The Captain
Situated in the Maret district near Lamai on Koh Samui's southern coast, The Captain has quickly established itself as a serious seafood destination despite being a relatively new addition to the island's dining scene. Fresh seafood is displayed at the entrance, allowing diners to see what's available before ordering — a detail that reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality and transparency.
Visitors consistently highlight standout dishes including red snapper, chili paste clams, and fresh shrimp, all of which are described as carefully cooked rather than simply served. The atmosphere is characterised as charming and seaside in feel, with staff noted for being genuinely attentive and welcoming. The chef is reportedly hands-on, offering personal recommendations and guidance to diners — a touch that elevates the experience beyond a standard restaurant visit.
The Captain sits away from Koh Samui's busier tourist strips, making it a natural choice for those exploring the Lamai area or staying on the island's quieter southern side. Since opening hours and website information are not currently available online, it is worth checking locally or asking your accommodation to confirm current service times before making the trip, particularly for evening dining or larger group bookings.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The Captain — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Captain, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Title: Passion, Quality, and Seafood at the Highest Level This fish restaurant has only been open since this year, which makes the experience even more impressive. The chef himself advised us, with a level of passion and expertise that is truly rare. I have never seen such a wide selection of prawns and lobsters before — absolutely outstanding. We chose two giant prawns and a red snapper. The prawns were prepared once in garlic and once in a traditional Thai style. Both were fantastic in flavor: fresh, rich, and perfectly cooked. The red snapper was excellent as well. In addition, there is a great selection of high-quality wines. The chef is equally knowledgeable here and gave excellent recommendations. An all-around great experience. We wish them continued success — this restaurant definitely has the potential to make a name for itself on Koh Samui.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at this seafood restaurant, and it was truly a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the shrimp — it was incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. What made the visit even better was the outstanding service. The staff were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and helpful throughout the entire meal. They made me feel welcome and ensured everything was just right. If you’re a seafood lover, I highly recommend this place. I’ll definitely be coming back again!
Best Seafood in Lamai – The Captain The Captain – Seafood & More is truly the best seafood restaurant in Lamai. I had the red snapper and the chili paste clams, and both were absolutely delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked, super fresh, and honestly the best fish in Lamai. Wonderful food, great food quality, and truly fresh seafood. The friendly service made the evening even better. If you are looking for delicious seafood, fresh fish, and the best seafood in Lamai, The Captain is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 461 reviews on Google.
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The Captain: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Captain worth visiting?
The Captain holds a 4.8★ rating from 461 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of The Captain?
The Captain is typically open 12:30-23:30 — 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 The Captain?
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 The Captain located?
The Captain is at 137, 2, 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
137, 2, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand098 208 0112captainsamui.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 The Captain
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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
Lamai food court
Budget evening food court in Lamai serving fresh Thai and seafood dishes from multiple stalls, open nightly until midnight.
The Oyster bar x Samui
An oyster specialist on Lamai with imported breeds you won't find elsewhere on the island, and staff who know them.
Noo Beer
Authentic home-cooked Thai food served by a one-woman kitchen in the quieter Maret area of Koh Samui.
Food Court Lotus's
Air-conditioned stall food inside the supermarket, cheap and quick, done by seven in the evening.
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 The Captain
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