A bite for every taste and budget on the chic tropical island.

With new low-cost flights to Nakhon Si Thamarat connecting to Samui, a trip to the high-end island doesn’t have to break the bank. Keep within your budget with these cheap and cheerful options, or spend your savings on swanky inter venues.

SOUTHERN STREET FOOD

Nathon Walking Street

Skip Fisherman’s Village and head here for something different. Lined with old-school wooden houses, the center of this shopping street is filled with traditional and irresistible Southern food. And if you get heavy from all that eating, you can always lighten your wallet at all the cool stalls nearby.
• Nakhon Street, every Sat evening

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD

Bang Por (Takho)

Another well-known spot is Bang Por Seafood (Takho), famous for its fresh seafood and local recipes. Their secret weapon? Kei Jee (grilled shrimp paste), available as free condiment at every table.
• 56/4 Moo 6, Bang Por Beach, 077-420010, 087-267-2818, 081-607-3269. Open daily 10am-10pm

CLASSIC SOUTHERN

Jan Hom

If you’d rather drop money on food instead of stuff, a must for foodies is Janhom Restaurant. Test your tongue with their fiery Southern dishes like nam prik goong sod (vegetables with shrimp paste) and wipe your tears away with kua gling moo (stir fried pork with spicy herbs).
• 7/3 Bang Por Beach, 077-236-458. Open daily 10am-10pm

AL FRESCO ITALIAN

Prego

Buzzed as one of the best Italian restaurants in town, Prego at Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui is the perfect spot for a date. Try their spicy pasta penne al arrabbiata and pan-fried snowfish medallions with a vegetable caponata.
• Chaweng Beach, 077-422-015. Open daily 10am-midnight. Reservations recommended

BAAN BAAN NOODLES

Kanomjeen Pa Maitree

Situated on Maenam Beach, Kanomjeen Pa Maitree offers various soups, nam ya (coconut soups), green curry, or gaeng tai pla (a spicy Southern soup), with cheap prices starting from B30 (USD0.99).
• 217/2, Maenam Beach Soi 4, 077-247-075. Open daily 8.30am-3.30pm

SOUVENIR SWEETS

Hin Ta Hin Yai

After you’re done feasting, don’t forget to bring some yummy stuff back for your dear ones. Go to the famous kalamae (sticky coconut sweets) stalls at Hin Ta Hin Yai to buy the tasty souvenir. When there, don’t forget to check out the natural rock formation that gave the place its name.
• Hin Ta Hin Yai, Lamai Beach

HIP & INTER

The Page

Located in the super chic Library hotel, The Page has nothing to do with books. The minimalist setting of this beachfront restaurant is even more impressive when lit up at night. Open for lunch and dinner, you can choose to dine alfresco or in air-con from a menu of Thai and international standards.
• The Library, 14/1 Moo 2, Bo Phut, 077-422-767/8. Open 7am-10:30pm. www.thelibrary.name

Essentials

GETTING AROUND
Rent a Car. Don’t fall for the overpriced taxis on the island. Rent a motorbike or a car to take you around from any local rental shop. Motorbikes start from B200 (USD6.60), cars (Jeep 2 seats) from B800 (USD26).

Lompraya High Speed Boat network can also take you to further destinations like Koh Pa-ngan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan or Angthong National Marine Park. Day trips from Koh Samui range from B1,850-B2,150 (USD61-USD71) (national park fee and food included). Call 02-629-2569, 077-427-765-5 or www.lompraya.com