Guidebook for Ko Samui

Donna
Guidebook for Ko Samui

Food scene

Among our favorite island eateries and food shops...
If you're not so keen on our vegetarian menu, you'll find this Thai and seafood restaurant located at the beach, and right down the hill from us. In a pinch, you could walk there and back. It's open for lunches and dinners. Google Maps: HXH4+RG
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Jun Hom
8/3 Moo 5
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If you're not so keen on our vegetarian menu, you'll find this Thai and seafood restaurant located at the beach, and right down the hill from us. In a pinch, you could walk there and back. It's open for lunches and dinners. Google Maps: HXH4+RG
Local restaurant right down the hill on the beach with lots of charm
Hug Samui
Local restaurant right down the hill on the beach with lots of charm
Delicious Italian cuisine right on the beach on your way to Nathon from our house. Recently remodeled. Excellent food Google Maps: HW4H+P7
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Aromi diversi Italian Restaurant Pizzeria Beach Bar
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Delicious Italian cuisine right on the beach on your way to Nathon from our house. Recently remodeled. Excellent food Google Maps: HW4H+P7
This laid-back place has an amazing selection of delicious vegetarian (and non) food and is right on Silent beach. Google Maps: H2C6+5V
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Treehouse Silent Beach Koh Samui
Soi Rainbow
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This laid-back place has an amazing selection of delicious vegetarian (and non) food and is right on Silent beach. Google Maps: H2C6+5V
Absolutely authentic! A friend of ours owns this little Italian place, on the road to the departure side of the airport. Federico prides himself on using only the freshest ingredients. You'll love the Paccheri Gragnano pasta dish. Federico delivers anywhere for B100 Google Maps: G2VV+9Q
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Federico's
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Absolutely authentic! A friend of ours owns this little Italian place, on the road to the departure side of the airport. Federico prides himself on using only the freshest ingredients. You'll love the Paccheri Gragnano pasta dish. Federico delivers anywhere for B100 Google Maps: G2VV+9Q
If you're down south, this is a nice find. Fresh ingredients and well-prepared by the 'sweet sisters.' There's a small shop selling handicrafts inside. Google Maps: CXHP+GV
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Sweet Sisters Cafe Organic
4170
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If you're down south, this is a nice find. Fresh ingredients and well-prepared by the 'sweet sisters.' There's a small shop selling handicrafts inside. Google Maps: CXHP+GV
An popular expat choice. Easy to spend time here and enjoy a good meal and a variety of drinks. Good Coffee. Google Maps: GWPP+W8
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The Road Less Travelled Samui
11/2 3 อ่างทอง 11
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An popular expat choice. Easy to spend time here and enjoy a good meal and a variety of drinks. Good Coffee. Google Maps: GWPP+W8
Lots of places to shop, eat and be seen. Google Maps: H25J+MJ
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Fisherman's Village Bophut
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Lots of places to shop, eat and be seen. Google Maps: H25J+MJ
A surprisingly authentic Italian restaurant down south in Thong Krut, right on the beach. Very laid back and quite delicious at the same time. Google Maps: CXC4+83
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LA COPPOLA Italian & Thai Restaurant
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A surprisingly authentic Italian restaurant down south in Thong Krut, right on the beach. Very laid back and quite delicious at the same time. Google Maps: CXC4+83
A proud Japanese owner serves the best Japanese food on the island. Watch the sunset at Nathorn beach right from his restaurant. Excellent Japanese food. Chef is very particular about the food he serves. Google Maps: GWJM+CR
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Kobori Japanese Restaurant
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A proud Japanese owner serves the best Japanese food on the island. Watch the sunset at Nathorn beach right from his restaurant. Excellent Japanese food. Chef is very particular about the food he serves. Google Maps: GWJM+CR
Just off the main road. A nice little find. June takes pride in her food and deserts. Google Maps: H22M+PR
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Art cafe by june bo phut
4169
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Just off the main road. A nice little find. June takes pride in her food and deserts. Google Maps: H22M+PR
This little unassuming place makes authentic Indian food. Family-run place, close to the Maenam beach.
Babu's Indian Hot Restaurant
This little unassuming place makes authentic Indian food. Family-run place, close to the Maenam beach.
Indian restaurant that's been on the Island for years. Good selection, good service. Google Maps: H26H+2X
Kohinoor
Indian restaurant that's been on the Island for years. Good selection, good service. Google Maps: H26H+2X
If you're yearning for Greek food, Fi's makes great hummus and other popular Greek dishes. They're across from Big C/Starbucks on the main ring road. Google Maps: G2WQ+2J
Fi Greek Restaurant Koh Samui Thailand
If you're yearning for Greek food, Fi's makes great hummus and other popular Greek dishes. They're across from Big C/Starbucks on the main ring road. Google Maps: G2WQ+2J
Fine dining, excellent sunset view. We know the chef and he's creative and always in good spirits. Google Maps: H386+GR
Foxtrot Bistro - Koh Samui
Fine dining, excellent sunset view. We know the chef and he's creative and always in good spirits. Google Maps: H386+GR
This is a 5* dining experience at the Six Senses Resort. An amazing, albeit expensive, several course meal, including a vegetarian option. Plan on a 3-hour dinner. Ask to sit on the first row of the rock cliff. Romantic. Memorable. Temporarily Closed Google Maps: H3V9+6H
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Dining on the Rocks
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This is a 5* dining experience at the Six Senses Resort. An amazing, albeit expensive, several course meal, including a vegetarian option. Plan on a 3-hour dinner. Ask to sit on the first row of the rock cliff. Romantic. Memorable. Temporarily Closed Google Maps: H3V9+6H
Arguably the best specialty supermarket on the island. You'll find both Western and Asian items here, including fresh baguettes and pastries, imported beers and wines, etc. Includes a sit down restaurant or take away. Set in the Central Festival Shopping mall in Chaweng, where you'll find major department stores, boutique shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Tops is located on the ground floor of the mall, toward the north end of the mall. Google Maps: G3M6+9H
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Tops market CentralFestival Samui
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Arguably the best specialty supermarket on the island. You'll find both Western and Asian items here, including fresh baguettes and pastries, imported beers and wines, etc. Includes a sit down restaurant or take away. Set in the Central Festival Shopping mall in Chaweng, where you'll find major department stores, boutique shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Tops is located on the ground floor of the mall, toward the north end of the mall. Google Maps: G3M6+9H
If you're looking for a street food experience, this is one of the best on the island. Starts nightly @17:00. Google Maps: GWPM+CV4
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Nathon Night Food Market
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If you're looking for a street food experience, this is one of the best on the island. Starts nightly @17:00. Google Maps: GWPM+CV4
An iconic place. Myriad local vendors—food, handicrafts abound. Good idea to get there early, especially if you have a car.
The Wharf Walking Street
An iconic place. Myriad local vendors—food, handicrafts abound. Good idea to get there early, especially if you have a car.

Sightseeing

About a 45-min hike to the top of this nearby waterfall. You can take a dip along the way or wait till the top. Beautiful hike with few, if any people hiking. Google Maps: GXC8+FPM
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Hin Lat Waterfall
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About a 45-min hike to the top of this nearby waterfall. You can take a dip along the way or wait till the top. Beautiful hike with few, if any people hiking. Google Maps: GXC8+FPM
About 10 mins from our place, a good swimming beach. Access the beach at the road to Maenam Resort. Remember to look up if you're sitting under a coconut palm that may have coconuts that are ripe for falling. Google Maps: HXGR+4M
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Maenam Strand
2
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About 10 mins from our place, a good swimming beach. Access the beach at the road to Maenam Resort. Remember to look up if you're sitting under a coconut palm that may have coconuts that are ripe for falling. Google Maps: HXGR+4M
Although one of the most popular of beaches, this part of Chaweng beach is more charming. Enjoy the big waves and clear water. Access this beach at The Beach Bar (Temporarily closed) Google Maps: G334+73
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Chaweng Noi Beach
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Although one of the most popular of beaches, this part of Chaweng beach is more charming. Enjoy the big waves and clear water. Access this beach at The Beach Bar (Temporarily closed) Google Maps: G334+73
Right near our place, a charming beach with a bay for swimming at the far end near this bar. During low tide, or from July-September, you can walk to this beach from our beach (Bang Por), at the bottom of the hill. Google Maps: HXJ8+VG
Boom Bar
Right near our place, a charming beach with a bay for swimming at the far end near this bar. During low tide, or from July-September, you can walk to this beach from our beach (Bang Por), at the bottom of the hill. Google Maps: HXJ8+VG
Beautiful beach surrounded by huge rocks. Google Maps: F3R6+6G
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Coral Cove Beach
210 หมู่ที่ 4 ตําบล
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Beautiful beach surrounded by huge rocks. Google Maps: F3R6+6G
Not a swimming beach, but a nice hang-out where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. You can also arrange snorkeling and trips to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum (Piggy Island) from this area.
Thong Krut Beach Front
Not a swimming beach, but a nice hang-out where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. You can also arrange snorkeling and trips to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum (Piggy Island) from this area.
Enjoy a drink at this little restaurant and a swim at the nearby beach. A stone's throw from the Six Senses! Google Maps: H3PG+G7F (Thongson Bay Bungalows)
Thongson Bay Bungalows Restaurant
Enjoy a drink at this little restaurant and a swim at the nearby beach. A stone's throw from the Six Senses! Google Maps: H3PG+G7F (Thongson Bay Bungalows)
You can access this nudist beach from the Thongson Bay Bungalows. Google Maps: H3PG+G7F (Thongson Bay Bungalows) Google Maps: H3PH+R3 (Beach)
Naturism Beach
You can access this nudist beach from the Thongson Bay Bungalows. Google Maps: H3PG+G7F (Thongson Bay Bungalows) Google Maps: H3PH+R3 (Beach)
This is our own beach. You can access it via a small path between The Sea and Jun Hom Restaurant at the bottom of the hill (or go through Jun Hom's area). Not much goes on here. Swimming is best during high tides. From June-September the tide is out, but it's a nice beach for running or strolling. https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Sea+Koh+Samui+Resort+%26+Spa/@9.5797652,99.9545145,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x3054f9d89126a523:0xa25a5f39c47d7933!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d9.5797652!4d99.9567085
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Bang Po Beach
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This is our own beach. You can access it via a small path between The Sea and Jun Hom Restaurant at the bottom of the hill (or go through Jun Hom's area). Not much goes on here. Swimming is best during high tides. From June-September the tide is out, but it's a nice beach for running or strolling. https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Sea+Koh+Samui+Resort+%26+Spa/@9.5797652,99.9545145,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x3054f9d89126a523:0xa25a5f39c47d7933!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d9.5797652!4d99.9567085
Laem Sor beach is an off-the-beaten path type of beach. It is a lovely respite from the crowds. Go at high tide for the best beach experience. Now called Coco Beach Bar. Google Maps: CX8F+6R
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iBeach Bar & Restaurant Samui
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Laem Sor beach is an off-the-beaten path type of beach. It is a lovely respite from the crowds. Go at high tide for the best beach experience. Now called Coco Beach Bar. Google Maps: CX8F+6R
This is a less popular site, but a sweet place. There's a mummified monk here and you can get blessed by one of the monks in residence. Google Maps: FW4P+C8V
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Wat Khiri Wongkaram
287/3 Nara-Taling-Ngam Road
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This is a less popular site, but a sweet place. There's a mummified monk here and you can get blessed by one of the monks in residence. Google Maps: FW4P+C8V
Not the bar so much as the Secret Monk Cave. Get to Beryl's and ask for directions to the cave (there's also a sign, if you look around). Tricky to find, but if you're astute, and willing to hike the 15 mins over big rocks, you'll locate the cave. Go inside and feel the peace the monks generate. Go during low tide. An amazing little place. And, Beryl's is a nice spot to have a cold drink afterwards. Google Maps: HWC8+J7F
Beryl bar
Not the bar so much as the Secret Monk Cave. Get to Beryl's and ask for directions to the cave (there's also a sign, if you look around). Tricky to find, but if you're astute, and willing to hike the 15 mins over big rocks, you'll locate the cave. Go inside and feel the peace the monks generate. Go during low tide. An amazing little place. And, Beryl's is a nice spot to have a cold drink afterwards. Google Maps: HWC8+J7F
On the beach close-by. A place to go for yoga classes. Check their website for a schedule that suits you. https://www.theyogardensamui.com/schedule Google Maps: HXM8+5V
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The Yogarden
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On the beach close-by. A place to go for yoga classes. Check their website for a schedule that suits you. https://www.theyogardensamui.com/schedule Google Maps: HXM8+5V
Away from the tourist crowd. Local hideout
Coco Beach Bar
Away from the tourist crowd. Local hideout
Laid back, good food, small quiet beach Google Maps: F23Q+2M
Rock Bar
126/92 Moo 3
Laid back, good food, small quiet beach Google Maps: F23Q+2M

Coffee Places

Excellent coffee and breads
This is my favorite spot. Not only is it close, but you’ll find the best croissant on the island. A French owner and his Thai partner are up in the early morning hours to prepare everything.
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Le Fournil
Soi 4
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This is my favorite spot. Not only is it close, but you’ll find the best croissant on the island. A French owner and his Thai partner are up in the early morning hours to prepare everything.
Great coffee and pastries. Breakfast and extensive menus. Google Maps: H23M+Q2
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King of Bread & Café K.O.B
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Great coffee and pastries. Breakfast and extensive menus. Google Maps: H23M+Q2
Enjoy the fresh coffee at this small, Japanese-run shop in Mae Nam town (walking street area). Google Maps: HX9X+P2
HACHIYA coffee roastery
Enjoy the fresh coffee at this small, Japanese-run shop in Mae Nam town (walking street area). Google Maps: HX9X+P2
Great coffee and pastries. Get there before 9am for fresh from the oven croissant. Google Maps: GWPP+H5F
Hippocampe French Bakery
Great coffee and pastries. Get there before 9am for fresh from the oven croissant. Google Maps: GWPP+H5F
Excellent coffee and pastries. Google Maps: F2FR+8Q
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La Fabrique
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Excellent coffee and pastries. Google Maps: F2FR+8Q

Massage

This is a nice find and is right at the bottom of the hill. They offer a variety of massage services, including an Cannabis Oil Massage.
Khoomthong​ ​massage
This is a nice find and is right at the bottom of the hill. They offer a variety of massage services, including an Cannabis Oil Massage.
Chao Kan Health Massage. This is my go-to for massage (for many years now!). The therapists are skilled and the Thais (and foreigners-in-the-know) would rate this as the best on the island. Fair prices, no frills.
ร้านชาวกาญจน์นวดแผนไทย
Chao Kan Health Massage. This is my go-to for massage (for many years now!). The therapists are skilled and the Thais (and foreigners-in-the-know) would rate this as the best on the island. Fair prices, no frills.

Tipps für Reisende

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Walking Streets (17:00-22:00)

Maenam: Thursdays Google Maps: HX9W+VP4 Bo Phut: Fridays at Fisherman's Village Google Maps: H25H+V26 (temporarily closed)
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Chao Kan Massage: Best massage on the island

at Chao Kan's in Nathorn. Two-hour oil massage (bring your own coconut oil) for only B250/hour. Google Maps: GWJP+W5
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V Win Gym: A Muay Thai workout

Right at the bottom of the hill, another km down the road. Boast of having endured a 1 1/2 Muay Thai workout. The professional trainers work with anyone from any level of experience. Sessions start at 08:00 everyday, except Mondays. Google Maps: HXH3+77W
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Gold Shopping: Nong Nooch Thong store in Nathon

It may be a somewhat unusual for tourists to buy gold/gold jewelry, but you can buy beautiful pieces at the many gold shops around the island. The prices of the items are based on the current gold prices. You can also sell gold jewelry of your own. Bring cash. Look for the red and gold facades of the shops and for their licenses in the windows. Nearby Maenam and Nathorn both have several shops. Remember, you're looking at 99.9% (24 Karet) or 96.5% (22 Karet). We've shopped here for years and feel confident in the store. English is excellent. Google Maps: GWJP+W6
Verkehrsmittel

Motorbike? Car? Taxi? GrabTaxi? Local transport?

If you stay with us, you'll need transport up and down our hill, which is 2 km up from the main road. Samui happens to be a dangerous place to drive/ride a motorbike, if you're not experienced. In any case, it's a big island, and you'll need some form of transport to see and experience what's here. Ask us for details on the best vehicle rentals for you.
Verkehrsmittel

Going to & from the local islands?

If you plan to go to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, you're best to book the Lomprayah catamaran, leaving from Maenam (Pralarn), which is closest to our place. Leaves 08:00 and 12:30 from Koh Samui. You can buy tickets online or locally at any travel place. https://www.lomprayah.com/
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Green Market & Greenlight Cafe

Scheduled every 6 weeks on a Sunday, peruse and purchase locally-produced 'green' foods and products and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the usual venue in Fisherman's Village: Greenlight Cafe and Elysia Boutique Resort. Check the FB page to see when the next Green Market is in town. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=samui%20green%20market&epa=SEARCH_BOX Google Maps: H25M+R6
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Maenam Morning Market

From 04:00-09:00, take advantage of Dia's expertise and arrange to join her for a 'tour' of the morning market. She leaves before 06:00 to purchase food items for your meal, so get up early and get a first-hand presentation of the the fresh produce. You can even join a few of the regular expats and have a freshly-made Thai coffee and sweets. Google Maps: HX9V+V63