Bophut, Koh Samui beach that can be called universal place where everyone will find everything necessary for a comfortable stay. It is one of the well-maintained beaches in Koh Samui island with all necessary amenities, but preserving its unique charm of true tropical paradise.
Keep reading this travel guide to Bophut beach in Koh Samui to get up-to-date information about best time to visit, things to do, tourist attractions nearby, and places to stay.
Bophut Beach General Info
Bophut beach is located in the northern coast of the island. It stretches for about 2 km along the picturesque bay and is conditionally divided into western and eastern parts. In the west, Bophut beach borders with Mae Nam Beach, in the east with Bang Rak.
This beach is also known for its truly Thai ambience: since ancient times, the center of Bophut beach has been a fishing village (on the map – Fisherman’s Village), one of the first on Koh Samui.
Today it is a local landmark and one the places to visit on Koh Samui. There are other notable places near Bophut beach: Big Buddha and Plai Laem temples.
Best Time to Visit
Like neighbouring Maenam in the northern coast, Bophut beach worth visiting in period from December till March. November is when the biggest amount of precipitation falls. Choose the east side of the beach if you plan visit Koh Samui in November.
During rainy season it’s better to stay close to the eastern border of the beach, that is in proximity to Fisherman’s village.
How to Get There
If you’ve just arrived to Koh Samui airport, it will take about 20 minutes to go to Bophut beach by car, as Samui International airport is just 8 km away.
From central Chaweng, it will take 15 minutes car drive to reach Bophut beach.
For those visitors, whose goal is to explore the island the best option is to rent a bike or scooter.
Beach Infrastructure
The western part of Bophut Beach is a lively tourist location, known for its expensive hotels with private beach areas, where bright inflatable mattresses, sunbeds, and umbrellas are displayed for guests.
Under sprawling palm trees you can hide from the scorching sun. There are enough Thai massage masters in this area of Koh Samui, the price for their services starts from 200 THB / hour.
There are significantly fewer visitors on the eastern part of Bophut beach.
Within walking distance from Bophut there is everything you’ll need, shops and supermarkets, ATMs, cafes and restaurants for any budget.
Sea on Bophut Beach
Bophut beach is located in the bay, which protects it from heavy winds and possible high waves. But in general, the sea on Bophut beach cannot be called ideal, especially in inclement weather during autumn and winter. There are many other beaches in Koh Samui island with fine white sand that worth exploring.
Western part of Bophut beach is much cleaner than the eastern one. There are many hotels, resorts and villas that monitor how clean the beach is and regularly remove garbage.
Not far from the shore the depth exceeds the height of an adult. Don’t allow kids to swim alone.
It’s more shallow in the eastern part of Bophut beach. But, at the same time it’s dirty there. To take special beach shoes will be a great idea.
The sand on the beach is quite large, amber-yellow in color, it is pleasant to walk. But the seabed in most areas is silty.
You will find a non-silted bottom in the area close to Maenam Beach.
Where to Eat
One of the first recommendations is “Cafe 69”. This establishment is located 500 meters from Bophut Beach and is very popular with visitors.
You will be delighted not only with fine dining but also with a pleasant atmosphere. The average check – from 5 to 25 dollars.
“Chez Francois” is another restaurant you need to check. They have great vine list, variety of meal to try out and rather attractive prices.
On the promenade, stretching along the sea for 700 meters, three dozen bars and restaurants crowd each other with a wide selection of traditional Thai dishes.
Bophut Beach: Things to Do and Nearby Attractions
Visit Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village, which is often referred to as “real authentic Koh Samui” in guidebooks, is actually a village with fairly expensive restaurants, cafes, beach bars, boutiques, massage parlors and spa.
On Fridays, tourists relaxing on Bophut beach head to the Fisherman’s village walking street market, which covers a several streets that are closed for any types of vehicles on this day and become pedestrian area.
It’s a great place for shopping as you can find many interesting things: clothes, souvenirs, Thai food, exotic cocktails are offered everywhere. Tourists are entertained by local musicians.
Travel to Ko Pha Ngan
You can enjoy sitting on the beach and observing Ko Pha-Ngan during sunrise or sunset hours. Except of nice panoramic views, there are many tours to this island or other types of sea trips.
Scuba Diving
If you were planning to go diving, then visit Dive Academy offering scuba lessons and day dives. There are several dive shops nearby where you can rent necessary equipment.
Also, check our guide about best dive sites in Koh Samui.
Attend Yoga Classes
Yoga classes are available for everyone interested. You can also visit one of many spa centers.
There are not so many things to do directly in Bophut beach area, but you can easily join one of day tours and visit Koh Samui main attractions, like temples, elephant sanctuary, lady boy shows, attend cooking classes and do other things.
Best Hotels in Bophut Beach, Koh Samui
If you’re seeking for some luxurious experience on Koh Samui, then Bo Phut beach is definitelly a place to consider. 5 Star hotels and sumptuous villas awaiting for tourists. Here are 5 best hotels and places to stay in Bo Phut beach.
1. Bo Phut Resort, Spa
4-star hotel with great ocean views, private beach, swimming pool and balcony. It is located pretty close to Fisherman’s village, about 1 km walking distance. You can check prices and pre book here.
2. Anantara Bophut Hotel
5 – star hotel in the center of Bophut beach. When the weather is not so good, private pool is nice place where you can spend great time. Click here to check prices.
3. Hansar Samui Resort
One more 5-star hotel right in the center of Bophut beach. It’s worth visiting because of the rooms with ocean views. Click here to see the prices.
