Tai kik
Budget eating in Chaweng that doesn't feel like a compromise is rarer than it should be, and this little place off Soi 13 is the kind travellers keep going back to. It's a straightforward restaurant with straightforward prices, and the constant flow of people through the door tells you most of what you need to know.
Don't come expecting a view or a designed room. Come because you've been in the sea all morning, you're hungry, and you don't want to spend half your daily budget on lunch. The all-day hours are the real draw for me. Kitchens on Samui often shut for a long afternoon nap, so a place that's genuinely cooking at three in the afternoon earns its keep. Late risers get a 10am start, and 10pm closing means a slow dinner is fine too.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Tai kik — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tai kik, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Wat Phra Yai
A 12-metre gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays: half an hour well spent.
Central Samui
Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
Tai kik: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tai kik worth visiting?
Tai kik holds a 4.8★ rating from 953 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Tai kik?
Tai kik is typically open 10:00-22:00 — 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 Tai kik?
Tai kik is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Tai kik?
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 Tai kik located?
Tai kik is at 84 G3C3+88 Chumchon Chaweng Yai, หมู่ที่ 6 2 Soi 13, ตำบล บ่อกุด 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
84 G3C3+88 Chumchon Chaweng Yai, หมู่ที่ 6 2 Soi 13, ตำบล บ่อกุด Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand+66 87 893 1437Visitor 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 Tai kik
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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
Home Samui Restaurant & Pizzeria 1
Wood-fired pizza and Thai food under one roof in Bo Put, and it runs till 1am every night.
Little Boat Seafood Restaurant
Relaxed beachside seafood restaurant near Bo Put with Thai classics, international options, and evening entertainment.
Sa-Nga
Refined Thai dining experience at Centara Reserve Koh Samui, open evenings for creative, beautifully presented cuisine.
Salt Society – Beach Bar & Kitchen
Beachfront bar and kitchen on Chaweng Beach, serving cocktails, seafood, and casual meals with direct ocean views.
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 Tai kik
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