BABOU
The design is the hook here, and it's not a gimmick. Think jungle planting, careful lighting and a look people compare to Tulum, on a stretch of Chaweng Beach Road where most venues go loud and generic instead. It opens at 5pm and runs to 3am, and it changes character as it goes: dinner first, cocktail bar and lounge later, with resident DJs playing sets that lean spiritual and ambient rather than thumping.
The kitchen matters more than it does at most design-led bars. Sushi gets singled out, the volcano tuna especially, and the presentation is part of the point. Cocktails are mixed with real care and priced fairly for what the room looks like, though one reviewer wanted them a touch more sophisticated and said the bar happily remade them. Staff praise is the constant, right down to people naming their waiter. That's usually a decent sign.
If you're coming for the food and the quiet version of the room, book early evening. Come at 11pm and you're in a different place entirely, which may be exactly what you want.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near BABOU — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After BABOU, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
If you are in Koh Samui that’s a place to go! Really great vibe, with very spiritual music and great DJ, best we heard in Thailand, the interior/exterior design it’s just amazing and worth visit for itself! Each detail is well thought, mix between Tulum vibe, jungle and beach. As in comparison to places similar like Tabu in Bali and Tulum, it’s similar style but with much better food and service. The sushi, especially volcano tuna was amazing! We love the taste and presentation of each dish. Wish to have 2 stomach to try more;) Drinks are honestly good, hope they will keep the quality long term :) + for wine selection, with great description. Thanks to Aung for taking care of our table tonight and kind hospitality! U feel really welcome here. From 9:30pm there is fire show with dancers, that it’s sensual, mesmerising and classy, really nice to watch, and nothing like ugly Phuket style. Absolutely must come! * maybe just take mosquito spray with u;) Thank u for lovely evening and def see you again.
The most beautiful place was recommended to us. We could not have chosen a better place . The location, the service, the atmosphere is second to none. The food is exceptional. Thank you for a lovely time, the best place to celebrate our first wedding anniversary👌🏻
We had such a lovely experience here. The atmosphere is amazing, relaxed island vibes with great music and a warm, welcoming energy. The team is wonderful, especially our waiter Min, who made us feel so taken care of. Nothing was ever too much to ask. The food was unique and really tasty, you can tell there’s creativity behind the menu. The cocktails could be a bit more sophisticated, but when we mentioned it, they genuinely did their best to adjust them for us, which we really appreciated. Considering this place has just opened and isn’t even fully operating at its full vision yet, it’s already super nice. You can feel the potential and passion behind it. Definitely recommend for the vibe, the people, the music, and the food 🤍
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 2,845 reviews on Google.
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BABOU: Frequently Asked Questions
Is BABOU worth visiting?
BABOU holds a 4.9★ rating from 2,845 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of BABOU?
BABOU is typically open 17:00-03:00 — 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.
When is the best time to visit BABOU?
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 BABOU located?
BABOU is at 162 51 ถนนหาดเฉวง Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
162 51 ถนนหาดเฉวง Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand081 962 9874www.babousamui.com/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 BABOU
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places
Grand Cafe Karaoke & Rooftop
Rooftop cafe and karaoke bar in Bo Put serving great coffee, food, and evening entertainment daily.
Baan Ya Jai
Straightforward Thai cooking on Choengmon Road, open from 1pm, with none of the tourist-strip mark-up.
Red Fish Restaurant Koh Samui
Stylish Thai and seafood restaurant on Chaweng Beach Road, known for quality ingredients and attentive service.
Onion 2 Restaurant
Grilled seafood done properly on Chaweng Beach Road, with a kitchen that actually listens to how you like it.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near BABOU
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