BAY LEAF Restaurant & Bar Choengmon kohsamui
Tucked away in the quieter Choengmon area of northern Koh Samui, this well-regarded restaurant and bar has built a strong following among both visitors and locals for its authentic Thai cooking. The menu leans heavily into traditional dishes, with standout mentions from guests including the beef salad and massaman curry, alongside a broad selection of classic Thai favourites prepared with fresh ingredients. The fact that locals recommend it themselves speaks to its credentials as a genuinely rooted dining spot rather than a tourist-facing imitation. The atmosphere is clean, welcoming, and relaxed, with attentive staff noted consistently across visitor feedback. The bar facilities make it a natural choice for an extended evening meal, and the Choengmon setting keeps things noticeably calmer than the busier southern and western beaches. Pricing is considered reasonable for the quality on offer, making it accessible for travellers watching their budget without sacrificing a quality meal. Good to know: Bay Leaf opens daily from noon to 10pm, giving flexibility for both lunch and dinner throughout the week. Given its popularity and local reputation, arriving earlier in the evening — before 7pm — is a sensible approach during peak season to avoid a wait. No website is currently listed, so visiting in person or asking your accommodation to assist with any enquiries is the most reliable option.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After BAY LEAF Restaurant & Bar Choengmon kohsamui, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Excellent restaurant, the food was incredible, some of the best thai food we've eaten during our holiday in Thailand. Staff are friendly, would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Koh Samui. We only had 4 nights on the island and went here for dinner twice! Both times all 4 of us had appetisers, main course, dessert and a few drinks each and it came to around 700 Thai baht per person.
Amazing place, service is 10/10 and the food is delicious. Tried a few Thai places in Koh Samui and this was definitely the best. Recommended by the locals too and to top it off the price is so reasonable for what you get. Forgot to take photos before we ate the main meal but see photos of the dessert, the presentation is very aesthetic and appealing. Would recommend to anyone!
Fantastic authentic local Thai restaurant. Friendly, attentive staff and the restaurant is very clean and welcoming. The menu has lots of traditional dishes and everything tasted fresh and full of flavour. I had the shrimp rice noodles with black bean sauce — absolutely divine. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and looking for great local Thai food!
Location Info
76, 29, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand+66 90 071 7907Tips 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.
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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). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas