World Wings: North Koh Samui Island

North Koh Samui Island Thailand

Ko Samui is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, and is the country’s second-largest island after Phuket. Bophut Beach, on the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving trips. Bophut is one of the few places on Samui that still keeps some of the island’s original Thai-Chinese character. It has recently been booming, with new hotels and guesthouses appearing at a rapid pace. The traditional heart of Bophut, known as Fisherman’s Village, is a charming village on the eastern side of the beach, while the newer developments are to the west. In contrast to Chaweng, there has been a deliberate effort to discourage the more commercial side of Thai nightlife and instead to appeal to couples and young families. The beach road still keeps much of its charm, even if the new buildings have taken a little from it. Old Chinese shophouses line the narrow street, many of them sensitively converted for modern use as restaurants, cafés, and small trendy shops. The beach itself stretches for about 2 km of white sand fringed with coconut palms, and the calm waters of the bay make it a popular place for playing or relaxing rather than swimming, as the water is often murky, especially around December. Na Mueang Waterfall is surrounded by purple rock formations, with water plunging down from an impressive height of around 79 m. Mae Nam is known for its 7 km stretch of beach. The beach has white sand and is lined with coconut trees. The sea is usually calm, although there is a moderate drift and the water is not often clear. Mae Nam actually means “river”, with “mae” meaning mother and “nam” meaning water.

Recommended airport

Koh Samui (USM)

Nearby destinations

North Koh Samui Island, Thailand

North Koh Samui Island Thailand