Hua Thanon: a Muslim fishing village and its morning market

Painted fishing boats, a busy morning market and a side of Samui life far from resort brochures.

Area

South & west

Start from

Lamai

Distance

about 5 km

Time needed

1–2 hours

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter or taxi

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Hua Thanon is a fishing village just south of Lamai, home to one of Samui's Muslim communities. Brightly painted wooden boats rest in the bay, nets dry along the shore and the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops.

The morning market is the place to come: fish and squid laid out on ice, piles of chillies and limes, sweet roti and curry for breakfast, and lots of friendly curiosity about visitors.

It's a short visit, but it gives you a sense of the island before tourism and of how varied southern Thai culture is.

The story

Muslim communities have lived along the coasts of southern Thailand for centuries, many with family ties to Malay fishing traditions further south.

The patterns painted on the boats are part of that heritage, and each family's boat tends to have its own colours and designs.

Fishing is still an important livelihood here, even as younger people take jobs in tourism. The catch you see at dawn often ends up on restaurant tables around the island by evening.

Getting there

Drive south from Lamai on the ring road and turn towards the sea at Hua Thanon. Park near the market and walk.

A suggested plan

1. Early morningArrive around 7:00 for the market at its liveliest.
2. BreakfastTry roti with curry or sweet condensed milk.
3. WaterfrontWalk along the harbour and look at the boats' painted patterns.

Where to stay

Lamai is closest.

Good to know

• Modest clothing is appreciated in the village.
• Bring small banknotes for the market.
• Combine with Wat Khunaram and Na Muang on a southern loop.