Things to do in Bophut

Wander lanes filled with wooden Chinese shop-houses from the 19th century, enjoy night markets and dine around the world in restaurants serving up Italian, French, Thai, Japanese, Euro-fusion and freshly caught seafood in Bo Phut’s Fisherman’s Village.

Choeng Mun Beach extends across a variety of small bays and inlets along the north-east coast. A number of private resorts and exquisite villas are scattered in secluded locations along this portion of the coastline, forming one of the most exclusive portions of the entire island.

With Bang Rak to the east and Maenam Beach to the west, Bo Phut is the longest beach on Koh Samui. Bo Phut village, lying somewhere around the centre, has come to be known as Fisherman's Village. As the oldest village on the island, Fisherman's Village has seen the comings and goings of many different cultures, and has retained a certain flavour of each. Combining a subtle blend of Thai, Chinese and French colonial influences, not to mention the considerable effect of the recent tourist wave, this charming village has something for every taste.

Just south of Chaweng, the hub of Koh Samui's nightlife, Chaweng Noi offers a calmer, more peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbour beach. While Chaweng bristles with watersports enthusiasts and street vendors, not to mention numerous young revellers nursing headaches from the night before, Chaweng Noi (or "little Chaweng"), just around the headland from Koh Samui's most popular beach, is light years away. Pristine, powdery sand, and crystal waters lined with a smattering of upmarket villas and coconut palms offer a welcome respite from the constant buzz of the backpacker crowd.

The Big Buddha Beach Pier is a large square full of temple complexes built over the Gulf of Thailand. It sticks out from Bang Rak Beach and contains several intriguing stores, restaurants and spiritual structures. Marvel at the iconic golden Big Buddha statue, sitting in a peaceful and meditative Mara posture.

Constructed as recently as 1972, Koh Samui's Big Buddha has quickly become one of the island's most visited and iconic attractions. Wat Phra Yai, as it is known to locals, is the epicentre of Buddhist prayer on this Thai island yet, despite its primary function as a religious site, tourists are warmly welcomed.