Chaweng Beach Attractions and Activities
Chaweng has developed a great range of activities to complement just eating, shopping and sunbathing. If you stay on the island a few days and want to expand your horizons, or the weather plays up, there is still plenty to do. So switch off the TV and switch onto some of the fun holiday activities on offer. |
If you feel like working out, then two of Chaweng's smarter resorts have well-equipped, air-conditioned gyms where you can get day-membership. At the Centara Samui Beach Resort a pass costs 275 Baht, while at the other end of the beach the Chaweng Regent also has a good gym and for 400b per day. You can also use the two great pools, and steam and sauna. The Imperial Hotel in Chaweng Noi, on the ring road toward Lamai, has a Tennis court for hire.
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Alternatively, if you have children and fancy a bit of time to yourself, there is a crèche located at the very southern end of the beach road, called The Playroom. It's in need of a lick of paint, but the staff team is trustworthy, all experienced child minders and there are lots of toys and DVDs to keep the little ones amused. It is open from 12, and stays open until up to 10 or 11pm, by arrangement, if you want to go out for dinner.
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If it is really pouring with rain, or you just fancy a western retail therapy mall-trawl, you can head for the Tesco-Lotus Superstore and shopping mall on the ring road in north Chaweng. There you will find a cinema showing at least one English language film, a bowling alley, a food court, a great kids activity area with bouncy castle, ball-pit and arcade, and of course the supermarket itself. (read more about Shopping in Chaweng)
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A great family option to keep the kids entertained is Crazy Golf, located behind the Islander pub in central Chaweng. It's fun for the little ones and the big kids too. Putt up hill, through water, and through the mouth of a roaring tiger or snapping crocodile. There are refreshments available on-site. Open from 11am-12pm:08921416.
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Located next to the Reggae Pub on Chaweng Lake, Samui Bungy Jump sells itself as "50 meters of adrenaline pumping, knee shaking, cold sweating, gut wrenching action. Thrill-seekers jump from a crane and there is also a hair-raising "Reverse Bungy" option as well as a more relaxing BBQ, full bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi onsite, there is plenty on offer for the fainter hearted too: 077414252.
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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: 077413504 for info and free transfer, 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.
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If you have the time and inclination, it can be a gratifying experience to attempt to learn a bit of spoken Thai. On the ring road in South Chaweng, just opposite the PTT gas station, Mind Your Language is a well established professionally run language school that can offer classes for all different levels. They use experienced Thai teachers and have a maximum of 6 students per class: 077230314.
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These provide a fun day of culinary tuition, and The Samui Institute of Culinary Arts (SITCA) has a choice of classes including intensive weeklong courses for the more serious student. In the classes you learn how to prepare some classic Thai dishes such as green curry, and Tom Yam, and also find out about Thai ingredients and regional cooking techniques. SITCA also provides recipes to take-away, sells spices and has literature on-site. They will even e-mail you with monthly recipes to try back home. SITCA is located on Soi Colibri, opposite Central resort in southern Chaweng: 077413172.
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Ladyboy Cabarets might not be everyones cup of tea but for the fans among you, Chaweng Beach has plenty to choose from! Thailand's Katoeys or the third sex are world famous, partly because there are so many of them and also because they are so feminine.
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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. Soi Reggae, Chaweng Beach. For more information telephone: 07 741-350-
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Why not explore Samui's beautiful scenery from a different angle? Instead of watching the Samui scenery whiz by from the back of a motorbike, slow down and really enjoy the view on horseback. Ride on Ranch offers several different guided tours around Samui's beaches and jungles. The European standard horses are calm and well trained and all equipment is provided. For package deals and more information, telephone: 09 972-424-1. Route 4169, near Tesco Lotus, Chaweng.
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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! Tesco Lotus Complex, Route 4169, Chaweng beach. Telephone: 07 742-729-9
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Not for the fainthearted! Samui bungy jump is located next to the reggae pub, which is handy for those needing some dutch courage before hand! The 50 metre jump is held over a large specially designed plunge pool. The brave (or insane!) among you can choose between individual jumps, tandem jumps, and even submersion jumps where you get dunked in the pool! Samui Bungy offers a free pick up service from your hotel. Soi Reggae, Chaweng Beach. Telephone: 07 741-425-2
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