You’ve seen the temples. You’ve been elephant trekking. You’ve spent a day or two in tropical spas. And you’ve been on a boat trip discovering the neighbouring desert islands. So, I would suggest that the only thing left to complete a total Samui ‘experience’ is to dine at Baan Boran.

And it really is that special at this extraordinary restaurant. It’s not far from Chaweng Lake and as you’re approaching from that direction towards the Beach Road you won’t be able to miss it as it stands head-and-shoulders above the other buildings on the right-hand side.

Baan Boran (meaning ‘The Ancient Thai House’) is an imposing Thai pavilion, designed in the traditional Ayutthaya style complete with those famous teep roofs with curled up edges. And it takes you back to the magnificent days of ‘Old Siam’ as depicted in the famous ‘King and I’ movie. Ornate figurines grace the streetlamps leading to it and many would come just to take photos of this amazing wooden building. But the smart people would venture up the few steps to the first floor, because this is where the true experience really begins.

There’s a 30-seater outside terrace where you can dine under the stars (good for the remaining smokers of you out there!) but most people enter the air-conditioned luxury of the 120-seat interior of the restaurant. And when you go inside you’ll immediately be aware of the opulence and splendour – Thaistyle. Teakwood and silk-padded chairs. Polished wood and ornately-designed tiling on the floor. High wooden ceilings with discreet spotlights. And intricately painted murals and carved friezes surrounding the large stage.

Stage? Yes, because one of the most important features of Baan Boran is its fabulous entertainment. And that comes in two forms. Firstly, there’s a professional troupe of dancers in their authentic costumes performing Thai classical dance from the four main regions of the Kingdom accompanied by the hypnotic playing of woodwind, strings and percussion instruments. And this is interactive as diners are invited to join the dancers on stage and be taught the basic ‘Rum Wong’ dance. And, secondly, there’s a one-of-a-kind puppet show depicting several ancient cultural dances performed by many distinctly lifelike marionettes; each operated by three highly-trained puppeteers (it takes an Location in Thai: incredible four years of training to learn the art).

The only word to accurately describe the royally-approved show is ‘mesmerising’. And when it’s finished, the performers (including the ‘woodenones’) come down from the stage and spend time interacting with the audience. This is a hilarious and integral part of the evening’s entertainment (do take your cameras with you).

And although the main focus of this restaurant, over others, is the superb floorshow, even if there wasn’t any entertainment at all, Baan Boran would be worth coming to for the food alone as it, too, is outstanding.

This is courtesy of Executive Chef, Khun Pavita Sae-Chao (better known as Ann). In partnership with one of Thailand’s most renowned chefs, Khun Ian Chalermkittichai, whom she’s worked with at many famous restaurants around the globe, Ann has come up with some outstandingly innovative methods of preparing and presenting classical Thai dishes. And the flavours she’s managed to include in the traditional fare are quite extraordinary.

“…and it would be worth coming here
for the food alone as it, too, is outstanding.”

There is an à la carte menu available, but I would personally recommend that you opted for the variable set menu, whether you’re a seasoned Thai cuisine eater or not. And, currently (it changes on a regular basis), to give you an idea of the type of dishes that are served, it begins with both the Organic Chicken Relish and crackers, and a Yellow Fin Tuna Noodle with bean sprouts and chili/cashew-nut dressing. Then there’s a choice of soup between the Dtom Yam Goong – spicy shrimp soup with mushrooms, and the Dtom Kha Gai – coconut and galangal soup with organic chicken and straw mushrooms.

Then you can select two main dishes from a selection of five, which includes both the following: Gaeng Keaw Wan Nua – braised short rib in green curry with Thai eggplant and basil; Goong Kratiem – wok-seared tiger prawns with garlic pepper sauce and green beans. (All dishes are accompanied with wok-sautéed asparagus with mushroom in oyster sauce and steamed jasmine rice.) And, finally, for dessert there are banana spring rolls and a jasmine flower flan.

I’ve already listed many reasons for experiencing Baan Boran. But, if you’re not already convinced then I’d better mention that it’s half-price for children under 10 (free for the under 5’s if they share your food), and that there’s a free two-way transportation service within the Lamai-Chaweng-Maenam-Bo Phut-Choeng Mon area. What more could you possibly ask for
from a special Thai evening?

Baan Boran is open from 6:30 pm until midnight.
For reservations, transportation and further information, telephone 0 7796 2001-5.