Staying in Bophut and Fisherman's Village, Ko Samui
Samui's charming north-coast village with a historic waterfront, a Friday night market and easy airport access. Who Bophut suits.
Bophut is on Ko Samui’s north coast, facing Ko Pha Ngan. Its heart is Fisherman’s Village, a strip of old Chinese wooden shophouses converted into restaurants, boutiques and small hotels along the beachfront.
What it is like
- Fisherman’s Village is atmospheric in the evening, with restaurants on the sand and the Friday night walking street market.
- Bophut beach is long and calm, with coarser sand than Chaweng and gentle water.
- Bang Rak and Big Buddha Beach, to the east, are close to the airport and the piers for Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.
Who it suits
Bophut suits couples and families who want a characterful, relaxed base with good restaurants. It is a good compromise between the busy east coast and the remote south and west.
Getting around
The airport is about 10 minutes away. Boats to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao leave from piers in Bophut, Bang Rak and Maenam. Chaweng is about 15 minutes by road.
Nearby sights
The Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and Wat Plai Laem are both near the north-eastern tip of the island, a short drive from Bophut.