Bophut & Menam Beach Nightlife

Although not a mecca for nightlife afficionados Bophut has much to offer in the way of evening entertainment. Quite aside from undoubtedly some of the best restaurants on the island (Happy Elephant, Starfish & Coffee (Thai), 56 (nouvelle cuisine), La Baia, La Casa Bianca, Juzza Pizza (Italian), the Shack (new Orleans Bar n Grill) Bophut Village has a number of pubs and locales offering alternative entertainment to the hostess bars and thumping beats of Chaweng.

For the more discerning music lover Billabong sports Bar has an Australian flavour, a good menu, friendly staff & hosts various live acts playing a wide variety of songs most nights.

In the entrance to Bophut (just past the Fisherman's Village sign) you'll find Samui's only venue dedicated to Thai classical dance - the Siam Classic Bophut Restaurant. Here you can dinner at one of the twice nightly showings of traditional "khon" dance where the actors are usually masked and dance scenes from the 'Ramakhian'.

Although visitors to Thailand may understand less of the symbolism of the story than Thai natives they are wonderfully surprised by the performance itself and guests are provided with background details to the story they will be seeing that evening to enhance their pleasure. A great way to see and enjoy Thai culture with an English translation!!

The Frog and Gecko
Owned and managed by long-term expats Graeme and Raphaella, who work hard to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. It's busy most nights, but packed on Wednesdays for their pub quiz - so get there early to ensure a seat. Musically, expect lots of quality 70's tunes, Brit Pop, rock and punk. The Thai food and Indian curries are highly recommended.

Fisherman's Village, Bophut
Open 11am - 2am.

Gecko Village, right at the end of Bophut Village has been a popular venue for visiting DJs with the owner being a much sought after DJ in Europe himself (not to mention a couple of tunes in the Buzz charts). On non-party nights they play chilled tunes and offer comfortable seating in tasteful surroundings right on the beach. With two new five star hotels on either side however the days of loud beach parties may be numbered so keep your ears open for events around Christmas and New Year.

Lao Lounge
Located just before the turning to Bophut village, Lao Lounge is a spacious al fresco wooden bar. The people from the POD Bar in Chaweng have created the Lao Lounge's cocktails using unconventional mixers such as Lao Khao and other Thai spirits. The Lounge also has the coldest beer on the island and a small wine list.

Try their vast range of Ya Dum, which is local rice whiskey combined with different herbs, spices, roots and who knows what else. They all have different 'medicinal' properties and get imbibers pretty wasted in the process. Lao Lounge is the only restaurant/bar that serves real Lao or North Eastern Thai food using the finest ingredients (Australian beef as opposed to local stringy bull) in a chilled setting. The food is excellent and there's even cool music.

Bophut, Route 4169, just before the turning to Fisherman's Village.
Open 6pm - 2am.

The Billabong Surf Club
The Billabong ensures that it fulfils all the rules of any good Aussie pub: lots of sport on TV, free flowing beer - including VB, a suitably rowdy atmosphere and plenty of pies to eat. It's also the official clubhouse of the Samui Simians Rugby Club, so anyone looking for a game or just wanting to talk about one, can contact the Simians there. There are also a couple of sea view rooms for rent upstairs.

Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Tel 077 430 144.
Open 8am - 2am

Steve
Almost identical to the Crow's Nest next door, Steve's Inn is nevertheless busier most nights. Its simple set up - one long bar, a few table and a couple of TV's - attracts a lot of regular punters. The British pub grub is high quality and their Sunday roasts are particularly popular.

Fisherman's Village, Bophut.
Open 11pm - 2am.