Food and Night Markets in Koh Samui and Koh Tao
Part of the Koh Samui and Koh Tao travel guide — see every topic in All Koh Samui and Koh Tao Guides.
Food is a big part of a stay on Koh Samui. The island has everything from small street stalls to smart restaurants by the sea. Southern Thai food is spicy and full of flavour, and seafood is fresh. Night markets are the easiest way to try many dishes at low cost. This guide covers the best places to eat, the main markets and some local dishes to look for.
Fisherman's Village walking street
The best-known market on Samui is the walking street in Fisherman's Village, Bophut. It usually takes place on Friday evenings. The narrow main street closes to traffic and fills with stalls. You can buy grilled seafood, satay, noodles, mango sticky rice, fresh fruit shakes and many other snacks. There are also stalls with clothes, art and gifts. It gets very busy, so come early in the evening if you want space to walk. On other nights, the cafes and restaurants on the same street are a calm place for dinner by the sea.
Other markets
Samui has several other night markets. Lamai has a walking street market one evening each week, and food stalls open in the town most nights. Chaweng has food markets with many stalls and seats in the middle, which are good for groups. In Nathon, on the west coast, there is a local market where island people shop for food. Morning markets in the towns sell fresh fruit, vegetables and snacks for breakfast. Market days can change, so ask at your hotel for the latest days and times.
Southern Thai dishes
Food in the south of Thailand is often spicier than in the north. Look for kaeng som, a sour and spicy fish curry, and kaeng tai pla, a strong curry with vegetables. Massaman curry is milder, with potato and peanuts. Grilled fish and squid are common at beach restaurants. Many dishes use fresh coconut, because Samui has many coconut farms. If you want less heat, say "mai phet", which means "not spicy". Most places will make a milder version for you.
Fruit and coconuts
Samui was once known mainly for coconuts, and coconut trees still cover much of the island. Fresh young coconuts to drink are sold almost everywhere. The island also grows durian, rambutan, mangosteen and other tropical fruit. Many of these are in season from about May to August. Fruit stalls by the road and in the morning markets have the best prices. Ask the seller to choose a ripe one for you. Some sellers will cut the fruit so you can eat it on the spot.
Eating by the beach
Many beach restaurants put tables on the sand at night. This is common in Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. You can choose fresh seafood from ice, and the staff cook it how you like. Check the price by weight before you order, because seafood can be expensive. For a quieter meal with a sunset view, go to the west coast near Lipa Noi or Taling Ngam. Small family restaurants inland, away from the beaches, are often cheaper and good for local Thai food.
Food and Night Markets at a glance
| Getting there | Fisherman's Village is in Bophut, about 10 minutes by car from the airport |
|---|---|
| Hours | Night markets usually start around 5 to 6 pm |
| Cost | Market food is cheap; beach seafood is priced by weight |
| Best time | Dry months, about January to August, for outdoor markets |
| Try | Kaeng som, massaman curry, grilled squid, fresh coconut |