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Introducing Bang Por – Original Charm of Samui

Squeezed between Maenam and Nathon, Bang Por retains the original charm of Koh Samui island amidst the hustle of other tourist locations. Blessed with stunning deserted beaches fringed with swaying palms and numerous high-end villas, it is often Bang Por beach which you see in the travel agent’s brochures.

Ministry

Bang Por Overview

Once a sleepy fisherman’s village, Bang Por has fast turned into one of the most sought-after locations of Koh Samui. Stretching along the northern coast of the island, Bang Por never gets overcrowded giving its visitors the feeling of serenity and seclusion. Overlooking Koh Phangan and Ang Thon National Marine Park, Bang Por provides amazing views of the postcard splendid Gulf of Thailand, and fantastic towering limestone cliff islets covered with the lush vegetation.

Even though the tourist activity is rather low-key, travellers will still find everything for the relaxed and bountiful holiday here: several authentic Thai restaurants and international cafes, splendid beach belted with azure waters lacking people, holistic spas, and, of course, numerous high-end villa accommodations to complete your exclusive holiday.

The strategic location nearby the administrative capital of Samui – Nathon – benefits visitors who would like to enjoy the retail therapy and savour a wider range of cuisines. Also, travellers can take a one day island hopping trip to the nearby paradisal islets, or dive tour at Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is a collection of uninhabited islands teeming with fascinating marine life and wonderful coral reefs.

What We Love

  • Mesmerising postcard beach

  • Luxurious beachfront villas

  • Seaside restaurants and bars

  • Numerous holistic spas

  • Proximity to Nathon town

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Bang Por

Shopping

Bang Por is not a major shopping destination, though you can still find several street stalls packed full of usual knick-knacks, magnets and sarongs. A couple of minimarts set along the main road sell cold beverages, groceries and toiletries.

Though, if you want to indulge in the serious shopping, take a taxi or hop up on your bike, and head to the nearby Nathon of Bophut towns.

Providing numerous shops, local boutiques and plazas these renowned Bang Por neighbours will not let you leave empty-handed.

Relaxation

Featuring with a rather small size, Bang Por, though, is generously dotted with holistic spas and massage shops. Situated in front of the beach, these parlours offer the utmost relaxation experience.

You can opt one of the treatments or make an itinerary for the whole day spa program, and indulge in the world of fragrances, essential oils and wonderful body treatments.

The must-try is Thai massage, which combines different practices to make your body stretched and pampered. After this highly beneficial therapy, you will feel reborn, de-stressed and rejuvenated. An ideal way to finish the day in the paradise!

Villa Chi Samui Open Plan Spa | Bang Por, Koh Samui
Spa Bang Por Koh Samui Thailand
Villa Malouna Beach View | Bang Por, Koh Samui
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Bang Por

Restaurants

As a fishing village, Bang Por boasts wonderful beachfront restaurants serving freshest seafood prepared in the authentic Thai-style. Daily fish, tiger prawns, little octopus and clams cooked on the grill with traditional flavours are absolutely must-try here.

You can also find in Bang Por a couple of excellent restaurants serving the international cuisines. From the Italian favourites to the juicy steaks and burgers, these dining venues will diversify your seafood-Thai diet.

Should you want to sample a wider range of cuisines, head to Nathon, which is only a 10-minute drive from the village. The abundant dining scene featuring Nathon serve Mediterranean, Indian, Arab, German and Japanese cuisines to satisfy the choosiest of customers with its endless selection.

Nightlife

Bang Por is featured with a quiet and laid-back nightlife. Being tranquil and secluded, the coastal village doesn’t host frantic nightclubs and bustling bars, instead, it offers some of the most splendid views available on the island.

Its north-western location allows visitors to witness the scenic sunsets behind the dramatically beautiful Ang Thong islets. Sitting right on the soft sand or soaking in your private pool, Bang Por offers something different from the usual nightlife.

Beach bars scattered along the shore offer a more vivid way to watch the sunset and socialise. Located in or around large hotel resorts, these drinking establishments serve a relaxed and friendly atmosphere along with the utmost facilities and attractive menus.

Krua Bang Por Restaurant Bang Por Koh Samui Thailand
Bang Por Seafood Restaurant Koh Samui Thailand
Restaurants in Bang Por Koh Samui Thailand
Villa Blue View Dining Table | Bang Por, Koh Samui
Villa Malouna Kitchen and Breakfast Bar | Bang Por, Koh Samui
The Emerald Beach Villa 4 Outdoor Dining | Bang Por, Koh Samui
Ministry

Bang Por Neighbourhoods

Situated towards the west of Samui Airport on the northern coast of Koh Samui, Bang Por is the ideal place to relish in unbeaten views, savour the local cuisine and laze on the splendid empty beach.

Bang Por & Surrounds

MAENAM

Maenam is a study of contrasts: this sleepy village imposing a timeless feel is a reasonably developed and provides visitors with all necessary amenities.

MAENAM GUIDE

NATHON

Nathon, an administrative centre of Samui, is not a touristy location, though, there are plenty of great shopping, dining and relaxation options here.

NATHON GUIDE

LAEM YAI

Laem Yai is a remote coastal village located on the northwestern tip of Koh Samui that draws travellers with its natural scenery, serenity and tranquillity.

LAEM YAI GUIDE
Ministry

Bang Por Villas

There are nine Ministry Approved villas in Bang Por. As Bang Por is not as popular as other eastern location of Koh Samui, villa prices tend to be lower than in other parts of the island. Bang Por villas range from USD $330 per night for two-bedroom villa resorts to over USD $2,100 per night for a seven-bedroom luxury villa.

Most of our villas have dedicated staff including butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”

  • Add to Wishlist
    Villa Malouna Pool Bale with Sea View | Bang Por, Koh SamuiVilla Malouna Living Area with Sea View | Bang Por, Koh Samui

    VILLA MALOUNA

    Bang Por, Koh Samui – 7 Bedrooms

    Villa Malouna, is a stunning absolute beachfront property, perfect for groups and having every child’s dream escape with their own 6-bed funzone.

    US $1,942
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    Villa Blue View Luxe Gardens and Pool | Bang Por, Koh SamuiVilla Blue View Luxe Exterior | Bang Por, Koh Samui

    VILLA BLUE VIEW LUXE

    Bang Por, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    This amazing hilltop villa comes with a rooftop pool, jaw-dropping design and mesmerising views of the ocean and Koh Phangan island.

    US $988
  • Add to Wishlist
    Villa Blue View Dining Table | Bang Por, Koh Samui

    VILLA BLUE VIEW

    Bang Por, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Villa Blue View is a contemporary villa, perched several yards above sea level in the peaceful north coast.

    US $870
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    Villa Anar Bird’s Eye View | Bang Por, Koh SamuiVilla Anar Sun Loungers | Bang Por, Koh Samui

    VILLA ANAR

    Bang Por, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Villa Anar is a modern beachfront villa shaded by palm trees in a tranquil nook of Koh Samui, staffed with a private chef.

    US $1,224
Ministry

Practical Information

Getting There

FERRY AND BUS

There are plenty of companies that carry out transfers from Phuket to Samui. The trip consists of terrestrial and marine transfers and ranges from six to seven hours. Buses depart from the central bus station in Phuket and bring travellers to Koh Phangan pier where passengers make a transfer for the modern and fast catamaran, which brings visitors to Nathon Pier located on the north-western coast of Koh Samui. Usually, there are two daily transfers for Koh Samui, but the timing can range due to the travel operator.

PLANE

Although it is possible to get to Bang Por, Koh Samui over land or water, the best way is to fly.

AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS

It takes around 30 minutes to reach Bang Por from Samui Airport depending on traffic. If you are travelling by ferry, the trip from Nathon Pier will take around 15 minutes. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.

AIRPORT TAXI

Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. If you opt not to use the taxi desk, there are numerous taxi drivers waiting outside the arrival terminal so you can negotiate the price with them. Even though there is a big sign “Meter-Taxi” on the roof of taxis, local drivers rarely use them, so it is recommended to discuss the price beforehand. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi. A shared taxi is essentially cheaper but usually requires at least five passengers to depart.

Getting Around

There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:

PRIVATE CAR

Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.

RENTAL CAR

If you are planning to explore further afield, hired car is an excellent way to travel around the island. However, due to the hilly landscape of the area, it is recommended, to select a 4×4 wheel drive car, otherwise, it can be challenging to get to your hilltop villa. Also, take into account, that the lower rental price implies the absence of insurance and a poor condition of the vehicle so opt the international brands, if possible, when renting a car, such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Car Rentals, which are more trustworthy than the local rental shops.

RENTAL SCOOTER

As Bang Por is a rather secluded location, it might be challenging to find a wide range of rental shops here, but in the nearby Nathon motorbike rental shops are widespread, so you can rent a bike there. If you venture to move around on a scooter, get prepared to the rather chaotic traffic. Also, take into account that you must always have an international drivers license on your person, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. Always opt bikes with insurance, and, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.

SONGTHAEWS OR PICK-UP TAXIS

Songthaews or “two-benches” are simple pick-up tracks that follow their set routes and pick up or drop off passengers at any site along the route. The route is never set in stone, so before getting into the truck, always double check, where the vehicle is heading. The trip usually costs THB20, and anyone can simply jump in or require the stop ringing a bell. Though the route is described in English, it can be tricky to puzzle out how to get to the destination point for the first-time traveller.

TAXI

Samui’s taxi is an easy, yet, rather expensive way to move around. Even though all cars are equipped with meters, local drivers rarely use them, so be very specific when negotiating the price and the destination point before getting into the vehicle.

Ministry

Bang Por Travelogue