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Bophut is really two places: Bophut beach, which sweeps down
several kilometres between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches and perhaps
one of the oldest places on the island, the charming Fisherman's
Village, which takes up the middle section of the beach.
Fisherman's Village is fast gaining a reputation that stretches
way beyond Samui for being the most elegant and well-preserved
place on the island. Lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses,
interspaced with a few modern buildings that match the tone, it
retains a distinctly Mediterranean feel. This has probably got
a lot to do with the fact that it was the main French outpost
on the island for many years.
Where to Stay in Bophut (read
more)
At the western end, beyond Fisherman's Village, the area
is undergoing a dramatic transformation. No less than three five
star resorts are under construction in close proximity to each
other. That said, the average quality of accommodation in Bophut
has always been higher than in neighbouring Maenam and the existing
resorts tend to attract well-heeled independent travellers drawn
to funky, fashionable, places like Gecko Village, which is rave
central for house music fans, and the Bali-Med style Zazen Resort.
Where to eat in Bophut (read
more)
There are also numerous quality dining options. Starfish &
Coffee serves Thai and international dishes with a stylish touch.
Part of the building includes a shop selling selected
Thai handicrafts and a beautiful massage centre where you relax
on a quiet sea facing terrace with a relaxing foot massage.
Several seafront shophouses have been converted into trendy
restaurants with beautiful and quiet settings for lunch or dinner.
Most have an excellent selection of international dishes served
on a small and cozy terrace right over the beach and overlooking
Bophut Bay and the far islands of Koh Phang Ngan and Koh Tao.
At night, the area is quite charming, making it a perfect location
for a romantic evening.
Residents recommend... Angela's
Bakery which has a wide choice of sandwiches and salads, all generously
served, and the big finale not to be missed: cakes, pastries and
lemon cheese cake. The Greek Restaurant, also a local favourite,
located at the west end of the street along the beach. La Sirene,
a French restaurant with seafood specials cooked in Mediterranean
style typical of the South of France. The Happy Elephant, Pacific
Rim fusion restaurant Shades, classic Italian Villa Bianca and
the deliciously jazzy Juzza Pizza.
Mixed in among the shops are several boutiques, selling high
quality clothing and jewellery. Accommodation is limited in Fisherman's
Village itself, though one of the island's best small hotels,
The Lodge, and the stylishly upmarket Apartments are located beachfront
here.
What to do in Bophut
Things have changed in recent times though as the French have
moved out and the Brits have moved in, followed closely by the
Australians and the Americans. This means that there are now no
less than five British bars to choose from on the short strip.
Most, including The Frog and Gecko and Steve's Inn are very friendly
and welcoming. The Billabong Surf Club keeps the Aussies
happy.
There are also some dive shops in the area, offering scuba lessons
or day dives to sites in the famous Ang
Thong Marine Park, Sail Rock or Koh Tao Island.
La Sirene also offers some selected tours to secret spots in
the surrounding islands or some Jeep rides to places difficult
to access for visitors not familiar with the island, mainly the
Secret Buddha Garden. Try an elephant
ride in the tropical forest or go for a fishing trip on a local
fishing boat (with local fisherman) around the island of Koh Phan
Ngan.
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