Paris Follies Cabaret Show

Thailand has a long tradition of cabaret, with its famously elaborate costumes, choreography and theatrical glamour, and Paris Follies is the show that brings it to Samui's nightlife. The venue is a purpose-built theatre in the Chaweng area, and the evening revue strings together a series of big production numbers, each with its own costumes, music and staging. Expect feathers, sequins, towering headdresses and fast changes, with performers lip-syncing and dancing to everything from pop classics to show tunes and Asian favourites. The whole show is built to be easy to enjoy whatever your language, since the visuals carry the entertainment, and it runs for roughly an hour or so, which leaves you time for dinner before or a drink afterwards. A ticket usually covers entry and a seat, and the venue also offers a chance to meet the performers and pose for photographs after the final number, which many guests treat as part of the fun.

Understand the tone before you go. This is a camp, colourful, light-hearted show in the cabaret tradition rather than a serious theatre piece, and the audience is typically a lively mix of couples, groups of friends and families. The performers are skilled, and the production values, from costumes to lighting, are the draw.

Seating is usually arranged in tiers, with a choice of standard and better seats; sit nearer the stage if you want to see the detail of the costumes and nearer the back if you prefer a more relaxed view of the choreography. Photography rules vary, so check on arrival before you raise a camera or phone during the performance.

Plan the evening around it. Showtimes are in the evening, normally with one or two performances, so book ahead for the night you want and arrive a little early to find your seat. The venue is on the Chaweng side of the island, which makes it a good fit if you are staying near the main beach, and a short taxi ride from Bophut or Choeng Mon.

Dress is casual, though some guests dress up for the occasion. Bring small change for photographs with the performers if you want them, since some venues ask for a tip, and expect drinks to be sold separately.

Think about who you are travelling with. The humour and theme are adult-leaning and the show can run late, so it is better suited to couples, friends and teenagers than to small children. Visitors with limited mobility should check the access and seating arrangements when they book. Do not expect a quiet, subtle evening: the music is loud, the lights are bright and the audience is encouraged to cheer, clap and join in, which is a large part of the charm.

Performers often come into the audience or onto the walkways between numbers, so be ready for some friendly interaction, and bring a sense of humour.

It pairs well with a street-food dinner in Chaweng beforehand or a stroll along the beach road afterwards, and it is a good wet-weather option when boat days are cancelled and you need something to do in the evening. If you want a change from beaches and temples, and something to laugh about for the rest of the trip, it is one of the easiest and best-value evenings on the island. Book ahead in the high season from December to April, when the better seats go first, and consider a taxi arranged through your hotel for the return, since taxis are scarcer late at night.