Bophut Beach , Bo Phut Koh Samui Thailand
 Bophut
Beach 
The quite two-kilometer beach attracts a mix
of young and old travelers, as well as families. Bophut is one of
Samui's oldest settlements and remains a quaint little fishing village,
with several of the seafront shop houses converted into restaurants.
The beach itself is some two kilometers of white sand, and the tranquility
of the bay makes this a popular spot for water skiing. At night
there is a charming, romantic atmosphere. Bophut is perfect for
a little privacy, however ; it mostly maintains a sleepy village
feel.
 Bophut
is really two places: Bophut beach, which sweeps down several kilometres
between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches and perhaps one of the oldest
places on the island, the charming Fisherman's Village, which takes
up the middle section of the beach.
Fisherman's Village is fast gaining a reputation that stretches
way beyond Samui for being the most elegant and well-preserved place
on the island. Lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses, interspaced
with a few modern buildings that match the tone, it retains a distinctly
Mediterranean feel. This has probably got a lot to do with the fact
that it was the main French outpost on the island for many years.
Things have changed in recent times though as the French have moved
out and the Brits have moved in, followed closely by the Australians
and the Americans. This means that there are now no less than five
British bars to choose from on the short strip. Most, including
The Frog and Gecko and Steve's Inn are very friendly and welcoming.
The Billabong Surf Club keeps the Aussies happy. 
There are also numerous quality dining options. Starfish & Coffee
serves Thai and international dishes with a stylish touch. Part
of the building includes a shop selling selected Thai handicrafts
and a beautiful massage centre where you relax on a quiet sea facing
terrace with a relaxing foot massage.
Several seafront shophouses have been converted into trendy restaurants
with beautiful and quiet settings for lunch or dinner. Most have
an excellent selection of international dishes served on a small
and cozy terrace right over the beach and overlooking Bophut Bay
and the far islands of Koh Phang Ngan and Koh Tao. At night, the
area is quite charming, making it a perfect location for a romantic
evening.
Residents recommend... Angela's Bakery which
has a wide choice of sandwiches and salads, all generously served,
and the big finale not to be missed: cakes, pastries and lemon cheese
cake. The Greek Restaurant, also a local favourite, located at the
west end of the street along the beach. La Sirene, a French restaurant
with seafood specials cooked in Mediterranean style typical of the
South of France. The Happy Elephant, Pacific Rim fusion restaurant
Shades, classic Italian Villa Bianca and the deliciously jazzy Juzza
Pizza.
Mixed in among the shops are several boutiques, selling high quality
clothing and jewellery. Accommodation is limited in Fisherman's
Village itself, though one of the island's best small hotels, The
Lodge, and the stylishly upmarket Apartments are located beachfront
here.
At the western end, beyond Fisherman's Village, the area is undergoing
a dramatic transformation. No less than three five star resorts
are under construction in close proximity to each other. That said,
the average quality of accommodation in Bophut has always been higher
than in neighbouring Maenam and the existing resorts tend to attract
well-heeled independent travellers drawn to funky, fashionable,
places like Gecko Village, which is rave central for house music
fans, and the Bali-Med style Zazen Resort.
There are also some dive shops in the area, offering scuba lessons
or day dives to sites in the famous Ang Thong Marine Park, Sail
Rock or Koh Tao Island.
La Sirene also offers some selected tours to secret spots in the
surrounding islands or some Jeep rides to places difficult to access
for visitors not familiar with the island, mainly the Secret Buddha
Garden. Try an elephant ride in the tropical forest or go for a
fishing trip on a local fishing boat (with local fisherman) around
the island of Koh Phan Ngan.
Partner Sites
www.samuihoteltour.com
| www.samui-hotels-links.com
| www.hotel-samui.net
| www.1samui.com
| www.samui-hotels.info
| www.ko-samui-hotels.net
| www.samui-map.com
Provided
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
|
