'''Chaweng''' is the beach on the east coast of Ko Samui and has a reputation for a pristine white beach and an excellent nightlife infrastructure especially on the northern end of the beach.

Understand

Chaweng is the largest and most popular of Samui's beaches and 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 but still 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. thumb|Chaweng at dusk

The 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.

Get in

Chaweng is just a few minutes south from the airport. Taxis (don't pay more than 200-250 Bht) are readily available or book a transfer with your hotel (usually 300 Bht).

See & Do

Almost all activities are on the beach (even parts of the nightlife) and most Samui '''dive shops''' are based in Chaweng. It's also the base to arrange trips to nearby Ko Tao and the Angthong National Marine Park.

  • '''100 Degrees East''', [http://www.100degreeseast.com] Samui_fs award winning 5 Star PADI Dive Resort and a BSAC Resort Centre Safe diving in a friendly and supportive environment in which you can relax, have fun and enjoy your time. Ph: +66 (0) 77 245 936 , info@100degreeseast.com
  • '''Searobin Dive Center''', tel. +66-1-535-7768, [http://www.divesearobin.com] offers a full range of PADI training courses - personal attention - dive in small groups on a good selection of boats.
  • '''The Salamander Dive Centre''', tel. +66-77-413693, [http://www.scubadiveinthailand.com] offers many services, including diving courses and tour arranging all your travel needs and we stock all diving equipment needed in your course or tour, for purchase and rental too.
  • Buy

  • '''Bargaining''' is always possible when it comes to souvenir and souvenir-like products. Even when a price is indicated a discount up to 50% might be available. As many shops and the often cheaper market stalls sell mostly the similar products ask at several places to get an idea of what is a reasonable price before starting haggling for the product you really want.
  • There are lots of '''souvenir shops''' around town. It is not uncommon for the shopkeepers to ask 5 times the normal tourist price particularly in the central areas.
  • The '''clothes''' sold here can often be found at Khao San Road in Bangkok for a lower price.
  • '''Timmys Massschneider''' Custom Tailor - Besopke, established since 1984. Tel +66 77 230 954, http://www.timmystailor.com, E mail :timmys@loxinfo.co.th
  • Eat

    In the evening several restaurants offer seafood on the beach. Almost all hotels offer dining at the beach so compare prices.

  • '''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.
  • '''Khao San Road Restaurant''' Near to Soi Green Mango. The breakfast/lunch meeting point for backpackers & good orientation base to select a hostel and meet fellow travellers
  • '''Poppies Samui''' at the lower end of the Chaweng beach has an excellent international and thai restaurant if you are after an exquisite surrounding with a great chef.
  • Drink

  • Green Mango Club and Disco. ttp://www.greenmangogroup.com/1club.htm. 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. oi Reggae. Nice staff and owner, with a nice crowd. Tuesday pool competition brings a large and fun crowd.
  • The PFC. oi Reggae. ttp://www.thepfc.com/. Sports bar dedicated to all things Portsmouth, shows most televised sports with up to 3 games simultaneously and the landlord is a good geezer.
  • Bar Solo. Large mainly outdoor club that opens 2am till sunrise, has 2 dance floors and about 6 pool tables.
  • Black Jack Pub. hawng Beach Road. ttp://www.blackjackpubsamui.com. Long established English style pub. No bar girls hassling you just cold beer & plenty of live sport.

    Sleep

    Chaweng is the heart of the backpacker and package tourist hostels and hotels. Always insist to see the room upfront if you stay in a hostel and look around if a club/disco might keep you awake until 2 AM.

    Budget

  • '''Chaweng Pearl Cabana''', north side of the beach, has some of the cheapest rooms in Chaweng. A double or twin with a fan will run you 400 while a similar place with air conditioning costs about 500. This place is a dump and the staff are very, very unfriendly. Be prepared to argue with them about things like sheets and towels. Some rooms do not have working lights, fans, showers, etc. You are much better going a bit farther down the beach and paying 500 or so for a place.
  • '''The Cock and Pullet''' in south-central Chaweng is a nice bar with clean rooms and communal bathroom/shower above, built mid-late 2006. 400 baht for small two-bed room with a fan and bedside table.
  • '''BB Chaweng Beach Resort''', [http://www.bbchawengbeachresort.com]. A beachside resort on the northeast coast of Koh Samui. Rooms look sparse, but that can be attributed to the wide-spaced furnishings and the rooms' large area. Its restaurant is set right along the shore.
  • '''Samui Plaza Hotel''', [http://www.samuiplaza.com]. Superior and Standard rooms, all exquisitely furnished, and is nestled in the center of chaweng shopping area and entertainment area, yet just a minute to the beach.
  • Baan Chaweng Resort (???????? ???????) 163/1 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui (Tel: 0 7742 2403, 0 7723 0310 Fax: 0 7742 2404), 60 rooms: 400-1,500 baht
  • Mid-range

  • '''Nora Lake View (formerly known as Lakeside Residence)''', [http://www.lakesideresidence.com/]. In the heart of Chaweng beach where many restaurants, popular pubs, bars, and shopping places are situated. One minute walk to the entertainment and bargain shopping area, 5 minutes away from the Airport by car and 2 minutes (About 100 Meter) walk to Chaweng Beach.
  • Baan Samui Resort (???????????????) 14/7 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui (Tel: 0 7723 0965-9 Bangkok Tel: 0 2261 2986-9), 80 rooms: 2,000-8,500 baht
  • Samui New Star (????????????) 80 Mu 3 Bo Phut, Hat Chaweng Noi, Ko Samui (Tel: 0 7742 2407 Fax. 0 7742 2325 www.samuinewstar.com), 50 rooms: 1,950-3,700 baht
  • Splurge

  • '''Poppies Samui''', [http://www.poppiessamui.com/]. Almost at the end of Chaweng beach but on one of the best parts with a lush tropical garden, outstanding staff and an excellent restaurant that is worth writing home
  • '''Amari Palm Reef Resort and Spa''', at the northern end of the beach, [http://www.amari.com/palmreef/] 14/3 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui (Tel: 0 7742 2015-9 Fax: 0 7742 2394).
  • '''The Library''', [http://www.thelibrary.name/]. Designhotel direct at the best part of the Chaweng beach with good service and restaurant.
  • '''Best Western Bayview Resort''', [http://book.bestwestern.com/packages/hotelContent.do?hotelCode=99315]. Friendly staff, amazing views of the ocean, 4 pools, and great breakfasts.
  • '''Chaweng Cove Resotel''', [http://www.chawengcove.com]. On the White Shore, sandy beach of Chaweng encompassing an area of approximately 2 acres of land (about 5.2 Rai), with a newly built Villas, Bungalows and Rooms. Be fit for Honeymooners, Wedding Events, Family Retreats, a Diving Experience, or simply want to get away from the hustles and bustles of daily lives.
  • '''Nora Beach Resort and Spa''', [http://www.norabeachresort.com]. Spectacular hillside setting, overlooking a secluded bay just north of Chaweng Beach.
  • '''Samui Resotel & Spa''', [http://www.samuiresotel.com]. There will be 79 rooms offered. It will compose of Beach front Villa, Pool Villa and building type accommodations.
  • '''Imperial Samui Hotel''' (?????????? ???? ???????) 86 Mu 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Bophut, Surat Thani, Rates: 3,800-10,000 Baht
  • '''Impiana Resort Samui''' (?????????????????????) 91/2 Mu 3 Hat Chaweng Noi, Ko Samui (Tel: 0 7742 2011 Fax: 0 7742 2111 Bangkok Tel: 0 2260 6511, 0 2260 6493 Fax: 0 2434-3304), 120 rooms: 3,500-9,500 baht
  • '''Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort''' (?????????? ????? ???????) 154 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7723 1500 Fax: 0 7723 1520) , Rates: 4,840-7,840 Baht
  • Contact

    Get out

  • Your guesthouse and many other places in town can rent you a '''motorbike''' for between 150 to 200 baht a day to head around the island on your own. '''Bicycles''' are a bit harder to come buy but are also available for about 100 baht per day. As the traffic is left-sided you should be very careful (and wear a helmet) while driving even if you are familiar with driving on the left, other road users might not. Accidents, sometimes with fatalities, are too common despite the light traffic.
  • Bang Ruk
  • Bophut
  • Choeng Mon
  • Lamai
  • Mae Nam
  • Nathon
  • South Coast
  • Travel Agencies can sell you bus tickets with pick-up from your hotel and including the ferry to many destinations in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi. Booking the same tickets in Nathon or for trains at the Surat Thani station works out to be significantly cheaper sometimes.