Nathon

The town of Nathon is the main administrative centre of Koh Samui located on the west coast, where local government offices and the state hospital are situated as well as the main car ferry port, where the ferry and fast catamarans leave for the mainland and the islands in between.

Long ago Nathon was one of the places where the first Chinese migrants landed and settled and you will still see the Chinese influence in some areas of the town and there is also a Chinese Temple just off the main road.

This working town is where the locals come to get all their provisions and has a lot to offer the tourist in the form of culture and leisure activities in the 3 main streets parallel to the coast and waterfront by the pier that make up the town.

There is a one way system in place and the first street travelling north to south is the busiest of areas with the main fresh produce market in the centre and the rest of the street lined with shops and stalls selling a wide variety of goods from authentic Thai silks, copied designer goods and souvenirs mingled between normal retail businesses, fruit & veg, flower stalls and a few small cafe's.

Tourists are discovering that this is the best place for shopping, where prices are lower with a better and more interesting choice. Gentle negotiating does work and you may go home with something more quirky for that perfect gift. There is also a Tesco Lotus supermarket at the start of the street near the police station, but it is nowhere near the size of the hypermarkets in Chaweng and Lamai.

The one way system continues turning right off the ring road and then right again along the waterfront where you are met with stunning views. This second street has a promenade lined with trees and it is here that the fishermen bring in their catch and where locals flock at a certain time of the day to buy their seafood. On the other side of the road you will find tour agent shops, souvenir shops, small cafes and restaurants. At the end of the pier you will find a collection of songthaews and taxis waiting for fares for those getting of the ferry to go to the tourist areas.

The third street is located in the middle of the one way system and it is here you will see a glimpse of an authentic local village with the old wooden shop houses built many years ago. This middle street is the venue for Nathon's "walking street" night market on a Saturday where stallholders gather to sell knick knacks and eats and drinks.
Back to the waterfront and in the area between the two piers there is a 'night food market where several food stalls setup here every night offering cuisine from all the different areas of Thailand. It is well worth a visit to mix with the locals sitting on plastic stools eating delicious food at a very low price with a stunning sunset backdrop.

There is lots to do and see in Nathon and is well worth a visit during the day and taking in the sunset before leaving.

For more fine dining you may want to consider the beachside restaurants of Talig Ngam 10 minutes drive further south that have excellent reviews 

Beach
Nathon Beach
This is not a swimming beach as the tides are far too low. The water isn't as clean here due to the ferry and fishermen. However, the beach to the south of the town with the large expanse of sand, has ideal conditions for kiteboarding at certain times of the year.

Watersports and Sea Tours

Other Activities

Restaurants

Eating out in Nathon

There are many places to eat out in Nathon

Art Café
A quaint bohemian style café - a great place for a break from shopping and to enjoy a light healthy lunch and a coffee.

Sunset View
Located at the south end of the waterfront road and one of the best places to enjoy a sunset meal of Thai or western cuisine (including pasta) under the covered open terrace. This is complemented with the fantastic view and warm friendly service.

Max Murphy's Irish Pub
The first and only pub in Nathon for ice cold beers and delicious pub food located at the north end of the town. Welcome addition to Nathon for the expats as well as the tourists.

Nightlife