Drinking establishments on Samui can more or less be divided into two categories. There are the open air beer bars where hostesses might outnumber patrons, and then there are the more western styled pubs where a family can go for a drink and maybe even something good to eat. Of the former, we don't think it responsible to say much, but that still leaves plenty of the latter to suggest.
Tropical Murphys - Right in the middle of the busy Chaweng Beach Road, Tropical Murphys is a huge Irish pub. Sit in the long open-fronted downstairs dining area for great food and good people watching, or relax upstairs with snooker and a big-screen television showing every major sporting event. A short way off the main road up the street is Irish Embassy, Tropical Murphys' sister pub - literally - its run by the sister of Tropical Murphys' owner. The Irish Embassy is a bit more private and intimate than the main road outlet.
Frog & Gecko - Up in the relative quiet of the Bophut Fisherman's Village, this English run pub on the beach plays music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, serves English breakfast all day along with a fine menu of Indian food, and like many of the popular bars on Samui, it has a big screen television where major sporting events are shown live. The pub is also somewhat famous for its Wednesday night Pub Quiz.
The Three Monkeys - In mid-Chaweng, the internationally styled Three Monkeys takes its name from its three Thai owners, Pat, Jod and Dome. The menu is Thai and international, with a free glass of wine with a main course order. Use of the pool table and the Internet is also free.
Black Jack - On one of the side streets leading to the Green Mango, Black Jack is another English styled sports pub with pool tables and an upstairs open terrace where you can chill out. Like most pubs on Samui, you can be sure that every English Premier League game will be shown live.
The Pub - Back up in Bophut, The Pub is another beach-side English pub with an emphasis on all sporting events. The pub's Tuesday night barbecue seems to be quite popular with local expatriates.
Dance Clubs
One of the few party places to stand the test of time is Green Mango, a huge open sided club where the music plays well into the night. Its one of the oldest places in Chaweng, yet remains popular with visitors and locals alike. The Green Mango is well off Chaweng Beach Road, close to the north end of the large lagoon behind the beach. The Reggae Club, on a peninsula jutting into the lagoon, is almost as old and almost as popular.
Down in Lamai, Remix and its new neighbour Sub are the places to rave away the night.