5 Best Night Markets in Koh Samui

Fisherman’s Village Walking Street brings the quiet, sleepy town of Bophut to life every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm. It sees the narrow Beach Road and adjoining streets crammed with market stalls and shoppers from across Koh Samui, with a diverse range of wares available at very low prices. 

Many of the stalls sell much the same items as you’ll find in markets throughout Thailand, including inexpensive T-shirts, simple jewellery, purses, sunglasses, beer cosies, souvenirs, beachwear and simple electrical goods. A certain amount of judgment and measured expectations is necessary when selecting your purchases.

Lamai Night Market is a lively spot perfect for shopping and dining. It offers a variety of typical souvenirs, such as T-shirts, carved ornaments and affordable jewellery. While some branded items of questionable authenticity are best avoided, the market's central location and vibrant atmosphere are its true charm, reminiscent of Bangkok's Patpong but on a smaller scale.

Additionally, Lamai Night Market features nightly live music and is a foodie’s paradise with an extensive selection of international cuisine. Football fans will appreciate the huge projector showing live matches, adding to the market's dynamic and entertaining ambiance.

Chaweng Walking Street is a riot of colours, sounds and scents. Here, you can haggle for a diverse array of items, from stylish beachwear and trendy sunglasses to unique jewellery and intricately carved wooden souvenirs. You'll also find an assortment of bags, flip-flops, kids' clothing and cosmetics, making it a shopper's paradise.

There's also plenty to eat and drink here. Unlike typical shopping experiences in the West, where sipping cocktails while browsing is rare, at Chaweng Walking Street Market, you can do just that, and for very little money, too.

Nathon Night Market is located in the island’s main port town, Nathon, and it’s frequented by locals, giving it an authentic feel. It’s open daily and offers a variety of local foods, fresh produce, clothing and household items at very reasonable prices. 

Feast on scrumptious fishcakes, spring rolls or even an entire grilled fish. For dessert, sample local sweet treats or fresh fruit. Everything is fresh, flavoursome and perfectly cooked. After dinner, do a circuit of the stalls and browse for fun souvenirs. How about some aromatic spices or dried herbs so you can conjure up Thai flavours at home too? Walk to the end of the pier, take in the stunning sunset and snap some memorable holiday photos. 

Chaweng Night Market is essentially a large food court, offering an impressive selection of local Thai cuisine, European dishes and international fare, along with a couple of small bars. The fantastic array of dining options is complemented by its picturesque location next to Chaweng Lake.

In addition to the diverse culinary offerings, the market features lively stalls selling local handicrafts, providing an authentic taste of Koh Samui's culture. Conveniently situated across from the Samui Central shopping centre, this street market is a must-visit destination.