
Conclusion of this Koh Lanta Bar
In conclusion, Free Descent isn’t just a bar, It’s a place that combines a unique aesthetic experience with exceptional service. If you’re looking for a bar experience that is warm and welcoming then I suggest visiting. Pak and Bow, the owners go out of their way to make things special and it really shows. Sure it can be a little quiet on some weekdays in low season but this is apt for the island in general during this time.
So there we have it, If you’re looking for an authentic Koh Lanta experience that’ll give you stories to tell, make sure to add Free Descent to your list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
[timetable agent=”5113252″ from=”Krabi” to=”Koh Lanta” curr=”USD” lang=”en”]
Koh Lanta FAQ
Both have their merits. Krabi is more bustling and offers a variety of attractions, while Koh Lanta is quieter and more laid-back, ideal for relaxation.
Scooters, tuk-tuks, and taxis are the main modes of transportation on Ko Lanta. Taxis may be sparser in certain areas such as Old Town and the more southern districts.
Koh Lanta is less touristy than some Thai islands, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience. It does however have a high (dry) and low (wet) season where the numbers of visitors to the island will increase for the high season and decrease in the low.
Yes, there are car ferries available to transport vehicles to Koh Lanta. There is a 50 THB fee for foreign nationals to use the ferry each way.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
