Fisherman's Village & Bophut

The former Chinese fishing village of Bophut in the north of Samui has transformed into the island's most charming district — without losing its character. The narrow main street is lined with restored wooden houses in Sino-Portuguese style, now home to boutique hotels, galleries, artisanal ice cream parlors, and excellent restaurants.

★★★ Fisherman's Village Walking Street

Every Friday evening from 5 to 11 PM, the village street transforms into one of the best night markets on the island. Over 100 stalls offer Thai street food, handmade jewelry, silk scarves, and coconut ice cream. Live music from the surrounding bars, fire shows on the beach, and a relaxed atmosphere miles away from Chaweng's party mile.

Pad Thai: 60–80 ฿. Mango Sticky Rice: 80 ฿. Coconut ice cream: 50 ฿. Fresh fruit shake: 60 ฿.

★★ Restaurants & Cafés

The Hut Café — The Instagram-worthy breakfast café with Açaí bowls, avocado toast, and excellent coffee. Breakfast 180–320 ฿ (5–9€). Daily 7:30 AM–4 PM.

Starfish & Coffee — Creative fusion cuisine right by the sea. Try the soft-shell crab with mango salad (380 ฿) or the Massaman curry with duck (320 ฿). Reserve tables on the beach in the evening. Main courses 250–450 ฿.

Karma Sutra — Romantic beach restaurant with cushions in the sand and lanterns. Thai-international cuisine at a high level. Try the Tom Kha Gai (180 ฿) and the grilled Barramundi (420 ฿). Reservation for Friday evening absolutely necessary.

★ Bophut Beach

The beach itself is not Samui's most beautiful — narrow brown sand and shallow water. But the atmosphere at sunset is unbeatable: The silhouette of Koh Phangan on the horizon, lanterns in the beach bars, reggae music in the background. Perfect for a sundowner (Chang beer 80 ฿, cocktails 200–280 ฿).