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! Once a bustling fishing community, the pier’s long been shuttered and the fishermen have moved on—but what’s been left behind is a charming, walkable heritage strip brimming with old Chinese shophouses, hole-in-the-wall cafés, and a beach that still delivers on the “idyllic Thai escape” promise.
With the latest season of The White Lotus turning its lens on Koh Samui, the island is hotter than ever, and Fisherman’s Village is still where the charm lives.
Read also: The White Lotus Guide: 72 Hours In Samui
If you’re in Koh Samui, head north to Bophut and dive into its easygoing, nostalgic vibe. Here’s what The Luxe Nomad recommends:
WHEN TO GO TO FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE, BOPHUT
WHAT TO DO IN FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE, BOPHUT
Getting to Bophut, Samui
Fisherman’s Village is perched on the northeast coast of Bophut, Koh Samui. From Samui Airport, it’s a breezy 15-minute drive. Coming from Chaweng or Lamai? Expect a 20-25 minute ride. Getting around is simple—taxis are available, and scooter or car rentals are a fun way to explore the island at your own pace.
Travel tip: Thailand now has a digital arrival card for foreign travelers—skip the paperwork and breeze through immigration. Read more here.
When to Go to Bophut, Samui
The best time to visit is from January to May, when it’s sunny and mostly dry. January is the coolest, February and March are sun-soaked, and April brings peak heat. Monsoon season runs from October to December, with November being the wettest. Plan accordingly—beach days are better with sunshine.
Featured Villa: Baan Hinyai
If jaw-dropping architecture is your thing, Baan Hinyai is the showstopper. With its dramatic split-level design, steep sloped roofs, and sweeping sea views from every room, this beachfront retreat is made to impress. The villa sleeps 10 guests across five spacious en-suite bedrooms—each with a king bed, freestanding tub, and private balcony or deck.
We love the high-ceilinged living area that spills out to an infinity-edge pool, and the open-plan kitchen with a 10-seater wooden dining table. The adjacent poolside sala? Perfect for breezy BBQs and al fresco lounging. You’ll also have complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to explore the cove below—and when you’re ready to kick back, your in-house chef and staff have everything covered.
Book Baan Hinyai: Beachfront Villa with Private Pool
Quick Facts: Baan Hinyai
- 5 en-suite bedrooms that sleep up to 10 adults
- Beachfront infinity pool, jacuzzi, and poolside sala
- Direct beach access with complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
- Daily Continental breakfast, villa manager, and housekeeping included
- Fully staffed, with in-villa chef services available
- Just 10 minutes from Lamai town and Fisherman’s Village
What to Do in Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
View this post on Instagram
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 lined up along the shore.
View this post on Instagram
3. Eat your way through the village! From beachside bites to date-night delights, Fisherman’s Village is a foodie’s playground. Start your day at Beach Coconut Bowls, awarded Best Healthy Restaurant & Cafe Thailand 2024, which offers vibrant plates of wholesome, organic eats. For dinner, indulge in Italian cuisine at 2 Fishes, a beachfront restaurant serving local seafood, premium Australian steaks, and French oysters. Don’t miss The Thai Tapas, a vibrant spot serving Thai cuisine tapas-style, with dishes that even caught the attention of The White Lotus Season 3 cast!
Hungry for more? Check out our full guide to Fisherman’s Village’s best restaurants and cafés.
Shall we?
