The Luxe Nomad’s Guide to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut

Nomads, ready to head to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut?

Don’t let the name deceive you: there’s more to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut than just, well, fish! Though it was a thriving fishing community a long time ago, the main pier has since closed down and the fishermen have migrated elsewhere. Since then, the village transformed into a historical walking street that charms tourists with its old Chinese shophouses, off-white beaches, narrow alleyways, and hole-in-the-wall cafés.

If you’re in Koh Samui, consider taking a trip up north to Bophut and appreciate the quaint, traditional beach vibes firsthand. Here’s what The Luxe Nomad recommends:

GETTING TO BOPHUT, SAMUI

WHEN TO GO TO FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE, BOPHUT

FEATURED VILLA: VILLA M

WHAT TO DO IN FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE, BOPHUT

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Getting to Bophut, Samui

As of May 2022, Thailand has officially opened its borders to tourists with a No Quarantine Program for vaccinated travellers and no RT-PCR testing required. All you need is an approved Thailand Pass and a COVID-19 insurance policy, just until the end of June at least! Learn more.

Fisherman’s Village is located along the north east coast of Bophut, a beach town in Koh Samui. From the Koh Samui Airport, Fisherman’s Village is only a 15-minute drive away. If you’re driving in from Chaweng, it takes about 20 minutes, or 25 minutes if you’re coming from Lamai. Getting around Fisherman’s Village is easy, with taxis as well as car and scooter rentals available.

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When to Go to Bophut, Samui

Consider planning your trip to Fisherman’s Village between the calm, sunny months of January to May. January is often the coolest month, while February and March see the most sun, and April the hottest. As for the rest of the year, monsoon season hits the island from October until December, with November as the wettest month.

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Featured Villa: Villa M

Get the 5-star treatment at the only luxe villa at the heart of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village. Explore the village, with rows of wooden shop fronts, chic boutiques, and restaurants and bars close by, or savor privacy in your very own contemporary colonial villa.

Book Now: Starts at USD 741++ a night

Crisp white walls, plantation shutters, and richly textured recycled teak floors welcome you in; an eclectic mix of Asian art and collectibles put together to house a sophisticated holiday. Insider tip: Villa M has a wonderful private sun deck area that arguably has the best view of the sunset, overlooking the harbor and the Gulf of Thailand. Thank us later!

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What to Do in Fisherman’s Village, Bophut

1. On Fridays, shop ‘til you drop. Every Friday from 5pm-11pm, the whole of Beach Road turns into the famed Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Market, the island’s biggest walking street market. Here, you’ll find everything from handicrafts, to street food, to street performances; all in all, a spectacular market experience that goes beyond shopping bags.

2. Explore the side streets and alleyways. Fisherman’s Village is best experienced on foot, and it’s easy to get lost within its narrow streets—you’ll pass by everything from massage parlors to souvenir shops to hipster cafés. The best thing is, no matter which turn you take, all the side streets lead to Bophut Beach, where cafés, bars, and boutiques are also lined up along the shore.

3. Eat your way through the village! The dining scene in Fisherman’s Village is downright impressive. As its name suggests, you won’t run out of seafood options, but there’s also a lot variety. Stop by Karma Sutra if you’re craving for some Mediterranean, or Happy Elephant (one of the oldest restaurants in Samui!) for Thai fine dining. Then head over to Nirvana for Thai and European fusion, El Guacho for a taste of mouthwatering Argentenian steak, and Gusto Italiano for a fancy Italian night by the beach. Top off the evening at the crowd favorite Coco Tams for cocktails and an awesome fire show.

Shall we?