Bo Phut Beach, located on the northern side of Samui, combines the family-friendly, picturesque atmosphere of Mae Nam with the lively, bustling vibe of Chaweng. The beach stretches in a gentle curve for three kilometers, from the W Koh Samui Hotel on the west to the uninhabited cape on the east, where you’ll find the Orgazmic bar hidden at its base.
Beach Overview
The center of Bo Phut has long been Fisherman Village, one of the first three villages on the island. This area has transformed from a fishermen’s pier into a local attraction and Bo Phut’s Walking Street, which hosts a night market every Friday.
The beach can be visually divided into two halves: the western part from the W Koh Samui Hotel to Fisherman Village and the eastern part from Fisherman Village to the Orgazmic bar. The western part is more vibrant, with many hotels along the shoreline, making it the main tourist area of Bo Phut. The eastern part is affected by a smelly river estuary and shallow waters.
The sand on the beach is fine, light yellow, and lighter than Mae Nam. On the shallow parts, the sand turns reddish, mixed with coral fragments and pebbles. The western part is kept clean due to the continuous row of hotels along the shore, while no one tends to the eastern part.
There’s a lot of litter, both natural and human-made. Particularly disappointing are the blue drainage pipes sticking out from under the Fisherman Village houses, occasionally discharging (hopefully) water directly onto the sand.
The beach is very popular, and during peak seasons, it can feel crowded. Sometimes, people lie just an arm’s length away. On the west, the shallow waters attract people to sit on the shore or dine at seaside restaurants.
For those interested in other beaches, I have a brief overview of all Samui beaches to help you choose the perfect spot.
Swimming
Deep beaches are rare on Samui. Bo Phut stands out for its deep waters, making it popular among those who want to avoid the crowds of Chaweng but aren’t satisfied with the tranquility of Mae Nam.
The western part of Bo Phut is unaffected by low tides, providing a consistently good spot for swimming and sunbathing. The depth reaches up to two meters just 10-15 meters from the shore. The eastern part becomes unattractive during low tides, resembling Tong Plu on Samui’s northern coast.
Sunbeds and Shade
The entire western part of Bo Phut is well-equipped with beach facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and tables. While not all these amenities are available for rent, you’re free to walk around and find a spot.
Natural shade on Bo Phut mainly comes from the numerous palm trees along the shore. It may not be as abundant as in Mae Nam with its palm groves, but it still provides good cover from the sun, especially for kids.
Beach Photos
Bo Phut near Fisherman Village
Bo Phut, Western Half
Amenities
Like Mae Nam, Bo Phut quiets down after dark. Most establishments and shops close, with only cafes, restaurants, and street food vendors remaining open. Evening strolls are popular, and the nearby Fisherman Village is perfect for a nighttime walk.
Fisherman Village stays lively in the evenings, offering souvenirs, clothing, and a wide selection of international cuisine. It’s home to one of the best Indian restaurants, and the Friday Night Markets draw large crowds.
Bo Phut offers all the conveniences and services found on Samui. You’ll find banks, ATMs, laundries, equipment rentals, auto and motorcycle services, gas stations, markets, night markets, cafes, restaurants, water dispensers, water pumping stations, Thai shops, large hardware stores, furniture, and leather workshops.
On the western part of the beach, you’ll mostly find hotel entertainment, beach volleyball nets, kayaks, and jet skis. There’s also a large inflatable water park with slides and floating islands for children, similar to the one on Chaweng.
On the eastern side, you’ll encounter standalone bars and open-air restaurants along the shore. The main attraction near Bo Phut is the Bo Phut Temple (Wat Bo Phuttharam), where a large monk statue was recently erected. The temple grounds also host a weekly traveling fair.
Around 2015, the shopping center The Warf opened in Bo Phut. This large complex near the sea features one- and two-story buildings housing souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. By 2017-18, more than half of the spaces in the deeper part of the center were empty due to high rental prices set by the owner.
Accommodation
Bo Phut Beach hosts over two dozen hotels situated between the Ring Road and the sea. While there are some vacant lots, Bo Phut is one of the most developed beaches on the island. If hotel stays aren’t your preference, you can always cross the road and start looking inland.
There’s a wide range of housing options, with homes extending up to a mile (1.5 km) inland. However, homes closer to major shops and centers tend to be more expensive.
If you want to book a hotel here or find accommodation on other beaches, check out my selection of Samui hotels with good ratings and reviews.
How to Find the Beach
Alternatively, to avoid the crowded narrow street, drive to the second entrance to the village. Park your bike in the large parking lot and walk to the beach, which is the same everywhere on the west. You’ll also get to see Bo Phut’s piers and stroll through Fisherman Village.
Bo Phut Beach is extensive enough that access to the water is not an issue. However, it’s worth noting that the western part is lined with hotels. You can walk through their premises, though interactions with hotel staff might take time and affect your mood, as outsiders aren’t always welcome. It’s better to drive to the only traffic light in Bo Phut, turn left, and enter Fisherman Village.
Alternatively, to avoid the crowded narrow street, drive to the second entrance to the village. Park your bike in the large parking lot and walk to the beach, which is the same everywhere on the west. You’ll also get to see Bo Phut’s piers and stroll through Fisherman Village.
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