South East Coast

Step off the beaten tourist track and discover Samui's hidden culinary gems. The south east coast is still fairly untouched by tourism and this shows in both the great prices and rustic settings. A lot of Samui's fish are caught on the south east coast so if you love seafood this is where it's at its freshest. Dine on the beautiful pristine beaches and imagine what the island was like 50 years ago.

Do you want a taste of totally authentic Samui cuisine during your holiday? Then check out Huathanon Seafood on the outskirts of Samui's only Muslim fishing village. Hugely - and justifiably - popular with local Samui folk, the restaurant serves up superlative treats like Prawn & Seaweed Spring Rolls, Yum Crispy Catfish, Deep Fried Duck and Crab Yellow Curry. Most of the fish used comes straight from the restaurant's live tanks, ensuring it's fresh and full of flavour. Get there around 6.30pm if possible, so there's time to enjoy the sunset from the balcony with an ice cold Singha or two before eating. Reservations are recommended. Route 4169, Hua Thanon Village, Tel. 077 418 355 Open 10am - 11pm.

Located on the Southeast tip of Samui, not too far from Lamai, Laem Set Inn is situated in one of Samui's most remote and secluded spots. If you're touring round the island, the Inn is the perfect place to drop in for a long lunch.

The wood-thatched restaurant looks directly out to the clear blue sea beyond and the large swimming pool. The owners make a great effort to ensure that the Inn is child friendly and have separate playgrounds for toddlers and older children - there's even a ferris wheel. For adults there's the pool, kayaks, peddle boats and snorkelling equipment all available for the use of non-guests visiting for lunch.

The short menu changes on a daily basis depending on what's fresh in the market. The dishes are a delicate balance of Pacific Rim and modern Thai. On any given day you may see the likes of Grilled fillet of chicken with oriental salsa and sweet corn on the cob, Crabmeat and Pomelo salad with a vinaigrette dressing and garlic toast, Steamed Prawns with garlic and sea salt served with chilli lime dip and melted butter or Hot-sour barbecued pork salad Thai style with fresh herbs, roasted ground rice and dried chillies on the menu. Laem Set, Route 4170, Tel: 077 424 393. Open 11.30am - 3pm.