While the third season of The White Lotus has us hooked with its eerie plot, it also has our eyes set on where it is filmed: Koh Samui. Thailand is already seeing a surge in travellers and the island is quickly becoming the next must-visit holiday destination. Besides its pristine beaches and buzzing nightlife, Koh Samui boasts an incredible food scene. From Michelin-recommended eateries to restaurants with jaw-dropping views, here are six must-visit places.
1. Jun Hom
This Michelin Bib Gourmand beachside restaurant comes with a view of pristine blue waters and simple, unpretentious and budget-friendly Thai food in hearty portions. The menu includes comforting staples like prawn fried rice, pad kra pao, green and red Thai curry, and crispy fish cakes. But the real standout? The spicy tom yum soup—arguably one of the best I’ve ever had. Wash it all down with a local beer.
Address: 7, 3, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Hours: 11 am-8 pm
Contact: +66 77 602 008
2. Tree Tops Signature Dining, Anantara Lawana Koh Sumui Resort
While The White Lotus fans will recognise The Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana as one of the show’s filming locations, the resort’s Tree Tops restaurant is where the real magic happens. Start with a cocktail at the lounge during sunset, then head upstairs for an extraordinary dining experience.
The restaurant offers two tasting menus: Garden Symphony (vegetarian) and Symphony of Sea and Land (non-vegetarian). I opted for the latter, and every dish was a delight—from the smoky Wagyu Potato Sphere, served in a mist-filled box, to the Kaffir Lime-Smoked Scallops and the playful Calamansi Sorbet, presented in the fruit’s hollowed-out rind. The meal ended on a high note with Tree Tops Chocolate, a decadent dessert featuring coconut and passion fruit ganache and cherry liqueur.
Address: 92 1, Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Hours: 6-10 pm
Contact: +66 77 960 333
3. Coco Tam’s
If you’re a fan of Lisa from the Korean girl group BLACKPINK, chances are you’ve already heard of Coco Tam’s. One Instagram post from the star has turned this beach bar into a bucket-list spot. Set against the scenic backdrop of Bophut Beach and Fisherman’s Village, Coco Tam’s is the perfect place to sip on cocktails, enjoy Thai-inspired bites, and soak up the island’s energy. The menu includes everything from papaya aalad and Massaman curry to wood-fired pizzas. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail like Coco Loco (coconut water, rum, and fresh lime), Samui Sunrise (pineapple juice, grenadine, and vodka), or a classic Mango Margarita. Whether you dine inside or sink into a giant beanbag on the sand, don’t miss the nightly fire show—it’s the perfect way to end an evening in Koh Samui.
Address: 62 Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Hours: 1 pm-12 am
Contact: +66 91 915 5664
4. CoCo Rum, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Four Seasons Koh Samui has transformed its chic beachside lounge, CoCoRum— home to rum vault—into The White Lotus Bar till 16th May. You can enjoy weekly screenings, private cabanas, and a curated menu of cocktails inspired by the show’s past filming locations. Start with cocktails like Pineapple Suite (a tropical tribute to Season 1’s Maui setting), The Lotus (a Sicilian-inspired cocktail from Season 2’s Taormina) and Coconut Paradise (a Koh Samui special, blending coconut and Thai pandan). Pair them with light bites such as Pomelo & Shrimp Rice Crackers, Wagyu Beef Tostadas, and Grilled Tiger Prawn Tacos.
Address: Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Hours: All-day dining is from 10 am-10 pm & the beach is operational from 8am-6 pm.
Contact: +66 77 243 000
5. Kapi Sator
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Another Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Kapi Sator is known for its authentic Southern Thai flavours. Seafood lovers are spoilt for choice with options such as Sautéed Squid in Black Ink, Southern Crab Meat Roasted Curry and Whole Scallop Pad Cha, among others. The fish menu, which varies with the daily catch, is also worth exploring, especially the Deep-Fried Whole Pomfret topped with spicy Southern Thai curry, a dish recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Address: 25/236 Tawirat Phakdi Road, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, 84320
Hours: 10 am-1o pm
Contact: +66 98 799 8007
6. The Jungle Club
Talk about lunch with a view! Perched in The Jungle Club resort, this dining spot offers stunning island views alongside Thai and Western fusion dishes by Chef Wally—a culinary expert with over 30 years of experience. Enjoy a mix of Thai, French, Italian, and Mediterranean flavours, from Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank and Jungle Curry to Crispy Skin Sea Bass with Hoisin Glaze, Seafood Hot Pan, and homemade Italian pizza crafted by an Italian chef.
Dine on colourful bean bags on open-air wooden decks or opt for a cosy seat under the main straw-roofed dining area. Sip signature Jungle Club cocktails as the sun sets and island lights sparkle, all to a soundtrack of reggae, jazz, blues, and modern beats.
Address: 25/236 Tawirat Phakdi Road, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, 84320
Hours: 8 am-11 pm
Contact: +66 81 894 2327