Explore five exceptional dining destinations in Phang Nga and Surat Thani that pair breathtaking views with the finest Thai flavours. 

When you hear “fine dining in the south”, your mind probably defaults to the well-worn maps of Phuket or Krabi. But the true culinary soul of the region is much broader than those usual suspects suggest. Phang Nga and Surat Thani are cooking up a storm, offering distinct flavours and a sense of place that is bespoke.

This edition of Koktail Kuisine spotlights five culinary destinations in Phang Nga and Surat Thani worth the extra travel time. From a chef’s table experience to toes-in-the-sand dining, these restaurants prove that when you pair a killer view with local ingredients, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

Aulis

A chef’s table where award-winning Chef Rogan’s global farm-to-fork philosophy meets 16-course culinary artistry

Although named Aulis Phuket, this exclusive 15-seat chef’s table is located just north of Phuket at the Iniala Beach House in Phang Nga. Combining Chef Patron Simon Rogan’s renowned farm-to-fork philosophy with the artistic legacy of long-term former colleague Aulis Lehtimaki, the restaurant, which is part of a global collective of the same name, offers a curated dining experience inside a warm yet airy ambience, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that flood the counter and entrance with natural light.

At the helm, Executive Chef Oli Marlow and Head Chef Charlie Wilson focus on the craft of cooking. They take fresh, local ingredients and turn them into a creative, 16-course meal prepared right in front of you. The experience is both interactive and refined. Dishes are finished with precise technique: river prawns served with aromatic jicama and bergamot, or grouper seared to order with a torch – every detail reflects Chef Rogan’s vision.

Iniala Beach House, 40/14 Moo 6, Ban Natai, Khok Kloi, Takua Thung, Phang Nga. Tel: +66 76 451 456. Open for lunch on request and for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 6.30pm onwards

FishHouse

A waterfront retreat at Kimpton Kitalay Samui, where the majesty of the ocean is mirrored by a decadent menu of surf and turf classics

FishHouse at Kimpton Kitalay Samui sits where a European menu meets Choeng Mon surf. The vast, tranquil view of the southern ocean is a constant companion, one that makes the menu’s focus on the sea feel like a natural extension of the landscape. Whether it’s Fine de Claire oysters on ice or the sheer volume of their seafood tower – loaded with squid, lobster and crab – the food here is as expansive as the view. 

Encountering the vast ocean does make you want to get a taste of it, which is what FishHouse excels at. Lobster paella is the highlight, with saffron-infused grains soaked in a concentrated shellfish reduction. Lobster mac and cheese provides satisfaction, but don’t overlook the land-based offerings. Beef tenderloin is seared to perfection, showing that the pasture and the ocean are closer than you might think. 

Kimpton Kitalay Samui, 10/79 Moo 5, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Tel: +66 77 951 999. Open daily from 12pm-11pm.

Flames

A toes-in-the-sand escape at the InterContinental Koh Samui, pairing ocean-fresh flavours with pulse-pounding fire performances 

At Flames, the InterContinental Samui’s signature restaurant, the term “beachfront” is too modest. Here, you dine directly on the shore. There is something primal and deeply satisfying about enjoying fresh seafood with your toes buried in the warm sand. The energy is equally magnetic: six nights a week acoustic sets and spectacular fire dancers bring a pulse-pounding rhythm to the water’s edge.

The menu celebrates the variety of the catch through a progression of flavours. Phuket lobster meets its match in a sharp, sweet tamarind glaze, while the simple grace of dill mayonnaise elevates grilled king crab. Tuna tataki delivers a toasted, wasabi-spiked punch and glossy squid-ink risotto rounds out the whole thing nicely. For a traditional dessert finale, mango sticky rice remains the perfect choice. 

InterContinental Koh Samui Resort, 295 Moo 3, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Tel: +66 77 429 100. Open daily for lunch from 11:30am-2:30pm, and for dinner and from 6pm-11pm. 

JAHN

A celestial sanctuary perched above Conrad Koh Samui, where European-Thai fusion is served against the backdrop of a moonlit horizon 

Perched high at Conrad Koh Samui, Jahn offers an extraordinary culinary experience for up to 24 guests. Its sunset vistas are magnificent, but the view becomes even more enchanting after dusk; you can see the moon up close, a fitting detail given that jahn means moon in Thai. It is a true lunar escape, combining European fine dining with local Thai influences.

Guests can opt for the à la carte menu or dive into the Taste of Jahn tasting experience. The latter opens with a trio of amuse-bouches: parmesan arancini, blow-torched white prawn with pomelo and salmon tartare. The menu then plays on the contrast between land and sea with black angus steak tartare and crab cake, followed by French onion soup. The standout, however, is Jack’s Creek tenderloin, served alongside glazed vegetables and a selection of mustards. 

Conrad Koh Samui, 49/8 Hillcrest Road, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Tel: +66 77 915 888. Open daily from 5pm-11pm.

Pakarang

An elegant hideout at Anantara Koh Yao Yai that rewards the boat journey with hill-cum-sea scenery and authentic regional flavours

Pakarang at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort is an elegant, remote hideout well worth the boat journey. The menu centres on the island’s essence, using locally sourced ingredients to spotlight regional flavours. With a spacious, light-filled dining room, the restaurant offers the best of both worlds: sea vistas on one side and mountain scenery on the other. It is the ideal choice for those who don’t want to choose between the two. 

Koh Yao rice noodles arrive coated in a fragrant blue swimmer crab curry, where the crab’s natural sweetness is paired with lingering spice. For something richer, slow-braised pork belly offers a meltingly tender texture, infused with notes of star anise, cinnamon and clove. Southern cooking is meant to be savoured, not rushed. Pakarang offers a tranquil escape from the noise, encouraging you to simply slow down.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort, 88/8 Moo 4, Koh Yao Yai, Phang Nga. Tel: +66 76 675 888. Open daily for breakfast from 7am-10.30am.