The more popular and westernised areas of Koh Samui are Chaweng and Lamai and it is here that most visitors to the island stay. But on the stunning north coast of the island is Bophut beach where visitors can enjoy not only spectacular views of the sea, but the view to famous Koh Pha Ngan where the full moon parties are held.
Bophut Beach and Fisherman’s Village
The 3 kl. beach at Bophut is one of Koh Samui’s finest, with tall palm trees lining the length of the strip which discreetly hides 4 and 5 star hotels. Fisherman’s Village, which is in the centre of the beach area, mainly consists of original, old wooden houses built by and for the Chinese immigrants who arrived on Koh Samui in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Fisherman’s Village is unique in that it has managed to preserve the old buildings which, in other parts of the island, have been pulled down to make way for modern monstrosities. It could be called a boutique village were it not for the magnificent views offered from each establishment, and the care with which the restoration has taken place. Somehow they have avoided overdoing the kitsch and left us with a charming street which is a treasure trove of shopping opportunities and delightful eating places and bars.
Walking Street, Fisherman’s Village, Koh Samui
Recently, Fisherman’s Village created a “walking street” to allow visitors to have a traffic-free and enjoyable stroll through the area. It was reckoned that the initiative would attract more people to the beach and enable it to be marketed as an aesthetic concept! This being Thailand, of course, the concept of a traffic-free zone is something they do not wish to become acquainted with, and although the signs may tell you it is traffic-free, beware of the motor cycles, bicycles, and even cars that come hurtling down the street.
It is only one long street and it is nearly impossible to miss anything, but below are just a few places not to be missed.
The Temple on Bophut, Koh Samui
This 62 year old Wat (temple) is at the entrance to Fisherman’s Village and the visitor to the area should step through the golden doors and walk in. It is aiming to become a tourist attraction to help finance studies for young students.
Starfish and Coffee
A fine coffee house and dining place since 1990, this is one of the most popular places in Bophut. Good selection of foods and the view of the sea, framed by arches, is seductive.
Shades – Italian Food on the Bay
From Venice to Koh Samui for top Italian cuisine on the bay: reservations recommended for this fine dining establishment on 077 245 144 -085 573 9697.
Eden Bungalows: Great Coffee and Place to Stay
Be lured in by the sign offering Café Francais and find a cool, relaxing place in which to spend a few hours checking out the owners eccentric collection of artefacts, or laze by the turquoise pool – supposedly for guests but they didn’t mind when I sat by it for an hour or two.
All in all, Bophut is a small town in its own right, but one that prides itself on being different. When you wander in here from another part of Koh Samui it is like entering another world, a world where the pace of life is slower, the streets are cleaner and tidier, and the beach side eateries and bars are all welcoming.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
