Bophut is one of the third most popular areas to stay in Koh Samui, after Chaweng and Lamai. This area has a more upscale and quieter atmosphere than the two main towns of the island. It is also home to the famous Fisherman’s Village with its well-preserved wooden shop-houses that line the beach.
In this article, I will show you the list of the best places to stay in Bophut including the best hotels for all budgets. I’ll share my opinion on why this is a good area to stay in Samui, as well as some of the downsides of staying here.
I’ve traveled all around Thailand and have a good understanding of the country. I also rented a scooter to explore most parts of Samui, so I hope to give you some helpful information from my real experience. If you’re searching for where you stay in Bophut, keep reading.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui: All Areas
- 30 Things to Do in Koh Samui
- My 3-5 Days In Koh Samui Itinerary
Where is Bophut Beach?
Bophut is a beach town located on the north coast of Koh Samui, between Mae Nam Beach and Bang Rak Beach. It is a 15-20 minutes drive from north west of Chaweng and Samui International Airport.
Bophut is also very close to the two main piers on the island such as Pralarn Pier and Bang Rak Pier. These piers are separate and arrival points for boats between Samui and nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Why Should You Stay in Bophut Beach?
In my opinion, Bophut is a good area in Koh Samui because it has a relaxing atmosphere, a wide range of tourist amenities, and a charming Fishermen’s village. Additionally, it is a relatively central location, close to the airport, the island’s main town, and several piers.
1. Relaxing atmosphere
Bophut has a more relaxing atmosphere compared to Chaweng and Lamai, which are the two main towns on the islands. The atmosphere here is peaceful but not isolated, ideal for couples, families, and travelers who want to unwind without feeling disconnected.
2. Charming Fisherman Village
Bophut is famously known for its traditional Fisherman’s Village, which is a well-preserved area with rustic wooden shop-houses converted into chic boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
The Fisherman’s Village Night Market is a highlight of Bophut where you can eat delicious street food, buy local crafts, and listen to live music performances.
3. Wide range of tourist amenities
Bophut is a relatively small area and it has a wide range of tourist amenities, so you can easily access to restaurants, bars, and shops on foot.
4. Relatively Good location
Bophut is conveniently located close to the airport and piers, which is a bonus for those who want to stay close to the major departure and arrival point of the island. Samui Airport, Pralarn Pier, and Bang Rak Pier are around 15 minutes away.
Bophut is also a good base to explore the northern coast of the island. You can easily visit nearby beaches like Mae Nam, Bang Tai, Bang Rak, Choeng Mon. Famous cultural attractions like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem are also within a short taxi ride from Bophut.
If you’re looking for livelier nightlife, take a 15–20 minute trip south to Chaweng for a night or two of partying. It is also convenient for traveling from/ to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
5. Family-friendly area
Bohut has a relaxing atmosphere and a wide range of accommodations, which are ideal for families with children. The resorts in this area have good amenities for children like kid’s club, playground, and kid-friendly swimming pool.
Downside of staying in Bophut Beach
Beside the good things, there are some downsides for staying in Bophut such as a quiet nightlife, higher prices compared to Chaweng and Lamai, and a beach that isn’t among the best on the island.
1. Quiet Nightlife
Bophut does not have wild nightlife as in Chaweng, so if you’re looking for a vibrant party scene, it is best to head to Chaweng. The area is home to laid-back bars and restaurants, which are perfect for a leisurely night. The nightlife is centered around Fishermen’s Village Market and the beachfront area.
2. Generally Expensive than Chaweng and Lamai
Bophut is an upscale area in Koh Samui, and prices for food and services are often higher than other popular areas like Chaweng and Lamai. Budget travelers might find fewer cheap accommodations compared to other areas.
3. Beach is not the beach beaches on Koh Samui
Bophut beach is a good beach for swimming, sunbathing, chilling, watching the sunset, and enjoying water sports like jet skiing and paddle boarding. The restaurants and bars along the beach in the evening have a romantic atmosphere.
Bophut does not have white soft sand like other popular beaches on the island. The sand is coarse-grained and the water is quite murky at some parts. The western end has shallow water and is quite rocky.
4. Limited Large Shopping Options
Bophut does not have big modern shopping malls, so if you are looking for international products, you will need to head to the main town, Chaweng. It has a good range of boutiques, and small trendy shops where you can buy typical local Thai souvenirs.
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Best areas to Stay in Bophut Beach
Bophut is the area around 2-3 km long Bophut Beach. The main areas to book accommodations in Bophut are the beachfront area and the area around the main road 4169.
If you want in the heart of the action you can consider staying in the central area of Bophut around the Fisherman’s Village Night Market and The Wharf Walking Street. For a quieter atmosphere, you can consider staying on the western end and eastern end of the beach.
If you stay in the western end of Bophut beach, you’ll be closer to Mae Nam Beach, a very long beach in Koh Samui. If you stay in the eastern end, you’ll be closer to Bang Rak, Big Buddha, and Wat Plai Laem.
My top hotel picks in Bophut Beach:
- Luxury: NH Collection Samui Peace Resort
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Resort
- Budget: Eden Bungalows Fisherman’s village
12 Best Places to stay in Bophut Beach
1. NH Collection Samui Peace Resort
This 5-star luxury beachfront hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bophut. It is located in a nice quiet area of Bophut, close to everything. You will have direct access to the beach and a short walk from a range of tourist amenities like bars, shops, convenient stores, massage parlors, and restaurants.
The resort has a large swimming pool overlooking the sea. There are sunbeds and umbrellas along the resort’s beachfront and around the pools. The resort has spacious rooms with comfortable beds. You can book the pool villas for the best experience.
This resort is also family-friendly with a kid playground and family rooms. It is also a perfect place to stay for couples and honeymooners.
2. Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
This 5-star upscale hotel is located in a prime location in the heart of Bophut, within easy walking distance to the Fishermen’s village walking street and the Wharf Night Market. This is a seafront resort, so you will have a nice beach right at your doorsteps.
The resort has a nice pool with sea views. Other amenities include a well equipped gym, onsite restaurant, bar, and tour desk. Rooms at Hansar are spacious. Some rooms have ocean views.
3. Holiday Inn Resort
This 4-star mid-range hotel is located in the central area of Bophut, right next to the lively The Wharf Walking Street. It is also within walking distance to the iconic Fishermen’s Village Night Market.
The hotel has a beautiful ground with palm trees, swimming pools, and a fitness center. The hotel is family-friendly with family rooms, a kids club, and a children’s playground. It is a popular hotel in the heart of Bophut, so if you want it, make sure to book in advance.
4. Bandara Spa Resort & Pool Villas
This mid-range 4-star resort is located in the central Bophut, close to everything. You can have direct access to the beachfront. The hotel also provides many sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. You can also swim at the hotels’ large outdoor pool right next to the sea.
If you arrive at the resort from Samui airport, you can consider booking a room that includes two ways to transfer between the hotel and the airport. It’s convenient as you don’t have to deal with the hassle of finding a taxi when you arrive at the airport.
5. Bo Phut Resort and Spa
This mid-range 4-star hotel is set in an excellent location in Central Bophut. Staying here gives you direct access to the beach, just steps away. All tourist amenities are also very close to the resort.
Like many other resorts in Bophut, this resort has an outdoor swimming pool and tropical grounds. It offers delicious breakfast every morning and quality dinner at its onsite restaurant.
6. Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
This 4-star hotel is on the western part of Bophut Beach. It is a good option for those looking for mid-range hotels and in quiet areas. The hotel has a lovely pool, gym, yoga studio, and peaceful ground. The resort provides great services, including massages, spa treatments, and delicious food.
7. The Deck Cottages Samui
This 4-star beautiful hotel is located in a prime location in a quiet area right next to the Fisherman Village Night Market. The hotel offers good-size rooms with comfortable beds and modern facilities like a restaurant/bar and a pool.The hotel is a great base for families and couples.
8. Celes Samui
This 4-star mid-range beachfront hotel is located in the western part of Bophut Beach. It has all facilities such as a private beach area, outdoor pool, onsite restaurant/bar, and comfortable rooms. The hotel offers scheduled shuttle services to Fisherman Village and Chaweng.
9. Eden Bungalows Fisherman’s village
This 2-star hotel is located in the heart of Bophut, a short walk from everything including the laid-back beach, shops, restaurants and night market. The room at Eden is basic but clean and has all necessary facilities for a comfortable stay. If you’re on a budget, this hotel is worth looking at.
10. Pico Samui
This 3-star hotel in Bophut is a great option for budget travelers who want to be in the central area and right on the beach. The hotel has rooms for solo travelers, couples, and families. You can choose to stay in bungalows with ocean views for a more scenic experience.
11. Smile House – Fisherman Village
This budget-friendly 3-star accommodation is centrally located in Bophut, close to the fisherman Village night Market. The hotel has a tropical ground with lush gardens and palm trees. Other facilities include an outdoor pool and a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy a meal and watch the sunset.
12. Riviera Beach Hotel
This 3-star budget hotel is centrally located in a quiet corner near the Fisherman Village Walking Street. It is a beachfront hotel that offers rooms and apartments with sea views. The hotel has a nice onsite bar, swimming pool, rental bike, laundry, massage services
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So you have it, my list of the best hotels in Bophut Beach for all budgets and preferences. If you’re families or couples looking for a quiet environment with a wide range of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars, Bophut is a good choice.