Nathon: Chinese-Thai Heritage and the Old Capital

Nathon is Samui's main ferry port, government centre and historic capital - and its oldest Chinese settlement. Hainanese traders settled at the Nathon river mouth in the 19th century because of its deep-water anchorage, building the Chinese-style teak shophouses that still line the old 'Middle Road' (Ang Thong Road). The Hainan Shrine (also called the Hainan Temple) was consecrated in 1862 as a community hall and school for the settlers and remains the spiritual centre of the town's Chinese-Thai community, guarded by golden lions. Nathon is a practical, working town rather than a resort: banks, government offices, markets and the island hospital services are here. It is also famous for sunsets over the Gulf and the Ang Thong archipelago, and hosts an authentic Saturday night market.

Details

Nathon is Samui's main ferry port, government centre and historic capital - and its oldest Chinese settlement. Hainanese traders settled at the Nathon river mouth in the 19th century because of its deep-water anchorage, building the Chinese-style teak shophouses that still line the old 'Middle Road' (Ang Thong Road). The Hainan Shrine (also called the Hainan Temple) was consecrated in 1862 as a community hall and school for the settlers and remains the spiritual centre of the town's Chinese-Thai community, guarded by golden lions. Nathon is a practical, working town rather than a resort: banks, government offices, markets and the island hospital services are here. It is also famous for sunsets over the Gulf and the Ang Thong archipelago, and hosts an authentic Saturday night market.

Highlights

• Founded by 19th-century Hainanese Chinese settlers
• Hainan Shrine consecrated 1862 - spiritual heart of old Samui
• Century-old Chinese teak shophouses along the old Middle Road
• Island's administrative capital and main ferry port; famous sunsets

Local tips

• Walk the old town mid-morning, then watch sunset at the pier
• Saturday night market in Nathon is the most local of the island's walking streets
• Prices for food and goods are generally lower than in Chaweng or Lamai

Frequently asked questions

Why does Nathon have Chinese shophouses?

Nathon was settled in the 1800s by traders from Hainan, China, who built the teak shophouses and made the town the island's first commercial centre.

Is Nathon worth visiting?

Yes, for heritage rather than beaches: the old town, Hainan Shrine (1862), local markets and some of the island's best sunsets.