Bophut, on the quieter north coast, is Samui's most characterful old quarter, a single lane of restored century-old teak-and-timber Chinese shophouses that once belonged to the island's trading and fishing families. Today those weathered buildings hold boutique hotels, art and craft shops, breezy waterfront bars and some of Samui's best seafood restaurants, all with a slower, more romantic feel than the Chaweng strip. It is a lovely place for an evening stroll, an early dinner by the water, and a sundowner as fishing boats bob offshore. The highlight is the Friday-night walking street market, when the lane closes to traffic and fills with food stalls, local snacks, handmade crafts, clothing and live music, drawing both visitors and residents. Because it faces north, Bophut also catches gentle sunsets over the sea. It is compact and easily walked in an hour or two, making it an easy add-on to any day on the island.
Plan your trip with Seen