Free Wave Market
Doors don't open until 4pm here, and that tells you everything about how to use the place. This is an after-dark market in Bo Put, open every day of the week from 4pm right through to midnight, and it works best as somewhere to drift into once the heat has gone out of the day. Turn up at five and you're ahead of the crowd. Turn up at nine and it's still going.
What I like about it is the pace. It's open-air and casual, the kind of market you wander rather than shop with a list, grazing as you go and picking up whatever catches your eye. If you're staying near Bophut and you've had your fill of the beach road restaurants, this is a decent change of scene for an evening. If you want a big polished mall experience, it isn't that, and I wouldn't come expecting one.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Free Wave Market, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
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Wat Phra Yai
A 12-metre gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays: half an hour well spent.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hanging nets over the jungle canopy, sunset timed right, and a live band once it gets dark.
Free Wave Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free Wave Market worth visiting?
Free Wave Market holds a 4.8★ rating from 122 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated markets & shopping in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Free Wave Market?
Free Wave Market is typically open 16:00-00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Free Wave Market?
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 Free Wave Market located?
Free Wave Market is at H25J+6RV, 4171, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
H25J+6RV, 4171, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, ThailandVisitor 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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
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 Free Wave Market
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Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Nearby Places
Saona Collection / Bophut
A women's clothing boutique in Fisherman's Village offering handmade island wear, beach outfits, and accessories.
Fisherman's Village Night Market
A beachfront walking street of food, drinks and trinkets that people come back to twice in one trip.
Stoners Samui Fisherman
A lively Bo Put shopping destination open daily until 2:00 AM, blending retail and relaxed island atmosphere.
Secret of Samui
Organic beauty and wellness shop near Fisherman's Village, known for locally made products and a welcoming owner.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Go at six in the morning, before the heat turns 15,000 stalls into an endurance test.
centralwOrld
Vast, air-conditioned and genuinely easy to navigate, with a top-floor food scene worth the trip alone.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Go at dusk, arrive by the free shuttle boat, and treat it as an evening out rather than a shopping trip.
MBK CENTER
Eight floors of small stalls and haggling, closer to an indoor market than a mall, and all the better for it.
Where to stay near Free Wave Market
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 Expedia
Bundle & save
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.
Location Info
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas