I’ve previously shared my experience of visiting Koh Samet, a wonderful getaway near Bangkok. Despite the journey, the beautiful beaches and affordable, quality resorts made it a truly satisfying escape. Today, I’ll delve into my review of Winkks Beach Club, the restaurant nestled within Sai Kaew Beach Resort on Koh Samet. Situated right on the beachfront, it offers not just stunning views, but also a fantastic spot to enjoy meals, coffee, or drinks while taking a dip in the sea.
1. Location
Business hours: 11:00 to 23:00
Winkks Beach Club is conveniently located within Sai Kaew Beach Resort, offering direct access to the sandy shores. Imagine savoring your meal while gazing at the mesmerizing ocean – that’s the experience here.
To find Winkks Beach Club, simply walk towards the beach from the resort’s check-in counter.
2. Fire Show & Reservations
During my Koh Samet trip planning, I was excited to learn about the evening fire shows held on Sai Kaew Beach. Specifically, I was told that Winkks Beach Club offered the opportunity to dine while enjoying the show. Naturally, I headed to the restaurant to make a reservation.
Unfortunately, I was informed that fire shows were not held on weekdays during my visit. Therefore, I didn’t book a table for dinner that evening.
However, after checking their Facebook page, it seems they now host fire shows daily! If you’re keen to witness this spectacle while dining, I highly recommend reserving your table in advance during the day.
Fire Show Information
🔥 Fire show daily – 19:30 (weekdays) / 20:30 (weekends)
🎷 Live music – 19:15 – 22:15 (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
3. Restaurant Ambiance & Beachfront Seating
Winkks Beach Club boasts an open-air design, ensuring most tables offer breathtaking sea views. The ambiance, especially in the evening with its strategically placed lights, is truly enchanting. Even though I missed the fire show and ate elsewhere in town, I couldn’t resist returning to soak in the atmosphere. I truly regretted not dining there.
I ultimately did enjoy a meal at Winkks Beach Club, specifically at their beachfront seating. Tables are set up directly on the sand, allowing guests to easily transition between dining and swimming. To maximize this experience, I changed into my swimsuit immediately after check-in and headed to the restaurant, armed with my snorkeling goggles.
I made sure to capture the menu for you! While prices might seem a tad higher compared to Bangkok, the quality of food and the stunning beachfront location justify the difference. The menu is divided into food and drinks sections, each offering a diverse range of choices.
The food menu spans from gourmet Western dishes to Thai cuisine, pizzas, and burgers, ensuring something for everyone.
The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. They also offer coffee and tea options on the back pages.
5. Ordered Food & Drinks
My first order was a refreshing 1L beer, enticed by the generous size advertised. The picture below shows the beer as it was served – untouched by me. It arrived with an excessive amount of foam, giving the impression that a sip had already been taken. To get a full 1L, the glass should have been filled to the brim.
Therefore, I advise against ordering the 1L beer. However, aside from the beer incident, I was pleased with the other items.
Next up were the chicken wings, a budget-friendly option at 200 baht. These were bursting with flavor, featuring a distinct fish sauce note. Despite the slightly pungent aroma from the fish sauce, the wings were delicious and paired perfectly with the beer (or what was left of it!).
We then ordered a Hawaiian pizza with a thin crust, which was perfectly satisfactory.
Finally, feeling slightly cheated by the half-filled beer, I opted for a chai tea cocktail. This time, the glass was thankfully filled to the top.
6. Sai Kaew Beach
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samet was absolutely worth it for the pristine beach experience. While I only did some casual snorkeling without encountering fish, the clear water was enough to make it enjoyable. Conveniently, there’s a washing area near the restaurant to rinse off sand and seawater after your swim.
7. The Bill
Being part of Sai Kaew Beach Resort, you don’t need to pay immediately after your meal. Simply provide your room number, and the charges will be added to your final bill upon checkout.
This is particularly helpful if you plan to swim, as carrying wallets or cash becomes impractical. I recommend leaving your valuables in your room.
For a detailed review of Sai Kaew Beach Resort, please refer to my previous post.
Koh Samet is approximately a 3-hour drive followed by a ferry ride from Bangkok. For transportation details, check out my post on getting to Koh Samet.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Winkks Beach Club at Sai Kaew Beach Resort is a delightful dining destination. While I missed the fire show, the experience of enjoying delicious food and swimming in the crystal-clear waters was truly memorable. If you’re seeking a quick escape from Bangkok’s urban buzz, consider adding Koh Samet and Winkks Beach Club to your itinerary.