The markets with fresh produce are one of the main attractions of Koh Samui island. You can easily find there Thai cosmetics, exotic fruits, seafood and fish, souvenirs and much more. And the cost of all this will be many times cheaper than in the stores.
Check this ultimate guide about best markets in Koh Samui: with up-to-date information provided you’ll know the best places to buy fresh seafood, fruits and other produce.
Lamai Sunday Night Market
- Opening hours: Sunday from 17:00 to 22:00.
- Address: 139/16 Had Lamai Rd, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand.
- Price category: medium.
- Things to Buy: food and souvenirs.
- On the map: link
It is one of the biggest markets on the island. On Sundays, two intersecting streets are closed for vendors: from the sea and to Tesco, and from the main road to the bridge over the river.
On one street there are tents with souvenirs and cosmetics, and on the other – inexpensive Thai food. Moreover, here you can find not only Thai cuisine, but also many European.
Street musicians entertain visitors, while local athletes hold Thai box performances. Price should be specified in advance, as enterprising Thais can ask for 2-3 times more than the actual cost of goods or food.
But it is a place where you enjoy the authentic experience of Koh Samui island. It’s easy to get to the market – find Lamai beach. The market is located nearby.
Make sure to try as many different dishes as possible, it is better to take smaller portions.
Lamai Night Plaza
If you can’t visit Lamai Sunday Market, you can go to Lamai Night Plaza Market. There, you can find mostly copies of all kinds of goods.
It is not as lively as Chaweng market, but there is a small cafe, bar and food court. Remember to be friendly when haggling with the seller. And don’t agree with the first price quoted.
You can find a large number of different souvenirs in the market. The market is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 17.00 to 22.00.
Despite its popularity, many tourists point out that if you have the choice between visiting this market and the Sunday market, it is better to opt for the latter.
Chaweng Market – Laem Din Market
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Address: Laemdin market Chaweng, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand.
- Price category: medium.
- Items you can buy: farm products.
- On the map: link.
The official opening time of the market is until late in the evening. But by 3.00 pm, the local vendors may simply have nothing to sell, so come early. From 2.00 pm, the remaining food is usually on sale, so it doesn’t go bad.
All markets on Koh Samui are colorful, and Chaweng area market is no exception. It’s a huge selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, sauces and condiments.
On the way out of the market, purchased food can be cooked for an average of 25 BHT. There are a few rows with clothes, but they are not much different from the rest on the island. The main feature of the market is its close proximity to the popular Chaweng Beach.
Bangrak Fish Market
- Working hours: daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
- Address: Bangrak Pier Surat Thani Thailand Thailand.
- Price category: medium.
- Things to Buy: fresh fish and seafood.
- On the map: link.
You can find a huge variety of seafood: shrimp, octopus, fish, crabs, oysters, and sea creatures are sold fresh as they are fished the night before the market opens.
If you want to buy the best produce, come to Bangrak at 7-8 am. Near the market there are cooking outlets where the same products will be prepared for you.
Bangrak is located very close to the sea, so you can come here in the morning to get something to eat and then go to the beach. The only drawback of the market is a rather pungent smell.
Lamai Fresh Food Market
Exotic and sometimes quite intense smells waft throughout the fresh produce market. A large number of shops offering meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, spices and much more are housed under the roof in a rather small area.
Here you can find all the ingredients you need to make some traditional Thai dish. The prices on the market are reasonable.
Located at Hatlamai Market 4 Rd, Lamai 84310 (behind the gas station, just off road 4169). Open daily from 05.00-20.00.
Fresh Food Market on Bophut
This market is one of the new markets on Samui. It is located near the turnoff to Fisherman’s Village, near the main ring road of the island. At the market you will find plenty of fresh meat and seafood, cereals and other products at attractive prices.
In front of the market itself there is a small food court. It is known for cheap and delicious Thai food. If you’ve chosen Bophut area for your vacation, you can find the necessary ingredients to prepare a delicious dinner here. There are you can find clothes, barbershop, as well as several shops with souvenirs.
The market is open daily and is located on Samui Ring road, next to Wat Bo Phuttharam.
