The bar and cafe scene concentrates in two areas: Dadonghai (the most density and the most international feel) and Sanya Bay (more low-key, mostly hotel and resort bars). Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay have their nightlife sealed up inside the resorts.
Dadonghai's main strip along Yuya Road has dozens of small bars catering to Chinese, Korean, and Russian-speaking tourists. Beach bars open out onto the sand in season; on weekends they pump music well past midnight. Specialty coffee is a relatively new arrival but has taken hold quickly — independent roasters and chains both have outlets across the city.
For drinks with a view, the rooftop bars at the Hilton Yalong Bay Resort and the Mandarin Oriental are open to non-guests and serve a decent cocktail at the price you would expect. Down at street level in central Sanya, the bars along the riverside opposite the First Market open out onto the water and stay busy until late.