Day trip to Samui’s Big Buddha and Fisherman village

Apart from the beaches, Wat Phra Yai, aka Big Buddha, is Koh Samui’s most distinctive attraction. The Big Buddha Temple rests on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s northwest edge. It is a golden 12-meter tall seated Buddha, built in 1972. Also, the Big Buddha in Koh Samui can be seen at a distance of several kilometers and is the first landmark people notice while arriving at Koh Samui by air.

Fisherman’s Village is a historical part of Bophut with rustic-style buildings and boutique stores. You will also find some trendy restaurants and a small selection of hotels lining the narrow beach road. Every Friday, there is a popular market set up along the walking street. The roads are closed to all traffic, and stalls and vendors line on the street.

These two landmarks are more than tourist attractions. They are the cultural heart of Koh Samui, and the tourism demand they generate is a key driver of rental income for villa investors across the island’s north coast.

If you are planning for a day trip to Big Buddha Koh Samui and the Fisherman Village, here’s what you need to know before the visit.

Big Buddha Koh Samui

The Big Buddha temple is a hotspot for tourists. The sole reason behind this is its architecture and gorgeously crafted idols. Remember to put Big Buddha in your priority tour checklist if you are in Koh Samui. Needless to say, it will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.

Where is the Big Buddha?

You will find the Big Buddha to the northeast of Koh Samui, between Bophut/Bang Rak and Choeng Mon. However, Big Buddha is on its own island, called the Koh Fan. Earlier, the island was attached to Koh Samui by a causeway; however, that has been paved now and can be easily reached by a short walk. If you plan to drive down there is a small parking area on the temple grounds to park your car.

What is Wat?

Big Buddha sits inside Wat Phra Yai (‘wat’ means temple), which comprises extensive grounds along with buildings, quiet areas for thoughts, and a variety of tourist shops.

How Much Time do you Need to Visit the Big Buddha?

If you are unsure whether it is a full-day outing or not, well, it is not. You can visit Big Buddha and the surrounding temple at your own pace and roam about until satisfied. Whether it takes an hour or longer, it is up to you.

When is the Best Time to Visit Big Buddha?

It would be best to visit Big Buddha during the sunset, as the stairs get hot in the noon sun. However, if you choose to visit in the middle of a sunny day, remember to bring a pair of ankle socks to protect your feet from hot and slippery tiled stairs.

Temple Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Why Big Buddha and Bophut Drive Rental Demand

The Big Buddha and Fisherman Village area is Koh Samui’s most visited cultural zone. This tourism traffic directly benefits villa owners in the surrounding areas. Here is why this matters for investors:

• Year-round tourist flow: Unlike beach-only attractions that depend on weather, cultural landmarks draw visitors throughout the year, including monsoon season. This supports higher annual occupancy rates for nearby villas.
• Airport proximity: The Big Buddha area sits minutes from Koh Samui International Airport, making it one of the first stops for arriving tourists and a convenient base for villa stays.
• Fisherman Village premium: Bophut’s Fisherman Village has become one of Samui’s most desirable dining and shopping districts. Villas within 10 minutes of Fisherman Village command a 15-25% ADR premium over comparable properties in less central locations.
• Repeat visitor appeal: The weekly Friday market, boutique shops, and beachfront dining create a “village lifestyle” that encourages longer stays and repeat bookings.

For villa investors, proximity to Big Buddha and Fisherman Village is a powerful rental asset. The area’s cultural draw, combined with dining and shopping appeal, delivers consistent guest demand that pure beach locations cannot always match.

Explore Koh Samui investment opportunities →

Fisherman Village Koh Samui

As mentioned earlier, the Fisherman’s Village in Koh Samui is a historical place. Every Friday, the whole site becomes a market, thus, attracting a considerable number of shoppers from across the island.

This old part of Bophut beach takes its name from the thriving fish community. The fishermen have long moved out, and the central pier has collapsed. However, the old wooden shophouses remain with a warren of narrow alleys running between them. Hence, this gives the village a charming old look and feel.

Getting to Fisherman Village Koh Samui

A couple of entrances to Fishermans Village are marked with arches. The area broadly consists of Bhoput beach road that surrounds small streets. The Bhoput beach road is open to vehicular traffic most of the time, except Friday evenings. However, it is a one-way road, and only one car can barely pass through.

Features of Fisherman Village

Most of the beachside buildings are open at the back, offering beautiful views towards Koh Phangan. There are plenty of restaurants, specializing mostly in Thai food. Interestingly, all of them have tables spread onto the sand facing the beach. You can also find some great pubs and bars there.

With its pleasing appearance, a vast selection of shopping, dining, and accommodation options, and of course, the Friday weekly market, Fisherman Village is highly popular among visitors. Best of all, the picturesque main road is an attraction in itself and looks striking in the half-light of dusk on any day.

Koh Samui Villa Investment: Area Property Values and Developments

The north coast of Koh Samui, encompassing Bophut, Bang Rak, and the Big Buddha area, has seen steady property value growth as tourism infrastructure improves. SKHAI develops luxury pool villas across Koh Samui’s prime locations:

SKHAI Development	Location	Net Yield	Occupancy
Sunrise Residences	Chaweng Noi	6.8-7.6%	65-71%
Coral Cove	Coral Cove	7.1-7.9%	67-73%

All yields are net of management fees, maintenance, and operational costs through Staylar, SKHAI’s dedicated rental management company.

Koh Samui Investment FAQ

Does cultural tourism support villa rental income?

Absolutely. Cultural attractions like Big Buddha and Fisherman Village draw visitors year-round, extending Koh Samui’s effective tourism season beyond peak beach months. Villas near these landmarks benefit from consistent demand across all seasons.

What rental yields can I expect from a Koh Samui villa?

SKHAI developments on Koh Samui deliver 6.8-7.9% net yields depending on location and villa type. These returns are net of all management and operating costs, managed by Staylar.

Can foreigners own villa property on Koh Samui?

Yes. Foreign buyers can own villas freehold through a Thai company structure or on a leasehold basis (30-year renewable years). SKHAI provides full legal guidance with every purchase. Read our freehold vs leasehold guide.

Is Koh Samui accessible for international tourists?

Koh Samui International Airport receives direct flights from Bangkok (hourly), Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. This connectivity supports strong international visitor numbers and a diverse guest base for villa rentals.

In Conclusion

No trip to Koh Samui is complete without a visit to Big Buddha and Fisherman Village. The relaxed atmosphere and the picturesque views all add up to make for a splendid vacation and also a great place to invest in pool villas in Thailand.

The cultural tourism demand generated by Big Buddha, Fisherman Village, and the wider Bophut area creates reliable, year-round rental income for villa owners. Combined with Koh Samui’s growing international connectivity and limited development land, the investment case is compelling.

All of SKHAI’s best pool villas in Koh Samui are located at prime locations close to popular attractions. If you are interested in exploring pool villa investment in Koh Samui, contact our team to learn about Sunrise Residences and our other developments across the island.