Chaweng Beach

Chaweng provides everything within a short distance. A choice of restaurants, a great beach, some interesting shops, and a the best nightlife on Samui. During the day, life revolves around the beach. You can relax, walk to the nearest offshore island at low tide, go canoeing, go sailing, have a Thai massage or a pedicure, eat a wonderful lunch overlooking the beach, or simply snack on your beach mat with some fried chicken. It's relaxing and friendly, which attracts families, singles and couples year after year.

Although rapidly developing with the old rustic charm of a few years ago replaced with McDonalds, Boots (the Chemists) Starbucks and alike, Chaweng still retains its local flavour. Lots of excellent restaurants, small shops to browse, and of course, seven kilometres of white sand beach.

Many hotels are located directly on the beach, along with restaurants and small bars, some independent, some attached to the hotels. So once you've settled in your spot, you don't have to walk very far to eat or drink. If you really don't want to move, there are vendors serving fruit, fried chicken, ice cream and drinks. You can also buy your sarong and souvenirs ! Although it gets busy during the high season especially in August, but along this long sandy beach, there's room for everyone. The water is clean, with average temperatures between 25-28 degrees Celsius.....

Just offshore from the beach is a reef and a some small islands close by. The nearest one can easily be accessed by walking through the shallow water. The second island, further out and larger, provides the perfect venue for snorkeling and kayaking. Bring shoes, if you plan to walk around the islands, as they are made of sharp coral sands.

Daytime activities

Kayak rentals can be found in front of many hotels at reasonable rates. Paddle to the islands near the reef with or without a guide, and don't forget your snorkeling gear.

Windsurfing and Sailing in catamarans is also on offer. The wind is at its best from December to February. Chaweng is an excellent place for beginners as the bay is quite shallow and you can always just walk back to the beach. Lessons are available for around 800B per hour. For advanced windsurfers, it's better outside the reef and in the early morning when the winds are stronger.

If you really want to relax, why not treat yourself to a Thai massage which can be found almost everywhere on the beach, under a shady tree, or in a little open air wooden pavilion. Also on offer are manicures, pedicures, hair braiding and other body treatments which will leave you both relaxed and refreshed.

Nightlife

Chaweng has the best on Samui. The main entertainment area can be found around in the centre of town around the Green Mango disco, which draws partygoers every night with its excellent DJ's and live bands. Outside are lots of smaller outdoor bars, offering an alternative scene to the Green Mango.

Chaweng also has a number of smaller bars and music clubs where you can chill out to jazz, rock and reggae. The well-known Reggae Pub, established more than 16 years ago, is still popular, especially after midnight. New government regulations for all venues have not managed to dampen the party atmosphere, despite 2am closing.

Chaweng has lots of Songtaews, which run regularly through the night. These converted pickups are very cheap and an excellent way to travel to your hotel after a night's partying. Much better than a motorbike....

Shopping

Travel and tour offices can be found all along the main street, as well as Internet cafes. There are plenty of vendors selling everything from imitation sunglasses to watches and Louis Vuttion (as spelled on the bags). Many CDs, DVDs and video games can be found at amazingly cheap prices, but be aware that some movies are actually shot with a standard video camera directly in the cinema, don't be surprised if you see the silhouettes of the audience at the bottom of the screen

Chaweng also has some very trendy handicraft and fashion boutiques, with new shops opening all the time. A 3 storey shop on the south end of Chaweng has all the Thai handicrafts you could wish for, but it can be more expensive than smaller shops.

As everywhere in Thailand, Tailor shops are flourishing absolutely everywhere, mainly run by the local Indian community. Armani suit or a Chanel dress? Made in 24 Hours. Results vary. You'll get better results if you take an original item to copy which will usually be fine. Tailored items seem to come out better than more fluid designs, so choose your style and material carefully. Better expect 48 hours and don't hesitate to ask for adjustments (and discount) if not satisfied with the first result.

Eating out

Chaweng offers a tantalizing variety of local specialties and continental menus. Most of the hotels serve a wide selection of local dishes, some of them while sitting in your own pavilion directly on the beach with a relaxing view of the bay. Unless you specifically ask for your dish to be spicy, most restaurants will serve your food milder than the locals prefer it.

Probably one of the most unique features of Koh Samui evenings, is the dinner right on the beach, bordered by the quiet waters of the lagoon. Many bars have cushions with mats to end the evening with a romantic cocktail... but don't forget mosquito repellent.

On both sides of the main street there's a huge choice of restaurants. Samui Seafood offers a menu featuring delicacies from the sea in an original setting, reclined on cushions Thai-style, for a real tropical feeling. Excellent Italian dinners await you at Juzz'a Pizza in the Green Mango Square. And of course, if you feel a need for western fast food there's always Burger King and Pizza Hut.