Q Bar Samui

If you’ve ever been to Bangkok’s Q Bar then you’ll know of its groovy, chic, hi-so reputation. Samui’s Q Bar may have the same name but most similarities abruptly end there. Set on a hillside above Chaweng with views out over the lake and town, the place is perfect for sunset, even if it is facing the wrong way.
Here, you’ll dance to top international DJs but people don’t start coming in till late so Q Bar really doesn’t start happening until at least 23:00. But when it happens here it really does swing, with live strolling guitarists and saxophonists mingling with the crowds.
Similarly, if you’re a quick drinker or of a thirsty disposition you’d better count your baht before heading up towards the large ‘Q’ sign seen from below as drinks here are quite expensive but are also heavily taxed. You’ll pay for the swank here.

The Emerald Irish Bar in Bophut

Irish-owned The Emerald offers draft Guinness and Kilkenny as well as local beers. Fan cooled, the pub has live sports on three screens and occasional live music. Décor wise, The Emerald has genuine Irish pub fittings and on the walls hang historic photos of old Dublin Guinness barges and whiskey ads while some of the bricks are stripped, lending the place a suitable rough-and-ready feel.

With an all-day breakfast and such favourites as chilli con carne, bangers n’ mash and cottage pie, you’ll feel right at home here.

However, you won't be gazing out over old Dublin from The Emerald. The pub's views, like at many Bophut bars and restaurants, take in Koh Phangan and the fishing fleets that gently pass by in the early evening.

You'll get the best of both worlds by sitting outside on the breezy terrace, enjoying a pint and a meal while absorbing the sights and sounds of the tropical night.

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Cabarets Shows in Koh Samui

Cabarets might not be everyone's cup of tea but on Chaweng Beach you can enjoy a sparkling evening out with this fun form of entertainment. Thai society is generally more open to ladyboys than many other cultures, and its katoey, or the 'third sex', have played a prominent role in the nation's entertainment industry for generations. Thailand's katoey are world famous, partly because there are so many of them and also because they are so feminine. In fact it can be difficult to tell if the beautiful young lady paying you attention was a lady at birth... as many an unwitting tourist has discovered!

A typical show involves lip-synched interpretations of popular songs, complete with elaborate costumes and make-up. Some of the performances are skilfully choreographed and the tone is light-hearted, sprinkled with glitter and glitz.

Most of the cabarets in Chaweng are located near the Centara Grand beach Resort, which makes for interesting competition before the show. The 'girls' hand out flyers and sometimes drag you in to their bar forcibly! Keep an open mind and enjoy the show!

Ladyboy Cabarets might not be everyone's cup of tea but on Chaweng Beach you can enjoy a sparkling evening out with this fun form of entertainment. Thai society is generally more open to ladyboys than many other cultures, and its katoey, or the 'third sex', have played a prominent role in the nation's entertainment industry for generations. Thailand's katoey are world famous, partly because there are so many of them and also because they are so feminine. In fact it can be difficult to tell if the beautiful young lady paying you attention was a lady at birth... as many an unwitting tourist has discovered!

A typical show involves lip-synched interpretations of popular songs, complete with elaborate costumes and make-up. Some of the performances are skilfully choreographed and the tone is light-hearted, sprinkled with glitter and glitz.

Most of the cabarets in Chaweng are located near the beach road, which makes for interesting competition before the show. The 'girls' hand out flyers and sometimes drag you in to their bar forcibly! Keep an open mind and enjoy the show!

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

Samui's latest cultural import began in 2004 and stuck pretty strictly to Teutonic traditional features being lots of bratwurst, lederhosen, German music and lots of beer. Organised by the local Rotary Club, all profits from Oktoberfest go towards buying much needed equipment for local schools and other good causes.

The past event was at Long Beach Resort, behind Tropical Murphy's in Chaweng - check Murphy's or at the Siam Bar & Grill in Lamai for details of this year's party.

Lava Lounge

Lava Lounge is not the only bar in Samui sidestepping loud music but it’s one of the best that does so. Quite simply, Lava Lounge has the ‘it’ factor in spades in that it’s friendly, tasteful and actually brews up some great cocktails with a smile.

Choose from over 40 cocktails and from the wine list, to say nothing of the range of Belgium beers and tune into some great music (Bill Withers, classic Motown and company) while rubbing shoulders with the friendly punters.

Here, you won’t find persistent ladies of the night and the atmosphere is more like a British local pub than the typical island hangout featuring pumping music and bar hostesses. A good conversation, a laugh or two and a few drinks are the order of the day. There’s occasional live music, too.  This is by an impressive margin the best bar in Lamai.

Opening Hours: 16:00 – 02:00

Chaweng Boxing StadiumThis large stadium near the Reggae Pub is the centre of Muay Thai boxing in Samui. Starting at 21:00 and going on until midnight, fights here are the real thing, unlike some semi-staged efforts at several tourist centres. Seat prices vary but in reality it's much the same experience buying a bleacher pew as in the 'VIP' section, perhaps better. It's a noisy, thrilling and sometimes shocking evening of thrills and spills. Bar available.

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Koh Samui Nightlife

It’s never ending. Koh Samui offers spectacular evening entertainment for all ages. This includes traditional beach bars (popular with families), western-style pubs, which feature music, videos and satellite television, and free to enter nightclubs, which are more active after midnight and usually continue through the pre-dawn hours. Bars, cabarets shows and discos are mainly located in Chaweng and Lamai. Green Mango, Reggae Pub, Full Circle and Bauhaus are the main discotheques, some open until sunrise.

The most vibrant nightlife activities can be found around the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai. Resorts also provide magnificent entertainment such as dinner cabarets, where professional singers and dancers display their talents in stylish surroundings.

Reggae Pub

The most famous in Chaweng. Built along Chaweng Lake, the location of this open-air pub is perfect. The music is obviously Reggae with a good size dance floor with live bands too. A favourite with locals and tourists. Has a small reggae souvenir shop and a beer garden as well. Open daily, well past midnight.

The Jazz Junction

Chaweng Beach Road is also popular. It's quiet and serves interesting cocktails along with lots of jazz. Open daily.

The Green Mango

This is a favourite with those who like to dance to the latest disco tunes. Also on Chaweng beach. Open daily. 

Penny Lane Rock Cafe

The place for classic rock tracks from the 60s to the 90s on Chaweng beach. The food is Thai and Italian with burgers, fried chicken, fish and chips, etc. thrown in. Open daily.

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan Thailand

Festivals
Koh Samui has a great variety of events and festivals happening throughout the year. There are periodical, sporting, cultural, musical, fashionable, charitable events and then there are parties, lots of parties. Our beach parties are world renowned!
Full Moon Party
There are probably many imitators around the world these days, but there is only one true Full Moon Party and it takes place on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan. We also have the Samui Regatta, Tennis Open, Golf Championship, Marathon and cultural events such as the Phangan Film Festival, Samui Jazz Festival and Songkran Festival. 

Koh Pha-ngan

Another ideal destination for travellers who prefer less crowded, more private beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. However, this is also a very hip place to be as the island hosts the world famous, and perhaps the biggest beach party on this planet the full moon party on Hat Rin.

Covering an area of 191 square kilometres, Koh Pha-ngan is located 20 kilometres directly north of Koh Samui, or approximately 100 kilometres from Surat. The best time to visit Koh Pha-ngan is from February to September. Interesting attractions include secluded and virgin beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Kho Them which is ideal for meditation, Than Sadat Waterfall, and the Namoki Phaeng National Park. Renting a motorcycle to explore the island is recommended as there is a lot to see and do.

Hat Rin
Located at Mu 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 12 kilometres from the District Office is the most beautiful and famous beach on Koh Pha-ngan – Hat Rin. The white sandy beach stretching for 2 kilometres is accessible by a long-tailed boat from Thong Sala Pier and Ban Kai. The fare is approximately 30 baht and 20 baht respectively. The Full-moon Party, with over a thousand party lovers in attendance is held on this beach.

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Lamai Night Plaza in Koh Samui

In the centre of town, diagonally opposite McDonald's and leading to a bar beer square, you'll find a mini-version of Bangkok's Patpong night market. With lots of pirated goods, copied clothes, trashy 'Swiss' army knives, the usual displays of flip flops. It's a fun place to get your shopping in.

At first glance, Lamai Night Bazaar seems like Knockoff Paradise but after a stroll up and down the lines of stands it becomes plain that there are also local goods on sale here. At the bazaar, you can buy locally made fans, wooden elephants in varying sizes from the mainland, ever-useful sarongs, attractive purses, bags, belts, witty (and not so witty) T-shirts, rolling luggage, striking and colourful lamps, bed covers, Buddha images and electronics goods. This night bazaar is not as noisy as Chaweng’s version and even has a food centre, café and a pub to the side. Take your time and remember to smile throughout transactions and bartering. Do not pay the original asking price; you’re expected to bargain.

Opening Hours: Every day from 17:00

Chaweng Walking Street

It’s hard to imagine shoppers in the West sipping on cocktails while out shopping but at Chaweng Walking Street Market you can do just that, and for very little money, too. Chaweng Walking Street is a riot of colours, sounds and scents.

This is where you can haggle for items such as T-shirts, sunglasses, knockoff watches, beach dresses, lamps, sexy cut jeans; copied Ralph Laurent polo shirts, flip-flops, bags of all shapes and sizes, carved wooden souvenirs, kids clothing and cosmetics.

It’s also a riot of tastes, with countless food stands selling grilled chicken, squid, delicious sweet boiled chicken, sticky rice, and smoothies. Everyone seems to be in good humour here and the sometimes intense touting of Chaweng’s main shopping street may as well be on another planet.

As you stroll from stall to stall you’ll hear different music every few metres and as if that’s not confusing enough there are sometimes live performers up on the central stage. No one seems to care. In keeping with the light-hearted atmosphere here try to always smile when you bargain and have a devil-may-care attitude; you’d be surprised at how well it works in securing a bargain.

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Lamai Muay Thai Camp

The island's best moo·ay tai (also spelt muay thai ) training (best for the seriously serious) is at this place catering to beginners as well as those wanting to hone their skills. There's also a well-equipped gym for boxers and non-boxers who want to up their fitness levels.

Address  82/2 Moo3 Lamai

Telephone +66 8 7082 6970

More information www.lamaimuaythaicamp.com

Prices 1-day/1-week training sessions 250/1250B

Opening hours 7am-8pm

Coco Splash Waterpark

Kids under 10 will love this small park of fun painted concrete water slides. Towel hire is 60B and there's mediocre food available. Note that if you're planning on watching the kids and not going in the water yourself, you get in for free. Arrive after 4pm and the price drops to 60B.

Address Ban Lamai

Prices admission 200B

Opening hours 10.30am-5.30pm

Koh Samui Round Island Sightseeing Tour

Koh Samui is a popular boutique island that is favourite to many travellers of all kinds. Situated in the lower gulf of Thailand it offers that 'coconut' feel and boasts some of the best beaches and resorts in the country. As the name suggests this tour will take you around the island to see a number of the highlights and attractions Koh Samui has to offer.
The 'Big Buddha', Samui's most popular attraction sits 15 meters tall and is a monumental landmark on the islands north coast. Grandpa and Grandma Rocks (or locally known as 'Hin Ta and Hin Yai') are natural rock formations that raise indulgent chuckles from those who go to see them. Namuang waterfall and Nathon town are just some other examples of the places you will visit on this tour.

What's included

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop off

What isn't included

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Cruise port pickup/drop off

Duration 5 hours

Tour departs from you Koh Samui hotel

Returns to your hotel at approximately 2:00pm

Time of departure 9:00am

The Passage Samui Villas & Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com
http://www.thepassagesamui.com
facebook.com/thepassagesamui
IG: thepassagesamui

Kiteboarding Asia

With two locations – one on Hua Thanon in the south of the island for May to October winds and the other at Na Thon on the west side for November to March winds – this pro place will get you kitesurfing on flat shallow water. The instructors here claim that Ko Samui is the best place in the country to learn the sport.Telephone +66 8 3643 1627

More information www.kiteboardingasia.com

Prices 1-/3-day courses 4000/11,000B

Yoga Thailand

Secreted away along the southern shores, Yoga Thailand is ushering in a new era of therapeutic holidaying with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team of trainers. Accommodation is in a comfy apartment block up the street while yoga studios, wellness centres and a breezy cafe sit calmly along the shore.

Address  Phang Ka

Telephone +66 7792 0090

More information www.yoga-thailand.com

Prices retreats around €840

Namuang Safari Park

Located near Na Muang Falls, Namuang has safari options and packages galore. Adventure tours (from 900B) vary in length and can include elephant trekking, monkey shows, 4WD rides and even a visit to a rubber plantation to drain the trees (now that’s excitement). Prices include hotel transfer.

Telephone +66 7742 4098

Blue Stars

There are many choices for snorkelling and kayak tours to Ang Thong Marine National Park, but Blue Stars has the best reputation and the coolest boat. Even if you don't go with this company, don't miss taking a trip to these islands.

Address  Hat Chaweng

Telephone +66 7741 3231

More information www.bluestars.info

Prices kayak & snorkelling tours 2200B

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Tamarind Springs

More like a spa journey than a day spa, Tamarind Springs incorporates an exploration of the natural world into its steam baths and spa treatments. Follow the path to the steam room carved into towering boulders, plunge into the pool dappled in sunlight and then pad softly to the massage pavilion serenaded by bird song.

Telephone +66 7742 4311

More information www.tamarindsprings.com

Prices spa treatments 2600-6000B

Opening hours 10am-8pm

Koh Samui Island Safari and Elephant Ride

Discover the nature, culture and the rural way of life on Koh Samui in a half day tour. Ride a top an elephant for a great view of the natural beauty of the island before you see the elephants and monkeys demonstrate their daily work 'Cute and intelligent!' Continue on the back of an Ox-cart through the village of coconut palms to really get the feel of rural life.
There will also be a demonstration of Thai cooking, and one of the islands biggest resources - rubber tapping. To cool down you can end the tour with a pleasant walk through the jungle to a waterfall followed by lunch or dinner (depending on option chosen).

What's included

• Cooking and rubber tapping demonstrations
• Elephant ride
• Lunch or dinner (depending which time you choose)
• English speaking guide
• Transport by open-air jeep type vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop off

What isn't included

• Gratuities (optional)

Naish SUP

Paddle it like a boat (although you're standing up) or try to surf it; popular stand up paddle boards have reached Koh Samui and you can rent them here. Take an hour-long lesson in the sandy shallows if it's your first time for 300B.

Telephone +66 8 6947 7233

Prices SUP rental per hr/day 200/500B

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140
Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7

Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo

The Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo features the standard array aquariums and tigers, as well as a large aviary. It’s a pleasant diversion for the kids, though some of the cages and tanks are noticeably rundown. The tiger show is at 2.30pm and the sea lion spectacle starts at 1.30pm. The admission includes the use of the large on-site swimming pool.

Telephone +66 7742 4017

Prices adult/child 750/450B

Opening hours 9am-6pm

Koh Samui 4WD Jeep Jungle Tour

Off the beaten track and through the jungles of Koh Samui is today's adventure tour. See the real jungle on this island from the back of an open top 4WD jeep. The roads are rough and unsurfaced, so hang onto your hats!
Travel through the jungle, across rivers and hidden valleys and to waterfalls in the forest. One of the highlights of this tour is definitely the view from the highest point on the island.

This is a full day out and lunch will be served at a small mountain restaurant.

What's included

• Transport by 4wd open top jeep
• Lunch
• Local guide
• Hotel pick up & drop off (selected hotels)

What isn't included

• Gratuities (optional)

Duration 7 hours

Tour departs from Koh Samui hotels

Returns to original departure point

Time of departure 9:00am

Football Golf

At Hat Choeng Mon there’s a strange combustion called ‘football golf’ where you ‘putt’ your football into a rubbish-bin-sized hole. It’s great for the kids and each game (350B) comes with a complimentary soft drink. It’s a par 66.

Telephone +66 8 9771 7498

Opening hours 9am-6.30pm

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140
Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7

Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Magic Alambic

The only rum distillery in Thailand produces Caribbean agricole style (distilled from fresh, fermented sugar cane juice) in a variety of all natural flavours including a delectable coconut rum obtained from soaking coconut meat in the rum for several months. There's a video about the production process, a tasting area and shop in beautiful palm-shaded surrounds. It's on Samui's southern coast.

Address - Ban Bang Kao

More information www.rumdistillerie.com

Prices tasting shots 50-75B

Opening hours noon-6pm

Health Oasis

If you’re looking to get ‘cleansed’, whether it’s your aura or your colon, then you’ve happened upon the right place. New Age is all the rage at the Health Oasis. Guests can choose from a variety of healing packages involving everything from meditation to fasting. Bungalows are modern and receive plenty of sunshine. There’s also a vegetarian restaurant on site, of course.

Telephone +66 7742 0124

More information www.healthoasisresort.com

Aquapark

Let the kids loose on these gigantic green, climbable, slip-off-able and all-around-fun inflatables (including a UFO, an iceberg climbing wall and trampolines) anchored to a corded-off area of Ao Chaweng. All participants are required to wear lifejackets. Meanwhile you can lounge on the beach and watch, or join them as many parents are enticed to do.

Address - Hat Chaweng

Prices hourly/half-day 200/350B

Opening hours 10am-6pm

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140
Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Attractions from your Samui Hotel

Information: These heavyweights are mostly involved in fighting as there is no (rice) farming anymore on Samui. This is a sport specific to the south of, and on Samui it generates a great deal of excitement.

Usually, the more aggressive the buffalo, the greater the crowd's delight. The fight ends when one animal turns and runs, usually well before either animal gets hurt. But for the peace-loving ones there is now the "Living Thailand Buffalo Show". Features are a Thai farming museum, a buffalo theatre showing paddy ploughing and rice planting and a ride in a buffalo cart.

Lamai Overlap Stone

Information: It is a challenge to get up to these impressive balanced boulders, but the spectacular views on arrival make it worthwhile for the adventurous traveller. The steep, rough, dirt-track road leading to the viewpoint should only be attempted on a dirt bike or with a 4x4, and the last stretch may have to be walked, depending on conditions. Alternatively it is a hard 20-minute climb on foot, but there is a refreshment stall at the top and it is an exhilarating experience before you return to your Ko Samui Resort.

Koh Samui Butterfly Garden

Information: At the Samui Butterfly Garden you can treat your eyes to a deluge of butterflies and other tropical insects. These stunning butterflies fill the garden with colour. There are some massive varieties of butterfly that are easily a quarter meter wide. There are also a number of preserved butterflies on display for the curious.

For bug enthusiasts, there is an Insect Museum at the Samui Butterfly Garden in Ko Samui, featuring rare insects from Thailand and other countries, and a bee house, where you can observe the activities of bees.

Hua Thanon

Information: This fishing village is home to a large proportion of Samui's Muslim population, and still retains a quaint, old-Samui feel, with rickety teakwood houses lining the road, as well as some decent seafood restaraunts and ethnic clothing and jewellery boutiques. Whilst you may not see too many long-tail boats setting off to cast nets these days, its worth checking out the teak houses put to modern usage, with the play station arcades and cars parked in the front rooms.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com