The Roof Samui
You're paying for the view here, and it's a genuinely enormous one, most of Koh Samui laid out below you from a hilltop above Bo Put. The food gets mixed reports. Some people rate it highly, others find it uneven, though the green curry comes up well and the drinks list is long. Cocktails run around 320 to 420 baht, so it isn't a cheap evening. My advice is to treat it as a sunset drink with dinner attached rather than a food pilgrimage, and to order everything as soon as you're seated. Waits of nearly an hour have been reported even when the place is quiet.
Don't drive yourself up. Taxis drop you about ten minutes below the restaurant and a free 4x4 shuttle handles the last stretch, which is steeply paved and perfectly safe despite the alarming reviews. Bikes are a bad idea. If heights bother you, this exposed hilltop setting will test you.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The Roof Samui — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Roof Samui, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wow, what can I say. Wow because of the view that breathtaking and second of my life story, how one human being was having fobia of height and decided to go and visit this place late in the evening. So we booked the table, did put nav, jumped on the bikes and went in up high. I sad to myself, I am brave, I can do it. In the middle of a ride after having 2 panic attacks, I stopped and said to my partner I am not going there, he offered to give me a lift, I did refuse, than there was a big car kinda tuk tub jeep, we stopped it and I reached the destination. Trying to catch my breath back, I was explaining to receptionist what happened. It was absolutely stunning place to be, but I said to my partner, its so many people there, but I see no biked parked and also there was no one on the hill road when we been driving, strange. After the beautiful time and food, I said I am gonna ask receptionist to call me a taxi. And guess what guys? They told me ,no need as we have a free ride from down to up and people are not supposed to drive as its dangerous. Question is, how the he'll is possible to talk twice on the phone to a beautiful lady when booking and not even mention about it? So whoever is planning to go there, make sure you are getting a free ride by the same car I got a lift, without risking your life. Other than that, everything was incredible.
I hadn’t been back to Samui for a year, and coming back this time was truly impressive. It’s hard to believe there’s a place with such a wonderful atmosphere. The view is absolutely beautiful—you can see almost the entire island of Samui. The food was delicious and definitely worth the price. What made this place even more charming was the attentive service from the staff. In particular, a staff member named “Bank” provided excellent service, offering thoughtful recommendations and taking great care of us. It was truly impressive. If I come back to Samui again, I will definitely return here. ❤️
The drive up: saw some reviews talking about how terrifying it was and it almost put us off, but so glad we went. The 4x4 shuttle feels safe and the roads are smoothly paved - it’s just super steep up/down. Definitely don’t attempt the drive yourself. Order immediately upon arrival if having food. Took 50 mins from we ordered and it wasn’t even busy. The food was mixed but I enjoyed my green curry dish. You can also go just for a drink, they have a huge selection. Overall: The views are amazing and I recommend going for sunset to see it both in daylight and lit up. The restaurant itself is lovely and worth a visit if only for a drink. Also: book in advance. Would be a shame to make it up there and have to turn around. We were a group of 11 (5 small kids under 5yo and they still gave us an amazing table with “proper” chairs - not bean bags).
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,793 reviews on Google.
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Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.

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Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
The Roof Samui: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Roof Samui worth visiting?
The Roof Samui holds a 4.4★ rating from 1,793 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of The Roof Samui?
The Roof Samui 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 The Roof Samui?
The Roof Samui is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit The Roof Samui?
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 Roof Samui located?
The Roof Samui is at 55, 23, 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
55, 23, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand+66 65 547 8898www.theroofsamui.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 Roof Samui
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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

Highland Paradise Koh Samui
A hillside dining hideaway on Koh Samui with sweeping island views, fresh food, and a peacefully uncrowded atmosphere.

Clandestino Koh Samui
An intimate, owner-run dinner restaurant in Chaweng Noi where chef Fabian serves homemade, innovative dishes in a cosy setting.

Phensiri Thai Restaurant
Proper Thai cooking on Chaweng's beach road, at prices that won't make you flinch.

BanOra restaurant
A French-owned seafood and European restaurant on Koh Samui, praised for beautiful ambiance and delicious food.
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 Roof Samui
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