Kawin's Kitchen
Come for the cooking, stay because the room is genuinely nice to sit in. This is a Thai kitchen in Maret that puts real work into presentation and decor, and the staff are the sort who'll steer you towards the right dish if you ask. Seafood is where it shines: ginger and garlic prawns, seafood massaman, deep fried fish with green curry. Vegetarians and vegans get proper options rather than an afterthought, and the vegetarian tom yum gets singled out often. Kids do fine here too, even if it's just vegetable rice.
Two honest caveats. Several people mention it costs more than the average roadside place on Samui, so budget accordingly despite the modest price bracket. And the kitchen can slip on a busy night, with reports of a curry arriving cold or a massaman leaning sweet. Off-peak, the cooking and the service both tighten up noticeably.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kawin's Kitchen, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This Thai restaurant is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is incredibly pleasant and relaxing, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a great meal. The ambiance is warm, cozy, and beautifully designed, instantly putting you in a calm, holiday-like mood. The food is simply outstanding – full of authentic flavors, perfectly balanced spices, and beautifully presented. Every dish we tried was delicious and clearly made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Friendly staff, amazing food, and a super relaxing vibe – definitely a place I’ll come back to and highly recommend to anyone who loves Thai cuisine.
Great spot! Amazing food great service. My young son had the vegetable rice which was great, I had ginger and garlic prawns they were amazing and my wife had a curry. All three dishes were delicious and the service was very attentive. A little higher priced then other places but will be back for sure
I got the special - deep fried fish with green curry. It was nice but the curry itself was cold and the fish was a little overcooked. But it was still delicious flavours The papaya salad was great! Good deserts Just need to pay a bit more attention on main dishes because the price is quite high
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,713 reviews on Google.
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Kawin's Kitchen: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kawin's Kitchen worth visiting?
Kawin's Kitchen holds a 4.8★ rating from 1,713 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Kawin's Kitchen?
Kawin's Kitchen is typically open 11:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is Kawin's Kitchen?
Kawin's Kitchen is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other activities & tours in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Kawin's Kitchen?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Kawin's Kitchen located?
Kawin's Kitchen is at 146/63, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
146/63, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand+66 86 444 9226kawinskitchen.net/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Kawin's Kitchen
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
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See The World SUP Samui
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Elephant Rock
A roadside rock formation on Koh Samui's south coast, notable for its elephant-like shape and bay views.
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
An ethical elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui where rescued elephants roam freely and interactions are always on their terms.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Kawin's Kitchen
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas