Bo Phut Beach

With Bang Rak to the east and Maenam Beach to the west, Bo Phut is the longest beach on Koh Samui. Bo Phut village, lying somewhere around the centre, has come to be known as Fisherman's Village. As the oldest village on the island, Fisherman's Village has seen the comings and goings of many different cultures, and has retained a certain flavour of each. Combining a subtle blend of Thai, Chinese and French colonial influences, not to mention the considerable effect of the recent tourist wave, this charming village has something for every taste.

While the beach at Bo Phut may not be quite as spectacular as some of the other beaches on the island, it is well worth a visit, particularly for watersports enthusiasts. The village is home to a plethora of diving shops, and tour operators offering everything from scuba diving to fishing trips. For those willing to venture a little further, there are also plenty of operators offering excursions to Ang Thong National Park, or the nearby islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Head into the village at lunchtime for a wealth of culinary choice seafood is the local speciality, but there are also a variety of spots offering traditional Thai menus, before whiling away a lazy afternoon in one of the many Chinese teahouses or browsing around the local market.

After sunset is when the younger tourists come out to play, congregating in some of the village's trendiest bars and clubs. However, the area caters equally well for those seeking an early night, or travelling with children – the night market is a great spot to spend an evening, and there are plenty of restaurants offering a more serene atmosphere.

Bo Phut is located on the northern coast of Samui, about 4 kilometres from the airport.