Fisherman's Village

Top choice in Ko Samui


This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying beach, particularly the eastern part, is slim and coarse but becomes whiter and lusher further west. The combination of pretty sands and gussied-up old village is a winner, but it can get busy during peak season. In the low season, it's lovely, quiet and elbow free.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Samui attractions

1. Hat Bo Phut

0.13 MILES

Rather coarse and shelly, Bo Phut’s beach inclines quite steeply into cloudy water, but the views are scenic to Ko Pha-Ngan, an island that acts as a…

2. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

0.86 MILES

The (high) entrance fee here reflects visitors desire to support a project genuinely caring for rescued elephants, and the half-day experience is more an…

3. Masjid Nurul Salsabeel

1.81 MILES

The lush jungle-covered hills surrounding the bright yellow onion domes of this tiny mosque is an idyllic picture. Built in 2013 by Imam Adam, for the…

4. Wat Phra Yai

2.08 MILES

At Samui’s northern end is Wat Phra Yai. Erected in 1972, the modern golden Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture) stands 15m high surveying an area…

5. Mae Nam Chinese Temple

2.4 MILES

With four dragons coiling up its pillars, two inside and two outside, this very colourful temple in the heart of the village is worth a visit; the Chinese…

6. Wat Khao Hua Jook

2.4 MILES

This golden pagoda – gloriously illuminated at night – sits on top of the hill north of Chaweng Lake, offering spectacular panoramic views over the island…

7. Wat Phukao Thong

2.45 MILES

A dark Buddha is seated under a golden pavilion up a long flight of steps lined with glittering green dragon banisters at this quiet wát away from the…

8. Wat Plai Laem

2.57 MILES

The most arresting statue on the island is the thousand-arm Guanyin (Kwan Im), the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, displayed with 18 arms in a fan…