very pleasant beachside setting enhances one of Samui's most musically astute bars. Resident DJ Gary G plays an eclectic range of house and ambient tunes throughout the week and hosts the Gecko's weekly Sunday Session party, which kicks off at 2pm and regularly features big name guest DJ's and live percussionists. There's also a Full Moon Warm Up Party and the resort has its own speedboat to get revellers over to Ko Pha Ngan afterwards. The Gecko has bungalows for rent - but they can get very noisy on party nights. Route 4169, Bophut, Tel.  077 245 554. Open 8am - 2am.

Located just before the turning to Bophut village, Lao Lounge is a spacious al fresco wooden bar. The people from the POD Bar in Chaweng have created the Lao Lounge's cocktails using unconventional mixers such as Lao Khao and other Thai spirits. The Lounge also has the coldest beer on the island and a small wine list. Try their vast range of Ya Dum, which is local rice whiskey combined with different herbs, spices, roots and who knows what else. They all have different 'medicinal' properties and get imbibers pretty wasted in the process. Lao Lounge is the only restaurant/bar that serves real Lao or North Eastern Thai food using the finest ingredients (Australian beef as opposed to local stringy bull) in a chilled setting. The food is excellent and there's even cool music. Bophut, Route 4169, just before the turning to Fisherman's Village. Open 6pm - 2am.

The Billabong ensures that it fulfils all the rules of any good Aussie pub: lots of sport on TV, free flowing beer - including VB, a suitably rowdy atmosphere and plenty of pies to eat. It's also the official clubhouse of the Samui Simians Rugby Club, so anyone looking for a game or just wanting to talk about one, can contact the Simians there. There are also a couple of sea view rooms for rent upstairs.

Owned and managed by long-term expats Graeme and Raphaella, who work hard to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. It's busy most nights, but packed on Wednesdays for their pub quiz - so get there early to ensure a seat. Musically, expect lots of quality 70's tunes, Brit Pop, rock and punk. The Thai food and Indian curries are highly recommended. Fisherman's Village, Bophut Open.

Almost identical to the Crow's Nest next door, Steve's Inn is nevertheless busier most nights. Its simple set up - one long bar, a few table and a couple of TV's - attracts a lot of regular punters. The British pub grub is high quality and their Sunday roasts are particularly popular. Fisherman's Village, Bophut. Open 11pm - 2am.