Chaweng

Chaweng is a picturesque tourist oasis nestled in a bay on the east coast, flanked by hillside and it's Ko Samui's busiest hub. Most famous for it's beautiful 7km beach and it's vibrant nightlife. The crystal clear waters and white sands beach are not unique on Koh Samui but the dining options and nearby amenities make Chaweng the most popular amongst other coastal locations.

There are different aspects of Chaweng beach divided into three sections: North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, South Chaweng and additionally there is Chaweng Noi (Little Chaweng) that is separated from the main beach by a small headland of boulders at the southern tip.

Central Chaweng attracts the young travellers where the nightlife is more concentrated, families choose to stay in the northern and southern ends or in private luxury villas on the outskirts of the town.

Parallel to the beach and behind the various beach resorts is the "Beach Road", where in the centre especially there is the greatest concentration of restaurants, bars, spas, shops, street stalls and mobile food vendors. There are of course the usual bespoke tailors, convenience stores, pharmacies and opticians.

The road is a one way system, sometimes gridlocked with songthaews and taxis and comes back on itself via Chaweng lake. This has a wide promenade and is the location of various public events.

Both day and night markets keep shoppers busy, there are also some up market air conditioned boutique shops. The whole central area has been lifted with the recent opening of Koh Samui's latest shopping haven Central Festival. It's a tropical style shopping plaza with famous brand shops sitting alongside Thai favourites and a host of eateries to choose from.

Those who wish to be pampered have the choice of luxury spa's, air conditioned massage shops or a simple massage in a beach sala.

From beachside institutions to sophisticated cocktail bars, Chaweng's nightlife is streets ahead of anywhere else on Samui in terms of choice. It has a bustling entertainment area with live music, cabaret shows, dance clubs and dining opportunities not to be missed.

During the day one can relax on the beach, enjoy some water sports or other activities.

Chaweng has everything on your doorstep for a fun or a relaxing Koh Samui holiday experience and our Chaweng private villas are strategically located just outside the town. However if you are looking for pure paradise, with just the sound of the waves and the hammock slung between two palm trees, then you may have to look quite hard for this in this particular area of Koh Samui.

Excellent transport links are in place to explore the rest of the island and experience the cultural diversity of the Thai people from all over Thailand and see the natural beauty of Koh Samui.

Beaches

Chaweng Beach
The main Chaweng beach is 5 - 6km long and has soft white sand and calm waters, it's bordered by coconut trees with a range of accommodation nestled in between from a simple bungalow to five star luxury resorts and upmarket beachside restaurants.
Access to the beach from the road is through the resorts. There seems to be only one public access located in the centre of the beach and it's quite hard to find.

There are great views from the beach, the hills frame the beach and at the northern end there are two islands and an offshore reef keeping the waters shallow which is good for families. At low tide it is possible to walk out and explore the islands. There are many vendors on the beach selling souvenir knick-knacks, beachwear and the renowned "beach kitchens" selling cooked corn on the cob, satay, sliced fruit and other snack delights.

The centre of the beach is the busiest and transforms into a lively night time scene. The five star resorts in the remaining parts of the beach work to create a more romantic experience with candelit beach dining with just the sound of the waves.

Chaweng Noi
This beach is still in Chaweng Bay but separated by the main beach by a headland of boulders and access would need to be by road round this headland. The beach is dominated by hotel resorts that cascade down and line the beach amongst shady trees and is considered quite an exclusive part of this stunning beach.

There are 2 parts to this much smaller and quieter beach than it's busier neighbour and the sands are quite wide even at high tide. The northern and central parts have deeper water and swimming all year round, whereas the southern part that runs very close to the road is quite rocky and is not swimmable at anytime of the year. Although the beach is mostly taken up by the luxury resorts there are some independent restaurants that have set up in a part of the beach where the good value food is popular.

Spa and Wellbeing

Along with the incredible spa choices listed below the majority of the up-market hotels in Chaweng offer spa and wellbeing treatments.

Vikassa Yoga
Vikassa Yoga Retreat offers amazing ocean front yoga, dining in their organic restaurant and yoga teacher trainings.
http://www.yoga-samui.com/

Eranda Herbal Spa
Beauty and relaxation in an idyllic location with stunning views.
www.erandaspa.com

Trinity Yoga Studio
A small independent, but well-equipped studio & juice bar.
http://www.yoga-samui.com/

Magnolia Massage & Spa
Thai massage, oil massage and more... You deserve it!
www.magnolia-spa-samui.com

The Chaweng Regent Health Spa
Detoxing to relaxing treatments in a beautiful environment.
http://www.chawengregent.com/spa-resort-samui.php

Watersports and Sea Tours

Other Activities

Restaurants

Eating out in Chaweng

In the evening several resort restaurants offer dining on the beach,  seafood specialties are as fresh as can be served within hours of being caught. Most have tables and chairs set out on the beach, in the centre of the beach younger travellers sit on converted sunbeds with Thai cushions and small table tops perched on the beds.

On the main beach road there are a number of individual restaurants offering good value Thai food and western favourites,  with top international chefs moving to Koh Samui dining has gone up a level with world class fine dining cuisine.

Zico's
Located at the south end of the Chaweng Beach Road his palatial churrascaria puts the carne in Carnival. Vegetarians beware, Zico's is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat-fest. The feast is completed with dancers sporting peacock-like outfits. http://www.zicossamui.com/

Poppies
An ever popular restaurant established for many years located towards the south and quieter end of the beach. It has an international and Thai menu, with a huge selection to choose from, something for all tastes. A popular venue for dining on the beach under the stars.
http://www.poppiessamui.com/en/poppies-restaurant-koh-samui.html

Olivio
Located at the north end of the beach, this restaurant is a magic seaside oasis illuminated by candles, creating a romantic ambience on the waters edge. Serving modern Italian, Thai and international cuisine, it is easy to understand why Olivio has won so many awards.
http://www.baanhaadngam.com/restaurants.html

Red Snapper
One of Samui's most celebrated and established restaurants the Red Snapper Bar & Grill is located towards the north end of the beach road, next to and part of the Regent Hotel. The atmosphere here is energetic with live music being played from 9:30pm until the early morning hours. Serving Mediterranean cuisine, the Red Snapper also offers a diverse selection of classic grill options with a Mediterranean twist.

Tree Tops
Located on the road to Choeng Mon just on the outskirts of Chaweng this restaurant is situated within the Anantara Lawana Resort. Elevate your sense of romance as you ascend to an intimate private dining experience in individual open air tree houses by flickering candlelight and taste some of the finest Thai and international dishes.
http://lawana-chaweng.anantara.com/tree-tops/

Nightlife

Nightlife in Chaweng

Chaweng is the centre for nightlife on Koh Samui, which is mostly concentrated in the central northern area of Chaweng beach road running parallel to the beach. There is a host of lively bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Bar Ice
www.baricesamui.com
If you need to cool off the temperature it is -7 in here! There is a great fun vibe with carved ice elephants, a life-size ice Tuk Tuk, not to mention the 31 vodka flavours to try.

Q Bar
www.qbarsamui.com
A great location overlooking Chaweng lake and certainly the most trendy night spot for brushing shoulders with the Thai hi-so elite.

The Green Mango Club
www.thegreenmangoclub.com
The world famous Green Mango is the heart and soul of Chaweng and the location used in a lot of nightlife photographs for Samui, world class DJ's party all night on this dazzling tropical island.

Reggae Pub
Reggae Pub is a notoriously fantastic nightlife spot in Koh Samui. Although you'll find more dance music than reggae, the vibe is very relaxed and a lot of fun.

Ark Bar
www.ark-bar.com
Another party institution on Samui with a loud beach party, every Wednesday from 3pm - 2 am. A free BBQ at 4pm. Playing the best in funky house music, you cannot miss this spot as you walk down Chaweng beach.

Bar Solo and Sound Pub
www.soundclubsamui.com
Located on Soi Green Mango, these are the best 2 locations to start your evening, have a great time and party.

Sweet Soul
www.thegreenmangoclub.com/sweet-soul
Located on Soi Green Mango, Sweet Soul is a dance venue with a fun, energetic, and electric crowd.

Bondi Aussie Bar & Grill
www.bondisamui.com
A popular Thai chain with an Australian theme. All major sports events on large screens, live music, Aussie classic dishes and a pool table.