Nathon: the island's old capital and ferry town

A busy little town of shophouses, markets and ferry piers, with almost no resort gloss.

Area

South & west

Start from

Anywhere

Distance

west coast

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter, taxi, songthaew or ferry

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Nathon is Samui's administrative centre and a main arrival point for ferries from the mainland. Its streets are lined with old shophouses, pharmacies, gold shops, noodle stalls and government offices.

It's the best place to see ordinary island life: schoolchildren on scooters, market vendors, monks collecting alms in the morning.

In the evening, the waterfront fills with food stalls and the sun sets over the sea.

The story

Nathon grew as the island's main port, where coconuts were loaded onto boats bound for Bangkok. Chinese merchants built many of the shophouses that still line the streets.

For a long time, Samui's main government offices and the only hospital were here.

Even now, islanders 'go to Nathon' when they need anything official, from a driving licence to a court document.

Getting there

Nathon is on the west coast; songthaews run from the main beaches during the day, and some ferries arrive at its piers.

A suggested plan

1. MorningWalk the market streets while vendors set up.
2. Late afternoonExplore the old shophouse streets and drink iced coffee at a local café.
3. SunsetWatch from the pier, then eat at the waterfront stalls.

Where to stay

A few simple hotels in town; most people visit as part of a day trip.

Good to know

• Southern Thai dishes here are spicier and cheaper than on the beaches.
• It's a good place to buy practical things: SIM cards, medicine, clothes.