Koh Samui is having a bit of a moment. Granted, this Thai island has long been known for its sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It’s always been the place to go when you want to escape to paradise.
But after season three of The White Lotus showcased the island’s lush landscape and idyllic beaches to a stunning effect, interest in the island has truly skyrocketed.
Personally, we have always had a soft spot for Koh Samui (below is a photo we took staying at Celadon back in 2016, one of our favourite villas). It’s been fascinating to watch the island evolve over the years. On our latest trip, we were struck by the two distinct hubs that have formed on the island, each with its own unique appeal and bespoke flavour. So which locale is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Fisherman’s Village – Margaritas & Mellow Vibes
Located in Bophut on the island’s north coast, Fisherman’s Village was once in fact a thriving fishing community. You can still see remnants of the old pier peeking from those clear blue waters.
Fast forward to today and Fisherman’s Village has been transformed into a stylish enclave dotted with restaurants, boutiques, upscale spas, and a singular luxury villa – Villa M. While that concept might not sound revolutionary, this chic little hub actually feels like a breath of fresh air.
Thanks to thoughtful planning, Fisherman’s Village has managed to forgo the more cliched aspects of Thai tourism. Rather than backpackers, the area caters to families and couples. The area doesn’t have the rowdy or frenzied energy of, say, Phuket’s Patong, but instead, the atmosphere feels relaxed and chilled.
Here, palm trees sway in the breeze and visitors tend to opt for chilled margaritas rather than perspiring bottles of Singha beer. Granted, prices tend to be a bit higher than in other parts of the island, but in our opinion, the area’s relaxed yet sophisticated air more than makes up for it.
One of the things that gives Fisherman’s Village its unique charm is the architecture. The area is still dotted with old Chinese shophouses that have since received a modern update. Those historic structures now house stylish restaurants – think whitewashed walls, rattan furniture, and dreamy decorative swings that are just waiting to be photographed. This mix of old and new is a winning combination.
Fisherman’s Village is framed by a long sandy beach. The beach is beautiful and has that same relaxed feel as the village itself. If, however, you’re a very picky beachgoer, take note: The sand here is coarser than in Chaweng which has that soft, powdery sand you might be expecting from your Thai getaway.
While Fisherman’s Village is charming any time of day, it really comes alive during its famous night markets. As the evening falls, the streets are illuminated by twinkling lights and pretty little lanterns, with stalls hawking souvenirs, snacks, beverages, and more.
The market is very popular and as the night wears on, the streets get packed, especially on Fridays. We’d recommend heading there early and making a prior booking if you have your heart set on dining at a specific restaurant. During the night market, the streets are closed for traffic, so it feels very easy and safe to simply stroll about and take in the magic. Because that’s what it really feels like – like there’s some actual magic in the air.
Chaweng – Cold Beers & Neon Lights
While Chaweng has long reigned as the busiest, buzziest area in Koh Samui, to this day, it also boasts one of the prettiest beaches on the island. Running about 7 kilometres long, the beach is blessed with powdery white sand and clear blue waters. Sure, pats of it do get busy, but even amid the jet-skis and banana boats, the trappings are still as pretty as a postcard.
As you venture off the beach and onto the streets, you’re greeted by a riot of sights and sounds. These narrow streets are jam packed with restaurants, bars, minimarts, ATMs, fish spas, and ice cream joints all vying for your attention. It’s quite telling that Central Samui, the largest mall on the island, is also located in Chaweng. Everything in Chaweng is just a bit bigger, louder, and more in-your-face.
As the sultry evening sets in, Chaweng is abuzz with loud music and bright colours. There are DJs, there’s dancing, there are go-go bars and boxing matches, and plenty of ice-cold beer. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s exciting – and it’s definitely not the chilled vibe you’ll find in Fisherman’s Village.
There is a certain ease to Chaweng. With everything right at your fingertips (great meals, spa treatments, and plenty of cold drinks) there is little reason to venture far. You could simply make the short drive over from the airport and stay put for the duration of your stay.
One of the main draws is obviously that long and gorgeous beach. This long stretch is teeming with activity (think water sports and beach bars) but if you wander long enough, you might just find a quieter spot where you can truly appreciate its beauty.
Considering how long (and popular!) the beach is, it’s surprising how tricky it is to find public access to it – one that doesn’t involve cutting through a resort that is. To find the main entrance to the beach, look up Chaweng Beach Entrance on Google Maps.
There is a certain charm to Chaweng’s raw energy – you just never know what’s waiting around the corner. If, however, it all feels just a bit too much, why not choose your accommodation a bit further out? Samui is a small island (you can circumvent it in less than 2 hours) so you can easily hop in a taxi when you want to soak up Chaweng’s raw and vibrant energy… and then retreat back to your peaceful abode, far from the madding crowd – like we did staying at Samujana below.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village each have their own unique charm. There’s a distinct energy to each district, so it’s all about choosing the spot that best fits your vision for the perfect holiday.
We are passionate about making that vision a reality. Having frequented the island for more than a decade, we can help you plan and book the perfect holiday in Koh Samui. We remain at your service – contact us here.
