Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [494]
Reggae Pub ( Map; 0 7742 2331) This fortress of fun sports an open-air dance floor with music spun by foreign DJs. It’s a towering two-storey affair with long bars, pool tables and a live-music stage. The whole place doubles as a shrine to Bob Marley.
Mint Bar ( Map; 08 7089 8726) The scene outside on the street is too entertaining to keep crowds corralled in this stylish club on ordinary nights. But the Mint is able to lure a few DJ heavyweights for a Samui spin on extraordinary nights. Watch the entertainment listings for special events.
Christy’s Cabaret ( Map; 0 1894 0356) This flashy joint offers free gà·teu·i (transgender males; also spelt kàthoey) cabaret every night at 11pm and attracts a mixed clientele of both sexes. Other ladyboys loiter out front and try to drag customers in, so to speak.
LAMAI
Although smaller than Chaweng, Lamai has way more girly bars than its big bro…
Bauhaus ( Map; 0 7741 8387/8) Lamai’s long-running dance club, Bauhaus’ DJed beats are interspersed with short drag shows, Thai boxing demos and the occasional foam party.
Samui Shamrock ( Map; 08 1597 8572) More classic than chic, Samui Shamrock is a good-times pub where house bands belt out dated cover tunes that inspire the tipsy crowd to sing along. At some point in the night you’ll hear ‘Hotel California’, the ultimate foreigner tribute song.
NORTHERN BEACHES
The following joints are in Bo Phut.
Billabong Surf Club ( Map; 0 7743 0144) Billabong’s all about Aussie Rules – it’s playing on the TV and the walls are smothered with memorabilia from Down Undah. There are great views of Ko Pha-Ngan and hearty portions of ribs and chops to go with your draught beer.
Frog & Gecko Pub ( Map; 0 7742 5248) This tropical British watering hole and food stop is famous for its noodle-bending ‘Wednesday Night Pub Quiz’ competitions and its wide selection of music. Live sporting events are shown on the big screen.
Pier ( Map; 0 7743 0681; dishes 200-390B; lunch & dinner) This sleek black box sticks out amongst Bo Phut’s narrow Chinese tenements. It’s the hippest address in Fisherman’s Village, sporting multilevel terraces, a lively bar and plenty of wide furniture to lounge around on and watch the rickety fishing vessels pull into the harbour.
Gecko Village ( Map; 0 7724 5554) For electronica fans, Gecko Village is the original maven of beats. It’s a beachfront bar and resort that has used its London connections to lure international DJs to Samui paradise. The New Year’s Eve parties and Sunday sessions are now legendary thanks to the big names that grace the turntables.
Shopping
Chandra ( Map; 08 6606 3639; Chaweng; noon-midnight) Ethno-chic has come a long way since those embroidered hem sacks of yore. Chandra scours Asia, but mainly Bali, for wispy dresses that show off newly acquired suntans.
Doodee Décor ( Map; 08 1633 9160; Chaweng; 11am-11pm) Ignore the name, this shop sells so much more than bathroom decor. Peruse the quality Thai-made gifts and decorations, like dhana vases, hand-hammered cutlery from Ayuthaya and funky embroideredhandbags.
Vanities ( Map; Chaweng; 11am-10pm) Two Bangkokian fashionistas have opened this dress boutique for the vacationing urbanite. Selections hail from Bangkok, Hong Kong and India, and are a welcome relief from the faux-hippie dress peddlers elsewhere on the beach.
Health Mart ( Map; 0 7741 9157; Lamai; 8am-5pm) Considering the number of people wandering around the island on fasts, there are very few wellness stores. Affiliated with Spa Samui, Health Mart, only 100m from Wat Lamai, carries several natural body and beauty lines produced by royally sponsored economic-development projects. Look for the herbal