CPA Media

Banyan Tree Samui resort has opened what might be the quirkiest if not the cutest bar in Thailand — a cocktail caravan remodelled from a classic 1960s tuk-tuk.

The MP4 Midget is virtually unseen on the streets of Thailand these days. But once upon a time, the “frogs”, as they were commonly nicknamed, were everywhere. Thousands of these 12 HP 350cc three-wheelers were manufactured by Japan's Daihatsu company and exported to Thailand starting in 1959 to form a fleet of taxis nationwide.

This particular frog was discovered last year in the southern Thai port town of Trang by Banyan Tree Samui's head chef Rainer Roersch, who says he sensed immediately that a novelty tuk-tuk would make for an ideal art installation on the Koh Samui beachfront.

Revived from retirement, and now dubbed the Froggy Sea Breeze Beach Bar, the emerald-green van today serves up cocktails, beers and spirits to Banyan Tree guests and non-guests alike in a quiet cove in the southeast of the island between the popular beaches of Chaweng and Lamai.

The Froggy Sea Breeze Beach bar is open from 5pm till 11pm every evening. Highly recommended is the sweet n' sour Froggy Melon, garnished in mint leaves, or The Botanical, a gin and absinthe-infused cocktail guaranteed to kick-start any engine.

Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with infinity pool, start from US$550 per night.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

The Banyan Tree Group is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands. Banyan Tree offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Angsana brings the adventure back into travel whatever your age or reason to visit. Intertwining local chic and a vibrant fun-filled atmosphere, Angsana offers amazing destination playgrounds across the world. Cassia is a bold new proposition in the extended stay sector, offering stylish, cutting-edge hotel residences for holidays and business travel. It offers an incredible choice for families, friends and couples. Dhawa is a casual and contemporary full-service hotel that fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single-stay experience. It curates a plethora of choices to achieve a truly customized stay.

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 43 hotels and resorts, 62 spas, 75 retail galleries; as well as three golf courses in 25 countries.

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