Experience Koh Samui!
The Thai island of Koh Samui is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush golf clubs, high-end resorts, and blissful spas. If you want to explore the island more, however, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to keep you more than occupied. You can join tours that will whisk you around several key sites in one day, hire your own transportation, such as a scooter, to take your time and hit up the sites at your own pace, or use local taxis and tuk tuks to take you around the island. However you choose to experience Koh Samui, you’ll be glad that you did!
One place of interest that attracts many visitors to the island is Bophut Fisherman’s Village. Located close to the lovely Bophut Beach, take a walk along the nearby sands and you’ll see small fishing boats either bobbing in the waters or returning in the afternoon with their day’s catch. The strong small of fish lingers in the air at offloading time, and there is a hive of activity as the fish and seafood items are removed from the boats and put into various containers to be taken to their next destination. Salty nets dry on the sands, emitting a whiff of fishiness. Just a short walk along the sands, however, and you’ll find yourself in a place of calm with hardly another soul in sight.
The area is, unsurprisingly, home to many fish and seafood restaurants. As you wander along you’ll see tanks of fresh live items from which you can select the exact creature that you want to be cooked up for you. You can also order from the menu, enjoying the chefs’ magical handiwork. Street vendors also offer tasty snacks, such as squid on a stick, shells with a tangy and spicy sauce, and fish balls.
An authentic Fishermans’s village in Koh Samui
As well as being able to dine on freshly caught seafood, Bophut Fisherman’s Village also boasts an array of other shops; it’s a popular destination for people who want to bargain for souvenirs, baggy fishermen-style pants that are often worn by backpackers, t-shirts, and other items. It has more of a boutique air, however, than many other markets around Thailand. You’ll also be called to visit spas, massage parlours, manicure stores, and other such outlets; it’s a lively area where you will be approached a lot!
The architecture is interesting, combining traditional Thai and Chinese styles. There are several old and impressive mansions to admire as you wander along the streets that are criss-crossed above by numerous electricity cables.
Whilst the daytimes are lively enough, the energy intensifies after night fall, with restaurants vying for business and a number of bars where you can enjoy various local snacks with a few beers or glasses of Thai whisky.
There are many resorts, hotels, and guest houses in the area, catering to a broad range of budgets. The vibe is calmer than some of the islands party hotspots, and it attracts families, couples, and luxury travellers. Even if you are not staying in this area though it is still well worth taking a trip here to enjoy the vibe and perhaps grab a spot of seafood lunch or a delicious evening meal of fish.
/// Written by Sarah-Jane Williams, Thailand
