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Chaweng Beach Attractions
What to See in Chaweng Beach
The main attraction in Chaweng is its six-kilometre long beach. But if you are looking for something different, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Chaweng. Why not try some fine dining in one of the many restaurants, enjoy a real Muay Thai Boxing match, go see a ladyboy cabaret show, or visit a temple?
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Thailand's beloved national sport Muay Thai, is taken very seriously throughout the country and Koh Samui is no exception! Although Thai boxing is regarded as the worlds most dangerous martial art it is surprisingly graceful to watch. Chaweng stadium near the Reggae Pub is the biggest on Samui and hosts all the major fights on the island.
Fights are usually held twice a week on Monday and Friday nights but during peak season an additional Sunday night fight is often held. Fights start at 9pm and the evening normally lasts around three hours, with as many as ten smaller bouts before the main fight. If you only want to catch the main event then drop in for an hour around 10/10.30pm.
The atmosphere in Chaweng Stadium is excellent with a live commentator and traditional Thai music - although some find the noise a bit overpowering! Both Thai and foreign fighters compete in the ring, most are professionals, all are pretty entertaining. Chaweng Stadium charges an entry fee and you can chose between a ringside table or a seat in the surrounding stands.
Chaweng has two Thai boxing stadiums, which hold regular Muay Thai bouts, some of which feature foreign as well as Thai fighters. To see this dynamic martial art in action you can visit the Chaweng Stadium, or the newer Phatchabuncha Stadium near Laem Din market. The fights are well advertised in the days before, both with flyers and mobile trucks patrolling the island with loudspeaker announcements.
Cinemas
Koh Samui now proudly boasts its own three screen cinema in the Tesco lotus complex. Showing both Western and Thai movies, the cinema is modern and is proving a big hit with the locals. Reasonably priced and with comfortable and spacious seating, the cinema is the same as any in the west.
The only notable difference is everyone standing during the national anthem which plays before each feature. As with all Asian cinemas the air conditioning is set at freezing so remember to bring a jumper!
Location: Tesco Lotus Complex, Route 4169, Chaweng beach.
Tel: 07 742-729-9
Wat Khao Hua Juk
Although this 'mountain' is only 90 meters tall you will have an incredible view from the peak. The entire strip from the Samui airport is virtually at your feet. If you like take offs and landings this is the place to sit for a while. After all how many other airports can you watch from above without flying? The islands Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Sum, Koh Lum Noi, Koh Tao Poon and Koh Fan (where Big Buddha sits) plus Big Buddha, Wat Bang Rak, gorgeous sunsets and much more from Koh Samui are all visible from this spot.
This temple contains, according to the sign, a replica of Buddha's footprint, but it's not on any island tour so you'll have to 'rough it' and drive yourself there. On your way to the top you will also pass the fabulous 'Nathalie's Art Palace' and the Samui branch of Bangkok's famous 'Q Bar'. To get there take the 4169 to Chaweng and turn off the main road towards the beach after one point 5 kilometres, opposite Chaweng Lake you will find the Arch marking Kao Hua Juk Road and directing you up to the Wat. Once you turn here drive about 150 meters until you see the stairs on your right. These stairs lead to a gently curving walkway taking you to the summit.
Christy's Cabaret
Samui's premier ladyboy entertainment venue offers lots of fun in the form of an exceedingly camp Vegas-style revue every night. If you have a taste for show tunes, big hair, sequins and elaborate dance routines to go with pretty accurate miming, then Christy's is the place for you. The venue is fully air-conditioned and entrance is free - there are several other similar shows around town, but Christy's is probably the friendliest of the lot.
Location: Central Chaweng, near Soi Green Mango.
Open: 18:00 – 02:00





