14-05-2025
A collection of fun things to do on Koh Samui, eating, drinking, and traveling, with filming locations for the latest season of ‘The White Lotus'
Another world-class hotel tucked away on a lush hillside at the far end of Koh Samui, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui features private villas that gradually descend to a private beach. Each comes with an infinity pool and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
A must-see highlight is the Secret Garden Spa, hidden amidst lush tropical gardens, offering spa treatments that combine local wisdom with luxury, using herbs and essential oils from the resort's organic garden to create personalized treatments.
There are also many exclusive activities to choose from, whether it's training in Muay Thai with a professional trainer in a quiet corner by the sea or sailing on a private yacht to see the small islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with a personal chef service who will create a special meal by the beach, creating a superior and memorable relaxation experience.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Address: 219 Ang Thong Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Photo: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui)
Another luxury resort you don't want to miss, hidden away on a steep cliff on Koh Samui, Six Senses Samui offers a relaxing experience that combines luxury with sustainability. The highlight here is The Ocean Retreat, a private villa that floats above the sea with an infinity pool that stretches to the horizon, offering one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island.
Set on a clifftop terrace, Dining on the Rocks offers award-winning cuisine highlighting organic ingredients from the resort's gardens, allowing guests to participate in picking fresh produce from the garden and learning how to cook with a professional chef. Relaxation activities include Sound Releasing, a therapy using sound therapy amidst nature to balance the body and mind, reinforcing the brand's unique wellness retreat philosophy.
Six Senses Samui Hotel
Address: 9/10 Ban Plai Laem, Cheong Mon Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above Elevated view of The Ocean Retreat room at Six Senses Koh Samui (Photo: Six Senses Samui)
Where to eat
For a taste of authentic Southern Thai cuisine, head to Kapi Sator. This family-run business prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Signature dishes not to be missed include Southern-style crab curry, fresh oysters from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, and eight-hour stewed pork. There are also daily specials made with seasonal ingredients.
Shrimp paste and stink beans
Address: 25/236 Thawi Rat Phakdi Road, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above Presenting authentic southern food at Kapi Sator Restaurant (Photo: Instagram / @kinkubnon)
A southern style Chef's Table restaurant that is a collaboration between Chef Jeremy Simien and Chef Tang Chitlada Sirachadapong, both of whom are passionate about the charm of traditional Thai food, whether it's the 'Lang Nuea Wagyu Chop Lang Ya' menu, which is grilled Wagyu beef in betel leaves, or 'Samui Tempura', which combines organic southern herbs with a sour puree from local Samui herbs, under the concept of conserving and using the ocean, sea and marine resources for sustainable development.
CHADA Chef's Table
Address: 87 Na Thon Community, Ang Thong Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Despite its location on Koh Samui, Chez François is a must-book destination for French food lovers. Chef François Peillard creates classic French dishes with a contemporary twist. Popular signature dishes include the Coq au vin (chicken stewed in French red wine), the Beef Wellington (tender pastry-wrapped beef), and the Beef Carpaccio (thinly sliced raw beef with a special sauce), all of which are meticulously prepared using the finest ingredients. This restaurant is a must-visit for both tourists and locals looking to experience fine French dining on this paradise island.
Chez Francois
Address: 33/2 Village No. 1, Fisherman Village, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above Chez François, a French restaurant on Koh Samui that you shouldn't miss (Photo: Chez François)
Experience the authentic taste of southern food at Pensiri, a local restaurant that conveys the charm of southern food to the fullest. The must-try menu items are the spicy shrimp paste and pork chili paste with authentic southern flavors. But the signature dish is the crab curry noodles set, served with four side vegetables. The highlight is the rich curry and spicy flavor, worthy of being a famous local restaurant on Koh Samui that is known as one of the southern restaurants that you can't miss.
Phen Siri
Address: 80/30 Moo 3, Suan Uthit Road, Chaweng Beach, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Read more: Ultimate Luxurious Villas: 5 of the best luxury villas in Thailand for a dream vacation
This restaurant is located in a quiet seaside setting on Koh Samui. In addition to its outstanding local cuisine that emphasizes fresh seafood and traditional curry pastes, it also has a bar area that selects a variety of wines and creative cocktails to sip in a romantic atmosphere at night. This is a popular place to celebrate special occasions, whether it's a wedding or a special Chef's Table meal in a cozy, hidden gem atmosphere that provides a friendly and relaxing feeling. And of course, at night, don't miss the special fire baton show.
Hug Samui & Ai Bar
Address: Mae Nam, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Where to drink
This romantic beach bar is a perfect blend of classic fishing village and contemporary. The bar features a variety of cocktails and a wine list. Located on the beach not far from the Big Buddha Temple on the west coast of Koh Samui, Nahm offers a beautiful view of the orange sunset sky. If you stay until late, you can watch the fireworks from squid fishing boats in the sea at night. In the evening, this bar is the perfect destination for a special meal, whether it's a fancy dinner, a proposal, or just a special moment by the sea.
Nahm
Address: 16/9 Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above The atmosphere inside Nahm restaurant by the sea (Photo: Nahm)
Above Drinks inside Nahm (Photo: Nahm)
A new zone under the care of Coco Tam's Koh Samui after Coco Tam's has become one of the must-see destinations for tourists, complete with food, drinks and shows that have become Koh Samui's signature.
Make the most of your relaxing time at Easy on Tams, a speakeasy bar and social club located on top of Coco Tam's that combines seaside relaxation with the novelty of partying. The second floor serves as a secret bar, seamlessly hidden from the hustle and bustle of Cocotam's Restaurant. With a Mid Century atmosphere, warm lighting and a perfectly blended disco bar, it serves special drinks during your relaxing time.
Easy on Tams
Address: 62 Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Above Easy on Tam's, a secret bar on Koh Samui (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
Above Easy on Tam's, a secret bar on Koh Samui (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
