One of the best parts of a romantic getaway is discovering a destination’s foodie gems. Headed for Thailand’s dreamy Koh Samui? Pull up a chair at one of these top spots for a sensational escape…
The Thai island of Samui sets out its stall early – in fact, the moment you step off the plane. Unlike almost every major tourist airport in the world, where you either walk straight into an arctic-cooled airbridge, or get herded unceremoniously onto buses, in Koh Samui (‘koh’ means island), passengers are embraced by the warm tropical air, and invited to board the nearest trolley bus – quaint electric vehicles adorned with colourful flowers.
The laid-back island feel continues at the open-air terminal building, which is more a series of connected wooden roofs. You casually saunter through baggage claim and immigration, and before you know it, you’re in a taxi and on your way to your hotel. Welcome to ‘fantasy island’.
Related article: The couples’ guide to Thailand’s best islands for two.
Though you wouldn’t know it by the array of big-name hotels and resorts that occupy the lush green hilltops and white-sand beaches, Samui was once firmly backpacker territory. Much of that had to do with the fact there was no airport (it only opened in 1989), and so the only way to get here entailed catching a slow local ferry from the mainland province of Surat Thani, accompanied by locals loaded down with goods, produce and even a few animals. Indeed, up until the 1970s there were no paved roads, and a trek from one side of the island to the other could take an entire day.
However, in the ensuing decades, what was once a remote, undeveloped island has now become arguably Asia’s luxury destination of choice.
That’s not to say it’s all Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. The islanders, a relaxed mix of Buddhist, Muslim and Chinese elements, have held onto their customs, as shown by the many old, traditional temples, mosques and shrines you encounter – though the Big Buddha that looks over the northern shore was only built in 1972. In the rural south of the island, small roads pass through coconut groves (with more than three million coconut trees, Samui is said to grow the best in Thailand), as water buffalo graze in between. Much of the centre is still wild, inaccessible jungle, and only glimpsed from the sole ring road.
Best Places to Eat & Drink: Chaweng
Facing out east to the vast Gulf of Thailand (the next land you would encounter is Vietnam), Chaweng Beach is not only one of the largest stretches of sand, but also the centre of the island’s emerging dining scene.
Prego
You could say that chef Marco Boscaini is Samui’s godfather of international cooking. He first came to the island to teach locals how to hand-make pasta, and liked it so much that in 2003 he opened his own Italian restaurant. Over the 13 ensuing years both Boscaini and his eatery have become beloved fixtures on the dining scene, packing in the crowds night after night with the deceptively simple yet rather flavourful Italian dishes on this menu.
Jungle Club
After a 10-minute journey up a very steep road, your reward is amazing views of the island’s northeast coastline, and a chilled spot to wile away the afternoon. Seating is on bright-red bean bag chairs on two wooden decks, with a thatched-roof bar that serves a selection of cold drinks. For the best atmosphere, aim to arrive at around 5.30pm, when the lanterns brighten up, and darkness gently falls.
Best Places to Eat & Drink: Bophut
A short way to the north of Chaweng is Bophut Beach, which faces north to the island of Koh Phangan, infamous for its raucous full-moon parties. Thankfully, life in Bophut is rather more relaxed, though things become a little livelier on Friday nights with the weekly Fisherman’s Village Walking Street.
Once, the charming wooden buildings along this narrow seaside lane were home to local fishermen, who would set out from these shores every evening. While the island still has a strong fishing industry – particularly for squid – many of these traditional family homes now house bars and restaurants, though seafood remains prominent on the menu.
Stalls sell a variety of tourist souvenirs, including locally made handicrafts, while many of the more upmarket eateries set up tables and chairs on the sand so you can watch the sunset as you enjoy dinner. Here’s our recommendations for where you want to pull up a chair in Bophut.
Coco Tam’s
What would a beach destination be without a signature beach bar? Close to the famous Fisherman’s Village, beneath swaying coconut trees and facing the neighbouring island of Phangan (known for its infamous full-moon parties),Coco Tam’s is great for chilling out on oversized throw cushions and watching other, more ambitious, tourists try their hand at mastering water-jet powered boots, while you knock back a chilled local beer.
Link Cuisine & Lounge
Once home to locals who made their living offshore, the Bophut Fisherman’s Village is now best known for its Friday market. While the Thai boatmen of the old days may be long gone, their former homes certainly are not – places such as this gorgeous French-run lounge, where passersby are drawn in by the perfectly-framed ocean views, and an excellent menu that is split between the talents of Link’s European and Thai chefs.
Woo Bar
Another perennial favourite with locals and visitors alike is Woobar. Though the views aren’t quite as good, it more than makes up for it with live DJ tunes and a unique setting: neon green loungers floating over an infinity pool.
Head over to Taling Ngam for a cocktail with your sunset
While you should certainly enjoy a drink or two at any of these restaurants, for the most important time of day in Samui you need to head somewhere special – we are, of course, talking about sunset. Over on the west coast, perched on top of the cliffs of Taling Ngam in rather splendid isolation, is Air Bar. One of the few, if not only, bars to face directly west, it’ll have you gazing upon the multicoloured sunsets with a cocktail to match.
Ang Thong National Marine Park: A Must-Visit Destination for Water Lovers
Of course, it would be remiss to come all this way and not venture out on the water. There are few boats on the island that can match the Kindred Spirit, a luxury 13-metre, fully equipped catamaran, replete with staterooms and air-conditioning. You can choose between half-day and full-day trips, which take you out beyond Samui to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a collection of 42 uninhabited islands covering 250 square kilometres. You’ll find some of the best snorkelling in Thailand in these protected waters, with the chance to go ashore and explore the jungle interiors. If that all sounds like too much hard work, then instead opt for the sunset cruise, where you can enjoy bubbles and nibbles as you soak up the spectacular end to yet another remarkable Samui day.
Fly to Samui with Bangkok Airways. If booking from overseas, most codeshare flights go with Bangkok Airways via the Thai capital, with a complimentary lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport available for all passengers.
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