Koh Samui: Markets and Walking Streets

In recent years, a lot has changed on Koh Samui, especially since the pandemic. Many popular walking streets, such as those in Maenam or at Lamai Beach, have disappeared. However, many new markets on Koh Samui have opened. Some are small, while others continue to grow.

Markets on Koh Samui – From Walking Streets to Night Markets

As mentioned, you can find plenty of markets all around Koh Samui. For many visitors, aside from the beaches on Koh Samui, they’re among the top highlights during a vacation. That’s why we’ve listed 12 Koh Samui markets and walking streets in this article. This way, you can decide in advance which ones you’d like to visit and get a first impression of what each one has to offer.

Accommodation in Koh Samui – Our Hotel Tip

A hotel where we felt very comfortable from the start is the Amari Koh Samui. The resort is located right on the beautiful Chaweng Beach, but not directly in the busy center. Despite its central location, the Amari exudes a relaxed atmosphere. You are also in the middle of the action in just a few minutes.

The hotel offers two swimming pools and beautiful, modern rooms of various categories. All are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and free WiFi. You can choose between a garden or sea view. The beds are of great quality and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

If you are looking for other hotels on Koh Samui, for example in places like Lamai, Maenam or Bophut? Then take a look at this overview.

1. Central Festival Market (Chaweng)

The massive Central Festival shopping mall in Chaweng, located between the Beach Road and the lake, is hard to miss. On the square facing Chaweng Lake, a night market takes place daily, although many stalls already open around midday. So, if you still have time after your shopping spree and want to grab something to eat or drink, this is the place to go.

You’ll find small snacks as well as full meals, beer, and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. There are also a few stalls selling souvenirs and other items if you’re still in the mood for shopping. It’s also a great spot to start your evening before heading to the party mile on Chaweng Beach Road or the Chaweng Walking Street (see next point).

2. Chaweng Walking Street (Chaweng)

Located right by Chaweng Lake, opposite the Central Festival Mall, the Chaweng Walking Street takes place three times a week, from Thursday to Saturday. It usually starts around 4.00 PM or 5.00 PM and closes at 10.00 PM. You’ll find a handful of stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories, but the main attraction is the food. From classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai or noodle soups to fried chicken, skewers, pizza, kebab, or roti. There’s plenty to try.

There are seating areas and parking spaces available, and you’ll usually find something free. For shopping, we’d recommend the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street instead. But if you prefer fewer crowds and still want great food, you should definitely check out the Chaweng Walking Street.

3. Food Village Night Market (Chaweng)

The Food Village Market, formerly known to visitors as the Chaweng Night Market, welcomes you with a view of Chaweng Lake on the opposite side of the road. While there aren’t too many shops, the few that are there offer a cozy wooden setting and delicious food at fair prices.

If you can’t decide what to eat, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff for recommendations. The Food Village Night Market is open until midnight. Some stalls open in the late morning, but most are set up in the late afternoon. Before then, there aren’t many visitors around. It’s a lovely place to spend a relaxed evening with a few cocktails and sometimes even live music.

4. Si Khao Night Market (Chaweng)

A bit away from the tourist hustle of Chaweng Beach Road lies the Si Khao Night Market. You’ll find it by following the road from the roundabout at Central Festival west past the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda. Near the end of the street, you’ll see many stalls with white roofs on your right-hand side. The Si Khao Night Market is open daily from 5.00 PM to 11.00 PM.

Even though it’s a bit off the beaten path, this market is lively and attracts plenty of visitors. It offers a wide variety of stalls where you can sample Thai delicacies, as well as international dishes such as Italian and Korean food. You’ll also find a few vendors selling clothes and souvenirs. Prices are generally lower here than on the walking streets, and there are many seating areas between the aisles with tables and chairs. Our personal favorite among the night markets, away from the walking streets.

5. Lamai Night Market (Lamai)

Every evening from around 5.00 PM, the Lamai Night Market opens directly on Lamai Beach Road, just before the bridge crossing the river. It was recently expanded, so now you’ll find a much larger variety of food, plenty of seating areas, and even a bar with a stage for live music.

The Lamai Night Market offers a wide range of food options. From Thai dishes and hot dogs to steaks, pizza, and seafood. There’s something for everyone. In the middle section, you’ll also find several stalls selling souvenirs and clothing. The night market in Lamai is definitely one of the more relaxed Koh Samui markets but still offers a great variety. We love stopping by every time we’re in Lamai.

6. Seafood Market (Lamai)

The night market scene in Lamai has recently gone through a small change. The long-known Lamai Night Plaza, a small night market in the center near McDonald’s, is now the Seafood Market. It’s open daily from around 5.00 PM until midnight. You’ll find a few stalls selling souvenirs and clothing, but mainly restaurants and vendors offering, as the name suggests, seafood.

The crowd hasn’t changed much. It remains a relaxed market right on Beach Road, but now with a focus on seafood. There’s also a nice cocktail bar on Beach Road where you can enjoy a relaxed evening drink after dinner.

7. J and J Street Food (Maenam)

The J&J Street Food Market in Maenam is located directly on the ring road, across from the Chinese gate. It’s not an overcrowded tourist spot but rather a small and charming food experience away from the big Koh Samui markets and walking streets. If you love visiting markets and prefer a laid-back vibe, this is the perfect place for you.

It’s open daily from 12.00 PM until midnight, although many stalls don’t open until the evening. Don’t expect a huge selection, it’s a small market, but you’ll find Thai, Japanese, and international cuisine, so there’s something for everyone.

8. Night Market at the Pier (Nathon)

Every evening from around 4.00 PM, the small night market in Nathon opens near the pier. Most visitors here are locals, though you’ll see a few tourists as well. In the middle, several tables and chairs are set up for dining, while the surrounding stalls offer a wide variety of Thai specialties. If you’re in Nathon, the island’s main town, make sure to stop by this market.

9. Plaza The Green Market (Bangrak)

Located directly across from the fresh market in Bangrak, just a few minutes from the Seatran Pier, this small market offers a mix of street food and souvenirs in a relaxed atmosphere. Most stalls open between 3.00 PM and 4.00 PM and close around 9.00 PM or 10.00 PM.

The Plaza The Green Market is open daily. Many locals stop by after work to grab something to eat. The night market is small and easy to navigate, but it’s definitely worth a quick stop if you’re touring around Koh Samui or looking for a snack while you’re nearby.

10. Fisherman’s Village Walking Street (Bophut)

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you’ll find a huge walking street in Bophut. The most popular and largest of all Koh Samui markets on the island. The walking street stretches from The Wharf Shopping Mall to Coco Tam’s by the beach and, during high season, even extends further through Fisherman’s Village. It’s open from around 4.00 PM to 11.00 PM. We recommend coming here for dinner.

You’ll find plenty of stalls selling souvenirs, drinks, food, and much more. Sample your way through Thailand’s culinary scene, shop for souvenirs to take home, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. If you want to spend more time here, grab your food and head to one of the cocktail bars. They offer seating, great drinks, and sometimes even live music. Perfect for a fun and relaxing evening.

11. Free Wave Market (Bophut)

In Bophut, just a few meters from the Fisherman’s Village sign and next to the 7-Eleven, you’ll find the Free Wave Market. It’s a relatively new market that’s still growing, with more and more stalls opening up. It has quickly become a popular evening hangout spot in the area.

The Free Wave Market is open daily from around 4.00 PM until midnight. There are several seating areas between the aisles and a mix of local and international food options. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back. Unlike many other markets or walking streets, this one is still less crowded, which we actually think is quite nice, as it allows you to browse everything at your own pace without large crowds.

12. Samui Green Market (Bophut)

The Samui Green Market takes place once a month, on the last Sunday, at the Greenlight Café & Bar in Fisherman’s Village and is a special highlight for anyone who values sustainability. From around 3.00 PM to 7.00 PM, the venue transforms into a lively gathering place where vendors exclusively offer local, organic, and chemical-free products. Alongside fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll find healthy snacks, homemade beverages, natural cosmetics, handicrafts, and even eco-friendly products for pets.

Between the stalls, you’ll find live music, seating at the café, and small bars that invite you to linger. Plastic packaging is a no-go here, visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags. This market combines conscious consumption with a sense of community and environmental awareness. The Samui Green Market is a monthly event that supports local producers, promotes sustainable living, and at the same time makes for a charming excursion. You can find the latest event dates on their Facebook page. A different kind of Koh Samui market, but definitely one worth visiting.

Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.

How to Get to Koh Samui

The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.

It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there a ferry to Koh Samui.

You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.

Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Which of Koh Samui’s markets or walking streets have you visited? Which is your favorite, or do you have any other tips? Feel free to give us your feedback in the comments.