Bophut Koh Samui is a large and beautiful beach in Koh Samui, spanning over two exquisite locations – here’s a guide to visiting this exquisite area.

The first location is the main beach, which is easily a thirty minute walk in between the Big Buddha Beach to Maenam beaches.

The second is the quiet and charming Fisherman’s Village, perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, and can be found in the middle section of the Bophut beach. Bophut may be home to several large resorts but development here has not encroached into the serene beauty of the landscape. As you walk along the beach you will see a breathtakingly blue ocean, luscious tropical plants and stunning architecture in the Fisherman’s Village.

Best of Bophut:

Fisherman’s Village

The village has acquired a reputation for being an elegant and well-preserved part of the island. It is a beautiful fusion of old wooden Chinese shop-houses interspaced with new. The modern buildings have been carefully and considerately constructed to match the tone and architecture of the long-standing buildings, but also with a distinctive Mediterranean feel to honour the village’s history as the main French outpost on the island. Here you can find boutiques that sell high quality clothes and jewellery, dive shops that offer scuba lessons, elephant rides in the tropical forest, fishing trips on the local boats and much more.

Fisherman’s Village Walking Street

This part street party, part farmer’s market event is a colourful and lively way to pass time from Friday afternoon to late evening. Hundreds of stalls sell items such as handcrafted souvenirs, clothing and artwork but a majority of visitors go for the food and beverages.

Cocktails can be bought from between 60 -80 baht, food from several bars, restaurants and vendors can be tasted with very little cost and this can all be done while strolling along the beach. After spending an evening like this, it will be clear why walking streets have become increasingly popular in the last five years.

Samui Crocodile Farm

Located about six kilometres east of the Bophut Fisherman’s Village, the Crocodile farm is a rare opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close.

Thailand is one of the world’s top crocodile producers, so there are a lot of species to see here, including Siamese, caiman and saltwater crocodiles. There are also a variety of monkeys and snakes to be seen.

A highlight is a an act where a trainer uses a crocodile as a chair without any protection at all, and then risks his life by sticking his head in the croc’s open mouth. The braver visitors are also allowed to stroke the crocodiles, but only their tails

Luxury Villas in Bophut

The best Bophut villas are found on Koh Samui’s northeastern coast, a part of the island known for its peaceful resorts, quiet beaches and upscale holiday communities.

Here you’ll be just moments from Plai Laem beach with its pristine white sand and calm waters thanks to a coral reed a little way offshore.

Bophut villa rentals are ideal if you want to relax near shallow waters with only a few boats or jet skis passing by.

Things to Do in Bophut

Things to do in Bophut include snorkeling on the reef, or heading to one of the area’s excellent bars and restaurants.

There are also a number of prestigious spas to be found close by. Bophut villas are set in a tranquil corner of Koh Samui however some of the livelier spots such as Chaweng are just a short distance away.

Take a short drive to Santiburi Samui Golf Club, home to an 18-hole course in a truly breathtaking setting. Or for those in search of adventure why not take a boat trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park – this archipelago features numerous deserted islands, all waiting to be discovered.

Read our Bophut travel guide for more information.

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With its year-round sun, exquisite natural beauty and cultural allure it’s no wonder Thailand is one of the best golf destinations in the world. Golf in Thailand became popular with nobles during the reign of King Rama V one hundred years ago – today the game is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

Thailand boasts more than 200 courses, designed by some of the best players in the world, so whether you’re in search of a pro game or a beginners round, Thailand is the perfect golf vacation destination. Take a look at the best golf courses in Koh Samui below – we have everything you need to help you plan your golf trip…

What are your options when it comes to playing golf in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui’s Santiburi Golf and Country Club is the only golf course on the island – but what a course it is!

This exquisite 18 hole championship golf course takes players up, down and around, with beautiful views that challenge you to keep your mind on the game.

Rated as one of the most beautiful courses in Asia and an essential stop on the PGA Asian Tour for many years, this 6,930 yards, par 72 course is sat on the palm-fringed mountains near Maenam Beach where the sun always shines and a light wind always blows.

Santiburi golf club has won numerous accolades as the best golf course in Koh Samui and was the first on the island to meet international golf standards.

Designed by Pirapon Namatra, the facility offers spectacular elevation changes set to keep you guessing and test every level of skill. Expect to play uphill, downhill and sidehill on tough signature greens providing tricky moments of play with plenty of obstacles to contend with.

The course came to fame when it hosted the 2006 Bangkok Airways Open, as well as numerous Asian tours and the renowned Queen’s Cup. The resort is home to an outstanding clubhouse with a pro shop, restaurant, bar and outdoor terraces – making it the perfect place for a special event or corporate golf trip in Koh Samui.

The greens are constructed with the highest quality grass ensuring excellent playing conditions all year round.

The course offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, ocean, streams and waterfalls and is sure to impress even the most discerning golfer.

Set amidst 23 acres of lush coconut gardens this club is truly a journey for the senses, and a must-visit experience during a Koh Samui vacation.

What alternatives are there?

On the Andaman Sea side of Thailand, Phuket is another contender for the Asian golf crown with some excellent championship courses.

The Blue Canyon Lakes, Mission Hills, Loch Palm and Laguna courses are all worth a mention however the club that’s drawing all the crowds is Red Mountain. The carefully crafted 6,900 yard course was designed by Ron Morrow and Al Tikkenen; since opening in 2008 it has become a local legend thanks to its quality craftsmanship, spectacular scenery and diverse layout.

Another top golf course in Thailand is Muang Kaew Golf Club , just a short drive from Bangkok. The award-winning  Lee Schmidt course offers long tricky par threes, an abundance of water shots, challenging greens and high-front bunkers set to seriously challenge players.

The course is professionally managed, great for all skill levels, with good caddies and excellent food. It is bisected by a highway however the road is quiet and doesn’t interfere with the game. Other favourites near Bangkok are the Legacy, Lam Lukka and Vintage courses.

Koh Samui villas are located at various stunning locations across the island, offering easy access to the golf club in Koh Samui as well as the island’s beaches, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions.

Travelling to Koh Samui via Bangkok is an ideal opportunity to sample the best golf courses in central Thailand and beyond.

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