Bophut Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the north of Koh Samui. It offers a long sandy beach, calmer seas than the east of the island and walking distance to the lively area around Fisherman's Village.

If you're looking for a place where you can relax by the sea during the day and walk to dinner or drinks in the evening, Bophut is a very reasonable choice.

Quick overview

This is Bo Phut beach in a nutshell:

• 🌊 S wimming: more gradual entry, mostly calmer water
• 🏝 S and: golden, medium fine
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Turbulence: medium - more than Mae Nam, less than Chaweng
• 🌅 S unsets: none, the beach is better for sunrises, but not ideal for those either
• 🍽 Restaurants: great selection within walking distance
• ✈️ Proximity to airport: about 25 minutes drive

Best beach hotels on Koh Samui

What is Bophut Beach really like?

The beach is approximately 2 kilometres long and stretches along the north coast of the island.

The colour of the water is not as distinctly turquoise as the smaller coves like Crystal Beach, but the combination of palm trees, open horizon and evening light creates a very pleasant atmosphere.

The western part closer to Fisherman's Village is the liveliest.

The further east you go, the quieter and more resort-like the environment becomes.

The division of Bophut Beach into sections

As the beach is long and varied, we have divided it into 3 parts for clarity.

The western part (near Fisherman's Village)

The liveliest part of the beach. The largest concentration of restaurants and hotels. In the evening there can be more people, especially during the night market.

Ideal for those who want to be in the centre of the action and get around on foot.

• 👉 More about Fisherman's Village

Middle section

A balanced compromise - still close to services, but a little quieter. A good choice for couples and families.

Nice promenade, close to services but still close to the hustle and bustle of the city and the famous beach club Coco Tam's.

East side

Quieter, more resort-like atmosphere. If you want a beach mainly for relaxation and privacy, this is a better choice than the Fisherman's Village neighborhood itself.

However, I wouldn't recommend the easternmost part at all, where the cruise ships leave for Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and there's dirty water and a lot of traffic.

Swimming and sea conditions

The entrance to the water is rather gradual. You don't have to walk the long tens of metres like at some other beaches, but at the same time the depth doesn't come immediately.

The sea tends to be calmer most of the year than on the east coast of Samui. In the rainy season, the water can be murkier.

For families, Bophut is generally safer than Chaweng during periods of stronger waves.

What to expect on the beach

Bophut offers good facilities but doesn't feel crowded.

Restaurants and bars are mainly in the western part near Fisherman's Village. There are also hotel restaurants right on the beach.

The beach is also great for water sports, especially in the central part you will find several offers for kayaks, jet skis or paddleboards.

You won't normally find public showers or toilets right on the beach. Hotels and restaurants provide facilities.

In the evening, the west is livelier, the east remains quiet.

For whom Bophut is a good choice

Bophut works mainly for those who want to:

• a combination of beach and evening entertainment
• get around on foot without the need for a scooter
• a quieter environment than Chaweng, but lively and pleasant enough

The calmer sea and good access to restaurants also make it one of the most reasonable family beaches in northern Koh Samui.

But if you're looking for a party scene or extremely turquoise water, other parts of the island will be more suitable.

Transport and accessibility

• 🚗 Car: parking is available along the road and at the hotels. Evenings at Fisherman's Village may be fuller. Where did we park for free?
  • Large parking lot at 7-Eleven and Holiday Inn Resort (see map)
  • along the road near Freewave Market (see map)
  • Compare car rental prices on Koh Samui
• 🛵 Scooter: the easiest way to get around the island, you don't have to deal with parking at all
• 🚕 Grab / Bolt: they work without problems, the price is pre-determined and you don't have to haggle.

Distances:

• Airport: about 25 minutes
• Chaweng: 30-40 minutes
• Mae Nam: 15 minutes

Accommodation at Bophut Beach

Bophut offers a wide range of accommodation - from luxury resorts to more affordable beachfront hotels.

💰 More affordable option

• ibis Samui Bophut
• Pico Samui

Both are located in the quieter eastern part of the beach.

🌴 Middle class

• Holiday Inn Resort Bophut
• Maya Resort Samui - Family resort - in the heart of Fisherman's Village, very popular with families

💎 Luxury

• Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
• Hansar Samui Resort & Spa

View all hotels on Bophut Beach

FAQ

When choosing what beaches to see on Koh Samui, we addressed the following questions.

Is Bophut Beach suitable for families?

Yes. The sea tends to be calmer than on the east of the island and restaurants are within walking distance.

Is Bophut quieter than Chaweng?

Yes. You won't find as many bars and noisy clubs right on the beach.

But it's still one of the liveliest beaches on Koh Samui.

Does Bophut have turquoise water?

Not as much as smaller coves like Crystal Beach, but the water is calm and pleasant for swimming most of the year.

Is Bophut or Maenam better?

The two longest beaches in the north of Koh Samui have completely different characters. Bophut is lively with a promenade, restaurants and shops.

Maenam is much more local, with no promenade, no services, but considerably quieter.

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