Best Night Markets in Koh Samui to Eat, Shop, & Explore

More than just a hangout spot for shopping, night markets in Thailand also serve as a place for locals to relax and unwind with their families after a long day of work.

While most people associate night markets with the bustling streets of Bangkok, you may be glad to know that the capital city is not the only place where you can have an authentic night shopping experience in Thailand — there are many Koh Samui night markets too.

The Lamai Night Plaza and Fisherman’s Village walking street are two of Koh Samui's most popular markets, each offering a glimpse into Thai night market culture. They can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time visitor because of their size and variety, but this article will help you navigate them like a local. Here's what you need to know.

Every Sunday, Haad Lamai Road at Lamai Beach turns into a lively walking street lined with stalls selling street food, handicrafts, clothing, and plenty more. Stalls start setting up in the late afternoon, and it's worth arriving after 5pm for the full experience with a good mix of locals and tourists.

Come with an empty stomach because there is a whole section dedicated to food stalls. After browsing the market, you can try everything from local Thai street food to pizzas and even Spanish tapas. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to sample the fried insects, a protein-rich local speciality.

Between shopping and sampling the food, you can pause for some live entertainment. Rock bands and fire breathers are regulars and always attract a crowd. For convenience, stay at Banyan Tree Samui, a short drive away of the Lamai markets.

Essential information

• Location: Haad Lamai Rd, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
• Opening hours: Sundays only, 5pm to 10pm
• How to get there: Take a songthaew (shared red pickup truck) along the ring road.

If you're not on the island on a Sunday, you don't have to miss out. Lamai Night Plaza, just down Haad Lamai Road, is open every evening and offers a popular night market experience. The range of pirated and knock-off goods at Lamai Night Plaza is impressive, from clothing and accessories to knock-off Swiss army knives.

As you stroll through the market, you'll find plenty of locally produced souvenirs, from handmade accessories and clothing to homeware and gifts. Whether you're after a unique handbag or something a bit more original to bring home, Lamai Night Plaza has a range of options. Exploring a market this size can wear anyone out, but there's a wide range of food and drinks to keep you going. For traditional Thai dishes and local favourites, the food centre is the best place to stop.

After eating, walk over to Bear Cocktails, a cocktail stand on Haad Lamai Road. Drinks are priced at 89 baht each, and the atmosphere is relaxed, with tables under the open sky.

Essential information

• Location: 124/68 Lamai Road, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
• Opening hours: daily from late afternoon, liveliest after 7pm
• How to get there: Songthaew (shared red pickup truck) along the ring road. A 10 minute walk from Lamai Sunday Night Market.

If you only have time for one night market in Koh Samui, Fisherman's Village Walking Street is a great choice. Every Friday, Bophut Beach Road comes alive with what is probably the island's most photographed market.

Part of the charm is the setting itself. Restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses are located along the seafront, with lanterns hanging between balconies and live jazz spilling out from open-fronted bars.

You can try grilled prawns, satay, coconut ice cream, and fresh spring rolls from the food stalls, while small boutiques offer linen clothing, hand-painted signs, and locally made jewellery. The atmosphere is calmer than Lamai, making it a good spot for couples and families alike.

Essential information

• Location: Bophut Beach Road, Bophut (north coast)
• Opening hours: Friday evenings, 5pm to 11pm (main night). Mondays and Wednesdays, 5pm to 11pm.
• How to get there: Fisherman's Village is located on Koh Samui's north coast, just a 10-minute drive from Chaweng Beach and 15 minutes from the airport. If you're staying nearby, it's an easy stop and only a 15-minute walk from ibis Samui Bophut.

Chaweng Walking Street is located near Chaweng Lake, a short walk from the main beach strip. It's the busiest late-night market in Koh Samui, with food stalls, street snacks, souvenir stands, and a food court tucked behind the main road.

You’ll find everything from noodle dishes and skewers to fresh fruit shakes, plus plenty of Western options if you’re travelling with picky eaters. Since Chaweng is Koh Samui’s busiest area, bars stay open late, so it’s easy to pair a visit to the market with a longer night out. For a convenient base, stay at Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana, an easy walking distance of Chaweng Night Market.

Essential information

• Location: Chaweng Beach Road, near Chaweng Lake.
• Opening hours
  • Chaweng Walking Street: daily 4:30pm to midnight (dry-goods stalls closed Fridays and Sundays)
  • Chaweng Night Market food court: daily, 5pm to 11pm.

Don’t forget to negotiate. To get the most out of Koh Samui’s night markets, keep in mind that shopping in Thailand usually involves bargaining.

Asking prices often start very high, especially for tourists, but don’t be put off. A bit of persistence will help you knock some money off and have you bartering like a local. Haggling over prices is a cultural experience on its own, so don’t be shy when it comes to getting the price you want. It’s not only acceptable but even expected, and it can also be plenty of fun!

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