Shop a Review

According to AbbreviationFinder, Koh Samui is one of the largest cities in the country of Thailand.

Shopping in Koh Samui

Thailand is a shopping paradise for more or less wealthy tourists. True, the shopping opportunities in Bangkok are much better than Koh Samui. This does not mean that there are poor shopping opportunities in Koh Samui, it is just that Bangkok is one of the finest we can find.

Thailand is known for its copy products and you can still buy all products in two versions, ie the original and more expensive, and the local copy version. Now, however, not all goods are the same anymore. Instead of buying a Levis pants, maybe you come home with a Lives pants?

What to buy on Koh Samui

In Koh Samui, you shop for clothes, and then we just don’t think about cheap t-shirts and pants. But often custom made suits, blouses, skirts and dresses. Tailors can be found all over the island, but most are naturally centered around the tourist resorts and especially Chaweng. Most tailors are skilled and honest people. And the price for a custom shirt or blouse must still be described as a “bargain” for us travelers.

You can also shop photos and paintings for a cheap price. There are a number of craft outlets that offer all types of paintings, including copies of well-known masterpieces, at reasonable prices. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to go to local markets that offer vegetables, fruits and food, whether it is meat or fish. It’s an experience you should bring.

It is primarily Chaweng and partly Lamai that is the place for shopping. Nor should we forget about Na Thon (or Nathon as many say) which is the island’s administrative center. Many of the locals shop here, and prices are often lower than at the tourist spots. However, the sample is often less of the type of goods travelers are looking for. But this is the place where you can really make a bargain! Otherwise you will find smaller shops and souvenir shapper around all the beaches and fishing towns.

Some selected shopping locations in Koh Samui

If you want to shop at death and life in a traditional department store, you will find it north in Chaweng. The place is called Tesco Lotus There is also a bowling alley and activities for the children. You may also find a department store in Na Thon, more specifically in Nathon Road and named Samui Mart.

Samui Chiang Mai Art and Deco is the name of an antique shop in central Chaweng. As the big name suggests, many of the products come from Chiang Mai are in the north of Thailand.

Samui Shoes in Nathon Road in Na Thon city ​​goes for being one of the best shoe stores on Koh Samui. Prices are low and you can bargain.

The market in Lamai. Directly behind the gas station (PTT) in Lamai you will find the large food market. It offers fried fish, homemade sauces, papaya salads, spice mixes and much more at very good prices. An experience for the senses. Maybe you try a frog or live eel for dinner?

General about shopping in Koh Samui

Many stores take credit cards, but in markets you must – and should – use cash. Feel free to withdraw cash at one of the many ATMs you will find at the larger locations such as Chaweng. The shops open between 0900 and 1100 a day. Many markets are open until midnight or later, while the shops close between 1800 and 2000. During the tourist season, the shops are open seven days a week.

Eating on Koh Samui

You don’t have to be afraid to go hungry on Koh Samui. Whether you have good or bad advice, prefer Thai or more Western cuisine, you will find it here.

Don’t be afraid to try the local restaurants. Thai food is absolutely delicious and you quickly learn that a dinner doesn’t have to cost much to be good. Seafood and fresh exotic vegetables are the main ingredients in much of the local food and not many tourist places in Thailand have the same high quality of food as Koh Samui.

Restaurants and food at Chaweng

Chaweng beach and Chaweng city have the largest concentration of the most recognized and most expensive restaurants. There are of course many cheap local eateries, but also a number of international restaurants. Two of the best are Italian. This is Olivio restaurant located at Baan Haad Ngam Resort and Restaurant Prego at Amari Hotel. Prices are naturally high here compared to other local restaurants.

You can also dine on the beach where restaurants serve the best dishes in the open air. Just take a stroll along the 7 kilometer long golden beach.

Restaurants and food at Lamai Beach

Lamai is the place to go if you are looking for quality restaurants that offer Thai food at a reasonable price. Here, too, it is possible to eat simple dinners by the beach. In many ways, Lamai is a mini version of Chaweng. Slightly smaller selection, but also slightly lower prices.

A suggestion for a restaurant in Lamai is the Salathai Restaurant, which serves both Thai and international cuisine. Thus, everyone is sure to find something they like, whether it is authentic Thai, pasta, seafood or steak. Open from 1600 to 2330.

However, we recommend using taxis or other means of transport to visit the other beach areas for dinner in new surroundings.

Restaurants and food at Maenam

Maenam beach is a beautiful and quiet beach and you will find everything from simple eateries to 5 star restaurants. Poom’s Place (if it still exists) looks stubborn, but goes for it to be absolutely fantastic on authentic Thai food. The address is 41/11 Moo 4, Mae Nam, Ko Samui.

Restaurants and food at Bophut Beach

Visit Bophut if you are looking for a romantic dinner. Here are good restaurants, but little people compared to eg. Chaweng. From the beach you can see the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangnan. The small fishing villages nearby offer restaurants that feel both different and exotic. You should certainly dare to eat a meal here.

Restaurants and food at Big Buddha Beach and the southeast coast

Big Buddha beach has several good and simple Thai restaurants and also some decent pubs for late nights. The south east coast is not very touristy and here you can find local fish restaurants that do not look very different from what they did 50 years ago. And the food, it’s good.

Nightlife in Koh Samui

As with most major tourist destinations in Thailand, there is a full roll for those who want it. But fortunately it is in no way comparable to what you encounter in eg. Phuket. First and foremost, Chaweng is the place where things happen. What meets you are pubs, bars, music scenes, stripper bars, dance bars, karaoke bars, Irish and English pubs, exclusive nightclubs and everything else you can come up with. Lamai is, as mentioned earlier, the mini version of Chaweng and offers the same, but in smaller format.