Guidebook for Ko Samui

Gareth
Guidebook for Ko Samui

Food Scene

This all-day, open-air restaurant is located at the resort pool and overlooks the beach at the Anantara Lawana resort. Sit indoors or out on the beachside for lunch and dinner where an impressive a la carte menu and well stocked wine cellar have you well taken care of.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Ocean Kiss
12 moradores locais recomendam
This all-day, open-air restaurant is located at the resort pool and overlooks the beach at the Anantara Lawana resort. Sit indoors or out on the beachside for lunch and dinner where an impressive a la carte menu and well stocked wine cellar have you well taken care of.
A hit with local expats and one of our favorite restaurants on the island, enjoy innovative comfort food with a twist. We highly recommend the peanut butter martini and any of the daily specials. No fuss! No fancy terms! No pretension! The Larder takes things back to basics serving up rustic fine dining. Closed on Sunday.
35 moradores locais recomendam
The Larder Ko Samui
35 moradores locais recomendam
A hit with local expats and one of our favorite restaurants on the island, enjoy innovative comfort food with a twist. We highly recommend the peanut butter martini and any of the daily specials. No fuss! No fancy terms! No pretension! The Larder takes things back to basics serving up rustic fine dining. Closed on Sunday.
Samui's Best Restaurants with Mediterranean specialties. In an amazing location at beachfront entrance of the Warft enables visitors to benefit from the beautiful surroundings of the restaurant, before or after the meal. This restaurant is very spacious and has been designed in modern style and decor. During dinner, guests can enjoy the beautifully lit atmosphere and music that matches the ambiance.
38 moradores locais recomendam
Barracuda Restaurant
38 moradores locais recomendam
Samui's Best Restaurants with Mediterranean specialties. In an amazing location at beachfront entrance of the Warft enables visitors to benefit from the beautiful surroundings of the restaurant, before or after the meal. This restaurant is very spacious and has been designed in modern style and decor. During dinner, guests can enjoy the beautifully lit atmosphere and music that matches the ambiance.
For the best burger and steak in Samui look no further, The Shack serves both with a good wine list. Located in Bophut in the Fisherman's Village, The Shack is delightfully intimate with capacity for a maximum of 50 guests at any one time. Open daily 3pm to 11pm.
35 moradores locais recomendam
The Shack
35 moradores locais recomendam
For the best burger and steak in Samui look no further, The Shack serves both with a good wine list. Located in Bophut in the Fisherman's Village, The Shack is delightfully intimate with capacity for a maximum of 50 guests at any one time. Open daily 3pm to 11pm.
Dine in an intimate setting offering direct beach dining or air- conditioned comfort. Cuisine featured is Japanese in a sensual and chic environment; Sashimi is served as you like it or with one of the innovative special dressings from the chef. The tempting teppanaki grill is also always ablaze with a symphony of sauces, like wasabi and sea urchin roe butter for Tasmanian ocean trout or saikyo miso and Gorgonzola, which flawlessly garnishes a Matsusake steak. Open daily 6pm to 11pm.
60 moradores locais recomendam
W Koh Samui
60 moradores locais recomendam
Dine in an intimate setting offering direct beach dining or air- conditioned comfort. Cuisine featured is Japanese in a sensual and chic environment; Sashimi is served as you like it or with one of the innovative special dressings from the chef. The tempting teppanaki grill is also always ablaze with a symphony of sauces, like wasabi and sea urchin roe butter for Tasmanian ocean trout or saikyo miso and Gorgonzola, which flawlessly garnishes a Matsusake steak. Open daily 6pm to 11pm.
This unique restaurant is positioned as romantic and exclusive. Guests can enjoy the most luxurious setting amongst the treetops. The menu encompasses carefully selected high quality fresh products brought together on your plate with all the years of the culinary team's experience. The menu is complemented with an extensive wine list. Open daily
26 moradores locais recomendam
Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar
92/1 หมู 2
26 moradores locais recomendam
This unique restaurant is positioned as romantic and exclusive. Guests can enjoy the most luxurious setting amongst the treetops. The menu encompasses carefully selected high quality fresh products brought together on your plate with all the years of the culinary team's experience. The menu is complemented with an extensive wine list. Open daily

Sightseeing

Wat Phra Yai is a Buddha statue over 12 meter high; you may have seen it on your arrival into Samui from the airplane and is well worth a visit. It was built in 1972 and is Koh Samui’s most famous temple located on a small island connected to Samui by a bridge. Please dress appropriately as this temple is an important Buddhist symbol for Thai people.
344 moradores locais recomendam
Grande Buda
Wat phra yai
344 moradores locais recomendam
Wat Phra Yai is a Buddha statue over 12 meter high; you may have seen it on your arrival into Samui from the airplane and is well worth a visit. It was built in 1972 and is Koh Samui’s most famous temple located on a small island connected to Samui by a bridge. Please dress appropriately as this temple is an important Buddhist symbol for Thai people.
Koh Samui has many temples that are worth visiting. Plai Laem is in the north of the island and is considered to be the most decorative temple. It features many large and colourful statues representing various gods and a lake where you can feed the fish. Please go ahead and ask your Villa Attendants for their recommendations.
173 moradores locais recomendam
Wat Plai Laem
173 moradores locais recomendam
Koh Samui has many temples that are worth visiting. Plai Laem is in the north of the island and is considered to be the most decorative temple. It features many large and colourful statues representing various gods and a lake where you can feed the fish. Please go ahead and ask your Villa Attendants for their recommendations.
The Butterfly Garden is a beautiful tropical garden with hundreds of colorful butterflies along a charming garden trail. Visit a bee house overlooking the garden, and an insect museum of rare and wonderful insects. The garden also offers stunning views of the sea at several observation decks. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or morning.
25 moradores locais recomendam
The Butterfly Hill @ Samui
ถนน ทวีราษฎร์ภักดี
25 moradores locais recomendam
The Butterfly Garden is a beautiful tropical garden with hundreds of colorful butterflies along a charming garden trail. Visit a bee house overlooking the garden, and an insect museum of rare and wonderful insects. The garden also offers stunning views of the sea at several observation decks. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or morning.
Samui Crocodile Farm in Bophut is a fascinating place to find out more about Thailand's jaws and claws! They're all here: Siamese crocodiles, caimans, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and more. The farm covers an area of 8,000sqm and is located near Samui International Airport, about six kilometres East of Bophut Fisherman’s Village.
29 moradores locais recomendam
the Samui Crocodile Farm
29 moradores locais recomendam
Samui Crocodile Farm in Bophut is a fascinating place to find out more about Thailand's jaws and claws! They're all here: Siamese crocodiles, caimans, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and more. The farm covers an area of 8,000sqm and is located near Samui International Airport, about six kilometres East of Bophut Fisherman’s Village.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai, some fascinating rock formations on Koh Samui’s south coast, have been a source of mirth and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago. Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the Art of the Ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible and these rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai).
80 moradores locais recomendam
Lalanta cafe
Thanon Had Lamai
80 moradores locais recomendam
Hin Ta and Hin Yai, some fascinating rock formations on Koh Samui’s south coast, have been a source of mirth and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago. Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the Art of the Ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible and these rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai).
This viewpoint is the best of view that  you can see the sea in panorama view.
61 moradores locais recomendam
Miradouro de Lad Koh
61 moradores locais recomendam
This viewpoint is the best of view that  you can see the sea in panorama view.

Parks & Nature

Close to Na Muang Waterfall 1 and just a short walk from the car park. Rocks can be slippery so adequate footwear is advised and not ideal for elderly or people with restricted mobility. Elephant rides are also available in this area.
103 moradores locais recomendam
Na Muang water fall 2 - upper natural pool & rocks
103 moradores locais recomendam
Close to Na Muang Waterfall 1 and just a short walk from the car park. Rocks can be slippery so adequate footwear is advised and not ideal for elderly or people with restricted mobility. Elephant rides are also available in this area.
is about 80 meter high. You have to be prepared for a walk to get here. Rocks can be slippery so adequate footwear is advised and not ideal for elderly or people with restricted mobility.
68 moradores locais recomendam
Na Mueang-1 Waterfall
4169
68 moradores locais recomendam
is about 80 meter high. You have to be prepared for a walk to get here. Rocks can be slippery so adequate footwear is advised and not ideal for elderly or people with restricted mobility.
Known in Thai as Wat Namtok Hin Lad, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple (or Saunthamma Pala Nikrotharam Temple in full) is set in evergreen tropical jungle just before the trail up to the famous Hin Lad Waterfall, a few kilometres south of Nathon Town, Samui.
71 moradores locais recomendam
Hin Lat Waterfall
71 moradores locais recomendam
Known in Thai as Wat Namtok Hin Lad, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple (or Saunthamma Pala Nikrotharam Temple in full) is set in evergreen tropical jungle just before the trail up to the famous Hin Lad Waterfall, a few kilometres south of Nathon Town, Samui.

Everything Else

Chaweng is the beach on the east coast of Ko Samui and has a reputation for a pristine white beach and an excellent nightlife infrastructure especially on the northern end of the beach.
259 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Chaweng
259 moradores locais recomendam
Chaweng is the beach on the east coast of Ko Samui and has a reputation for a pristine white beach and an excellent nightlife infrastructure especially on the northern end of the beach.
Perhaps it's the excellent views of Koh Phangan that have kept Maenam as Samui's last predominantly backpacker beach. Or maybe it's the fact that many of its resorts are located at the end of long rambling pathways, affording a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere.
81 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Maenam
2
81 moradores locais recomendam
Perhaps it's the excellent views of Koh Phangan that have kept Maenam as Samui's last predominantly backpacker beach. Or maybe it's the fact that many of its resorts are located at the end of long rambling pathways, affording a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere.
Lamai Beach is Samui's second-largest resort area after Chaweng. It is quieter and less bustling than its big sister, but still with plenty of accommodation, dining and shopping options, and some great spas and tourist sites to explore.
193 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Lamai
193 moradores locais recomendam
Lamai Beach is Samui's second-largest resort area after Chaweng. It is quieter and less bustling than its big sister, but still with plenty of accommodation, dining and shopping options, and some great spas and tourist sites to explore.
Muay Thai is held here every Saturday evening from 9pm and is free to watch but you must buy a drink from one of the bars to sit. The Chaweng Stadium and Petchbuncha Samui Stadium are the main stadiums on Koh Samui. Fights are several times a week and boast champions and amateurs from around the globe. If you’d like to take part or hire a personal trainer to come and teach you Muay Thai please speak to your Villa Manager who’d be delighted to arrange this for you.
38 moradores locais recomendam
Chaweng Muay Thai Boxing Stadium
38 moradores locais recomendam
Muay Thai is held here every Saturday evening from 9pm and is free to watch but you must buy a drink from one of the bars to sit. The Chaweng Stadium and Petchbuncha Samui Stadium are the main stadiums on Koh Samui. Fights are several times a week and boast champions and amateurs from around the globe. If you’d like to take part or hire a personal trainer to come and teach you Muay Thai please speak to your Villa Manager who’d be delighted to arrange this for you.
A visit to this rum distillery, owned by a French couple, is a great way to meet some Samui people and taste some pretty good rum. The sugar cane used is from Thailand and the rum is offered in lemon, orange, coconut, pineapple and natural flavours. Be prepared to enjoy a few mojitos and have some fun.
51 moradores locais recomendam
Magic Alambic Rum distillery
51 moradores locais recomendam
A visit to this rum distillery, owned by a French couple, is a great way to meet some Samui people and taste some pretty good rum. The sugar cane used is from Thailand and the rum is offered in lemon, orange, coconut, pineapple and natural flavours. Be prepared to enjoy a few mojitos and have some fun.
Since its inception in 1998 visitors have been enjoying superb massage treatments among lush tropical vegetation and giant granite boulders, and drifting between herbal steam caves and cooling rock pools. Our professional therapists have been internationally trained in traditional Eastern as well as Western techniques, to deliver profound treatment results.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa
265/7 Thong Takian
45 moradores locais recomendam
Since its inception in 1998 visitors have been enjoying superb massage treatments among lush tropical vegetation and giant granite boulders, and drifting between herbal steam caves and cooling rock pools. Our professional therapists have been internationally trained in traditional Eastern as well as Western techniques, to deliver profound treatment results.

Drinks & Nightlife

Ark Bar is a popular destination for travelers in their twenties and thirties. An atmosphere of excitement and entertainment is built with fire dancers twirling daringly in the night air.
175 moradores locais recomendam
ARKbar beach resort
89 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด
175 moradores locais recomendam
Ark Bar is a popular destination for travelers in their twenties and thirties. An atmosphere of excitement and entertainment is built with fire dancers twirling daringly in the night air.
After a day in Samui’s hot sunshine, Bar Ice offers travelers a unique evening experience. The inside of this venue is made entirely of ice; from the walls, the bar, to the customers’ drinking glasses. Guests can experience temperature as low as -7! Exquisitely carved ice statues adorn the tables, adding a magical atmosphere and providing holidaymakers with wonderful photo opportunities.
54 moradores locais recomendam
Bar Ice Samui
162 Chaweng Beach Road
54 moradores locais recomendam
After a day in Samui’s hot sunshine, Bar Ice offers travelers a unique evening experience. The inside of this venue is made entirely of ice; from the walls, the bar, to the customers’ drinking glasses. Guests can experience temperature as low as -7! Exquisitely carved ice statues adorn the tables, adding a magical atmosphere and providing holidaymakers with wonderful photo opportunities.
Bar Solo is an ultra-modern two-storey building located on Chaweng Beach Road right next to Starbucks Café’s Chaweng Branch; its Sci-Fi design makes it unmistakable. Solo Bar has a cool, sleek interior, an open-air front terrace and a great music policy as well as a pool table and six plasma screens showing major sporting events
30 moradores locais recomendam
Bar Solo
166 Chaweng Beach Rd
30 moradores locais recomendam
Bar Solo is an ultra-modern two-storey building located on Chaweng Beach Road right next to Starbucks Café’s Chaweng Branch; its Sci-Fi design makes it unmistakable. Solo Bar has a cool, sleek interior, an open-air front terrace and a great music policy as well as a pool table and six plasma screens showing major sporting events
Nikki Beach Samui is part of the legendary global network of beach clubs founded in Miami in 1997, with branches in St. Tropez, Marrakech, Ibiza and Bali The brand identity is glamor and indulgence, Starched white umbrellas shelter wealthy patrons sipping on champagne while they listen to DJ beats.
134 moradores locais recomendam
Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui
134 moradores locais recomendam
Nikki Beach Samui is part of the legendary global network of beach clubs founded in Miami in 1997, with branches in St. Tropez, Marrakech, Ibiza and Bali The brand identity is glamor and indulgence, Starched white umbrellas shelter wealthy patrons sipping on champagne while they listen to DJ beats.
is located hillside above Chaweng Beach with a stunning view over the town and Chaweng lake. Q Bar features a classy outside bar serving a broad selection of cocktails, and a spacious, stylish indoor area. The food menu offers a variety of Thai and Western dishes, including seafood, Angus beef, homemade pizzas, a wide selection of healthy salads and some unique signature appetisers. The venue features a state of the art sound and lighting system.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Q Bar
24 moradores locais recomendam
is located hillside above Chaweng Beach with a stunning view over the town and Chaweng lake. Q Bar features a classy outside bar serving a broad selection of cocktails, and a spacious, stylish indoor area. The food menu offers a variety of Thai and Western dishes, including seafood, Angus beef, homemade pizzas, a wide selection of healthy salads and some unique signature appetisers. The venue features a state of the art sound and lighting system.
WOOBAR- offers 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby islands. Its unique design allows the bar to transform from day to night, becoming the ultimate destination for unique W Happenings—lifestyle events that reflect our passion for music, design and fashion.
60 moradores locais recomendam
W Koh Samui
60 moradores locais recomendam
WOOBAR- offers 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby islands. Its unique design allows the bar to transform from day to night, becoming the ultimate destination for unique W Happenings—lifestyle events that reflect our passion for music, design and fashion.

Entertainment & Activities

Football Golf is an original and more and more popular game created in Thailand at Samui Football Golf, and is becoming better known around the world. The idea is simple enough: it's a hybrid of football and golf in which players try to steer a football into the 18 holes in as few strokes as possible - using their feet of course.
38 moradores locais recomendam
Samui Football Golf
38 moradores locais recomendam
Football Golf is an original and more and more popular game created in Thailand at Samui Football Golf, and is becoming better known around the world. The idea is simple enough: it's a hybrid of football and golf in which players try to steer a football into the 18 holes in as few strokes as possible - using their feet of course.
is a unique and memorable golfing experience, truly one of the most beautiful courses in the region and recently voted as the one of the top five golf courses in Thailand.
53 moradores locais recomendam
Santiburi Golf Course
Highway 4169
53 moradores locais recomendam
is a unique and memorable golfing experience, truly one of the most beautiful courses in the region and recently voted as the one of the top five golf courses in Thailand.
nestling within the tranquil mountains and rainforests of Koh Samui, Bophut Hills Golf Club is the island’s only championship quality ‘Pitch and Putt’ 9-hole, par 3 course.
39 moradores locais recomendam
Bophut Hills Golf Club
39 moradores locais recomendam
nestling within the tranquil mountains and rainforests of Koh Samui, Bophut Hills Golf Club is the island’s only championship quality ‘Pitch and Putt’ 9-hole, par 3 course.
Samui Go-kart is located on Samui Ring Road opposite the soi leading to Hansar Samui Resort. Opened since 1993, Samui Go-kart features a 500m-long well-designed track marked out with red and white painted old tyres that keeps even the most hapless drivers on the road.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Samui Go-Kart
24 moradores locais recomendam
Samui Go-kart is located on Samui Ring Road opposite the soi leading to Hansar Samui Resort. Opened since 1993, Samui Go-kart features a 500m-long well-designed track marked out with red and white painted old tyres that keeps even the most hapless drivers on the road.
Canopy adventures offer four cable rides connecting six tree houses taking you on a scenic tour over the tropical jungle of Samui's north coast, covering a distance of 300 meter in total.
32 moradores locais recomendam
Canopy Adventures Secret Falls - Koh Samui
Soi 5
32 moradores locais recomendam
Canopy adventures offer four cable rides connecting six tree houses taking you on a scenic tour over the tropical jungle of Samui's north coast, covering a distance of 300 meter in total.
The best way to see the jungle for folks who don’t fancy trekking on foot is to drive an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in the jungle. Hours of fun to be had driving through mud and forestland with the reward of some of the most spectacular views on Samui otherwise inaccessible to most visitors.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Quadrophenia ATV Koh Samui
24 moradores locais recomendam
The best way to see the jungle for folks who don’t fancy trekking on foot is to drive an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in the jungle. Hours of fun to be had driving through mud and forestland with the reward of some of the most spectacular views on Samui otherwise inaccessible to most visitors.

Shopping

The Wharf Samui is a stylish cross between a shopping mall and a marketplace. A 5,000 sqm open-air space with 120 units in a mix of eastern and western historical architectural styles, it blends smoothly with the existing attractions of Fisherman’s Village, adding an impressive selection of good-quality products and services to the already excellent shopping in Bophut
96 moradores locais recomendam
The Wharf Samui
62 Moo 1
96 moradores locais recomendam
The Wharf Samui is a stylish cross between a shopping mall and a marketplace. A 5,000 sqm open-air space with 120 units in a mix of eastern and western historical architectural styles, it blends smoothly with the existing attractions of Fisherman’s Village, adding an impressive selection of good-quality products and services to the already excellent shopping in Bophut
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is a lively and colourful market held every Friday from 17:00 to 22:00 along the main street in Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village. The ‘walking street phenomena’ has gained ground in Thailand in the past five years and most of the main touristic destinations have a weekly walking street event nowadays.
130 moradores locais recomendam
Samui bespoke Tailor
130 moradores locais recomendam
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is a lively and colourful market held every Friday from 17:00 to 22:00 along the main street in Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village. The ‘walking street phenomena’ has gained ground in Thailand in the past five years and most of the main touristic destinations have a weekly walking street event nowadays.
Central Festival Samui describes itself as 'the most complete and largest lifestyle shopping complex in Samui’; with three storeys and around 90,000sqm of retail space, there couldn't be a better description for this huge shopping and dining mall, which is located between Chaweng's Beach Road.
424 moradores locais recomendam
Central Festival Samui
209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด
424 moradores locais recomendam
Central Festival Samui describes itself as 'the most complete and largest lifestyle shopping complex in Samui’; with three storeys and around 90,000sqm of retail space, there couldn't be a better description for this huge shopping and dining mall, which is located between Chaweng's Beach Road.
Walking streets take place in several areas in Koh Samui, on certain days and are essentially colorful markets selling everything from street food & drinks to arts & crafts, clothing and souvenirs. Tuesday and Saturday Walking Street in Chaweng, Thursday in Maenam, Sunday in Lamai.
74 moradores locais recomendam
Chaweng Walking Street
74 moradores locais recomendam
Walking streets take place in several areas in Koh Samui, on certain days and are essentially colorful markets selling everything from street food & drinks to arts & crafts, clothing and souvenirs. Tuesday and Saturday Walking Street in Chaweng, Thursday in Maenam, Sunday in Lamai.
Cera is the best place for handmade ceramics by local designer Khanchai Wirattanakul.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Cera' Koh Samui
28 moradores locais recomendam
Cera is the best place for handmade ceramics by local designer Khanchai Wirattanakul.