It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… or is it? Spending the holidays on the Thai islands requires a slight adjustment of one’s expectations: instead of snow and mistletoe, Phuket and Koh Samui are decked with sandy beaches and palm trees. Here, we have rounded up the best Christmas and New Year’s events in Phuket and Koh Samui. Happy holidays!
Christmas in Phuket
Catch Beach Club
The iconic Catch Beach Club is offering two days’ worth of epic Christmas dining. The Christmas Eve Roast is a lavish spread of all the silly season classics, including truffle stuffed goose, traditional honey glazed ham, mustard whole spit lamb and Christmas turkey, with a Japanese raw buffet bar adding a zingy twist. The price includes a bottle of wine per couple. The following day’s Christmas Beach Brunch will feature gourmet seafood on ice, an international cheese selection along with sushi, sashimi and foie gras. But don’t worry – you can also enjoy Christmas favourites like turkey and whole spit lamb. Finish the feast with a visit to the chocolate fountain! The Christmas Day brunch includes free flow house wine.
Where: Catch Beach Club, 202/88 Moo 2, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket
When: December 24 – 25, 7- 10:30pm; 12 – 3pm
Price: Christmas Eve THB 2,500++, kids THB 1,500++
Christmas Day THB 2,900++ per person, kids THB 1,500++
Metzo’s Bistro & Bar
Located at the beautiful Outrigger Resort, Metzo’s Bistro & Bar is hosting a relaxed Christmas Day brunch with the restaurant’s signature Mediterranean twist. The menu covers charcoal seafood, grilled meats, mezze, tapas and of course, traditional Christmas turkey. We highly recommend opting for the beverage package which includes free flow Freixenet Cava, selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Where: Metzo’s Bistro & Bar, Outrigger Resort, Laguna Phuket, 323 Moo 2, Phuket
When: December 25, 11:30am – 15:30pm
Price: Food only THB 1,400++ per person, kids THB 600++
With free flow beverages THB 2,590++ per person
Sea.Fire.Salt
Anantara Mai Khao’s Sea.Fire.Salt’s Christmas Dinner Buffet is a lavish spread of seasonal favourites ranging from timeless classics (think roast turkey and eggnog) to fresh seafood, pasta, wine and champagne. Carol singers and a visit from Santa will help you get into the festive spirit.
Where: Sea.Fire.Salt, Anantara Mai Khao, Soi Hat Pak Phra, Tambon Mai Khao, Phuket
When: December 25, 6:30 – 10pm
Price: THB 3,100++ per person
The Boathouse
The highly rated Boathouse restaurant is offering two festive dining experiences over Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the beachfront venue offers an atmospheric Christmas dinner and on Christmas Day, guests can graze on a leisurely Christmas lunch.
Where: The Boathouse, 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket
When: December 24 – 25, 6pm – midnight; 12 – 3pm
Price: Christmas Eve THB 3,800++ per person, kids THB 1,000++
Christmas Day THB 1,800++ per person, kids THB 750++
Drink package THB 600++ per person per hour (wines, beers, spirits, cocktails & soft drinks)
Sala Phuket
For a bit of glitz and glamour, indulge in Sala Phuket’s Christmas Eve dinner complete with a festive white and gold theme. The dinner will start with a round of Christmas carols from a local school and a visit from Santa. The five-course Christmas dinner is a mix of festive classics and exotic Thai influences, with a pineapple granite sorbet beautifully paired with roast butterball turkey and iced Christmas pudding. Sala’s Christmas dinner is a great option for families as kids under 12 dine for free from the kids’ buffet.
Where: Sala Phuket, 333 Moo 3 Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
When: December 24, 6:30 – 10:30pm
Price: From THB 2,900++ per person, kids buffet for those under 12 free of charge
Christmas in Koh Samui
Prana
Located just moments from beautiful Bophut Beach, Prana Resort is the ideal spot for celebrating a very beachy Christmas in Koh Samui. On Christmas Eve, Prana is hosting a special Christmas dinner with the five-course menu offering a fresh take on the silly season classics – think pan seared sea bass, rib eye steak, New Zealand mussels and Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce. Enjoy live music and Christmas carols between 6:30 – 11pm.
Where: Prana Resort & Spa, 14/3 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 24, 6:30 – 11pm
Price: THB 1,500 per person, kids THB 650
Anantara Bophut
This year, Anantara Bophut is offering two dazzling Christmas events. On Christmas Eve, the resort is hosting a lavish Christmas gala banquet at their Full Moon Restaurant and on Christmas Day, you can enjoy a festive Christmas Roast Dinner at the beautiful Lily Pond Garden. Both events will feature fun activities for the kids and live music for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: Anantara Bophut, 99/9 Bophut Bay, Koh Samui
When: December 24 – 25, 7 – 10pm; 6;30 – 9:30pm
Price: Christmas Eve THB 2,590++ per person
Christmas Day THB 1,990++ per person
Nikki Beach
One of the most iconic venues in Koh Samui, Nikki Beach is taking their already impressive brunch to a festive new level come Christmas Day. Laze about the pool and enjoy live entertainment from Henry Jimenez, Shane Shine and Gee Sax. The brunch includes live cooking stations with chefs whipping up pasta, crepes, waffles and omelettes. There’s also a Wagyu grill station, as well as sushi platters, salad station and Chef selected specials for guests to munch on. If you’re travelling with family, keep in mind that kids are not allowed in the pool after 3pm. Besides the basic brunch package, Nikki Beach is also offering special packages for pool beds, with prices starting at THB 4,500 for four people.
Where: Nikki Beach, 96/3 Moo2, Tambon Lipa Noi, Amphoe, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 11am – 4pm
Price: Brunch THB 1,800 per person
RockPool Samui
It’s a poolside Christmas at RockPool Samui, also known as one of the best beach clubs on the island. Enjoy an international Christmas Day buffet at the gorgeous (and newly renovated!) pool with views looking out to the Andaman Sea and a live band providing festive tunes.
Where: RockPool Samui, 80/31 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 12 – 4pm
Price: THB 1,990 per person
Beach Republic
A Koh Samui institution, Beach Republic is throwing an epic beachfront brunch on Christmas Day. The buffet spread will feature a dedicated Christmas day carvery and a Health Republic Corner to balance off that hearty holiday diet. The dessert section also deserves a special mention – eat your way through carrot cake, cinnamon and apple cheesecake, chocolate yule log, French buche de noel… and more! The ultimate free flow add-on includes three hours of wine, beer and cocktails or you can opt for a “pick one” package which will cover only one category (wine, beer or cocktails). Either way, it’s promising to be a very merry Christmas indeed! Soulful singer Oliver Jones will play live tunes followed by a DJ set until 7pm.
Where: Beach Republic, 176/34 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 12 – 4pm
Price: Brunch THB 2,490++ per person, free flow drinks from THB 1,500++
Prana
Located just moments from beautiful Bophut Beach, Prana Resort is the ideal spot for celebrating a very beachy Christmas in Koh Samui. On Christmas Eve, Prana is hosting a special Christmas dinner with the five-course menu offering a fresh take on the silly season classics – think pan seared sea bass, rib eye steak, New Zealand mussels and Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce. Enjoy live music and Christmas carols between 6:30 – 11pm.
Where: Prana Resort & Spa, 14/3 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 24, 6:30 – 11pm
Price: THB 1,500 per person, kids THB 650
Anantara Bophut
This year, Anantara Bophut is offering two dazzling Christmas events. On Christmas Eve, the resort is hosting a lavish Christmas gala banquet at their Full Moon Restaurant and on Christmas Day, you can enjoy a festive Christmas Roast Dinner at the beautiful Lily Pond Garden. Both events will feature fun activities for the kids and live music for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: Anantara Bophut, 99/9 Bophut Bay, Koh Samui
When: December 24 – 25, 7 – 10pm; 6;30 – 9:30pm
Price: Christmas Eve THB 2,590++ per person
Christmas Day THB 1,990++ per person
Nikki Beach
One of the most iconic venues in Koh Samui, Nikki Beach is taking their already impressive brunch to a festive new level come Christmas Day. Laze about the pool and enjoy live entertainment from Henry Jimenez, Shane Shine and Gee Sax. The brunch includes live cooking stations with chefs whipping up pasta, crepes, waffles and omelettes. There’s also a Wagyu grill station, as well as sushi platters, salad station and Chef selected specials for guests to munch on. If you’re travelling with family, keep in mind that kids are not allowed in the pool after 3pm. Besides the basic brunch package, Nikki Beach is also offering special packages for pool beds, with prices starting at THB 4,500 for four people.
Where: Nikki Beach, 96/3 Moo2, Tambon Lipa Noi, Amphoe, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 11am – 4pm
Price: Brunch THB 1,800 per person
RockPool Samui
It’s a poolside Christmas at RockPool Samui, also known as one of the best beach clubs on the island. Enjoy an international Christmas Day buffet at the gorgeous (and newly renovated!) pool with views looking out to the Andaman Sea and a live band providing festive tunes.
Where: RockPool Samui, 80/31 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 12 – 4pm
Price: THB 1,990 per person
Beach Republic
A Koh Samui institution, Beach Republic is throwing an epic beachfront brunch on Christmas Day. The buffet spread will feature a dedicated Christmas day carvery and a Health Republic Corner to balance off that hearty holiday diet. The dessert section also deserves a special mention – eat your way through carrot cake, cinnamon and apple cheesecake, chocolate yule log, French buche de noel… and more! The ultimate free flow add-on includes three hours of wine, beer and cocktails or you can opt for a “pick one” package which will cover only one category (wine, beer or cocktails). Either way, it’s promising to be a very merry Christmas indeed! Soulful singer Oliver Jones will play live tunes followed by a DJ set until 7pm.
Where: Beach Republic, 176/34 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui
When: December 25, 12 – 4pm
Price: Brunch THB 2,490++ per person, free flow drinks from THB 1,500++
New Year in Phuket
Catch Beach Club
What better place to ring in the new year than one of the most iconic beach clubs on the island? Located on the white sands of Bang Tao, this beachfront staple is throwing a New Year’s Party that’s not to be missed. The epic beach bash will feature live performances from resident DJs and a special appearance from house music mavericks, Prok & Fitch. The party will go on long after the midnight countdown which is followed by a spectacular firework show over Bang Tao bay.
Where: Catch Beach Club, 202/88 Moo 2, Cherngtalay, Phuket
When: December 31, 9pm – early morning
Price: From THB 2,000 per person
Café Del Mar
Another beachfront beauty, Café Del Mar is hosting a lavish New Year’s gala buffet dinner that will help you ring in the new year in style. Originating from Ibiza, Café Del Mar’s Phuket incarnation offers a sophisticated setting by the Andaman Sea and the New Year’ bash will more than live up to the venue’s high class pedigree. The epic buffet spread will please even snobbiest of gourmands – think cold cuts and cheese platters, lobster and smoked salmon, roasted prime ribs and duck a l’orange, coconut mango swiss rolls and chocolate pavlova and much, much more!
Where: Café Del Mar, 118/19 Moo 3, Kamala, Phuket
When: December 31, 8 – 11:30pm
Price: From THB 5,950 per person
Dream Beach Club
Looking for the biggest performer in Phuket this New Year’s Eve? Dream Beach Club (formerly Nikki Beach) might just take the cake – this swanky beachfront venue has secured iconic electronic act Faithless as their end of the year performer! The night will also feature DJ sets from Errol Reid and Axwell of Swedish House Mafia fame. Besides the music, the night will feature aerial and dance performances and of course, an epic countdown and firework show at midnight.
Where: Dream Beach Club, Layan Beach, Soi 2, Phuket
When: December 31, 7pm – 2am
Price: From THB 2,000 per person
Pullman Phuket
Pullman resort’s New Year’s bash will feature a decadent buffet dinner (including live cooking stations, fresh seafood and epic desserts) followed by a midnight countdown at the resort’s Azur poolside bar. The theme of the night is “Shine Bright Like A Diamond” so be sure to don your glitziest outfit and get ready to ring in the New Year in style!
Where: Pullman Phuket, 22/2 Moo 4 Tambon Saku, Naithon Beach, Phuket
When: December 31, 6:30 – 10:30pm
Price: From THB 6,500++ per person
Locavore
Locavore’s vintage New Year’s gala will bring a touch of Hollywood glam to Phuket. The glamourous night will feature a decadent gala buffet with fresh seafood, foie gras, fine Australian meats and eight live cooking stations to whet your appetite. Australian cover band Red Tie will help you dance the night away, followed by a DJ set and a fabulous firework show at midnight.
Where: Locavore, Outrigger Resort, Laguna Phuket, 323 Moo 2, Phuket
When: December 31, 8 – 12pm
Price: THB 7,600++ per person, kids 3,800++
New Year in Koh Samui
Beach Republic
Beach Republic’s free flow gala dinner is sure to put you in a festive tropical mood come New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a welcome glass of Moët followed by canapes and cocktails, followed by open free flow bar, followed by a full buffet menu… You get the idea. Besides the epic boozy and culinary offerings, the night will include live music and DJs, fire dancers and spectacular fireworks at midnight.
Where: Beach Republic, 176/34 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui
When: December 31, 7pm – late
Price: THB 8,250 per person, kids -50%
RockPool Samui
RockPool Samui is hosting an intriguing Masquerade “dinner dance” to ring in the New Year in style at one of the most iconic pools on the island. Enjoy epic views over the ocean and gaze at the fireworks as the year turns.
Where: RockPool Samui, 80/31 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 31, 7:30pm – 00:30am
Price: THB 3,500 per person, kids -50%
Ark Bar
Why settle for a single night of partying when you can opt for three instead? The famous Ark Bar in Chaweng is hosting one of their legendary New Year’s parties with the good times stretching from December 29 until well into the wee hours on New Year’s Eve. DJ Duo Moti, live drums, saxophone, dancers and of course, jaw-dropping fireworks will make this three-day bash one for the books.
Where: Ark Bar, 159/89, Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui
When: December 29 – 31
Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach’s New Year’s Eve shindig will be a night to remember. Come December 31, the beach club will transform into a beachfront dance floor with resident DJs, dancers and live music acts pumping up the volume. General admission is priced at THB 800, with buffet dining packages starting at THB 9,900 per person. Keep in mind this epic party is an adults only event and do make an effort to dress up – no swimsuits or beach wear allowed!
Where: Nikki Beach, 96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi, Ko Samui
When: December 31, 7pm – 1am
Price: From THB 800 per person
Impiana Koh Samui
If you’re looking for something a little different from your run of the mill glasses of bubbly and midnight fireworks, Impiana Koh Samui is the place to be come New Year’s Eve. Get ready to “knock out 2018” and “kick off 2019” with the help of Thai boxers putting on a show in the ring. You can even dress up as a boxer yourself (with prizes for best dressed!) and visit the complimentary face and body painting booths, followed by a stint in the photo booth to make the memories last longer. Besides the fighting spirit, the night will include free flow cocktails and canapes, a seafood gala buffet, live music and even a fire juggling show!
Where: Impiana Koh Samui, 91/2-3 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui
When: December 31, 7pm – 2am
Price: THB 5,500 per person, kids THB 4,500, kids under 12 free of charge
