MBK FOOD CENTER

Overall Score: 4/5
Vibe: 3/5. Narrow and crowded as it sits in the middle of the building with no views on the outside world, the court’s use of bright colors and lights does little to save the day. There are flat wide-screen TVs at every corner to catch up with the news or some boring documentary, but the most annoying thing is the cash-back counters located a hundred yards away. Are they hoping we won’t bother?
Selection: 5/5. Mind-blowing. The food ranges from a la minute stir-fries to shark fin soup but most importantly, this is one of the rare food courts where the stalls have legendary reputations that rival those of street food.
Cleanliness: 4/5. The cleaners do a surprisingly quick job of clearing dishes and cleaning tables despite the crowds, with plates getting whisked away as soon as you finish them. Utensils and the counters in front of stalls are not always as clean though.
Cost: 3/5. It’s not street cheap, with dishes starting from B40 and climbing up to B70 even for simple Thai dishes. But it remains incredibly affordable.
Top Stalls: Where do we begin? The beef noodles, the Khamoo St.Louis, the somtam, phadthai, hoithod and Thai dessert stalls... Some of these are considered the best in town.
6/F, MBK Center, 444 Phayathai Rd. BTS National Stadium. Open 10am-9pm.
Takeaway Terrace

Paradise Park Seri Market
Food Court and Food Bazaar

Overall Score: 3.5/5
Vibe: 2/5. Recently overhauled, Paradise Park has two food court options on the ground floor. One is the original Seri Market and another is called Food Bazaar. Seri Market has an old market theme with wooden signs on the top of every stall and a seating section also resembles an old wood house. Gift shops that pop up along the food section are a bit of an annoying distraction, though, and we’re on the fence about the dim lighting. The Food Bazaar, on the other hand, is new and boasts a bright and colorful decor. The good thing here is you don’t have walk around looking for a coupon counter as all the shops take cash.
Selection: 4/5. Prices here start at B30, and there are several popular franchise stalls like Rod Dee Ded and Guayjab Bangrak at this section. The Food Bazaar too has famous downtown shops: Khamoo Roddee (B40) or our favorite Yentafo J.C. Silom, where prices are B50 and there are more options, like radna yentafo (B50), guaytiew lod (B45) and por pia sod (B45). Although it’s mostly a take-away sort of place, Food Bazaar also has a cute seating area called Food Bazaar Terrace.
Cleanliness: 3/5. Staff is quick about clearing tables, and they do have clean utensils and tables. But the black, wooden chairs and lack of light make this place look a little gloomy.
Cost: 4.5/5. Surprisingly affordable given the revamp.
Top Stalls: Somtam Ranraek, Guaytiew Tomyam and Roti Fahtima.
G/F, 61 Srinakarin Rd., 02-787-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Interchange Tower
Food Court

Overall score: 2.5/5
Vibe: 2/5. Most people who dine here are office types working in the high rises close by. In the basement level of the Interchange Tower, it’s nice and cool, but obviously, there’s not much of a view. Given the narrow corridor with metal white chairs and white tables lit with fluorescent lights, it’s a desperate office worker that comes here to escape the office.
Selection: 2/5. There’s a bit of an eat-and-go attitude, and most of the food is stuff you can find anywhere, like the usual somtam Thai (B40) and pad krapow gai (B40). They have bountiful dishes of shrimp pad Thai with normal noodles or glass noodles (B50), and hoi thod (fried mussel omelets, B40). What they do have, though, is quite delicious.
Cleanliness: 4/5. An abundance of staff keeps this place spic and span for the most part.
Cost: 4/5. This place has the best bang for the buck if you’re not the adventurous type and don’t mind sacrificing selection for low cost, no-fuss food.
Top Stalls: There’s an Isaan joint that’s painted bright orange. They serve fantastic Isaan style pork (B40), spring rolls (B50) and about a dozen different types of spicy salads (B40-B50).
B/F, Interchange Tower. Corner of Sukhumvit Soi 21. BTS Asok. Open daily 10am-8pm.

Platinum Food Center

Overall Score: 3/5
Vibe: 3/5. The home of the ever-busy and bustling Platinum Fashion Center is packed with tourists and Thais looking for cheap fashion. Despite it being always extremely busy, there always seems to be a place to sit in its hectic food court. As for the atmosphere, it’s just your normal, run-of-the-mill food court lined with stalls: sit in their plastic orange chairs, chow down and go.
Selection: 4/5. There are many delicious east-Asian delicacies to choose from. B55 can get you some kanom krok, a variety of coconut-y treats with savory ingredients, or more dessert-style ones for B35. On top of a great variety of Thai food, there are also nice, ethnic dishes like Brazilian Chicken (B60) served with a salad and a side of fries.
Cleanliness: 3/5. Your average food court cleanliness. The stalls are OK but tables can get messy from all the traffic.
Cost: 3/5. B100 could get you a simple dish and a beverage, but if you want to upgrade, expect to put a little more on your card.
Top Stalls: One of the busiest stalls is the one dishing out rice with stewed pork (B40). It also has some intriguing high-end options, from B100 to B150 and even a B400 stewed pork dish. At that price, we’d rather go to a restaurant.
6/F, 222 Petchaburi Rd., 02-121-8000. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm.

The City Complex

Overall score: 2/5
Vibe: 1/5. This is like the ghost of food courts passed. What used to be a bustling and lively food court is now left half-lit (Are they trying to cut their electricity bill?) and almost empty. All of its customers must be at its neighbor, the Platinum Food Center.
Selection: 1/5. Not too much to choose from, seeing as half of the food court is closed. There are basics like noodle soop with beef (B40) and a variety of somtam (B40 each).
Cleanliness: 3/5. It’s pretty clean, seeing as no one is there to leave empty plates on the tables.
Cost: 3/5. B100 will fill you up on stuff you can get on your soi: somtam and fried rice with B5 to spare.
Top Stalls: The self-proclaimed Thai, Myanmar and Chinese style food kiosk, The Mother House, is keeping the lights on in this otherwise desolate place. The chef whistles in high spirits as he cooks up a pretty decent Myanmar-style fried rice (B45), a spicy rice dish with lots of seafood.
831 Petchburi Rd., www.citycomplexbangkok.com. Open daily 11am-9pm.

CENTRALWORLD FOODHALL

Overall score: 3/5
Vibe: 3/5. Very bright and white with touches of red. It’s not the most convenient food court, though, at the furthest end of the top floor of a mall with poor BTS access. Strangely though, it gets packed with a great variety of people: boisterous students from 3-5pm, lost Chinese tourists (half of them gay, it seems), families on Sundays, office workers for Central Offices on weekdays. It also offers nice views if you can grab a couch by the big windows.
Selection: 3/5. A lot of Western food, Asian cuisine (Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese) and typical Thai street food. In the middle there are two islands: one for drinks, one for desserts (the pumpkin in coconut milk is great, B30-40) and somtam (around B60-100 for special ones). Mostly the quality is good, but we don’t recommend the khao man gai.
Cleanliness: 4/5. When there’s an empty table, it’s always clean—except when the teens swoop in after school. If you’re facing the food hall, don’t go to the far left, because that’s like the Central Food Hall canteen—and you don’t want to interrupt a cook’s lunch.
Cost: 2/5. A little pricey for a food court.
Top Stalls: The Vietnamese is great and reasonable. The pasta station isn’t too bad, not too sweet, with a fairly standard Western taste.
7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom. Open 10am-10pm.

Siam Paragon Food Hall

Overall Score: 3/5
Selection: 3/5. Very international, including mainly Thai, Hong Kong, Chinese, Japanese and Halal cuisines. Most of the stalls appear to be original famous names like the Hualumpong’s duck noodle, Ros Dee Ded and Yaowarat’s Golden Noodle. Main dishes start from B45 for somtam and B55 for chicken and rice to B300 for a bowl of bamee with crab meat. Apart from the permanent stalls, you can check out special food stalls for their frequent food festivals. Too bad the quality doesn’t live up to the famous names.
Vibe: 2/5. Tasteful decoration with fashionable purple furniture, though the high number of seats gives the place an over-cluttered feeling. There are a few flat screen TVS, with some aquariums decorating the place. Ubiquitous tourists and Chula students working on their papers get a bit annoying, given that it’s really hard to grab a table at peak hours. Also, this may be on the “ground floor” but it’s so deep into the mall that it might as well be underground.
Cleanliness: 3/5. Clean utensils and tables, but we spotted some food on the floor. Staff is very quick about clearing dishes, though.
Cost: 2/5. Definitely one of the priciest food courts, which is not justified by the quality of the food.
Top Stalls: Chatuchak’s famous Somtam Foon Talob, Kuo Gai Peng Pochana and Ros Dee Ded beef noodles.
G/F, 999, Rama I Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm.

READ MORE:

The Battle of Bangkok's Food Courts Part 1

Bangkok's Upscale Food Courts

BK Asks: What’s Your Ultimate Food Court Nightmare?

Amarin
The Cook

Overall Score: 2.5/5
Vibe: 2/5. A modern décor in white, orange and yellow with a good number of seats. There are also some fake plants added to give a green touch, but they are a bit lame. Come here at lunch and you’ll have to fight for seats with the office workers.
Selection: 2/5. All Thai except one or two stalls. Vegetarian is very popular here. Prices start at B35 and B40 for a plate of boiled chicken with rice.
Cleanliness: 3/5. The place looks satisfyingly clean although lots of tables are left unclean for awhile before staff get to them.
Cost: 3/5. Nearly street-like, which is pretty good, given the neighborhood.
Top Stalls: Vegetarian Food, Nang Learng Rice & Curry and Jutathip Chicken Rice.
4/F, 496-502 Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-256-9111. Open daily 8am-4pm. BTS chitlom

BIG C Rachaprasong
Food Park

Overall Score: 4.5/5
Vibe: 3/5. This extra-large space has a tropical forest theme so green, brown and white colors dominate the place. Walls are decorated with both fake and real green plants, and there’s a large pond with a fountain at the center. They’ve overdone the mixing and matching with the furniture, but we like the idea of their open-air area, and also the views afforded by the tall windows. For better or for worse, there are flat screen TVs as well.
Selection: 3/5. Sectioned into three categories: rice express, international and noodles. Inter includes Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese. The guaytiew Sukhothai is lovely, but the fish balls in the kanom jin by Khun Lek taste like boiled flour.
Cleanliness: 3/5. Since the mall was recently renovated, everything looks very new. The staff seems to be a bit inactive, leaving some of the tables a mess for long minutes. We once spotted hair on a spoon—eek!—but other than that, the utensils look fairly clean.
Cost: 5/5. Cheap!
Top Stalls: Guay Tiew Sukhothai Mae Boon Rod
4/F, 97/11 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-4888. Open daily 9am-9:30pm

CentralWorld
Centerpoint Can-Teen

Overall Score: 2/5
Vibe: 2/5. CenterPoint Can-Teen, tucked away in CentralWorld’s massive teen center on the 7th floor, is a small food court where all the teens hang out. It’s a perfect place for a date if you’re 13 or 13 going on 30, but the dim lighting (not the good kind of dim) can get creepy. With electric blue and green signs plastered everywhere, and illustrated wallpaper, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in kiddie town.
Selection: 2/5. There’s not much going on for food other than the basics—kao pad, guaytiew, etc—and they’re not worth mentioning. But, it is a good place to find different kinds of ice cream desserts and crepes on the cheap. You can get a classic three-scoop banana split garnished with all the traditional add-ons, like strawberry syrup, crushed nuts, whipped cream and cherries for a mere B50, and an elaborate nutella and banana dessert crepe.
Cleanliness: 1/5. Though the stalls are kept tidy enough, they’re cluttered with empty boxes and cleaning products in full-view. The lack of light makes the stalls look even sketchier.
Cost: 4/5. B100 will buy you all the ice cream you can ever eat want to eat.
Top Stalls: The ice cream stall, in the middle.
7/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chitlom. Open daily noon-8pm.

Central Ladprao,
Tops Market

Overall Score:4/5

Vibe: 4.5/5. Since the big revamp of Central Ladprao, the food court’s atmosphere is ten times better. The brand new table sets are in a lovely eggshell tone and the overall color palette is cloudy grey. Too bad the seating is very limited, compared to the abundance of food stalls. We even saw some customers having to share their table with strangers—the horror!
Selection: 4.5/5. Lots of Thai options, with decent choices for Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Western food. The stall selection ranges from very ordinary tam sang (stir fries made to order), to a kebab place and a hi-so Italian chain, Scoozi, that does pastas starting at B100. Rarely seen in any other malls, Crepes & Co. and Chokchai Steak Burger also have outlets here—B120 for a pork burger.
Cleanliness: 4/5. Everything is clean and pleasant. Although, with seating spread out over three different areas, the cleaning staff has a hard time getting to all the tables.
Cost: 2/5. Not “food court cheap” but definitely cheaper than standalone counterparts.
Top Stalls: Tue Huan Ladprao 64, Krapor Pla Yaowarat and Vegetarian Food by Major General Jumlong Srimeung.
Basement, Central Ladprao. 1691 Paholyothin Rd., 02-541-1111. Open daily 10am-10pm. MRT Paholyothin.

Central Rama III
Food Park

Overall Score: 3/5
Vibe: 3.5/5. The décor has an underwater theme, so white and ocean blue are the main colors. The proportion between seating and empty space is not too cramped, and apart from regular tables and seats, there are also hi-so looking tables with black leather chairs which are set up along the glass-window corners offering a great sky and city view. There’s a toddlers’ ball pit and decent amount of arcades in the area, so expect screaming and noise. Tutors and high school students make up half the crowd.
Selection: 2.5/5. Choices are limited and mostly Thai with a few basic international additions like Japanese katsu curry rice and EZ sausages and steaks. The place does offer some interesting snack choices like the cold Japanese crepe and takoyaki. All dishes are priced under B100.
Cleanliness: 3/5. Stalls and utensils are sufficiently clean, but dirty tables don’t get noticed right away by the staff, so you may eat your meal next to a table piled up with leftover food.
Cost: 3/5. Average, but you can still fill up on B100.
Top Stalls: Guay Tiew Yhib Yum, Kamoo Nakorn Pathom and Cold Crepe.
6/F, 79/3 Satupradit Rd., 02-673-5555. Open daily 11am-9pm.

Chamchuree Square
Raintree Food Square

Overall Score: 2.5/5
Vibe: 4/5. Oriental meets modern tropical. There are various styles of seating including Chinese tea table sets, grey leather chairs and a few tall tables with bar stools. The place is crowded by Chula students and office workers at lunch time and appears to be used by some as a library in the afternoon. If you’re looking to enjoy your meal with a bit of entertainment, there’s live music every day at 5-9pm, if you call soft jazz on an electronic piano.
Selection: 1/5. Mainly Thai and noodles but there is also a stall selling Samyan style steaks. Somtam poo plara tastes like real Isaan but costs as high as B50 and B15 for sticky rice. Baked rice with chicken and chestnuts (B69) is probably the fanciest dish you can get here.
Cleanliness: 3.5/5. Floors and tables are exceptionally clean, as well as the utensils. Food displays at the stalls are pretty average, though.
Cost: 1.5/5. Given the student clientele, we expected street prices. Are Chula kids getting too much pocket money?
Top Stalls: Oab Aroi, and Guay Jab Samyan.
B/F, 315 Rama 4 Rd., 02-160-5454. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Five-Star View, but a Work in Progress

Emporium Food Hall

Overall Score:3/5

Vibe: 3/5. The eating area is open, with natural light coming from the huge windows that showcase a scenic view of Benjasiri Park. The faux book case along the walls and plants on every corner give it a homey, library feel. Unfortunately, it’s even more cramped during lunch hours and it’s hard to find a place to sit. Be ready to fight for your seat.
Selection: 2/5. There isn’t much choice: you can get combination seafood plates for B80-B100, noodle soups (B50) and rice noodles with shredded duck (B60)—not that they’re any good. If you’re into sweets, they have ruam mit, a traditional Thai dessert where you can choose from an assortment of jellies and syrups, cherry, coconut milk, or regular (B25 for two desserts, B10 for each additional one).
Cleanliness: 4/5. Maybe it’s the nice lighting and decor that makes it all seem cleaner than most mall eateries, but staff is also quick to clear tables.
Cost: 3/5. You’ll pay B60-B100, rarely more, rarely less. Kind of pricey, but it is Emporium.
Top stalls. White Kitchen does a mean fried rice with Thai sour sausage (B65) and garlic meat or combination seafood dishes (B55-B75). There are also more elaborate creations like their tom yum goong spaghetti with shrimp, squid or a combination of both (B90-B100).
5/F, Emporium Shopping Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 24. BTS Phrom Phong. Open daily 10am-8pm.

READ MORE:

The Battle of Bangkok's Food Courts Part 2

Bangkok's Upscale Food Courts

BK Asks: What’s Your Ultimate Food Court Nightmare?

Can’t write, can’t take pictures? Be an online seller. While good-looking websites have a great impact on the shop’s apparent trustworthiness, there are also growing numbers of online shops that use Facebook as their business communication tool. We spoke to two online businesswomen who use Facebook in lieu of bricks and mortar stores.

Ploytasapan Jalayan started Eazy Pre Order on Facebook. The service works just like a personal buyer who will get you anything you want from abroad. “I started by uploading some nice photos of sunglasses with prices. When someone ordered and confirmed the payment, I’d then pass that order to my shipper. Once that item got delivered to me, I’d set up a delivery with the customer,” explains Ploy. Her service became so popular that her customers began to request items other than sunglasses, and Ploy expanded the product range. “I chose Facebook because it’s very easy to use and there’s no cost. Most of my target customers use Facebook regularly so I can communicate with them in a snap,” she adds.
With the help of her siblings, Pennapa Subhawat is able to eliminate the middleman altogether at PPandFamily (www.facebook.com/ppandfamily), which sells clothing and bags designed by the family and made locally. “We started by selling random items to check for feedback, and we found out that our customers’ preferences leaned towards workwear and dresses. After three months, we launched our first collection,” says Pennapa. Although produced in very limited amounts, PPandFamily’s products are so popular that the page now has over 10,000 likes and more than 1,000 orders since their first launch. “We have a long customer waiting list for our products, and being online requires very low investment, so it’s going great,” she adds. 

HOW TO Open Your Online Shop

1  Trust is the most important thing when you have an online business. The customers don’t get to see and touch the products before they buy, so you’re competing with traditional shops. Be honest in your transactions and about the condition of your products and post good pictures that are helpful to buyers.
2  Both PPandFamily and Easy Pre Order emphasize putting customers at ease by keeping in touch with them. If someone posts a comment or question on your wall, respond right away to each and every post (so they won’t think you’ve just run away with their money).
3  Despite all the potential success, problems are also unavoidable. “Patience is a must for people in this business. I once got a customer’s complaint saying my product had a flaw, even though I was absolutely certain that I had checked it very carefully,” remembers Ploy.
4  Punctuality is key. If your business involves shippers abroad, be sure you account for this time in your delivery estimate. The more delayed your delivery is, the more creeped out and anxious your customer gets.

READ MORE:
Blogging: Can blogging still generate revenue with a content-saturated world wide web?

Essentials

Disaya. Lobby, Gaysorn, 02-656-1388
Greyhound. 3/F, Siam Center, 02-251-4917
Kloset. 2/F, CentralWorld, 02-646-1929
Matina Amanita for Sretsis. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7881
Playhound. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7894
Sanshai. Code 10, 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000
Senada. 3/F, Siam Center, 02-735-1267
Sretsis. 2/F, Gaysorn, 02-656-1125

1.) Ergonomic pillows from Muji, B750-2,450
2.) Air Freshener from Aroma Cool Cup, B170 each
3.) iSee 360 eye massager from Breo, starts $51.99 (B1,560)
4.) Shoulder Herbal Pad from Gaya, B980
5.) Head Massager from Kikerland, B170
6.) Eye cooler mask from Choco Moco, B550
7.) Music box from Musicale, B1,950
8.) Foot massager from Kinepin, B110
9.) Anti-snoring CPAP 2 from RESmart, B25,000
10.) Star Master from Domo, B699
11.) Neck support from Cotton Field, B390
12.) Extra soft blanket from Santas, B995

Essentials

Kikerland, Domo and Choco Moco at Zeen Zone, 7/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777
Kinepin, Gaya, Aroma Cool Cup, and Musicale at Loft, 4-5/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-1000
Muji. 3/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777
Santas. 4/F, Silom Complex, 02-233-6930
Breo. www.amazon.com
RESmart. 02-689-2171, www.nksleepcare.com

(continued)

Goodnight Tips

• Try going to bed at the same time every night.
• Avoid eating for at least an hour befor going to bed.
• Apples and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese promote sleepiness as they contain chemicals that advance the production of specific vitamins and enzymes which encourage drowsiness.
• A cup of warm milk will also do the trick.
• You can try de-stressing techniques, such as relaxing your body bit by bit, starting from the toes and working your way up. It’s a lot less annoying than counting sheep.
• Block out thoughts or tomorrow. Music can help, or this neat app from the movie Inception, available for free on the iTunes store at http://inceptiontheapp.com
• See a doctor if you’re going to take supplements or sleeping pills. Even melatonin should be by prescription only.
•If all else fails, there are specialized sleeping clinics: Theptarin Hospital. 3850 Rama 4 Rd., Klong Toey, 02-348-7000 ext. 1211. www.theptarin.com. And Kasemrad Hospital. 950 Prachachuen Rd., 02-910-1600. www.kasemrad.co.th

Tropical garden-esque and village-themed, The Nine is a semi-outdoor complex with three sections: the Market Village, the West Village and the East Village. Seri Market dominates the Market Village and features the same concept food stalls as we’ve seen before at Paradise Park (out on Srinakarin Road). But while The Nine has numerous exciting options for eating and drinking, it just can’t complete on the shopping front.

The fashion options are a bit dull as most shops are just fancy brandnames, except for Dress Up (D106), Mr. & Mrs. Brandname (D108), All About Accessories (E101) and Korenya (F103), which sells imported fashion from Korea. You might also want to stop by at Abicus Art & Design (E111), Something Nice (C108/1), Toto (E190) or Daiso for home décor shopping, but don’t expect the same selection and variety as you get at CDC (Viphavadi Rangsit Rd.). There are also a couple of spas, nail and hair salons, a pet store, a dental clinic, and gardening-slash-outdoors stores, most on them on the top floor.

But food is what brings some spirit to this new mall. There are eight cafes with outdoor seating, five bars, 28 restaurants, 24/7 food and more. Once again, Japanese restaurants rule the plates. Tokyo Town (B201-B201/1), on the 2/F, is comprised of six restaurants serving sukis, sushis and of course, sake. Several ramen shops like Basaraka (D203) and Konaya (D101) are also worth a visit. For Thai, go to Reun Mae Louis (C204-205), Nai Meng Ba Mee Poo (D202), or Khun Nine (H204) which serves Thai stuff like spaghetti sai oua and roti with chicken curry filling. Toh Tiew Toon (A204) follows the deluxe sliced and steamed beef noodle soup trend, offering choices of meat from wagyu and angus, to premium sirloin pork. A simple bowl starts at B75 and can costs up to B350 depending on your selection of meat and toppings. (There are also shabu sets available.) Finally, King Pin (H101) serves American dishes 24-7 and Farm Design (D102) makes cheesecakes (starting B95 a piece) according to a recipe that originated in Hokkaido.

At night, beer lovers can party at the new branch of Est. 33 (G101-103) or the new beer-bar contestant, Einstein Café (C202) offering the typical Hoegaarden and Stella along with modern Thai dishes. But if wine’s more of your thing, make a choice between Club 99 (H201-203), or the tres chic Wine Bistro (G201).

Definitely more of a place to hang out, eat and drink than a shopping paradise, The Nine is nonetheless a welcome addition to the barren lands of Rama 9 Road.
999, 999/1-4 Rama 9 Rd., 02-716-7999. www.thenine.co.th. Open 24/7

Ettusais Acne Whitening Dual Masks

The claim: With separate sheets for T-zone (oil control) and U-zone (moisture), the mask claims to both moisturize your skin and adjust the skin tone by reducing excessive melanin as well as the effects of acne and UV exposure.
We feel: It’s a bit complicated to apply the masks since there are two separate sheets. After you take them off, the skin feels fresh but a little sticky. The T-zone area remains oil-free, whereas the U-zone turns moist.
The result: Smaller pores with a smoother, softer touch, and brighter, even skin tone.
Price: B1,200 for a pair

Shu Uemura White Recovery EX+ Whitening Concentrate Mask

The claim: A brighter skin tone with the help of prune and cherry blossom extracts which are supposed to work even more efficiently than a bottle of white essence.
We feel: The alcohol scent from the mask is slightly intense and may irritate the eyes. After taking it off (after 15 minutes), the skin feels fresh but has some watery residue.
The result: The skin is a bit softer and shows a little hint of brightness. Dark spots tend to vanish, although a very minor redness appeared in the case of our guinea pig.
Price: B2,900 for 6 sheets

Shiseido Aqualabel Reset White Mask

The claim: Tranexamic acid helps increase the revitalizing process and reduce dark spots. At the same time, the hyaluronic acid is supposed to moisturize dry skin for a smoother, softer and brighter result. Flexible enough to fit all face shapes.
We feel: Extremely easy to apply and adheres perfectly to the face but may cause minor eye irritation. The skin feels fresh but after several minutes, the face temperature does tend to rise a bit. After 20 minutes, the skin feels soft and firm.
The result: The skin looks brighter, softer and has an obvious springy touch.
Price: B550 for 4 sheets

Shiseido Revital Lifting Mask Science EX

The claim: The mask will help refine and firm facial contours, and promote quick permeation of effective ingredients deep beneath the skin surface. Supposed to make the skin radiant and well-moisturized.
We feel: Having them separated as two sheets, it requires some time to fully apply, though we love how the bottom piece also covers the neck area. While the mask is still on the skin feels fresh and cool.
The result: Skin becomes extra soft, springy and smooth. Pores become smaller.
Price: B3,900 for 6 sheets

Cle de Peau Beaute

The claim: Helps even skin tone and reduce dark spots, while the tranexamic acid and other extracts lessen the productivity of melanin. The mask will also revitalize the skin damage caused by sunlight and support the skin’s water supply in the short-term to slow the skin’s aging. (And it might aid world peace, too.)
We feel: The masks are very soft so the application is quite comfortable. The fragrance added to the sheet is a touch too strong and may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
The result: The skin becomes noticeably softer and smoother in the morning, but the brightening effect is negligible.
Price: B6,500 for 6 pairs

Za Future Defense Moist Wrap Mask

The claim: Intense moisturizer with collagen for firmer skin. The main ingredients, Bio-hyaluronic acid, blackberry, lily extract, and vitamin A derivative, are meant to develop healthier and younger looking skin.
We feel: The mask seems to be oversized but offers comfort and a slight aromatic scent. After taking it off, the skin is very soft but feels quite sticky for a while.
The result: Nothing really changes except the obviously softer skin.
Price: B520 for 5 sheets

Get the most from your mask

Always make sure your face is totally cleansed before masking.

The result is better when used after toner lotion and serum application.

To avoid moisture loss, do not leave the mask on longer than suggested on the package. Most branded masks require only 10-15 minutes.

With sheet masks, you don’t have to wash your face after removing them; letting the goodness absorbovernight is recommended (but is optional)

Essentials

Cle de Peau Beaute. M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000
Ettusais. 1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-254-9152
Shiseido. 1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-254-9165
Shu Uemura. 2/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0263
ZA. At Watsons. www.watsons.co.th

CASUAL

Air Penguin

A father penguin jumps between melting ice caps in order to save his family. There’s also ice sliding, turtle riding and shark problems to face along the way. The control system is tilt-based and the story mode has a 100 stages to get through.
Why we like it: Nice graphics, extremely addictive and very easy to control once you’ve got used to it.
Price: $0.99

Stupid Zombies

From the creators of Plants vs. Zombies, Stupid Zombies requires you to kill the living dead using a similar strategy as Angry Birds. What’s different is that instead of flicking birds, you click and shoot the zombies with your shotgun. A feel for physics is a plus, or your shooting won’t be very precise.
Why we like it: Just as addictive as Plants vs. Zombies, the graphics are pretty neat and it’ll take weeks as there are over 480 stages.
Price: $0.99

Bumpy Road

An aging happy couple takes a trip down memory lane, and it’s your job to help them pick up all the memories along the way. The memories you’ve collected can be viewed as a storyline in the Memory Lane mode.
Why we like it: The graphics are amazing eye-candy and will make it easy to kill time once you get used to the slightly tricky controls.
Price: $2.99

SPORTS AND FIGHTING

Flick Golf Extreme

This new sequel version lets you tee-off on extremely unpredictable courses like the Grand Canyon, an aircraft carrier or an oil rig. Unlike other golf games, you only need to flick your finger to hit the ball and control the spin.
Why we like it: You don’t have to like golf to enjoy this game and you don’t have to worry about the rules or choosing a club. The display is awesome and you can also listen to your own music while you play a round.
Price: $2.99

Street Fighter IV Volt

This is an updated version of the previous Street Fighter IV, and offers you the old school Capcom’s 2D street fighting game play. In solo mode, you start the tournament choose a character and fight against your rivals. What’s new in this release is the online mode, which allows you to challenge and collect trophy cards for beating your friends or random players via WiFi.
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a rewind button to your childhood, this is the app. Simple and exciting in one go.
Price: $6.99

WORDS AND PUZZLES

Hanging with Friends

An online version of the traditional hangman, which you can enjoy with a random opponent or with your friends There are five balloons for each player, and one will pop when you make a wrong guess. Since there is no time limit, the game can go on for days or weeks.
Why we like it: Seeing your friends lose is way more amusing than beating a computer opponent. Plus there’s a chat window provided for conversations during the games.
Price: Free

Haunted Manor: Lord of Mirrors

With a point and click system, you have to solve 90 mini-puzzles and find hidden objects throughout the game to help Stan Riddle escape from the Lord of Mirrors.
Why we like it: Quality graphics and spooky background music. If you like games with a plot, get this. We also like the fact that zooming is enabled.
Price: $0.99

STRATEGY/SIMULATION

Food Processing

Your only job is to slice, chop, crack and peel all of the food that sails along the conveyor belt. You’ll need to learn the correct way to process each food type to get the perfect score, while always remembering to ignore rotten items. The belt speeds up as you get more points.
Why we like it: This game is as compelling as it is simple, especially if you have a few friends to compete with for high scores. Unlike Fruit Ninja, Food Processing requires the players to chop each object in specific ways and that really does its job as an office time killer.
Price: $0.99

Chocolate Tycoon

Unlike other empire-building games, this combines time management and a Harvest Moon story-telling style. You play a girl in charge of a chocolate shop, responsible for making them and serving customers. The chocolate-making involves solving a mini-puzzle (like Bejeweled) to vary the flavors.
Why we like it: The game involves cute characters with quality graphics. New characters and quests are introduced from time to time to keep things interesting.
Price: $0.99

Pocket Academy

You’re given a piece of land, a basic shell of a school, then put in charge of making it one of the best in the country. Your role involves building the facilities, hiring the staff, and making sure that the school gets high ratings from potential students.
Why we like it: This is a no-nonsense game that requires a lot of planning, thinking, and patience. Although the story moves a bit too slow at first, after an hour or less, you can’t stop. The graphics aren’t great, but the story makes up for it.
Price: $3.99

Supermarket Mania 2

If you’ve fallen in love with casual time management games like Diner Dash, you’ll probably like this game as well. Basically, you have to run a supermarket: stock the shelves, manage the carts, and work the cashier. The higher you go, the more challenges you face. There are 50 stages in total.
Why we like it: This game is so simple yet challenging it can easily become your commute pastime.
Price: $2.99

ROLE PLAYING/ ADVENTURE

Order & Chaos

Very similar to World of Warcraft, this is a multiplayer online game. You know the drill: you’ll have to pick a character, a race: the hero or the villains, a class, then begin the quest. The main point is to travel the world, find quests and fight with enemies to gain experience points and move up to higher levels.
Why we like it: This game looks veryimpressive when compared to similar MMORPG games on the mobile platform. Although the content depth can’t really compare to the original WoW, but it’s still addictive and enjoyable.
Price: $6.99

Puzzle Agent 2

Agent Nelson Tethers returns following last year’s award-winning episode. You’ll be traveling around a city, interacting and questioning people in an attempt to solve a case. The puzzles are mainly based on logic and are pretty challenging.
Why we like it: A great brain-exercising game. The animation is remarkable and charming, as is the story line and background music.
Price: $4.99

RACING

Death Rally

Similar to other kill-zone racing apps, Death Rally pits you against mafia rivals in road races. The strategy is to make dirty attacks on opponents while racing. After each round, you’ll unlock new levels and earn cash points to upgrade your vehicle.
Why we like it: It looks great and the controls are pretty easy once you’ve upgraded the handling bar. Overall, the game will give your heart a good work out as you race to the finish.
Price: $0.99

Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing

If you’ve ever played Mario Kart on the NDS, you know what to expect. Choose from Grand Prix, single race, time trial or mission, then race to the finish and use special items to beat rivals to collect trophies. The multiplayer mode also allows you to join or host the game over Bluetooth and WiFi.
Why we like it: The bold graphics really makes it worth the price and you can enjoy this racing madness with up to three friends. First time players will find it a bit hard to control, but will get the hang of it after a few rounds.
Price: $4.99

(1) M.A.C Matte Lipstick

Color: Russian Red
Matteness: 9/10. Satin smooth when applying. Lips feel moist and have very little shine.
Durability: Since it’s pretty moist, everything touching your lips will stain easily during the first hour. The color stays fresh and eye-popping for over six hours, though.
Price: B800

(2) Cle de Peau Extra Rich Lipstick

Color: T4
Matteness: 2/10. We wouldn’t call this a matte lipstick at all. The texture is very glossy and leaves the lips looking plump. Not recommended for chapped lips but we’re totally in love with its glamorous nude shade.
Durability: Lasts less than an hour and leaves only the slightest hint of color after three hours.
Price: B2,500

(3) Nars Lipstick Semi- Matte

Color: Jungle Red, Honolulu Honey
Matteness: 7/10. Feels like a pure matte: not so sticky but can be a bit tricky to apply, especially without a pre lip gloss or a brush.
Durability: Leaves only slight traces on coffee mugs and the color stays lively for up to six hours.
Price: B950

(4) Revlon Matte Lipstick

Color: Really Red
Matteness: 10/10. Extremely light, non-shiny and non-sticky. Super easy to apply and doesn’t dry out your lips.
Durability: The vibrant pigments back a punch for at least three hours before they start to dull. It lasts for at least 8 hours, if you don’t mind the color fading.
Price: B239

(5) M.A.C Pro Longwear

Color: Love Forever!
Matteness: 9/10. A bit sticky and dry on application but doesn’t look quite as dry on the lips.
Durability: Stays fresh and eye- spanking for an hour, then the vibrancy slowly fades down.
Price: B850

(6) Make Up Store

Color: Pretty Baby, Mandy
Matteness: 8/10. Lips feel moist after application. There’s little sign of shininess but it does seem to dehydrate the lips within twenty minutes.
Durability: The vibrant color lasts for two hours, but you might feel the texture becoming much thinner after bringing a cup or glass to your lips. You’ll also see the color hint for up to six hours.
Price: B850

(7) Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte

Color: Sensual Red
Matteness: 9/10. Shows only a small shimmer with visible sparkles added to the texture. Lips moist after application and do not dry out, but it’s quite hard to apply and need a lot of gloss. Chapped lips likely to appear after the first hour.
Durability: Vibracy stays for an hour and fades down around the clock.
Price: B990

Essentials

M.A.C. G/F, Siam Center, 02-658-0282
Make Up Store. 2/F, Siam Center, 02-255-2082
Nars. 1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-252-6162
Revlon. Watsons, www.watsons.co.th
Shu Uemura. 2/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0263

Lip Tips

Top Walking Street

Bophut

Samui is now obsessed with walking streets, and there’s one almost every day of the week. If you have limited time, then this is the one you should try. Bophut stretches along the entire Fisherman’s Village Street where wooden shophouses are home to cool restaurants, cafes, shops and guesthouses. On Fridays, street vendors take over this tiny street and sell everything from food and cooking ingredients to souvenirs made from coconut shells. Foodies can sample local snacks at Kanom Chine Pa Somchai (B40, 087-265-4111) and Pad Mii Pa Paichit (B30, 080-147-4680) and refresh themselves with the street-mixed mojitos (B60). At the mid-point of the road (where The Pier is) there is a small space where local artists do traditional music and performances, which vary every week.

RUNNERS-UP

Maenam

At Maenam intersection where you would turn left for Kanom Chine Pa Maitree (which does wonderful nam ya, 077-247-075. Open daily 8am-3.30pm), turn right instead and you’ll hit a walking street every Thursday from 5-10pm. Vendors sell vegetables, snacks and clothes. The goods aren’t that exciting, so make just a quick stop on your way to dinner.

Nathon

Every Saturday between 5-10pm, Angthong Road, parallel to Nathon Beach Road, is closed to traffic to make way for local street vendors selling their food and clothes. This place is more for locals, so there’s not much in the way of souvenirs and t-shirts. But there’s plenty of food like deep fried fishballs and local Thai sweets.

Top Nature Spot

Na Muang Waterfalls

There are two small waterfalls at this spot: Na Muang 1 and 2. While Na Muang 2 is more crowded, thanks to the nearby elephant trekking service and zoo, Na Muang 1 is the place to go, with a beautiful, clear stream falling from a ten-meter cliff into a small pond. B20 parking fee and free entry.

RUNNERS-UP

Hin Lat Waterfall

Hin Lat is a small waterfall located only few kilometers from the main road. It sits on the Lipa Yai River and is part of a national reserve. Walk across the falls and you’ll find the Hin Lat Buddhist Monk Sanctuary for meditation. Free parking and entry.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Forget the sex museums of Europe, this is truly au naturel. Hin Ta is a rock pillar that looks like a penis and Hin Yai is a rock that looks like a vagina (you need a bit of imagination on this one). On the way back, stop for some kalamae, a local snack. B20 parking fee and free entry.

Lamai Viewpoint

Driving along the main road from Chaweng Beach to Lamai Beach, there’s a viewpoint where you can see both beaches. There are stairs so you can walk down to the sea below for photo opportunities. Free parking and entry.

Top Island Day Trip

Angthong Marine National Park

Only 20 km from Samui is Angthong Marine National Park, which covers an area of 102 sq kilometers and is made up of 40 small islands. But as there are only a few islands we’re permitted to set foot on, a visit to the marine national park only really takes a day.
Countless travel agents sell this day trip but the cheapest option we found without compromising too much on quality is by Samui Leisure (083-434-1882, 086-883-3219, www.samuileisure.com). They offer a day trip with Samui Island Tour at B750, inclusive of a roundtrip transfer from your hotel to the port, one meal, soft drinks throughout the trip, snorkeling goggles and the national park fee. If you want to kayak, it’s B1,200 but we’re not big on exertion.
The pick-up is around 7:30am and the boat departs at 8:30am, taking you first to Koh Mae Koh (Mother Island) where you need to climb up the newly-built stairs to see the Inner Sea, a lagoon entirely surrounded by lush hills. After lunch on board, you’ll visit Koh Wua Ta Lub (Sleeping Cow Island). While farang tourists
are enjoying the sun and sand, we encourage you to put on your trainers (flip-flops not recommended) and go for a trek to the hilltop. Follow the rope and climb up the hill for 500 meters (no stairs, sorry) until you reach its peak at 262 meters from sea level. It’s at least half an hour each way but we promise once you’re there, all your exhaustion will disappear as you enjoy the 360-degree panorama of the entire Angthong Marine National Park. Soak it up, as it’s even rougher going back down. The boat leaves Koh Wua Ta Lub around 3:30pm, and you should be back on the mainlaind at around 5pm, weather permitting. Programs can be customized and vary from agent to agent. You can also try Lomprayah (B2,100 by catamaran, www.lomprayah.com) and Seatran Discovery (B1,900 by yacht, www.seatrandiscovery.com).
Angthong Marine National Park is closed Nov 1-30 every year.

RUNNERS-UP

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

A little further out, both Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan lie north of Samui. (Koh Tao is really closer to Chumphon.) Normally, most tours will take you to Koh Tao in the morning for sunbathing and snorkeling and to Koh Nang Yuan, where you can catch views of a beach that connects three small islands, in the afternoon. Prices are inclusive of a roundtrip transfer, soft drinks and one meal. Try Samui Leisure (B1,700, www.samuileisure.com) or Lomprayah (B1,800, www.lomprayah.com).

Koh Taen and Koh Matsum

These two small islands located southwest of Samui are best known for their untamed forests and beautiful corals. A day trip runs from 9am to 3pm. Try Thai Tour Group (B1,700, www.thaitourgroup.com) or Magic Samui (B1,300, www.magicsamui.net).

Top Nightlife Spot

9 Gems

Hidden away on one of the island’s many hilltops, 9 Gems combines fine dining with breathtaking views of Pru Chaweng (Chaweng Lagoon) and Chaweng town center below. The menu offers fusion food (from B400), tapas (from B300), desserts (from B300) and cocktails (from B350). And it’s the only place on Samui that stocks both prosecco and Moet & Chandon. Request to be seated on one of their beds on the rooftop to enjoy the 360-degree view. Settling yourself in just before sunset is highly recommended.
141/190 Moo 6, Bophut, 077-256-125, 080-692-0520. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 4pm-2am. www.9gemssamui.com

RUNNERS-UP

Green Mango & Sweet Soul

This has long been one of the most popular nightclubs in Samui. The real party starts at midnight and continues until just before dawn. With a gigantic open-air space that contains several bars, pool tables, live performances and huge dance floors, all you need is a plastic bucket of Sangsom mixed with Red Bull and some straws. If midnight’s too late, stop by at Sweet Soul, the sister club of Green Mango (located right in front) to warm up.
Soi Green Mango, Chaweng Beach Rd. Open daily 9pm till late.
www.thegreenmangoclub.com

Sound Club

A great spot to take the party after you’re done with Green Mango. Sound Club has both open-air and indoor spaces, and the DJs are usually the ones who do the Full Moon Parties on nearby Koh Pha Ngan, featuring all night hip-hop and R&B.
Soi Green Mango, Chaweng Beach Rd., Open daily 11pm-6am. www.soundclubsamui.com

Top Local Dining

Sabeinglae

Sabeinglae offers a long list of authentic local dishes like gang kua hed lhoob (mushroom curry), wai kua (squid simmered in coconut milk), and gang som pla grabog yod mapraw (sour curry with fish and young coconut). Also try the fresh oysters with deep-fried garlic (B40 each) and pla krapong tod nampla (deep-fried seabass). The kluay buad shi can’t be missed for dessert. Unlike other fine seafood restaurants in Samui, the bill is very affordable and will probably cost you less than B1,000 for two.
438/82 Moo 1, Maret, 077-233-082, 081-538-7045. www.sabeinglae.9nha.com

RUNNERS-UP

Janhom

Test your tongue with Janhom’s fiery Southern dishes like nam prik goong sod (vegetables with shrimp relish, B120) and wipe your tears away with the kua gling moo (stir fried pork with spicy herbs, B150).
7/3 Bang Por Beach, 077-236-458. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Kuay Tiew Moo Pratuwat

New but already quite popular, it stands out a bit from the others, in terms of both the vintage décor and concept—think Plernwarn in Hua Hin. Their highlight is the jumbo noodle (B60) which gets you up to three toppings including boiled and steamed pork with fresh seafood. Also try O-Charos (B20), which mixes o-liang and cha dam yen in one glass.
In front of Wat Lamai, Lamai Beach, 086-277-0268.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Free parking at the temple.

Top Sunday Brunch

Beach Republic

The club at Beach Republic embodies a hip, contemporary Mediterranean beach lifestyle. Elegant and sexy with its red hot decor, the mood here is more energetic and comfortable than, say, at Nikki Beach (see right). There are two infinity pools available with regular DJs and live performances. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch Club features a buffet offering myriad international options like meat carving stations, seafood, Thai dishes, sushi, cold cuts, and crepes suzette. Outside those hours, entry into the club for outside guests is B500, but that does turn into F&B credits. There are also 39 rooms available from B3,900 per night.
176/34 Moo 4, Maret, 077-458-100. Sunday brunch B1,400, 11:30am-3:30pm. www.beachrepublic.com
 

RUNNER-UP

Nikki Beach

The Thai sister of celeb-hang-outs, the Nikkis in Las Vegas, Miami and St. Tropez, Nikki Beach touts big star-spotting potential. In real life, you’ll see lots of Western tourists on their throw pillows, daybeds, plush champagne beds and Nikki’s signature teepees. The highlight of the week is the Amazing Sunday Brunch, offering over 40 dishes including seafood, sushi, meat carvings, and desserts. The brunch includes one free mimosa or bellini. Annual membership (approximately B7,500) gets you entry into the club for a year, but won’t include special events like Sunday brunch. Private bungalows available, starting from B4,600.
96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi, 077-914-500. Sunday brunch B950, 11am-4pm. www.nikkibeach.com

Top Tea Room

Namcha

Run by a Filipino family with an obsession on tea, the teahouse is just by the entrance of Fisherman’s Village and is one of the most charming buildings in the area. Like almost everywhere in Samui, the place offers an open-air vibe, and there are four sections with Japanese, Chinese, African, and English tea room styles. Their offerings range from English breakfast and Jasmine, to chai tea imported from around the world. Prices start at B120 per pot.
Fisherman’s Village, Bophut Beach, 077-427-115. Open daily 9:30am-10:30pm. www.namchasamui.com

RUNNER-UP

Le Salon de Ti

Created by a couple, Alex and Ti, Le Salon de Ti has everything from desserts to cocktails with a spot of tea. An open-air space on the second floor of the teak building is decked out in vintage-style French furniture, white chandeliers and antiques, and is perfect for afternoon high tea (from B590 for two people). As for the selection, there are 23 kinds of Dilmah tea, served hot or cold. And if you are a wine fan, the place also has an extensive wine list, with more than 1,200 bottles from 17 countries.
Zazen Boutique Resort, Bophut Beach, 077-425-085. Afternoon tea available daily 2-5pm. www.samuizazen.com

Top Café

Bakubung

A charming baan baan beach side cafe located just around the corner from the Fisherman’s Village, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery, especially if you have a couple of hours left before catching your flight (it’s just 5km from the airport). The outdoor area is very spacious, and the cafe serves some snacks like ham and cheese baguettes (B80) along with hot and cold beverages, including signature drinks like the Bakubung iced lemon tea (B85). Free Wi-Fi and parking.
145/5 Moo 1, Bophut Beach, 084-636-9090. Open daily 10am-8:30pm.
www.facebook.com/bakubung

RUNNER-UP

Kalasea

Located right on a cliff between Nathon and Maenam beaches, this four-month-old artsy yet adorable beachside coffee house is a spot not to be missed. The naval theme shows up in nearly every detail of the place from their furniture, to their souvenirs. The drink options, though, are very basic: coffee, tea, beer, and some bottled cocktails (B20-B100). A glass of iced latte (B60) will probably last you your time there, or else order their jazzy Blue Hawai (B40) to go along with their navy blue theme.
Angthong, Ring Rd., 086-558-3290. Open daily 10:30am-8pm. kalasea.webs.com
 

GRAND OPENING 

Banyan Tree Samui

Gurich Samui at Lamai Beach

Akyra Chura

W Retreat Koh Samui

Hansar Samui Resort and Spa

Shasa Resort and Residences
 

ESSENTIALS

How to get there

Hiso: Just hop on a Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) flight. A web promotion starts from B6,520 roundtrip, inclusive of taxes and surcharges. A roundtrip ticket from THAI Airways (www.thaiairways.com) is from B10,370.
Low-cost: Nok Air (www.nokair.com) together with Lomprayah Ferry is offering an air ticket-plus-ferry package. You will fly from Bangkok to Nakhon Sri Thammarat (from B1,295 one-way) or Surat Thani (from B1,200), then get shuttled to the pier by bus to get on the ferry to Koh Samui. Rates are for a one-way trip, exclusive of taxes and service charge. Cost 6 hours.
Old school: Sombat Tour (www.sombattour.com) takes you from Southern Bus Terminal to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani (B542-632 one-way) where you then take a ferry to Koh Samui (Raja Ferry, B150, www.rajaferryport.com). Buses leave at 7:30am, 7pm, 7:30pm and 8pm, and it takes around 13 hours in total. Another option is Lomprayah (www.lomprayah.com), which leaves Bangkok at 6am, heading to Chumphon where you get on its catamaran boat to Koh Samui (via Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan). The whole trip takes around 11 hrs and is B1,400 one-way.