Bophut Beach sits between Maenam and Big Buddha Beach on Samui’s northern coast.

There is a slightly quieter and more laid back feel than the larger Chaweng and Lamai Beaches, and it is very popular with people who don’t want to be in the thick of Samui’s hedonistic nightlife areas.

Bophut is also known as Fisherman’s Village.

Fisherman’s village is considered the most traditional and well-preserved place on the island, and is a welcome sight for people who are not so keen on the heavier development on other parts of the island.

The village takes up the middle section of Bophut Beach and is lined with traditional Chinese, wooden shop houses. The modern buildings here blend in nicely, and certainly don’t spoil the traditional feel to the place.

Bophut Beach itself spans about two miles, and it is one of the most idyllic spots on the island, sporting beautiful white sandy beaches, dotted with coconut palms.

Bophut Beach tends to be quieter than the beaches on the islands east coast and there are also some great views out to Koh Pha Ngan. Historically, as the nickname suggests, this was a fishing village, and there are still a small number of local fishing boats continuing this traditional lifestyle.