Koh Samui is a fairly large island in the Gulf of Thailand, and is home to several small cities and towns. Fisherman Village in Koh Samui is located on the northern side of the island.
This once sleepy fishing village has transformed into a must-see for visitors.The town maintains its traditional charm with old, wooden, Thai-style homes and shophouses.
Because it is a large island, getting around with public transport on Fisherman Village can become expensive quickly. The best way to travel on the island is with a car rental in Koh Samui through Drive Car Rental. We have a convenient location right at the airport, so sightseers can fly in and drive away!
Let’s dive into some additional information on the history of this once-quaint town that has become a hotspot for cultural experiences.
Fisherman’s Village as It Was Long Ago
Koh Samui has been inhabited for approximately 1,500 years, most likely by people from the Malay Peninsula. Its first appearance on a map comes from a Chinese survey done in the 1600s, but the island remained largely isolated and self-sufficient until the 1970s, when it began building tourism infrastructure.
The history of Fishermen’s Village likely goes back centuries, but historical records are murky due to the lack of contact with the mainland. It was the primary fishing port for the north side of the island and remained so until tourism slowly took over in the 2000s. Today, the town is still proud of its historical roots and traditional culture.
Fisherman’s Village Today
Nowadays, Fisherman’s Village has been absorbed by the town of Bophut. Most fishing boats now call the city of Nathon on the west side their port of call. This is also the primary ferry port for the island.
During the day, tourists can stroll through the streets and see several traditional wooden structures that are possibly one hundred years old or more. Nestled among these beautiful relics are boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, and spas.
Fisherman’s Village truly comes alive at night. A large night market pops up on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. During particularly busy times of year, the market may be open seven nights a week, and it is a dining and shopping delight not to be missed.
Hundreds of vendors set up stalls selling everything from handmade artisan wares to stunningly fresh grilled seafood. When it’s time for a break from the crowds, visitors can head down to the beach for a quiet walk while listening to the waves.
Getting to and Around Koh Samui
If Fisherman’s Village is one of your top priorities, flying to Koh Samui via Bangkok Airways is the most efficient way to get there. It’s just a few kilometres from the airport to Bophut. Many other visitors come to the island via ferry. Like most ships, these ferries arrive in Nathon Port on the west side, and from there, it’s a twenty-kilometre drive to Bophut.
Koh Samui itself is still largely a mountainous jungle island. The cities and towns are all located near the shore, and the centre of the island has winding roads through the mountains. Here, holidaymakers can see waterfalls, wildlife, and spectacular viewpoints from the higher elevation. You might even spot some of Thailand’s famous banyan trees in Koh Samui.
Distances on the map as the crow flies seem short, but in reality, the twisting roads require some patience to navigate. Build in extra time for driving these roads, which can cause journeys to take longer than expected.
Spend Less with Drive Car Rental
Drive Car Rental provides several types of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, luxury sedans, and even electric and hybrid vehicles. Rental periods can be daily, weekly, monthly, or even longer for expats and long-stay tourists. The longer the rental period, the lower the cost.
It should be noted that because Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations in the south of Thailand, rental cars book out quickly, and this is especially true in the high season from November to April. Anyone visiting at this time would be wise to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee their vehicle of choice at the lowest rate.
For any questions, our helpful service staff is just a phone call or an email away. Contact us today to see how much you can save by choosing a rental over taxis and public transport!