When you arrive for the first time in Bophut, you could be a bit puzzled. Bophut has three main areas: the beach, the Fisherman’s Village and the hinterland by the Ring Road. It makes for quite a big and varied destination. The best spots to stay in Bophut are on the beachfront, a reasonable distance from the Fisherman’s Village.
Our Bophut Beach survival guide is here to introduce you to our favourite places and venues in this quaint area on the northern coast of Samui Island. Attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and bars – we know them all in Bophut. You’ll find our recommendations below, which we suggest when members of our family or friends come on holiday to Bophut.
Bophut is the third most popular resort town in Samui. Located between Chaweng and Maenam, it is mainly famous for its historical village. Despite modernisation, Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village retains a charming old style. It is also the home of lively restaurant, bar and shopping scenes. The Friday Bophut Walking Street night market is a very popular event.
WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT BOPHUT:
Good choice of nightlife, dining and shopping options
Wide range of hotel prices
Plenty of dining choices overlooking the beach
Village atmosphere
Popular Walking Street market
Convenient for the airport
WHAT IS LESS GOOD:
Pretty quiet at night
The sea can be quite murky, particularly around December
There are quite a few things to see and do in Bophut. Towards the western end of the beach, you can enjoy sun tanning and swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Further inland, you’ll find exciting activities like go-karting and mini-golf, just to name a few. If this is your first time in Bophut Beach, we strongly recommend you check out the following things to do.
Fisherman’s Village Samui
Although the seafaring community has moved on, Fisherman’s Village still has a charming rustic look and atmosphere. Read More»
Big Buddha Temple
Big Buddha temple sits majestically on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner. Known locally as Wat Read More»
Samui Go-Kart
Samui Go-Kart is a great way to spend time for thrill seekers of all ages who are visiting Koh Samui. It does not matter Read More»
The shopping scene in Bophut is down to earth and vintage. There’s no huge, modern shopping malls here – just small boutiques and stores. Every Friday, the whole village becomes a large shopping and dining complex. The Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is definitely the event you should not miss. If you want to be sure of getting your shopping fix on your first time in Bophut Beach, we recommend a visit to these places.
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street
With more unique and boutique goods at rock-bottom prices, Fisherman’s Village Walking Street is among the most popular Read More»
The Wharf Samui
A stylish cross between a shopping mall and a marketplace, The Wharf offers interesting and unique clothing and Read More»
Bophut Plaza
About halfway along Bophut’s main street you’ll come across the Bophut Plaza – a collection of open-sided shops. The Read More»
Far from the frenzy atmosphere of Chaweng at night, Bophut offers a good choice of friendly water holes at which you can quietly enjoy a cold beer with friends. Nightlife in Bophut has a family-friendly feel, and you can bring your children along to any bar here. Be sure to add the following nightspots to your bucket list, especially if you’re planning your first time in Bophut Beach.
Coco Tams
A fun and extremely relaxed beach bar with a great atmosphere and unique styles of seating, Coco Tams is one of the most Read More»
Karma Sutra
Karma Sutra in Bophut is unreservedly all-out retro hippy chic. Flanking both sides of the entrance to Fisherman’s Read More»
The Emerald Irish Pub
Irish-owned The Emerald offers draft Guinness and Kilkenny as well as local beers. Fan cooled, the pub has live sports Read More»
There’s a great choice of dining options in Bophut. Most of the restaurants are concentrated in the Fisherman’s Village. You’ll find cuisines from all around the world here, as well as outlets from right across the price spectrum. We’ve picked out three absolute must-try restaurants for your first time in Bophut. One is famous for its outstanding Mediterranean food, one has a great beachside location and one is a long-established Thai and international restaurant.
Zazen Restaurant
Zazen, an award-winning restaurant, presents traditional Thai regional dishes with fine-dining touches, sprinkled Read More»
Starfish and Coffee
One of longest-established restaurants in Fisherman's Village, Starfish and Coffee (named after a Prince song, in case Read More»
Krua Bophut Thai Restaurant
One of the most popular restaurants along the seafront in Fisherman’s Village, Krua Bophut Thai Restaurant lets you Read More»
As a prime holiday destination in Samui, Bophut features an extensive choice of hotels. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost guesthouse or for a palatial resort, you’ll find something to your liking in Bophut. There’s also a great selection of mid-range accommodation choices. Each of the three hotels we’ve selected below provides a comfortable stay. The only difference between them is their rate.
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