Top 10 Night Markets on Koh Samui

Koh Samui's night markets are part of Thai culture. From daily night markets to weekly travelling markets, they're spread across the whole island and make a fantastic place to stroll around in the evening with a tasty coconut ice cream or a cocktail in hand. Whether you just want to buy souvenirs, are looking for a selection of Thai dishes, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere – the night markets have something for everyone.

Travelling marketsThe top 10 night markets These small night markets are packed with entertainment and fun. With games of chance and skill, live music and various souvenir stalls, there's something for every taste. These markets are by far the cheapest on Koh Samui and very popular with locals and migrant workers from Myanmar. Local delicacies, small vegetable and meat skewers, as well as soups and sweet desserts, are also available in abundance. Typically, a market stays set up for between 7 and 14 days before moving on to the next town. It can often be tricky to track down the market on the island, but thanks to the brightly coloured lighting at the entrance, you'll never miss it. Opening hours: 5:00 pm to midnight. Some locations: Chaweng click here! Hua Thanon click here! Ban Saket click here! This night market was a special surprise for us, as we only passed by it on the way to the Big Buddha temple, but of course we then had to stroll straight through it. It's located just a few metres from Bangrak Pier on the northeast coast of Koh Samui and offers a unique atmosphere every Tuesday between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Although this night market mainly consists of small food stalls, there are also a few vendors selling household items and clothing at very low prices. Clothing here can cost as little as 30-100 Baht. This market is a lovely place to spend the evening with a cocktail, enjoying delicious finger food while listening to live music from local artists. Opening hours: Every Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Location: click here! The Walking Street, in the car park of the Big C supermarket in Bophut, is open every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Big C shopping centre is located right on the ring road, between Fisherman's Village and Chaweng. On site you'll find various stalls selling clothing, souvenirs and plenty of Thai delicacies. If you're looking for entertainment or want to try some small snacks, this is the perfect place. Opening hours: Every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Location: click here! This market has a lovely atmosphere, surrounded by old townhouses and a Chinese temple, and is located in Maenam's Chinatown. The pedestrian zone is open every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. There's also a small stage where you can enjoy live guitar music from expats or locals. You'll also find everyday souvenirs, electronics, sunglasses, lots of food, and much more. You can also try some local delicacies you won't find at every market. The market is close to the beach and invites you to enjoy the fantastic view of Koh Phangan during a romantic sunset. Opening hours: Every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Location: click here! The night market at Central Festival is a great place to round off the day nicely after a tiring shopping trip. Inside the mall you can shop for over 200 different brands. Whether it's clothing, shoes, perfume, oils or camera accessories, you'll find pretty much everything here. Prices, though, are similar to those back home in many Western countries. The night market takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the entrance to Central Festival. The location is directly opposite Chaweng Lake. The selection of delicious Thai dishes, sweet desserts, finger food, cocktails and various souvenir stalls is huge. Opening hours: Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Location: click here! Chaweng Walking StreetThe top 10 night markets The Chaweng Night Market, with its daily food court, is an ideal place for a great evening. While you wait for your delicious dinner to be prepared, you can pass the time with a little stroll around the market, refreshing cocktail in hand, past the many different stalls and tents. You'll find beach dresses, T-shirts, lamps, sunglasses, knock-off watches and other interesting items. There's also a huge selection of copied brand polo shirts, bags in every size and shape, carved souvenirs, flip-flops, cosmetics and children's clothing. You'll be surprised how well it works to snag a bargain and let your negotiating skills run free. Opening hours: Open daily except Fridays and Sundays, from 4:30 pm to around 11:00 pm. Location: click here! The night market in Koh Samui's capital, Nathon, is one of the best-known on the island. Not far from the ferry pier, mobile food stalls gather here daily from 4:00 pm, staying open late into the night. Here you'll find traditional Thai food at the island's most affordable prices. Everything is on offer, from finger food like small chicken satays, BBQ, spare ribs, or quick rice dishes, right through to sweet desserts. You can also buy unique souvenirs, clothing and other local products at affordable prices. To get a good price, you should always haggle with the vendors. Opening hours: Daily from 4:00 pm. Location: click here! The name Chaweng Night Market is a bit misleading, since there are only a few stalls here selling souvenirs or similar items. At the Chaweng night market you'll mainly find a large selection of local dishes. Every evening from 5:00 pm, this small market, on the other side of the street from Chaweng Lake, offers delicious Thai food along with plenty of Western dishes. You can also reach the market via Chaweng Beach Road, behind the popular Star Gym fitness centre. There are also lots of small bars here, offering cocktails from 80 Baht, and you can often enjoy live music too. A great place to kick off the evening during your holiday. Opening hours: Daily from 5:00 pm. Location: click here! Lamai Walking Street is one of the best-known markets and takes place every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. It's one of the largest and most varied markets on Koh Samui, and is very popular with both locals and tourists. You'll find a huge variety of stalls along both streets. While Had Lamai Street mainly has stalls selling souvenirs, electronics, clothing and more, the other street is mainly aimed at hungry visitors. There you'll find plenty of stalls selling Thai food, desserts, Western fare like kebabs or pizza, and much more. The range of food is enormous. Wander through the market, buy souvenirs, eat fresh food, or enjoy some refreshing cocktails. This market is a real event and always worth a visit. Opening hours: Every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Location: click here! Every Friday evening from 5:00 pm, you can visit the pedestrian zone in Bophut. Alongside Lamai Walking Street, this is the biggest market on the island. Bophut Walking Street runs from "The Wharf" shopping centre through the whole fishing village and offers countless stalls with souvenirs, drinks, food and much more. The market has a special atmosphere, with all the old townhouses in the fishing village, right along the beach promenade. Live music is played at certain spots in the evening. Go on a culinary journey and explore Thailand's varied food, buy souvenirs to remember your holiday by, or enjoy the scene from one of the small, charming cocktail bars. Opening hours: Every Friday from 5:00 pm. Location: click here!

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