Bophut and Fisherman's Village, Koh Samui: A Local Guide
Bophut is a village on Koh Samui's north coast, best known for Fisherman's Village, a charming strip of old wooden shophouses that is now home to some of the island's best restaurants, boutiques and bars, and one of its most popular night markets. It is a stylish, relaxed base with a calm beach, about 10 minutes from the airport, and one of our favourite parts of the island.
Bophut at a glance
- Where: North coast of Koh Samui, between Maenam and Bangrak
- Best for: Couples, foodies, families, a stylish base with character
- The beach: Around 2 km of sand, calm and shallow, with views to Koh Phangan
- Nearby: Bangrak and the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Maenam, the airport
What Bophut is like
Fisherman's Village is the heart of Bophut: a narrow beachfront street lined with traditional Chinese-Thai wooden shophouses, many now converted into restaurants, cafes, galleries and small hotels. It keeps a village feel by day and comes alive in the evenings, especially on market nights.
Bophut is busier than Maenam but far calmer than Chaweng, and it suits couples, families and anyone who would rather spend the evening over a long dinner by the sea than in a nightclub.
Fisherman's Village Night Market
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings, the main street of Fisherman's Village is closed to traffic and fills with stalls for the Fisherman's Village Night Market, also known as the Bophut Walking Street. Expect street food, fresh fruit, desserts, clothes, crafts and souvenirs, with live music and street performers along the way.
Arrive from around 5:30pm to wander before the busiest time, and bring cash for the food stalls. Friday is usually the busiest night.
The beach
Bophut's beach curves for around 2 km in front of the village, with soft sand and calm, shallow water, and views across the sea to Koh Phangan. The water is gentle for most of the year, which makes it a good beach for children, though it is not as clear as the east coast and can be cloudier during the rainy season from October to December. Beach clubs and restaurants along the sand have loungers for an easy afternoon.
Where to eat and drink
Bophut has one of the best concentrations of restaurants on Koh Samui, from beachfront seafood and Thai kitchens to French, Italian and Spanish restaurants set in the old shophouses. Many have tables on terraces over the sand, perfect for dinner as the lights come on across the bay.
For an evening out, head to Coco Tams, a laid-back beach bar on the sand in Fisherman's Village, and Easy on Tams upstairs, a 1970s-style bar with disco balls and DJs that gets going from around 9pm. On market nights, the food stalls are the cheapest and most fun way to eat.
Opening hours on the island can change, so it is worth checking before you go.
Boat trips from Bophut
Bophut is one of the best places on Koh Samui to start a day on the water. Our private speedboat charters to Ang Thong, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and around Samui depart from Bophut, and the main piers at Bangrak for group and boutique tours to Ang Thong and Koh Tao are just a few minutes away.
Sights nearby
The golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai and the colourful Wat Plai Laem are around 10 minutes' drive east, past Bangrak. Both are active temples, so cover your shoulders and knees, and both are stops on our private cultural tour.
Where to stay in Bophut
Bophut has boutique hotels in and around Fisherman's Village, beachfront resorts along the bay, and private pool villas in the hills behind, with views over the sea to Koh Phangan. Staying in the village puts restaurants and the night market on your doorstep, while the hillside villas are quieter and pair well with a private chef for an evening in.
How to get to Bophut
Bophut is around 10 minutes by car from Samui International Airport, around 15 minutes from Chaweng and a few minutes from Bangrak, along the main ring road. Fisherman's Village is on the beach road just off the ring road. If you book a tour with us, return transfers from your accommodation are included on most trips.
Things to do from Bophut
- Private speedboat charters: departing from Bophut, the whole boat for your group
- Ang Thong National Marine Park tours: 42 islands, the Emerald Lake and kayaking
- Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan day trips: the best snorkelling in the Gulf
- Private cultural tour: the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and more
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fisherman's Village in Koh Samui?
Fisherman's Village is in Bophut, on Koh Samui's north coast, around 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from Chaweng.
When is the Fisherman's Village Night Market?
The Fisherman's Village Night Market, or Bophut Walking Street, runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings, with Friday usually the busiest night.
Is Bophut good for swimming?
Yes. Bophut's beach is calm and shallow for most of the year, which makes it good for children, though the water is not as clear as on the east coast.
Is Bophut a good place to stay?
Bophut is a great base for couples, families and food lovers who want character, good restaurants and a calm beach without Chaweng's crowds. It is also close to the airport and the piers for island trips.
How far is Bophut from Chaweng?
Around 15 minutes by car along the ring road.
Do boat trips leave from Bophut?
Yes. Our private speedboat charters depart from Bophut, and the piers at Bangrak, a few minutes away, are the starting point for many group and boutique tours to Ang Thong and Koh Tao.
