Updated on June 17, 2025
Many years after it opened its doors in 2015, The Wharf continues to stand as one of Koh Samui’s premier shopping centers. A combination of shopping mall and open air market, it continues to be a destination for guests who need a diversion from routine, or at least a place to kill time before dining at any of its establishments.
Located on a 24,000 sqm land next to Bophut Beach, The Wharf boasts of a prime location by the beach as well as an open area where shoppers can roam around and enjoy the fresh air from the ocean while shopping. While not as upscale as Central Festival Samui, The Wharf continues to enjoy its status as one of Koh Samui’s major shopping malls.
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Daytime Activities at The Wharf Samui
Photo: Traveljournalist.com
For guests staying at Koh Samui’s private luxury villas, the best way to enjoy The Wharf is to incorporate it into a full day trip that includes an excursion to Bophut Beach and the nearby Fisherman’s Village. The open-air layout is perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family, especially when you consider that The Wharf includes an expansive play area for children.
Another draw at The Wharf are the souvenir shops where guests can shop for unique locally-made handicrafts to bring home to their loved ones. Many of these souvenirs are made by artisans from Koh Samui, which makes them even more special to behold.
For those who want to enjoy other activities on Bophut Beach, The Wharf is close to many dive and snorkeling shops that supply equipment for aquatic adventures.
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Enjoying The Wharf at Nighttime
Of course, a trip to Fisherman’s Village is not complete without dinner and drinks at Coco Tam’s, which is within walking distance of The Wharf. Koh Samui’s nightlife institution is not only famous for their evening fire shows, but it is also one of the most pleasant beachside bars to grab drinks at sunset.
And The Wharf gets better on Friday night when the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street happens within the vicinity of the mall. Visitors can park at the Wharf and walk down the street by Bophut Beach where the Friday market is on. The Walking Street itself is full of colorful action, with hand-crafted art and souvenirs as well as live music, food stalls, and colorful decorations.
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How to Get to The Wharf
The easiest way to visit The Wharf is to get on the Koh Samui Ring Road and look for the distinct lighthouse structure that marks the entrance to the shopping center. For luxury villa guests who don’t intend to drive, the Guest Experience Services team at their villa can arrange for a car and driver to take them around the island, which can be booked before arriving on Koh Samui. The Wharf is also 5.4 km from the Samui International Airport, which makes for a quick pre-flight stopover.
Another way to stay close to The Wharf and Fisherman’s Village is to rent a private luxury villa in Bophut itself. Villa Praana is a 6-bedroom rainforest retreat within the Bophut area that boasts luxurious amenities, from cinema rooms and tennis court access to an outdoor fitness facility that’s as perfect for morning yoga as it is for Muay Thai training. While not on Bophut Beach itself, it’s still a short drive away from Fisherman’s Village, so it’s not too far from The Wharf.
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Enjoy The Best Offerings at The Wharf Samui
While The Wharf does not enjoy the same brand-name prestige as Central Festival Samui, it still enjoys its own fair share of visitors who come for a combination of nostalgia, unique finds and relaxation. Families are always welcome to enjoy the open-air spaces and facilities at The Wharf, and the access to Fisherman’s Village and Bophut Beach are always a plus.
As a new crop of shopping malls emerge on the landscape of Koh Samui, the classic appeal of The Wharf continues to be relevant for both locals and tourists on the island. Pay a visit to The Wharf on your next visit to Koh Samui, and see its enduring appeal for yourself.
Discover new-t0-you attractions with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.
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Featured photo by Thrillophilia
