Call it big city Bangkok snobbery, but if the original Via Vai were located in Rome, Naples or even Hong Kong (or, for that matter, Chiang Mai) instead of Samui’s increasingly depressing Chaweng Beach, more people would know about it. The other thing Via Vai has going against it is its location on the somewhat seedy Soi 8, which discourages more innocent and righteous types from visiting even though it’s just a short walk away from the BTS. But then if you’re a regular customer, you’re probably happy with the current state of affairs: you get nice décor, decent service, what deserve to be considered among Bangkok’s best pizzas and very reasonable prices—and you don’t have to wait for a table. Via Vai offers a casual and comfortable atmosphere with a dozen or so tables inside, the room simple but tastefully decorated to resemble patio dining with burnt orange color scheme, terra cotta tiles, potted plants and outdoor lamps.