Chaweng is a beach on the east
coast of Ko
Samui, Thailand.
The largest and most popular of Samui's
beaches, Chaweng is usually divided into three sections:
North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, and Chaweng Noi
(Little Chaweng) around a headland to the south.
Chaweng Beach is longest beach located on Samui
Island's east coast. The beach is beautiful here,
and local developers are finally cleaning up some
of the trashy area on the island. It attracts many
young travelers and families alike, and remains
good value for the money.
The beach is approximately 7 km long, with powdery
white sand. It is bordered by emerald-blue waters
and a coral reef where waves break, leaving the
bay quite peaceful. Not far from the beach, there
are two small islands near the reef. After swimming,
you can explore the nearest one by walking through
shallow water or go for snorkeling and kayaking
at the second island which is further out and larger.
Chaweng at duskThe central part of the beach is
a bit more crowded than the quieter north. Many
vendors pass by offering beverages, fruit, ice cream
and local Thai food for the more daring. A variety
of local crafts and Thai souvenirs are also available.
The beach itself is usually accessed through the
hotels, as there are no beach roads to disturb the
peacefulness of the area. It is very relaxing but
noticeably more touristy during the high season.
The water is clean, with usual temperatures between
25-28 degrees Celsius.
Parallel to the beach, clustered in the middle
of the strip, lies Samui's greatest concentration
of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and of course,
fast food and convenience stores.
How to get here
Chaweng is just a few minutes from the airport.
Taxis are readily available or book a transfer with
your hotel.
See & Do
Most Samui dive shops are based in Chaweng and can
arrange trips to Ko Tao and the Angthong National
Marine Park.
Bobby's Dive World, tel.
+66-77414221, [1]. One of many operators, with
quality Scubapro gear. Figure on 9000 baht for
a PADI Open Water Diver course (although you'll
want to pony a few thousand extra for doing your
dives outside Samui!) or 2700 baht for a two-dive
trip to Ko Tao (plus 500 baht gear rental).
Searobin Dive Center, tel.
+66-1-535-7768, [2] offers a full range of PADI
training courses - personal attention - dive in
small groups on a good selection of boats.
Eat
Ninja, across the
street from Baan Samui Resort and Chaweng Buri Resort.
A nice family owned traditional Thai place with
very reasonable prices. Don't expect a fancy interior,
but very tasty food at cheap prices.
Sea Food Centre,
about half a kilometre inland from Coco Blues Bar
is a set of about 5 sea food restaurants. Whole
fried snapper about 240 baht, try fried red snapper
in chilli sauce.
Drink
Green Mango Club
and Disco, [3]. Samui's main nightclub, the main
tourist spot.
Sweet Soul. Lively dance venue in Soi Mango.
Reggae Pub. Chaweng
institution, but don't be fooled by the name: some
nights are more techno than Marley, however this
area does tend to be more laid back.
Bar Asia, Soi Reggae.
Nice staff and owner, with a nice crowd. Tuesday
pool competition brings a large and fun crowd.
The PFC, Soi Reggae,
[4]. Sports bar dedicated to all things Portsmouth,
shows most televised sports with up to 3 games simultaneously
Bar Solo. Large mainly
outdoor club that opens 2am till sunrise, has 2
dance floors and about 6 pool tables.
Koh Samui Beaches
Clockwise from Nathon
on the west coast, the main beaches are:
Nathon - Samui's port and administrative
center, but with little to attract the tourist
Mae
Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the
northern coast
Bophut
- known for its Fisherman's Village, laid-back
but growing fast
About Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui Thailand
