The usual panoply of watersports are available, including plenty of dive shops, but most diving is done either in the nearby Angthong Marine National Park or Ko Tao as the visibility around Samui's sandy beaches tends to be poor. You can book diving day trips at dive shops, most of which are based in Chaweng. The dive boats tend to leave from the pier at Bophut and Bang Ruk.

Diving Without a doubt the south of Thailand is home to some of the finest and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral. And that is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has escalated over the past decade or so.

Even though the best time year of the year to dive in the Ko Samui is between June and August, it is still perfectly possible to dive virtually all year round. As diving in Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out.

The sea visibility in some places around Ko Samui is almost unbelievable, I mean we are talking about distances of up to 10-30 meters. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks.

Leading the way in environment conservation through Project Aware is Samui's award winning 5 Star PADI Dive Resort, BSAC Resort Centre and PADI Go Eco Operator 100 Degrees East that provides you with diving in a safe, friendly and supportive environment in which you can relax, have fun and enjoy your diving. To learn more about saving the underwater world contact - Ph: +66 (0) 77 245 936, info@100degreeseast.com.

• Big Blue Diving Samui 17/38 Mu 3, South Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7742 2617, 0 7742 2780 Fax. 0 7742 2617, E-mail: samui@bigbluedivingsamui.com
• Bo Phut Diving School 93/2 Mu 1, Bo Phut Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7742 5496, Fax. 0 7742 5496, E-mail: info@bophutdiving.com
• Coral Grand Divers – Big Buddha Beach 33/9-11 Mu 4, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7743 0531-2 Fax. 0 7744 8135, E-mail: james@samilandivers.com
• Coral Grand Divers – Chaweng 37/50 Mu 3, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7741 4334 Fax. 0 7741 4335, Website: http;//www.coralgranddivers.com
• Discovery Dive Centre 14/3 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui, Tel: 0 7741 3196 www.discoverydivers.com
• Easy Divers Hat Bo Phut, Ko Samui,Tel: 0 7724 5026; Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui, Tel: 0 7723 0548
• Pro Divers 125/5 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Tambon Maret, Ko Samui, Tel: 0 7723 3399
• Samui Diving Service 80/3 Mu 3, Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui, Tel: 0 7723 0053
• Samui Easy Divers – Big Buddha Beach 32/15 Mu 4, Big Buddha Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7744 8129 Fax. 0 7744 8130, E-mail: info@easydivers-thailand.com
• Samui Easy Divers – Bo Phut Beach 51/1 Mu 1, Bo Phut Beach Road Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7724 5026 Fax. 0 7724 5516, E-mail: info@easydivers-thailand.com
• Samui Easy Divers – Chaweng Beach 13/7 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7741 3372-3 Fax. 0 7741 3374, E-mail: info@easydivers-thailand.com
• Samui Easy Divers – Lamai Beach 169/3-6 Mu 4, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Maret, Tel. 0 7723 1190 Fax. 0 7723 0486, E-mail: info@easydivers-thailand.com
• Samui International Diving School 19/3 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7742 2386 Fax. 0 7723 1242, E-mail: info@planet-scuba.net
• Samui International Diving School 124/93 Mu 3, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Tel. 0 7723 3223, 0 7723 2069 Fax. 0 7723 2069, E-mail: info@planet-tec.net
• Samui International Diving School 30/1 Mu 4, Branch Big Buddha Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 08 9972 4002, 08 4837 7781 Fax. 0 7742 5360, E-mail: sidsdiving@dial-samui.com
• Samui International Diving School 4/6 Mu 3, First Bungalow Beach Resort, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel. 0 7741 3522, 08 7882 1253 Fax. 0 7741 3522, E-mail: info@planet-scuba.net
• Samui Sports Divers 18/1 Mu 1, Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Tel: 0 7724 7203 www.samuisportsdivers.com

Sailing is beginning to become more popular in Samui being led by the success of the Ko Samui Regatta [6] and the continued popularity of the day crusies and sunset cruises aboard the 52 foot sailing catamaran Kia Ora [7]. The major hindrance to sailing in Ko Samui is the lack of a marina to provide safe mooring, the support infrastructure and services. There have been many rumours about marina construction being imminent but nothing has yet been done. So when you get to Samui, expect to find it hard to locate a suitable provider and also expect to either clamber over rickety wooden jetties or be ferried out on the tender dinghy – all adding to the wonderful Thai style sailing adventure.

Santiburi Samui Country Club boasts the only 18 hole golf course on the island. Located inland from Mae Nam, the neighbouring town to Bophut, the challenging mountain-side and high valley fairways offer stunning views of the bay area and distant Ko Pha Ngan. Golf carts are compulsory, to prevent the exhaustion of players otherwise following the steeply rising and falling fairways. Large greens offer some compensation to players distracted by the fabulous views and lush tropical setting. The clubhouse includes locker rooms, dining, conferencing rooms as well as a driving range, practice green and shop.

Other golf courses include the Samui Golf Club and Driving Range and the Lamai Driving Range. For those interested in playing mini golf, there is the Mini Golf International. Other golf courses include Samui Frisbee Golf and Samui Football Golf. One can also finds a large number of golf shops, like the Samui Golf and Sports Center from where golf clubs, hats, and shoes can be bought or rented.

Golf

• Santiburi Samui Country Club 12/15, Mu 4, Mae Nam, Suratthani, Tel: 0 7742 1700-8 Fax: 0 7742 1709
• Samui Golf Club and Driving Range Samui Ring Road, Chaweng North 123/1, Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut Suratthani
• Lamai Driving Range 22/6 Mu 6, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Tel: 08 1090 7213, 08 6282 0749 Fax: 0 7741 8995

Mini golf

• Mini Golf International Ban Plailaem, 79/53 Mu 5, Tambon Bophut, Suratthani, Tel: 08 1787 9148
• Treasure Island Mini Golf 166/79 Mu 2, Tambon Bophut, Suratthani, Tel: 0 77411 3267, 08 1892 1416

Frisbee golf

• Samui Frisbee Golf Just 1 k.m. from Monkey Theater, Soi Monkey Theater Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut, Suratthani

Football golf

• Samui Football Golf North of Chaweng, near Imperial Boat House.

Thai Boxing Thai Boxing or Muay Thai has risen in popularity in Koh Samui and there are a number of gyms such as Lamai, WMC and Pinyo. Big bouts can be watched at the Muay Thai Boxing Stadium at Chaweng Beach.

Beach Volleyball Lots of beach volleyball is played on the two main beaches; Chaweng and Lamai.

Kayaking is a great way to see the Angthong Marine National Park. Look for a credible tour operator when on the island.

There is a nice natural pool at the top of the Na Muang waterfall 2. It's about 30 minutes steep hike from the point where the road ends. There are also some elephant ride businesses, that can take you to the bottom of the waterfall.

Shooting you can visit the Samui shooting range and fire various 9mm and revolver pistols and even the famous AK-47. Turn up and shoot - prices are quite steep around 1000 baht for a magazine of ammo but it does make for a memorable experience and is suitable for small groups.

Bungy Jump situated on the Reggae Street side of Chaweng lake. Samui Bungy offers a free pick up service from your hotel. Soi Reggae, ChawengBeach. Telephone: 07 741- 425-2

Bird Watching Samui with its lush forests offers the ideal spot to go for bird watching. The wilderness of the area has made it a nesting ground for several rare species of birds.

Tiger Zoo and Tropical Bird Show - south of Hua Thanon

Trekking & Elephant Trekking Due to diversity of the landscape and tropically lush forests, Samui is a great place for trekking, either on foot or by elephant. This activity has become extremely popular recently, especially with the younger crowds.

Snooker & Pool There are snooker clubs at the main beaches in Thailand and they are popular with the local Thais. More popular with the western tourists is pool which can easily be found at the island’s bars. At most bars, pool can be played for free.

Tennis Tennis can be found at a few selected places on the island.

• Ang Thong Marine National Park With a total of 42 islands in the vicinity, the overall scenery is simply quite stunning. Ko Wao and Ko Yippon are probably the two most popular locations for diving.

Diving Sites around Ko Samui

• Samran Pinnacles: Since the currents in this area are often quite strong, this site is recommended therefore, for experienced divers. Due to the currents being like this, the site is a haven for bringing in larger pelagics such as barracuda, jacks. There are three submerged pinnacles near Sail Rock.

• Ko Kra & Koh Losin: These two small islands located to the south-east of Samui, which because of its remotest, don’t get too many divers. Blacktip sharks, manta rays and hard to find loggerhead turtles can be seen.

Snorkeling This pastime is also popular with many tourists, especially with those who can’t dive. All the diving centers arrange snorkeling tours too.

Yachting One of the major Yachting festivals, which has gained international recognition worldwide, is the Ko Samui Regatta festival organized by the Ko Samui Regatta Committee. Visitors, if they wish, can charter a yacht or use their own.

Windsurfing On Samui, some companies conduct various workshops and courses on windsurfing.

Canopy Koh Samui Canopy Adventures arrange canopy through the forest. They are located Bophut Beach and can be contacted at 077-414-1501

Fishing Lovers of fishing will adore the idea of going fishing off Samui and they won’t be disappointed. The majority of the fishing tours leave from the south-west corner of Ko Tong Krut.

Horse Riding Horse on Samui are of a European standard, they are calm, patient and well-trained. For package deals and more information, telephone: 09-972-4241. Route 4169, near Tesco Lotus, Chaweng.

Kiteboarding This exciting new and trendy activity has finally reached Samui and the Ko Samui Kite Center based at the Samui Orchid Resort in Laem Set offers a complete range of courses from beginners to advance. The ideal time of the year for this activity is from November to March. The center can be contacted at 077-424-017-501.

Paintball This fantastic activity, which fathers as well as sons will love, has also arrived on Samui. Paintball has been organized in the hills above Maenam Beach. There is a great selection of guns to choose from, take your pick of an M16 or a Kalashnikov.

Other Activities

• Amsterdam 38/62 Mu 3, South Chaweng, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7741 3443, 0 81083 1273, E-mail: a_dam@samart.co.th
• Apple Pie 9/57 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 81535 4324, 0 7723 1735
• Chao Koh Internet 74 Mu 3, Tambon Angthong, Tel: 0 7723 1039, 0 7742 0851 Fax: 0 7723 1039
• DOT.COM COMPUTERS 45/1 Mu 3, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7723 0707, 0 89652 0482 Fax: 0 7723 0707, E-mail: dotcomputers@hotmail.com
• Island Safari Co.,Ltd. 2/3 Mu 6, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7723 0567, 0 7723 0709 Fax: 0 77422559, E-mail: info@islandsafari.net, Website: http://www.islandsafari.net
• Kia Ora Catamaran Charters 14/22 Mu 5, Ban Plai Laem, Tambon Bo Phut Koh, Tel: 0 7742 5264 Fax: 0 7743 0219, E-mail: info@kiaorathailand.com, Website: http://www.kiaorathailand.com
• Namuang Safari Park 13/2 Mu 2, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Namuang, Tel: 0 7742 4098, 0 81849 0101
• Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo 33/2 Mu 2, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7742 4017-8, 0 7723 2191 Fax: 0 7742 4019, E-mail: orchid@sawadee.com
• Samui Butterfly Garden Centara Villa Samui, 111 Mu 2, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7742 4020-2 Fax: 0 7742 2022, E-mail: csv@chr.co.th
• Samui Crocodile Farm 30/24 Mu 4, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 89289 9613, 0 81894 4288
• Samui Monkey Theater 149 Mu 1, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7724 5140, 0 89874 7349
• Samui Ocean Sports (Chaweng Regent Hotel) 155/4 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 81940 1999, E-mail: info@sailing-in-samui.com, Website: http://www.sailing-in-samui.com
• Samui Safari 95/10 Mu 2, Tambon Lipa Noi, Tel: 0 7741 5123-45 Fax: 0 7741 5124, E-mail: info@siamsafari.com, Website: http://www.siamsafari.com
• Samui Snake Fram 88/3 Mu 4, Tambon Taling Ngam, Tel: 0 7742 3247, 0 7741 5100 Fax: 0 7742 3247
• Phangan Safari Boat around Island 45/1-2 Moo1, Thongsala, Koh Phangan. Tel. 077 238 232, E-mail: info@safariboat.info, Website: http://www.safariboat.info

Spa

For those who love to ‘spa’, Thailand is the perfect destination to indulge in this pastime therapy. The country prides itself in countless spas offering the highest world class services at extremely reasonable rates. Much of the recent success of this therapy is due to the tremendous support given by the Thai Spa Operators Association. Not only have they assisted in the training of therapists to international standards but also trained them in keeping methods traditionally and distinctively ‘Thai-style’. Spas can be found at major hotels and resorts on Samui, such as:

• Ban Sabai Spa [8] (E-mail: info@vipassana.co.th)
• Chedi Spa [9]
• Santiburi Dusit Resort [10] (E-mail: santiburi@dusit.com)
• Tamarind Retreat [11] (E-mail: info@tamarindretreat.com)
• Koh Samui Rentals (Koh Samui Rentals), 77 / 20 Moo 4, [12]. For all your rental requirments from bikes to boats, villas to hotels. Tours bookings and more...  edit

The major reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, to enjoy the beaches. Even though the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai have generally suffered due to mass development over the past decade, they are still relatively impressive. Development has been thwarted slightly however, because of the island’s regulation governing height restriction.

Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand and ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering past, there isn't all that much to see on the island. A certain pair of rocks on Bang Rak has a large but nondescript Buddha statue, and there are some waterfalls (notably Na Muang) of minor interest.

Chaweng Beach Chaweng is the major beach on Ko Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to just a sprinkle of wooden bungalows but now the place is swamped with 4-5 star hotels, Italian pizza joints, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. In fact, Samui’s nightlife is becoming legendary but unfortunately not always attracting the best standard of tourist. Chaweng’s once ‘hippy’ only backpackers have given way to a lot of ‘lager louts’. But if it’s a rowdy reckless party scene you are after, then Chaweng is the place for you.

Lamai Beach Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. The beach though, is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn’t get quite so crowded. If it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations.

Maenam Beach This quite beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing especially for families with children due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach Bophut, situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn’t in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach Choengmon is located in the North-East of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter however, it is a perfect place for relaxing.

Big Buddha Beach Located in the north-east of Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now a plentitude of restaurants, shops and bars.

• Na Thon - The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

• Namtok Hin Lat – This waterfall is easily accessible by car. Some of the numerous tiny levels have a large basin for swimmers.

• Namtok Na Mueang – A local road leads to the Na Mueang 1 Waterfall. A walk of about 30 minutes ends up at the more scenic Na Mueang 2 Waterfall. Purple rocks surround the stream of water, which gushes in from an impressive height of around 79 meters.

• Ban Lipa Yai – This village grows high quality fruits, including rambutan, durian, mangosteen and the famed langsat.

• Old House – This Chinese-style house, aged almost 200 years, represents Samui’s cultural identity. Grandpa Si and Grandma Maen Hancharoen, the present owner, open the house to visitors.

Other island attractions include coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian; the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; the nearby butterfly garden and aquarium; a snake farm; a monkey theatre at Bo Phut and a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle.

Wat Khunaram Ko Samui This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master that was able to predict his own death.

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks These odd-looking rocks situated on Lamai beach bear a striking resemblance to male and female sexual organs and they have turned into one of the island’s biggest attractions. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui Located at Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 9 am till 6 pm.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Also known as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is located in the north of the island.

Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum This butterfly garden can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a meter wide. The visitor can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house.

Secret Buddha Garden This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organized tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.

Monkey Shows These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theater on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants

By plane

Ko Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways [1], which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Ko Samui from Thailand until Thai Airways operated the flights between Bangkok and Ko Samui from April, 2008. They have near-hourly departures to/from Bangkok; tickets are expensive by Thai standards, with advance bookings costing 2000-3500 baht, while a walk-in booking may be twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2200 baht, U-Tapao, and Singapore; four direct flights a week from Chiang Mai (but no direct flights in the opposite direction); and twice weekly flights to/from Hong Kong.

In addition to Bangkok Air, Ko Samui is served two flights a day from Bangkok on Thai (starting February 2008) as well as by Berjaya Air [2] from Kuala Lumpur and Firefly [3] from Penang and Subang airport (Kuala Lumpur) in Malaysia.

Visa-on-Arrival and Visa-Free entry is available at Samui Airport for some nationalities - see Thailand for more information.

Ground transportation from the airport is readily available. A seat in a minibus for the 20-minute ride to Chaweng costing 100 baht/person; a faster taxi will cost 150-300 baht. Be sure to negotiate the rate to your destination before you get into the taxi since many drivers refuse to use their meters. Recently a regular shuttle bus service was introduced that uses listed prices and allows internet booking and payment - Samui Shuttle [4].

A cheaper but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani and connect by road and then ferry.

By boat

From Surat Thani train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui cost 200-300 baht - some entail a 60 minute bus ride followed by a 90 minute ferry crossing, others a 30 minute bus ride but longer on the ferry. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train and airport.There are 2 Ferry compannys (departure every 30 mins).

Numerous ferry services direct from mainland Surat Thani include an express boat (3 departures daily, taking around 3 hours and costing 150 baht) and slow night boats (taking 6-7 hours). Call operator Songserm Travel (252 9654 in Bangkok) for the latest schedules, which vary according to the season.

There are also regular speedboats and ferries to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.

Lomprayah [5] offers a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service from Bangkok to Ko Samui which takes about 11 hours and costs around 850 baht (1000 baht in the opposite direction). The bus pauses in Hua Hin and then stops at Chumphon where it connects with the ferry, which calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan on its way to Ko Samui.

As on many islands in Thailand, small motorbikes are available for rental. Compared to other nearby islands, Samui's road systems is very developed and there are plenty of taxis cruising about, although it's a challenge to get them to use their meters.

Taxi

The Ko Samui Taxi Service is a public taxi service, which cost around 50 Baht.

Songthaew Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit down on the bench in the back. Fares are around 10 Baht per person. In the event you wish to hire own personally then you ought to negotiate the cost first.

Motorbike Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 Baht per day depending on the size. It is recommended though, to hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams; that is where some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. If hiring a bike doesn’t appeal to you then there are motorbike-taxis willing to take you around for a small fee.

Bicycles Bicycles can be hired very cheaply on Ko Samui, one shouldn’t cost anymore than a couple of US dollars per day.

• Ali Baba Indian & Thai Restaurant 38/46-47 Mu 3, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut , Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2745 Fax: 0 7741 4140, E-mail:alibaindian@hotmail.com)
• Alla Baia 49/1 Mu 1, Bo Phut Village, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7724 5566)
• Anglela’s Bakery & Café 64/29 Mu 1, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 7396, E-mail: anglela@anglelasbakery.com, Website: http://anglelasbakery.com)
• Anong Thai Cuisine 164/6 Mu 2, Oppoaite Baan Haad Resort, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7723 1059)
• Antica Locanda 28/1 Mu 4, Big Buddha Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7724 5163, 08 1853 1783)
• Aow Thai Restaurant 414/1 Mu 1, Samui Ring Road,Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7741 8348)
• Ark Bar Garden Beach Resort 159/75 Mu 2, Soi Pizza Hut, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2047, 08 18919161 Fax: 0 7742 2047, E-mail:Mario@ark-bar.com, Website: http://www.ark-bar.com)
• Baan Chantra 295 Mu 3, Tambon Taling Ngam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 9100 Fax: 0 7742 3220, E-mail: enquiries@kohsamui.lemeridien.com, Website: http://www. Lemeridien-samui.com)
• Baan Hin Sai Resort 5/5 Mu 3, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2624-7, 0 7741 3597 Fax:0 7742 2628, E-mail:baanhinsai@yahoo.com, Website: http://www.kohsamui.com/baanhinsai/)
• Baan Rabeang Restaurant 8/1 Mu 5, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7723 6424)
• Baan Thai Food Garden & Antigue House 157 Mu 5, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7723 1123, 0 7723 1322-8 Fax: 0 7723 1124, E-mail:info@chawengvilla.com, Website:http://www.chawengvaila.com)
• Prego Amari Palm Reef Resort, Chaweng Beach, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2015-9 Fax: 0 7742 2394)
• Rim Talay Beach Bar (Santiburi Dusit Resort) 12/12 Mu 1, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Mea Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 5031-38 Fax: 0 7742 5040, E-mail: Santiburi@dusit.com, Website:http://www.dusit.com)
• Roma Italian Restaurant (Paradies Beach Resort) 18/8 Mu 1, Maenam Beach, Tambon Mea Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7724 7227-32 Fax: 0 7742 5290, E-mail: info@samuiparadiesbeach.com, Website:http://www. samuiparadiesbeach.com)
• Sandies Beach Front Restaurant 13/2 Mu 2, At Silver Sand Beach Resort, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2777, 0 7742 2089 Fax: 0 7723 1204, E-mail: info@silversand-resort.com)
• Sushi 2 Osteria Plaza, Chaweng Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2100 Fax: 0 7742 2100)
• The Dining Room South Chaweng, Koh Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7741 3172)
• The Rising Sun 124/60 Mu 3, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7741 8015)
• The Three Monkeys Pub & Restaurant 13/11 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 2584, E-mail:friends@3-monkeys.com, Website: http://www.3-monkeys.com)

There are innumerable options for a drink, ranging from the loud and brash tourist pubs and girlie bars of Chaweng to the candle-lit romantic bars of Bophut. Figure on 80 baht for a local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice as much for any import.

Wine is especially expensive, usually over 2,000 baht per bottle.

Beer bars

Chaweng Beach is especially famous for its beer bars (also called bar-beers), staffed by pretty hostesses, usually from the north-east of Thailand. Buy them a ‘girlie drink’ and you’ll be in entertaining company. Beer bars can be found all over Chawens. The bars offer pool, Connect4 and other popular bar games. Since the nightlife on Chaweng can see serious debauchery at times, the local law enforcers are strict in concern to enforcing closing times. The official closing time in "entertainment zones" is 01:00 (in practice usually somewhere between 01:00 and 02:00, depending on the location).

Nightclubs

Chaweng Beach is packed out with nightclubs playing the latest rave sounds and serving exotic cocktails.

Sweet soul http://www.thegreenmangoclub.com/green-mango-club-samui.html Green Mango

Karaoke Joints

At karaoke joints join can either choose a private room or sing in the main lounge for everyone to hear. There are Thai songs and international songs, there may be pretty hostesses available to sit for a pleasant chat. These joints are especially popular with North Asian tourists.

• Amsterdam 38/62 Mu 3, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7741 3443, 0 81083 1273, E-mail: a_dam@samart.co.th
• Angkor Entertainment 127/13 Mu 3, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7742 4437, 0 89292 3360
• Biker’s & Rocker’s Pub 142/256 Mu 3,Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7723 3073
• Billabong Surf Club Fishermans Village, Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7743 0144 Fax: 0 7743 0145, E-mail: bscsamui@hotmail.com
• Black Jack 169/4 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 81088 5957, 0 81895 8367, E-mail: lukboag@samart.co.th
• Blessing Bar 162 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7742 5534, 0 81747 6830
• Buddy Bar 175/24 Mu 4, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7745 8080-81
• Cheer Pub 168/3 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 8192 1895
• Christy Cabaret 166/78 Mu 2,Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 81894 0356,0 81788 1057 Fax: 0 7741 3244, E-mail: christy_samui@hotmail.com, Website: http://www.realityv.net (Las Vegas styled club)
• The PFC Bar Koh Samui, Suratthani (football lovers bar)
• The Pub 73/2 Mu 1, Fisherman’s village, Bo Phut Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7724 5091, 0 81536 8991, E-mail: swilson@samart.co.th
• The Reggae Pub 3/3 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7742 2331-2 Fax: 0 7723 0177, E-mail: reggaegroup@hotmail.com (pop and rock bar)
• The Rising Sun 124/60 Mu 3, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7741 8015
• The Shack Bar And Grill 88/3 Mu 1, Fisherman’s village, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 87264 6994, E-mail: larryms662@hotmail.com
• The Site / New Name Amsterdam 38/62 Mu 3, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7741 3443, 0 81083 1273, E-mail: a_dam@samart.co.th
• The Wave Samui 11/5 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road (Next To Charlit Huts), Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7723 0803, E-mail: information@thewavesamui.com, Website: http://www.thewavesamui.com
• Three Monkeys Pub & Restaurant 13/11 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7742 2584 Fax: 0 7742 2548, E-mail: friends@3-monkeys.com, Website: http://www.3-monkeys.com
• Tropicana 28 Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7742 5304
• Unique 4/5 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7741 3388
• Viking Bar 91/6 Mu 2, Soi Green Mango, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 81956 5482, 0 81956 5483, E-mail: viking@vikingbar.net, Website: http://www.vikingbar.net