Krua Chao Baan is a large beachside seafood restaurant just south of Lamai on Samui’s ring road with idyllic views out to sea. It has two sections: one rustic with roughly hewn wooden furniture and basic seats and the other slightly more elegant with rattan furniture and a little more colour to it.

The restaurant sports overhead fans but is also well served by sea breezes and is so large that one thing is certain: you won’t get claustrophobic here. Krua Chao Baan’s kitchen turns out western breakfasts but generally otherwise concentrates on typical Thai dishes that are noticeably popular with both locals and visitors, which is an excellent sign.