Located on the east side of the north eastern peninsular of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon villas are considered to be located in one of the best areas for a choice of Koh Samui villas. It has something to offer every member of the family.
Located on the east side of the north eastern peninsular of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon is considered one of the best areas for a choice of Koh Samui villas, where it has something to offer for every member of the family.
Considered more upmarket than it’s neighbours of Plai Laem and Big Buddha, the area takes up Choeng Mon beach as well as the two smaller bays of Tongson and Tongsai.
The main Choeng Mon beach itself is rated as one of the finest beaches on Koh Samui, with the long curvaceous bay and clear waters forming the perfect swimming beach.
This beach was kept secret up until 15 years ago, mainly used by the long term residents of Koh Samui and their families, it's centrally located. Access to the beach is via various routes leading from the village and many tourists could pass through the village completely unaware this beautiful beach was yards away down some dirt tracks.
All this has now changed, since there are now two 5 star hotels at either end of the beach and developments of luxury ocean view villas now exist in the hills beyond. In high season instead of 2 rows of sun loungers in front of the restaurants, there are now 4!
There is a pleasant ambience in Choeng Mon village, the area has been lifted with the introduction of a ‘walking street’ market on a Wednesday evening focused around the Muang Samui 5 star Resort.
The street market is nowhere as big as the main walking street at Fisherman’s village, but still has many stalls set up by the locals which include a fruit carving demonstration as well as other crafts, jewellery, food stalls, T-shirts and beachwear, plus entertainment in the form of music and Thai dancers. A great evening out.
The village is small but still has the usual amenities of banks, convenience stores, pharmacies, tour shops and a few souvenir shops and there are a number of off beach restaurants to choose from.
Beaches
Choeng Mon Beach
The beach is in a sheltered bay with soft white sand and shallow waters, making it a perfect beach for families with swimming all year round and activities on the sands. It is bordered by high to mid range resorts, with Thai style restaurants in between offering complimentary sunbeds with the purchase of food and beverage. These restaurants mainly take up the central part of the beach and are very popular with the tourists, a great spot to come and spend the day from other areas of Koh Samui.
At the east end of the beach overhanging trees form some shade for families who just want to sit on the beach and have a swim. At this end there is a small islet Koh Fan Noi which can be reached by a sandbar at low tides to explore.
At the west end is the 5 star Sala Samui which actually has a public walkway through the centre of it (although not displayed) and this is a useful access for the holidaymakers resident in the luxury ocean view villas located nearby.
In the high season as with all the beaches it gets very busy and where there are people there are beach vendors including portable kitchens, jewellery, clothing and beachwear.
Tongson Beach
This beach is stunning and another secret beach, it's accessed down a meandering road leading from the Plai Laem road. At the bottom there is a large parking area and a Thai style restaurant which shares the beach with a mid range hotel, a small bungalow resort and a villa resort. Tongson Bay is a quiet sandy beach with no vendors in a sheltered bay. At the east end of the beach it is quite rocky, but rock pools create some interest for kiddies. The restaurant at the Melati Hotel provides another dining option.
Tongsai Bay
To visit this beach it is only possible if you check into the Tongsai Bay Hotel or access it by boat, as this long established hotel targeted at honeymooners considers it their own private beach .
Spas and Wellbeing.
As Choeng Mon is centred around the beach, you will find most of the spa and beauty treatments are offered by the hotels within the area.
Sala Samui and Spa
(http://www.salaresorts.com/samui/spa-en.html)
Melati Resort and Spa
(http://www.melatiresort.com/melati-spa-samui.php)
Royal Muang Samui Villas
One of the newest resorts to open with a spa that has an unusual set up and is quite an experience. The treatment rooms are a set of caves that have been built beside the pool and the beach.
(http://www.muangsamui.com/msmvillas/?page_id=32)
Choeng Mon is quieter than Chaweng, but has a range of activities to suit everyone. Wednesday brings the lively street market, there are watersports activities on the beach and crewed catamaran trips departing from the beach. Plenty of family friendly things to do too.
Football Golf
Football Golf http://www.samuifootballgolf.com has proved to be a popular and fun activity for all the family, it's located just outside the village on the main route to the larger town of Chaweng.
Mini Golf
There is a basic 18hole mini golf course on the road between Big Buddha and Choeng Mon
Jet skis
There are two operators on Choeng Mon beach to hire jet skis from, you can explore the neighboring bays.
Diving and snorkelling trips
On the beach and in the village there are tourist shops offering various water activities such as snorkelling and diving trips.
Sailing
Sailing trips in and around Koh Samui on a crewed catamaran for trips lasting 2 hours, half day or full day departing from the beach.
(http://www.private-yacht.com)
Walking Street
Cheong Mon’s Walking Street market happens on a Wednesday night and is probably the liveliest evening of the week in the village.
There are several restaurants to choose from which are located on the beach and in Choeng Mon village. However you will find that the there is quite a western choice of meals targeting the tourists from Europe who enjoy this area.
The Orchid
The Orchid is a Thai style restaurant in the village that has proved very popular with an excellent comprehensive menu serving good value food both Thai and international cuisine. Many of our guests have provided good feedback and is one of their favourites. There are a number of similar restaurants in the main village street.
Sala Samui Hotel
The Sala Samui Hotel restaurant on the beach is the place to go for high end cuisine. That is located at the north end of the bay, it's casual but classy, set alongside the beach and pool. The main restaurant easily accommodates large groups if booked early enough, as well as being the perfect setting for couples seeking that romantic touch with a table on the beach, a low lit ambience and the sound of lapping waves.
Pangea
Located at the entrance to the Sala Samui Hotel the Pangaea restaurant & bar features unique international and local cuisine, using ingredients and cooking techniques from every continent.
Spice Zone Beach Resturant.
Beach dining at it's best. Enjoy a memorable beachfront dining experience featuring fresh ingredients and wide choices of Royal Thai cuisine, traditional Italian and fresh seafood alongside a wide variety of delicious international menu. It is also highly recommended creating your own private beach dining theme to enhance an exquisite and ultimate romantic experience with your loved one.
As there are no hostess bars in Choeng Mon (by order of the local village headman) the night life is limited to relaxing with a cocktail on the beach after dinner. However there are one or two sports bars in the village, although nothing is open late.