Nathon Town & Old Town in Koh Samui

Nathon Town & Old Town in Koh Samui are tucked along the western coast of Koh Samui. It serves as a window into the island’s rich history, commercial roots, and everyday Thai life.

While Koh Samui is globally recognized for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and buzzing nightlife, Nathon offers an entirely different side of the island, with deep-rooted culture, history, and local dishes.

Nathon is the capital town of Koh Samui and the administrative and transportation hub of the island. Unlike the glitzy, busier areas of Chaweng, Bophut or Lamai, Nathon maintains a more authentic Thai atmosphere.

This coastal town is where locals shop, dine, run their businesses, and manage municipal affairs. The town also houses government buildings, the police station, the courthouse, and the main hospital.

But despite its bureaucratic role, Nathon is anything but boring. The town has a laid-back charm and a time-worn elegance. Along its waterfront promenade and narrow grid of streets, visitors can find a mix of old Chinese shop houses, local markets, affordable eateries, and quirky cafes that make for an enjoyable cultural detour from the beach resorts.

A popular & famous family-run restaurant, Mumthong, is located on the corner opposite the government office and police station. It is well-known for its low-cost, delicious Thai food and is a people-watching location.

You find Mumthong here on Google Maps.

Long before Koh Samui became a world-class tourist destination, Nathon was the main economic and trading centre of the island. Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Koh Samui had limited infrastructure and was relatively isolated. Villagers relied on fishing, coconut farming, and inter-island trade. Nathon, thanks to its natural harbour, became the focal point for these activities.

The town’s development was largely influenced by Chinese immigrants who settled in the area and established businesses, some of which still stand today in the Old Town quarter. Their legacy is reflected in the Sino-Thai architecture — distinctive two-storey buildings with wooden shutters and tiled roofs — giving the town a nostalgic feel reminiscent of other heritage towns in Southeast Asia.

Even as the rest of Samui began catering to international tourism in the 1990s and 2000s, Nathon retained its down-to-earth identity, serving as a centre for local commerce, shipping, and ferry transport.

Adjacent to the modern parts of Nathon, the Old Town area features a charming collection of traditional Chinese shop houses and narrow alleyways. The same families have been running some of these businesses for generations, offering goods such as textiles, dried seafood, herbal medicine, and handcrafted souvenirs.

It’s a lovely area to wander on foot. You can browse old general stores, sip Thai iced tea at local cafés, or grab fresh fish at the seafood market along the waterfront. If you’re there around sunset, the west-facing coast offers spectacular views across the Gulf of Thailand.

At night, Nathon Old Town transforms into a low-key food lover’s paradise. Several open-air restaurants and street vendors set up along the waterfront road, serving up grilled squid, spicy papaya salad, noodle soups, and traditional Thai sweets. There’s also a weekly walking street market that features local artisans and performers, creating a lively atmosphere where visitors can shop, eat, and enjoy authentic island culture.

One of the most important features of Nathon is its ferry port, which has long served as Koh Samui’s main connection to the mainland and nearby islands. Nathon Pier is a major arrival and departure point for both locals and tourists, and it remains one of the busiest ports in southern Thailand.

Several ferry operators run daily services from Nathon to the mainland and nearby islands:

Destinations from Nathon Pier:

Donsak Pier, located on the Surat Thani mainland, is the most common route. From Donsak, travellers can access buses or vans to Surat Thani city, airports, or other southern destinations, such as Krabi, Koh Lanta, Khao Sok, and Phuket. For transfers from Surat Thani International Airport to Koh Samui & Koh Phangan, click the link below.

Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui Island Information

Koh Phangan – famous for its Full Moon Party, beautiful beaches, stunning bays with rustic bars and restaurants and laid-back vibe. Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Koh Tao, a diver’s paradise, is known for its coral reefs and relaxed atmosphere. Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Chumphon – for those heading north toward Hua Hin or Bangkok by ferry-train combination. Other nearby piers, including Raja Ferry and Lomprayah services, connect with high-speed catamarans.

Operators like Seatran Ferry, Raja Ferry, and Lomprayah High Speed Ferries run frequent services from Nathon, especially during peak season. Booking is made easy via 12GO for all transfers, especially if island hopping around Thailand. Click the link here, to book over 12GO from Koh Samui to Donsak.

While many travelers pass through Nathon without giving it much thought, those who choose to explore will discover a very different side of Koh Samui. Here’s why Nathon is worth a visit:

• Authentic Thai Atmosphere: Unlike tourist-heavy areas, Nathon feels more local. You’ll find Thai families shopping at the market, monks collecting morning alms, and shopkeepers who still live above their stores.
• Great for Budget Travelers: Food and shopping in Nathon are generally cheaper than in Chaweng or Lamai. There are budget guesthouses, affordable clothing shops, and no-frills eateries that serve delicious home-style Thai meals. Nathon Town is the perfect stayover if island hopping.
• Scenic Sunsets: Nathon’s western location offers some of the best sunset views on Koh Samui. Many restaurants and bars along the coastal road provide front-row seats to the evening light show. Nathon has the most amazing sunsets, with a fiery burnt orange colour.
• Cultural Interest: From the Chinese-Thai temples and shrines to old-style architecture, Nathon offers a chance to explore the island’s cultural blend of Thai, Chinese, and Muslim influences. Together, living in harmony with each other. Similar to Hua Thanon’s old village.
• Gateway to Island Hopping: If you’re planning a trip to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, Nathon is your jump-off point. It’s also ideal if you’re heading to the mainland by road via Surat Thani.

Follow the street art around Nathon Town & Old Town. Visit the Nathon Fresh Market — experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a real Thai market. Great for photography and sampling local produce.

Explore Nathon Old Town – Take a stroll around the old town, seeking street art, and grab photos of the ancient traditional Thai/Chinese teak houses.

Relax at the waterfront promenade—take a stroll along the sea wall, grab a coffee, or sit with the locals, watching boats come and go in time for a spectacular sunset over the water.

Shopping for local products: clothes, souvenirs, herbal medicines, and Thai snacks are available at better prices than tourist markets. Enjoy Street Food and Seafood – From crispy pork on rice to fresh seafood platters, Nathon has some of the island’s tastiest hidden gems.

Visit or hike one of Koh Samui’s beautiful waterfalls. Hin Lad Waterfall. Surrounding the base of the fall is a temple, with a bridge, a scenic viewpoint of Hin Lad’s rocky base. Cute cafes, perfect for relaxing with drinks and food, are dotted along the stream.

Take a stroll along Nathon Beach. Nathon Beach at low tide is very picturesque with its various colours blending into each other beautifully.

Nathon Town and its historic Old Town are often overlooked by travelers who focus on Koh Samui’s beach resorts and nightlife. But for those seeking an authentic experience, filled with history, culture, and local colour, Nathon is a hidden gem.

Whether you’re catching a ferry, seeking a break from the tourist trail, or simply looking for real Thai flavour, Nathon offers a refreshing glimpse into Koh Samui’s past and present.

Your holiday in Koh Samui can be enriched by visiting nearby areas. Head to Bophut for the famous Fisherman’s Village night market, or relax at the peaceful Choeng Mon Beach. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, Bangrak offers Big Buddha and great seafood, while Lamai Beach is perfect for nightlife and family-friendly beaches. For a more authentic feel, discover Bang Por.