Bo Phut Beach
Bo Phut Beach sits on the northern coast of Koh Samui and draws visitors less for its swimming and more for its character. The adjacent Fisherman's Village is the real drawcard — a stretch of converted traditional shophouses lined with restaurants, boutique shops, and bars that come alive in the evening. The beach itself is quieter and less crowded than Koh Samui's more famous shores, offering a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that appeals to those looking to escape the island's busier tourist hubs. Visitors consistently praise Bo Phut as a place to linger over seafood and drinks with a sea view rather than a destination for sunbathing or swimming. Several beachside restaurants offer free sun lounges to diners, making it a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon or evening. The coastline provides attractive views across to the neighbouring islands, and the area is well served by hotels, shops, and public amenities. It is worth noting that swimming at Bo Phut is not recommended. Reviewers have flagged a sewage discharge point near the eastern entrance to Fisherman's Village that affects water quality along this stretch of beach. Those visiting primarily for the dining, atmosphere, and coastal scenery — particularly in the evening — are likely to find it a worthwhile stop. The low season months, around November, see noticeably fewer crowds, making it a good time to explore the beach and surrounds at a relaxed pace.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Bo Phut Beach — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Bo Phut Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
In November it's low season so it's a good time to take tours and travel around Koh Samui. The beaches are not crowded, actually I am practically alone when walking on the beach. The Thai people are friendy and smiling all the time and the food is delicious. I also recommend the one day "fun" tour, all inclusive (jeep, insurance. entrances, water, lunch, guide).
Great beach ⛱️ with a lovely little restaurant that has sun lounges free to use if you eat there, very clean and smaller That a lot of other beaches Not crowded at all. It was our favourite
You can’t (or at least should not) swim here. There’s a rancid stream of sewage discharging right onto it just by the eastern entrance to the Fisherman’s village street. I don’t understand how people were in the water and let their children swim in it - even before I ran by the sewage stream I could tell the water was nasty. Really sad considering it’s a pretty spot and you can tell it used to be beautiful and nice, but humans destroy everything. I wouldn’t recommend coming to this area unless you’re just looking for easy access to European food.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 2,494 reviews on Google.
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Bo Phut Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bo Phut Beach worth visiting?
Bo Phut Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 2,494 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Bo Phut Beach?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Bo Phut Beach located?
Bo Phut Beach is at Bo Phut Beach, Surat Thani, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Bo Phut Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Nearby Places

W Beach
A tranquil palm-fringed beach on Koh Samui split between a private hotel section and a public stretch with water sports.

Bangrak Beach
A quiet, low-key beach on Koh Samui's eastern shore — better suited to walks than swimming.

Maenam Beach
A laid-back stretch of palm-fringed beach on Koh Samui's north coast, known for calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's largest beach, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya, with clear water and a lively shoreline.

Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.

Karon Beach
A 4km stretch of golden sand in Phuket, known for calm, clear water and spectacular sunsets.
Where to stay near Bo Phut Beach
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas