Chaweng Beach

Koh Samui's busiest and biggest town has sprung up over the last decade around one of the island's best beaches. As well as offering more accommodation options than elsewhere on the island, Chaweng is also nightlife central with bars and restaurants catering to every taste. From beachside institutions to sophisticated cocktail bars, Chaweng's nightlife is streets ahead of anywhere else on Samui in terms of choice.

Where to Stay in Chaweng Beach (read more)

Accommodation ranges from a few remaining backpacker bungalows, which are nevertheless considerably more expensive than elsewhere on the island, to the five star opulence of Poppies Samui and the mega-hotel Central Samui Beach Resort. Given the amount of bungalows, resorts and hotels jammed along the beach, it comes as a pleasant surprise that the beach itself isn't usually packed with people. Obviously it's a lot busier than anywhere else on the island, but getting a sun-lounger and a reasonable degree of isn't  a problem.

Click here to see a full list of Hotels in Chaweng Beach, see also Last Minute Hotels in Chaweng.

Chaweng Nightlife (read more)

The famous Green Mango strip still forms the axis around which the rest of the town's bars revolve and is packed with (mostly) young revellers every night, crawling between the go-go bars, girly bars, dance bars and theme pubs. Chaweng's main strip is nearly three kilometres long though, and lots of smaller centres of activity have sprung up along it. McDonalds' forms a landmark in the south of town just across the road from Chaweng's single most popular bar, Tropical Murphy's Irish pub.

Chaweng Restaurants (read more)

The choice of places to eat can be equally overwhelming at first glance and a drive down Beach Road can pass by in a blur of seafood restaurants displaying their wares in ice trays out front. Closer inspection however reveals a surprisingly cosmopolitan selection, including fine Japanese, Italian, Israeli, Pacific Rim and Indian restaurants. 

A cornucopia of cuisine every from fabulous Thai-style beachside food to traditional continental fare with all the trimmings and everything in between,  Chaweng has it all . The most recent addition to the scene is Zico's - a Brazilian restaurant and bar complete with authentic band and dancers that put on a wicked show that could only come from the heat of Brazil.

Shopping in Chaweng Beach (read more)

For shopping, Chaweng is equally hard to beat. Although there is a certain sameyness to the market stalls, which line most of the Beach Road, selling faux designer clothes, bags, CD's and DVD's, there are some very good Thai craft, jewellery, sportswear and swimwear shops. Chaweng also has the highest density of dive shops on the island, several high quality opticians and a vast array of tailors all touting for business.

On a practical level, Chaweng now has ATM's every 100 metres or so and plenty of currency exchanges. The island's most professional hospital, Samui International Hospital, can also be found on the north Beach Road. 

Just a little farther south is Chaweng Noi. The beach here is smaller and just as pretty as Chaweng. There are not as many resorts and the area is a peaceful option that is not too far from the bustle of Chaweng.