The area of Bophut is located in the north of the island between Big Buddha and Maenam and is considered a popular place to stay or visit as it is a good compromise between the hustle and bustle of the larger towns on the east coast and the more tranquil setting of the south and west coasts. Our beautiful Bophut villas have stunning views over Bophut Bay, Koh Samui.
Bophut’s Fisherman’s village is a top spot to visit with something for everyone and hosts a walking street night market on a Friday night from 4.30 to 10.30pm
The area of Bophut is located in the north of the island between Big Buddha and Maenam and is considered a popular place to stay or visit as a good compromise between the hustle and bustle of the larger towns on the east coast and the more tranquil setting of the south and west coasts.
Although Bophut extends over a large area that is mostly residential with local shops, it mainly focuses on The ‘Old Fisherman’s’ Village' of Bophut. It is one of the first places where fishermen from Chinese descent landed in their discovery of the island of Koh Samui.
A must visit is the walking street markets that ae held every evening from 4pm.
Although there is evidence of a Chinese influence here, there is also a French ‘twist’ as at one time it was one of the last French outposts.
Wooden shop house establishments stretch along about 1km of the main street that borders the beach and sell anything and everything for the locals. Many of these quaint places have been passed on down through generations and have been preserved. Others have been sympathetically restored and converted into boutiques, tourist shops, elegant restaurants, open side ‘people watching’ coffee houses, yoga studios, art displays, sports bars, and English style pubs with live music all creating a very eclectic atmosphere.
A watersports centre is located on the beach opposite the wharf offering parasailing, jet ski/jet ski safari, wakeboarding, stand up paddle board, flyboard and much more.
The hills above the village also offer luxury villa accommodation with amazing views many of which are fully staffed and provide a real getaway hideaway to relax, be pampered and enjoy the amazing ocean views.
A 9 hole golf course is also located in the hills above the village together with stunning views of the ocean and the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan.
Bophut Beach
With the Old Fisherman's village taking up 1km of the oceanfront, the remaining 2km of beach that extends to the west of the village has been developed with luxury hotels and villa resorts. It is at this west end of the beach that we are able to offer a few select Koh Samui luxury beachfront and ocean view villas with private pools. The area provides amazing views of the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan.
The sand on the beach is grittier than the soft white sand of other popular beaches, however it does offer a safe environment for children to play in due to the calm waters of the bay. At the far west end the water is particularly shallow and is quite rocky and therefore not suitable for swimming.
Spa and Wellness
Most of the up market hotels at the west end of Bophut beach offer Spa and Wellbeing services.
The Anantara Hotel
A beautiful spa and for an upmarket experience being completely pampered before, during and after the treatment. Be prepared for the quite pricey bill at the end.
(http://samui.anantara.com/spas.aspx)
Zazen
Is located right at the west end of the beach and the spa is set in tropical gardens.
(http://www.samuizazen.com/le-spa-zen.html)
Peace Tropical Spa
One of the original Spa's established in Bophut and is located on a smart bungalow resort along the beach and offers good value
(http://www.peacetropicalspa.com)
Watersports
A watersports centre is located on the beach opposite The Wharf in the village and offers parasailing, jetski/jetski safari, water ski, wakeboarding, flyboarding, standup paddle boarding and many more.
Scuba Diving
Within the village there are a few dive shops that offer trips to other islands for scuba diving. If you want to learn to dive Easy Divers (www.easydivers-samui.net) are a well established dive company and have international management. They are a PADI-Five Star IDC-Centre and offer almost every PADI Dive Course – from Discover Scuba Diving all the way up to the Instructor Development Course
Snorkeling, Kayaking and Fishing Trips
You will find many tour shops within the village offering boat trips to the neighbouring islands to include snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and general sightseeing.
Go Karts
There is a simple Go-Kart Track just outside the village on the main ring road going towards Maenam, it has 3 kinds of Karts available 100cc – 200cc, for use by all the family. Safety is of paramount of importance, the circuit has extensive padding and safety barriers throughout and all the Karts are well regularly maintained and safety helmets (provided) are to be worn at all times.
Walking Street Night Market
One of the top tourist spots of Koh Samui and a ‘must see’ is the "Walking Street" at Fisherman’s village and is lovely way to spend a Friday evening, where you eat drink and shop whilst walking. This is a market which takes place between 4pm and 10pm and involves the main village road being lined on both sides with stalls set up by vendors selling items such as food at amazing prices souvenirs, cocktails at 50-60THB, T shirts, carved soaps, leather wallets etc. The open space by the wharf provides entertainment mostly by children or Thai dancers. To avoid the hustle and bustle of the evening it is best to visit early or later.
Golf
A popular 9 hole 27par golf course is located in the hills beyond the beach with championship quality greens and a clubhouse, full bar and restaurant.
Shopping
There are no modern shopping outlets in the Old Fisherman's village itself and that is part of the charm of the place.
As you stroll down the road towards the pier there are several places selling fake branded T shirts, sarongs, sandals etc, but as you walk along the main street nestled in between the various other stalls the shops are more boutique with better and more exclusive selection of clothes such as Siddharta and The House also selling accessories and jewellery, made in Thailand and imported from Bali, India and Hong Kong.
The Fisherman's village is where the majority of the bars and restaurants are located and they line both sides of the street in between the quaint shop houses. The dining scene is as eclectic as it can be, with a bohemian touch blending with both traditional and contemporary styled venues.
The Shack Bar and Grill
This restaurant is a popular favourite with both tourists and residents as it is one of the original eating venues to set up in Bophut. The Shack is not located on the ocean side of the street, but the reputation encourages you to go straight for it serving what is considered the best steaks on the island. It has booth seating, so you can watch the chefs at work and listen to jazz music over the speakers. It creates a western vibe. www.theshackgrillsamui.com
Although all the restaurants offer both Thai and International cuisine, it is the dining al fresco on a beachside balcony or on the sand itself that is far more picturesque and popular.
The ‘Happy Elephant’
Another popular restaurant and one of the originals and probably the most frequented being in the centre of the village (with parking) and offering ‘choose your own fish’ from the fresh catch of the day displayed outside, together with steaks and other western dishes to complement.
Cafe Darling
One of our favourites in Fisherman's Village and something different with a decor similar to a French Bistro. The restaurant serves delicious mediterranean food wih a french twist as well as Thai favourites. Beach dining as well as a terrace balcony and inside dining a perfec spot for enjoying breakfast,lunch or dinner and enjoy the amazing ambience and view.
Zazen
Still on the beach but right at the west end Zazen is part of a small hotel resort and would need to be approached from the main road rather than along from the village. With a French chef and first class food, the atmosphere here is one of romance, sophistication and intimacy. Glowing under the light of over 100 candles and the sound of the waves. An added bonus is on certain nights entertainment in the form of Thai Dancers to complete this perfect venue. www.samuizazen.com
Karma Sutra
It is hard to miss Karma Sutra which is located on the corner of the junction opposite the pier with it’s colourful décor set in an old chinese shop house. The charming interior has all sorts of funky style wood seating topped up with a haze of purple and pillows. The restaurant serves meals until late (the menu is a newspaper and the food served on a chalk board!) and also has a great range of cocktails. With wifi throughout Karma Sutra is a great place to take the laptop have a coffee or cocktail and just people watch.
There are numerous other restaurants offering Italian, French, Mexican and Indian cuisine as well as a few English style sports bars and chill out chic cocktail bars offering the same amazing views.
Bophut nightlife is relatively low key compared to that of Chaweng and Lamai, the abscence of hostess bars and massage parlours makes this a pleasant place for all the family to enjoy.
There are a number of pubs in the main street of Old Fisherman’s Village, some of which are in a prime location on the beach side and most serve food in addition to just socialising and having a beer with friends enjoying the view.
Emerald Irish Bar
The Emerald Irish Bar is one of these venues in a great location and has live music some nights
Billabong Surf Club
One of the original bars to be established in Bophut in this great location and is a typical Aussie Bar. It also has live music at times.
The Frog and Gecho
A popular place for expats with a weekly quiz night which is popular with tourists too. Has a pool table and large screen TV for Saturday & Sunday football events.
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+44 (0) 208 144 0482
+44 778 785 4850
THAILAND:
+66 (0) 810 039 620
+66 (0) 810 039 620
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Thailand Retreats Ltd Trading as Thailand Retreats. Company No. 84649 4 Warwick House, St. Saviour, Jersey, Channel Islands
